US20240008700A1 - Cleaner system - Google Patents

Cleaner system Download PDF

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Publication number
US20240008700A1
US20240008700A1 US18/037,481 US202118037481A US2024008700A1 US 20240008700 A1 US20240008700 A1 US 20240008700A1 US 202118037481 A US202118037481 A US 202118037481A US 2024008700 A1 US2024008700 A1 US 2024008700A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
cleaner
dust
door
station
housing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
US18/037,481
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English (en)
Inventor
Hyunsup Song
Sangik Lee
Jongjin Woo
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
LG Electronics Inc
Original Assignee
LG Electronics Inc
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by LG Electronics Inc filed Critical LG Electronics Inc
Assigned to LG ELECTRONICS INC. reassignment LG ELECTRONICS INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: LEE, SANGIK, SONG, HYUNSUP, WOO, JONGJIN
Publication of US20240008700A1 publication Critical patent/US20240008700A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L5/00—Structural features of suction cleaners
    • A47L5/12—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
    • A47L5/22—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
    • A47L5/225—Convertible suction cleaners, i.e. convertible between different types thereof, e.g. from upright suction cleaners to sledge-type suction cleaners
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/10—Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
    • A47L9/14—Bags or the like; Rigid filtering receptacles; Attachment of, or closures for, bags or receptacles
    • A47L9/149—Emptying means; Reusable bags
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L7/00—Suction cleaners adapted for additional purposes; Tables with suction openings for cleaning purposes; Containers for cleaning articles by suction; Suction cleaners adapted to cleaning of brushes; Suction cleaners adapted to taking-up liquids
    • A47L7/0095—Suction cleaners or attachments adapted to collect dust or waste from power tools
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/0009—Storing devices ; Supports, stands or holders
    • A47L9/0063—External storing devices; Stands, casings or the like for the storage of suction cleaners
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/10—Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
    • A47L9/16—Arrangement or disposition of cyclones or other devices with centrifugal action
    • A47L9/1683—Dust collecting chambers; Dust collecting receptacles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/10—Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
    • A47L9/16—Arrangement or disposition of cyclones or other devices with centrifugal action
    • A47L9/1691—Mounting or coupling means for cyclonic chamber or dust receptacles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/22—Mountings for motor fan assemblies
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/24—Hoses or pipes; Hose or pipe couplings
    • A47L9/242—Hose or pipe couplings
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
    • A47L9/2868—Arrangements for power supply of vacuum cleaners or the accessories thereof
    • A47L9/2873—Docking units or charging stations
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2201/00—Robotic cleaning machines, i.e. with automatic control of the travelling movement or the cleaning operation
    • A47L2201/02—Docking stations; Docking operations
    • A47L2201/022—Recharging of batteries
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2201/00—Robotic cleaning machines, i.e. with automatic control of the travelling movement or the cleaning operation
    • A47L2201/02—Docking stations; Docking operations
    • A47L2201/024—Emptying dust or waste liquid containers

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a cleaner system provided to remove dust from a dust bin of a cleaner. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a cleaner system capable of selectively switching a suction path between an internal path for sucking dust from a dust bin of a first cleaner and an external path for sucking dust from a dust bin of a second cleaner.
  • a cleaner is a household appliance that sucks small debris or dust to fill it in a dust bin accommodated therein in a method of sucking air using electricity, and is usually referred to as a vacuum cleaner.
  • Such a cleaner may be classified into a manual cleaner in which a user moves the cleaner to perform a cleaning operation, and an automatic cleaner which is autonomously driven to perform a cleaning operation.
  • the manual cleaner may be classified into a canister-type cleaner, an upright cleaner, a handheld-type cleaner, and a stick-type cleaner depending on the shape of the cleaner.
  • the canister-type cleaner was widely used as the household cleaner.
  • the handheld-type cleaner and the stick-type cleaner in which a dust bin and a cleaner body are integrated with each other to enhance convenience when in use are increasingly being used.
  • the canister-type cleaner is configured such that a body and a suction port are connected via a rubber hose or pipe, and a brush may be inserted into the suction port when necessary.
  • the handheld-type cleaner is intended to maximize portability, and is light in weight but is short in length, so the cleaner should be used while sitting and thereby a cleaning area may be limited. Therefore, this is used to clean a localized place such as the top of a desk or sofa or the interior of a car.
  • the stick cleaner may be used while standing, so a user may clean without bending forward at the waist. Therefore, this is advantageous to clean while moving across a large area.
  • the handheld-type cleaner may clean a narrow space, whereas the stick-type cleaner may clean a wider space and a high place that is not reached by hand.
  • the stick cleaner may be provided in a module type, and may be used by actively changing its type depending on various targets.
  • a robot cleaner that performs a cleaning operation without a user's manipulation is commonly used.
  • the robot cleaner automatically cleans a desired area, by sucking foreign matter such as dust from a floor while being autonomously driven on the area that is to be cleaned.
  • a conventional stick cleaner and a conventional robot cleaner are problematic in that each of the cleaners has a small volume dust bin for storing collected dust, so it is inconvenient for a user to empty the dust bin after each use.
  • Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-2020-0074001 has been proposed.
  • the patent document of 10-2020-0074001 has disclosed a cleaning device including a vacuum cleaner having a dust collector that collects foreign matter, and a docking station connected to the dust collector to remove foreign matter collected in the dust collector. Further, the cleaning device is provided with the dust collector to be docked on the docking station, and the docking station is configured to include a sucking device that sucks foreign matter and internal air in the dust collector docked on the docking station. Further, the cleaning device is configured to include a collecting part that collects foreign matter in the docking station.
  • the patent document of U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/463,215 has disclosed a discharge station that includes a base accommodating a robot cleaner and is docked with the robot cleaner accommodated in the base. Further, the discharge station includes a canister that accommodates a filter bag, and an air mover that moves air to the filter bag, thus collecting dust from the robot cleaner.
  • the patent documents are configured to collect dust from the dust bin of only the stick cleaner or the robot cleaner. That is, the inventions disclosed in the above patent documents are a cleaning device (or discharge station) used exclusively for one type of cleaner, and are problematic in that it is impossible to collect dust from both a dust bin of a stick cleaner and a dust bin of a robot cleaner.
  • the stick cleaner and the robot cleaner have improved user convenience, it is difficult to perfectly perform a cleaning operation with only one cleaner due to limitations and technical problems caused by structural shapes.
  • users purchase and use both the stick cleaner and the robot cleaner.
  • users additionally purchase another type of cleaner after purchasing one type of cleaner.
