JP7472316B2 - Cleaner Station - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a cleaner station, and in particular to a cleaner station that has the function of sucking up dust by simultaneously combining a handheld vacuum cleaner and a robotic vacuum cleaner.

Generally, a vacuum cleaner holder can be used to store a cordless vacuum cleaner. A cordless vacuum cleaner is driven by using the power of a built-in battery. In accordance with this characteristic, it is common to use a holder that can charge the battery power when the cordless vacuum cleaner is installed.

Cordless vacuum cleaners include handheld vacuum cleaners and robot vacuum cleaners. In the case of a handheld vacuum cleaner, the user holds the handle and moves it directly to suck up dust or foreign objects on the floor. A robot vacuum cleaner performs autonomous cleaning while moving based on preset movement information or movement information collected by a sensor.

After cleaning by operating the vacuum cleaner, the user must remove the dust and foreign objects that the vacuum cleaner has sucked up. In the process of separating the dust bin from the vacuum cleaner or carrying the vacuum cleaner outside to remove the dust, the user is exposed to the fine dust that is scattered again from the dust bin.

Furthermore, handheld vacuum cleaners are generally sold as separate products from robot vacuum cleaners. 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 each holder, and the space occupied by the holder increases. As a result, inconvenience occurs.

The present invention includes a cleaner station that can combine a handheld vacuum cleaner and a robot vacuum cleaner simultaneously. The dust sucked by the two different appliances can be managed by using one dust storage box.

Also, different cleaner stations can be integrated into one cleaner station to improve space efficiency and make cleaner station installation more convenient.

In addition, multiple flow paths can be selectively opened and closed, thereby preventing dust scattering and improving cleaning efficiency.

To achieve the above objective, the cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can have a structure that allows a handheld vacuum cleaner and a robotic vacuum cleaner to be simultaneously coupled.

The cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a station to which the handheld vacuum cleaner and the robotic vacuum cleaner can be respectively coupled. The handheld vacuum cleaner can be coupled to an upper portion of the cleaner station, and the robotic vacuum cleaner can be coupled to a lower portion of the cleaner station.

The cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure allows the handheld vacuum cleaner and the robotic vacuum cleaner to be coupled to the cleaner station. The cleaner station may include a first station disposed at an upper portion of the cleaner station and coupled to the handheld vacuum cleaner, and a second station disposed at a lower portion of the cleaner station and coupled to the robotic vacuum cleaner. The first station may include a first suction unit that sucks dust from a dust bin of the handheld vacuum cleaner. The second station may include a second suction unit that sucks dust from a dust bin of the robotic vacuum cleaner.

The cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a dust intake port through which the dust sucked by the first suction unit and the second suction unit flows, and may include a dust storage box that receives the dust sucked by the first suction unit and the second suction unit.

The cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a suction motor that sucks dust through at least one of the first suction section and the second suction section.

The cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first flow path communicating with the first suction section, a second flow path communicating with the second suction section, and a third flow path in which the first flow path and the second flow path join together and communicate with the dust intake port.

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

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

According to an embodiment, the first suction units can be positioned at both ends of the first station. The first dust container and the second dust container included in the handheld vacuum cleaner can be coupled to the location where the first suction units are located.

The first flow path may also include a Y-shaped flow path. Both ends of the Y-shaped flow path may be installed in the first suction section to which the first dust container and the second dust container are connected.

The dust storage box of the cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can include a removable dust bag. The dust bag can be in fluid communication with the dust intake. The dust bag can include a filter to filter dust from air directed into the dust intake. The dust bag can store the filtered dust therein.

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

Furthermore, within the opening and closing area installed on one side of the cleaner station, the cleaner station may include a space that can be connected to the dust storage box.

According to an embodiment, at least one of the dust intake, the first suction section, and the second suction section may include a sealing member.

The cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first charger that supplies power to the handheld vacuum cleaner and a second charger that supplies power to the robotic vacuum cleaner.

On the other hand, the flow path switching unit of the cleaner station according to the first embodiment may include an opening/closing unit that includes a flow hole and is slidably movable. When the first flow path is open, the opening/closing unit may be positioned such that the flow hole is located between the first flow path and the third flow path.

In this case, the flow hole can be formed to correspond to the end of the first flow path.

On the other hand, when the second flow path is open, the opening/closing section can be positioned so that the position of the flow hole moves in one direction away from between the first flow path and the third flow path.

