Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L5/00—Structural features of suction cleaners
  • A47L5/12—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
  • A47L5/22—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
  • A47L5/24—Hand-supported suction cleaners
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L7/00—Suction cleaners adapted for additional purposes; Tables with suction openings for cleaning purposes; Containers for cleaning articles by suction; Suction cleaners adapted to cleaning of brushes; Suction cleaners adapted to taking-up liquids
  • A47L7/0095—Suction cleaners or attachments adapted to collect dust or waste from power tools
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
  • A47L9/0009—Storing devices ; Supports, stands or holders
  • A47L9/0063—External storing devices; Stands, casings or the like for the storage of suction cleaners
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
  • A47L9/10—Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
  • A47L9/106—Dust removal
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
  • A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
  • A47L9/2868—Arrangements for power supply of vacuum cleaners or the accessories thereof
  • A47L9/2873—Docking units or charging stations
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
  • E05F—DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
  • E05F11/00—Man-operated mechanisms for operating wings, including those which also operate the fastening
  • E05F11/54—Man-operated mechanisms for operating wings, including those which also operate the fastening for doors
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
  • E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
  • E05Y2201/00—Constructional elements; Accessories therefor
  • E05Y2201/60—Suspension or transmission members; Accessories therefor
  • E05Y2201/622—Suspension or transmission members elements
  • E05Y2201/686—Rods, links
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
  • E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
  • E05Y2900/00—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof
  • E05Y2900/30—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for domestic appliances

Definitions

• the present disclosure relates to a cleaner station, more particularly, a cleaner station configured to close a door during the process of removing a cleaner therefrom.
• a cleaner is an electrical appliance configured to suck in small pieces of trash or dust by sucking air and filling a dust bin provided therein, and is commonly called a vacuum cleaner.
• Such vacuum cleaners may be classified into manual cleaners that perform cleaning while the user moves the cleaner, and automatic cleaners that perform cleaning while driving on their own.
• the manual vacuum cleaners may be classified into canister type vacuum cleaners, upright type vacuum cleaners, handheld vacuum cleaners and stick type vacuum cleaners, depending on the shape
• canister-type vacuum cleaners were widely used for home vacuum cleaners, but recently, handheld vacuum cleaners stick type vacuum cleaners, which can a dust bin and vacuum cleaner body as one unit to improve convenience, are being widely used.
• a canister vacuum cleaner has a cleaner body and a suction inlet that are connected by a rubber hose or pipe, and in some cases, a brush may be fitted to the suction inlet for use.
• a hand vacuum cleaner is designed to maximize portability.
• the hand vacuum cleaner is light in weight but short in length, so the cleaning area may be limited when sitting down. Accordingly, it is used to clean localized areas such as a desk, sofa or inside a car.
• a stick vacuum cleaner may be used standing up so a user can clean without bending down. This makes the stick vacuum cleaner ideal for cleaning wide areas while moving around. While the hand vacuum cleaner can clean narrow spaces, the stick vacuum cleaner can clean wider spaces and high places that are hard to reach. Recently, the stick vacuum cleaner is being provided in modular form, allowing user to actively change the vacuum cleaner type for user on various cleaning targets.
• Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2441608 discloses a vacuum cleaner station that collects dust inside the dust bin of a vacuum cleaner.
• the prior art patent document is configured to include a door hingedly connected to a coupling surface to open and close a dust passage hole formed on the coupling surface of a vacuum cleaner station, and a door motor that provides power to rotate the door in a direction to close the dust passage hole when the operation of the dust collection motor is terminated.
• one object of the present disclosure is to solve the above-noted disadvantages of the prior art, and to provide a cleaner station
• a cleaner station may include a housing; a coupling part disposed in the housing and to which at least a portion of a cleaner is coupled; a dust collection unit accommodated inside the housing and configured to collect dust inside a dust bin of the cleaner; a dust collection motor accommodated inside the housing and configured to generate a suction force to suck dust inside the dust bin; a door rotatably coupled to a coupling surface to open and close a dust passage hole formed in the coupling surface; and a closing unit configured to close the dust passage hole by pushing the door when the cleaner is decoupled from the coupling part.
• the closing unit may include a first link rotatably coupled to the housing and configured to push the door while rotating with respect to the housing; and a second link having the other side configured to rotate the first link, when one side of the second link is hooked to the cleaner while the cleaner is decoupled from the coupling part.
• the cleaner may be decoupled from the coupling part by moving in a longitudinal direction of a suction port of the cleaner.
• the first link may include a pressing member configured to rotate in the direction of pushing the door inside the housing, and the second link comprises a connecting member rotatably coupled to one side of the pressing member; and a hooking member extending from the connecting member to be hooked to the cleaner when the cleaner is decoupled from the coupling part.
• the first link may further include a roller arranged on the other side of the pressing member to be in contact with the door.
• the center of rotation of the connecting member may be radially eccentrically arranged from the center of rotation of the pressing member.
• the second link further comprises a guide protrusion inserted into a guide hole formed in the housing to guide movement of the connecting member.
• the guide hole may include a first hole configured to guide the guide protrusion so that the hooking member enters and exits an entry hole formed in the housing; a second hole extending from the first hole and configured to guide the guide protrusion in a direction in which the cleaner is decoupled from the coupling part; and hird hole extending from the second hole and configured to guide the guide protrusion so that the hooking member enters and exits the entry hole.
• the closing unit may include an elastic member configured to provide elasticity to the connecting member so that the hooking member protrudes out of the housing through the entry hole.
• a cleaner station may include a housing; a coupling part disposed in the housing and to which at least a portion of a cleaner is coupled; a dust collection unit accommodated inside the housing and configured to collect dust inside a dust bin of the cleaner; a dust collection motor accommodated inside the housing and configured to generate a suction force to suck dust inside the dust bin; and a closing unit configured to close the dust passage hole by pushing a discharge cover of the dust bin when the cleaner is decoupled from the coupling part.
• the closing unit may include a first link rotatably coupled to the housing and configured to push the discharge cover while rotating with respect to the housing; and a second link having the other side configured to rotate the first link, when one side of the second link is hooked to the cleaner while the cleaner is decoupled from the coupling part.
• the cleaner may be decoupled from the coupling part by moving in a longitudinal direction of a suction port of the cleaner.
• the first link may include a pressing member configured to rotate in a direction that pushes the discharge cover inside the housing, and the second link comprises a connecting member rotatably coupled to one side of the pressing member; and a hooking member extending from the connecting member and configured to be hooked to the cleaner when the cleaner is decoupled from the coupling part.
• the first link may further include a roller arranged on the other side of the pressing member so as to be in contact with the discharge cover.
• the center of rotation of the connecting member may be radially eccentrically arranged from the center of rotation of the pressing member.
• the second link may further include a guide protrusion inserted into a guide hole formed in the housing and configured to guide movement of the connecting member.
• the guide hole may include a first hole configured to guide the guide protrusion so that the hooking member enters and exits an entry hole formed in the housing; a second hole extending from the first hole and configured to guide the guide protrusion in a direction in which the cleaner is decoupled from the coupling part; and a third hole extending from the second hole and configured to guide the guide protrusion so that the hooking member enters and exits the entry hole.
• the closing unit may include an elastic member configured to provide elasticity to the connecting member so that the hooking member protrudes out of the housing through the entry hole.
• the cleaner station according to the present invention has the effect of allowing the user to pushingly close the door and/or exhaust cover without a door motor by using the force used to lift the cleaner to remove it.
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaner system including a cleaner station and a cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIGS. 2 to 4 are schematic views illustrating the configuration of the cleaner system according to various embodiments of the present invention.
• the cleaner system 10 may include a cleaner station 100 and a cleaner 200.
• the cleaner system 10 may include a cleaner station 100.
• a cleaner 200 may be mounted to the cleaner station 100.
• a cleaner body of the cleaner 200 may be coupled to a side of the cleaner station 100.
