JP2023522461A - cleaner station - Google Patents

Abstract

A cleaner station is disclosed that includes a first station that can be coupled with a handheld vacuum cleaner and a second station that can be coupled with a robotic vacuum cleaner. The first station may include a first suction for drawing dust from a dust container of the handheld vacuum cleaner. The second station can include a second suction for sucking dust from the dust bin of the robotic vacuum cleaner. The cleaner station may include a dust intake through which dust sucked by the first suction section and the second suction section is discharged. The cleaner station may include a dust storage box in communication with the dust intake to receive dust drawn by the first suction section and the second suction section. [Selection drawing] Fig. 1a

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to cleaner stations, and more particularly to cleaner stations capable of sucking dust by simultaneously combining a handheld vacuum cleaner and a robotic vacuum cleaner.

Generally, the vacuum cleaner holder can be used to store a cordless vacuum cleaner. Cordless vacuum cleaners are powered by using internal battery power. In accordance with such features, it is common to use a holder that can charge battery power when the cordless vacuum cleaner is installed.

Cordless vacuum cleaners include handheld vacuum cleaners and robotic vacuum cleaners. In the case of handheld vacuum cleaners, the user grasps the handle and moves it directly to pick up dust or debris on the floor. A robot cleaner performs autonomous cleaning while moving based on set movement information or movement information collected by a sensor.

After cleaning by operating the vacuum cleaner, the user must remove the dust and foreign matter that the vacuum cleaner has sucked. In the process of separating the dust container from the vacuum cleaner or carrying the vacuum cleaner out for dust removal, the user is exposed to fine dust that is re-scattered from the dust container.

Additionally, handheld vacuums are generally sold as a separate product from robotic vacuums. Therefore, there is the inconvenience of having to install different cleaner stations included in each product. In this case, it is inconvenient to connect different power sources to the respective holders and the space occupied by the holders increases. The result is inconvenience.

The present invention includes a cleaner station that can simultaneously combine a handheld vacuum cleaner and a robotic vacuum cleaner. Dust picked up by two different devices can be managed by using one dust storage box.

Also, different cleaner stations can be integrated into one cleaner station for space efficiency and convenient installation of cleaner stations.

Also, multiple channels can be selectively opened and closed, thereby preventing dust scattering and improving cleaning efficiency.

To achieve the above objectives, the cleaner station according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can have a structure that can simultaneously combine a handheld cleaner and a robot cleaner.

The cleaner station according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes stations to which the handheld cleaner and the robotic cleaner can be coupled, respectively. The handheld cleaner can be coupled with the upper portion of the cleaner station and the robotic cleaner can be coupled with the lower portion of the cleaner station.

The cleaner station according to embodiments of the present disclosure allows the handheld cleaner and the robotic cleaner to be coupled with the cleaner station. The cleaner station includes a first station arranged above the cleaner station and coupled with the handheld cleaner, and a second station arranged below the cleaner station and coupled with the robot cleaner. can contain. The first station may include a first suction unit for sucking dust from a dust container of the handheld cleaner. The second station may include a second suction unit for sucking dust from a dust container of the robot cleaner.

The cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a dust intake through which the dust sucked by the first suction section and the second suction section flows, A dust storage box may be included for receiving the dust sucked by the two suckers.

The cleaner station according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a suction motor for sucking dust past at least one of the first suction section and the second suction section.

The cleaner station according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes a first flow path in communication with the first suction section, a second flow path in communication with the second suction section, and a a third channel in which the channels meet and communicate with the dust intake.

The first flow path and the second flow path of the cleaner station according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be selectively opened and closed in response to the docking state of the handheld cleaner and the robotic cleaner.

The first of the cleaner stations according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a separate space in which a suction tube of the handheld cleaner is located. Also, a first dust container and a second dust container included in the handheld cleaner may be coupled to both ends of the separation space of the first station.

According to embodiments, the first suction units may be positioned at both ends of the first station, respectively. The first dust container and the second dust container included in the handheld vacuum cleaner may be coupled to a location where the first suction part is located.

Also, the first channel may include a Y-shaped channel. Both ends of the Y-shaped channel can be respectively installed in the first suction part to which the first dust container and the second dust container are coupled.

The dust storage box of the cleaner station according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a removable dust bag. The dust bag is in fluid communication with the dust intake. The dust bag may include a filter for filtering dust from air directed into the dust intake. The dust bag can store the filtered dust therein.

Also, the cleaner station according to embodiments of the present disclosure may further include an exhaust for exhausting dust-filtered air.

Also, the cleaner station may include a space that can be combined with the dust storage box in an opening/closing area installed on one side of the cleaner station.

According to embodiments, at least one of the dust inlet, the first suction part and the second suction part may comprise a sealing member.

The cleaner station according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a first charger for powering the handheld cleaner and a second charger for powering the robotic cleaner.

On the other hand, the flow path switching part of the cleaner station according to the first embodiment may include a slidably movable opening/closing part including a communication hole. When the first channel is open, the opening/closing part may be arranged such that the communication hole is positioned between the first channel and the third channel.

In this case, the through hole may be formed to correspond to the end of the first channel.

On the other hand, when the second channel is opened, the opening/closing part may be arranged such that the position of the communication hole moves in one direction away from between the first channel and the third channel.

On the other hand, the flow path switching part of the cleaner station according to the second embodiment includes a seal part selectively coupled to the first flow path and the second flow path to close the flow path, and a link connected to rotate the seal. The seal part may be formed to have a cross section larger than cross sections of ends of the first flow path and the second flow path.

In this case, the seal part can maintain a state of being coupled to either one of the first channel and the second channel during operation of the suction motor.