Meanwhile, the flow path switching unit of the cleaner station according to the second embodiment may include a seal portion selectively coupled to the first flow path and the second flow path to close the flow paths, and a link portion connected to the seal portion to rotate the seal portion. The seal portion may be formed to have a cross section larger than the cross sections of the ends of the first flow path and the second flow path.

In this case, the seal portion can remain connected to either the first flow path or the second flow path while the suction motor is operating.

The flow path switching unit may further include a link housing to which the link unit is fixedly coupled, and a switch motor to supply power for rotating the seal unit. The seal unit may include at least one partition member that sets a rotatable region of the link unit.

Meanwhile, the cleaner station may further include a second processor for processing the foreign objects sucked by the second suction unit. The second processor may be formed in the form of a blade or saw blade capable of cutting long foreign objects.

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

The cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is characterized in that it can simultaneously accommodate a handheld vacuum cleaner and a robotic vacuum cleaner. This allows the handheld vacuum cleaner and the robotic vacuum cleaner to be charged with one power source. Also, two different holders can be integrated into one holder to maximize space efficiency and improve installation convenience.

The cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present disclosure also has the advantage that it automatically sucks up and stores the vacuum cleaner dust by using the suction unit. The user does not need to directly empty the vacuum cleaner dust bin. In the process of emptying the dust bin, the user is not exposed to dust scattered towards the user.

Additionally, a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure allows a user to manage different dust bins contained in a handheld vacuum cleaner and a robotic vacuum cleaner with a single device.

In addition, the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present disclosure seals the sucked foreign objects and dust in a holder and provides it to the user. This allows the user to conveniently remove the dust from inside the vacuum cleaner.

Additionally, a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can preferentially remove dust from either a handheld vacuum cleaner or a robotic vacuum cleaner, thereby improving the efficiency of emptying the dust bin.

In addition, the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can prevent dust from being scattered again by closing the flow path of the other during the process of removing dust from either the handheld vacuum cleaner or the robot vacuum cleaner.

Additionally, the cleaner station according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can provide an aesthetic appearance to users by disposing of long debris trapped in the bins of handheld and robotic vacuum cleaners.

FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a handheld vacuum cleaner and a robotic vacuum cleaner coupled with a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 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 coupled 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 a structure of a flow path switching unit according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure in a state in which the flow path switching unit opens the first flow path. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a structure in a state in which the flow path switching unit according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure opens the second flow path. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the flow path switching unit according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure in a state where the first flow path is opened. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the flow path switching unit according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure in a state where the flow path switching unit opens the second flow path. FIG. 7 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 first flow path, as viewed from one side. FIG. 8 is a side view of a flow path switching unit according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure with the first flow path open, with some components removed, as viewed from one side. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a flow path switching unit according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure with some components removed in a state in which the first flow path is opened. FIG. 10 is a side view from one side showing a state in which the flow path switching unit according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure opens the second flow path. FIG. 11 is a side view of a flow path switching unit according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure with the second flow path open and with some components removed. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a flow path switching unit according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure with some components removed and with the second flow path open. FIG. 13a is a perspective view illustrating a configuration in which a handheld vacuum cleaner including a first dust bin and a second dust bin is coupled with a first station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13b is a perspective view illustrating a configuration in which a handheld vacuum cleaner including a first dust bin and a second dust bin is coupled with a first station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14a is a cross-sectional rear view of a flow path structure of a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14b is a cross-sectional rear view of a cleaner station including a first flow path with a Y-shape configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 15a is a side view illustrating a dust storage box according to an embodiment of the present disclosure being coupled inside a cleaner station. FIG. 15b is a perspective view showing an 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 that diagrammatically illustrates the structure of a dust storage box according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16b is a cross-sectional view that diagrammatically illustrates a structure of a dust bag coupled to 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 can be clearly understood and realized.

In this process, the size or shape of the components shown in the figures may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of explanation. Furthermore, terms specifically defined in the verification of the configuration and operation of this 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-mentioned terms. The terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another component. For example, a first component can be designated as a second component without departing from the scope of the rights according to the concept of the present invention. Similarly, a second component can be designated as a first component. "And/or" includes a combination of the associated items or one of them.

Terms should be defined and understood based on the explanations given throughout this specification.

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

Below, we will describe the cleaner station 1 that can be combined with a handheld vacuum cleaner 500 and a robot vacuum cleaner 600.

A vacuum cleaner is a device that sucks up dust from the floor or hard-to-reach places using components such as pipes. A vacuum cleaner includes a motor and a bin. The rotating motor creates a vacuum inside the bin so that the pressure inside the bin is less than the pressure outside the bin, allowing foreign objects such as dust to be sucked in by the pressure difference.

