WO2023018048A1

WO2023018048A1 - Cleaning apparatus comprising cleaner and docking station

Info

Publication number: WO2023018048A1
Application number: PCT/KR2022/010625
Authority: WO
Inventors: 김시현; 김현철; 이현주; 권기환; 이현호; 차승용; 최인규
Original assignee: 삼성전자주식회사
Priority date: 2021-08-09
Filing date: 2022-07-20
Publication date: 2023-02-16
Also published as: US20240081592A1; EP4327710A1; KR20230022476A

Abstract

A cleaning apparatus comprises: a cleaner comprising a dust container in which garbage is collected, and a dust container cover which is rotatably coupled to the dust container so as to open/close the dust container; and a docking station to which the cleaner is detachably attached, comprising a collecting portion provided to collect the garbage in the dust container when the cleaner is attached, and a duct portion forming a flow path for guiding the garbage in the dust container to the collecting portion, wherein the docking station comprises: a cover opening device formed to open the dust container cover; and a cover closing device formed to close the dust container cover. The cover closing device comprises a rotating lever which is provided to be movable between a first position where a part of the flow path of the duct portion is formed and a second position supporting the dust container cover in a closing direction.

Description

Cleaning device including vacuum cleaner and docking station

The present invention relates to a cleaning device, and more particularly, to a cleaning device including a vacuum cleaner and a docking station.

In general, a vacuum cleaner includes a fan motor that generates a suction force, sucks in foreign substances such as dust along with air through the suction force generated by the fan motor, separates the foreign substances contained in the sucked air from the air, and then collects dust for cleaning. It is a device that makes it work.

The vacuum cleaner includes a dust bin to collect foreign substances, and the user must periodically separate the foreign substances collected in the dust bin from the vacuum cleaner and discharge them from the dust bin.

One aspect of the present invention provides a cleaning device with improved usability.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a cleaning device capable of stably closing a dust box cover.

A cleaning device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a vacuum cleaner including a dust bin in which dirt is collected, a dust bin cover rotatably coupled to the dust bin to open and close the dust bin, and the vacuum cleaner is detachably mounted. a docking station including a collecting part provided to collect dirt from the dust bin and a duct part forming a flow path for guiding dirt from the dust bin to the collecting part, wherein the docking station opens the dust box cover a cover opening device configured to close the dust box cover; and a cover closing device configured to close the dust box cover, the cover closing device having a first position forming a part of the flow path of the duct portion and a direction in which the dust box cover is closed. It includes a rotary lever provided to be movable between the second positions supported by the.

The cover closing device includes a closing driving motor provided to generate power for moving the rotation lever, a first closing link connected to the closing driving motor, and a second closing link connected to the first closing link and the rotation lever. You may include links.

The duct unit may include a duct unit opening forming a space in which the first closing link or the second closing link is movable, and the rotation lever may be provided to correspond to the duct unit opening.

When the rotation lever is in the first position, the closing driving motor, the first closing link, and the second closing link may be located outside the flow path of the duct unit.

The cover opening device may include an opening driving motor having a different driving axis from the closing driving motor.

The cover opening device may include a switch configured to set an initial position of the opening driving motor.

The rotation lever may be positioned at the first position when the cleaner is separated from the docking station.

The docking station may include a connector formed to connect the dust bin and the duct unit when the cleaner is mounted, and the rotation lever may be provided to correspond to the connector.

The rotary lever may be positioned to close the connector when the cleaner is separated from the docking station.

The cover closing device may be located in the duct unit.

The cleaner may be provided to be mounted on the docking station along a direction of gravity.

The cover opening device may be disposed outside the passage of the duct unit.

The cleaner may further include an elastic member that elastically supports the dust box cover in a closing direction.

The cover opening device may be located on one side of the duct unit, and the cover closing device may be located on the other side opposite to one side of the duct unit.

The cleaner may further include a button provided to fix or release the dust box cover to a closed position, and the cover opening device may be configured to press or release the button.

In another aspect, a cleaning device according to the present invention includes a dust bin in which dirt is collected, a vacuum cleaner including a dust bin cover rotatably coupled to the dust bin to open and close the dust bin, and the vacuum cleaner is detachably mounted, and a docking station including a collecting part provided to collect dirt from the dust bin when the cleaner is installed and a duct part forming a flow path for guiding the dirt from the dust bin to the collecting part, wherein the docking station includes a dust box cover. and a cover closing device configured to close, wherein the cover closing device is movable between a first position forming a part of the flow path of the duct part and a second position supporting the dust box cover in a closing direction. It includes a rotation lever provided.

The docking station includes a connector formed to connect the dust bin and the duct unit when the cleaner is mounted, the rotation lever is provided to correspond to the connector, and when the cleaner is separated from the docking station, the It can be positioned to close the connector.

According to the spirit of the present invention, since the cleaning device can automatically open and close the dust box cover of the cleaner, usability can be improved.

According to the spirit of the present invention, since the cleaning device includes a cover closing device driven independently of the cover opening device, the dust box cover of the vacuum cleaner can be stably closed.

1 shows a cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a docking station of the cleaning device shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 shows a side cross-section of the cleaner shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a part of the cleaner shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the docking station shown in FIG. 2 .