• the cleaner station 100 may remove dust from a dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200.
• FIGS. 3 and 4 are drawings to describe a cleaner in a cleaner system according to an embodiment of the present invention
• FIG. 5 is a drawing to describe a lower surface of a dust bin of a cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• the cleaner 200 may mean a cleaner that is manually operated by a user.
• the cleaner 200 may mean a handheld cleaner or a stick vacuum cleaner.
• the cleaner 200 may be mounted on the cleaner station 100.
• the cleaner 200 may be supported by the cleaner station 100.
• the cleaner 200 may be coupled to the cleaner station 100.
• the direction of the cleaner 200 may be defined based on the lower surface of the dust bin 220 and the battery housing 230 placed on the ground.
• the front may refer to the direction in which a suction port 212 is arranged based on a suction motor 214
• the rear may refer to the direction in which a handle 216 is arranged based on the suction motor 214.
• the direction in which the suction port 212 is arranged on the right side when viewed from the suction motor 214 may be referred to as the right side
• the direction in which the suction port 212 is arranged on the left side may be referred to as the left side.
• the upper and lower sides may be defined along the direction perpendicular to the ground when the bottom surface (lower surface) of the dust bin 220 and the battery housing 230 are placed on the ground.
• the cleaner 200 may include a cleaner body 210.
• the cleaner body 210 may include a cleaner body housing 211, a suction port 212, a dust separation unit 213, a suction motor 214, an air discharge cover 215, a handle 216, and a manipulation unit 218.
• the cleaner body housing 211 may form the exterior of the cleaner 200.
• the cleaner body housing 211 may provide a space that can accommodate the suction motor 214 and a filter (not shown) inside.
• the cleaner body housing 211 may be configured in a shape similar to a cylinder.
• the suction port 212 may protrude outwardly from the cleaner body housing 211.
• the suction port 212 may be formed in a cylindrical shape with an open interior.
• the suction port 212 may be coupled with an extension pipe 250.
• the suction port 212 may provide a path (hereinafter, referred to as a 'suction path') through which air containing dust can flow.
• a virtual line penetrating the inside of the suction port 212 configured in a cylindrical shape can be formed.
• the dust separation unit 213 may be communicated with the suction port 212.
• the dust separation unit 213 may separate dust sucked into the inside through the suction port 212.
• the space inside the dust separation unit 213 may be communicated with the space inside the dust bin 220.
• the dust separation unit 213 may be provided with at least one cyclone unit capable of separating dust by cyclone flow. And, the space inside the dust separation unit 213 may be communicated with the suction path. Therefore, the air and dust sucked through the suction port 212 flow spirally along the inner surface of the dust separation part 213. Therefore, a cyclone flow can occur in the inner space of the dust separation part 213.
• the dust separation unit 213 is connected to the suction port 212 and is a configuration that applies the principle of a dust collector that uses centrifugal force to separate dust sucked into the interior of the cleaner body 210 through the suction port 212.
• the dust separation unit 213 may further include a secondary cyclone that separates dust again from the air discharged from the cyclone.
• the secondary cyclone may be positioned inside the cyclone so that the size of the dust separation unit is minimized.
• the secondary cyclone may include a plurality of cyclone bodies arranged in parallel. The air discharged from the cyclone may be divided and passed through the plurality of cyclone bodies.
• the axis of the cyclone flow of the secondary cyclone may also extend in the vertical direction, and the axis of the cyclone flow of the cyclone and the axis of the cyclone flow of the secondary cyclone may form a coaxial line in the vertical direction, which may be collectively referred to as the axis of the cyclone flow of the dust separation unit 213.
• the suction motor 214 may generate a suction force that sucks in air.
• the suction motor 214 may be accommodated in the cleaner body housing 211.
• the suction motor 214 may generate suction force by rotation.
• the suction motor 214 may be provided in a similar cylindrical shape.
• a virtual suction motor axis line that extends the rotation axis of the suction motor 214 may be formed.
• the air discharge cover 215 may be arranged on one side of the cleaner body housing 211 in the axial direction.
• the air discharge cover 215 may accommodate a filter for filtering air.
• the air discharge cover 215 may accommodate a HEPA filter.
• the air discharge cover 215 may be formed with an air discharge hole 215a that discharges air sucked in by the suction force of the suction motor 214.
• a flow guide may be arranged on the air discharge cover 215.
• the flow guide may guide the flow of air discharged through the air discharge hole 215a.
• the handle 216 may be held by the user.
• the handle 216 may be arranged at the rear of the suction motor 214.
• the handle 216 may be formed in a similar shape to a cylinder.
• the handle 216 may be formed in a bent cylinder shape.
• the handle 216 may be arranged at a predetermined angle with the cleaner body housing 211, the suction motor 214, or the dust separation unit 213.
• the handle 216 may include a gripping part formed in a column shape so that the user can hold it, a first extension part connected to one end of the gripping part in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) and formed to extend toward the suction motor 214, and a second extension part connected to the other end of the gripping part in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) and formed to extend toward the dust bin 220.
• a virtual grip portion penetration line can be formed by extending along the longitudinal direction of the grip portion (axial direction of the column) and penetrating the grip portion.
• the grip penetration line may be a virtual line formed inside the cylindrical handle 216, and may be a virtual line formed parallel to at least a portion of the outer surface (outer surface) of the grip.
• the upper surface of the handle 216 may form a portion of the outer appearance of the upper surface of the cleaner 200. This may prevent a component of the cleaner 200 from coming into contact with the user's arm when the user grips the handle 216.
• the first extension may extend from the grip portion toward the main body housing 211 or the suction motor 214. At least a portion of the first extension may extend in a horizontal direction.
• the second extension may extend from the handle 216 toward the dust bin 220. At least a portion of the second extension may extend in a horizontal direction.
• the manipulation unit 218 may be placed on the handle 216.
• the manipulation unit 218 may be placed on an inclined surface formed in the upper area of the handle 216.
• the user may input an operation or stop command of the cleaner 200 through the manipulation unit 218.
• the cleaner 200 may include a dust bin 220.
• the dust bin 220 may be connected to a dust separation unit 213.
• the dust bin 220 may store dust separated from the dust separation unit 213.
• the dust bin 220 may include a dust bin body 221, a discharge cover 222, a dust bin compression lever 223, and a compressor (not shown).
• the dust bin body 221 may provide a space for storing dust separated from the dust separation unit 213.
• the dust bin body 221 may be formed in a similar cylindrical shape.
• a virtual dust bin central axis may be formed by penetrating the interior (internal space) of the dust bin body 221 and extending along the longitudinal direction of the dust bin body 221 (meaning the axial direction in the cylindrical dust bin body 221). At this time, the dustbin central axis may be formed to pass through the center of the cross-section when viewed in a cross-sectional direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the dust bin body 221.
• the lower surface (bottom surface) of the dust bin body 221 may be partially open.
• a lower surface extension portion 221a may be formed on the lower surface (bottom surface) of the dust bin body 221.
• the lower surface extension portion 221a may be formed to block a part of the lower surface of the dustbin body 221.
• the dust bin 220 may include a discharge cover 222.
• the discharge cover 222 may be arranged on the lower surface of the dust bin 220.
• the discharge cover 222 may be provided to open and close one end of the longitudinal direction of the dust bin body 221. Specifically, the discharge cover 222 may selectively open and close the lower part of the dust bin 220 that opens downward.
• the discharge cover 222 may include a cover body 222a and a hinge 222b.
• the cover body 222a may be formed to block a part of the lower surface of the dust bin body 221.
• the cover body 222a may rotate downward based on the hinge 222b.
• the hinge 222b may be arranged adjacent to the battery housing 230.
• a torsion spring 222d may be provided in the hinge 222b. Accordingly, when the discharge cover 222 is separated from the dust bin body 221, the cover body 222a may be supported in a state of rotating at a predetermined angle or more about the hinge 222b as an axis in the dust bin body 221 by the elastic force of the torsion spring 222d.