Meanwhile, the flow path switching part may further include a link housing to which the link part is fixedly coupled, and a switch motor for supplying power for rotating the seal part. The seal portion may include at least one partition member defining a rotatable area of the link portion.

Meanwhile, the cleaner station may further include a second treater that treats foreign matter sucked by the second suction unit. The second processor can be formed in the form of a blade or saw blade capable of cutting long foreign matter.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a cleaner station that can increase the convenience of dedusting handheld and robotic vacuum cleaners and can charge and store the cleaners.

A cleaner station according to embodiments of the present disclosure is characterized by the ability to simultaneously install a handheld vacuum cleaner and a robotic vacuum cleaner. This allows a handheld vacuum cleaner and a robot vacuum cleaner to be charged with a single power source. Also, two different holders can be integrated into one holder to maximize space efficiency and improve installation convenience.

A cleaner station according to embodiments of the present disclosure also has the advantage of automatically sucking and storing vacuum cleaner dust by using a suction unit. The user does not have to directly empty the dust container of the vacuum cleaner. In the process of emptying the dust container, the user is not exposed to dust that scatters towards the user.

A cleaner station according to embodiments of the present disclosure also allows a user to manage different bins included in a handheld vacuum cleaner and a robotic vacuum cleaner with one device.

Also, the cleaner station according to the embodiments of the present disclosure seals the sucked foreign matter and dust in the holder and provides it to the user. This allows the user to conveniently remove the dust inside the vacuum cleaner.

Also, cleaner stations according to embodiments of the present disclosure can preferentially remove dust from either handheld or robotic cleaners, thereby improving the efficiency of emptying the dust bin.

Also, the cleaner station according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can prevent dust from re-scattering by closing the flow path of one of the hand-held cleaner and the robot cleaner during the process of removing dust from the other. .

A cleaner station according to embodiments of the present disclosure can also provide aesthetics to the user by dealing with long foreign objects that get caught in the dust receptacles of handheld and robotic vacuum cleaners.

1a is a perspective view of a handheld vacuum cleaner and a robotic vacuum cleaner combined with a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. FIG. 1b is a front view of a handheld and robotic vacuum cleaner 600 coupled with a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1c is a side view of a handheld vacuum cleaner and a robotic vacuum cleaner combined with a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2a is a cross-sectional side view of the flow path structure and exhaust path of a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2b is a cross-sectional rear view of the flow path structure and exhaust path of a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the structure of a state in which the channel switching unit opens the first channel according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the structure of a state in which the channel switching unit according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure opens the second channel. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a state in which the channel switching unit opens the first channel according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a state in which the channel switching unit opens the second channel according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 7 is a side view of a state in which the channel switching unit opens the first channel according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from one side. FIG. 8 is a side view as seen from one side with some components removed with the flow diverter opening the first flow path according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view with some components removed with the flow diverter opening the first flow path according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 10 is a side view of a state in which the flow path switching unit according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure opens the second flow path, viewed from one side; FIG. 11 is a side view from one side with some components removed with the flow diverter opening the second flow path according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view with some components removed with the flow diverter opening the second flow path according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 13a is a perspective view showing a structure in which a handheld vacuum cleaner including a first dust container and a second dust container is coupled with a first station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 13b is a perspective view showing a structure in which a handheld vacuum cleaner including a first dust container and a second dust container is coupled with a first station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 14a is a cross-sectional rear view of the flow path structure of a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 14b is a rear cross-sectional view of a cleaner station including a first channel with a Y-shaped configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 15a is a side view showing a dust storage box coupled inside a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 15b is a perspective view showing the interior space of a cleaner station to which a dust storage box is coupled according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 16a is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of a dust storage box according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 16b is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of a dust bag coupled with a dust storage box according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings so that the objectives of the present disclosure may be clearly understood and realized.

In this process, the size or shape of components shown in the figures may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of explanation. Also, terms specifically defined in the construction and verification of operation of the present disclosure may vary according to the intentions or habits of users and operators.

Meanwhile, in this disclosure, terms such as first and second are used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the above terms. Terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. For example, a first component can be designated as a second component without departing from the scope of rights according to the concepts of the present invention. Similarly, the second component can be designated as the first component. "and/or" includes any combination or one of the associated items.

Terms should be defined and understood based on the discussion throughout the specification.

As noted above, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. As can be seen from the appended claims, the present invention can be modified by those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains, and such modifications are within the scope of the invention.

The cleaner station 1 to which the handheld cleaner 500 and the robot cleaner 600 can be combined will now be described.

A vacuum cleaner is a device that sucks up dust on the floor or in hard-to-reach places using members such as pipes. A vacuum cleaner includes a motor and a dust container. Since the rotating motor creates a vacuum inside the dust container, the internal pressure of the dust container is less than the external pressure of the dust container, and foreign matter such as dust can be sucked by the pressure difference.

The cleaners can be divided into a handheld cleaner 500 which is operated by a user to clean the floor, and a robot cleaner 600 which automatically sets a path and performs cleaning. Both types of vacuum cleaners have a dust container and a battery therein, and the user must separate the dust container from each vacuum cleaner and remove the dust in the dust container.

Hand held cleaner 500 and robotic cleaner 600 can be charged using a holder connected to a power source. Each device typically uses a different charging holder. The charging holder has to be connected to a power source and occupies space. Therefore, when one or more holders are installed in one house, space usage is less efficient and multiple power sources are required.

The cleaner station 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure has the ability to be coupled with two types of cleaners simultaneously. By using it, different types of vacuum cleaners can be charged simultaneously with only one power supply. In addition, it is possible to increase the space utilization efficiency.