Vacuum cleaners can be divided into handheld vacuum cleaners 500, which are held by the user and moved around to clean floors, etc., and robotic vacuum cleaners 600, which automatically set a path and perform cleaning. Both types of vacuum cleaners have a dust container and a battery inside, and the user must separate the dust container from each vacuum cleaner and remove the dust inside the dust container.

The handheld vacuum cleaner 500 and the robot vacuum cleaner 600 can be charged using a holder connected to a power source. It is common for each device to use a different charging holder. The charging holder must be connected to a power source and takes up space. Therefore, if one or more holders are installed in one home, the efficiency of space usage decreases and multiple power sources are required.

The cleaner station 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has the function of being simultaneously coupled to two types of vacuum cleaners. By using this, different types of vacuum cleaners can be charged simultaneously with only one power source. It can also increase the space usage efficiency.

The cleaner station 1 has a flow path structure and a dust storage box 300 therein, so that the internal material of the dust bins included in each vacuum cleaner can be sucked. At least one dust bin included in different types of vacuum cleaners can be managed by using one dust bin 300.

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

Figure 1a is a perspective view of a cleaner station 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which a handheld vacuum cleaner 500 and a robotic vacuum cleaner 600 are combined. Figure 1b is a front view of a cleaner station 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which a handheld vacuum cleaner 500 and a robotic vacuum cleaner 600 are combined. Figure 1c is a side view of a cleaner station 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which a handheld vacuum cleaner 500 and a robotic vacuum cleaner 600 are combined.

The cleaner station 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be adapted to couple a handheld vacuum cleaner 500 and a robotic vacuum cleaner 600 to the cleaner station. Specifically, only one of the handheld vacuum cleaner 500 and the robotic vacuum cleaner 600 can be coupled to the cleaner station 1, or the two types of vacuum cleaners can be coupled to the cleaner station simultaneously.

The upper part of the cleaner station 1 may include a first station 100 to which a handheld vacuum cleaner 500 is coupled. The first station 100 may include a first suction unit 110 that sucks dust from a dust container of the handheld vacuum cleaner 500. The dust container included in the handheld vacuum cleaner 500 may be connected to the first suction unit 110, and dust and foreign objects in the dust container may be discharged out of the dust container by the suction force acting on the first suction unit 110.

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

Specifically, when the handheld vacuum cleaner 500 is connected, the portion of the handheld vacuum cleaner 500 where the dust bin is located can be seated on the first station 100. In this case, the suction tube 520 can be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the cleaner station 1. The second station 200 includes a flat structure that protrudes forward from the bottom of the cleaner station 1, and the robot vacuum cleaner 600 can be seated thereon.

Below, the internal structure of the cleaner station 1 for sucking up dust will be described with reference to Figure 2.

Figure 2a is a cross-sectional side view of the flow path structure and exhaust path P of a cleaner station 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2b is a cross-sectional rear view of the flow path structure and exhaust path P of a cleaner station 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The cleaner station 1 according to an embodiment 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 310 discharges the dust sucked by the first suction unit 110 and/or the second suction unit 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 an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a suction motor 800 that provides power to suck up dust.

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

The cleaner station 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first flow path 111 that communicates with the first suction section 110 and a second flow path 211 that communicates with the second suction section 210. The cleaner station 1 may further include a third flow path 311 where the first flow path 111 and the second flow path 211 join together. The third flow path 311 communicates with the dust intake port 310.

Specifically, one end of the first flow path 111 communicates with the first suction unit 110 to suck up dust from the handheld vacuum cleaner 500. The other end of the first flow path 111 can be connected to one end of the third flow path 311. Furthermore, one end of the second flow path 211 communicates with the second suction unit 210 to suck up dust from the robot vacuum cleaner 600. The other end of the second flow path 211 is connected to one end of the third flow path 311. The dust sucked along the first flow path 111 and the second flow path 211 joins at one end of the third flow path 311. The other end of the third flow path 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 that is sucked in to suck up the dust can be exhausted through one side of the cleaner station 1 after the dust contained therein has been filtered out.

The first flow path 111 and the second flow path 211 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can be selectively opened and closed depending on the connection state of the handheld vacuum cleaner 500 and the robot vacuum cleaner 600.