• the discharge cover 222 may be coupled with the dust bin 220 through a hook connection. Meanwhile, the discharge cover 222 may be separated from the dust bin 220 through a coupling lever 222c.
• the coupling lever 222c may be arranged at the front of the dust bin. Specifically, the coupling lever 222c may be arranged on the outer surface of the front side of the dust bin 220. When an external force is applied, the coupling lever 222c may elastically deform the hook formed by extending from the cover body 222a to release the hook connection between the cover body 222a and the dust bin body 221.
• the discharge cover 222 When the discharge cover 222 is closed, the lower surface of the dust bin 220 may be blocked (sealed) by the discharge cover 222 and the lower extension 221a.
• the dust bin 220 may include a dust bin compression lever 223 (see FIG. 4 ).
• the dustbin compression lever 223 may be arranged outside the dust bin 220 or the dust separation unit 213.
• the dustbin compression lever 223 may be arranged to move up and down outside the dust bin 220 or the dust separation unit 213.
• the dust bin compression lever 223 may be connected to a compressor (not shown). When the dustbin compression lever 223 moves downward by an external force, the compressor (not shown) may also move downward. This may provide convenience to the user.
• the compressor (not shown) and the dustbin compression lever 223 may return to their original positions by an elastic member (not shown). Specifically, when an external force applied to the dustbin compression lever 223 is removed, the elastic member may move the dustbin compression lever 223 and the compressor (not shown) upward.
• a compressor (not shown) may be placed inside the dust bin body 221.
• the compressor may move in the internal space of the dust bin body 221. Specifically, the compressor may move up and down inside the dust bin body 221. Through this, the compressor may compress dust inside the dust bin body 221 downward.
• the compressor may move from the upper part of the dust bin 220 to the lower part to remove foreign substances such as residual dust inside the dust bin 220.
• the suction power of the vacuum cleaner may be improved by preventing residual dust from remaining inside the dust bin 220.
• an unpleasant odor caused by residual substances may be eliminated.
• the cleaner 200 may include a battery housing 230.
• the battery housing 230 may accommodate a battery 240.
• the battery housing 230 may be placed on the lower side of the handle 216.
• the battery housing 230 may have a hexahedral shape with an open bottom.
• the rear of the battery housing 230 may be connected to the handle 216.
• the battery housing 230 may include a receiving portion that opens downward.
• the battery 240 may be detachable through the receiving portion of the battery housing 230.
• the cleaner 200 may include the battery 240.
• the battery 240 may be detachably coupled to the cleaner 200.
• the battery 240 may be detachably coupled to the battery housing 230.
• the battery 240 may be inserted into the inside of the battery housing 230 from the bottom of the battery housing 230. With this configuration, the portability of the cleaner 200 may be improved.
• the battery 240 may be integrally provided inside the battery housing 230. At this time, the lower surface of the battery 240 is not exposed to the outside.
• the battery 240 may supply power to the suction motor 214 of the cleaner 200.
• the battery 240 may be placed at the lower surface of the handle 216.
• the battery 240 may be placed at the rear of the dust bin 220.
• the lower surface of the battery 240 when the battery 240 is coupled to the battery housing 230, the lower surface of the battery 240 may be exposed to the outside.
• the battery 240 When the cleaner 200 is placed on the floor, the battery 240 may be placed on the floor, so that the battery 240 may be separated directly from the battery housing 230.
• the cooling performance of the battery 240 since the lower surface of the battery 240 is exposed to the outside and comes into direct contact with the external air of the battery 240, the cooling performance of the battery 240 may be improved.
• the structure for attaching and detaching the battery 240 and the battery housing 230 may be reduced, so that the overall size of the cleaner 200 may be reduced and its weight can be reduced.
• the cleaner 200 may include an extension pipe 250.
• the extension pipe 250 may be connected to the cleaning module 260.
• the extension pipe 250 may be connected to the cleaner body 210.
• the extension pipe 250 may be communicated with the suction port 212 of the cleaner body 210.
• the extension pipe 250 may be formed in a long cylindrical shape.
• the cleaner body 210 may be connected to the extension pipe 250.
• the cleaner body 210 may be connected to the cleaning module 260 through the extension pipe 250.
• the cleaner body 210 may generate suction force through the suction motor 214 and provide suction force to the cleaning module 260 through the extension pipe 250. External dust may be introduced into the cleaner body 210 through the cleaning module 260 and the extension pipe 250.
• the cleaner 200 may include the cleaning module 260.
• the cleaning module 260 may be connected to the extension pipe 250. Therefore, the outside air may be drawn into the cleaner body 210 of the cleaner 200 through the cleaning module 260 and the extension pipe 250 by the suction force generated in the cleaner body 210 of the cleaner 200.
• Dust in the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200 may be collected by the dust collection unit 170 of the cleaner station 100 by gravity and the suction force of the dust collection motor 191. Through this, dust in the dust bin 220 may be removed without a separate operation by the user, thereby providing user convenience. In addition, the inconvenience of the user having to empty the dust bin 220 every time may be eliminated. In addition, when the dust bin 220 is emptied, dust can be prevented from flying.
• the cleaner 200 may be attached to the side of the housing 110.
• the cleaner body 210 of the cleaner 200 may be mounted on the coupling part 120.
• the dust bin 220 and the battery housing 230 of the cleaner 200 may be arranged to face the coupling surface 121, the outer surface of the dust bin body 221 may be coupled to the dustbin guide surface 122, and the suction port 212 may be coupled to the suction part guide surface 126 of the coupling part 120.
• the central axis of the dust bin 220 may be arranged in a direction parallel to the ground, and the extension pipe 250 may be arranged along a direction perpendicular to the ground.
• the cleaner station 100 of the present disclosure will be described as follows.
• the cleaner 200 may be arranged in the cleaner station 100.
• the cleaner 200 may be coupled to a side of the cleaner station 100.
• the cleaner body of the cleaner 200 may be coupled to a side of the cleaner station 100.
• the cleaner station 100 may remove dust from a dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200.
• the cleaner station 100 may include a housing 110.
• the housing 110 may form an exterior of the cleaner station 100.
• the housing 110 may be formed in a pillar shape including at least one outer wall surface 112.
• the housing 110 may be formed in a shape similar to a square pillar.
• the housing 110 may be formed with a space that can accommodate the dust collection unit 170 that stores dust inside and the dust suction module 190 that generates a fluid force that collects dust by the dust collection unit 170.
• the housing 110 may include a bottom surface 111, an outer wall surface 112, and an upper surface 113.
• the bottom surface 111 may support the lower side of the dust suction module 190 in the direction of gravity. That is, the bottom surface 111 may support the lower side of the dust collection motor 191 of the dust suction module 190.
• the bottom surface 111 may be arranged toward the ground.
• the bottom surface 111 may be arranged parallel to the ground, or may be arranged at an angle to the ground.
• the bottom surface 111 may further include a ground support member that increases the area in contact with the ground to prevent the cleaner station 100 from falling over and maintain balance.
• the ground support member may be a plate-shaped member extended from the bottom surface 111, and one or more frames may be formed to protrude and extend along the ground direction from the bottom surface 111.
• the outer wall surface 112 may mean a surface formed along the direction of gravity, and may mean a surface connected to the bottom surface 111.
• the outer wall surface 112 may mean a surface vertically connected to the bottom surface 111.
• the outer wall surface 112 may also be arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle with the bottom surface 111.
• the outer wall surface 112 may be configured to include at least one surface.
• the outer wall surface 112 may include a first outer wall surface 112a, a second outer wall surface 112b, a third outer wall surface 112c, and a fourth outer wall surface 112d.
• the first outer wall surface 112a may be arranged on the front side of the cleaner station 100.