  • an objective of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaner system, capable of collecting dust from both a dust bin of a first cleaner and a dust bin of a second cleaner.
  • the present disclosure is to provide a cleaner system, capable of selectively switching a suction path between an internal path for sucking dust from a dust bin of a first cleaner and an external path for sucking dust from a dust bin of a second cleaner.
  • the present disclosure is to provide a cleaner system, capable of detachably coupling a first station provided to suck dust from a dust bin of a first cleaner and a second station provided to suck dust from a dust bin of a second cleaner.
  • the present disclosure provides a cleaner system, including a first station coupled with a first cleaner and including a housing that defines a space therein; a second station disposed under the first station to be coupled with the first station, a second cleaner being docked on the second station; and an external path disposed outside the first station and communicating with an interior of the housing and a dust bin of the second cleaner, wherein the first station may further include an internal path vertically disposed in the housing and communicating with a dust bin of the first cleaner; a dust collecting motor disposed in the housing and generating a suction force to suck dust from the dust bins of the first cleaner and the second cleaner; and a door disposed on a coupler at which the first cleaner is coupled to the housing, and opened towards an interior of an upper portion of the housing to cause an outside of the housing to communicate with the internal path.
  • a suction force is generated by the dust collecting motor, if any one dust suction path of the external path and the internal path is opened according to an opened or
  • the door may be disposed to be parallel to a major axis of the housing when the door is closed, and may be disposed to face the dust collecting motor when the door is opened.
  • the first station may further include a door motor providing power to open or close the door; a first door arm coupled at a first side thereof to the door motor; and a second door arm coupled at a first side thereof to the first door arm, and coupled at a second side thereof to the door.
  • a door motor providing power to open or close the door
  • a first door arm coupled at a first side thereof to the door motor
  • a second door arm coupled at a first side thereof to the first door arm, and coupled at a second side thereof to the door.
  • the first station may further include an internal extension tube disposed in the housing, and the internal extension tube may be formed such that a first end thereof is connected to the external path, and a second end thereof is opened in a direction facing the dust collecting motor in the housing.
  • the internal extension tube may be disposed such that the second end thereof is disposed above the door when the door is opened.
  • the cleaner system may further include a dust collecting part accommodated in the housing, disposed above the dust collecting motor, and collecting dust sucked from the dust bin of the first cleaner and the dust bin of the second cleaner by the dust collecting motor.
  • the dust collecting part may collect dust through a first suction path connected to the dust bin of the first cleaner, the internal path, and the dust collecting part when the door is opened, and may collect dust through a second suction path connected to the dust bin of the second cleaner, the external path, the internal path, and the dust collecting part when the door is closed.
  • the second station may be docked with the second cleaner in the same direction as a direction in which the first cleaner is coupled to the first station.
  • the second station may include a lower body on which the second cleaner climbs to be docked thereon; a side body connected to each of opposite side ends of the lower body and extending upwards from the lower body; and an upper body connected to the side body, coupled with the first station, and disposed above an upper surface of the second cleaner to be spaced apart therefrom by a predetermined distance in a state where the second cleaner is docked; and a rear body connected with the lower body, the side body, and the upper body, and disposed in a direction opposite to a side in which the second cleaner is docked.
  • the housing may be provided with a plurality of housing fastening holes formed in a lower end thereof, the upper body may include on an upper surface thereof a plurality of upper body fastening holes disposed at positions corresponding to the housing fastening holes, respectively, and the housing and the second station may be detachably coupled with each other through the housing fastening holes and the upper body fastening holes.
  • the second station may further include a path support part that is connected to the rear body, extends upwards from the upper surface of the upper body to be spaced apart therefrom by a predetermined distance, and accommodates a portion of the external path therein.
  • the lower body may include a suction hole formed to correspond to a position where the dust bin of the second cleaner is disposed, in a state where the second cleaner is docked; and a second cleaner charging terminal electrically connected to the second cleaner and supplying power to charge the second cleaner.
  • the cleaner system since the cleaner system includes the first station coupled to the first cleaner and the second station docked with the second cleaner, dust may be collected from both the dust bin of the first cleaner and the dust bin of the second cleaner. Therefore, a user does not need to remove dust from both the first cleaner and the second cleaner, thus providing convenience.
  • the first suction path for sucking the dust from the interior of the dust bin of the first cleaner and the second suction path for sucking the dust from the interior of the dust bin of the second cleaner may be selectively switched according to the opened/closed state of the door without the necessity of adding components for switching the path. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the cleaner system and to simplify the structure and control of the cleaner system.
  • the fastening hole is provided to detachably couple the lower end of the first station and the upper surface of the second station, so only the first station may be used and the second station may be further coupled as necessary, thus increasing a user's convenience.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a cleaner system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 2 is a side sectional view illustrating the cleaner system of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a first cleaner coupled to a first station.
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged view illustrating a dust-bin opening and closing structure of the first cleaner.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first station.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement relationship between the first cleaner and a housing of the first station, and the arrangement structure of an outer wall surface of the housing.
  • FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a coupler to which the first cleaner is coupled, in the housing of the first station.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a fixing unit of the first station is coupled to the coupler.
  • FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a door unit of the first station.
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement relationship in a state where a discharge cover and a door of the first cleaner are opened.
  • FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a cover opening unit of the cleaner station.
  • FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a second station.
  • FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a method in which the dust bin of the second cleaner and an external path communicate with each other in a state where the second cleaner is docked on the second station.
  • FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement relationship between an internal extension tube and a door in a state where the door is opened.
  • FIGS. 15 and 16 are diagrams illustrating path switching between the internal path and the external path according to the opened/closed state of the door.
  • FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a lower end of the housing of the first station.
  • FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a ground support part is coupled to the lower end of the housing of the first station when seen from below.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a cleaner system 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 2 is a side sectional view illustrating the cleaner system 1 of FIG. 1 .
  • the cleaner system 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first station 10 , a second station 20 , and an external path 30 .
  • the first station 10 may be coupled with a first cleaner 50 to suck dust from an interior of a dust bin 516 of the first cleaner 50 .
  • the first station may include a housing 110 that defines an internal space for accommodating a plurality of components.
  • the first station 10 may serve as a charging station that charges the first cleaner 50 by supplying power to the first cleaner 50 when the first cleaner 50 is coupled to the first station 10 .
  • the first cleaner 50 may be coupled to a front of the first station 10 .
  • a cleaner body 510 of the first cleaner 50 may be coupled to the front of the first station 10 .