Figure 6 shows a portion of the interior of the docking station shown in Figure 2;

FIG. 7 shows states of a cover opening device and a cover closing device when the dust bin of the vacuum cleaner shown in FIG. 3 is closed.

FIG. 8 is a view showing the inside of the duct unit when the rotary lever is in the first position as shown in FIG. 7 .

Fig. 9 shows a front view of the cover opening device shown in Fig. 7;

FIG. 10 shows side cross-sections of the cover opening device and cover closing device shown in FIG. 7 .

FIG. 11 shows a state in which the cover opening device shown in FIG. 7 opens the dust box cover.

Fig. 12 shows a front view of the cover opening device shown in Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 shows side cross-sections of the cover opening device and cover closing device shown in Fig. 11;

FIG. 14 shows a state in which the cover closing device shown in FIG. 7 closes the dust box cover.

FIG. 15 is a view showing the inside of the duct unit when the rotary lever is in the second position as shown in FIG. 14 .

Fig. 16 shows side cross-sections of the cover opening device and cover closing device shown in Fig. 14;

17 shows a control block diagram of the docking station shown in FIG. 1;

18 shows a cover closing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 shows a state in which the cover closing device shown in FIG. 18 closes the connector of the station body.

20 shows a front view of a cover opening device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 shows a state in which the dust box cover of the vacuum cleaner is opened by the cover opening device shown in FIG. 20 .

The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are only one preferred example of the disclosed invention, and there may be various modifications that can replace the embodiments and drawings in this specification at the time of filing of the present application.

In addition, the same reference numerals or numerals presented in each drawing in this specification indicate parts or components that perform substantially the same function.

In addition, terms used in this specification are used to describe embodiments, and are not intended to limit and/or limit the disclosed invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as "comprise" or "having" are intended to indicate that there is a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but one or more other features It does not preclude in advance the existence or addition of numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

In addition, terms including ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” used herein may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms, and the terms It is used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, a first element may be termed a second element, and similarly, a second element may be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The term “and/or” includes any combination of a plurality of related listed items or any of a plurality of related listed items.

1 shows a cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a docking station of the cleaning device shown in FIG. 1 ; FIG. 3 shows a side cross-section of the cleaner shown in FIG. 1 .

Referring to FIG. 1 , a cleaning device 1 may include a cleaner 2 and a docking station 3 in which the cleaner 2 is seated. The cleaner 2 may be coupled to the docking station 3 by being seated on the docking station 3 .

The cleaner 2 may include a cleaner body 14 and a dust container 10 detachably coupled to the cleaner body 14 . The dust container 10 may be provided to collect foreign substances moved into the cleaner 2 .

The cleaner main body 14 may include a suction motor (not shown) generating a suction force required to suck foreign substances on the surface to be cleaned, and a dust container 10 in which foreign substances sucked from the surface to be cleaned are accommodated.

The dust bin 10 may be configured to filter and store dust or dirt from air introduced through the suction nozzle 13 . The dust container 10 may be detachably provided from the cleaner body 14 .

The cleaner body 14 may include a filter housing. The filter housing is provided in a substantially donut shape and may accommodate a filter (not shown) therein. The type of filter is not limited, but as an example, a HEPA filter may be disposed inside the filter housing. The filter may filter ultrafine dust that is not filtered out in the dust bin 10 .

The cleaner body 14 may include a handle 15 so that the user can hold and manipulate the cleaner 2 . The user may clean while holding the handle 15 and moving the cleaner 2 .

The cleaner body 14 may further include a cleaner manipulation unit. The user may turn on/off the cleaner 2 or adjust suction strength by manipulating a power button or the like provided on the cleaner control unit.

The cleaner 2 may further include an extension pipe 12 detachably coupled to the cleaner body 14 and a suction nozzle 13 detachably coupled to the extension pipe 12 .

The suction nozzle 13 may be provided to suck external foreign substances into the cleaner 2 . The extension tube 12 may be provided to connect the cleaner body 14 and the suction nozzle 13 to form a path along which foreign substances move. The sucked foreign matter may be moved to the dust bin 10 through the cleaner body 14 and collected. That is, the extension tube 12 may be provided to connect the suction nozzle 13 and the dust bin 10 . The cleaner 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be provided in a form in which the cleaner body 14 is mounted on the front of the extension pipe 12 . In this case, the front side may be defined as a front side of the user when the user grips the cleaner 2 .

The cleaner 2 may further include a battery 16 . The battery 16 may be detachably mounted on the cleaner 2 .

In addition, the battery 16 may be electrically connected to the charging terminal 170 provided in the vacuum cleaner holder or docking station 3 . The battery 16 may be charged by receiving power from the charging terminal 170 provided in the docking station 3 .

The docking station 3 may be configured such that the cleaner 2 can be stored or mounted.

The docking station 3 may include a station body 100 and a support 200 supporting the station body 100 .

A connector 101 may be formed on the top of the station body 100 . A connector 101 may be formed in a portion of the station main body 100 where the cleaner 2 is mounted. The connector 101 may be provided to be connected to the dust bin 10 when the cleaner 2 is mounted on the docking station 3 . Dirt in the dust bin 10 may flow into the duct unit 120 through the connector 101 .

The station body 100 may include

housings

111 , 112 , 113 , and 114 .