• the front side may mean the surface where the cleaner 200 is exposed when the cleaner 200 is coupled to the cleaner station 100. Therefore, the first outer wall surface 112a may form the appearance of the front side of the cleaner station 100.
• the direction is defined as follows.
• the direction can be defined when the cleaner 200 is mounted on the cleaner station 100.
• the direction in which the cleaner 200 is exposed to the outside of the cleaner station 100 may be called the front.
• the direction in which the suction motor 214 of the cleaner 200 is positioned can be called the front. And the direction opposite to the direction in which the suction motor 214 is positioned in the cleaner station 100 may be called the rear.
• the rear can mean the direction in which the second outer wall surface 112b is formed.
• the left side when looking at the front, the left side can be called the left side, and the right side can be called the right side. Therefore, the left side may mean the direction in which the third outer wall surface 112c is formed, and the right side may mean the direction in which the fourth outer wall surface 112d is formed.
• the first outer wall surface 112a may be formed in a flat shape, as well as in an overall curved shape, and may be formed to include a curved surface in a portion.
• the first outer wall surface 112a may have an appearance corresponding to the shape of the cleaner 200.
• the coupling part 120 may be arranged on the first outer wall surface 112a.
• the cleaner 200 may be coupled to the cleaner station 100 and supported by the cleaner station 100.
• the specific configuration of the coupling part 120 will be described later.
• a structure for mounting various types of cleaning modules 260 used in the cleaner 200 may be added to the first outer wall surface 112a.
• the second outer wall surface 112b may be a surface facing the first outer wall surface 112a. That is, the second outer wall surface 112b may be placed at the rear of the cleaner station 100.
• the rear surface may be a surface facing the surface where the cleaner 200 or the second cleaner 300 is coupled. Therefore, the second outer wall surface 112b may form the exterior of the rear of the cleaner station 100.
• the second outer wall surface 112b may be formed in a flat shape.
• the cleaner station 100 may be pressed against the wall of the room, and the cleaner station 100 may be stably supported.
• a structure for mounting various types of cleaning modules 260 used in the cleaner 200 may be added to the second outer wall surface 112b.
• the third outer wall surface 112c and the fourth outer wall surface 112d may mean surfaces connecting the first outer wall surface 112a and the second outer wall surface 112b.
• the third outer wall surface 112c may be arranged on the left side of the station 100
• the fourth outer wall surface 112d may be arranged on the right side of the cleaner station 100.
• the third outer wall surface 112c may be placed on the right side of the cleaner station 100 and for the fourth outer wall surface 112d to be placed on the left side of the cleaner station 100.
• the third outer wall surface 112c or the fourth outer wall surface 112d may be formed in a flat shape, or may be formed in a curved shape overall, or may be formed with a curved surface included in a portion.
• the upper surface 113 may form the upper exterior of the cleaner station 100. That is, the upper surface 113 may mean a surface that is positioned at the topmost side in the direction of gravity in the cleaner station 100 and exposed to the outside.
• the upper surface 113 may form the upper exterior of the cleaner station 100. That is, the upper surface 113 may mean a surface that is positioned at the topmost side in the direction of gravity in the cleaner station 100 and exposed to the outside.
• the upper and lower sides may mean the upper and lower sides, respectively, along the direction of gravity (the direction perpendicular to the ground) when the cleaner station (100) is installed on the ground.
• the upper surface 113 may be arranged parallel to the ground, but may also be arranged at an angle to the ground.
• a display unit 410 may be arranged on the upper surface 113.
• the display unit 410 may display the status of the cleaner station 100 and the status of the cleaner 200, and may also display information such as the cleaning progress status and a map of the cleaning area.
• the upper surface 113 may be provided so as to be detachable from the outer wall surface 112. At this time, when the upper surface 113 is separated, the battery 240 separated from the cleaner 200 may be accommodated in the internal space surrounded by the outer wall surface 112, and a terminal (not shown) for charging the separated battery 240 may be provided.
• FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a mounting part in a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a fixing unit in a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating the relationship between a cleaner and a door unit in a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between a cleaner and a cover opening unit in a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• the cleaner station 100 may include the coupling part 120 for coupling the cleaner 200.
• the coupling part 120 may be arranged on the first outer wall surface 112a, and the cleaner body 210, dust bin 220, and battery housing 230 of the cleaner 200 may be coupled.
• the coupling part 120 may include a coupling surface 121.
• the coupling surface 121 may be arranged on the side of the housing 110.
• the coupling surface 121 may mean a surface formed in a concave groove shape toward the inside of the cleaner station 100 on the first outer wall surface 112a. That is, the coupling surface 121 may mean a surface formed by forming a single unit with the first outer wall surface 112a.
• the coupling surface 121 may accommodate the cleaner 200 to be coupled thereto.
• the coupling surface 121 may get into contact with the lower surface of the dust bin 220 and the battery housing 230 of the cleaner 200.
• the lower surface may mean a surface facing the ground when the user uses the cleaner 200 or places it on the ground.
• the angle formed by the coupling surface 121 with the ground may be a right angle. Through this, when the cleaner 200 is coupling to the coupling surface 121, the space of the cleaner station 100 may be minimized.
• the coupling surface 121 may be arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the ground. Through this, when the cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling surface 121, the cleaner station 100 may be stably supported.
• a dust passage hole 121a may be formed in the coupling surface 121 so that air from the outside of the housing 110 may flow into the inside.
• the dust passage hole 121a may be formed in a hole shape corresponding to the shape of the dust bin 220 so that dust in the dust bin 220 may flow into the dust collection unit 170.
• the dust passage hole 121a may be formed corresponding to the shape of the discharge cover 222 of the dust bin 220.
• the dust passage hole 121a may be formed to communicate with a suction flow path unit 180 described later.
• the coupling part 120 may include a dust bin guide surface 122.
• the dustbin guide surface 122 may be arranged on the first outer wall surface 112a.
• the dust bin guide surface 122 may be connected to the first outer wall surface 112a.
• the dust bin guide surface 122 may be connected to the coupling surface 121.
• the dustbin guide surface 122 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the outer surface of the dust bin 220.
• the front outer surface of the dust bin 220 may be connected to the dust bin guide surface 122. Through this, the convenience of the cleaner 200 being coupled to the coupling surface 121 may be provided.
• a protrusion moving hole 122a may be formed in the dustbin guide surface 122, and a push protrusion 151, which will be described later, may be linearly moved along the protrusion moving hole 122a.
• a gear box 155 that accommodates a gear of a cover opening unit 150, which will be described later, may be provided on the lower side of the dust bin guide surface 122 in the gravity direction.
• a guide space 122b in which the push protrusion 151 may be moved, may be formed between the dustbin guide surface 122 and the upper surface of the gear box 155.
• the guide space 122b may be connected to the first flow path 181 through a bypass hole 122c.
• the protrusion moving hole 122a, the guide space 122b, the bypass hole 122c, and the first flow path 181 may form one bypass flow path (see FIG. 13 ).
• the coupling part 120 may include a guide protrusion 123.
• the guide protrusion 123 may be arranged on the coupling surface 121.
• the guide protrusion 123 may protrude from the coupling surface 121 toward the front of the cleaner station 100.
• Two guide protrusions 123 may be arranged spaced apart from each other. The distance between the two guide protrusions 123 spaced apart from each other may correspond to the width of the battery housing 230 of the cleaner 200. Through this, the convenience of the cleaner 200 being coupled to the coupling surface 121 may be provided.
• the coupling part 120 may include a side wall 124.
• the side wall 124 may refer to a wall surface arranged on both sides of the coupling surface 121 and may be vertically connected to the coupling surface 121.
• the side wall 124 may be connected to the first outer wall surface 112a.
• the side wall 124 may form a surface connected to the dustbin guide surface 122. Through this, the cleaner 200 may be stably accommodated.
• the coupling part 120 may include a coupling sensor 125.
• the coupling sensor 125 may detect whether the cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling part 120.
