KR20230009839A - Cleaner station - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner station which combines with a vacuum cleaner to collect dust inside a vacuum cleaner dust container. According to the present invention, a user can use either a container-shaped first collecting unit in which the size of a dust receiving space is fixed or an envelope-shaped second collecting unit in which the size of the dust receiving space is variable, by combining the collecting unit with the vacuum cleaner station. Therefore, the present invention has the advantage of being able to satisfy various tastes of users who prefer different types of collecting units.

Description

Cleaner station {Cleaner station}

The present invention relates to a cleaner station coupled to a cleaner to collect dust inside a dust bin of the cleaner.

Stick vacuum cleaners (hereinafter, referred to as 'cleaners') have a small capacity of dust bins for storing collected dust, so users have to empty the dust bins every time.

Therefore, the use of a cleaner station configured to collect dust in a dust bin by sucking in through a suction force of a dust collecting motor so that a user does not manually remove dust in the dust bin is being widely used.

The cleaner station includes a housing, a dust collecting motor disposed inside the housing, and a dust bag-shaped collecting part accommodating collected dust, and is configured to be coupled with a vacuum cleaner or a dust bin of the vacuum cleaner.

The vacuum cleaner station is convenient in that it can automatically empty the dust bin of the vacuum cleaner, and since the dust bag included in the vacuum cleaner station has a larger volume than dust bins included in most vacuum cleaners, the dust disposal cycle is longer.

On the other hand, the collecting unit in the form of a dust bag has an advantage in terms of user convenience because the configuration is simple and the entire dust bag can be thrown into the trash without the need to separately remove dust or wash the inside.

However, since the inside of the dust bag cannot be cleaned, it must be purchased and exchanged periodically, so some users may feel a burden in terms of cost.

In this regard, US Patent Registration No. 10595692 is proposed as a prior patent document.

The prior patent document discloses an embodiment of a discharge station having a collecting unit in the form of a bin as a discharge station docked with a robot cleaner.

Unlike the dust bag, the 'tub' type of collection part has the advantage of being able to be used semi-permanently once only the dust contained in it is removed because it is easy to clean the inside.

However, there may be users who find it cumbersome to remove dust and wash, which are separate tasks.

As such, when the shape of the collecting unit is fixed to one type, it is difficult to satisfy the preferences of different users.

US Patent Registration No. 10595692

An object to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cleaner station configured to satisfy various tastes of users who prefer different types of collecting units.

The objects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of specific details for carrying out the present invention below.

A cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing coupled to a dust bin of a cleaner; a dust collection motor disposed inside the housing and generating a suction force to suck dust inside the dust bin; a collecting unit provided with a dust accommodating space for collecting dust sucked from the inside of the dust bin by the dust collecting motor; and a chamber unit disposed in the housing and forming a collecting unit accommodating space so that the collecting unit is detachably coupled thereto.

The collecting unit coupled to the chamber unit has a tubular shape in which the size of the dust accommodating space is fixed and the first collecting unit including a cyclone as a dust separating means and the size of the dust accommodating space is variable and separates dust. As a means, the second collecting unit including a dust bag made of breathable material may be compatible.

The chamber unit may include a chamber body forming an exterior of the collecting unit accommodation space.

The chamber unit may include a rail disposed on an upper portion of the chamber body and supporting at least a portion of the second collecting unit to be spaced apart from a lower surface of the chamber body by a predetermined distance.

The collecting unit accommodating space may have a cross-sectional area of a front end larger than a cross-sectional area of a rear end.

The front of the chamber body may be opened or closed by a housing cover rotatably coupled to one side of the housing.

The rail unit may include a rail body forming a space in which the second collecting unit slides.

The rail part is disposed in a first position in front of the rail body and interferes with the housing cover, and interference with the housing cover is avoided by contact with the first collecting part or the second collecting part. It may include an interference protrusion that is moved into position.

The rail unit may include a protrusion guide coupled to the interference protrusion and guiding positional movement of the interference protrusion.

The chamber unit may include a filter mounting unit disposed below the chamber body and to which a pre-filter module for filtering air passing through the collecting unit is detachably coupled.

The chamber unit may include a filter sensing protrusion, one side of which is pushed by the pre-filter module and moved in a direction avoiding interference with the first collecting unit.

The pre-filter module may include a filter case, a filter accommodated inside the filter case, and a pressing protrusion protruding from one side of the filter case.

The filter sensing protrusion may include a protruding body and a locking step protruding from an outer surface of the protruding body and contacting the pressing protrusion as the pre-filter module is coupled to the filter mounting part.

The chamber unit may include a compression driving unit that is disposed under the chamber body and generates power to rotate a compression rotation unit that compresses the dust collected in the first collection unit.

The first collecting unit may include a transmission gear that is coupled to the compression rotation unit and transmits power from the compression drive unit to the compression rotation unit.

The compression drive unit may include a compression motor disposed outside the collecting unit accommodating space.

The compression drive unit may include a driving gear that is axially connected to the compression motor outside the collecting unit accommodating space and gear-engaged with the transmission gear.

A gear passage hole exposing at least a portion of the driving gear toward the inside of the collecting unit accommodating space may be formed in a lower portion of the chamber body to enable gear engagement between the driving gear and the transmission gear.

The compression driving unit may include a sealing member disposed between the driving gear and the chamber body to seal the gear passage hole.

A cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a control unit that detects a change in rotation direction of the compression motor.

The control unit may determine the type of the collecting unit coupled to the chamber unit based on whether or not a rotation direction change of the compression motor is detected within a predetermined time.

The chamber unit may include an air inlet provided on an upper portion of the chamber body and having an open cross section inclined backward-downward.

The chamber unit may include a sterilization module mounting portion disposed to be spaced apart from the air inlet and to which a sterilization module equipped to irradiate ultraviolet light toward the collecting unit receiving space is mounted.

The first collecting unit may include a collecting unit body forming an exterior of the dust accommodating space.

The first collecting unit may include a body cover covering an open upper side of the collecting unit body.

The body cover may have a protruding rib inserted into the rail part.

The body cover may have a backward-downward inclined surface formed on a partial region of the upper surface.

A dust inlet positioned to face the air inlet may be formed on the inclined surface based on a state in which the first collecting part is inserted into the chamber body.

The second collecting unit may include a dust bag made of a breathable material.

The second collecting part may include an outer plate coupled to an upper outer side of the dust bag, fitted to the rail part, slidably inserted into the collecting part receiving space, and having a dust inlet formed therein.

The second collecting part may include a support member protruding from a lower surface of the outer plate and having a lower end in contact with one surface of the rail part to support a state in which the outer plate is raised toward the air inlet.

According to the present invention, a user may place either a tub-shaped first collecting unit in which the size of the dust receiving space is fixed, or an envelope-shaped second collecting unit in which the size of the dust receiving space is variable, to the cleaner station. Since it can be used in combination, it has the advantage of being able to satisfy various tastes of users who prefer different types of collecting parts.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of specific details for practicing the present invention below.

1 is a diagram for explaining a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a view of the cleaner of FIG. 1 viewed from another angle.
3 is a view for explaining a lower surface of a dust bin of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a diagram for explaining a cleaner system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a diagram for explaining a coupling part of a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a diagram for explaining a fixing unit of a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a view showing a state in which the door closes the dust passage hole.
8 is a view showing a state in which the door opens the dust passage hole.
9 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between a vacuum cleaner and a cover opening unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a diagram for explaining arrangement between components of cleaner stations in an embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a perspective view illustrating a chamber unit and a collecting unit in a form coupleable to the chamber unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
12 is a cross-sectional view of a chamber viewed from the side according to an embodiment of the present invention.
13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an upper portion of a side surface of a chamber unit in an embodiment of the present invention.
14 is a front view of a chamber unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
15 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of a chamber unit in an embodiment of the present invention.
16 is a cross-sectional view showing a compression drive unit in an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 17 is an enlarged view of section "A" in Fig. 15;
Fig. 18 is a CC' sectional view of Fig. 17;
19 is a diagram for explaining the movement of an interference protrusion and its positional relationship with a housing cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.
20 is a diagram in which the pre-filter module is divided into constituent units and developed according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of part “B” of FIG. 15, and is a view for explaining the movement of the filter sensing protrusion depending on whether or not the pre-filter module is mounted.
22 is a DD′ cross-sectional view of FIG. 21 .
23 is a perspective view of a first collecting unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
24 is a view in which related components of the first collecting unit are separated and developed according to an embodiment of the present invention.
25 is a diagram illustrating a dust separation process of a cyclone according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 26 is a XX' sectional view of Fig. 23;
27 is an enlarged view of a drive gear and a transmission gear in an embodiment of the present invention.
28 is a perspective view of the driving gear viewed from the bottom in the embodiment of the present invention.
29 is a perspective view showing a state in which the first collecting part is inserted into the chamber body according to the embodiment of the present invention.
30 is a view showing a flow path of air related to dust collection in a state in which the first collection unit is inserted into the chamber body according to an embodiment of the present invention.
31 is a view in which related components of the second collecting unit are separated and developed according to an embodiment of the present invention.
32 is a cross-sectional view of the second collecting unit viewed from the side in the embodiment of the present invention.
33 is a perspective view showing a state in which the second collecting unit is inserted into the chamber body according to the embodiment of the present invention.
34 is a diagram illustrating a flow path of air related to dust collection in a state in which the second collection unit is inserted into the chamber body according to an embodiment of the present invention.
35 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a sealing member sealing a gear passage hole in an embodiment of the present invention.

1 is a view for explaining a cleaner in an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a view of the cleaner of FIG. 1 viewed from another angle, and FIG. 3 is a view of a cleaner in an embodiment of the present invention. It is a drawing for explaining the lower side of the dust bin, and FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a cleaner system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

1 to 4 , a cleaner system 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a cleaner 200 and a cleaner station 300.

The cleaner system 3 may include a cleaner station 300 . The cleaner 200 may be coupled to the cleaner station 300 . The cleaner 200 may be coupled to the side of the cleaner station 300 . The cleaner station 300 may remove dust from the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200 .

First, the structure of the cleaner 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 .

The cleaner 200 may refer to a cleaner manually operated by a user. For example, the cleaner 200 may mean a handheld cleaner or a stick cleaner.

The cleaner 200 may be mounted on the cleaner station 300 . The cleaner 200 may be supported by the cleaner station 300 . The cleaner 200 may be coupled to the cleaner station 300 .

Meanwhile, in an embodiment of the present invention, the direction of the cleaner 200 may be defined based on when the dust bin 220 and the bottom surface (lower surface) of the battery housing 230 are placed on the ground.

In this case, the front may mean a direction in which the suction unit 212 is disposed relative to the suction motor 214, and the rear may mean a direction in which the handle 216 is disposed relative to the suction motor 214. In addition, a direction disposed on the right side of the suction motor 214 when looking at the suction part 212 may be referred to as a right side, and a direction disposed on the left side may be referred to as a left side. In addition, in the embodiment of the present invention, the upper and lower sides may be defined along a direction perpendicular to the ground based on when the dust bin 220 and the bottom surface (lower surface) of the battery housing 230 are placed on the ground.

The cleaner 200 may include a main body 210 . The body 210 may include a body housing 211, a suction part 212, a dust separator 213, a suction motor 214, an air discharge cover 215, a handle 216, and a control unit 218. there is.

The body housing 211 may form the exterior of the cleaner 200 . The body housing 211 may provide a space capable of accommodating the suction motor 214 and a filter (not shown) therein. The body housing 211 may be configured in a shape similar to a cylinder.

The suction part 212 may protrude outward from the body housing 211 . For example, the inlet 212 may be formed in a cylindrical shape with an open interior. The suction part 212 may be coupled with the extension tube 250 . The suction unit 212 may provide a passage through which air containing dust may flow (hereinafter, may be referred to as a 'suction passage').

The dust separation unit 213 may communicate with the suction unit 212 . The dust separation unit 213 may separate dust sucked into the inside through the suction unit 212 . The space inside the dust separator 213 may communicate with the space inside the dust container 220 .

For example, the dust separation unit 213 may include at least one cyclone unit capable of separating dust by cyclone flow. Also, a space inside the dust separator 213 may communicate with the suction passage. Accordingly, air and dust sucked through the suction unit 212 spirally flow along the inner circumferential surface of the dust separation unit 213 . Thus, a cyclone flow may occur in the inner space of the dust separator 213 .

The dust separation unit 213 communicates with the suction unit 212 and has a configuration in which the principle of a dust collector using centrifugal force is applied to separate dust sucked into the body 210 through the suction unit 212 .

The dust separator 213 may further include a secondary cyclone that separates dust from the air discharged from the cyclone again. At this time, the secondary cyclone may be located inside the cyclone so that the size of the dust separator is minimized. The secondary cyclone may include a plurality of cyclone bodies arranged in parallel. The air discharged from the cyclone can pass through divided into a plurality of cyclone bodies.

At this time, the axis of the cyclone flow of the secondary cyclone may also extend in the vertical direction, and the axis of the cyclone flow of the cyclone and the axis of the cyclone flow of the secondary cyclone may form a coaxial axis in the vertical direction, This may be collectively referred to as an axis of the cyclone flow of the dust separator 213 .

The suction motor 214 may generate a suction force for sucking air. The suction motor 214 may be housed in the body housing 211 . The suction motor 214 may generate suction force by rotation. For example, the suction motor 214 may be provided similarly to a cylindrical shape.

The air discharge cover 215 may be disposed on one side of the body housing 211 in the axial direction. A filter for filtering air may be accommodated in the air discharge cover 215 . For example, a HEPA filter may be accommodated in the air discharge cover 215 .

An air outlet for discharging air sucked by the suction force of the suction motor 214 may be formed in the air discharge cover 215 .

A flow guide may be disposed on the air discharge cover 215 . The flow guide may guide the flow of air discharged through the air outlet.

The handle 216 can be grasped by a user. A handle 216 may be disposed behind the suction motor 214 . For example, the handle 216 may be formed to resemble a cylindrical shape. Alternatively, the handle 216 may be formed in a bent cylindrical shape. The handle 216 may be disposed at a predetermined angle with the body housing 211 or the suction motor 214 or the dust separator 213 .

The handle 216 is connected to a gripping part 216a formed in a column shape so that a user can hold it, and a longitudinal (axial direction) end of the gripping part 216a and a first extension extending toward the suction motor 214. A second extension portion 216c connected to the other end of the portion 216b and the gripping portion 216a in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) and extending toward the dust container 220 may be included.