The station body 100 may include a duct unit 120 accommodated in the

housings

111, 112, 113, and 114, a collecting unit 140, an intake unit 150, and an exhaust filter unit 160. can

When the cleaner 2 is coupled to the docking station 3 , the suction nozzle 13 may be accommodated in an accommodation space 218 formed in the docking station 3 .

The first housing 111 and the second housing 112 may form an upper exterior of the docking station 3 . The first housing 111 and the second housing 112 may be combined with each other to form an upper exterior of the docking station 3 . The duct unit 120 and the collecting unit 140 may be accommodated inside the first housing 111 and the second housing 112 . A dust bag in which dust collected inside the dust bin 10 is stored may be detachably mounted on the collecting unit 140 . Dust inside the dust bin 10 may pass through the duct unit 120 and be collected in a dust bag.

The first housing 111 and the second housing 112 may be provided to have long axes extending in one direction. Long axes of the first housing 111 and the second housing 112 may be provided to extend in a vertical direction. The first housing 111 and the second housing 112 may be formed to have curved surfaces. The first housing 111 and the second housing 112 may form a substantially cylindrical shape by being coupled to each other.

The third housing 113 and the fourth housing 114 may form the lower exterior of the docking station 3 . The third housing 113 and the fourth housing 114 may be combined with each other to form a lower exterior of the docking station 3 . The third housing 113 may be coupled to a lower portion of the first housing 111 , and the fourth housing 114 may be coupled to a lower portion of the second housing 112 . The intake part 150 and the exhaust filter part 160 may be accommodated in the third housing 113 and the fourth housing 114 .

The third housing 113 and the fourth housing 114 may be provided to have long axes extending in one direction. Long axes of the third housing 113 and the fourth housing 114 may be provided to extend in a vertical direction. The third housing 113 may be provided to correspond to the shape of the first housing 111 , and the fourth housing 114 may be provided to correspond to the shape of the second housing 112 . The third housing 113 and the fourth housing 114 may form a substantially cylindrical shape by being coupled to each other.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the long axis of the third housing 113 may be provided shorter than the long axis of the first housing 111, and the long axis of the fourth housing 114 is the long axis of the second housing 112. Can be made shorter. However, it is not limited thereto, and the long axes of the third housing and the fourth housing may be equal to or longer than those of the first housing and the second housing.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the docking station 3 may include

recesses

112b and 114b. The

depressions

112b and 114b may include a first depression 112b and a second depression 114b.

The first depression 112b may be formed in the second housing 112 . The first recessed portion 112b may be provided such that a portion of the second housing 112 is recessed inward. The first depression 112b may extend along the long axis of the second housing 112 . A part of the extension tube 12 of the cleaner 2 may be accommodated in the first recessed portion 112b.

The second depression 114b may be formed in the fourth housing 114 . The second recessed portion 114b may be provided such that a portion of the fourth housing 114 is recessed inward. The second depression 114b may extend along the long axis of the fourth housing 14 . A part of the extension pipe 12 of the cleaner 2 may be accommodated in the second recessed portion 112b.

As the second housing 112 and the fourth housing 114 are arranged vertically, the first recessed part 111 and the second recessed part 112 may be connected in a vertical direction. An upper portion of the extension tube 12 of the cleaner 2 may be accommodated in the first recessed portion 111, and a lower portion of the extension tube 12 of the cleaner 2 may be accommodated in the second recessed portion 114b. there is.

The third housing 113 may include a first exhaust hole 113a. The fourth housing 114 may include a second exhaust hole 114a. Since the suction part 150 is accommodated in the third housing 113 and the fourth housing 114, the sucked air must be discharged to the outside. The third housing 113 and the fourth housing 114 include the first exhaust hole 113a and the second exhaust hole 114a so that the air sucked through the intake unit 150 passes through the exhaust filter unit 160. Through it, it can be discharged to the outside of the third housing 113 and the fourth housing 114 .

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the docking station 3 may include a support body 200 .

The support 200 may be combined with the

housings

111 , 112 , 113 , and 114 of the station body 100 . Specifically, the support 200 may be coupled to the third housing 113 and the fourth housing 114 . The support 200 may be coupled to the lower portion of the station body 100 . The support 200 may be coupled to the station body 100 to form an accommodation space 218 in which the suction nozzle 13 of the cleaner 2 is accommodated.

The support 200 may be rotatably provided with respect to the ground. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the support 200 may include a fixing part fixed to the ground and a rotating part rotatably provided with respect to the fixing part. The rotating unit may be coupled to the

housings

111 , 112 , 113 , and 114 . As the rotating part rotates with respect to the fixed part, the

housings

111 , 112 , 113 , and 114 coupled with the rotating part may rotate with respect to the fixed part. Accordingly, the

housings

111, 112, 113, and 114 may rotate with respect to the ground.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a part of the cleaner shown in FIG. 1 .

Referring to FIG. 4 , the cleaner 2 may include a button 17 provided to open and close the dust box cover 11 . When the button 17 is pressed, the dust bin cover 11 can be opened by rotating downward. A detailed description of this will be described later.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the station body 100 of the docking station 3 may include a push lever 360 . The push lever 360 may be provided to press the button 17 by rotating it. A detailed description of this will be described later.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the docking station 3 of the cleaning device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a cover opening device 300 provided to automatically open the dust bin cover 11 . The cover opening device 300 may be provided in the station main body 100 .