Specifically, when the handheld vacuum cleaner 500 and the robotic vacuum cleaner 600 simultaneously suck up dust, the suction power of the cleaner station 1 may be reduced. If sufficient suction power is not provided to the vacuum cleaner's dust bin, dust and foreign objects may remain in the dust bin even after the suction process is completed.

When the first flow path 111 and the second flow path 211, or in other words the first suction unit 110 and the second suction unit 210, are selectively opened and closed, the suction force provided by the suction motor 800 can be concentrated on one side. Hereinafter, the description of the opening and closing of the first flow path 111 has the same meaning as the description of the opening and closing of the first suction unit 110, and can be used interchangeably. Similarly, the description of the opening and closing of the second flow path 211 has the same meaning as the description of the opening and closing of the second suction unit 210, and can be used interchangeably.

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

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

In addition, when both the handheld vacuum cleaner 500 and the robotic vacuum cleaner 600 are combined with the cleaner station 1, the cleaner station 1 can, according to the user's choice, either open the first suction part 110 and close the second suction part 210 to suck up dust from the handheld vacuum cleaner 500, or open the second suction part 210 and close the first suction part 110 to suck up dust from the robotic vacuum cleaner 600.

The backflow phenomenon may occur when the cleaner station 1 is sucking in dust. In this case, some of the dust moving along the flow path may be discharged to the external space. Also, dust remaining in the flow path may be blown out to the external space by convection. To prevent dust from scattering in the indoor space, the cleaner station 1 may include a sealing member 350 that closes the flow path.

Specifically, at least one of the dust inlet 310, the first suction unit 110 and the second suction unit 210 may include a seal member 350 that prevents dust from passing through. The seal member 350 may be made of a rubber material. When the handheld vacuum cleaner 500 is connected, the seal member 350 of the first suction unit 110 may be opened, and when the robot vacuum cleaner 600 is connected, the seal member 350 of the second suction unit 210 may be opened.

The cleaner station 1 may also include a flow path switching unit that can open and close the first flow path 111 and the second flow path 211. The flow path switching unit 400 may be installed together with the sealing member 350 described above, and both components may be selectively installed according to the embodiment. The configuration of the flow path switching unit 400 will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 3 to 12.

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

First, referring to FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, the flow path switching unit 400 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure can selectively open and close the first flow path 111 and the second flow path 211 by moving or sliding back and forth. In this case, the front means the direction in which the handheld vacuum cleaner 500 or the robot vacuum cleaner 600 enters the cleaner station 1. Also, the rear has a relative concept to the front, and can be defined as the direction from the position where the flow path switching unit 400 is connected to the second flow path to the position where the flow path switching unit 400 is connected to the first flow path 111 in FIG. 3. However, the direction of movement may be changed depending on the design in which the first flow path 111, the second flow path 211, the third flow path 311, and the flow path switching unit 400 are arranged, and such changed embodiments are also included in the scope of the present disclosure.

The flow path switching unit 400 may include a housing 410, an opening/closing unit 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 path switching unit 400 can be placed in the internal space of the housing 410 without external interference.

A communication hole 421 for opening the first flow path 111 can be formed in the opening/closing section 420 according to the first embodiment.

The shape of the flow hole 421 can be formed to correspond to the first flow path 111 and the third flow path 311 so that the first flow path and the third flow path can flow mutually. For example, referring to FIG. 3, the flow hole 421 is formed in an approximately circular shape to match the shape of the end of the first flow path 111. Also, if the shape of the first flow path 111 is changed, the shape of the flow hole 421 can be changed accordingly. Therefore, leakage of gas guided from the first flow path 111 to the third flow path 311 can be prevented.

A catch groove 422 that is opened and extends to a preset width can be formed on one side of the opening/closing part 420. The catch groove 422 is a space into which the catch protrusion 432 of the rotating disk 430, which will be described later, fits and is coupled, and details thereof will be described later.

The opening/closing part 420 can be coupled to the lower housing 412. A slide guide 413 that allows the opening/closing part 420 coupled to the lower housing 412 to slide can be formed on one side of the lower housing 412. The opening/closing part 420 is coupled while being fitted together, thereby preventing separation. Also, the opening/closing part 420 can move back and forth while being coupled to the slide guide 413.

Referring to Figures 3 to 6, the opening/closing unit 420 can slide forward and backward. Specifically, when the state in which the first flow path 111 is open (Figures 3 and 5) is switched to the state in which the second flow path 211 is open (Figures 4 and 6), the opening/closing unit 420 can slide forward. Conversely, when the state in which the second flow path 211 is open is switched to the state in which the first flow path 111 is open, the opening/closing unit 420 can slide backward. Therefore, the opening/closing unit 420 can selectively open and close the first flow path 111 or the second flow path 211.