The upper surface of the handle 216 may form part of the outer appearance of the upper surface of the cleaner 200 . Through this, when the user grips the handle 216, a component of the cleaner 200 may be prevented from coming into contact with the user's arm.

The first extension portion 216b may extend toward the body housing 211 or the suction motor 214 from the gripping portion 216a. At least a portion of the first extension portion 216b may extend in a horizontal direction.

The second extension part 216c may extend toward the dust bin 220 from the gripping part. At least a portion of the second extension portion 216c may extend in a horizontal direction.

Manipulator 218 may be disposed on handle 216 . The control unit 218 may be disposed on an inclined surface formed in an upper region of the handle 216 . A user may input an operation or stop command of the cleaner 200 through the control unit 218 .

The cleaner 200 may include a dust container 220 . The dust container 220 may communicate with the dust separator 213 . The dust container 220 may store the dust separated by the dust separator 213 .

The dust bin 220 may include a dust bin body 221, a discharge cover 222, a dust bin compression lever 223, and a compressor (not shown).

The dust container body 221 may provide a space for storing the dust separated by the dust separator 213 . For example, the dust container body 221 may be formed similarly to a cylindrical shape.

A lower surface (bottom surface) of the dust box body 221 may be partially opened. In addition, a lower surface extension 221a may be formed on a lower surface (bottom surface) of the dust box body 221 . The lower surface extension 221a may be formed to partially block the lower surface of the dust container body 221 .

The dust bin 220 may include a discharge cover 222 . The discharge cover 222 may be disposed on the lower side of the dust bin 220 .

The discharge cover 222 may be provided to open and close one end of the dust container body 221 in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the discharge cover 222 may selectively open and close the lower part of the dust bin 220 that opens downward.

The discharge cover 222 may include a cover body 222a and a hinge part 222b. The cover body 222a may be formed to partially cover the lower surface of the dust container body 221 . The cover body 222a may rotate downward based on the hinge portion 222b. The hinge part 222b may be disposed adjacent to the battery housing 230 . A torsion spring 222d may be provided at the hinge portion 222b. Therefore, when the discharge cover 222 is separated from the dust box body 221, the cover body 222a moves through the dust box body 221 with the hinge part 222b as an axis by the elastic force of the torsion spring 222d. It can be supported in a rotated state more than an angle.

The discharge cover 222 may be coupled to the dust container 220 through hook coupling. Meanwhile, the discharge cover 222 may be separated from the dust bin 220 through the coupling lever 222c. The coupling lever 222c may be disposed in front of the dust bin. Specifically, the coupling lever 222c may be disposed on an outer surface of the front side of the dust bin 220 . When an external force is applied, the coupling lever 222c may elastically deform the hook extending from the cover body 222a to release the hook coupling between the cover body 222a and the dust container body 221 .

When the discharge cover 222 is closed, the lower surface of the dust bin 220 may be blocked (sealed) by the discharge cover 222 and the lower surface extension portion 221a.

The dust bin 220 may include a dust bin compression lever 223 (see FIG. 2 ). The dust bin compression lever 223 may be disposed outside the dust bin 220 or the dust separator 211 . The dust bin compression lever 223 may be disposed outside the dust bin 220 or the dust separator 213 to move up and down. The dust box compression lever 223 may be connected to a compressor (not shown). When the dust box compression lever 223 moves downward by an external force, a compressor (not shown) may also move downward. Through this, it is possible to provide user convenience. The compressor (not shown) and the dust container compression lever 223 may be returned to their original positions by an elastic member (not shown). Specifically, when the external force applied to the dust box compression lever 223 is removed, the elastic member may move the dust box compression lever 223 and the compressor (not shown) upward.

A compressor (not shown) may be disposed inside the dust box body 221 . The compressor may move the inner space of the dust container body 221 . Specifically, the compressor may move up and down within the dust container body 221 . Through this, the compressor may compress the dust in the dust container body 221 downward. In addition, when the discharge cover 222 is separated from the dust bin body 221 and the lower part of the dust bin 220 is opened, the compressor moves from the top to the bottom of the dust bin 220 to remove foreign substances such as remaining dust in the dust bin 220. can be removed. Through this, it is possible to improve suction power of the cleaner by preventing residual dust from remaining in the dust bin 220 . In addition, residual dust is prevented from remaining in the dust bin 220 to remove odors caused by the residue.

The cleaner 200 may include a battery housing 230 . A battery 240 may be accommodated in the battery housing 230 . The battery housing 230 may be disposed below the handle 216 . For example, the battery housing 230 may have a hexahedral shape with an open bottom. A rear surface of the battery housing 230 may be connected to the handle 216 .

The battery housing 230 may include a receiving portion that opens downward. The battery 240 may be detached through the receiving portion of the battery housing 220 .

The cleaner 200 may include a battery 240 .

For example, the battery 240 may be detachably coupled to the cleaner 200 . The battery 240 may be detachably coupled to the battery housing 230 . For example, the battery 240 may be inserted into the battery housing 230 from below the battery housing 230 . With such a configuration, the portability of the cleaner 200 can be improved.

Alternatively, the battery 240 may be integrally provided inside the battery housing 230 . At this time, the lower surface of the battery 240 is not exposed to the outside.

The battery 240 may supply power to the suction motor 214 of the cleaner 200 . Battery 240 may be disposed under handle 216 . The battery 240 may be disposed behind the dust container 220 .

According to the embodiment, when the battery 240 is coupled to the battery housing 230, the lower surface of the battery 240 may be exposed to the outside. Since the battery 240 may be placed on the floor when the cleaner 200 is placed on the floor, the battery 240 may be directly separated from the battery housing 230 . In addition, since the lower surface of the battery 240 is exposed to the outside and directly contacts the outside air of the battery 240 , cooling performance of the battery 240 may be improved.

Meanwhile, when the battery 240 is integrally fixed to the battery housing 230, the structure for attaching and detaching the battery 240 and the battery housing 230 may be reduced, and thus the overall size of the cleaner 200 may be reduced. Yes, and it is possible to reduce weight.

The cleaner 200 may include an extension tube 250 . The extension pipe 250 may communicate with the cleaning module 260 . The extension pipe 250 may communicate with the main body 210 . The extension pipe 250 may communicate with the suction part 214 of the main body 210 . The extension pipe 250 may be formed in a long cylindrical shape.

The main body 210 may be connected to the extension pipe 250 . The main body 210 may be connected to the cleaning module 260 through an extension tube 250 . The body 210 may generate suction force through the suction motor 214 and provide suction force to the cleaning module 260 through the extension pipe 250 . External dust may be introduced into the body 210 through the cleaning module 260 and the extension pipe 250 .

The cleaner 200 may include a cleaning module 260 . The cleaning module 260 may communicate with the extension pipe 250 . Accordingly, external air may flow into the main body 210 of the cleaner 200 through the cleaning module 260 and the extension tube 250 by the suction force generated in the main body 210 of the cleaner 200 .

Dust in the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200 may be collected by the collecting unit 500 of the cleaner station 300 by gravity. At the same time, the dust in the dust bin 220 may be collected by the collecting unit 500 of the cleaner station 300 by the suction force of the dust collecting motor 391 disposed inside the cleaner station 300 . Through this, dust in the vacuum cleaner's dust bin can be removed without a user's separate manipulation, thereby providing user convenience. In addition, the user can eliminate the hassle of having to empty the dust bin every time. In addition, when the dust bin is emptied, it is possible to prevent dust from scattering.

The cleaner 200 may be coupled to the side of the housing 310 . Specifically, the main body 210 of the cleaner 200 may be mounted on the coupling part 320 . More specifically, the dust bin 220 and the battery housing 230 of the cleaner 200 may be coupled to the coupling surface 321 of the coupling portion 320 . An outer circumferential surface of the dust box body 221 may be coupled to the dust box guide surface 322 . The suction part 212 may be coupled to the suction part guide surface 326 of the coupling part 320 . With this configuration, the central axis of the dust bin 220 may be disposed in a direction parallel to the ground, and the extension pipe 250 may be disposed along a direction perpendicular to the ground.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the cleaner station 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Referring to FIG. 4 , a cleaner 200 may be coupled to a cleaner station 300 . Specifically, the body of the cleaner 200 may be coupled to the side of the cleaner station 300 . More specifically, the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200 may be coupled to the side of the cleaner station 300 through one side where the discharge cover 222 is disposed. Accordingly, when the discharge cover 222 is opened, dust in the dust bin 220 may be collected and removed into the cleaner station 300 .

The cleaner station 300 may include a housing 310 . The housing 310 may form the appearance of the cleaner station 300 . Specifically, the housing 310 may be formed in a pillar shape including at least one outer wall surface. For example, the housing 310 may be formed in a shape similar to a square pillar.

A space capable of accommodating the collecting unit 500 and the dust suction module 390 may be formed inside the housing 310 .

The housing 310 may include a bottom surface 311 , an outer wall surface 312 , and an upper surface 313 .

The bottom surface 311 may support the lower side of the dust suction module 390 in the direction of gravity. That is, the bottom surface 311 may support the lower side of the dust collecting motor 391 of the dust suction module 390 .

At this time, the bottom surface 311 may be disposed toward the ground. The bottom surface 311 may be disposed parallel to the ground or inclined at a predetermined angle with the ground. With this configuration, the dust collection motor 391 can be stably supported, and the overall weight can be balanced even when the cleaner 200 is coupled.

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the floor surface 311 may further include a ground support part 311a to increase a contact area with the ground in order to prevent the cleaner station 300 from falling down and to maintain balance. For example, the ground support portion 311a may be in the form of a plate extending from the bottom surface 311, and one or more frames may protrude and extend from the bottom surface 311 along the direction of the ground.

The outer wall surface 312 may mean a surface formed along the direction of gravity, and may mean a surface connected to the bottom surface 311 . For example, the outer wall surface 312 may refer to a surface vertically connected to the bottom surface 311 . In another embodiment, the outer wall surface 312 may be disposed inclined at a predetermined angle with the bottom surface 311 .

The outer wall surface 312 may include at least one surface. For example, the outer wall surface 312 may include a first outer wall surface 312a, a second outer wall surface 312b, a third outer wall surface 312c, and a fourth outer wall surface 312d.

In this case, in this embodiment, the first outer wall surface 312a may be disposed in front of the cleaner station 300 . Here, the front side may refer to a surface where the cleaner 200 is exposed in a state in which the cleaner 200 is coupled to the cleaner station 300 . Accordingly, the first outer wall surface 312a may form a front appearance of the cleaner station 300 .

Meanwhile, for understanding of the present embodiment, directions are defined as follows. In this embodiment, a direction may be defined while the cleaner 200 is coupled to the cleaner station 300 .

When the cleaner 200 is coupled to the cleaner station 300, a direction in which the cleaner 200 is exposed to the outside of the cleaner station 300 may be referred to as a forward direction.

From another point of view, when the cleaner 200 is coupled to the cleaner station 300, a direction in which the suction motor 214 of the cleaner 200 is disposed may be referred to as a forward direction. Also, a direction opposite to the direction in which the suction motor 214 is disposed in the cleaner station 300 may be referred to as a rear direction.

Also, a surface facing the front of the housing 310 based on the inner space may be referred to as a rear surface of the cleaner station 300 . Accordingly, the rear surface may refer to a direction in which the second outer wall surface 312b is formed.

In addition, when looking at the front with respect to the inner space of the housing 310, the left side may be referred to as a left side, and the right side may be referred to as a right side. Accordingly, the left surface may mean a direction in which the third outer wall surface 312c is formed, and the right surface may mean a direction in which the fourth outer wall surface 312d is formed.

The first outer wall surface 312a may be formed in a flat shape as well as in a curved shape as a whole, or may include a curved surface in a portion thereof.

A coupling part 320 may be disposed on the first outer wall surface 312a. With this configuration, the cleaner 200 can be coupled to the cleaner station 300 and supported by the cleaner station 300 . A detailed configuration of the coupler 320 will be described later.

Meanwhile, a structure for holding various types of cleaning modules 260 used in the cleaner 200 may be added to the first outer wall surface 312a.

In this embodiment, the second outer wall surface 312b may be a surface facing the first outer wall surface 312a. That is, the second outer wall surface 312b may be disposed on the rear surface of the cleaner station 300 . The second outer wall surface 312b may form the exterior of the rear surface of the cleaner station 300 .

In this embodiment, the third outer wall surface 312c and the fourth outer wall surface 312d may mean surfaces connecting the first outer wall surface 312a and the second outer wall surface 312b. In this case, the third outer wall surface 312c may be disposed on the left surface of the cleaner station 300 and the fourth outer wall surface 312d may be disposed on the right surface of the cleaner station 300 . Alternatively, the third outer wall surface 312c may be disposed on the right surface of the cleaner station 300 and the fourth outer wall surface 312d may be disposed on the left surface of the cleaner station 300 .

The third outer wall surface 312c or the fourth outer wall surface 312d may be formed in a flat shape, as well as in a curved shape as a whole, or may include a curved surface in a portion thereof.

Meanwhile, a structure for holding various types of cleaning modules 290 used in the cleaner 200 may be added to the third outer wall surface 312c or the fourth outer wall surface 312d.

The upper surface 313 may form the top appearance of the cleaner station. That is, the upper surface 313 may refer to a surface exposed to the outside by being disposed on the uppermost side in the direction of gravity in the cleaner station.

For reference, in this embodiment, the upper and lower sides may respectively mean upper and lower sides along a direction of gravity (a direction perpendicular to the ground) in a state where the cleaner station 300 is installed on the ground.

At this time, the upper surface 313 may be disposed parallel to the ground or inclined at a predetermined angle with the ground.

A display unit 530 may be disposed on the upper surface 313 . For example, the display unit 530 may display the state of the cleaner station 300 and the state of the cleaner 200, and may also display information such as a cleaning progress status and a map of a cleaning area.

Meanwhile, according to the embodiment, the upper surface 313 may be detachably provided from the outer wall surface 312 . At this time, when the upper surface 313 is separated, the battery separated from the cleaner 200 can be accommodated in the inner space surrounded by the outer wall surface 312, and a terminal (not shown) capable of charging the separated battery is provided. It can be.