The cover opening device 300 includes an opening drive motor 310 provided to provide driving force, a first open link 320 provided to rotate by receiving the driving force of the opening drive motor 310, and a first open link ( The second open link 330 provided to move up and down by the rotation of 320, the rotation opening guide 340 provided to rotate by the movement of the second open link 330, and the rotation opening guide 340 The push lever 360 provided to press the button 17 by rotating by rotation, the switch 370 provided to limit the rotation range of the rotation opening guide 340 and set the reference point, and the rotation opening guide 340 A stopper 380 that physically limits the rotation range may be included. A detailed structure of each component will be described later.

FIG. 7 shows states of a cover opening device and a cover closing device when the dust bin of the vacuum cleaner shown in FIG. 3 is closed. FIG. 8 is a view showing the inside of the duct unit when the rotary lever is in the first position as shown in FIG. 7 . Fig. 9 shows a front view of the cover opening device shown in Fig. 7; FIG. 10 shows side cross-sections of the cover opening device and cover closing device shown in FIG. 7 .

Referring to FIG. 7 , the cover opening device 300 provides a driving force and rotates together with an opening driving motor 310 including an opening driving shaft 311 rotated by the driving force, and the opening driving shaft 311 It may include a first open link 320 provided and a second open link 330 provided to translate in a vertical direction by rotation of the first open link 320 .

The first open link 320 is coupled with one end 321 that is coupled to the open drive shaft 311 and rotates together with the open drive shaft 311, and is coupled with one end 332 of the second open link 320 The other end 322 may be included.

The second open link 330 has one end 332 coupled to the other end 322 of the first open link 320 and an opening provided to insert the open rotation protrusion 344 of the rotation open guide 340. A protrusion insertion hole 331 may be included. The open protrusion insertion hole 331 may be provided at the other end of the second open link 330 .

The cover opening device 300 may include a rotation opening guide 340 . The rotation opening guide 340 may include a first opening pressing part 341 and a second opening pressing part 342 provided to press the push lever 360 . The first open pressing part 341 and the second open pressing part 342 may be provided to be connected to each other, and the thickness of the second open pressing part 342 is thicker than the thickness of the first open pressing part 341. It can be.

The rotation opening guide 340 includes an open shaft coupling part 343 to which the open guide shaft 351 is coupled, and an open rotation protrusion 344 provided to be inserted into the opening protrusion insertion hole 331 of the second open link 330. ), and a first opening limiting protrusion 345 and a second opening limiting protrusion 346. The open shaft coupling part 343 is provided to be coupled with the open guide shaft 351 and can rotate together with the open guide shaft 351 . The open rotation protrusion 344 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the open protrusion insertion hole 331 so that it can be inserted into the open protrusion insertion hole 331 . After being inserted into the open protrusion insertion hole 331 , the open rotation protrusion 344 may be provided to be relatively rotatable with respect to the open protrusion insertion hole 331 .

The rotation opening guide 340 includes a first opening limiting protrusion 345 for limiting a rotation range of the rotation opening guide 340 in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction of the rotation opening guide 340. It may include a second opening limiting protrusion 346 that limits the rotation range to.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the dust bin cover 11 may be provided to be rotatable around the cover rotation shaft 11c. The dust box cover 11 may receive elastic force from the elastic member 11d (FIG. 3) in a direction in which the dust box cover 11 is closed. That is, the dust box cover 11 may be elastically biased in a direction in which the dust box cover 11 is closed. In addition, the button 17 may be provided to be rotatable around the button rotation shaft 17c.

8 and 9, the cover closing device 400 includes a closing drive motor 410 provided to provide driving force, and a first closing link provided to rotate by receiving the driving force of the closing drive motor 410 ( 420), a second closing link 430 provided to move by the rotation of the first closing link 420, and a rotary lever 440 provided to rotate by the movement of the second closing link 330. can do. The cover closing device 400 may be driven independently of the cover opening device 300 .

The cover closing device 400 includes a closing driving motor 410 including a closing driving shaft 411 that provides driving force and rotates by the driving force, and a first closing link provided to rotate together with the closing driving shaft 411. 420 and a second closure link 430 provided to rotate and move by rotation of the first closure link 420 .

The closing driving motor 410 may be provided to have a different driving axis from the opening driving motor 310 . Specifically, the driving axis of the closing driving motor 410 may be provided to be orthogonal to the driving axis of the opening driving motor 310 .

The first closing link 420 is coupled to the closing drive shaft 411 and is coupled with one end 421 rotating together with the closing drive shaft 411 and one end 432 of the second closing link 420. The other end 422 may be included.

The second closing link 430 has one end 432 coupled to the other end 422 of the first closing link 420 and a closing protrusion provided so that the closing rotation part 444 of the rotation lever 440 is inserted. A portion 431 may be included. The closing protrusion insert 431 may be provided at the other end of the second closing link 430 .

Referring to FIG. 8 , the cover closing device 400 may include a rotation lever 440 . The rotary lever 440 may form a part of the duct unit 120 . The rotation lever 440 may form a part of a flow path for guiding dirt discharged from the dust bin 10 to the collecting unit 140 .

Accordingly, the duct unit 120 may include a duct unit opening 121 formed to correspond to the rotary lever 440 . The duct opening 121 may be opened when the rotary lever 440 moves in a direction to close the dust box cover 11 . As the duct opening 121 is formed, the first closing link 420 and the second closing link 430 can move.