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

The rotating disk 430 can change the position of the opening/closing unit 420. Specifically, the rotating disk 430 can be connected to the opening/closing unit 420 in order to move the position of the opening/closing unit 420 forward and backward by rotation. For this purpose, the rotating disk 430 is rotatably arranged and can be rotated by the rotational force of the switch motor 490, which will be described later.

Referring to FIG. 3, the rotating disk 430 may include a disk body 431 and a catch protrusion 432.

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

The catch protrusion 432 can be formed to protrude from the upper surface of the disk body 431 to a preset height. The catch protrusion 432 can be fitted into the catch groove 422 of the opening/closing part 420. Therefore, when the rotating disk 430 rotates, the catch protrusion 432 can move the opening/closing part 420 by capturing and pulling the opening/closing part 420. That is, the catch protrusion 432 can function to convert the rotational motion of the rotating disk 430 into the linear motion of the opening/closing part 420.

Specifically, when the disk body 431 rotates, the catch protrusion 432 rotates together with the disk body 431 in the rotational direction of the disk body 431. In this case, since the catch protrusion 432 is coupled to the catch groove 422, the catch protrusion can pull and move the opening/closing part 420 while rotating in the circumferential direction of the disk body 431. This allows the opening/closing part 420 to perform linear motion and further selectively open and close the first flow path 111 and the second flow path 211.

The microswitch 480 can be positioned to determine the rotation and position state of the opening/closing portion 420 and the rotating disk 430. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the microswitch can be installed on the opening/closing portion 420 and the rotating disk 430. Also, the arrangement position of the microswitch 480 can be changed according to design changes.

The microswitch 480 can recognize the position of the opening/closing unit 420. Specifically, one end of the microswitch 480 can include a cantilever-shaped fixed handle 481. Thus, when the handle 481 is pressed, the position of the opening/closing unit is changed, and the microswitch 480 can recognize the change in position.

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

The detailed configuration of the microswitch 480 is known to those skilled in the art, so a 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. The switch motor 490 is configured to supply power to move the opening/closing unit 420, and can include a shaft 491 and a motor housing 493.

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

The motor housing 493 can protect the switch motor 490 from external interference. The motor housing 493 can be coupled to the lower part of the lower housing 412. Thus, the switch motor 490 can be installed below the lower housing.

The switch motor 490 can be coupled to the rotating disk 430. Specifically, a shaft 491 installed in the switch motor 490 can be coupled to the rotating disk 430. When the switch motor 490 is actuated, the shaft 491 can rotate together with the coupled rotating disk 430 while rotating.

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

Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the first flow path 111 and the second flow path can be selectively connected to the third flow path 311 by the opening and closing portion 420.

For ease of explanation, the state in FIG. 5 can be referred to as the open state of the first flow path 111, and the state in FIG. 6 can be referred to as the open state of the second flow path 211.

When the first flow path 111 is open, the suction force generated by the suction motor 800 guides dust-containing air from the dust container of the handheld vacuum cleaner 500 through the first flow path 111 and the third flow path 311 in sequence to the dust storage box 300. In this case, the opening/closing unit 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 flow path 211 is open, the suction force generated by the suction motor 800 allows air containing dust to pass through the second flow path 211 and the third flow path 311 sequentially from the dust container 610 of the robot vacuum cleaner 600 and be guided to the dust storage box 300. In this case, the opening and 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, the first flow path 111 and the second flow path 211 are opened at the same time as the third flow path 311, which prevents the problem of dust removal not being performed accurately due to insufficient suction power of the suction motor 800.

Below, Figures 7 to 12 show a flow path switching unit 400 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 7 is a view from one side of the flow path switching unit 400 opening the first flow path 111. Figure 8 is a view from one side of the flow path switching unit 400 opening the first flow path 111 with some components removed. Figure 9 is a view from one side of the flow path switching unit 400 opening the first flow path 111 with some components removed. Figure 10 shows the flow path switching unit 400 opening the second flow path 211. Figure 11 is a view from one side of the flow path switching unit 400 opening the second flow path 211 with some components removed. Figure 12 shows the flow path switching unit 400 opening the second flow path 211 with some components removed.

Referring to Figures 7 to 12, a flow path switching unit 400 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure can be selectively coupled to the first flow path 111 and the second flow path 211, and can open and close these flow paths.