The cleaner station 1 has a channel structure and a dust storage box 300 therein so that it can suck the internal matter of the dust container contained in each vacuum cleaner. At least one dust container contained in different types of vacuum cleaners can be managed by using one dust container 300 .

Below, with reference to FIG. 1, the components included in the cleaner station 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and the coupling structure between the components will be described.

FIG. 1a is a perspective view showing a cleaner station 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure to which a handheld vacuum cleaner 500 and a robotic vacuum cleaner 600 are coupled. FIG. 1b is a front view showing a cleaner station 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure with a handheld vacuum cleaner 500 and a robotic vacuum cleaner 600 coupled. FIG. 1c is a side view showing cleaner station 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure with handheld cleaner 500 and robotic cleaner 600 coupled.

A cleaner station 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be adapted to combine a handheld cleaner 500 and a robotic cleaner 600 with the cleaner station. Specifically, only one of the handheld cleaner 500 and the robot cleaner 600 can be coupled with the cleaner station 1, or the two types of cleaners can be coupled with the cleaner at the same time.

An upper portion of the cleaner station 1 can include a first station 100 to which a handheld cleaner 500 is coupled. The first station 100 can include a first suction unit 110 for sucking dust from the dust container of the handheld vacuum cleaner 500 . A dust container included in the handheld cleaner 500 can be connected to the first suction unit 110 , and dust and foreign matter in the dust container can be discharged out of the dust container by a suction force acting on the first suction unit 110 .

A lower portion of the cleaner station 1 may include a second station 200 to which the robot cleaner 600 is coupled. The second station 200 may include a second suction unit 210 that sucks dust from the dust container of the robot cleaner 600 . A dust container included in the robot cleaner 600 can be connected to the second suction unit 210 , and dust and foreign matter in the dust container can be discharged out of the dust container by a suction force acting on the second suction unit 210 .

Specifically, when the handheld vacuum cleaner 500 is coupled, the portion of the handheld vacuum cleaner 500 where the dust container is located can sit on the first station 100 . In this case, the suction tube 520 can be arranged longitudinally of the cleaner station 1 . The second station 200 comprises a flat structure projecting forward from the bottom of the cleaner station 1, on which the robot cleaner 600 can be seated.

The internal structure of the cleaner station 1 for sucking dust will now be described with reference to FIG.

2a is a side cross-sectional view of the flow path structure and exhaust path P of the cleaner station 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 2b is a flow path structure of the cleaner station 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the passage structure and the exhaust path P as seen from behind; FIG.

A cleaner station 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a dust storage box 300 and a dust intake 310 . The dust storage box 300 stores the sucked dust. The dust intake port 310 discharges dust sucked by the first suction section 110 and/or the second suction section 210 . The dust storage box 300 communicates with the dust intake 310 , and the dust sucked by the first suction unit 110 and the second suction unit 210 is received in the dust storage box 300 .

A cleaner station 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a suction motor 800 that powers the dust suction.

Specifically, the suction motor 800 can be a fan motor. The suction motor 800 receives power to rotate the fan, and the airflow generated by the rotation of the fan can act to reduce the pressure inside the dust storage box 300 .

A cleaner station 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a first flow path 111 in communication with the first suction portion 110 and a second flow path 211 in communication with the second suction portion 210 . The cleaner station 1 can also include a third channel 311 where the first channel 111 and the second channel 211 meet. The third flow path 311 communicates with the dust intake 310 .

Specifically, one end of the first channel 111 communicates with the first suction unit 110 to suck dust from the handheld cleaner 500 . The other end of the first channel 111 can be connected to one end of the third channel 311 . Furthermore, one end of the second channel 211 communicates with the second suction part 210 to suck dust from the robot cleaner 600 . The other end of the second channel 211 is connected to one end of the third channel 311 . The dust sucked along the first channel 111 and the second channel 211 joins at one end of the third channel 311 . The other end of the third channel 311 communicates with the dust intake 310 , and the sucked dust passes through the dust intake 310 and is received into the dust storage box 300 .

The air P, which is sucked together to suck the dust, can be exhausted past one side of the cleaner station 1 after the contained dust has been filtered.

The first flow path 111 and the second flow path 211 according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be selectively opened and closed according to the combined state of the handheld cleaner 500 and the robot cleaner 600 .

Specifically, when the handheld cleaner 500 and the robot cleaner 600 simultaneously suck dust, the suction power of the cleaner station 1 may decrease. If sufficient suction power is not provided to the dust bin of the vacuum cleaner, dust and debris can remain in the dust bin even after the suction process is completed.

When the first channel 111 and the second channel 211, or in other words the first suction part 110 and the second suction part 210, are selectively opened and closed, the suction force provided by the suction motor 800 is directed to one side. I can concentrate. Hereinafter, the description of opening and closing the first channel 111 has the same meaning as the description of opening and closing the first suction unit 110, and can be used interchangeably. Similarly, the description of opening and closing the second channel 211 has the same meaning as the description of opening and closing the second suction part 210, and can be used interchangeably.

Specifically, when the cleaner station 1 closes the second suction part 210 to suck the dust from the handheld cleaner 500 , the air is more quickly directed from the first suction part 110 . Conversely, when the cleaner station 1 closes the first suction part 110 to suck dust from the robot cleaner 600, the air is more quickly directed from the second suction part 210. FIG.

Therefore, when only the handheld cleaner 500 is coupled, the cleaner station 1 can open the first suction part 110 and close the second suction part 210 to suck the dust of the handheld cleaner 500 . Also, when only the robot cleaner 600 is coupled, the cleaner station 1 can open the second suction part 210 and close the first suction part 110 to suck dust from the robot cleaner 600 .