5 is a diagram for explaining a coupling part of a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the cleaner station 300 may include a coupling part 320 to which the cleaner 200 is coupled. Specifically, the coupling part 320 may be disposed on the first outer wall surface 312a, and the dust container 220 of the cleaner 200 may be coupled thereto. The main body 210 of the cleaner 200 and the battery housing 230 may be coupled to the coupling part 320 together with the dust container 220 .

The coupling part 320 may include a coupling surface 321 . The coupling surface 321 may be disposed on a side surface of the housing 310 . For example, the coupling surface 321 may refer to a surface concavely formed in a groove shape from the first outer wall surface 312a toward the inside of the cleaner station 300 . That is, the coupling surface 321 may mean a surface formed by forming a step with the first outer wall surface 312a.

The cleaner 200 may be coupled to the coupling surface 321 . For example, the coupling surface 321 may contact the lower surface of the dust bin 220 and the battery housing 230 of the cleaner 200 . Here, the lower side may refer to a side facing the ground when the user uses the cleaner 200 or places it on the ground.

For example, an angle between the coupling surface 321 and the ground may be a right angle. Through this, when the cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling surface 321, the space of the cleaner station 300 can be minimized.

As another example, the coupling surface 321 may be inclined at a predetermined angle with the ground. Through this, when the cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling surface 321, the cleaner station 300 can be stably supported.

A dust passage hole 321a may be formed on the coupling surface 321 so that air outside the housing 310 may flow into the inside. The dust passage hole 321a may be formed in a hole shape corresponding to the shape of the dust bin 220 so that dust in the dust bin 220 flows into the collecting unit 500 . The dust passage hole 321a may be formed to correspond to the shape of the discharge cover 222 of the dust bin 220 . The dust passage hole 321a may be formed to communicate with a passage part 380 to be described later (see FIG. 8 ).

The coupling part 320 may include a dust box guide surface 322 . The dust box guide surface 322 may be disposed on the first outer wall surface 312a. The dust bin guide surface 322 may be connected to the first outer wall surface 312a. In addition, the dust box guide surface 322 may be connected to the coupling surface 321 .

The dust bin guide surface 322 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the outer surface of the dust bin 220 . A front outer surface of the dust bin 220 may be coupled to the dust bin guide surface 322 . Through this, convenience in coupling the cleaner 200 to the coupling surface 321 may be provided.

Meanwhile, a protrusion moving hole 322a may be formed in the dust container guide surface 322, and a push protrusion 351 to be described later may linearly move along the protrusion moving hole 322a (see FIG. 9). In addition, a gear box 355 accommodating a gear of the cover opening unit 350 to be described later may be provided below the dust box guide surface 322 in the direction of gravity. In this case, a guide space 322b in which the push protrusion 351 can move may be formed between the lower surface of the dust box guide surface 322 and the upper surface of the gear box 355 . The guide space 322b may communicate with the first flow path 381 through the bypass hole 322c. That is, the protrusion movement hole 322a, the guide space 322b, the bypass hole 322c, and the first flow path 381 may form one flow path. With this configuration, when the dust collecting motor 391 is operated in a state where the dust bin 220 is coupled to the coupling part 320, dust remaining on the dust bin 220 and the dust bin guide surface 322 is removed through the passage. There are advantages to inhalation.

The coupling part 320 may include a guide protrusion 323 . The guide protrusion 323 may be disposed on the coupling surface 321 . The guide protrusion 323 may protrude upward from the coupling surface 321 . Two guide protrusions 323 may be disposed spaced apart from each other. A distance between the two guide protrusions 323 spaced apart from each other may correspond to a width of the battery housing 230 of the cleaner 200 . Through this, convenience in coupling the cleaner 200 to the coupling surface 321 may be provided.

Coupling part 320 may include a coupling part sidewall 324 . The coupling part sidewall 324 may refer to a wall surface disposed on both sides of the coupling surface 321 and may be connected to the coupling surface 321 vertically. The coupling part sidewall 324 may be connected to the first outer wall surface 312a. In addition, the coupling part sidewall 324 may form a surface connected to the dust box guide surface 322 . Through this, the cleaner 200 can be stably accommodated.

The coupling unit 320 may include a coupling sensor. The coupling sensor may detect whether the cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling unit 320 .

A coupled sensor may include a contact sensor. For example, the combined sensor may include a micro switch. In this case, the coupling sensor may be disposed on the guide protrusion 323 . Therefore, when the battery housing 230 or the battery 240 of the cleaner 200 is coupled between the pair of guide protrusions 323, the coupling sensor comes into contact with the coupling sensor and detects that the cleaner 200 is coupled. can

Meanwhile, the combined sensor may also include a non-contact sensor. For example, the combined sensor may include an infrared sensor unit (IR sensor). In this case, the coupling sensor may be disposed on the sidewall 324 of the coupling portion. Therefore, when the dust bin 220 or the main body 210 of the cleaner 200 passes through the sidewall 324 of the coupling part and reaches the coupling surface 321, the coupling sensor detects the presence of the dust container 220 or the main body 210. can do.

In a state in which the cleaner 200 is coupled to the cleaner station 300 , the coupled sensor may face the dust bin 220 or the battery housing 230 of the cleaner 200 .

The coupling sensor may be a means for determining whether the cleaner 200 is coupled together with power being applied to the battery 240 of the cleaner 200 .

The coupling part 320 may include a suction part guide surface 326 . The inlet guide surface 326 may be disposed on the first outer wall surface 312a. The inlet guide surface 326 may be connected to the dust box guide surface 322 . The suction part 212 may be coupled to the suction part guide surface 326 . The shape of the suction part guide surface 326 may be formed to correspond to the shape of the suction part 212 .

The coupling part 320 may further include a fixing member access hole 327 . The fixing member access hole 327 may be formed in the form of a long hole along the sidewall 324 of the coupling part so that the fixing member 331 can enter and exit.

With this configuration, when the user couples the cleaner 200 to the coupling part 320 of the cleaner station 300, the guide surface 322 of the dust box, the guide protrusion 323, and the guide surface 326 of the suction part act as a vacuum cleaner. The body 210 of the body 200 may be stably disposed on the coupling part 320. Through this, convenience in coupling the dust bin 220 and the battery housing 230 of the cleaner 200 to the coupling surface 321 may be provided.

Meanwhile, the cleaner station 300 may further include a charging terminal 328 . The charging terminal 328 may be disposed on the coupling part 320 . The charging terminal 328 may be electrically connected to the cleaner 200 coupled to the coupling part 320 . The charging terminal 328 may supply power to the battery of the cleaner 200 coupled to the coupler 320 .

In addition, the cleaner station 300 may further include a side door. Side doors may be disposed on the housing 310 . The side door may selectively expose the collecting unit 500 to the outside. Through this, the user can easily remove the collecting unit 500 from the cleaner station 300 .

6 is a diagram for explaining a fixing unit of a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the cleaner station 300 of the present invention may include a fixing unit 330 . The fixing unit 330 may be disposed on the coupling part sidewall 324 . In addition, the fixing unit 330 may be disposed on the back surface of the coupling surface 321 . The fixing unit 330 may fix the cleaner 200 coupled to the coupling surface 321 . Specifically, the fixing unit 330 may fix the dust container 220 and the battery housing 230 of the cleaner 200 coupled to the coupling surface 321 .

The fixing unit 330 may include a fixing member 331 fixing the dust bin 220 and the battery housing 230 of the cleaner 200, and a fixing motor 580 driving the fixing member 331. . In addition, the fixing unit 330 may further include a fixing part link 335 that transmits power of the fixing part motor 580 to the fixing member 331 .

The fixing member 331 may be disposed on the sidewall 324 of the coupling part, and may be reciprocally movable on the sidewall 324 of the coupling part to fix the dust container 220 . Specifically, the fixing member 331 may be accommodated inside the fixing member access hole 327 .

The fixing member 331 may be disposed on both sides of the coupling part 320, respectively. For example, two fixing members 331 may be symmetrically arranged in pairs around the coupling surface 321 .

The fixing motor 580 may provide power for moving the fixing member 331 .

The fixing part link 335 may convert the rotational force of the fixing part motor 580 into reciprocating movement of the fixing member 331 .

When the cleaner 200 is coupled, the fixed sealer 336 may be disposed on the dust container guide surface 322 so as to airtight the dust container 220 . With this configuration, when the dust bin 220 of the vacuum cleaner 200 is coupled, the fixed sealer 336 can be pressed by the weight of the vacuum cleaner 200, and the dust bin 220 and the dust bin guide surface 322 are sealed. It can be.

The fixing sealer 336 may be disposed on a virtual extension line of the fixing member 331 . With this configuration, when the fixing part motor 580 is operated and the fixing member 331 presses the dust container 220 , the circumference of the dust container 220 on the same height may be sealed.

Depending on the embodiment, the fixed sealer 336 may be disposed on the dust box guide surface 322 in a bent line shape corresponding to the arrangement of the cover opening unit 350 to be described later.

Accordingly, when the main body 210 of the cleaner 200 is disposed on the coupling part 320, the fixing unit 330 may fix the main body 210 of the cleaner 200. Specifically, when the coupling sensor 325 detects that the body 210 of the cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling portion 320 of the cleaner station 300, the fixing motor 580 moves the fixing member 331. The main body 210 of the cleaner 200 may be fixed by moving it.

Through this, it is possible to improve suction power of the vacuum cleaner by preventing residual dust from remaining in the dust bin. In addition, residual dust is prevented from remaining in the dust bin so that odors caused by the residue can be removed.

7 and 8 are views for explaining a relationship between a cleaner and a door unit in a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a view showing a state in which the door closes the dust passage hole, and FIG. 8 is a view showing a state in which the door opens the dust passage hole.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8 , the cleaner station 300 of the present invention may include a door unit 340 . The door unit 340 may be configured to open and close the dust passage hole 321a.

The door unit 340 may include a door 341 , a door motor 342 and a door arm 343 .

The door 341 is hinged to the coupling surface 321 and can open and close the dust passage hole 321a. The door 341 may include a door body 341a.

The door body 341a may be formed in a form capable of blocking the dust passage hole 321a. For example, the door body 341a may be formed similarly to a disc shape.

Based on the state in which the door body 341a blocks the dust passage hole 321a, a hinge unit is disposed on the upper side of the door body 341a, and an arm coupling unit 341b is disposed on the lower side of the door body 341a. can

The door body 341a may be formed in a form capable of sealing the dust passage hole 321a. For example, an outer surface of the door body 341a exposed to the outside of the cleaner station 300 is formed to have a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the dust passage hole 321a, and an inner surface disposed inside the cleaner station 300. The side surface is formed to have a larger diameter than the diameter of the dust passage hole 321a. In addition, a step may be generated between the outer surface and the inner surface. Meanwhile, at least one reinforcing rib for connecting the hinge part and the arm coupling part 341b and reinforcing the supporting force of the door body 341a may protrude from the inner surface.

The hinge unit may be a means for hinge-coupled the door 341 to the coupling surface 321 . The hinge part may be disposed at an upper end of the door body 341a and coupled to the coupling surface 321 .

The arm coupling part 341b may be a means to which the door arm 343 is rotatably coupled. The arm coupling portion 341b may be disposed below the door body 341a, rotatably coupled with the door body 341a, and rotatably coupled to the door arm 343.

With this configuration, when the door arm 343 pulls the door body 341a in a state where the door 341 closes the dust passing hole 321a, the door body 341a pivots on the hinge portion to move the vacuum cleaner station 300. ), and the dust passage hole 321a may be opened. Meanwhile, when the door arm 343 pushes the door body 341a while the dust passage hole 321a is open, the door body 341a moves along the outside of the cleaner station 300 with the hinge portion 341b as an axis. It rotates and moves toward, and the dust passage hole 321a may be blocked.

Meanwhile, in a state in which the cleaner 200 is coupled to the cleaner station 300 and the discharge cover 220 is separated from the dust box body 210, the door 341 may come into contact with the discharge cover 220. Also, as the door 341 rotates, the discharge cover 220 may be rotated in conjunction with the door 341 .

The door motor 342 may provide power to rotate the door 341 . Specifically, the door motor 342 may rotate the door arm 343 forward or reverse. Here, the forward direction may mean a direction in which the door arm 343 pulls the door 341 . Accordingly, when the door arm 343 rotates in the forward direction, the dust passage hole 321a may be opened. Also, the reverse direction may mean a direction in which the door arm 343 pushes the door 341 . Accordingly, when the door arm 343 rotates in the reverse direction, the dust passage hole 321a may be at least partially closed. The forward direction may be the reverse direction and the opposite direction.

The door arm 343 connects the door 341 and the door motor 342 and can open and close the door 341 using power generated by the door motor 342 .

For example, the door arm 343 may include a first door arm 343a and a second door arm 343b. One end of the first door arm 343a may be coupled to the door motor 342 . The first door arm 343a may rotate by power of the door motor 342 . The other end of the first door arm 343a may be rotatably coupled to the second door arm 343b. The first door arm 343a may transfer the force transmitted from the door motor 342 to the second door arm 343b. One end of the second door arm 343b may be coupled to the first door arm 343a. The other end of the second door arm 343b may be coupled to the door 341 . The second door arm 343b may push or pull the door 341 to open or close the dust passage hole 321a.

The door unit 340 may be opened when the discharge cover 222 of the cleaner 200 is opened. In addition, when the door unit 340 is closed, the discharge cover 222 of the cleaner 200 may be closed together in conjunction therewith.

When dust is removed from the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200, the door motor 342 rotates the door 341 to couple the discharge cover 222 to the dust bin body 221. Specifically, the door motor 342 rotates the door 341 based on the hinge portion 341b by rotating the door 341, and the door 141 rotating based on the hinge portion 341b is the discharge cover ( 222) may be pushed toward the dust box body 221.

9 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between a vacuum cleaner and a cover opening unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9 , the cleaner station 300 of the present invention may include a cover opening unit 350 . The cover opening unit 350 is disposed on the coupling part 320 and can open the discharge cover 222 of the cleaner 200 .

The cover opening unit 350 may include a push protrusion 351 , a cover opening motor 352 , a cover opening gear 353 and a gear box 355 .

The push protrusion 351 may move to press the coupling lever 222c when the cleaner 200 is coupled.

The push protrusion 351 may be disposed on the dust box guide surface 322 . Specifically, a protrusion movement hole may be formed in the dust container guide surface 322 , and the push protrusion 351 may pass through the projection movement hole and be exposed to the outside.