• the coupling sensor 125 may include a contact sensor.
• the coupling sensor 125 may include a micro switch. At this time, the coupling sensor 125 may be placed on the guide protrusion 123. Therefore, when the battery housing 230 or the battery 240 of the cleaner 200 is coupled between a pair of guide protrusions 123, it comes into contact with the coupling sensor 125, and the coupling sensor 125 may detect that the cleaner 200 is coupled.
• the coupling sensor 125 may also include a non-contact sensor.
• the coupling sensor 125 may include an infrared sensor (IR sensor).
• IR sensor infrared sensor
• the coupling sensor 125 may be placed on the side wall 124. Accordingly, when the dust bin 220 or the cleaner body 210 of the cleaner 200 passes the side wall 124 and reaches the coupling surface 121, the coupling sensor 125 may detect the presence of the dust bin 220 or the cleaner body 210.
• the coupling sensor 125 may face the dust bin 220 or the battery housing 230 of the cleaner 200.
• the coupling sensor 125 may be a means for determining whether the cleaner 200 is coupled together with power being supplied to the battery 240 of the cleaner 200.
• the coupling part 120 may include a suction portion guide surface 126.
• the suction portion guide surface 126 may be arranged on the first outer wall surface 112a.
• the suction portion guide surface 126 may be connected to the dust bin guide surface 122.
• the suction port 212 may be coupled to the suction portion guide surface 126.
• the shape of the suction portion guide surface 126 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the suction port 212.
• the coupling part 120 may further include a fixing member entry hole 127.
• the fixing member entry hole 127 may be formed in a long hole shape along the side wall 124 so that the fixing member 131 can enter and exit.
• the cleaner body 210 of the cleaner 200 may be stably placed on the coupling part 120 by the dust bin guide surface 122, the guide protrusion 123, and the suction port guide surface 126.
• the convenience of the dust bin 220 and the battery housing 230 of the cleaner 200 being coupled to the coupling surface 121 may be provided.
• the fixing unit 130 according to the present disclosure will be described as follows.
• the cleaner station 100 of the present disclosure may include a fixing unit 130.
• the fixing unit 130 may be placed on the side wall 124. Additionally, at least a portion of the fixing unit 130 may be placed on the back surface of the coupling surface 121.
• the fixing unit 130 may fix the cleaner 200 coupled to the dust bin guide surface 122. Specifically, the fixing unit 130 may fix the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200 coupled to the dust bin guide surface 122.
• the fixing unit 130 may include a fixing member 131 that fixes the dust bin 220 and battery housing 230 of the cleaner 200, and a fixing unit motor 133 that drives the fixing member 131.
• the fixing unit 130 may further include a fixing unit link 135 that transmits the power of the fixing unit motor 133 to the fixing member 131.
• the fixing member 131 is arranged on the side wall 124 of the coupling part 120 and may be provided to reciprocate on the side wall 124 to fix the dust bin 220. Specifically, the fixing member 131 may be accommodated inside the fixing member entry hole 127.
• the fixing members 131 may be arranged on each side of the coupling part 120.
• two fixing members 131 may be arranged symmetrically in a pair on the coupling surface 121.
• the fixing unit motor 133 may provide power to move the fixing member 131.
• the fixing unit link 135 may convert the rotational power of the fixing unit motor 133 into reciprocating movement of the fixing member 131.
• a fixing sealer 136 may be arranged on the dust bin guide surface 122 to seal the dust bin 220 when the cleaner 200 is coupled. With this configuration, when the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200 is coupled, the fixing sealer 136 may be pressurized by the weight of the cleaner 200, and the dust bin 220 and the dust bin guide surface 122 may be sealed.
• the fixing sealer 136 may be arranged on an imaginary extension of the fixing member 131. With this configuration, when the fixing unit motor 133 is operated and the fixing member 131 pressurizes the dust bin 220, the circumference of the dust bin 220 at the same height may be sealed.
• the fixing sealer 136 may be arranged on the dust bin guide surface 122 in a bent line shape corresponding to the arrangement of the cover opening unit 150 described later.
• the fixing unit 130 may fix the cleaner body 210 of the cleaner 200.
• the fixing unit motor 133 may move the fixing member 131 to fix the cleaner body 210 of the cleaner 200.
• the suction power of the cleaner may be improved by preventing residual dust from remaining in the dustbin. Additionally, it can eliminate odors caused by residue by preventing residual dust from remaining in the dust bin.
• the door unit 140 of the present disclosure will be described as follows.
• the cleaner station 100 of the present disclosure may include a door unit 140.
• the door unit 140 may be configured to open and close a dust passage hole 121a.
• the door unit 140 may include a door 141, a door motor 142, and a door arm 143.
• the door 141 is hinged to the coupling surface 121 and can open and close the dust passage hole 121a.
• the door 141 may include a door body 141a.
• the door body 141a may be formed in a shape capable of blocking the dust passage hole 121a.
• the door body 141a may be formed in a shape similar to a circular plate.
• a hinge portion may be arranged on the upper side of the door body 141a, and an arm coupling part 141b may be arranged on the lower side of the door body 141a.
• the door body 141a may be formed in a shape that can seal the dust passage hole 121a.
• the outer surface of the door body 141a exposed to the outside of the cleaner station 100 is formed to have a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the dust passage hole 121a
• the inner surface disposed within the cleaner station 100 is formed to have a diameter larger than the diameter of the dust passage hole 121a.
• a step may be formed between the outer surface and the inner surface.
• at least one reinforcing rib may be protrudingly formed on the inner surface of the door body 141a to connect the hinge portion and the arm coupling part 141b and to strengthen the supporting force of the door body 141a.
• the hinge portion may be a means for hinge-coupling the door 141 to the coupling surface 121.
• the hinge portion may be arranged at the upper end of the door body 141a and coupled with the coupling surface 121.
• the arm coupling part 141b may be a means for rotatably coupling the door arm 143.
• the arm coupling part 141b is arranged at the lower side of the door body 141a, is rotatably coupled with the door body 141a, and the door arm 143 may be rotatably coupled thereto.
• the door 141 may come into contact with the discharge cover 222.
• the discharge cover 222 may rotate in conjunction with the door 141 according to the rotation of the door 141.
• the door motor 142 may provide power to rotate the door 141. Specifically, the door motor 142 may rotate the door arm 143 in a forward or reverse direction.
• the forward direction can mean the direction in which the door arm 143 pulls the door 141. Therefore, when the door arm 143 rotates in a forward direction, the dust passage hole 121a may be opened.
• the term "reverse direction" may refer to the direction in which the door arm (143) pushes the door (141). Accordingly, if the door arm (143) rotates in the reverse direction, the dust passage hole (121a) may be at least partially closed.
• the forward direction may be the opposite direction to the reverse direction.
• the door arm 143 connects the door 141 and the door motor 142, and may open and close the door 141 using power generated by the door motor 142.
• the door arm 143 may include a first door arm 143a and a second door arm 143b.
• One end of the first door arm 143a may be coupled to the door motor 142.
• the first door arm 143a may rotate by the power of the door motor 142.
• the other end of the first door arm 143a may be rotatably coupled to the second door arm 143b.
• the first door arm 143a may transmit power transmitted from the door motor 142 to the second door arm 143b.
• One end of the second door arm 143b may be coupled to the first door arm 143a.
• the other end of the second door arm 143b may be coupled to the door 141.
• the second door arm 143b may open or close the dust passage hole 121a by pushing or pulling the door 141.
• the door unit 140 may further include a door open/close detection unit 144.
• the door open/close detection unit 144 may be provided within the housing 110 and may detect whether the door 141 is open.
• the door open/close detection unit 144 may be positioned at each end of the rotational movement area of the door arm 143. As another example, the door open/close detection unit 144 may be positioned at each end of the movement area of the door 141.