  • the term “front” may be defined as a direction in which a coupler 115 formed by depressing the housing 110 that will be described later in a shape corresponding to the cleaner body 510 of the first cleaner 50 faces.
  • a direction in which an opposite surface of the housing 110 with respect to the coupler 115 faces may be defined as a rear.
  • a direction in which a major axis A 1 of the housing 110 is disposed may be defined as a vertical direction.
  • a side on which the coupler 115 is disposed may be an upper portion.
  • the second station 20 may be operated to suck dust from an interior of a dust bin 610 of the second cleaner 60 . To this end, the second station may be docked with the second cleaner 60 .
  • the second station 20 may be disposed under the first station 10 , and may be coupled with the first station 10 .
  • the second station 20 may serve as a charging station that supplies power to the second cleaner 60 to charge the second cleaner 60 .
  • the second station 20 may be docked with the second cleaner 60 in the same direction as the direction where the first cleaner 50 is coupled to the first station 10 . As such, if the direction where the first cleaner 50 is coupled is the same as the direction where the second cleaner 60 is docked, a space occupied by the cleaner system 1 may be reduced.
  • the external path 30 may be disposed outside the first station 10 .
  • the external path 30 may communicate with an interior of the housing 110 and the dust bin 610 of the second cleaner 60 .
  • the external path 30 may be formed in the shape of a tube that defines a passage through which the dust in the dust bin 610 of the second cleaner 60 may be collected into the housing 110 .
  • the structure of the first cleaner 50 coupled to the first station 10 will be described in brief and then the structure of the first station 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 .
  • FIG. 3 illustrates the first cleaner 50 coupled to the first station 10
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged view illustrating the opening and closing structure of the dust bin 516 of the first cleaner 50 .
  • the first cleaner 50 may be a stick cleaner configured such that a user grips a handle 514 and then manually cleans a room, and the first cleaner 50 may include the cleaner body 510 .
  • the cleaner body 510 of the first cleaner 50 may include a suction part 511 providing a path through which air containing dust may flow, a dust separation part 512 that communicates with the suction part 511 and separates dust sucked through the suction part 511 , a suction motor 513 that generates a suction force to suck air, a handle 514 that is gripped by a user, and a battery housing 515 that accommodates a battery therein.
  • the cleaner body 510 of the first cleaner 50 may further include the dust bin 516 .
  • the dust bin 516 may communicate with the dust separation part 512 , and may store dust separated in the dust separation part 512 .
  • the dust bin 516 may include a dust bin body 5161 , a discharge cover 5162 , and a coupling lever 5163 .
  • the dust bin body 5161 may have a cylindrical shape, and may be opened at one side thereof.
  • the air introduced through the suction part 511 may pass through the dust separation part 512 accommodated in the dust bin body 5161 .
  • the dust may be collected in the dust bin body 5161 , and the air separated from the dust may flow to the suction motor 513 and then be discharged to the outside of the first cleaner 50 .
  • the discharge cover 5162 may be rotatably coupled to the open side of the dust bin body 5161 .
  • the discharge cover 5162 may be coupled to the dust bin body 5161 via a dust bin hinge 5164 on the open side of the dust bin body 5161 .
  • the dust bin hinge 5164 may be disposed on a side close to the battery housing 515 .
  • the discharge cover 5162 may rotate about the dust bin hinge 5164 to open or close the dust bin body 5161 .
  • the discharge cover 5162 may include on a side close to the suction part 511 a coupling hook (not shown) that is hooked onto the dust bin body 5161 .
  • the coupling hook and the dust bin hinge 5164 may be disposed on opposite sides.
  • the coupling lever 5163 may be provided to move along an outer circumference of the dust bin body 5161 in a longitudinal direction of the dust bin body 5161 to release the hook coupling between the discharge cover 5162 and the dust bin body 5161 .
  • the coupling lever 5163 may be disposed downwards when the first cleaner 50 is coupled to the first station 10 . If an external force is applied to the coupling lever 5163 to move the coupling lever 5163 in the longitudinal direction (the direction in which the hook coupling is released) of the dust bin body 5161 , the coupling hook extending from the discharge cover 5162 may be elastically deformed and the hook coupling between the discharge cover 5162 and the dust bin body 5161 may be released.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first station 10
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement relationship between the first cleaner 50 and the housing 110 , and the arrangement structure of an outer wall surface of the housing 110 .
  • the first station 10 may include the housing 110 .
  • the housing 110 may be a component to which the first cleaner 50 is coupled, and may define the appearance of the first station 10 .
  • the housing 110 may be formed in the shape of a pillar including at least one outer wall surface.
  • the housing 110 may be formed in a shape similar to that of a square pillar.
  • Components including a dust collecting motor 130 , an internal path 120 , and a dust collecting part 140 may be accommodated in a space defined in the housing 110 (see FIG. 2 ).
  • the housing 110 may include a ground support part 112 .
  • the ground support part 112 may be disposed towards the ground.
  • the ground support part 112 may be disposed on the lower end of the housing 110 .
  • the ground support part 112 may be detachably coupled to the lower end of the housing 110 .
  • a bottom surface of the ground support part 112 contacting the ground may be disposed to be parallel to the ground, or may be disposed to be inclined at a predetermined angle with the ground.
  • the ground support part 112 may have a sectional area larger than a sectional area surrounded by the outer wall surface at the lower end of the housing 110 to increase an area contacting the ground, thereby preventing the cleaner station from falling down and maintaining balance.
  • the ground support part 112 may have the shape of a rectangular plate.
  • the housing 110 may include at least one outer wall surface.
  • the housing 110 may include a first outer wall surface 111 a on which the coupler 115 is formed, and may further include a second outer wall surface 111 b , a third outer wall surface 111 c , and a fourth outer wall surface 111 d which are sequentially arranged counterclockwise when facing the first outer wall surface 111 a (see FIG. 4 ).
  • the housing 110 may be opened such that some of the components (e.g. the dust collecting part 140 ) accommodated therein are exposed. For instance, when viewing the first station 10 from the front, a right portion of the first outer wall surface 111 a and the second outer wall surface 111 b may be integrally opened together in the direction of the second outer wall surface 111 b , and a left portion of the first outer wall surface 111 a and the fourth outer wall surface 111 d may be integrally opened together in the direction of the fourth outer wall surface 111 d.
  • the components e.g. the dust collecting part 140
  • the first outer wall surface 111 a may be depressed towards the interior of the housing 110 such that the coupler 115 formed on the first outer wall surface 111 a corresponds in shape to a portion of the cleaner body 510 of the first cleaner 50 .