The push protrusion 351 may be disposed at a position where the coupling lever 222c can be pressed when the cleaner 200 is coupled. That is, the coupling lever 222c may be disposed on the protrusion movement hole. Also, the coupling lever 222c may be disposed on the moving area of the push protrusion 351 .

The push protrusion 351 may linearly reciprocate to press the coupling lever 222c. Specifically, the push protrusion 351 is coupled to the gear box 355 so that linear movement may be guided. The push protrusion 351 is coupled to the cover opening gear 353 and may be moved together by the movement of the cover opening gear 353 .

The cover opening motor 352 may provide power to move the push protrusion 351 . Specifically, the cover opening motor 352 may rotate the motor shaft in a forward or reverse direction. Here, the forward direction may mean a direction in which the push protrusion 351 presses the coupling lever 222c. Also, the reverse direction may refer to a direction in which the push protrusion 351, which presses the coupling lever 222c, returns to its original position. The forward direction may be the reverse direction and the opposite direction.

The cover opening gear 353 is coupled to the cover opening motor 352 and may move the push protrusion 351 by using power of the cover opening motor 352 . Specifically, the cover opening gear 353 may be accommodated inside the gear box 355 . The driving gear 353a of the cover opening gear 353 may be coupled to the motor shaft of the cover opening motor 352 to receive power. The driven gear 353b of the cover opening gear 353 may be coupled with the push protrusion 351 to move the push protrusion 351 . For example, the driven gear 353b is provided in the form of a rack gear, meshes with the driving gear 353a, and can receive power from the driving gear 353a.

At this time, the discharge cover 222 may be provided with a torsion spring 222d. By the elastic force of the torsion spring 222d, the discharge cover 222 can be rotated more than a predetermined angle and supported in the rotated position. Accordingly, the discharge cover 222 may be opened, and the dust passage hole 321a may communicate with the inside of the dust container 220 .

The gear box 355 is provided inside the housing 310, is disposed below the coupling part 320 in the gravitational direction, and the cover opening gear 353 may be accommodated therein.

According to the present invention, the user can open the dust bin 220 without separately opening the discharge cover 222 of the vacuum cleaner by the cover opening unit 350, thereby improving convenience.

In addition, since the discharge cover 222 is opened while the cleaner 200 is coupled to the cleaner station 300, scattering of dust can be prevented.

10 is a diagram for explaining arrangement between components of cleaner stations in an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 10 , the cover opening unit 350 described above is disposed below the coupling part 320, and the flow path part 380 is disposed to the rear side of the coupling part 320 and the cover opening unit 350.

Hereinafter, a flow path extending from the coupler 320 to the collecting unit 500 is referred to as a first flow path 381 . The collecting unit 500 for collecting dust is connected to and disposed at the lower end of the first flow path 381 .

The cleaner station 300 may further include a chamber unit 360 .

The chamber unit 360 is disposed in the housing 310 and a collecting unit receiving space 360a is formed to accommodate the collecting unit 500 .

At this time, the collecting unit 500 may be detachably provided in the chamber unit 360 . The chamber unit 360 may be detachably provided in the housing 310 or may be integrally formed with the housing 310 . A detailed structure of the chamber unit 360 will be described below in FIG. 11 .

The cleaner station 300 may include a flow path part 380 .

The passage part 380 is defined as a passage through which the air and foreign substances flowing out of the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200 flow. The flow path part 380 may include a first flow path 381 connecting the dust bin 220 and the collecting unit 500 and a second flow path 382 connecting the collecting unit 500 and the dust collection motor 391. there is.

The first passage 381 may be disposed on the rear side of the coupling surface 321 . The first passage 381 may refer to a space formed to allow air to flow between the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200 and the collector 500 . For example, the first passage 381 may be a space surrounded by structures. For example, the first flow path 381 may be an inner space of a hollow tube.

When the dust passage hole 321a is opened when the cleaner 200 is coupled to the cleaner station 300, the first passage 381 includes a first area 381a communicating with the inner space of the dust bin 220 and the first passage 381a. It may include a second region 381b that communicates the region 381a and the collecting unit 500 (see FIG. 8).

Accordingly, when the dust collecting motor 391 is operated, dust in the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200 may flow to the collecting unit 500 through the first flow path 381 .

The second passage 382 may connect the collecting unit 500 and the dust suction module 390 . That is, air from which dust is separated while passing through the collecting unit 500 may be guided to the dust collecting motor 391 through the second flow path 382 .

The second passage 382 may refer to a space formed to allow air to flow between the collecting unit 500 and the dust suction module 390 . The second passage 382 may be formed surrounded by a structure.

In an embodiment in which the collecting part 500 is the first collecting part 510 , a partial area of the second passage 382 may be formed inside the first collecting part 510 . The partial area may be referred to as a discharge channel 518 . The discharge passage 518 may be disposed on the front side of the collector body 511 (see FIGS. 24 and 26).

The cleaner station 300 may include a dust suction module 390 .

Referring back to FIG. 10 , the dust suction module 390 may include a dust collecting motor 391 . The dust collecting motor 391 may be disposed under the collecting unit 500 . The dust collecting motor 391 may generate a suction force to the flow path part 380 . Through this, a suction force capable of sucking dust into the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200 is provided.

The dust suction module 390 may further include a HEPA filter (not shown). The HEPA filter may be disposed at a rear end of the dust collecting motor 391 (based on an air flow path). As a result, clean air is discharged to the outside of the housing 310 .

Meanwhile, although not shown in FIG. 10 , the fixing unit 330 and the door unit 340 are disposed adjacent to the coupling part 320 , which has already been described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8 .

The cleaner station 300 may further include a collecting unit 500 .

11 is a perspective view showing a chamber unit 360 and a collecting unit 500 in a form coupleable to the chamber unit 360 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The collecting unit 500 may be detachably coupled to the chamber unit 360 . A dust accommodating space is provided in the collecting unit 500 to collect dust sucked from the inside of the dust bin 220 by the dust collecting motor 391 .

Meanwhile, the collecting unit 500 according to the embodiment of the present invention may be a first collecting unit 510 having a tubular shape in which the size of the dust receiving space is fixed.

Since the first collecting unit 510 is in the form of a 'tub', it is easy to clean the inside, so that it can be used semi-permanently if only the received dust is removed. However, dust removal and cleaning, which are tasks that must be performed separately, may be cumbersome to the user.

Alternatively, the collecting unit 500 according to the embodiment of the present invention may be an envelope-shaped second collecting unit 520 in which the size of the dust accommodating space is variable.

The second collecting unit 520 is typically made of a breathable material that allows air to escape but dust cannot escape. The second collecting unit 520 has a problem in that it needs to be purchased and replaced periodically since the inside of the second collecting unit 520 cannot be cleaned even if the received dust is removed. (520) It has an advantage in terms of user convenience because it can be thrown in the trash as a whole.

The cleaner station 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be operated even when any one of the two types of collecting parts 510 and 520 is accommodated in the collecting part accommodating space 360a in the chamber part 360 . That is, the two types of collecting units 510 and 520 are compatible.

The user may select the collecting unit 510 or 520 to be used in consideration of the above-described advantages and disadvantages of each of the collecting units 510 and 520 and the user's preference.

The benefits of compatibility are not limited to the realm of user preferences. For example, there is also an advantage that a user who prefers the first collecting part 510 can temporarily use the second collecting part 520 as an alternative in the process of washing and drying the first collecting part 510 .

Hereinafter, various features provided in the chamber unit 360 will be described so that the collecting units 510 and 520 of different shapes can be compatible with each other.

12 is a cross-sectional view of the chamber unit 360 viewed from the side in an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the upper side of the chamber unit 360 in the embodiment of the present invention, 14 is a front view of the chamber 360 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the chamber 360 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the compression drive unit 362 in the embodiment of the present invention.

First, referring back to FIG. 11 , the chamber unit 360 may include a chamber body 361 .

The chamber body 361 forms the exterior of the collecting unit accommodating space 360a. The collecting unit accommodating space 360a may have a substantially hexahedral shape.

One side of the chamber body 361 may be open. One open side of the chamber body 361 may be a front side. One open side of the chamber body 361 may be closed by the housing cover 370 .

One side of the housing cover 370 may be rotatably coupled to one side of the housing 300 . When the other side of the housing cover 370 rotates in a direction away from the housing 300, one side of the chamber body 361 is opened. Conversely, when the other side of the housing cover 370 rotates in a direction closer to the housing 300, one side of the chamber body 361 may be closed.

The collecting unit receiving space 360a formed by the chamber body 361 may have a cross-sectional area of a front end larger than a cross-sectional area of a rear end.

More specifically, referring to FIG. 12 , an imaginary plane p1 connecting the front upper end and the rear upper end of the chamber body 361 may have a backward-downward slope.

An imaginary plane p2 connecting the front lower end and the rear lower end of the chamber body 361 may have a backward-upward slope.

The upper side of the chamber body 361 has a downward slope toward the rear and the lower side has an upward slope toward the rear, so that the front end of the chamber body 360a has a larger cross-sectional area than the rear end.

Through this structure, there is an advantage of being able to easily insert the first collecting part 510 in a fixed form into the collecting part accommodating space 360a.

An air inlet 3621 may be provided in the chamber body 361 .

Air introduced through the first flow passage 381 passes through the air inlet 3621 . The air inlet 3621 may be provided on an upper surface of the chamber body 361 . Alternatively, the air inlet 3621 may be provided at an end of a hollow tube integrally connected to the chamber body 361 .

The air inlet 3621 is vertically overlapped with the dust inlet of the collecting unit 500 to be described later. That is, the air and dust passing through the first flow path 381 pass through the air inlet 3621 and the dust inlet in turn, and are introduced into the dust receiving space of the collecting unit 500 .

An inlet sealing member 367 may be disposed between the air inlet 3621 and the first flow path 381 . The inlet sealing member 367 seals between the air inlet 3621 and the first flow passage 381 to prevent air and dust from leaking into a space other than the chamber body 361 . The inlet sealing member 367 may be disposed in a form surrounding the circumference of the air inlet 3621 .

As described above, the chamber body 361 has an inclined structure that generally descends from the front upper end to the rear upper end, and an inclined surface formed with a backward-downward slope at a predetermined angle in a partial region of the upper surface of the chamber body 361. this may be included.

The air inlet 3621 formed on the upper part of the chamber body 361 may also be formed with an open cross section inclined downward from front to rear.

An air outlet 3622 may be provided in the chamber body 361 .

The air outlet 3622 passes the dust-filtered air passing through the collecting unit 500 . The air outlet 3622 may be provided under the chamber body 361 . The air outlet 3622 may be provided at the lower end of the mounting wall of the filter mounting portion 365, which will be described later (see FIG. 20).

The air outlet 3622 is connected to the dust suction module 390. That is, the air passing through the air outlet 3622 may be finally discharged to the outside of the housing through the dust suction module 390 .

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 15 , the chamber unit 360 may include a compression driving unit 362 .

The compression drive unit 362 is a component that generates power to rotate the compression rotation unit 515 that compresses the dust collected in the first collection unit 510 . The compression rotation unit 515 will be described later.

The compression driving unit 362 may be disposed under the chamber body 361 . More specifically, the compression driver 362 may be disposed on the outer lower portion of the chamber body 361 .

A detailed configuration of the compression drive unit 362 will be described with further reference to FIG. 16 .

The compression drive unit 362 may include a compression motor 3622 . The compression motor 3622 may be disposed outside the collecting unit accommodating space 360a. That is, the compression motor 3622 may be disposed outside the chamber body 361 .

The compression motor 3622 generates power for rotating the compression rotation unit 515 . The compression motor 3622 is provided as a motor capable of forward and reverse rotation. In other words, as the compression motor 3622, a motor capable of rotating in both directions is used.

In this way, in order to allow forward and reverse rotation of the compression motor 3622, a synchronous motor may be used as the compression motor 3622. Such a syncronos motor is configured to allow normal and reverse rotation by the motor itself, and when the force applied to the compression motor 3622 is greater than a set value when the compression motor 3622 rotates in one direction, the compression motor 3622 The rotation of is converted to the other direction.

At this time, the force applied to the compression motor 3622 is a resistance force (torque) generated as the rotary plate 5153 to be described later presses the dust, and when the resistance force reaches a set value, the compression motor 3622 rotates It is configured to change direction.

Since technologies for other synchronos motors are generally known in the field of motor technology, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The compression driving unit 362 may further include a driving gear 3621 .

The drive gear 3621 is rotated by the power of the compression motor 3622 . To this end, the driving gear 3621 may be connected to the motor shaft of the compression motor 3622. A driving gear 3621 may be coupled to the upper side of the compression motor 3622.

The driving gear 3621 may be disposed outside the collecting unit accommodating space 360a. That is, the driving gear 3621 may be disposed outside the chamber body 361 .

At this time, a portion of the lower surface of the chamber body 361 may protrude upward to form a driving gear accommodating portion 3623 (see FIG. 15).

A gear passage hole 3623a exposing at least a portion of the drive gear 3621 toward the inside of the collecting unit accommodating space 360a is formed in the lower portion of the chamber body 361 . More specifically, the gear passage hole 3623a may be formed by penetrating a side surface of the driving gear accommodating portion 3623 . The gear teeth 3621c of the drive gear 3621 may be exposed through the gear passage hole 3623a (see FIG. 15).

On the other hand, since the driving gear 3621 and the compression motor 3622 are disposed outside the collecting unit accommodating space 360a, considering that the collecting unit accommodating space 360a is a space that is periodically opened, the driving gear 3621 and This has the effect of ensuring that the compression motor 3622 is not exposed to contamination.

The drive gear 3621 may transmit rotational power to the compression rotation unit 515 .

The compression rotating unit 515 is a concept including one or more components that rotate to compress the dust collected in the dust receiving space of the first collecting unit 510 .

Although a detailed structure will be described later, the rotation plate 5153 included in the compression rotation unit 515 rotates to collect dust. The rotating plate 5153 may pressurize and compress dust collected between the fixed plate 5152 and the fixed plate 5152 while rotating to be closer to the fixed plate 5152 fixedly disposed on one side of the first collecting unit 510 .

A transmission gear 514 may be included in the first collecting unit 510 .

The transmission gear 514 is coupled to the compression rotation unit 515 and may be disposed between the compression drive unit 362 and the compression rotation unit 515 to transmit rotational power.