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

The seal portion 450 can be coupled to the first flow path 111 or the second flow path 211 to close the flow path so that it does not communicate with the third flow path 311. That is, the flow path switching portion 400 selectively couples the seal portion 450 to the first flow path 111 or the second flow path 211, thereby opening the other flow path to which the seal portion 450 is not coupled.

The sealing portion 450 can be installed in a shape corresponding to the cross-section of the first flow path 111 and the second flow path 211 so as to close the first flow path 111 or the second flow path 211. That is, the sealing portion can be installed in a corresponding shape to prevent dust-containing air from flowing into the first flow path 111 and the second flow path 211.

One side of the seal unit 450 can be connected to a second link 462 (described later) and can move in a rotational manner. Therefore, the seal unit 450 can be positioned at the end of the first flow path 111 on the third flow path 311 side, and at the end of the second flow path 211 on the third flow path 311 side, 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.

The first link 461 can be rotatably coupled to the shaft 491 of the 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 installed rotatably.

The link rod 463 is configured to connect between the first link 461 and the second link 462. Specifically, one side of the link rod 463 is coupled to the first link 461, and the other side is coupled to the second link 462. Thus, when the first link 461 moves in a rotational manner, the link rod moves together and functions 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 rotates, and can rotate the seal portion 450.

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

The link housing 470 can include partition members 471 and 472 that protrude at a specific angle to set the rotation limit of the first link 461. The partition members 471 and 472 are installed in pairs 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 to the right (clockwise). Here, when the first link 461 comes into contact with the partition member 472, the first link is restricted from rotating any further. Therefore, the first link 461 can be prevented from rotating excessively.

Conversely, when the state of FIG. 10 changes to the state of FIG. 7, the first link 461 rotates left (counterclockwise). Here, the first link 461 comes into contact with 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 flow path switching unit 400 can include a microswitch 480 and a switch motor 490. The basic configuration has been described in the first embodiment, so only the arrangement that differs will be described. Other descriptions can be substituted for the descriptions in the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the microswitch 480 can be installed in the internal space of the link housing 470. The microswitch, which is made up of a pair of microswitches 480, can be arranged to have a preset angle with respect to each other. Also, the microswitch 480 can be coupled to a switch motor 490.

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

The switch motor 490 may have a shaft 492 and a motor housing 493.

The 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.

The motor housing 493 can be connected to the link housing 470. An open area of a preset width can exist in the area where the link housing 470 and the motor housing 493 are connected. The first link 461 and the shaft 492 can be connected through this open area.

In particular, the structure in which the flow path is switched in the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be explained by comparing Figures 8 and 11.

For ease of explanation, the state in FIG. 8 can be referred to as the open state of the first flow path 111, and the state in FIG. 11 can be referred to as the open state of the second flow path 211.

When the first flow path 111 is open, the suction force generated by the suction motor 800 allows air containing dust to pass through the first flow path 111 and the third flow path 311 sequentially from the dust containers 511 and 512 of the handheld vacuum cleaner 500 to the dust storage box 300. In this case, the seal portion 450 can be coupled to the second flow path 211 to block the second flow path 211 and the third flow path 311. Therefore, air is prevented from flowing from the second flow path 211 to the third flow path 311.

When the second flow path 211 is open, the suction force generated by the suction motor 800 allows air containing dust to pass through the second flow path 211 and the third flow path 311 in sequence from the dust container 610 of the robot vacuum cleaner 600 to the dust storage box 300. In this case, the opening and closing unit 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.

Meanwhile, the power source of the handheld vacuum cleaner 500 may have a horizontal cyclone structure. Also, the dust container of the handheld vacuum 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.

Below, an embodiment of a cleaner station 1 to which a handheld vacuum cleaner 500 having two different dust bins is coupled is described with reference to Figure 13.

Figures 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 coupled to a first station 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The first station 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a separation 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 may be installed at both ends of the portion where the separation space is located. The suction tube 520 may also be seated in the separation space, i.e., between the first dust container 511 and the second dust container 512.

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

The first station 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a separation space in which the suction tube 520 of the handheld vacuum cleaner 500 can be positioned. In the first station 100, both ends of the portion in which the separation space is located include a first holder 121 and a second holder 122, on which the handheld vacuum cleaner can be placed. The first holder 121 and the second holder 122 may be positioned to be spaced apart from each other by a preset distance. When the handheld vacuum cleaner 500 is coupled, the first dust container 511 is seated on the first holder 121, and the second dust container 512 is seated on the second holder 122. The suction tube 520 may be seated between the separation spaces.