  • a portion of the first cleaner 50 may be coupled to the first station 10 , and the first cleaner 50 may be supported by the first station 10 .
  • a portion of the first cleaner 50 may mean a certain area of the dust bin 516 of the first cleaner 50 and a certain area of the battery housing 515 of the first cleaner 50 .
  • FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the coupler 115 to which the first cleaner 50 is coupled, in the housing 110 of the first station 10 .
  • the dust bin 516 and the battery housing 515 of the first cleaner 50 may be coupled to the coupler 115 .
  • the coupler 115 may include a coupling surface 1151 .
  • the coupling surface 1151 may be disposed to be parallel to the outer wall surface of the housing 110 .
  • the coupling surface 1151 may refer to a surface formed in the shape of a concave groove from the first outer wall surface 111 a towards the inside of the housing 110 .
  • the coupling surface 1151 may refer to a surface that forms a step with the first outer wall surface 111 a.
  • the coupling surface 1151 may contact the bottom surfaces of the dust bin 516 and the battery housing 515 of the first cleaner 50 .
  • the bottom surface of the dust bin 516 may refer to a surface facing the ground when a user uses the first cleaner 50 or places the first cleaner on the ground.
  • a dust-passing hole 1151 a may be formed in the coupling surface 1151 to allow air present outside the housing 110 to flow into the coupling surface.
  • the dust-passing hole 1151 a may be formed in the shape of a hole corresponding to the shape of the dust bin 516 to allow dust present in the dust bin 516 to flow into the dust collecting part 140 .
  • the dust-passing hole 1151 a may be formed to correspond to the shape of the discharge cover 5162 to allow the discharge cover 5162 to pass therethrough, when the discharge cover 5162 of the dust bin 516 is opened.
  • the dust-passing hole 1151 a may be formed to communicate with the internal path 120 .
  • the coupler 115 may include a dust bin guide surface 1152 .
  • the dust bin guide surface 1152 may be disposed on the first outer wall surface 111 a .
  • the dust bin guide surface 1152 may be connected with the first outer wall surface 111 a . Further, the dust bin guide surface 1152 may be connected with the coupling surface 1151 .
  • the dust bin guide surface 1152 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the outer surface of the dust bin. Thereby, it is possible to provide convenience when the first cleaner 50 is coupled to the coupling surface 1151 . When the first cleaner 50 is coupled to the first station 10 , the dust bin may be supported by the dust bin guide surface 1152 .
  • the coupler 115 may include a guide protrusion 1153 .
  • the guide protrusion 1153 may be disposed on the coupling surface 1151 .
  • the guide protrusion 1153 may be formed to protrude from the coupling surface 1151 .
  • Two guide protrusions 1153 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other. A distance between the two guide protrusions 1153 spaced apart from each other may correspond to a width of the battery housing 515 of the first cleaner 50 . Thereby, it is possible to provide convenience when the first cleaner 50 is coupled to the coupling surface 1151 .
  • the coupler 115 may include a coupler sidewall 1155 .
  • the coupler sidewall 1155 may mean wall surfaces disposed on both side surfaces of the coupling surface 1151 , and may be perpendicularly connected to the coupling surface 1151 .
  • the coupler sidewall 1155 may be connected to the first outer wall surface 111 a .
  • the coupler sidewall 1155 may be connected to the dust bin guide surface 1152 .
  • the coupler sidewall 1155 may form a surface connected to the dust bin guide surface 1152 .
  • the coupler 115 may include a coupling sensor (not shown).
  • the coupling sensor may detect whether the first cleaner 50 is coupled to the coupler 115 .
  • the coupling sensor may include a contact sensor.
  • the coupling sensor may include a micro switch.
  • the coupling sensor may be disposed on the guide protrusion.
  • the coupling sensor may include a non-contact sensor.
  • the coupling sensor may include an IR sensor.
  • the coupling sensor may be disposed on the coupler sidewall 1155 , and may be opposite to the dust bin 516 or the battery housing 515 of the first cleaner 50 .
  • the coupling sensor may sense the first cleaner 50 , and may further sense whether power is applied to the battery of the first cleaner 50 , thus finally determining whether the first cleaner 50 is coupled to the coupler 115 .
  • the battery is electrically coupled to a first cleaner charging terminal 1156 , it may be determined that power is applied to the battery.
  • the first cleaner charging terminal 1156 may be provided on the coupling surface 1151 . If the first cleaner charging terminal is coupled to the battery, power may be supplied to the first cleaner 50 .
  • the coupler 115 may further include a fixing member access hole 1157 .
  • the fixing member access hole 1157 may be formed in the shape of an elongated hole along the coupler sidewall 1155 to allow a fixing member 161 , which will be described later, to enter and exit.
  • the fixing member access hole 1157 may be a rectangular hole formed along the coupler sidewall 1155 .
  • the fixing member 161 will be described below in detail together with a fixing unit 160 .
  • the first station 10 may include an internal path 120 .
  • the internal path 120 may be accommodated in the housing 110 , and may communicate with the dust bin 516 of the first cleaner 50 if a door 151 that will be described below is opened.
  • the internal path 120 may be vertically disposed in the housing 110 .
  • the internal path 120 may be arranged to be substantially parallel to the major axis A 1 of the housing 110 .
  • the internal path 120 may be provided in the shape of a tube that defines a space therein to form a passage through which dust moves.
  • the internal path 120 may be formed such that a first side thereof coupled to the dust-passing hole 1151 a has a larger sectional area than a second side thereof coupled to the dust collecting part 140 .
  • the internal path 120 may be provided in the shape of a tube whose sectional area is reduced in a direction from an upper position to a lower position thereof.
  • the first station 10 may include the dust collecting motor 130 .
  • the dust collecting motor 130 may be accommodated in the housing 110 and may generate a suction force to suck dust from the first cleaner 50 and the dust bin 610 of the second cleaner 60 .
  • the dust collecting motor 130 may be located at a lower position in the housing 110 . Thus, air may flow from an upper position to a lower position in the housing 110 .
  • the first station 10 may include the dust collecting part 140 .
  • the dust collecting part 140 may be accommodated in the housing 110 , and may be disposed above the dust collecting motor 130 . As the dust collecting part 140 is disposed above the dust collecting motor 130 , if the dust collecting motor 130 generates the suction force, dust sucked from the dust bin 516 of the first cleaner 50 and the dust bin 610 of the second cleaner 60 may be collected in the dust collecting part 140 .