More specifically, the transmission gear 514 may be disposed outside the lower part of the first collecting part 510 . When the first collecting part 510 is inserted into the collecting part accommodating space 360a, the gear teeth 5142 of the transmission gear 514, the gear teeth of the drive gear 3621 exposed by the gear passage hole 3623a (3621c) and can be geared to each other.

Thus, rotational power generated by the compression motor 3622 may be transmitted to the compression rotation unit 515 via the driving gear 3621 and the transmission gear 514 .

On the other hand, since the drive gear 3621 is accommodated in the drive gear accommodating portion 3623, and the drive gear accommodating portion 3623 is formed in a structure protruding upward from the lowermost surface of the collecting unit accommodating space 360a, the user can use the first The transmission gear 514 and the driving gear 3621 can be easily meshed with each other even by simply pushing the collecting unit 510 horizontally.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15 , the chamber unit 360 may include a rail unit 363 .

The rail unit 363 may be disposed above the chamber body 361 . More specifically, the rail unit 363 may be disposed on an inner upper portion of the chamber body 361 .

The rail part 363 has a structure in which at least a part of the second collecting part 520 is fitted, and the second collecting part 520 can slide along the rail part 363 . The second collecting unit 520 may be supported while being spaced apart from the lower surface of the chamber body 361 and hanging from the rail unit 363 .

As described above, the second collecting unit 520 is an envelope-type collecting unit 500 in which the shape of the dust accommodating space is variable.

At this time, the dust bag 521 included in the second collecting unit 520 is inflated by the suction drive of the dust collecting motor 391, and the negative pressure formed as the dust bag 521 expands from the first flow path 381. Dust may flow into the dust bag 521 .

In the embodiment of the present invention, the dust bag 521, which is one component of the second collecting unit 520, is made of a breathable material. That is, dust of a certain size or more cannot escape, but is made of a material that allows air to escape. Therefore, as long as the suction drive of the dust collection motor 391 continues, the suction of dust into the dust bag 521 continues.

When the dust bag 521 is maximally inflated and there is no separation distance between the lowermost end of the dust bag 521 and the inner lower surface of the chamber body 361, the dust suction power is reduced. Therefore, it is preferable that the dust bag 521 is spaced apart from the lower surface of the chamber body 361 by a predetermined distance even in a maximum inflated state so that the suction power can be evenly transmitted to the dust bag 521 .

In the embodiment of the present invention, the rail part 363 having a structure that supports the second collecting part 520 by separating it from the lower surface of the chamber body 361 is provided, so that the first collecting part 510 and the second collecting part Compatibility between (520) becomes possible.

The rail unit 363 may include a rail body 3631 .

Referring to FIGS. 13 to 15 , the rail body 3631 may form a space in which the second collecting unit 520 slides. The rail body 3631 may be formed to extend from the front to the rear of the chamber body 361 . The rail body 3631 may be disposed on the left and right sides, respectively. The rail body 3631 may be formed in a left-right symmetrical structure.

The rail body 3631 is open toward the center of the chamber body 361 and may be provided in a shape similar to a 'U' rotated 90 degrees. From another point of view, the rail body 3631 may be provided in a shape similar to the Korean consonant 'c' based on the rail body 3631 disposed on the left side.

However, the shape of the rail body 3631 described above is an example, and the shape of the rail body 3631 may be changed to an appropriate structure capable of supporting the second collecting unit 520 on the upper side of the chamber body 361.

The upper surface of the rail body 3631 disposed on the upper surface of the chamber body 361 may be configured as an inclined surface similar to the upper surface of the chamber body 361 . Alternatively, the lower surface of the rail body 3631 may be formed parallel to the ground (see FIG. 13).

Hereinafter, a detailed configuration of the rail unit 363 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18 .

Fig. 17 is an enlarged view of section "A" in Fig. 15, and Fig. 18 is a sectional view taken along line C-C' in Fig. 17.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18 together with FIG. 15 , the rail unit 363 may further include an interference protrusion 3632 .

The interference protrusion 3632 may be disposed at a first position (Position 1) in front of the rail body 3631 to interfere with the housing cover 370.

More specifically, the first position may mean a position preventing the housing cover 370 from closing one open side of the chamber body 361 .

From another point of view, the first position is when the first collecting part 510 or the second collecting part 520 is inserted into the collecting part accommodating space 360a, the first collecting part 510 and the second collecting part 520 ) It may mean a position that shields the insertion progress path of some components included in.

Here, the partial component for shielding the insertion path may be an external plate 522 to be described later in the case of the first collecting unit 510 (see FIG. 31). In the case of the second collecting unit 520, the part The configuration may be a rib 5161c protruding from the body cover 516 (see FIG. 23).

The interference protrusion 3632 is formed by contact with the first collecting part 510 (specifically, the outer plate 522) or the second collecting part 520 (specifically, the rib 5161c). 370) may be moved to a second position (Position 2) where interference is avoided.

Meanwhile, a cover protrusion 371 may protrude from the housing cover 370 .

The cover protrusion 371 may be disposed at a position in contact with the aforementioned interference protrusion 3632 when the housing cover 370 rotates to close the opened side of the chamber body 361. (FIG. 15) That is, the meaning that the interference protrusion 3632 interferes with the housing cover 370 means that the interference protrusion 3632 and the cover protrusion 371 contact each other.

The rail unit 363 may further include a protrusion guide 3633 .

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 17 and 18 , the protrusion guide 3633 may be combined with the interference protrusion 3632 . The protrusion guide 3633 may guide the movement of the interference protrusion 3632 .

More specifically, the protrusion guide 3633 has a space in which the interference protrusion 3632 is accommodated, and a hook 3632a formed at an end of the interference protrusion 3632 is engaged with a locking jaw inside the space. (3662) may be formed.

The interference protrusion 3632 may be disposed at the first position in a state in which the hook 3632a and the locking protrusion 3662 are in contact with each other. As the interference protrusion 3632 moves from the first position to the second position, contact between the hook 3632a and the locking jaw 3662 may be released (see FIG. 19 ).

The rail unit 363 may further include a restoring member 3634.

Referring to FIG. 18 , a restoring member 3634 may be coupled to a space formed inside an interference protrusion 3632 . A direction in which the interference protrusion 3632 moves from the first position to the second position is defined as a first movement direction md1, and a direction opposite to the first movement direction is defined as a second movement direction md2. The restoring member 3634 may provide elastic force toward the second moving direction to the interference protrusion 3632, and the hook 3632a and the locking jaw 3662 contact the interference protrusion 3632 by the restoring member 3634. may be moved in the second movement direction until

Referring to FIG. 19 , the operation of the interference protrusion 3632 when the collecting unit 500 is inserted into the collecting unit accommodating space 360a and when it is not inserted will be described.

19 is a diagram for explaining the movement of the interference protrusion 3632 and its positional relationship with the housing cover 370 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

The left view of FIG. 19 shows a case where the interference protrusion 3632 is in the first position and the cover protrusion 371 and the interference protrusion 3632 are in contact. At this time, as the cover protrusion 371 contacts the interference protrusion 3632, the direction in which force is applied to the interference protrusion 3632 and the direction in which the interference protrusion 3632 is moved from the first position to the second position are at a predetermined angle. can achieve

The force does not have a component in a direction that moves the interference protrusion 3632 from the first position to the second position. Therefore, the movement of the interference protrusion 3632 cannot be achieved by the force pressed by the cover protrusion 371, and the interference protrusion 3632 prevents the housing cover 370 from rotating any further, so that the chamber body 361 is cannot be closed.

In the drawing on the right of FIG. 19 , the interference protrusion 3632 is in the second position, and the cover protrusion 371 does not contact the interference protrusion 3632 . The housing cover 370 may rotate and move until one side of the chamber body 361 is completely closed.

At this time, it is the first collecting part 510 or the second collecting part 520 that moves the interference protrusion 3632 from the first position to the second position. When the first collecting part 510 or the second collecting part 520 is inserted into the collecting part accommodating space 360a, a part 5162a of the first collecting part 510 or the second collecting part 520 is The interference protrusion 3632 may be pushed to the second position.

The interference protrusion 3632 may be provided with an inclined portion 3632c that comes into contact with some components of the collecting unit 500 .

Referring to FIG. 15 , the chamber unit 360 may further include a filter mounting unit 365 .

The filter mounting part 365 may be disposed under the chamber body 361 . The filter mounting unit 365 may include a filter mounting space to which the pre-filter module 470 for filtering the air passing through the collecting unit 500 is detachably coupled and a mounting wall surrounding the filter mounting space.

At this time, the air outlet 3622 described above is formed at the lower end of the mounting wall. From another point of view, the air outlet 3622 is formed at the lower end of the filter mounting space.

When the pre-filter module 470 is coupled to the filter mounting part 365, the air exiting the collecting unit 500 and heading for the air outlet 3622 passes through the pre-filter module 470 and passes through the air outlet 3622. It moves to the dust suction module 390 through the .

If the pre-filter module 470 is not coupled to the filter mounting part 365, the air exiting the collecting part 500 passes through the air outlet 3622 as it is and moves to the dust suction module 390.

20 is a diagram in which the pre-filter module 470 is divided into constituent units and developed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 20 , a pre-filter module 470 may include filter cases 471 and 472 and filters 473 and 474 .

The filter cases 471 and 472 may include an upper case 471 and a lower case 472, and the upper case 471 and the lower case 472 may be coupled through a hinge. When the hinge is rotated as an axis, the space inside the case can be opened and closed.

An air inlet 4711 is formed in the upper part of the case 471 .

The air inlet 4711 may be formed on the upper surface of the upper case 471 in a shape corresponding to the shape of the discharge passage 518 of the first collecting unit 510 to be described later. Air exiting the discharge channel 518 of the first collecting unit 510 may be introduced into the filter cases 471 and 472 through the air inlet 4711 . Air exiting the dust bag 521 of the second collecting unit 520 may be introduced into the filter cases 471 and 472 through the air inlet 4711 .

An air outlet 4721 is formed in the lower part of the case 472 .

The air outlet 4721 may be formed of a plurality of holes penetrating the lower surface of the lower case 472 . The air outlets 4721 may be disposed to be distributed over the entire lower surface of the lower case 472 so that air can pass through the filter evenly.

At least one or more filters 473 and 474 may be accommodated in the inner space formed by the upper case 471 and the lower case 472 . The filters 473 and 474 may include a first filter 473 made of a sponge material. The filters 473 and 474 may include a second filter 474 made of non-woven fabric.

A pressing protrusion 4712 may protrude from one side of the filter cases 471 and 472 .

The pressing protrusion 4712 presses the filter sensing protrusion 366 to be described later when the pre-filter module 470 is mounted on the filter mounting portion 365. The pressing protrusion 4712 may be formed in the form of a rib protruding from one surface of the upper case 471 or the lower case 472 (see FIG. 22).

Referring to FIG. 15 , the chamber unit 360 may further include a filter sensing protrusion 366 .

The filter sensing protrusion 366 may be disposed below the chamber body 361 . More specifically, the filter sensing protrusion 366 may be disposed adjacent to a mounting wall of the filter mounting portion 365 .

One side of the filter sensing protrusion 366 may maintain a protruding state toward the collecting unit accommodating space 360a in a state in which the pre-filter module 470 is not coupled to the filter mounting unit 365 .

To this end, although not shown, a pressing means for applying force in a direction in which the one side protrudes may be coupled to the filter sensing protrusion 366 . For example, the pressing means may be an elastic body such as a spring.

As such, when one side of the filter sensing protrusion 366 protrudes toward the collecting unit accommodating space 360a, the rear side of the first collecting unit 510 and the filter sensing protrusion 366 are interfered with, and the first collecting unit 510 is interfered with. It becomes impossible to completely insert the 510 into the collecting unit accommodating space 360a.

On the other hand, since the second collecting unit 520 remains spaced apart from the lower end of the chamber body 361 even when the dust bag 521 is fully inflated, the second collecting unit ( 520) is not hindered.

Through this configuration, the user cannot use the first collecting unit 510 without mounting the pre-filter module 470 on the filter mounting unit 365 . If the user inserts the first collecting part 510 into the chamber body 361 while forgetting to remove the pre-filter module 470, it will be caught by the filter sensing protrusion 366 and not completely inserted. The user may insert the first collecting part 510 into the chamber body 361 again after mounting the pre-filter module 470 on the filter mounting part 365 .

Meanwhile, in a state in which the pre-filter module 470 is coupled to the filter mounting portion 365, one side of the filter sensing protrusion 366 may be pressed by the pre-filter module 470. At this time, the filter sensing protrusion 366 may be moved in a direction to avoid interference with the first collecting unit 510 .

FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of part “B” of FIG. 15 and is a view for explaining the movement of the filter sensing protrusion 366 depending on whether the pre-filter module 470 is mounted, and FIG. 22 is D-D of FIG. 21 ' It's a cross section.

Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22 , the filter sensing protrusion 366 may include a protrusion body 3661 and a locking protrusion 3662 protruding from an outer surface of the protrusion body 3661 . At this time, a space in which the above-described pressing means (not shown) is disposed may be formed inside the protruding body 3661 .

Referring to the left drawing of FIG. 21 and the left drawing of FIG. 22 , a state in which the pre-filter module 470 is not mounted on the filter mounting part 365 is shown. The filter sensing protrusion 366 maintains a state in which one side protrudes toward the collecting unit accommodating space 360a.

The right side view of FIG. 21 shows a state in which the pre-filter module 470 is mounted on the filter mounting part 365. Referring to the drawing on the right of FIG. 22 , the filter sensing protrusion 366 is pressed against the locking protrusion 3662 by the pressing protrusion 4712 .

At this time, as in the embodiment of FIG. 22 , the pressing protrusion 4712 may protrude from one surface of the upper case 471 . As the pre-filter module 470 is mounted on the filter mounting portion 365, the pressing protrusion 4712 may come into contact with the locking protrusion 3662, and the filter sensing protrusion protrudes by invading the collecting unit accommodating space 360a. One side of (366) can be pressed downward.

Thus, the first collecting part 510 can be completely inserted into the chamber body 361 without interference.

Meanwhile, the need for the above-described filter sensing protrusion 366 is related to the fact that the dust separating means between the first collecting unit 510 and the second collecting unit 520 are different.

The dust separating means of the first collecting unit 510 may include a mesh network 5121 and a cyclone 513 .

A dust bag 521 made of a breathable material may be included as a dust separating means of the second collecting unit 520 .