Also, when both the handheld vacuum cleaner 500 and the robot cleaner 600 are combined with the cleaner station 1, the cleaner station 1 opens the first suction part 110 and closes the second suction part 210 according to the user's selection. to suck dust from the handheld cleaner 500 , or open the second suction part 210 and close the first suction part 110 to suck dust from the robot cleaner 600 .

A backflow phenomenon may occur in the process of sucking dust by the cleaner station 1 . In this case, part of the dust moving along the flow path may be discharged to the external space. Also, there is a possibility that the dust remaining in the flow path will be blown out to the external space by convection. To prevent dust from scattering in the indoor space, the cleaner station 1 can include a sealing member 350 closing the flow path.

Specifically, at least one of the dust inlet 310, the first suction unit 110, and the second suction unit 210 can include a sealing member 350 that prevents passage of dust. Seal member 350 may be made of a rubber material. The sealing member 350 of the first suction unit 110 can be opened while the handheld cleaner 500 is coupled, and the sealing member 350 of the second suction unit 210 can be opened while the robot cleaner 600 is coupled.

Also, the cleaner station 1 may include a flow path switching unit capable of opening and closing the first flow path 111 and the second flow path 211 . The diverter 400 can be installed together with the seal member 350 described above, and both components can be selectively installed according to embodiments. The configuration of the channel switching unit 400 will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 3 to 12. FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the structure of a state in which the channel switching unit 400 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure opens the first channel. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the structure of a state in which the channel switching unit 400 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure opens the second channel. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a state in which the channel switching unit 400 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure opens the first channel. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a state in which the channel switching unit 400 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure opens the second channel.

First, referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, the channel switching unit 400 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure selectively opens and closes the first channel 111 and the second channel 211 by moving back and forth, that is, sliding. can. In this case forward means the direction in which the handheld cleaner 500 or the robot cleaner 600 enters the cleaner station 1 . Also, the rear has a relative concept to the front, and in FIG. can be defined as the direction of However, depending on the design in which the first channel 111, the second channel 211, the third channel 311 and the channel switching unit 400 are arranged, the direction of movement may be changed, and thus changed. Embodiments are also within the scope of this disclosure.

The channel switching part 400 may include a housing 410 , an opening/closing part 420 , a rotating disk 430 , a microswitch 480 and a switch motor 490 .

The housing 410 can form a preset internal space by combining the upper housing 411 and the lower housing 412 . Therefore, the components of the flow switching unit 400 can be arranged in the internal space of the housing 410 without external interference.

A communication hole 421 for opening the first channel 111 may be formed in the opening/closing part 420 according to the first embodiment.

The shape of the communication hole 421 may be formed to correspond to the first channel 111 and the third channel 311 so that the first channel and the third channel can communicate with each other. For example, referring to FIG. 3, the through hole 421 is formed in a substantially circular shape to match the shape of the end of the first channel 111 . Further, when the shape of the first flow path 111 is changed, the shape of the communication hole 421 can be changed accordingly. Therefore, leakage of the gas guided from the first channel 111 to the third channel 311 can be prevented.

A catch groove 422 extending with a preset width can be formed on one side of the opening/closing part 420 . The catch groove 422 is a space into which a catch protrusion 432 of the rotary disk 430, which will be described later, is fitted and coupled, and the details thereof will be described later.

The opening/closing part 420 can be coupled to the lower housing 412 . A slide guide 413 for allowing the opening/closing part 420 coupled to the lower housing 412 to slide may be formed on one side of the lower housing 412 . The closures 420 are mated together, thereby preventing separation. Further, the opening/closing part 420 can move forward and backward while being connected to the slide guide 413 .

Referring to FIGS. 3-6, the opening/closing part 420 can slide back and forth. Specifically, when the state in which the first channel 111 is opened (FIGS. 3 and 5) is switched to the state in which the second channel 211 is opened (FIGS. 4 and 6), the opening/closing part 420 , can slide forward. Conversely, when the state in which the second channel 211 is open is switched to the state in which the first channel 111 is open, the opening/closing part 420 can slide backward. Therefore, the opening/closing part 420 can selectively open and close the first channel 111 or the second channel 211 .

In another embodiment, the through hole 421 can be formed to open the second channel 211 . In this case, the second channel 211 and the communication hole 421 can meet when the opening/closing part 420 is moved to the rear as much as possible. Therefore, the gas sucked through the second channel 211 is guided to the third channel 311 . Here, the opening/closing part can seal the first channel 111 and the third channel 311 except for the communication hole 421 .

Rotating disk 430 can change the position of opening/closing part 420 . Specifically, a rotating disk 430 can be connected to the opening/closing portion 420 to move the position of the opening/closing portion 420 forward and backward by rotation. For this purpose, the rotating disc 430 is rotatably arranged and can be rotated by the rotating force of the switch motor 490, which will be described later.

Referring to FIG. 3, rotating disc 430 can include disc body 431 and catch projections 432 .

The disc body 431 may be in the form of a disc having a substantially circular cross-section and extending to a preset height. However, in embodiments where rotation does not interfere with surrounding components, the disc body may be of another shape.

The catch protrusion 432 may be formed to protrude from the upper surface of the disk body 431 to a preset height. The catch projection 432 can fit into the catch groove 422 of the closure 420 . Thus, as the rotating disc 430 rotates, the catch projections 432 can move the closure 420 by catching and pulling the closure 420 . That is, the catch protrusion 432 can function to convert the rotary motion of the rotating disk 430 into linear motion of the opening/closing portion 420 .