  • the dust collecting part 140 may collect dust through a first suction path connected to the dust bin 516 of the first cleaner 50 , the internal path 120 , and the dust collecting part 140 . Further, the dust collecting part 140 may collect dust through a second suction path connected to the dust bin 610 of the second cleaner 60 , the external path 30 , the internal path 120 , and the dust collecting part 140 .
  • the dust collecting part 140 may be detachably coupled to the housing 110 . Thus, if the housing 110 is opened, the dust collecting part 140 may be separated from the housing 110 to be discarded, and a new dust collecting part 140 may be coupled to the housing 110 . In other words, the dust collecting part 140 may be defined as a consumable component.
  • the volume of the dust collecting part 140 may be increased to receive dust in the dust collecting part.
  • the dust collecting part 140 may be formed of a material that is permeable to air but is impermeable to foreign matter such as dust.
  • the dust collecting part 140 may be made of a non-woven material, and have a hexahedral shape when a volume thereof increases.
  • a first end of the internal path 120 may be coupled to the dust-passing hole 1151 a , while a second end of the internal path 120 may be coupled to the dust collecting part 140 .
  • the dust collecting motor 130 is driven to generate a suction force, the airflow may be formed from the first end to the second end of the internal path 120 .
  • the air containing foreign matter which flows from the interior of the dust bin 516 of the first cleaner 50 , may flow through the internal path 120 to the dust collecting part 140 , and then may escape from the dust collecting part 140 while leaving only the foreign matter in the dust collecting part 140 .
  • the first station 10 may include the fixing unit 160 .
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the fixing unit 160 of the first station 10 is coupled to the coupler 115 .
  • a portion of the fixing unit 160 may be disposed on the coupler sidewall 1155 . Further, a portion of the fixing unit 160 may be disposed behind the coupling surface 1151 to be accommodated in the housing 110 .
  • the fixing unit 160 may fix the first cleaner 50 coupled to the coupling surface 1151 .
  • the fixing unit 160 may fix the battery housing 515 and the dust bin 516 of the first cleaner 50 coupled to the coupling surface 1151 .
  • the fixing unit 160 may include a fixing member 161 , fixer motor 162 , and a fixing sealer 163 .
  • the fixing member 161 may receive power from the fixer motor 162 to reciprocate from the interior of the coupler sidewall 1155 of the coupler 115 towards the dust bin.
  • the fixing member 161 may enter or exit the sidewall through the access hole 1157 of the fixing member 161 .
  • An upper portion of the fixing member 161 may be formed in a shape corresponding to that of the battery housing 515 , while a lower portion of the fixing member 161 may be formed in a shape corresponding to that of the dust bin body 5161 .
  • Such a configuration may prevent a separation space from occurring between the dust bin 516 and the fixing member 161 or between the battery housing 515 and the fixing member 161 when the fixing member 161 rotates to surround the dust bin 516 and the battery housing 515 , and may prevent dust in the dust bin 516 from scattering to the outside of the first station 10 when dust is sucked by the dust collecting motor 130 .
  • the fixer motor 162 may provide power to move the fixing member 161 .
  • the fixing member 161 may be moved in a direction of pressing the dust bin 516 from the interior of the coupler sidewall 1155 by the fixer motor 162 , thus fixing the first cleaner 50 to the first station 10 , or may be moved from a position where the fixing member 161 presses the dust bin 516 to the interior of the coupler sidewall 1155 , thus releasing the first cleaner 50 from the first station 10 .
  • the fixing sealer 163 When the first cleaner 50 is coupled, the fixing sealer 163 may be disposed on the dust bin guide surface 1152 to air-tightly seal the dust bin 516 .
  • the dust bin 516 of the first cleaner 50 When the dust bin 516 of the first cleaner 50 is coupled, such a configuration may press the fixing sealer 163 by the weight of the first cleaner 50 , and may seal the dust bin 516 and the dust bin guide surface 1152 to prevent airflow from leaking.
  • the first station 10 may include a door unit 150 .
  • FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the door unit 150 of the first station 10
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement relationship in a state where the discharge cover 5162 and the door 151 of the first cleaner 50 are opened.
  • the door unit 150 may be disposed across the coupler 115 and the rear of the coupler 115 , and may include a door 151 , a door arm 152 , and a door motor unit 153 .
  • the door 151 may be disposed on the coupler 115 , and may be configured such that the exterior of the housing 110 communicates with the internal path 120 .
  • the door 151 may be coupled with the door hinge 154 in the housing 110 , and may be rotated about the door hinge 154 to move towards the interior of the upper portion of the housing 110 , thus opening or closing the interior and exterior of the housing 110 .
  • the door hinge 154 may be disposed on the upper end of the dust-passing hole 1151 a on a side opposite to the coupling surface 1151 , and the door 151 may be coupled to the door hinge 154 to be located at a position closing the dust-passing hole 1151 a.
  • a state where the door 151 is opened may mean a state where the door 151 rotates about the door hinge 154 towards the interior of the housing 110 (in a first direction R 1 ) to cause the exterior of the housing 110 to communicate with the internal path 120 through the dust-passing hole 1151 a .
  • the door 151 may be disposed to be opposite to the dust collecting motor 130 .
  • the door 151 may be substantially perpendicular to the major axis A 1 of the housing 110 .
  • a state where the door 151 is closed may mean a state where the door 151 rotates about the door hinge 154 in a direction R 2 (second direction) opposite to the first direction to close the dust-passing hole 1151 a , so that the exterior of the housing 110 does not communicate with the internal path 120 .
  • the door 151 since the door 151 is located at a position blocking the dust-passing hole 1151 a , the door 151 may be disposed to be parallel to the major axis A 1 of the housing 110 .
  • the door 151 may be formed in a shape corresponding to that of the dust-passing hole 1151 a to block the dust-passing hole 1151 a and thereby close or open the interior and exterior of the housing 110 .
  • the door 151 may be formed in a circular shape.
  • the door 151 may be composed of a first door 151 a and a second door 151 b .
  • the first door 151 a and the second door 151 b may be combined to form an overall circular shape, and the first door 151 a and the second door 151 b may be rotatably coupled at a position of a reference line along which the first door 151 a and the second door 151 b are divided.
  • the first door 151 a and the second door 151 b may be hinged at a position of the reference line.
  • first door 151 a may be disposed above the dust-passing hole 1151 a and the second door 151 b may be disposed under the dust-passing hole 1151 a when the door 151 is closed.
  • the reference line may be formed such that the first door 151 a has a larger area than the second door 151 b.
  • the door arm 152 may connect the door 151 and the door motor unit 153 , and may open or close the door 151 using power generated in the door motor unit 153 .