• the door open/close detection unit 144 may detect that the door is open. Furthermore, when the door arm 143 moves to a preset door closing position or the door 141 opens to a predetermined position, the door open/close detection unit 144 may detect that the door is open.
• the door open/close detection unit 144 may include a contact sensor.
• the door open/close detection unit 144 may include a micro switch.
• the door open/close detection unit 144 may also include a non-contact sensor.
• the door open/close detection unit 144 may include an infrared sensor (IR sensor).
• the door unit 140 may selectively open and close at least a portion of the coupling surface 121 to connect the outer side of the first outer wall surface 112a with the suction flow path unit 180 and/or the dust collection unit 170.
• the door unit 140 may open simultaneously with the discharge cover 222 of the cleaner 200. Additionally, when the door unit 140 closes, the discharge cover 222 of the cleaner 200 may close in conjunction with it.
• the door motor 142 may rotate the door 141 to connect the discharge cover 222 to the dust bin body 221. Specifically, the door motor 142 rotates the door 141 by rotating the door 141, and the rotating door 141 may push the discharge cover 222 toward the dust bin body 221.
• the cover opening unit 150 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 , 10 , and 11 as follows.
• the cleaner station 100 of the present disclosure may include the cover opening unit 150.
• the cover opening unit 150 is disposed at the coupling part 120 and may open the discharge cover 222 of the cleaner 200.
• the cover opening unit 150 may include a push protrusion 151, a cover opening motor 152, a cover opening gear 153, a support plate 154, and a gear box 155.
• the push protrusion 151 may move to press the coupling lever 222c when the cleaner 200 is coupled.
• the push protrusion 151 may be positioned on the dust bin guide surface 122. Specifically, a protrusion movement hole may be formed on the dustbin guide surface 122, and the push protrusion 151 may pass through the protrusion movement hole and be exposed to the outside.
• the push protrusion 151 may be positioned to press the coupling lever 222c when the cleaner 200 is coupled. That is, the coupling lever 222c may be positioned on the protrusion movement hole. Furthermore, the coupling lever 222c may be positioned on the movement area of the push protrusion 151.
• the push protrusion 151 may perform a linear reciprocating motion to press the coupling lever 222c. Specifically, the push protrusion 151 may be coupled to a gear box 155 to guide its linear movement. The push protrusion 151 may be coupled to a cover opening gear 153 to move together with the movement of the cover opening gear 153.
• the cover opening motor 152 may provide power to move the push protrusion 151. Specifically, the cover opening motor 152 may rotate a motor shaft (not shown) in a forward or reverse direction.
• the forward direction may refer to the direction in which the push protrusion 151 presses the coupling lever 222c.
• the reverse direction may refer to the direction in which the push protrusion 151 that presses the coupling lever 222c returns to its original position.
• the forward direction may be the opposite direction to the reverse direction.
• the cover opening gear 153 is coupled to the cover opening motor 152 and can move the push protrusion 151 using the power of the cover opening motor 152.
• the cover opening gear 153 may be accommodated inside the gear box 155.
• the driving gear 153a of the cover opening gear 153 may be coupled to the motor shaft of the cover opening motor 152 to receive power.
• the driven gear 153b of the cover opening gear 153 is coupled with the push protrusion 151 and can move the push protrusion 151.
• the driven gear 153b is provided in the form of a rack gear and meshes with the driving gear 153a and can receive power from the driving gear 153a.
• the discharge cover 222 may include a torsion spring 222d.
• the discharge cover 222 may be rotated by a predetermined angle or more by the elastic force of the torsion spring 222d and may be supported in the rotated position. Accordingly, the discharge cover 222 may be opened, and may communicate the dust passage hole 121a with the interior of the dust bin 220.
• the gear box 155 is equipped inside the housing 110 and is positioned below the gravitational direction of the coupling part 120, and the cover opening gear 153 may be accommodated inside.
• the gear box 155 may be equipped with a cover opening detection unit 155f.
• the cover opening detection unit 155f may include a contact sensor.
• the cover opening detection unit 155f may include a micro switch.
• the cover opening detection unit 155f may include a non-contact sensor.
• the cover opening detection unit 155f may include an infrared (IR) sensor.
• At least one cover opening detection unit 155f may be positioned on the inner or outer surface of the gear box 155.
• one cover opening detection unit 155f may be positioned on the inner surface of the gear box 155.
• the cover opening detection unit 155f may detect that the push protrusion 151 is in its initial position.
• two cover opening detection units 155f may be positioned on the outer surface of the gear box 155. At this time, the cover opening detection unit 155f may detect the initial position of the push protrusion 151 and the cover opening position.
• the user can open the dust bin 220 without having to separately open the discharge cover 222 of the cleaner by using the cover opening unit 150, thereby improving convenience.
• the cleaner station 100 may include a dust collection unit 170.
• the dust collection unit 170 may be positioned inside the housing 110.
• the dust collection unit 170 may be positioned below the coupling part 120 in the direction of gravity.
• the dust collection unit 170 may refer to a dust bag that collects dust sucked from the inside of the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200 by the dust collection motor 191.
• the dust collection unit 170 may be detachably coupled to the housing 110.
• the dust collection unit 170 may be separated from the housing 110 and discarded, and a new dust collection unit 170 may be attached to the housing 110. That is, the dust collection unit 170 may be defined as a consumable part.
• the dust bag may be configured to expand in volume and accommodate dust when suction power is generated by the dust collection motor 191.
• the dust bag may be made of a material that is permeable to air but impermeable to foreign substances such as dust.
• the dust bag can be made of a non-woven material and have a hexahedral shape when expanded in volume.
• the user does not need to separately tie the dust-collecting bag, thereby improving user convenience.
• the dust bag may be formed of a permeable material.
• the dust bag may include a roll of vinyl (not shown). With this configuration, when the dust bag is sealed or bonded, dust or odors trapped inside the dust bag may be prevented from leaking out. At this time, the dust bag can be mounted to the housing 110 via a dust bag cartridge (not shown). If necessary, the dust bag may be replaced via the dust bag cartridge.
• the dust collection unit 170 may include a temperature sensor 175.
• the temperature sensor 175 may measure the temperature inside the dust collection unit 170. Temperature information measured by the temperature sensor 175 may be received by the control unit 400.
• the temperature sensor 175 may also be equipped in the dust suction module 190.
• the temperature of the dust collecting motor 191 or the temperature of the air discharged from the dust collecting motor 191 may be measured to calculate the temperature of the air flowing to the dust collecting unit 170.
• suction flow path unit 180 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 11 as follows.
• the cleaner station 100 may include the suction flow path unit 180.
• Dust in the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200 may move to the dust collection unit 170 through the suction flow path unit 180.
• the suction flow path unit 180 may connect the dust passage hole 121a formed in the coupling surface 121a and the dust collection unit 170. One end of the suction flow path unit 180 may be connected to the dust passage hole 121a, and the other end may be connected to the dust collection unit 170.
• the suction flow path unit 180 may be positioned at the rear of the coupling surface 121.
• the suction flow path unit 180 may refer to a space between the dust bin 220 and the dust collection unit 170 of the cleaner 200.
• the suction flow path unit 180 may be a space formed toward the rear of the dust passage hole 121a, and may be a path formed by bending downward from the dust passage hole 121a so that dust and air can flow.
• the suction flow path unit 180 may include a first suction flow path 181 that communicates with the internal space of the dust bin 220 when the cleaner 200 is coupled to the cleaner station 100 and the dust passage hole 121a is opened, and a second suction flow path 182 that communicates between the first suction flow path 181 and the dust collection space 1711 of the dust bag 171a.
• the first suction flow path 181 may be arranged substantially parallel to the axis of the suction motor 214 or an imaginary through-line penetrating the dust bin 220. At this time, the axis of the suction motor 214 or the through-line of the dust bin 220 may pass through the first suction flow path 181.
• the second suction flow path 182 may be formed at a predetermined angle with the first suction flow path 181.