The rotation lever 440 is a body coupling portion 443 rotatably coupled to the station body 100 and a closing rotation portion provided to be rotatably coupled to the closing protrusion insertion portion 431 of the second closing link 430. (444). As the rotation lever 440 rotates with the main body coupling part 443 as a rotation axis, the rotation lever 440 may close the dust box cover 11 .

With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 , operations of the cover opening device 300 and the cover closing device 400 in a closed state of the dust box cover 11 will be described.

Referring to FIG. 9 , when the dust box cover 11 is closed, the open drive shaft 311 may be rotated in the first direction. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first direction may indicate a clockwise direction based on FIG. 9 .

As the open drive shaft 311 rotates in the first direction, the first open link 320 may rotate in the first direction. Specifically, the first open link 320 may rotate in the first direction with one end 321 of the first open link 320 as a rotation center.

As the first open link 320 rotates in the first direction together with the open drive shaft 311 , the second open link 330 may move downward. The second open link 330 may move downward while maintaining a state in which one end 332 and the other end where the open protrusion insertion hole 331 is disposed are vertically disposed. One end 332 of the second open link 330 may be coupled to the other end 322 of the first open link 310 so as to be relatively rotatable. In addition, the other end of the second opening link 330 may be coupled to the opening rotation protrusion 344 of the rotation opening guide 340 so as to be relatively rotatable. As described above, after the open rotation protrusion 344 is inserted into the open protrusion insertion hole 331 provided at the other end of the second open link 330, it can relatively rotate with respect to the second open link 330. because there is

The rotation opening guide 340 may rotate in the first direction according to the downward movement of the second opening link 330 . The rotation opening guide 340 may rotate in the same direction as the first opening link 320 . That is, the rotation opening guide 340 may rotate in the first direction when the first opening link 320 rotates in the first direction. The rotation opening guide 340 may rotate with the opening shaft coupling part 343 as a rotation center. When the rotation opening guide 340 rotates in the first direction, the second opening limiting protrusion 346 may press the switching protrusion 371 of the switch 370 . Accordingly, the switch 370 may reset the opening driving motor 310 to an initial position. Also, the second opening limiting protrusion 346 may contact the other end of the stopper 380 .

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rotation range of the rotation opening guide 340 in the first direction can be doubly limited. When the second opening limiting protrusion 346 of the rotation opening guide 340 presses the switching protrusion 371, the operation of the opening driving motor 310 may be stopped. Also, when the second opening limiting protrusion 346 presses the switching protrusion 371, the reference position of the opening drive shaft 311 may be reset. When the rotation opening guide 340 rotates in the first direction, the second opening limiting protrusion 346 may come into contact with the other end of the stopper 380 . When the second opening limiting protrusion 346 contacts the other end of the stopper 380, the rotation guide 340 no longer rotates in the first direction due to interference between the stopper 380 and the second opening limiting protrusion 346. may not That is, when the opening driving motor 310 operates despite the switching protrusion 371 being pressed, the second opening limiting protrusion 346 contacts the stopper 380 in the first direction of the rotation opening guide 340. may stop rotating.

Referring to FIG. 10 , the dust box cover 11 may include a cover protrusion 11a and a cover groove 11b. The button 17 may include a button protrusion 17a and a button groove 17b. The cover protrusion 11a of the dust box cover 11 is inserted into the button groove 17b, and the button protrusion 17a of the button 17 is inserted into the cover groove 11b, so that the dust box cover 11 can be closed. .

The cover closing device 400 may form a part of the passage provided inside the duct unit 120 . Specifically, the rotary lever 440 of the cover closing device 400 may be provided to form a part of the inner surface of the duct unit 120 .

FIG. 11 shows a state in which the cover opening device shown in FIG. 7 opens the dust box cover. Fig. 12 shows a front view of the cover opening device shown in Fig. 11; Fig. 13 shows side cross-sections of the cover opening device and cover closing device shown in Fig. 11;

Referring to FIG. 11 , the dust box cover 11 may be opened by an opening driving motor 310 rotating the opening driving shaft 311 in a second direction opposite to the first direction. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second direction may indicate a counterclockwise direction.

When the open drive shaft 311 rotates in the second direction, the first open link 320 may rotate together with the open drive shaft 311 in the second direction. The second open link 330 may move upward as the first open link 320 rotates in the second direction. The rotation opening guide 340 may rotate in the second direction as the second opening link 330 moves upward. The rotation opening guide 340 may rotate in the same direction as the first opening link 320 . That is, the rotation opening guide 340 may rotate in the second direction when the first opening link 320 rotates in the second direction.

When the rotation opening guide 340 rotates in the second direction, the rotation opening guide 340 may press the push lever 360 . The push lever 360 may rotate around the lever rotation axis 363 by the rotation opening guide 340 . As the push lever 360 rotates around the lever rotation shaft 363, the push protrusion 361 of the push lever 360 may press the button 17. The dust bin cover 11 may be opened by pressing the button 17 . As described above, since the dust box cover 11 receives elastic force in the direction in which the dust box cover 11 is closed, the suction force of the suction unit 150 must be provided to open the dust box cover 11 .