  • the door arm 152 may include a first door arm 152 a and a second door arm 152 b .
  • a first end of the first door arm 152 a may be coupled to the door motor unit 153 .
  • the first door arm 152 a may be rotated by power transmitted from the door motor unit 153 .
  • a second end of the first door arm 152 a may be rotatably coupled to the second door arm 152 b .
  • the first door arm 152 a may transmit force from a door motor 153 a to the second door arm 152 b .
  • a first end of the second door arm 152 b may be coupled to the first door arm 152 a .
  • a second end of the second door arm 152 b may be coupled to the door 151 .
  • the second door arm 152 b may push or pull the door 151 .
  • the door 151 may be rotated in the first direction R 1 towards the inside of the housing 110 of the first station 10 . Meanwhile, if the door arm 152 pushes the door 151 with the door 151 being opened, the door 151 may be rotated in the second direction R 2 towards the outside of the housing 110 of the first station 10 .
  • the second door arm 152 b may be coupled to the hinge at which the first door 151 a and the second door 151 b are coupled. If the second door arm 152 b pulls the door 151 with the door 151 being closed, the first door 151 a and the second door 151 b may rotate about the door hinge 154 in the first direction R 1 from the dust-passing hole 1151 a.
  • the second door 151 b may come into contact with the internal path 120 on a first side of an inner surface of the internal path 120 (see FIG. 14 ).
  • the door when the door 151 is maximally opened, the door may be bent with respect to the hinge at which the first door 151 a and the second door 151 b are coupled.
  • the first door 151 a may be disposed to be substantially perpendicular to the major axis of the housing 110
  • the second door 151 b may be disposed to be substantially parallel to the major axis of the housing 110
  • the first door 151 a and the second door 151 b may be arranged together in the shape of an “L”.
  • the first door 151 a may be disposed to be opposite to the dust collecting motor 130 .
  • the door motor unit 153 may provide power for rotating the door 151 to the door arm 152 . Specifically, the door motor unit 153 may rotate the door arm 152 forwards or backwards.
  • the term “forwards” may refer to the first direction R 1 that is a direction in which the door arm 152 pulls the door 151 towards the interior of the housing 110 .
  • the term “backwards” may refer to the second direction R 2 that is a direction in which the door arm 152 pushes the door 151 towards the exterior of the housing 110 .
  • the door motor unit 153 may include the door arm 152 and at least one mechanical component for transmitting power to the door 151 .
  • the door motor unit 153 may include a door motor 153 a , a worm gear 153 b that is coupled to a shaft of the door motor 153 a to receive power, and a worm wheel 153 c that engages with the worm gear 153 b to receive a rotating force and changes a rotating direction.
  • the first door arm 152 a may be rotatably coupled to the worm wheel 153 c .
  • the door motor unit 153 may include only the door motor 153 a to directly transmit power from the shaft of the door motor 153 a to the first door arm 152 a.
  • the first station 10 may include a cover opening unit 170 .
  • FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the cover opening unit 170 of the cleaner station.
  • the cover opening unit 170 may be disposed under the coupler 115 in the housing 110 , and may be provided to open the discharge cover 5162 of the first cleaner 50 .
  • the cover opening unit 170 may include a push protrusion 171 , a cover opening gear 172 , and a cover opening motor (not shown).
  • the push protrusion 171 When the first cleaner 50 is coupled to the coupler 115 , the push protrusion 171 may be located at a position that may press the coupling lever 5163 .
  • the push protrusion 171 may linearly reciprocate to press the coupling lever 5163 .
  • the push protrusion 171 may be disposed on the dust bin guide surface 1152 .
  • a protrusion moving hole may be formed in the dust bin guide surface 1152 , and the push protrusion 171 may be exposed to the outside through the protrusion moving hole.
  • the push protrusion 171 may be coupled to the cover opening gear 172 to be moved along with the cover opening gear 172 .
  • the cover opening motor may provide power for moving the push protrusion 171 to the cover opening gear 172 .
  • the cover opening gear 172 may be coupled with the cover opening motor, and may move the push protrusion 171 using the power of the cover opening motor.
  • the cover opening gear 172 may include a first cover opening gear 172 a that receives rotating power from the shaft of the cover opening motor, and a second cover opening gear 172 b that engages with the first cover opening gear 172 a and transmits rectilinear reciprocating motion to the push protrusion 171 .
  • first cover opening gear 172 a may be a pinion gear
  • second cover opening gear 172 b may be a rack gear
  • the cover opening motor may move the push protrusion 171 through the cover opening gear 172 to separate the discharge cover 5162 from the dust bin body 5161 .
  • the first cleaner 50 may be coupled to the front of the housing 110 .
  • some components of the cleaner body 510 of the first cleaner 50 may be coupled to the coupler 115 so that the entire first cleaner 50 is held on the first station 10 .
  • a longitudinal axis A 2 of the dust bin 516 of the first cleaner 50 may be disposed to be parallel to the ground.
  • the longitudinal axis A 2 of the dust bin 516 of the first cleaner 50 may be disposed to be substantially perpendicular to the major axis A 1 of the housing 110 .
  • the first cleaner 50 may be held such that the longitudinal axis A 3 of the suction part 511 of the first cleaner 50 is substantially parallel to the major axis A 1 of the housing 110 .
  • the first cleaner 50 since the first cleaner 50 is coupled to the first station 10 and dust in the dust bin 516 of the first cleaner 50 is collected in the dust collecting part 140 by the suction force of the dust collecting motor 130 , it may eliminate inconvenience of a user that should empty the dust bin of the stick cleaner. Further, when a user himself or herself empties the dust bin of the stick cleaner, it is possible to prevent dust from scattering.
  • FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the second station 20
  • FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a method in which the dust bin 610 of the second cleaner 60 and the external path 30 communicate with each other in a state where the second cleaner 60 is docked on the second station 20 .
  • the second cleaner 60 may be a robot cleaner that is autonomously driven to perform a cleaning operation.
  • the second cleaner 60 may automatically clean a desired area by sucking foreign matter such as dust from a floor while moving on the area to be cleaned by itself.
  • the second cleaner 60 may include a distance sensor that detects a distance to an obstacle such as furniture, office supplies or a wall installed in a cleaning area, and left and right wheels for movement.
  • the second cleaner 60 may be docked on or coupled to the second station 20 .
  • the dust sucked into the dust bin 610 of the second cleaner 60 may be collected through the external path 30 into the dust collecting part 140 .
  • the second cleaner 60 may include a second cleaner dust discharge hole 620 .