Specifically, when the disk body 431 rotates, the catch protrusion 432 rotates together with the disk body 431 along the direction of rotation of the disk body 431 . In this case, since the catch protrusion 432 is coupled to the catch groove 422 , the catch protrusion can rotate in the circumferential direction of the disk body 431 and pull the opening/closing part 420 to move it. Thereby, the opening/closing part 420 can perform a linear motion, and can selectively open and close the first channel 111 and the second channel 211 .

A microswitch 480 can be arranged to determine the rotational and positional states of the open/close portion 420 and rotating disk 430 . In the embodiment of FIG. 3, microswitches can be placed on the opener 420 and the rotating disk 430 . Also, the arrangement positions of the microswitches 480 can be changed according to design changes.

The microswitch 480 can recognize the position of the opening/closing part 420 . Specifically, one end of microswitch 480 can include a cantilevered fixed handle 481 . Therefore, when the handle 481 is pressed, the position of the opening/closing portion is changed, and the microswitch 480 can recognize the change in position.

Microswitch 480 can turn on/off the power of switch motor 490, which will be described later. When the handle 481 described above is moved more than a certain distance, the microswitch 480 can power the switch motor 490 on and off.

The detailed configuration of the microswitch 480 is known to those skilled in the art, so detailed description thereof will be omitted. In other words, the microswitch 480 can be installed by selectively adopting a device that can control the power of the switch motor 490 by recognizing the position of the opening/closing part 420 . Such modified embodiments are also within the scope of the present invention.

In the first embodiment, the switch motor 490 can be installed below the lower housing 412 . Switch motor 490 is configured to provide power to move opening and closing portion 420 and may include shaft 491 and motor housing 493 .

Shaft 491 is the rotational axis of switch motor 490 and can rotate in one direction when switch motor 490 is actuated. Further, when switch motor 490 operates in the opposite direction, the shaft rotates in the other direction. In this case, one direction and the other direction can mean clockwise and counterclockwise, respectively, and vice versa.

A motor housing 493 can protect the switch motor 490 from external interference. A motor housing 493 may be coupled below the lower housing 412 . Therefore, the switch motor 490 can be installed below the lower housing.

A switch motor 490 can be coupled to the rotating disk 430 . Specifically, a shaft 491 installed on the switch motor 490 can be coupled to the rotating disk 430 . When the switch motor 490 is actuated, the shaft 491 can co-rotate the coupled rotating disk 430 while rotating.

The rotary actuation of switch motor 490 can be controlled by microswitch 480 . Specifically, the switch motor 490 can rotate in one direction, and the rotating disk 430 can rotate together to move the opening/closing part 420 . Therefore, when the position of the opening/closing part 420 reaches the one-way limit point, the catch protrusion can contact the handle of the microswitch 480 . When the microswitch 480 recognizes that pressure is being applied through the handle 481, the microswitch can determine that the switch 420 has moved to a limited area. In this case, microswitch 480 can terminate the operation of switch motor 490 . A method of controlling the switch motor 490 and the microswitch 480 to move the closure 420 in the opposite direction can be implemented as well.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6 , the first channel 111 and the second channel can selectively communicate with the third channel 311 by means of the opening/closing part 420 .

For convenience of explanation, the state of FIG. 5 can be called the open state of the first channel 111 and the state of FIG. 6 can be called the open state of the second channel 211 .

In the open state of the first flow path 111 , air containing dust is sequentially passed through the first flow path 111 and the third flow path 311 from the dust container of the handheld cleaner 500 by the suction force generated by the suction motor 800 . , to the dust storage box 300 . In this case, the opening/closing part 420 blocks the second flow path 211 and the third flow path 311 to prevent air from flowing from the second flow path 211 into the third flow path 311 .

When the second channel 211 is open, the suction force generated by the suction motor 800 allows dust-laden air to pass from the dust container 610 of the robot cleaner 600 through the second channel 211 and the third channel 311 sequentially. , is guided to the dust storage box 300 . In this case, the opening/closing part 420 blocks the first flow path 111 and the third flow path 311 to prevent air from flowing from the first flow path 111 into the third flow path 311 .

Therefore, since the first channel 111 and the second channel 211 are opened at the same time as the third channel 311, the problem that the dust removal operation is not properly performed due to insufficient suction force of the suction motor 800 can be prevented. can.

Below, FIGS. 7-12 show the flow switching unit 400 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which the channel switching unit 400 opens the first channel 111, viewed from one side. FIG. 8 is a view from one side with some components removed with the channel diverter 400 opening the first channel 111 . FIG. 9 is a view with some components removed with the channel switching unit 400 opening the first channel 111 . FIG. 10 shows a state in which the channel switching unit 400 opens the second channel 211 . FIG. 11 is a view from one side with some components removed with the channel diverter 400 opening the second channel 211 . FIG. 12 shows some components removed with the channel diverter 400 opening the second channel 211 .

7 to 12, the channel switching unit 400 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure can be selectively coupled to the first channel 111 and the second channel 211 to open and close these channels. can.

A flow path switching unit 400 according to the second embodiment can include a seal portion 450 , a link portion 460 , a link housing 470 , a microswitch 480 and a switch motor 490 .

A seal 450 can be coupled to the first channel 111 or the second channel 211 to close the channel from communication with the third channel 311 . That is, the channel switching unit 400 selectively couples the seal part 450 to the first channel 111 or the second channel 211, thereby opening the other channel to which the seal part 450 is not coupled.