In the case of the second collecting unit 520, dust larger than a certain size cannot pass through the dust bag 521 structurally. Since the dust bag 521 itself can perform a function of a pre-filter, the installation of the pre-filter module 470 is a user's choice and is not essential.

However, in the case of the first collecting unit 510, although it is possible to generally separate even fine dust through the dust collecting action of the cyclone 513, it is structurally fine like the dust bag 521 of the first collecting unit 510. It is impossible to completely filter the dust.

Therefore, in order to prevent fine dust from entering the dust collecting motor 391, the pre-filter module 470 must be disposed in the path through which the air passing through the first collecting unit 510 flows into the dust collecting motor 391. do.

The embodiment of the present invention has an effect of calling the user's attention to the non-mounting of the pre-filter module 470 when the first collecting unit 510 is used.

In addition, in the embodiment of the present invention, the use of the second collecting unit 520 is possible regardless of whether the pre-filter module 470 is mounted, so that the cost of purchasing a filter can be reduced according to the user's selection.

Referring to FIG. 13 , the chamber unit 360 may further include a sterilization module mounting unit 364.

The sterilization module mounting portion 364 may be disposed above the chamber body 361 . The sterilization module mounting portion 364 may be disposed spaced apart from the air inlet 3621. The sterilization module mounting portion 364 may include a sterilization module mounting space formed by bending a portion of the upper surface of the chamber body 361 upward and a mounting wall surrounding the mounting space.

A sterilization module 450 may be mounted on the sterilization module mounting unit 364 to irradiate ultraviolet light toward the collecting unit accommodating space 360a.

The sterilization module 450 is a component provided to sterilize dust collected in the collecting unit 500 . The sterilization module 450 may include a light source for emitting sterilization light and a protective panel disposed under the light source to protect the light source.

In a possible embodiment, the light source and the protection panel may be mounted on the sterilization module mounting part 364 in a form accommodated in a separately provided housing. Alternatively, in a possible embodiment, the light source and the protection panel may be mounted in the sterilization module mounting space in a form directly accommodated in the sterilization module mounting space.

As such, the combined form of the sterilization module 450 and the sterilization module mounting portion 364 is any one of the arrangements as long as the light source of the sterilization module 450 is disposed so as to emit sterilization light toward the collecting unit receiving space 360a. It is not limited to the examples.

Here, the light source may include at least one light emitting diode (LED) capable of emitting sterilizing light having sterilizing power capable of removing bacteria. The sterilization light emitted by the light source may have a wavelength that varies depending on the type of light emitting diode.

For example, the light source may be a light emitting diode that emits ultraviolet light having a UV-C wavelength range. Ultraviolet rays are divided into UV-A (315nm ~ 400nm), UV-B (280nm ~ 315nm), and UV-C (200nm ~ 280nm) according to the wavelength. can inhibit the growth of microorganisms.

Alternatively, as another example, the light source may be a light emitting diode emitting visible light having a wavelength of 405 nm. Blue light having a wavelength of 405 nm has a wavelength in the boundary region of visible light and ultraviolet light, and its sterilizing power has been proven.

The protection panel may be spaced apart from the light source by a predetermined distance to prevent damage to the light source. At this time, the protection panel may be provided with a material that maximizes the transmittance of the light source. For example, the protection panel may be made of quartz. It is known that quartz does not interfere with the transmission of ultraviolet light in the UV-C region.

In the embodiment of the present invention, by providing the sterilization module 450 and the sterilization module mount 364, even when dust sucked from the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200 is stored in the collecting unit 500 for a long time, the cleaner station ( 300) has the advantage of being able to manage it hygienically.

In addition, in the embodiment of the present invention, since the sterilization module mounting part 364 is disposed in the chamber part 360, there is an advantage that the user can use the sterilization function regardless of which type of collecting part 500 is selected.

Hereinafter, a detailed structure of the first collecting unit 510 will be described.

23 is a perspective view of the first collecting unit 510 in an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the first collecting unit 510 in an embodiment of the present invention, separated and developed. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a dust separation process of the cyclone 513 in an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 26 is a XX' cross-sectional view of FIG. 23 .

Referring to FIGS. 23 to 26 , the first collecting unit 510 may include a collecting unit body 511 , an inner wall 512 of the collecting unit, and a cyclone 513 .

The collector body 511 forms the exterior of the dust receiving space. In a possible embodiment, the collector body 511 may be in the form of a generally hexahedron. In another possible embodiment, the collector body 511 may be of a generally cylindrical shape.

The first collecting unit 510 may further include a body cover 516 provided to cover the open upper side of the body of the first collecting unit 510 .

The shape of the body cover 516 may be formed to correspond to the shape of the rail unit 363 .

More specifically, the body cover 516 may include a first cover part 5161 and a second cover part 5162 .

An upper surface of the first cover part 5161 may be formed as an inclined surface having a backward-downward slope. Thus, the rear of the first collecting unit 510 may be formed with a low height to the top and a high front to the top.

Meanwhile, as described above, the collecting part accommodating space 360a formed by the chamber body 361 may have a cross-sectional area of a front end larger than a cross-sectional area of a rear end.

That is, the rear of the first collecting part 510, where the insertion into the collecting part accommodating space 360a starts, has a low height, and the front end of the collecting part accommodating space 360a, which is an entrance into which the first collecting part 510 is inserted, is Since the height is high, the first collecting part 510 can be easily inserted into the collecting part accommodating space 360a.

The second cover part 5162 may be connected to both left and right sides of the first cover part 5161 . The second cover part 5162 may be formed to extend horizontally from the lower end of the side surface of the first cover part 5161 . That is, the top surface of the first cover part 5161 and the top surface of the second cover part 5162 may form a step so that the top surface of the first cover part 5161 is at a higher position.

In a state where the first collecting part 510 is inserted into the chamber body 361, the side surface of the first cover part 5161 is disposed to face the side surface of the rail body 3631. More specifically, the left and right side surfaces of the first cover portion 5161 are disposed to face the side surfaces of the left and right rail bodies 3631. From another point of view, the first cover part 5161 is disposed between the left and right rail bodies 3631 (see FIG. 29).

In a state where the first collecting part 510 is inserted into the chamber body 361, the upper surface of the second cover part 5162 is disposed to face the lower surface of the rail body 3631.

A transparent panel 5161b may be disposed on the upper surface of the first cover part 5161 .

When the first collecting part 510 is inserted into the chamber body 361, the transmission panel 5161b is disposed at a position corresponding to the position at which the sterilization module 450 is disposed. That is, when the first collecting unit 510 is inserted into the chamber body 361, the sterilization module 450 and the transmission panel 5161b are disposed to face each other.

The transmission panel 5161b is made of a material through which sterilization light emitted from the sterilization module 450 can be transmitted toward the inside of the collector body 511 . For example, the transmission panel 5161b may be made of a poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) material.

A dust inlet 5161a through which air and dust are introduced from the first flow path 381 may be formed on an upper surface of the first cover part 5161 . For example, the dust inlet 5161a may have a circular shape. A first flow path 381 is connected to the upper side of the dust inlet 5161a. As a result, air sucked by the suction force of the dust collecting motor 391 may flow into the collector body 511 . The dust inlet 5161a may be disposed above a first dust accommodating space S1 to be described later.

Based on the state in which the first collecting part 510 is inserted into the chamber body 361, the dust inlet 5161a and the air inlet 3621 of the chamber body 361 may be positioned to face each other.

At this time, since the dust inlet 5161a is formed on the upper surface of the first cover part 5161 having a backward-downward slope, the cross section of the dust inlet 5161a also has a backward-downward slope. Previously, it has been described that the cross section of the air inlet 3621 also has a backward-downward slope. Since the air inlet 3621 and the dust inlet 5161a have an inclination in the same direction, they can be sealed without separation from each other.

An inlet cover 5163 that opens and closes the dust inlet 5161a may be coupled to an inner upper surface of the first cover part 5161 . The inlet cover 5163 is configured to close or open the dust inlet 5161a, and may be provided in a shape corresponding to that of the dust inlet 5161a and coupled to one side of the dust inlet 5161a.

The inlet cover 5163 may be opened by the suction force of the dust collecting motor 391 . That is, the inlet cover 5163 may be opened toward the inner space (specifically, the first dust accommodating space S1) of the collector body 511 .

The inlet cover 5163 may keep the dust inlet 5161a closed when the dust collecting motor 391 is not driven, and open the dust inlet 5161a when the dust collecting motor 391 starts to operate.

To this end, a means for applying a restoring force in a direction of closing the dust inlet 5161a may be provided in the inlet cover 5163 . The restoring force applying unit may be, for example, an elastic member such as a spring.

Through this configuration, the inlet cover 5163 maintains a state in which the dust inlet 5161a is always closed in a state in which suction force is not applied, and odor, contamination, bacteria, etc. that may occur inside the first collecting unit 510 It is prevented from spreading to the first flow path 381 .

A rib 5161c may protrude from an outer surface of the first cover part 5161 .

Here, the outer surface may refer to a surface connecting the upper surface of the first cover part 5161 and the upper surface of the second cover part 5162 .

The rib 5161c may be formed in front of the outer surface of the first cover part 5161 . The rib may protrude in a direction parallel to the upper surface of the second cover part 5162 . The rib 5161c may be inserted into the sliding space of the rail part 363 (specifically, the rail body 3631) as the first collecting part 510 is inserted into the chamber body 361.

As the first collecting part 510 is inserted into the chamber body 361, the rib 5161c may push the interference protrusion 3632 disposed in the first position to the second position (see FIG. 19).

The first collecting unit 510 may further include a lower cover 517 provided to cover the opened lower side of the body of the first collecting unit 510 .

A collecting unit hinge 519 may be disposed at one corner of the lower cover 517 . When the lower cover 517 rotates around the collector hinge 519, the inside of the collector body 511 may be opened. Thus, the user can remove the dust collected in the collector body 511 by discharging it to the outside.

A handle 5111b may be disposed on the front (or front side) of the collector body 511 . The handle 5111b is configured to be gripped by a user so that the first collecting part 510 can be drawn out of the chamber body 361 . The user can easily take out the first collecting part 510 from the chamber body 361 by holding the handle 5111b and pulling the first collecting part 510 forward.

A finger groove 5111a may be provided in the collecting unit body 511 so that a user can easily grip the handle 5111b. The finger groove 5111a is formed as a groove that can fit a user's finger. The finger groove 5111a is formed in a shape where the collecting part body 511 is recessed toward the inner space of the first collecting part 510 .

Through this configuration, the handle 5111b does not excessively protrude outward from the collecting unit body 511 . That is, through this configuration, the cleaner station 300 may be reduced in size.

The inner wall 512 of the collector may be disposed inside the dust accommodating space of the collector body 511 . The inner wall 512 of the collecting unit may divide the dust receiving space of the collecting unit body 511 into two separate spaces. The collecting unit inner wall 512 may be disposed in a direction perpendicular to the ground.

A mesh network 5121 may be provided on the inner wall 512 of the collecting unit. For example, the mesh network 5121 may form part of the inner wall 512 of the collecting unit. That is, when air flows from one side of the divided dust accommodating space to the other side, it may pass through the mesh network 5121 .

Meanwhile, the receiving space inside the first collecting unit 510 is divided into a first dust receiving space S1 and a second dust receiving space S2 by the inner wall 512 of the collecting unit.

A compression rotation unit 515 may be disposed in the first dust accommodating space S1. A cyclone 513 may be disposed in the second dust accommodating space S2. Air sucked from the outside through the first flow path 381 first flows into the first dust receiving space S1 and passes through the mesh 5121 to flow into the second dust receiving space S2.

Through this, relatively large dust may be filtered through the mesh network 5121. The filtered large dust is collected and stored on the lower side of the first dust accommodating space S1.

A plurality of cyclones 513 may be provided. For example, at least two or more cyclone bodies having a conical or cylindrical shape may be provided.

Referring to FIG. 25 , each cyclone body includes an inlet body 5131 disposed to allow air passing through the mesh 5121 to be introduced. Each cyclone body further includes an outlet body 5132 connected to the outlet passage 518 .

The discharge passage 518 is a passage connected to the dust collecting motor 391 side, and is a passage constituting a part of the second passage 382 as described above.

Air is sucked in from the outlet body 5132 by the suction force applied to the outlet passage 518, and a cyclone flow is generated in the inlet body 5131. Due to this cyclone flow, fine-sized dust may be filtered from the air passing through the mesh 5121 .

The first collecting unit 510 may include a compression rotating unit 515 .

The compression rotating unit 515 is a component provided to compress dust collected in the first collecting unit 510 .

Referring to FIGS. 24 and 26 , the compression rotating unit 515 is disposed inside the dust receiving space of the collecting unit body 511 . More specifically, the compression rotation unit 515 is disposed inside the first accommodating space S1 of the collecting unit body 511 .

The compression rotation unit 515 is disposed to be movable inside the collecting unit body 511 . The compression rotation unit 515 may move in a direction of compressing the dust collected in the first dust accommodating space S1. In the embodiment of the present invention, the compression rotation unit 515 may be rotatably disposed in the first dust receiving space S1.

The compression rotation unit 515 may rotate around one axis disposed in the longitudinal direction in the interior of the collector body 511 (the first dust accommodating space S1). More specifically, the compression rotating unit 515 may include a rotating shaft member 5151 , a fixed plate 5152 and a rotating plate 5153 .

The rotating shaft member 5151 may be vertically disposed inside the collector body 511 , that is, in the first dust accommodating space S1 . The rotating shaft member 5151 may be rotated by receiving power from the compression motor 3622 described above. The central axis of the rotating shaft member 5151 may be coaxial with the central axis of the first dust accommodating space S1.

A lower end of the rotating shaft member 5151 may be connected to and supported by a bottom surface of the first dust accommodating space S1. The upper end of the rotating shaft member 5151 may be spaced apart from the dust inlet 5161a by a predetermined distance so as not to interfere with the opening of the inlet cover 5163 (see FIG. 30).

The fixing plate 5152 may be fixedly disposed on one side inside the first collecting unit 510 . More specifically, the fixing plate 5152 may be vertically disposed in the first dust accommodating space S1 and fixedly coupled to one side of the inner circumferential surface of the collector body 511 forming the first dust accommodating space S1. The fixing plate 5152 may have a square flat plate shape. The fixing plate 5152 may be disposed on the opposite side of the mesh network 5121.