  • the second cleaner dust discharge hole 620 may be disposed on the lower surface of the dust bin 610 of the second cleaner 60 , thus causing the dust bin 610 of the second cleaner 60 to communicate with the external path 30 .
  • the second cleaner dust discharge hole 620 may be in the shape of a rectangular hole.
  • the second cleaner 60 may include a second cleaner discharge cover 630 .
  • the second cleaner discharge cover 630 may be formed in a shape corresponding to that of the second cleaner dust discharge hole 620 , thus closing the second cleaner dust discharge hole 620 .
  • the second cleaner discharge cover 630 may be disposed in the second cleaner dust discharge hole 620 .
  • a first side of the second cleaner discharge cover 630 may be fixed to the second cleaner dust discharge hole 620 to form a fixed end, and a second side thereof may form a free end.
  • the free end may move downwards in a state where the fixed end is fixed, thus opening the second cleaner dust discharge hole 620 .
  • the dust collecting motor 130 stops driving the free end of the second cleaner discharge cover 630 may move upwards, thus closing the second cleaner dust discharge hole 620 again.
  • the second cleaner discharge cover 630 may cause the dust bin 610 of the second cleaner 60 and the external path 30 to communicate with each other or be closed relative to each other.
  • the second cleaner 60 may include a corresponding terminal (not shown) for charging the battery when it is docked on the second station 20 .
  • the corresponding terminal may be located at a position that is accessible to a second cleaner charging terminal 212 (see FIG. 12 ) of the second station 20 in the state where the second cleaner 60 is docked.
  • a pair of corresponding terminals may be disposed on the bottom surface of the second cleaner 60 . If the corresponding terminal and the second cleaner charging terminal 212 are electrically connected to each other, power may be supplied from the second station 20 to the second cleaner 60 to charge the second cleaner 60 .
  • the second station 20 may include a lower body 210 , a side body 220 , an upper body 230 , and a rear body 240 .
  • the lower body 210 has a configuration in which the second cleaner 60 climbs to be docked on the second station 20 .
  • the second cleaner 60 may climb the lower body 210 to be docked thereon.
  • An inclined part 210 a may be provided on a central portion of the lower body 210 .
  • the inclined part 210 a may be formed by upwardly extending an upper surface 113 of the lower body 210 .
  • the inclined part 210 a may be formed of a plurality of inclined surfaces having different inclinations, and the inclination of each of the inclined surfaces may be set according to the appearance of the bottom surface of the second cleaner 60 .
  • the lower body 210 may include rolling parts 210 b through which the left and right wheels of the second cleaner 60 pass when the second cleaner 60 moves to be docked.
  • the rolling parts 210 b may be provided on left and right ends of the lower body 210 to each have a predetermined area in a direction where the second cleaner 60 is docked, and an uneven part may be formed on the upper surface of each rolling part 210 b to prevent each of the left and right wheels from slipping.
  • the lower body 210 may include a suction hole 211 that is formed at a position corresponding to a position where the dust bin 610 of the second cleaner 60 is located, based on a state where the second cleaner 60 is docked.
  • the suction hole 211 may be disposed on the inclined part 210 b of the lower body 210 , and may be located at a position corresponding to the second cleaner dust discharge hole 620 , based on a state where the second cleaner 60 is docked.
  • the suction hole 211 may be formed in a shape corresponding to that of the second cleaner dust discharge hole 620 .
  • the suction hole 211 may be in the shape of a rectangular hole.
  • the lower body 210 may include a second cleaner charging terminal 212 that is electrically connected to the second cleaner 60 and supplies power to charge the second cleaner 60 . If the second cleaner 60 is docked, the corresponding terminal and the second cleaner charging terminal 212 may be electrically connected to each other, and power may be supplied from the second station 20 to the second cleaner 60 , thus charging the second cleaner 60 .
  • the side bodies 220 may be connected to both side ends of the lower body 210 , and may extend upwards from the lower body 210 .
  • the side bodies 220 may be disposed on the left and right side ends of the lower body 210 to define the side appearance of the second station 20 .
  • the upper body 230 may be connected to the side body 220 , be coupled to the first station 10 , and be disposed above the upper surface of the second cleaner 60 to be spaced apart therefrom by a predetermined distance, when the second cleaner 60 is docked.
  • the upper body 230 may serve as a cover to protect the upper portion of the second cleaner 60 .
  • the rear body 240 may be connected to the lower body 210 , the side body 220 , and the upper body 230 , and be disposed in a direction opposite to a first side on which the second cleaner 60 is docked.
  • the second station 20 may further include a path support part 250 connected to the rear body 240 .
  • the path support part 250 may extend upwards from the upper surface 113 of the housing of the upper body 230 to be spaced apart therefrom by a predetermined distance, and may accommodate a portion of the external path 30 therein.
  • the path support part 250 may be provided to accommodate and support the external path 30 .
  • the path support part 250 may be in the shape of a cylinder or a square pillar.
  • the path support part 250 may have any shape capable of accommodating and supporting the external path 30 .
  • the path support part is not limited to any one shape.
  • the second station 20 composed of the lower body 210 , the side body 220 , the upper body 230 , and the rear body 240 may form a housing that is opened only on a side to which the second cleaner 60 is docked. Since the second station 20 is provided to open only the side to which the second cleaner 60 is docked, the first station 10 coupled to the upper portion of the second station 20 may be stably supported in structure.
  • an accommodation space for accommodating a portion of the external path 30 may be formed in each of the lower body 210 and the rear body 240 .
  • the accommodation spaces of the lower body 210 and the rear body 240 may be connected to each other.
  • At least a portion of the external path 30 may be disposed in the accommodation space to extend horizontally. At this time, a first end of the external path 30 may be coupled with the suction hole 211 in the accommodation space. A second end of the external path 30 may be coupled to the third outer wall surface 111 c to be connected with the interior of the housing 110 .
  • the external path 30 may include a first external path and a second external path.
  • the first external path may be vertically disposed in a direction where the third outer wall surface 111 c of the housing 110 that will be described later is disposed. Further, the upper end of the first external path may be connected through the third outer wall surface 111 c of the housing 110 to the internal extension tube 180 . Since the internal extension tube 180 that will be described later is disposed on the internal path 120 , the first external path may communicate with the internal path 120 .
  • a first end of the second external path may be connected to a lower end of the first external path and be horizontally disposed to communicate with the dust bin 610 of the second cleaner 60 , and a second end thereof may be coupled to the suction hole 211 of the second station 20 .