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

The first flow path 111 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may have a Y-shaped structure. One end of the first flow path 111 having a Y shape may be connected to the first suction unit 110 installed on both sides of the separation space included in the first station 100. The other end of the first flow path 111 may be connected to the third flow path 311. Dust sucked by each end of the first flow path 111 having a Y shape may flow along one of the paths, be discharged from the first flow path 111, and flow along the third flow path 311.

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

Referring to FIG. 5, in another embodiment, the first flow path 111 can be formed substantially linearly or streamlined. In this case, one end of the first flow path 111 can be connected to the first suction portion 110, and the other end can be connected to the third flow path 311.

The cleaner station 1 according to an embodiment 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 simultaneously or only one of them may be selectively installed according to the embodiment.

When the cleaner station 1 sucks up dust from the dust bin of the handheld or robotic vacuum cleaner, there may be a problem of foreign objects being left behind. This may result in hygiene problems such as microbial growth or aesthetic problems as the foreign objects are visible to the user.

Specifically, there may be fine dust remaining in the dust containers 511 and 512 of the handheld vacuum cleaner 500 without being sucked into the first suction part 110. Furthermore, foreign objects such as long hairs or threads may also be trapped and remain between the first suction part 110 and the dust containers 511 and 512. Therefore, there may be a problem that the covers of the dust containers 511 and 512 do not close properly.

In addition, there may be fine dust remaining without being sucked from the dust container 610 of the robot vacuum cleaner 600 to the second suction unit 212. Furthermore, foreign objects such as long hairs or threads may be trapped and remain between the second suction unit 212 and the dust container 610 of the robot vacuum cleaner 600.

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

In one embodiment, the first processor 112 and the second processor 212 can be installed in the form of a blade. In this embodiment, the first processor 112 and the second processor 212 are installed so that they can move up and down to cut long foreign objects. Thus, the cut foreign objects can be more easily processed by the first suction unit and the second suction unit.

In another embodiment, the first and second processors 112 and 212 can be configured in the form of saw blades. In this embodiment, foreign objects can be cut or broken down by passing through the first and second processors by suction.

Hereafter, we will explain the structure of the cleaner station 1 that sucks in dust and exhausts the sucked-in air, with reference to Figure 14.

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

The cleaner station 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a suction motor 800 for sucking in dust-laden air. The suction motor 800 may provide suction force to the first suction unit 110 and/or the second suction unit 210 via a flow path.

Specifically, the suction motor 800 can create a low pressure in the dust storage box 300. When the suction motor 800 is operated with the handheld vacuum cleaner 500 and/or the robot vacuum cleaner 600 connected, a relatively high pressure is created in the dust bin of the vacuum cleaner and a relatively low pressure is created in the dust storage box 300. Due to the pressure difference, dust and foreign objects present in the dust bin can move along the flow path into the dust storage box 300.

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

Specifically, a filter that employs a method of filtering dust by applying a microfiber structure and/or a filter that employs a method of collecting dust on a dust collection plate by charging the dust can be used as a member for filtering dust. In addition, the filter for filtering dust can be installed in the suction motor 800 or the exhaust unit 900.

Below, the structure in which the dust storage box 300 is installed in the cleaner station 1 is described with reference to Figure 15.

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

One side of the cleaner station 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an open/close area 360, which includes a space therein to which the dust storage box 300 may be coupled. When the open/close area 360 is opened and closed, the dust storage box 300 may be coupled to the interior of the cleaner station 1 or the dust storage box 300 may be removed from the interior of the cleaner station 1.

The structure of the dust storage box 300 and the dust bag 340 is described below with reference to Figure 16.

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

The dust storage box 300 according to the embodiment 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 in dust, and the sucked dust flows along the first flow path 111 and the second flow path 211, respectively, and is then collected at one end of the third flow path 311. The other end of the third flow path 311 is in communication with the dust intake 310, and the sucked dust is discharged from the third flow path 311 and moves through the dust intake 310 into the dust storage box 300. The moved dust is stored in the dust storage box 300.

The dust storage box 300 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a dust bag 340 therein. In the process of opening the dust storage box 300 and shaking off the dust in the dust storage box, the dust may be scattered to the outside. In this case, the user may inhale air containing dust when removing the dust from the dust storage box 300, and the dust may be introduced into the human body.