Referring to FIG. 12 , when the opening drive shaft 311 rotates in the second direction by the driving force of the opening drive motor 310, the first open link 320 rotates in the second direction and the second open link 330 ) can move upwards. As the second opening link 330 moves upward, the rotation opening guide 340 may rotate in the second direction.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rotation opening guide 340 rotates in the second direction, so that the push lever 360 can rotate around the lever rotation axis 363 . This is because when the rotation opening guide 340 rotates in the second direction, the rotation opening guide 340 presses the push lever 360 so that the push lever 360 rotates.

As the rotation guide 340 rotates in the second direction, the first opening limiting protrusion 345 of the rotation guide 340 may contact one end of the stopper 380 . When the first opening limiting protrusion 345 contacts one end of the stopper 380, rotation of the rotation opening guide 340 in the second direction may be restricted. That is, due to physical contact between the first opening limiting protrusion 345 and the stopper 380, the rotation range of the rotation opening guide 340 in the second direction may be limited. Alternatively, the opening driving motor 310 may rotate the opening driving shaft 311 by a predetermined angle in the second direction. For example, the opening drive motor 310 may be preset to rotate the opening drive shaft 311 by approximately 60° in the second direction. When the opening drive shaft 311 rotates by approximately 60° in the second direction, the rotation opening guide 340 may be provided to press the push lever 360 .

According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the rotation opening guide 340 rotates in the first direction, the second opening limiting protrusion 346 presses the switching protrusion 371 to the reference position of the opening driving shaft 311. can be reset. Even if the opening drive motor 310 is preset to rotate the opening drive shaft 311 in the second direction by a predetermined angle, when the opening drive shaft 311 repeatedly rotates in the first and second directions, the initial position is set. It may deviate from the set position. Since the reference position is reset whenever the open drive shaft 311 rotates in the first direction, deviation of the reference position of the open drive shaft 311 from the initial set position may be prevented in advance.

Referring to FIG. 13 , when the rotation opening guide 340 rotates in the second direction, the second opening pressing portion 342 of the rotation opening guide 340 presses the pressing surface 362 of the push lever 360. can The rotation opening guide 340 may include a first opening pressing portion 341 having a relatively thin thickness and a second opening pressing portion 342 having a relatively thick thickness. The first open pressing part 341 and the second open pressing part 342 may be connected to each other, and may be provided so that the thickness increases from the first open pressing part 341 to the second open pressing part 342 . When the rotation opening guide 340 rotates in the second direction, the first opening pressing part 341 starts to contact the pressing surface 362, and the second opening pressing part 342 presses the pressing surface 362. can do. That is, the first open pressing part 341 and the second open pressing part 342 may be provided to gradually press the pressing surface 362 .

When it is assumed that the open drive shaft 311 extends in the third direction, the first open link 320, the second open link 330, and the rotation guide 340 are centered on a rotation axis parallel to the third direction, respectively. can rotate The push lever 360 may rotate around a lever rotation shaft 363 extending in a fourth direction crossing the third direction.

When the push protrusion 361 of the push lever 360 presses the button 17, the button 17 may rotate around the button rotation axis 17c parallel to the fourth direction. When the button 17 rotates around the button rotation shaft 17c, the cover protrusion 11a of the dust box cover 11 is withdrawn from the button groove 17b, and the button protrusion 17a is withdrawn from the cover groove 11b. It can be. The cover protrusion 11a is withdrawn from the button groove 17b, and the dust box cover 11 can be opened by pulling the button protrusion 17a out of the cover groove 11b. The button rotation shaft 17c may be provided parallel to the lever rotation shaft 363 . That is, the button rotation shaft 17c may extend in a direction parallel to the fourth direction.

FIG. 14 shows a state in which the cover closing device shown in FIG. 7 closes the dust box cover. FIG. 15 is a view showing the inside of the duct unit when the rotary lever is in the second position as shown in FIG. 14 . Fig. 16 shows side cross-sections of the cover opening device and cover closing device shown in Fig. 14;

14 to 16, an operation of closing the dust box cover 11 by the cover closing device 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Referring to FIGS. 14 to 16 , the cover closing device 400 may automatically close the dust box cover 11 . The dust box cover 11 may be closed by the closing driving motor 410 rotating the closing driving shaft 411 clockwise in the state shown in FIG. 16 . Hereafter, the rotation direction will be described with reference to FIG. 16 .

When the closing drive shaft 411 rotates clockwise, the first closing link 420 may rotate clockwise together with the closing drive shaft 411 . The second closure link 430 may rotate counterclockwise relative to the first closure link 420 as the first closure link 420 rotates clockwise. The second closed link 430 has one end 432 rotates counterclockwise with respect to the first closed link 420, and the other end 431 can rotate counterclockwise with respect to the rotary lever 440. there is. The second closing link 430 may move in a direction of lifting the rotary lever 440 .

As the second closing link 430 moves, the rotation lever 440 may rotate in a direction to close the dust box cover 11 . The rotation lever 440 may rotate counterclockwise around the body coupling part 443 . The rotary lever 440 may rotate clockwise with respect to the second closing link 430 .

The rotation lever 440 rotates by the second closing link 430 and may press the dust box cover 11 in a closing direction. The dust box cover 11 is pressed by the rotation lever 440 and can rotate around the cover rotation shaft 11c. The dust bin cover 11 may be closed by the second closing link 430 .