  • Such a configuration may form a second suction path in which dust is sucked and moved to the dust bin 610 of the second cleaner 60 , the external path 30 , the internal path 120 , and the dust collecting part 140 .
  • the cleaner system 1 including the first station 10 , the second station 20 , and the external path 30 may collect dust from both the dust bin 516 of the first cleaner 50 and the dust bin 610 of the second cleaner 60 , so a user himself or herself needs not eliminate dust from the dust bins 516 and 610 and thereby convenience may be maximized.
  • FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement relationship between the internal extension tube 180 and the door 151 in a state where the door 151 is opened
  • FIGS. 15 and 16 are diagrams illustrating path switching between the internal path 120 and the external path 30 according to the opened/closed state of the door 151 .
  • the first station 10 may include the internal extension tube 180 .
  • the internal extension tube 180 may be disposed in the housing 110 . To be more specific, the internal extension tube 180 may be disposed in the internal path 120 . The internal extension tube 180 may be disposed on a back surface on which the first end of the external path 30 is coupled to the third outer wall surface 111 c . At this time, a hole passing through the third outer wall surface 111 c may be formed in the third outer wall surface 111 c to which the first end of the internal path 120 is coupled, thus allowing the external path 30 and the internal extension tube 180 to communicate with each other.
  • the first end of the internal extension tube 180 may be connected to the external path 30 , and the second end thereof may be opened in a direction opposite to the dust collecting motor 130 in the internal path 120 . Since the second end of the internal extension tube 180 is opened towards the dust collecting motor 130 , dust moved from the interior of the dust bin 610 of the second cleaner 60 through the external path 30 may pass through the internal extension tube 180 and the internal path 120 and then be collected in the dust collecting part 140 by the suction force of the dust collecting motor 130 .
  • any one dust suction path of the external path 30 and the internal path 120 is opened according to the opened or closed state of the door 151 , a remaining dust suction path may be closed.
  • the internal extension tube 180 may be configured such that the second end of the internal extension tube 180 is located above the door 151 when the door 151 is opened. If the door 151 is opened, the second end of the internal extension tube 180 is blocked by the door 151 . That is, if the door 151 is opened, the second suction path that is the patch for sucking dust from the interior of the dust bin 610 of the second cleaner 60 may be closed by the door 151 .
  • the door 151 may be opened, so the first suction path connected to the dust bin 516 of the first cleaner 50 , the internal path 120 , and the dust collecting part 140 may be opened, and thereby suction force may act on only dust in the dust bin 516 of the first cleaner 50 (see a direction shown by the arrows of FIG. 15 ).
  • the second end of the internal extension tube 180 may be opened towards the dust collecting motor 130 and the dust collecting part 140 , and the second suction path connected to the dust bin 610 of the second cleaner 60 , the external path 30 , the internal extension tube 180 , the internal path 120 , and the dust collecting part 140 may be opened.
  • the door 151 is closed so that the dust bin 516 of the first cleaner 50 is blocked by the door 151 . That is, at this time, the first suction path may be closed and only the second suction path may be opened, so suction force may act on only dust in the dust bin 610 of the second cleaner 60 (see a direction shown by the arrows of FIG. 16 ).
  • the path switching structure between the first suction path and the second suction path using the door 151 may selectively switch a path without a separate path switching device (e.g. valve or the like). Therefore, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the cleaner system 1 and simplify the structure and control of the cleaner system 1 . Further, since it is unnecessary to provide a separate path switching device in the housing 110 , there is an advantageous effect in utilizing a space in the housing 110 .
  • a separate path switching device e.g. valve or the like
  • FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the lower end of the housing 110 of the first station 10
  • FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a ground support part is coupled to the lower end of the housing of the first station when seen from below.
  • a plurality of housing fastening holes 114 may be formed in the housing 1110 of the first station 10 . At this time, the housing fastening hole 114 may be disposed on the lower end of the housing 110 .
  • a plurality of upper body fastening holes 230 may also be formed in the upper surface 113 of the upper body 230 of the second station 20 .
  • the upper body fastening hole 230 may be disposed at a position corresponding to each of the housing fastening holes 114 .
  • the first station 10 and the second station 20 may be detachably coupled through the housing fastening hole 114 and the upper body fastening hole 230 .
  • a separately provided fastening means e.g. fastening bolt or the like
  • fastening bolt e.g. fastening bolt or the like
  • FIG. 17 shows the arrangement of the housing fastening hole 114 disposed on the lower end of the housing 110 . It is assumed that a user first purchases and uses only the first station 10 . At this time, the housing 110 may be coupled through the housing fastening hole 114 to the ground support part (see FIG. 18 ). That is, when a user additionally purchases the second station 20 , the ground support part 112 is detached from the housing 110 of the first station 10 , and the second station 20 is coupled to the housing fastening hole 114 that is exposed to the outside while the ground support part 112 is detached, thus forming the cleaner system 1 including the first station 10 and the second station 20 .
  • the external path 30 may be coupled together while the first station 10 and the second station 20 are coupled to each other.
  • the external path 30 may be provided together with the second station 20 .
  • a separate blocking plate may be disposed to close the coupling hole and thereby prevent a suction force from being lost through the coupling hole of the external path 30 that is pre-processed in the third outer wall surface 111 c.
  • a user may purchase and use only the first station 10 , and may additionally purchase the second station 20 to be coupled with the first station 10 , so the range of a user's choice for the use of the cleaner system is expanded.
  • the cleaner system since the cleaner system includes the first station coupled to the first cleaner and the second station docked with the second cleaner, dust may be collected from both the dust bin of the first cleaner and the dust bin of the second cleaner. Therefore, a user himself or herself does not need to remove dust from both the first cleaner and the second cleaner, thus providing convenience.
  • the first suction path for sucking the dust from the interior of the dust bin of the first cleaner and the second suction path for sucking the dust from the interior of the dust bin of the second cleaner may be selectively switched according to the opened/closed state of the door without the necessity of adding components for switching the path. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the cleaner system and to simplify the structure and control of the cleaner system.
  • the fastening hole is provided to detachably couple the lower end of the first station and the upper surface of the second station, so only the first station may be used and the second station may be further coupled as necessary, thus increasing a user's convenience.
US18/037,481 2020-12-09 2021-12-08 Cleaner system Pending US20240008700A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR1020200171494A KR20220081702A (ko) 2020-12-09 2020-12-09 청소기 시스템
KR10-2020-0171494 2020-12-09
PCT/KR2021/018503 WO2022124781A1 (ko) 2020-12-09 2021-12-08 청소기 시스템

Publications (1)

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