The seal part 450 may be installed in a shape corresponding to cross sections of the first channel 111 and the second channel 211 so as to close the first channel 111 or the second channel 211 . That is, in order to prevent dust-laden air from flowing into the first channel 111 and the second channel 211, the seals can be provided with corresponding shapes.

One side of the seal portion 450 can be connected to a second link 462, which will be described later, and can be rotatably moved. Therefore, the seal part 450 can be positioned at the end of the first flow path 111 on the side of the third flow path 311 and positioned at the end of the second flow path 211 on the side of the third flow path 311 by rotation.

The link portion 460 is configured to change the position of the seal portion 450 and can include a first link 461 , a second link 462 and a link rod 463 .

First link 461 can be rotatably coupled to shaft 491 of switch motor 490 .

One side of the second link 462 is connected to the seal portion 450 and the other side is connected to the link rod 463 . The second link 462 can be rotatably mounted.

Link rod 463 is configured to connect between first link 461 and second link 462 . Specifically, one side of link rod 463 is coupled to first link 461 and the other side is coupled to second link 462 . Thus, when the first link 461 moves rotationally, the link rod moves with it and serves to rotate the second link 462 .

That is, when the first link 461 rotates together with the shaft 491, the link rod 463 connected to the first link 461 moves together and the second link 462 connected to the link rod 463 rotates. The second link 462 can rotate and rotate the seal portion 450 .

Components such as first link 461 and microswitch 480 are coupled to link housing 470 . Link housing 470 can function to protect the coupled components from external interference.

Link housing 470 may include partition members 471 and 472 that protrude at specific angles to set the rotation limits of first link 461 . The partition members 471 and 472 are installed as a pair to partition the rotation area of the first link 461 .

When the state of FIG. 7 changes to the state of FIG. 10, the first link 461 rotates rightward (clockwise). Here, when the first link 461 contacts the partition member 472, the first link is restricted from further rotation. Therefore, excessive rotation of the first link 461 can be prevented.

Conversely, when the state of FIG. 10 changes to the state of FIG. 7, the first link 461 rotates counterclockwise (counterclockwise). Here, the first link 461 contacts the left partition member 471 and is thereby restricted from further rotation. That is, the rotatable area of the first ring 461 can be defined as the area between the two partition members 471 and 472 .

In the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the channel switching unit 400 can include a microswitch 480 and a switch motor 490. Since the basic configuration has been described in the first embodiment, a different arrangement will be described. Other descriptions can replace the description of the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the microswitch 480 can be installed in the interior space of the link housing 470 . Microswitches comprising a pair of microswitches 480 can be arranged at a preset angle to each other. Also, the microswitch 480 can be coupled to the switch motor 490 .

A contact end 464 connected to the first link 461 can contact the handle 481 of the microswitch 480 . The microswitch 480 can turn on/off the power of the switch motor 490 when the position of the handle is moved beyond the reference position by the contact edge 464 . Accordingly, rotation of the link portion 460 starts or ends.

Switch motor 490 can have shaft 492 and motor housing 493 .

A shaft 492 is coupled to the first link 461 and can rotate when the switch motor 490 is actuated. Therefore, the first link 461 can rotate in the circumferential direction of the shaft 492 .

Motor housing 493 can be coupled to link housing 470 . An open area with a preset width can exist in the area where the link housing 470 and the motor housing 493 are coupled. Through this open area, the first link 461 and shaft 492 can be coupled.

In particular, the structure in which the flow paths are switched in the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described by comparing FIGS. 8 and 11. FIG.

For convenience of explanation, the state of FIG. 8 can be called the open state of the first channel 111 and the state of FIG. 11 can be called the open state of the second channel 211 .

In the open state of the first flow path 111 , dust-laden air is discharged from the dust containers 511 and 512 of the handheld vacuum cleaner 500 by the suction force generated by the suction motor 800 , sequentially through the first flow path 111 and the third flow path. 311 and guided to dust storage box 300 . In this case, the seal part 450 may be coupled to the second channel 211 to block the second channel 211 and the third channel 311 . Therefore, air is prevented from flowing into the third flow path 311 from the second flow path 211 .

In the open state of the second flow path 211 , the suction force generated by the suction motor 800 causes the air containing dust to flow from the dust container 610 of the robot cleaner 600 to the second flow path 211 and the third flow path 311 in sequence. and guided to the dust storage box 300 . In this case, the opening/closing part 420 blocks the first flow path 111 and the third flow path 311 to prevent air from flowing from the first flow path 111 to the third flow path 311 .

On the other hand, the power source of handheld vacuum cleaner 500 can have a horizontal cyclone structure. Also, the dust container of the handheld cleaner 500 may have a structure in which the first dust container 511 and the second dust container 512 are installed on both sides of the suction tube 520, respectively.

In the following, an embodiment of the cleaner station 1 to which a handheld cleaner 500 with two different dust containers is combined will be described with reference to FIG.

13a and 13b are perspective views showing a structure in which a handheld vacuum cleaner 500 including a first dust container 511 and a second dust container 512 is combined with the first station 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

The first station 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure can include a separate space in which the suction tube 520 of the handheld vacuum cleaner 500 can be placed. In the first station 100, the first dust container 511 and the second dust container 512 can be installed at both ends of the part where the separation space is located. A suction tube 520 can also be seated in the separation space, ie between the first dust container 511 and the second dust container 512 .

Furthermore, both ends of the separation space located at the first station 100 can include a first suction part 110 . The first suction units 110 installed at both ends of the first station 100 can suck dust inside the first dust container 511 and the second dust container 512, respectively.