• the first suction flow path 181 and the second suction flow path 182 may be formed at a right angle. With this configuration, the overall volume of the cleaner station 100 may be minimized.
• the length of the first suction flow path 181 may be equal to or less than the length of the second suction flow path 182.
• the cleaner station 100 may include a dust suction module 190.
• the dust suction module 190 may include a dust collection motor 191, a first filter 192, and a second filter (not shown).
• the dust collection motor 191 may be positioned below the dust collection unit 170.
• the dust collection motor 191 may generate suction force in the suction path 180. Through this, the dust collection motor 191 may provide suction force capable of sucking dust within the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200.
• the dust collection motor 191 may generate suction force by rotation.
• the dust collection motor 191 may be formed in a cylinder-like shape.
• a virtual dust collection motor axis (C) extending from the rotation axis of the dust collection motor 191 may be formed.
• the first filter 192 may be positioned between the dust collection unit 170 and the dust collection motor 191.
• the first filter 192 may be a pre-filter. Air passing through the first filter 192 may flow into the internal space where the dust collection motor 191 is accommodated.
• the second filter (not shown) may be positioned between the dust collection motor 191 and the outer wall 112.
• the second filter (not shown) may be a HEPA filter.
• the cleaner station 100 may further include a charging unit 128.
• the charging unit may be positioned in the coupling part 120.
• the charging unit 128 may be electrically connected to the vacuum cleaner 200 coupled to the coupling part 120.
• the charging unit 128 may supply power to the battery of the cleaner 200 coupled to the coupling part 120.
• the cleaner station 100 may further include a side door (not shown).
• the side door may be positioned in the housing 110.
• the side door may selectively expose the dust collection unit 170 to the outside. This allows the user to easily remove the dust collection unit 170 from the cleaner station 100.
• the cleaner station 100 may further include an exhaust port 162.
• the exhaust port 162 may be formed in the housing 110.
• the exhaust port 162 may be formed on the lower side of the housing 110 and may be electrically connected to the dust collection motor 191. Accordingly, air passing through the dust collection motor 191 may be discharged to the outside of the housing 110 through the exhaust port 162.
• the exhaust unit 160 will be described as follows.
• the cleaner station 100 may further include the exhaust unit 160.
• the exhaust unit 160 may guide air discharged from the dust collection motor 191 to the outside of the housing 110.
• the exhaust unit 160 may connect the internal space of the housing 110 with the external space.
• the exhaust unit 160 may include an exhaust path 161. Air discharged from the dust collection motor 191 may flow through the exhaust path 161.
• the exhaust path 161 may provide a path through which air discharged from the dust collection motor 191 flows.
• the air flowing through the exhaust path 161 may be discharged to the outside of the housing 110 through the exhaust port 162.
• one end of the exhaust path 161 may be communicated with an internal space in which a dust collection motor 191 is accommodated in a dust suction module 190, and the other end of the exhaust path 161 may be communicated with the exhaust port 162.
• the exhaust path 161 may be a passage formed horizontally within the housing 110, and the exhaust port 162 may communicate the inside and the outside of the housing 110.
• One end of the exhaust path 161 may be communicated with the dust suction module 190, and the other end of the exhaust path 161 may be communicated with the exhaust port 162.
• FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a closing unit of a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view illustrating a detailed configuration of a closing unit in a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIGS. 14 to 16 are drawings illustrating a process of mounting a cleaner to a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIGS. 17 to 19 are drawings illustrating a process of removing a cleaner from a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 20 is a drawing illustrating a state immediately after a cleaner is removed from a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• the cleaner 200 may be defined as being decoupled from the coupling part 120 by moving in the longitudinal direction of the suction port 212. That is, when the cleaner 200 is moved in the longitudinal direction (upward) of the suction port 212, the dust bin 220 and the battery housing 230 may be detached from the coupling surface 121, the outer circumference of the dust bin body 221 may be detached from the dust bin guide surface 122, and the suction port 212 may be detached from the suction port guide surface 126 of the coupling part 120.
• the cleaner 200 may be defined as being detached from the coupling part 120 by being moved in the longitudinal direction of the suction port 212 and then moved in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the suction port 212.
• the cleaner 200 may be moved in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the suction port 212 and then moved in the longitudinal direction of the suction port 212 to be coupled to the coupling part 120.
• the dust bin 220 and the battery housing 230 may be coupled to the coupling surface 121
• the outer circumferential surface of the dust bin body 221 may be coupled to the dust bin guide surface 122
• the suction port 212 may be coupled to the suction port guide surface 126 of the coupling part 120.
• the central axis of the dust bin 220 may be arranged in a direction parallel to the ground
• the extension pipe 250 may be arranged along a direction perpendicular to the ground.
• the closing unit 300 of the cleaner station 100 pushes the door 141 to close the dust passage hole 121a, but the closing unit 300 of the cleaner station 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention can push the discharge cover 222 of the dust bin 220 to close the lower portion of the dust bin 220 in a state where the cleaner station 100 is not equipped with the door 141.
• the cleaner station 100 may include the closing unit 300.
• the closing unit 300 may include a plurality of links so that, when the cleaner 200 is removed from the coupling part 120, the door 141 may be pushed to close the dust passage hole 121a or the discharge cover 222 may be pushed to close the dust bin 220.
• the closing unit 300 may include a first link 310 and a second link 320.
• the first link 310 may be rotatably coupled to the housing 110.
• the first link 310 may be configured to close the door 141 and/or the discharge cover 222 while rotating relative to the housing 110, and may be rotated by the second link 320.
• the first link 310 may include a pressing member 311 and a roller 312.
• the pressing member 311 may be disposed inside the housing 110.
• the pressing member 311 may rotate around a first rotational axis (A1) fixed to the housing 110.
• the pressing member 311 may rotate in a direction that pushes the door 141 and/or the discharge cover 222.
• the pressing member 311 may be formed in an L-shaped curve. Both ends of the pressing member 311 may be bent by a predetermined angle with respect to the first rotational axis (A1). For example, the pressing member 311 may be bent at a 90-degree angle with respect to the first rotational axis (A1).
• the roller 312 may be positioned at the end of the pressing member 311 so as to be in contact with the door 141 and/or the discharge cover 222. As illustrated in FIGS. 16 to 19 , the position at which the roller 312 and the door 141 come into contact may continuously change as the pressing member 311 rotates. Therefore, while closing the door 141, the roller 312 may close the dust passage hole 121a without damaging the door 141 by rolling over the surface of the door 141.
• the second link 320 is configured to rotate the first link 310 relative to the housing 110.
• the cleaner 200 is removed from the coupling part 120 and one side of the second link 320 is caught by the cleaner 200, the other side of the second link 320 may rotate the first link 310.
• the second link 320 may include a connecting member 321, a hooking member 322, and a guide protrusion 323.
• the connecting member 321 may be rotatably coupled to the pressing member 311.
• the connecting member 321 may be rotatably coupled about a second rotation axis (A2) fixed to the pressing member 311.
• the second rotation axis (A2) may slide along the second longitudinal rotation axis moving hole 321a formed in the connecting member 321.
• the center of rotation of the connecting member (321) may be radially eccentrically arranged from the center of rotation of the pressing member 311. That is, the center of the second rotation axis (A2) may be radially eccentrically arranged from the center of the first rotation axis (A1).
• the hooking member 322 may extend from the connecting member 321.
• the hooking member 322 may be caught by the cleaner 200 when the cleaner 200 is detached from the coupling part 120. Specifically, the hooking member 322 may be caught on the upper portion of the battery housing 230 when the cleaner 200 is detached from the coupling part 120.
• the hooking member 322 may be pressed by the battery 240 when the cleaner 200 is detached from the coupling part 120.
• the hooking member 322 may move inside and outside the housing 110 through an entry hole 114 formed in the housing 110.