The fixing plate 5152 may completely or partially cover the first dust accommodating space S1 to compress dust pushed and moved by the rotation of the rotary plate 5153 together with the rotary plate 5153 .

The rotation plate 5153 is connected to the outer circumferential surface of the rotation shaft member 5151 and can rotate together with the rotation shaft member 5151 . More specifically, the rotating plate 5153 may be disposed between the inner circumferential surface of the collecting unit body 511 and the outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft member 5151 constituting the first dust accommodating space S1 and may rotate.

The shape of the rotating plate 5153 is basically a square flat plate shape, but may be modified to avoid interference with other components disposed in the first dust accommodating space S1. For example, when the inlet cover 5163 opens the dust inlet 5161a, a cutout may be formed at an upper end of the rotation plate 5153 so as not to interfere with the rotation radius of the inlet cover 5163 (see FIG. 30 ). )

The rotary plate 5153 can rotate in both forward and reverse directions. Based on a state in which the first dust accommodating space S1 is viewed from above (ie, a state in which the first collecting unit 510 is viewed from above), clockwise rotation is defined as forward rotation and counterclockwise rotation is defined as reverse rotation. can

When the rotary plate 5153 rotates in the forward direction, one surface of the rotary plate 5153 and one surface of the fixed plate 5152 meet to compress dust. Likewise, when the rotary plate 5153 rotates in the reverse direction, the other surface of the rotary plate 5153 and the other surface of the fixing plate 5152 meet to compress dust. That is, some of the compressed dust exists near one surface of the fixing plate 5152, and the rest exists near the other surface of the fixing plate 5152.

The compression rotating unit 515 may further include a cleaning member 5154 .

Referring to FIGS. 24 and 26 , a cleaning member 5154 is coupled to an end of a rotating plate 5153 on the opposite side where the rotating shaft member 5151 is disposed. That is, one end of the rotary plate 5153 is coupled to the rotary shaft member 5151 and the other end is coupled to the cleaning member 5154 .

The cleaning member 5154 may be provided to rotate together with the rotating plate 5153 while coming into contact with the mesh 5121 . More specifically, one edge of the cleaning member 5154 may be disposed to contact one surface of the mesh network 5121 .

Through this, when the cleaning member 5154 rotates together with the rotating plate 5153, it can rotate while scratching the mesh 5121, and foreign substances adhering to the mesh 5121 can be removed. The cleaning member 5154 may be, for example, a rubber scrubber.

Meanwhile, as described above, the first collecting unit 510 may include a transmission gear 514 .

The transmission gear 514 may be coupled to the lower cover 517 of the first collecting unit 510 . When the first collecting part 510 is inserted into the collecting part accommodating space 360a, the transmission gear 514 and the driving gear 3621 may be engaged with each other, and the rotational power of the compression motor 3622 is the driving gear ( 3621) and the transmission gear 514 may be transmitted to the compression rotation unit 515.

Together with FIG. 24 , the transmission gear 514 and the drive gear 3621 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28 .

27 is an enlarged view of the driving gear 3621 and the transmission gear 514 in the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the driving gear 3621 viewed from the bottom in the embodiment of the present invention. to be.

The transmission gear 514 may be connected to the rotation shaft member 5151 of the compression rotation unit 515 . Gear teeth 5142 engaged with the drive gear 3621 are disposed on the outer circumference of the lower portion of the transmission gear 514 . A gear shaft 5141 coaxially connected to the rotating shaft member 5151 is disposed at the upper center of the transmission gear 514 .

The gear shaft 5141 may be inserted into the receiving space of the collector body 511 through a hole formed in the lower cover 517 . The gear shaft 5141 may be configured to be inserted into a hollow formed in the rotating shaft member 5151 . That is, the size of the outer circumferential diameter of the gear shaft 5141 may be smaller than the size of the outer circumferential diameter of the rotating shaft member 5151 .

The gear shaft 5141 and the rotating shaft member 5151 may have mechanical structures that engage each other so as to rotate at the same angular velocity. For example, the mechanical structure may be a protrusion and groove structure.

The drive gear 3621 may include a gear body 3621a, a shaft connecting portion 3621b, and gear teeth 3621c.

The gear body (3621a) forms the exterior of the drive gear (3621). Gear teeth 5142 of the transmission gear 514 and gear teeth 3621c engaged with the upper portion of the gear body 3621a are formed and disposed. A pattern 3621d in which protrusions and grooves alternately and continuously may be formed on the lower circumference of the gear body 3621a.

An upper diameter of the gear body 3621a on which the gear teeth 3621c are disposed and a lower diameter of the gear body 3621a on which the pattern 3621d is formed may have different sizes.

A shaft connecting portion 3621b connected to the motor shaft of the compression motor 3622 is formed at the center of the gear body 3621a. The shaft connecting portion 3621b may be formed and disposed in a cylindrical shape inside the gear body 3621a. The shaft connecting portion 3621b may have a hole formed corresponding to the motor shaft into which the motor shaft is inserted.

Thus, when the compression motor 3622 rotates, the drive gear 3621 rotates together.

A plurality of ribs 3621e may be radially disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the shaft connecting portion 3621b to support the shape of the shaft connecting portion 3621b.

The pattern 3621d formed on the drive gear 3621 may be formed such that the widths of protrusions and grooves adjacent to each other are different from each other. The protrusions and grooves formed in the pattern 3621d may be defined as distinct phases according to the size of the formed width.

At this time, the order in which the phases of the pattern 3621d are arranged is in the first direction d1 about the circumference of the gear body 3621a and in the second direction d2 opposite to the first direction d1. It can be formed to be different from each other for .

The pattern 3621d may consist of a set of four phases. Here, the first phase and the third phase may be formed in the form of protrusions, and the second phase and the fourth phase may be formed in the form of grooves. That is, protrusions and grooves may be alternately formed.

Here, the widths of the first to fourth phases may all be formed to be different, and each phase may be distinguished through the size of the width. Taking the embodiment shown in FIG. 28 as an example, a protrusion with a width of pt_d1 (mm) is a first phase, a groove with a width of pt_d2 (mm) is a second phase, a protrusion with a width of pt_d3 (mm) is a third phase, A groove having a width of pt_d4 (mm) may be defined as a fourth phase.

The arrangement order of each phase may be repeated in the order of 1-2-3-4 when looking at the gear body 3621a of the drive gear 3621 while moving in the first rotation direction rd1. Therefore, when looking at the gear body 3621a of the driving gear 3621 while moving in the second rotation direction rd2 opposite to the first rotation direction rd1, each phase is in the order of 4-3-2-1 will be repeated

In this way, through the arrangement of the directional pattern 3621d formed on the drive gear 3621, the control unit 700, which will be described later, determines whether the drive gear 3621 is currently rotating in the first rotational direction rd1 or in the second rotational direction. (rd2) makes it possible to detect whether it is rotating.

29 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the first collecting unit 510 is inserted into the chamber body 361 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing a first collecting unit 510 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 510 is a view showing a flow path of air related to dust collection in a state where the chamber body 361 is inserted.

The air introduced into the first dust accommodating space S1 of the collector body 511 through the first flow path 381 passes through the mesh 5121, and large dust is separated, and the air from which the large dust is separated is It is introduced into the second dust accommodating space (S2).

Then, the air introduced into the second dust accommodating space S2 passes through the cyclone 513 and is separated into fine dust. is introduced into

The air exiting the discharge passage 518 passes through the pre-filter module 470 and flows to the dust collection motor 391 .

Hereinafter, a detailed structure of the second collecting unit 520 will be described.

31 is a view in which the related components of the second collecting unit 520 are separated and developed according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. A cross-sectional view from the side.

Referring to FIGS. 31 and 32 , the second collecting unit 520 may include a dust bag 521 , an outer plate 522 and an inner plate 523 .

The dust bag 521 is a component that receives and stores dust sucked from the cleaner 200 therein.

The dust bag 521 may increase in volume when suction force is generated by the dust collecting motor 391 and accommodate dust therein. To this end, the dust bag 521 may be made of a breathable material. More specifically, the dust bag 521 may be made of a material that allows air to pass through but does not transmit foreign substances such as dust. For example, the dust bag 521 may be made of a non-woven fabric material and may have a hexahedral shape based on when the volume is increased.

In the dust bag 521, a dust inlet 5212 is formed. The dust inlet 5212 is formed on the upper side of the dust bag 521 through the dust bag 521, and passes air and dust introduced from the air inlet 3621 of the chamber body 361 into the dust bag 521. It becomes a passage leading to the inside.

The dust bag 521 may include a light transmission hole 5211 . The light transmission hole 5211 may be formed through the dust bag 521 . The light transmission hole 5211 may be formed at a position facing one surface of the transmission panel 524 to be described later. That is, the light transmission hole 5211 may be disposed in front of the dust inlet 5212 . In a state in which the second collecting part 520 is completely inserted into the collecting part accommodating space 360a, the sterilization module 450 may be disposed above the light transmission hole 5211. As a result, sterilization light may be irradiated into the dust bag 521 through the transmission panel 524 .

The outer plate 522 may be coupled to the outside of the top of the dust bag 521 .

The outer plate 522 may include a plate body 5221 in the form of a square flat plate.

Parts of the left and right ends of the plate body 5221 may be inserted into the sliding space of the rail body 3631. From another point of view, left and right ends of the plate body 5221 are fitted to the rail body 3631, and one surface of the plate body 5221 may be supported by an inner lower surface of the rail body 3631. Through this configuration, the plate body 5221 can be inserted into the rail body 3631 in a sliding manner.

A dust inlet 5222 is formed in the plate body 5221 . The dust inlet 5222 serves as a passage for guiding air and dust introduced from the air inlet 3621 of the chamber body 361 into the dust bag 521 .

The outer plate 522 may include a handle 5223.

The handle 5223 may be coupled to the front end of the plate body 5221. The handle 5223 may be integrally formed with the plate body 5221. The handle 5223 may be formed by being vertically connected from the plate body 5221 .

A user may push the outer plate 522 into the rail body 3631 by gripping the handle 5223 . A user can take out the outer plate 522 from the rail body 3631 by gripping the handle 5223 .

The outer plate 522 may include a connecting member 5224 .

The connecting member 5224 may be disposed behind the dust inlet 5222 . The connecting member 5224 may protrude from the lower surface of the outer plate 522 downward by a predetermined length. The connection member 5224 may pass through the dust bag 521 and be coupled to an inner plate 523 to be described later.

The outer plate 522 may include a support member 5225 .

The support member 5225 may be disposed in front of the outer plate 522 . The support member 5225 may protrude from the lower surface of the outer plate 522 downward by a predetermined length.

The support member 5225 is formed in the form of a rib on the left and right sides of the outer plate 522, and the lower end thereof is the lower side of the rail body 3631 based on the state in which the outer plate 522 is inserted into the rail body 3631. You can come into contact with the inside.

The front of the second collecting unit 520 is lifted by the support member 5225 as it is inserted into the collecting unit accommodating space 360a. That is, in a state where the second collecting part 520 is completely inserted into the collecting part accommodating space 360a, the second collecting part 520 is inclined to have a backward-downward slope. (See FIG. 34 )

Through this configuration, the outer plate 522 may be supported in an elevated state toward the air inlet 3621 of the chamber body 361 .

As described above, in the embodiment of the present invention, the open end face of the air inlet 3621 has a backward-downward slope. At this time, the second collecting part 520 is also inserted into the rail part 363 in an inclined state to have a backward-downward inclination, since the air inlet 3621 and the dust inlet 5222 have an inclination in the same direction. They can be sealed without separation from each other.

The outer plate 522 may include a light transmission hole 5226 .

The light transmission hole 5226 may be formed through the plate body 5221 . The light transmission hole 5226 may be formed at a position opposite to one surface of the transmission panel 524 to be described later. That is, the light transmission hole 5226 may be disposed in front of the dust inlet 5222 .

In a state in which the second collecting unit 520 is completely inserted into the collecting unit accommodating space 360a, the sterilization module 450 may be disposed above the light transmission hole 5226. As a result, sterilization light may be irradiated into the dust bag 521 through the transmission panel 524 .

The inner plate 523 may be coupled to the upper inside of the dust bag 521 .

The inner plate 523 may include a plate body 5231 in the form of a square flat plate.

In the plate body 5231, a dust inlet 5232 is formed. The dust inlet 5232 serves as a passage for guiding air and dust introduced from the air inlet 3621 of the chamber body 361 into the dust bag 521 .

The inner plate 523 may include a sidewall 5233 .

The side wall 5233 is configured to limit and guide the flow direction of the air introduced into the dust bag 521 . Sidewall 5233 may be disposed adjacent to dust inlet 5232 . The sidewall 5233 may protrude downward from an inner surface of the plate body 5231 . That is, the side wall 5233 may extend toward the inner space of the dust bag 521 .

The side walls 5233 may be symmetrically disposed on the left and right sides of the dust inlet 5232. Accordingly, the side wall 5233 may block air introduced into the dust inlet 5232 from flowing left or right.

Meanwhile, in a state in which the inlet cover 525 to be described later is opened, the rear flow of air may also be blocked.

As a result, the air introduced into the dust inlet 5232 flows forward and downward.

Through this configuration, the inflowing dust may be effectively exposed to sterilizing light irradiated in front of the dust inlet 5232 .

The inner plate 523 may include a connecting member insertion groove 5234 .

The connection member insertion groove 5234 may be disposed behind the dust inlet 5232 . The connection member insertion groove 5234 may be formed in a shape through which the plate body 5231 passes. The connecting member 5224 of the outer plate 522 may be inserted into the connecting member insertion groove 5234 .

The inner plate 523 may include an inlet tube 5235.

The inlet pipe 5235 may be coupled to the lower surface of the plate body 5231. The inlet pipe 5235 may be disposed in a form surrounding the dust inlet 5232 . The inlet pipe 5235 may be integrally formed with the plate body 5231. The open cross section of inlet tube 5235 may have a backward-downward slope.

A lower end of the inlet pipe 5235 may be closed by an inlet cover 525 to be described later. With this, the dust inlet 5232 can also be closed.

The inner plate 523 may include an inlet cover fixing member 5236 .

The inlet cover fixing member 5236 may be disposed behind the dust inlet 5232 . The inlet cover fixing member 5236 may be coupled to the lower surface of the plate body 5231 in a form surrounding the connection member insertion groove 5234 . The inlet cover fixing member 5236 may be integrally formed with the plate body 5231.