The first station 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure can include a separate space in which the suction tube 520 of the handheld vacuum cleaner 500 can be located. In the first station 100, both ends of the part where the separation space is located include a first holder 121 and a second holder 122, on which the hand-held cleaners can be placed. The first holder 121 and the second holder 122 can be arranged to be separated from each other by a preset distance. When the handheld vacuum cleaner 500 is coupled, the first dust container 511 sits on the first holder 121 and the second dust container 512 sits on the second holder 122 . A suction tube 520 can be seated between the separation spaces.

Furthermore, each of the first holder 121 and the second holder 122 can include the first suction part 110 . The first suction units 110 installed at both ends of the first station 100 can suck dust inside the first dust container 511 and the second dust container 512, respectively.

The first channel 111 according to embodiments of the present disclosure can have a Y-shaped configuration. One end of the Y-shaped first channel 111 may be connected to the first suction units 110 installed on both sides of the separation space included in the first station 100 . The other end of the first channel 111 can be connected to the third channel 311 . Dust sucked by each end of the Y-shaped first channel 111 can flow along one channel, be discharged from the first channel 111 , and flow along the third channel 311 . can.

Furthermore, the ends of the first channel 111 having a Y shape can be connected to the first suction parts 110 installed in the first holder 121 and the second holder 122, respectively. The other end of the first channel 111 can be connected to the third channel 311 . Dust sucked by each end of the Y-shaped first channel 111 can flow along one channel, be discharged from the first channel 111, and flow along the third channel 311. can.

Referring to FIG. 5, in other embodiments, the first channel 111 can be substantially linear or streamlined. In this case, one end of the first channel 111 can be connected to the first suction part 110 and the other end can be connected to the third channel 311 .

A cleaner station 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a first processor 112 and a second processor 212 . The first processor 112 and the second processor 212 may be installed at the same time according to an embodiment, or only one of them may be selectively installed.

In the process of the cleaner station 1 sucking dust from the dust bin of a handheld or robotic vacuum cleaner, a foreign object residue problem can occur. Hygiene problems, such as microbial growth or aesthetic problems where foreign objects are visible to the user, can therefore arise.

Specifically, fine dust may remain without being sucked into the first suction unit 110 from the dust containers 511 and 512 of the handheld cleaner 500 . Furthermore, foreign objects such as long hairs or threads can also become trapped and remain between the first suction part 110 and the dust containers 511 and 512 . Therefore, there may be problems with the covers of the dust bins 511 and 512 not closing properly.

Also, fine dust may remain without being sucked from the dust container 610 of the robot cleaner 600 to the second suction unit 212 . Additionally, foreign objects, such as long hairs or threads, can remain trapped between the second suction portion 212 and the dust bin 610 of the robot vacuum cleaner 600 .

A first processor 112 and a second processor 212 can be installed in the first suction unit 110 and the second suction unit 210 to remove such dust or foreign matter.

In one embodiment, the first processor 112 and the second processor 212 can be provided in the form of blades. In this embodiment, the first processor 112 and the second processor 212 are installed to be movable up and down to cut long foreign matter. Therefore, the cut foreign matter can be easily processed by the first suction unit and the second suction unit.

In another embodiment, the first processor 112 and the second processor 212 can be configured in the form of saw blades. In this embodiment, the foreign matter can pass through the first processor and the second processor by suction and be cut or broken up.

Hereinafter, the structure of the cleaner station 1 sucking dust and exhausting the sucked air will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 14a is a cross-sectional rear view of the flow path structure of cleaner station 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 14b is a cross-sectional rear view of the cleaner station 1 including a first channel 111 having a Y-shaped configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

A cleaner station 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a suction motor 800 for suctioning dust-laden air. The suction motor 800 can apply a suction force to the first suction section 110 and/or the second suction section 210 through the channel.

Specifically, the suction motor 800 can create a low pressure inside the dust storage box 300 . When the suction motor 800 is activated with the handheld vacuum cleaner 500 and/or the robotic vacuum cleaner 600 coupled, a relatively high pressure is created within the vacuum cleaner's dust container and a relatively low pressure is applied to the dust. formed within a storage box 300; Due to the pressure difference, the dust and foreign matter present in the dust container can move along the flow path into the dust storage box 300 .

A cleaner station 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include an exhaust 900 for exhausting filtered air. Outside air is led into the dust storage box 300 when the suction motor 800 sucks dust. Therefore, it is necessary to install an exhaust unit 900 for exhausting the air after the dust contained in the sucked air is removed. The exhaust section 900 can serve as a passageway for the air drawn into the cleaner station 1 to be exhausted to the outside. Air drawn by a vacuum cleaner may contain a high concentration of fine dust. Such fine dust may not be received in the dust storage box 300 and may pass through the exhaust section 900 and be discharged to the outside of the cleaner station 1 . Therefore, in the cleaner station 1 , a dust filtering member can be installed in the exhaust path P through which the fluid flows from the dust storage box 300 to the exhaust section 900 .

Specifically, a filter that adopts a method of filtering dust by applying a microfiber structure and/or a filter that adopts a method of collecting dust on a dust collection plate by charging the dust is used to remove dust. It can be used as a filtering member. Also, a filter for filtering dust can be installed in the suction motor 800 or in the exhaust section 900 .

A structure in which the dust storage box 300 is installed in the cleaner station 1 will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 15a is a side view showing the dust storage box 300 coupled inside the cleaner station 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 15b is a perspective view showing the interior space of the cleaner station 1 to which the dust storage box 300 is coupled according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

One side of the cleaner station 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure can include an openable area 360 that includes a space therein to which the dust storage box 300 can be coupled. When the opening/closing area 360 is opened and closed, the dust storage box 300 can be coupled inside the cleaner station 1 or the dust storage box 300 can be removed from inside the cleaner station 1 .