According to this configuration, in the cleaning apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the cover closing device 400 may automatically close the dust bin cover 11 after the discharge of dirt from the dust bin 10 is completed. Therefore, usability can be improved. In addition, in the cleaning device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, since the cover closing device 400 is provided separately from the cover opening device 300, the dust box cover 11 can be stably closed.

The cover closing device 400 may be configured to return to the state shown in FIG. 10 after closing the dust box cover 11 .

Specifically, referring to FIGS. 10 and 16 , after the cover closing device 400 completes closing of the dust box cover 11, the closing drive motor 410 moves the closing drive shaft 411 as shown in FIG. It can be rotated in a counterclockwise direction.

When the closing drive shaft 411 rotates counterclockwise, the first closing link 420 may rotate counterclockwise together with the closing drive shaft 411 . The second closure link 430 may rotate relatively clockwise with respect to the first closure link 420 as the first closure link 420 rotates counterclockwise.

The second closed link 430 has one end 432 rotates clockwise with respect to the first closed link 420, and the other end 431 may rotate clockwise with respect to the rotary lever 440. The second closing link 430 may move in a direction in which the rotary lever 440 is pulled down.

The rotation lever 440 may rotate to the position shown in FIG. 10 as the second closing link 430 moves. The rotation lever 440 may rotate clockwise around the body coupling part 443 . The rotary lever 440 may rotate counterclockwise with respect to the second closing link 430 .

The position of the rotary lever 440 shown in FIG. 10 may be defined as the first position, and the position of the rotary lever 440 shown in FIG. 16 may be defined as the second position.

According to this configuration, the cleaning device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured so that the rotary lever 440 provided to close the dust box cover 11 forms a part of the flow path provided in the duct unit 120. As such, there is an advantage in terms of space utilization.

17 shows a control block diagram of the docking station shown in FIG. 1;

Referring to FIG. 17 , the docking station 3 of the cleaning apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a station manipulation unit 108 and a station control unit 109 .

The station control unit 108 is provided to receive an input from a user. The station control unit 108 is provided to transmit an input received from a user to the station control unit 109.

The station controller 109 may be configured to control the open drive motor 310 and the close drive motor 410 based on an input received from the station control unit 108 .

Specifically, when the user mounts the cleaner 2 on the docking station 3 and wants to empty the dust bin 10, an input may be made through the station control unit 108. The station control unit 109 receiving the input from the station control unit 108 may operate the opening driving motor 310 to open the dust box cover 11 .

When the user wants to close the dust bin cover 11, an input may be made through the station control unit 108. The station control unit 109 receiving the input from the station control unit 108 may close the dust box cover 11 by operating the closing drive motor 410 .

The cleaning device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured to automatically open and close the dust box cover 11 according to a user's selection. That is, when the user wants to directly close the dust bin cover 11, a separate input to the station manipulation unit 108 may not be made. After separating the cleaner 2 from the docking station 3, the user may directly close the open dust bin cover 11.

18 shows a cover closing device according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 shows a state in which the cover closing device shown in FIG. 18 closes the connector of the station body.

18 and 19, a cover closing device 500 according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. However, a detailed description of the same configuration as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 14 may be omitted.

18 and 19, the cover closing device 500 includes a closing driving motor 510 provided to provide driving force, and a first closing link provided to rotate by receiving the driving force of the closing driving motor 510 ( 520), a second closing link 530 provided to move by the rotation of the first closing link 520, and a rotary lever 540 provided to rotate by the movement of the second closing link 530. can do.

The cover closing device 500 includes a closing driving motor 510 including a closing driving shaft 511 that provides driving force and rotates by the driving force, and a first closing link provided to rotate together with the closing driving shaft 511. 520 and a second closure link 530 provided to be rotated and moved by rotation of the first closure link 520.

The first closing link 520 may include one end 521 coupled to the closing drive shaft 511 and rotating together with the closing drive shaft 511 .

The configuration of the closing drive motor 510, the first closing link 520, and the second closing link 530 of the cover closing device 500 according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 is shown in FIGS. 7 and 19 The closing drive motor 410 of the cover closing device 400 shown in FIG. 14, the first closing link 420, and the second closing link 430 may be provided the same.

The rotation lever 540 may include a body coupling part 543 rotatably coupled to the station body 100 . As the rotation lever 540 rotates with the main body coupling part 543 as a rotation axis, the rotation lever 540 may close the dust box cover 11 .

Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19 , the rotary lever 540 of the cover closing device 500 is formed to cover the connector 101 formed on the top of the station main body 100 . The rotary lever 540 may be provided in a size and shape corresponding to the connector 101 .

Referring to FIG. 18 , while dirt flows into the duct unit 120 , the rotary lever 540 is positioned to form a flow path inside the duct unit 120 . Accordingly, the rotary lever 540 may guide dirt introduced from the dust bin 10 of the cleaner 2 mounted on the docking station 3 to the collecting unit 140 .

Referring to FIG. 19 , when the cleaner 2 is separated from the docking station 3, the cover closing device 500 may move the rotary lever 540 so that the rotary lever 540 closes the connector 101. there is. Unlike the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 , the cover closing device 500 does not move the rotary lever 540 into the duct unit 120 after closing the dust box cover 11 of the vacuum cleaner 2, The rotary lever 540 may maintain the lifted state of the dust box cover 11 .