An inlet cover insertion groove 5236a may be formed in the inlet cover fixing member 5236 . At least a portion of the inlet cover 525 may be inserted into and fixed to the inlet cover insertion groove 5236a. The inlet cover insertion groove 5236a has a backward downward inclined surface and may extend left and right. Thus, the inlet cover 525 can be inserted from the front top to the rear downward.

A transparent panel 524 may be coupled to the inner plate 523 .

When the second collecting unit 520 is inserted into the chamber body 361, the transmission panel 524 is disposed at a position corresponding to the position at which the sterilization module 450 is disposed. That is, when the second collecting unit 520 is inserted into the chamber body 361, the sterilization module 450 and the transmission panel 524 are disposed to face each other.

The transmission panel 524 is made of a material through which sterilization light emitted from the sterilization module 450 can be transmitted toward the inside of the collector body 511 . For example, the transmission panel 524 may be made of a poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) material.

An inlet cover 525 opening and closing the dust inlet 5232 may be coupled to the inner side of the inner plate 523 . An inlet cover 525 may be disposed at an end of the inlet tube 5235.

The inlet cover 525 may be made of a material having elasticity. For example, the inlet cover 525 may be made of a rubber material.

The inlet cover 525 may open one side of the inlet pipe 5235 by the suction force of the dust collecting motor 391 . That is, the inlet cover 525 may be opened toward the inner space of the dust bag 521 .

One side of the inlet cover 525 may be inserted into and coupled to the inlet cover insertion groove 5236a.

The inlet cover insertion groove 5236a has a large backward-downward slope, whereas the open end surface of the inlet pipe 5235 has a smaller backward-downward slope, so the inlet cover 525 has an inlet cover insertion groove ( 5236a), the shape is deformed into a bent shape at one point.

At this time, restoring force is applied to the inflow cover 525 toward the direction to be unfolded again based on the bent point.

Through this configuration, the inlet cover 525 may be in close contact with the inlet pipe 5235 in a state where the inlet cover 525 is inserted into the inlet cover insertion groove 5236a. That is, the inflow cover 525 is not deflected due to its own weight in a state in which the dust collection motor 391 is not driven.

The inlet cover 525 may keep the dust inlet 5232 closed when the dust collecting motor 391 is not driven, and open the dust inlet 5232 when the dust collecting motor 391 starts to operate.

When the dust collecting motor 391 is operated, the inlet cover 525 is deformed toward the inner space of the dust bag 521 to open the inlet pipe 5235, and when the dust collecting motor 391 is stopped, the inlet cover 525 is elastically restored to form the inlet pipe. Close (5235).

Accordingly, when the second collecting unit 520 is separated from the cleaner station, it is possible to prevent dust from scattering to the outside, flying insects from escaping, or odor from spreading.

In addition, even when the second collecting unit 520 is coupled to the cleaner station, when the dust collecting motor 391 is not driven, the inlet pipe 5235 is closed, so that dust or odor does not flow backward through the first flow path 381. It has a preventive effect.

33 is a perspective view showing a state in which the second collecting unit 520 is inserted into the chamber body 361 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 34 is a perspective view showing a second collecting unit 520 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 520 is a view showing a flow path of air related to dust collection in a state where the chamber body 361 is inserted.

When an airflow is formed by the suction force of the dust collection motor 391, the air containing foreign substances flowing from the inside of the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200 moves to the dust bag 521 through the first flow path 381. and exits the dust bag 521 leaving only foreign substances in the dust bag 521.

At this time, the flow of dust introduced through the first passage 381 in the left and right directions is blocked by the side walls 5233 and the flow in the rear direction is blocked by the inflow cover 525, as shown in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. , It flows forward and downward toward the sterilization light irradiated by the sterilization module 450.

In addition, the air exiting the dust bag 521 passes through the pre-filter module 470 and flows to the dust collecting motor 391.

On the other hand, when the dust collection motor 391 is driven to form an air flow in the second collecting unit 520, the gear passage hole 3623a is exposed as it is without clogging, so that the suction force is applied to the gear passage hole 3623a (See the direction of the dotted line arrow in FIG. 33)

As such, when a suction force is directly applied to the compression motor 3622 through the gear passage hole 3623a, a failure of the compression motor 3622 may be caused.

35 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the sealing member 3623 sealing the gear passage hole 3623a in the embodiment of the present invention.

In an embodiment according to the present invention, the compression driving unit 362 may further include a sealing member 3623 disposed between the driving gear 3621 and the chamber body 361 .

The sealing member 3623 may be disposed along the entire outer circumference of the gear body 3621a of the drive gear 3621 . The sealing member 3623 may be disposed between the outer surface of the gear body 3621a of the driving gear 3621 and the lower outer surface of the chamber body 361 .

As such, the sealing member 3623 may seal between the gear passage hole 3623a and the compression motor 3622 to block air flow between the compression motor 3622 and the collecting unit accommodating space 360a.

The sealing member 3623 may include a first sealing part contacting the chamber body 361 and a second sealing part contacting the gear body 3621a. The first sealing part and the second sealing part may be configured to be connected to each other at one end and spaced apart from the other end.

Through this configuration, as suction force is applied by the dust collecting motor 391, the sealing portion is compressed in a direction in which the other side of the first sealing portion and the other side of the second sealing portion become closer to each other. Accordingly, the sealing force is further strengthened by driving the dust collecting motor 391, and direct application of suction force to the compression motor 3622 is prevented.

Meanwhile, the cleaner station may further include a controller 700.

The controller 700 is a component that controls the operation of each component of the cleaner station. The controller 700 may be mounted on a printed circuit board.

The controller 700 may include all types of devices capable of processing data, such as a processor. Here, a 'processor' may refer to a data processing device embedded in hardware having a physically structured circuit to perform functions expressed by codes or instructions included in a program, for example. As an example of such a data processing device built into hardware, a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), a processor core, a multiprocessor, an application-specific integrated (ASIC) circuit), field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc., but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 700 may detect a rotation direction change of the compression motor 3622.

As described above, when the compression motor 3622 rotates in one direction and the force applied to the compression motor 3622 exceeds a set value, the rotation of the compression motor 3622 is converted to the other direction. At this time, the force applied to the compression motor 3622 is a resistance force (torque) generated as the rotary plate 5153 presses the dust, and when the resistance force reaches a set value, the rotation of the compression motor 3622 is directed in the direction configured to be converted.

That is, the compression motor 3622 is connected to the rotary plate 5153, and the rotation direction is changed only when the rotary plate 5153 presses dust.

The controller 700 may control driving of the compression motor 3622 at any stage of the dust emptying process.

In a possible embodiment, driving of the compression motor 3622 may be performed at the same time that the cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupler 320 . Information related to the coupling of the cleaner 200 may be detected by a coupling sensor 325 disposed on one side of the coupling unit 320 and transmitted to the controller 700 .

In another possible embodiment, the driving of the compression motor 3622 may be performed after the driving of the dust collecting motor 391 is finished.

In another possible embodiment, the driving of the compression motor 3622 may be performed before and after driving the dust collection motor 391, respectively.

The control unit 700 may detect whether the rotation direction of the compression motor 3622 is changed within a predetermined time from when the compression motor 3622 starts driving. The time period should be set sufficiently longer than the expected time for the rotation plate 5153 to come into contact with one surface of the fixed plate 5152 when the rotation plate 5153 starts to rotate from the initial position.

The rotation direction change detection may be performed by detecting the arrangement order of the pattern 3621d formed on the driving gear 3621 . To this end, the compression driving unit 362 may further include a photo interrupter (not shown) disposed adjacent to the driving gear 3621 .

If the phase of the pattern 3621d detected by the photointerrupter has an arrangement order of 1-2-3-4, the compression motor 3622 is rotating in the first direction. If the phase of the pattern 3621d detected by the photointerrupter has an arrangement order of 4-3-2-1, the compression motor 3622 is rotating in the second direction (see FIG. 28).

The controller 700 may drive the compression motor 3622 regardless of the type of the collecting unit 500 currently coupled to the cleaner station.

If the first collecting part 510 is inserted into the chamber body 361, the rotation direction of the compression motor 3622 is necessarily changed within a predetermined time.

If the second collecting unit 520 is inserted into the chamber body 361, no load is applied to the compression motor 3622 even after a predetermined time elapses, so the compression motor 3622 only rotates in the same direction, A change in the direction of rotation is not made.

That is, the control unit 700 rotationally drives the compression motor 3622 to determine whether or not the rotation direction of the compression motor 3622 is changed within a predetermined period of time, so that the collection unit 500 currently coupled to the cleaner station 300 is controlled. type can be determined.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and in the technical field to which the present invention belongs without departing from the gist of the present invention claimed in the claims. Various modifications and implementations are possible by those skilled in the art, and these modifications should not be individually understood from the technical spirit or perspective of the present invention.

3: cleaner system
200: cleaner
220: dust bin
300: cleaner station
310: housing
360: chamber part
360a: collecting unit accommodating space 361: chamber body
3621 air inlet 3622 air outlet
3623: drive gear accommodating part 3623a: gear through hole
362: compression drive unit 3621: drive gear
3622: compression motor 3623: sealing member
363: rail part 3631: rail body
3632 Interference protrusion 3633 Protrusion guide
364: sterilization module mounting portion 365: filter mounting portion
366: filter sensor protrusion 3661: protrusion body
3662: snag
370: housing cover
371: cover protrusion
391: dust collection motor
450: sterilization module
470: pre-filter module
471, 472: filter case 4712: push protrusion
473, 474: filter
500: collection unit
510: first collecting unit
511: collecting unit body 515: compression rotating unit
516: body cover 5161: first cover part
5161c: rib 5162: second cover part
520: second collecting unit
521 dust bag 522 outer plate
5225: support member 523: inner plate
700: control unit

Claims (15)

a housing coupled to the dust bin of the vacuum cleaner;
a dust collection motor disposed inside the housing and generating a suction force to suck dust inside the dust bin;
a collecting unit provided with a dust accommodating space for collecting dust sucked from the inside of the dust bin by the dust collecting motor; and
A chamber unit disposed in the housing and forming a collecting unit accommodating space so that the collecting unit is detachably coupled,
The collecting unit coupled to the chamber unit,
The size of the dust accommodating space is fixed in the form of a cylinder, and the first collecting unit includes a cyclone as a dust separation means, and the size of the dust accommodating space is variable, and a dust bag made of breathable material is included as a dust separation means The second collection part is compatible,
The chamber part,
a chamber body forming an exterior of the collecting unit accommodating space; and
A rail part disposed on the upper part of the chamber body and supporting at least a part of the second collecting part so that the lower surface of the chamber body and the second collecting part are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance.
cleaner station.
According to claim 1,
The collecting unit receiving space,
The cross-sectional area of the front end is formed wider than the cross-sectional area of the rear end,
cleaner station.
According to claim 1,
The front of the chamber body is opened or closed by a housing cover rotatably coupled to one side of the housing,
The rail part,
a rail body forming a space in which the second collecting unit slides;
Disposed in a first position in front of the rail body to interfere with the housing cover, and moved to a second position in which interference with the housing cover is avoided by contact with the first collecting part or the second collecting part interfering projections; and
A protrusion guide coupled to the interference protrusion and guiding the positional movement of the interference protrusion;
cleaner station.
According to claim 1,
The chamber part,
a filter mounting unit disposed below the chamber body and to which a pre-filter module for filtering the air passing through the collecting unit is detachably coupled; and
A filter sensing protrusion, one side of which is pressed by the pre-filter module and moved in a direction to avoid interference with the first collecting unit; further comprising,
cleaner station.
According to claim 4,
The pre-filter module,
filter case;
a filter accommodated inside the filter case; and
Including, a pressing protrusion protruding from one side of the filter case;
cleaner station.
According to claim 5,
The filter sensor protrusion,
projection body; and
A locking step protruding from the outer surface of the protrusion body and coming into contact with the pressing protrusion as the pre-filter module is coupled to the filter mounting portion.
cleaner station.
According to claim 1,
The chamber part,
A compression drive unit disposed below the chamber body and generating power to rotate a compression rotation unit for compressing the dust collected in the first collection unit; further comprising,
cleaner station.
According to claim 7,
The first collection unit,
A transmission gear coupled to the compression rotation unit to transmit power from the compression drive unit to the compression rotation unit;
The compression drive unit,
a compression motor disposed outside the collecting unit accommodating space; and
A driving gear connected to the compression motor outside the collecting unit receiving space and engaged with the transmission gear;
In the lower part of the chamber body,
A gear passage hole is formed to expose at least a portion of the drive gear toward the inside of the collecting unit accommodating space so that gear engagement between the drive gear and the transmission gear is possible.
cleaner station.
According to claim 8,
The compression drive unit,
Further comprising a sealing member disposed between the drive gear and the chamber body to seal the gear passage hole.
cleaner station.
According to claim 8,
Further comprising a control unit for detecting a change in rotation direction of the compression motor.
cleaner station.
According to claim 10,
The control unit,
Determining the type of the collecting unit coupled to the chamber unit based on whether or not a change in rotation direction of the compression motor is detected within a predetermined time,
cleaner station.
According to claim 7,
The chamber part,
an air inlet provided on an upper portion of the chamber body and having an open cross section inclined backward-downward; and
Further comprising a sterilization module mounting portion disposed spaced apart from the air inlet and equipped with a sterilization module provided to irradiate ultraviolet light toward the collecting unit accommodating space.
cleaner station.
According to claim 12,
The first collection unit,
a collecting unit body forming an exterior of the dust accommodating space; and
a transmission gear disposed outside the lower portion of the collector body and coupled to the compression rotation unit to transmit power from the compression drive unit to the compression rotation unit; and
Including; body cover covering the open upper side of the collecting unit body,
The body cover,
A rib inserted into the rail part protrudes,
cleaner station.
According to claim 13,
The body cover,
A backward-downward inclined surface is formed in a part of the upper surface,
On the slope,
Based on the state in which the first collecting part is inserted into the chamber body, a dust inlet positioned to face the air inlet is formed.
cleaner station.
According to claim 12,
The second collecting unit,
an outer plate coupled to an upper outer portion of the dust bag, fitted to the rail portion, slidably inserted into the collecting portion receiving space, and having a dust inlet; and
A support member protruding from the lower surface of the outer plate and having a lower end in contact with one surface of the rail part to support a state in which the outer plate is raised toward the air inlet;
cleaner station.

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