The structures of the dust storage box 300 and the dust bag 340 will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 16a is a cross-sectional view that schematically illustrates the structure of a dust storage box 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16b is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of a dust bag 340 coupled to the dust storage box 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

A dust storage box 300 according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be in communication with the dust intake 310 . The first suction unit 110 and the second suction unit 210 suck dust, and the sucked dust flows along the first flow path 111 and the second flow path 211, respectively, and then flows through one of the third flow paths 311. collected at the ends. The other end of the third channel 311 communicates with the dust intake 310 , and the sucked dust is discharged from the third channel 311 and passes through the dust intake 310 into the dust storage box 300 . Move to The moved dust is stored in the dust storage box 300 .

A dust storage box 300 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a dust bag 340 therein. During the process of opening the dust storage box 300 and shaking off the dust in the dust storage box, the dust may scatter to the outside. In this case, the user may inhale dust-laden air when removing the dust from the dust storage box 300, and the dust may be introduced into the human body.

Therefore, a dust bag 340 is installed in the dust storage box 300 , and the dust bag 340 can filter the air passing through the dust intake 310 . The filtered dust is stored in dust bag 340 . When the user wants to remove the dust in the dust storage box 300 , the user can tie or seal the dust bag 340 and then open the dust storage box 300 . In this case, the dust does not scatter to the outside of the dust bag 340, so the dust can be cleanly removed.

Additionally, the dust bag 340 can have a fine or vinyl material that prevents fine dust from passing through.

Embodiments of the cleaner station 1 including a charger are described below.

A cleaner station 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a first charger to power the handheld cleaner 500 and a second charger to power the robotic cleaner 600 . In addition, the cleaner station 1 can be connected to an outlet through which power can be supplied through wires to power the first charger and the second charger.

Specifically, the first charger is installed at the first station 100 . The first charger can supply power to the battery of the handheld vacuum cleaner 500 when the handheld vacuum cleaner 500 is coupled. Additionally, a second charger is installed at the second station 200 . The second charger can supply power to the battery of the robot cleaner 600 when the robot cleaner 600 is coupled.

As mentioned above, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. As can be seen from the claims, the invention can be modified by those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains, and such modifications are within the scope of the invention.

Claims (17)

A cleaner station compatible with hand-held vacuum cleaners and robotic vacuum cleaners, said cleaner station comprising:
a first station disposed above the cleaner station and coupled with the handheld cleaner;
a second station disposed below the cleaner station and coupled with the robot cleaner;
a first suction unit installed in the first station for sucking dust from a dust container of the handheld vacuum cleaner;
a second suction unit installed in the second station for sucking dust from a dust container of the robot cleaner;
a dust storage box for receiving the dust, including a dust intake through which the dust sucked by the first suction unit and the second suction unit flows;
a suction motor for sucking dust past at least one of the first suction section and the second suction section. a first flow path communicating with the first suction unit;
a second flow path that communicates with the second suction unit;
2. The cleaner station of claim 1, including a third channel where said first channel and said second channel meet and communicate with said dust intake. 3. The cleaner station as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a channel switching unit for selectively opening and closing the first channel and the second channel according to the combined state of the handheld cleaner and the robot cleaner. said first station comprising a separate space in which a suction tube is arranged;
3. The cleaner station of claim 2, wherein a first dust container and a second dust container installed on both sides of the suction tube of the handheld cleaner are coupled to both ends of the first station. both ends of the first station each include the first suction part;
5. The cleaner station of claim 4, wherein said first channel comprises a Y-shaped channel, the ends of which are respectively connected to said first suctions located at opposite ends of said first station. the dust storage box is in communication with the dust intake and includes a detachable dust bag;
2. The cleaner station of claim 1, wherein said dust bag includes a filter for filtering dust from air directed into said dust intake. 2. The cleaner station of claim 1, further comprising an exhaust for exhausting dust-filtered air. 2. The cleaner station of claim 1, wherein the dust storage box includes a space to which one side is opened and closed. 2. The cleaner station of claim 1, wherein at least one of said dust intake, said first suction and said second suction includes a sealing member. a first charger that supplies power to the handheld vacuum cleaner;
2. The cleaner station of claim 1, including a second charger for supplying power to the robotic vacuum cleaner. the flow path switching unit includes a slidably movable opening and closing unit having a flow hole,
4. The cleaner according to claim 3, wherein when the first flow path is open, the opening/closing part is arranged such that the communication hole is positioned between the first flow path and the third flow path. station. 12. The cleaner station of claim 11, wherein said through hole is formed to correspond to an end of said first channel. When the second channel is opened, the opening/closing part is arranged such that the position of the communication hole moves in one direction away from between the first channel and the third channel. 12. The cleaner station of claim 11. the flow path switching unit,
a seal portion selectively coupled to the first channel and the second channel to close the channel;
a link portion connected to the seal portion to rotate the seal portion;
4. The cleaner station of claim 3, wherein the seal is formed with a cross-section that is larger than the cross-sections of the ends of the first and second flow paths. 15. The cleaner station of claim 14, wherein said seal remains coupled to one of said first flow path and said second flow path during operation of said suction motor. the flow path switching unit,
a link housing to which the link portion is fixedly coupled;
a switch motor that provides power to rotate the seal;
15. The cleaner station of claim 14, wherein said seal portion includes at least one partition member defining a rotatable area of said link portion. further comprising a second processor for processing the foreign matter sucked by the second suction unit;
2. The cleaner station of claim 1, wherein said second processor is formed in the form of a blade or saw blade capable of cutting long foreign objects.

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