According to this configuration, the cover closing device 500 according to another embodiment of the present invention can cover the connector 101 when the cleaner 2 is separated from the docking station 3, so that the docking station 3 It is possible to prevent foreign substances from entering the inside of the product, and it is possible to form a clean appearance.

A cover opening device 600 according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21 . However, a detailed description of the same configuration as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 12 may be omitted.

20 and 21, the cover opening device 600 includes an opening drive motor 610 provided to rotate an opening drive shaft 611, a first open link 620, and a second open link ( 630) and a rotation opening guide 640. The first open link 620 and the second open link 630 may have the same structure as the first open link 620 and the second open link 630 shown in FIGS. 9 and 12 .

The first open link 620 is coupled with one end 621 that is coupled to the open drive shaft 611 and rotates together with the open drive shaft 611, and is coupled with one end 632 of the second open link 620 The other end 622 may be included.

The second open link 630 has one end 632 coupled to the other end 622 of the first open link 620, and an opening into which an open rotation protrusion 644 of the rotation open guide 640 is inserted. A protrusion insertion hole 631 may be included. The open protrusion insertion hole 631 may be provided at the other end of the second open link 630 .

The rotation opening guide 640 may rotate with the opening shaft coupling part 643 as a rotation center.

The cover opening device 600 may not include a push lever, a switch, a stopper, a first opening limiting protrusion, and a second opening limiting protrusion. That is, productivity can be improved by simplifying the configuration of the cover opening device 600 .

The cover opening device 600 may rotate the rotation opening guide 640 in a first direction or a second direction by operating the opening driving motor 610 . As the rotation opening guide 640 rotates in the second direction, the pressing protrusion 641 of the rotation guide 640 may press the button 17 . When the button 17 is pressed, the dust bin cover 11 may be opened.

Unlike the cover opening device 300 shown in FIGS. 9 and 12 , the cover opening device 600 according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a switch, a stopper, a first opening limiting protrusion and a second opening limiting protrusion. Even if not, the dust box cover 11 may be opened and closed by rotating the opening driving motor 610 in the first direction or the second direction within a preset angle range. For example, the opening driving motor 610 may be preset to rotate the opening driving shaft 611 only by 60° in the first direction from the reference position. In addition, the opening driving motor 610 is preset to rotate the opening driving shaft 611 only by 60° in the second direction in a state where the opening driving shaft 611 is rotated by 60° in the first direction from the reference position. It can be. Through these settings, the cover opening device 600 according to another embodiment of the present invention can control the movement range of the opening driving shaft 611 without a switch, stopper, first opening limiting protrusion, and second opening limiting protrusion. can

In the above, specific embodiments have been illustrated and described. However, it is not limited to the above embodiments, and those skilled in the art will be able to make various changes without departing from the gist of the technical idea of the invention described in the claims below. .

Claims

a vacuum cleaner including a dust bin in which dirt is collected, and a dust bin cover rotatably coupled to the dust bin to open and close the dust bin; and

a docking station, to which the cleaner is detachably mounted, and including a collecting part provided to collect dirt in the dust bin when the cleaner is mounted, and a duct part forming a flow path for guiding the dirt in the dust bin to the collecting part; contains,

The docking station,

a cover opening device configured to open the dust box cover; and

A cover closing device configured to close the dust box cover; includes,

The cover closing device includes a rotary lever provided to be movable between a first position forming a part of the flow path of the duct unit and a second position supporting the dust box cover in a closing direction.
According to claim 1,

The cover closing device,

a closing drive motor provided to generate power for moving the rotary lever;

a first closing link connected to the closing drive motor; and

Cleaning device comprising a; second closed link connected to the first closed link and the rotary lever.
According to claim 2,

The duct part includes a duct part opening that forms a space so that the first closed link or the second closed link is movable,

The rotating lever is provided to correspond to the opening of the duct unit.
According to claim 2,

When the rotary lever is in the first position, the closing drive motor, the first closing link, and the second closing link are located outside the flow path of the duct portion.
According to claim 2,

The cover opening device includes an opening driving motor having a different drive shaft from the closing driving motor.
According to claim 5,

The cover opening device includes a switch configured to set an initial position of the opening drive motor.
According to claim 1,

The cleaning device of claim 1 , wherein the rotary lever is positioned at the first position when the cleaner is separated from the docking station.
According to claim 1,

The docking station includes a connector formed to connect the dust bin and the duct unit when the cleaner is mounted,

The rotary lever is a cleaning device provided to correspond to the connector.
According to claim 8,

The rotating lever is positioned to close the connector when the cleaner is separated from the docking station.
According to claim 1,

The cover closing device is located in the duct unit.
According to claim 1,

The cleaner is provided to be mounted on the docking station along a direction of gravity.
According to claim 1,

The cover opening device is disposed outside the flow path of the duct unit.
According to claim 1,

The cleaner may further include an elastic member elastically supporting the dust box cover in a closing direction.
According to claim 1,

The cover opening device is located on one side of the duct unit,

The cover closing device is located on the other side opposite to one side of the duct unit.
According to claim 1,

The cleaner further includes a button provided to fix or release the dust box cover to a closed position,

The cover opening device is configured to press or release the button.