Therefore, the dust bag 340 is installed in the dust storage box 300, and the dust bag 340 can filter the air passing through the dust inlet 310. The filtered dust is stored in the dust bag 340. When a 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 outside the dust bag 340, so the dust can be removed cleanly.

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

Below, an embodiment of a cleaner station 1 including a charger is described.

The cleaner station 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can include a first charger that supplies power to the handheld vacuum cleaner 500 and a second charger that supplies power to the robotic vacuum cleaner 600. Furthermore, the cleaner station 1 can be connected to an outlet that can supply power via an electrical wire to supply power to the first charger and the second charger.

Specifically, the first charger is installed in the first station 100. When the handheld vacuum cleaner 500 is coupled, the first charger can supply power to the battery of the handheld vacuum cleaner 500. Furthermore, the second charger is installed in the second station 200. When the robot vacuum cleaner 600 is coupled, the second charger can supply power to the battery of the robot vacuum cleaner 600.

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

Claims (16)

A cleaner station that can be distributed with handheld and robotic vacuum cleaners, the cleaner station comprising:
a first station disposed on top of the cleaner station and coupled to the handheld vacuum cleaner;
a second station disposed under the cleaner station and coupled to the robot cleaner;
a first suction unit installed in the first station and configured to suck dust from a dust container of the handheld vacuum cleaner;
a second suction unit installed in the second station and configured to suck dust from a dust container of the robot cleaner;
a dust intake port to which dust sucked by the first suction portion and the second suction portion is guided;
a suction motor that sucks dust by passing through at least one of the first suction section and the second suction section;
A first flow path, one end of which communicates with the first suction portion ;
A second flow path, one end of which communicates with the second suction portion ;
a third flow path, one end of which communicates with the other end of the first flow path and the other end of the second flow path, and the other end of which communicates with a dust intake port;
a flow path switching unit that selectively opens and closes the other end of the first flow path or the other end of the second flow path in response to a coupling state of the handheld cleaner and the robot cleaner . 10. The cleaner station of claim 1, further comprising a dust storage box in fluid communication with said dust intake for receiving dust passing through said dust intake . the first station includes a separation space in which a suction tube is disposed;
2. The cleaner station of claim 1 , wherein a first dust container and a second dust container, which are installed on either side of the suction tube of the handheld vacuum cleaner, are coupled to either end of the first station. Both ends of the first station each include the first suction portion;
4. The cleaner station of claim 3 , wherein the first flow path comprises a Y-shaped flow path, the ends of which are connected to the first suction portions located at opposite ends of the first station. the dust storage box is in fluid communication with the dust inlet and includes a removable dust bag;
3. The cleaner station of claim 2 , wherein the dust bag includes a filter that filters dust from air directed into the dust intake. The cleaner station of claim 1, further comprising an exhaust section for exhausting the dust-filtered air. The cleaner station of claim 2, wherein the dust storage box is connected and includes a space that is open and closed on one side. The cleaner station of claim 1, wherein at least one of the dust intake, the first suction section, and the second suction section includes a seal member. a first charger for supplying power to the handheld vacuum cleaner;
13. The cleaner station of claim 1, further comprising: a second charger for providing power to the robotic cleaner. the flow path switching unit includes an opening/closing unit that is provided with a flow hole and is slidably movable,
The cleaner station according to claim 1 , wherein the opening and closing portion is disposed such that, when the first flow path is opened, the flow hole is located between the first flow path and the third flow path. The cleaner station of claim 10 , wherein the flow hole is formed to correspond to an end of the first flow path. The cleaner station according to claim 10 , wherein the opening and closing portion is arranged such that, when the second flow path is opened, the position of the flow hole moves in one direction away from between the first flow path and the third flow path. The flow path switching unit,
a seal portion selectively coupled to the first flow passage and the second flow passage to close the flow passage;
a link portion connected to the seal portion to rotate the seal portion,
The cleaner station of claim 1 , wherein the seal portion is formed with a cross section larger than a cross section of the ends of the first and second flow paths. The cleaner station of claim 13 , wherein the seal remains coupled to one of the first and second flow paths during operation of the suction motor. The flow path switching unit,
a link housing to which the link portion is fixedly coupled;
and a switch motor for supplying power for rotating the seal portion.
The cleaner station of claim 13 , wherein the seal portion includes at least one partition member that defines a rotatable area for the link portion. The cleaning device further includes a second processor for processing the foreign matter sucked by the second suction unit,
2. The cleaner station of claim 1, wherein the second processor is formed in the form of a blade or saw blade capable of cutting long foreign objects.

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