• the guide protrusion 323 may protrude from the connecting member and be inserted into the guide holes 115a, 115b, and 115c to guide the movement of the connecting member 321.
• the cleaner station 100 may include a guide bracket 115.
• the guide bracket 115 may be formed the guide holes 115a, 115b, and 115c that guide the movement of the guide protrusion 323.
• the guide bracket 115 may be a separate member installed inside the housing 110.
• the guide bracket 115 may refer to a portion of the housing 110. Accordingly, the guide holes 115a, 115b, and 115c may be formed in a separate guide bracket 115 installed on the inside of the housing 110, but alternatively, the guide holes 115a, 115b, and 115c may be formed in the housing 110.
• the guide holes 115a, 115b, and 115c may include a first hole 115a, a second hole 115b, and a third hole 115c.
• the first hole 115a may guide the guide protrusion 323 so that the hooking member 322 may enter and exit the entry hole 114 formed in the housing 110.
• the first hole 115a may be formed in a longitudinal direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the housing 110.
• the first hole 115a may be formed to slope downward or upward toward the outside.
• the guide protrusion 323 may be pressed against the battery 240 of the cleaner 200 and gradually moved inward (to the right in FIG. 15 ) along the first hole 115a.
• the hooking member 322 extending from the end of the connecting member 321 may pass through the entry hole 114 and move into the interior of the housing 110.
• the guide protrusion 323 may be moved outward (to the left in FIG. 16 ) along the first hole 115a by the restoring force of an elastic member 330 described later. At this time, the hooking member 322 may protrude outside the housing 110 through the entry hole 114.
• the second hole 115b may extend from the first hole 115a.
• the second hole 115b may guide the guide protrusion 323 in the direction in which the cleaner 200 is removed from the coupling part 120.
• the second hole 115b may be formed in a longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housing 110.
• the guide protrusion 323 may move upward (in the upward direction of FIGS. 17 and 18 ) away from the ground along the second hole 115b.
• the connecting member 321 since the connecting member 321 also moves upward, the pressing member 311 may rotate in the direction of closing the door 141 (clockwise in FIGS. 17 and 18 ) around the first rotation axis (A1).
• the third hole 115c may extend from the other end of the second hole 115b.
• the third hole 115c may guide the guide protrusion 323 so that the hooking member 322 enters and exits the entry hole 114.
• the third hole 115c may be formed in a long, longitudinal direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the housing 110.
• the third hole 115c may be formed to slope upwardly toward the inside.
• the guide protrusion 323 may move the hooking member 322 toward the inside of the housing 110 while moving inward, and may rotate the pressing member 311 while moving upward. Accordingly, the cleaner 200 may be detached or decoupled from the coupling part 120 without being interfered with by the hooking member 322.
• the closing unit 300 of the cleaner station 100 may include an elastic member 330.
• the elastic member 330 may provide elastic force to the connecting member 321 so that the hooking member 322 protrudes outward from the housing 110 through the entry hole 114.
• the elastic member 330 may be a torsion spring. One end of the elastic member 330 may be inserted into and fixedly connected to the housing 110, and the other end of the elastic member 330 may be inserted into and fixedly connected to the connecting member 321.
• the elastic member 330 may apply force (elastic force) to the connecting member 321 in a direction in which the hooking member 322 protrudes outward from the housing 110 through the entry hole 114.
• the elastic member 330 may apply a restoring force to the connecting member 321 so that the guide protrusion 323 is positioned at one end of the first hole 115a, as illustrated in FIG. 13 or FIG. 16 .
• FIG. 11 shows a block diagram to describe the control configuration of the cleaner system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• the cleaner system 10 may further include a control unit 400 that controls the coupling part 120, a fixing unit 130, a door unit 140, a cover opening unit 150, a dust collection unit 170, a dust suction module 190, a manipulation unit 218, and a battery 240.
• a control unit 400 that controls the coupling part 120, a fixing unit 130, a door unit 140, a cover opening unit 150, a dust collection unit 170, a dust suction module 190, a manipulation unit 218, and a battery 240.
• the control unit 400 may be composed of a printed circuit board and components mounted on the printed circuit board.
• the control unit 400 may be divided into a station control unit 401 that controls the cleaner station 100 and a cleaner control unit 402 that controls the cleaner 200.
• the station control unit 401 and the cleaner control unit 402 may communicate with each other to exchange information or process data.
• the station control unit 401 and the cleaner control unit 402 are collectively referred to as the control unit 400.
• the coupling sensor 125 When the coupling sensor 125 detects the coupling of the cleaner 200, the coupling sensor 125 may transmit a signal indicating that the cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling part 120. At this time, the control unit 400 may receive the signal from the coupling sensor 125 and determine that the cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling part 120.
• control unit 400 may determine that the cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling part 120.
• control unit 400 may operate the fixing unit motor 133 to fix the cleaner 200.
• the fixing detection unit 137 may transmit a signal indicating that the cleaner 200 is fixed.
• the station control unit 400 may receive a signal indicating that the cleaner 200 is fixed from the fixing detection unit 137 and determine that the cleaner 200 is fixed. If the station control unit 400 determines that the cleaner 200 is fixed, it may stop the operation of the fixing motor 133.
• control unit 400 may rotate the fixing motor 133 in the reverse direction to release the fixation of the cleaner 200.
• control unit 400 may operate the door motor 142 to open the door 141 of the cleaner station 100.
• the door open/close detection unit 144 may transmit a signal indicating that the door 141 is open when the door 141 or the door arm reaches a predetermined opening position.
• the control unit 400 may determine that the door 141 is open by receiving a signal from the door open/close detection unit 137 indicating that the door 141 is open.
• control unit 400 may rotate the door motor 142 in the reverse direction to close the door 141.
• control unit 400 When the control unit 400 determines that the door 141 is open, it may operate the cover opening motor 152 to open the discharge cover 222 of the cleaner 200.
• the cover opening detection unit 155f may transmit a signal indicating that the discharge cover 222 is open when the guide frame 151e reaches a predetermined cover opening position.
• the control unit 400 can determine that the discharge cover 222 is opened by receiving a signal from the cover opening detection unit 155f indicating that the discharge cover 222 is opened. If the control unit 400 determines that the discharge cover 222 is opened, the control unit 400 may stop the operation of the cover opening motor 152.
• the control unit 400 may drive the dust collection motor 191 to suck up dust inside the dust bin 220.
• the cleaner station 100 of the present disclosure may include a display unit 410.
• the control unit 400 may operate the display unit 410 to display information about the dust bin emptying status and charging status of the cleaner 200.
• the display unit 410 may be placed in the housing 110, a separate display device, or may be included in a terminal, including a mobile phone.
• the display unit 410 may be configured to include at least one of a display panel configured to output text and/or graphics, and a speaker configured to output voice signals and sounds. The user may easily understand the status of the current cycle, the remaining time, etc., through the information output through the display unit.
• the cleaner station 100 may include a memory 430.
• the memory 430 may include various data for driving and operating the cleaner station 100.
• the cleaner station 100 may include an input unit 440.
• the input unit 440 generates key input data that a user inputs to control the operation of the cleaner station 100.
• the input unit 440 may be configured with a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (static/capacitive), etc.
• the touch pad forms a mutual layer structure with the display unit 410, it may be called a touch screen.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Robotics (AREA)
• Electric Vacuum Cleaner (AREA)
• Electric Suction Cleaners (AREA)

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• 2023
  • 2023-03-13 KR KR1020230032629A patent/KR20240138847A/ko active Pending
• 2024
  • 2024-02-29 CN CN202480018762.6A patent/CN120882353A/zh active Pending
  • 2024-02-29 WO PCT/KR2024/002672 patent/WO2024191089A1/ko not_active Ceased
  • 2024-02-29 EP EP24771089.0A patent/EP4663084A1/de active Pending
  • 2024-02-29 AU AU2024236062A patent/AU2024236062A1/en active Pending

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