KR20240126680A - Cleaner station - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cleaner station, and more specifically, to a housing; a coupling portion disposed in the housing and to which at least a portion of a dust bin of a cleaner is coupled; and a cover control unit for closing a discharge cover of the dust bin; wherein the cover control unit includes: a button; a link that rotates when an external force is applied to the button; a cover control frame that contacts the discharge cover according to the rotation of the link; and an elastic body that is elastically deformed when an external force is applied to the button and provides a restoring force to the button; thereby simplifying the structure for closing the discharge cover.

Description

CLEANER STATION

The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner station, and more particularly, to a vacuum cleaner station capable of closing a discharge cover of a vacuum cleaner with a simple configuration.

In general, a vacuum cleaner is an electrical appliance that sucks up small pieces of trash or dust by sucking in air and filling the dust bin inside the product. It is commonly called a vacuum cleaner.

These cleaners can be divided into manual cleaners that perform cleaning while the user moves the cleaner, and automatic cleaners that perform cleaning while driving on their own. Manual cleaners can be divided into canister-type cleaners, upright cleaners, handheld cleaners, and stick-type cleaners, depending on the type of cleaner.

In the past, canister-type vacuum cleaners were widely used for home vacuum cleaners, but recently, handheld vacuum cleaners and stick vacuum cleaners that provide the dust bin and vacuum cleaner body as one unit, which improves convenience, have been widely used.

Canister-type vacuum cleaners have a main body and suction inlet connected by a rubber hose or pipe, and in some cases, a brush can be attached to the suction inlet for use.

Handheld vacuum cleaners are designed to maximize portability, are light in weight, but are short in length, so they must be used while sitting, and the cleaning area may be limited. Therefore, they are used to clean small areas, such as on a desk or sofa, or in a car.

Stick vacuums can be used standing up, so you can clean without bending down. Therefore, they are advantageous for cleaning while moving around a wide area. While a handheld vacuum cleaner cleans narrow spaces, a stick vacuum cleaner can clean a wider area and can clean high places that are out of reach. Recently, stick vacuum cleaners are provided in a modular type, so you can actively change the vacuum cleaner type for various purposes.

However, conventional handheld vacuum cleaners and stick vacuum cleaners had small dustbins that stored the collected dust, which was inconvenient for users to have to empty the dustbins every time.

Additionally, there was a problem that when the dustbin was emptied, dust would fly around, which could have a harmful effect on the user's health.

Additionally, there was a problem that the suction power of the vacuum cleaner was reduced if the remaining dust in the dustbin was not removed.

Additionally, there was a problem of bad odor caused by residue if the remaining dust in the dustbin was not removed.

As a prior art patent document, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0086482 discloses a vacuum cleaner station that can automatically empty the dust bin of a vacuum cleaner when the vacuum cleaner is attached.

The above prior art patent document discloses a technology for automatically opening and closing the discharge cover of a dustbin using a door unit. However, the door unit has limitations in that it requires a door motor to drive the door, and additional parts such as an encoder that can detect the rotation of the motor shaft in order to precisely rotate the link are required. Accordingly, there was a problem in that the overall number of parts increased and the cost increased.

In addition, the door unit had a problem where if the door motor failed while the door was positioned to open the dust passage hole, the user had to close the dust bin discharge cover themselves, which was harmful to the user's health and caused inconvenience to the user.

In addition, there was a problem that if the door motor failed while the door unit was positioned to close the dust passage hole, the door could not be opened and the dust inside the dust bin of the vacuum cleaner at the station could not be sucked up.

The present invention was created to improve the problems of the conventional cleaner station, cleaner system and control method thereof as described above, and has the purpose of providing a cleaner station having a simple configuration and structure.

In addition, the purpose is to provide a cleaner station that can solve problems caused by failure of conventional door motors by having a cover control unit that can manually close the discharge cover.

The objects of the present invention are not limited to the objects mentioned above, and other objects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

In order to achieve the above-described object, the cleaner station according to the present invention comprises: a housing; a coupling part disposed in the housing, to which at least a portion of a dust bin of the cleaner is coupled; a dust collection part accommodated inside the housing, disposed below the coupling part, and capturing dust inside the dust bin; a dust collection motor accommodated inside the housing, disposed below the dust collection part, and generating a suction force to suck up dust inside the dust bin; and a cover control unit that closes a discharge cover of the dust bin; wherein the cover control unit may include: a button; a link that rotates when an external force is applied to the button; a cover control frame that contacts the discharge cover according to the rotation of the link; and an elastic body that is elastically deformed when an external force is applied to the button and provides a restoring force to the button.

The above cover control unit may have a long hole through which the button moves linearly and is arranged along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the button moves, and the link may have a connecting protrusion inserted into the long hole and moving along the long hole.

The above link may include a first link having the connecting protrusion and rotating when the button moves linearly; and a second link rotatably coupled with the first link and rotatably coupled with the cover control frame.

The housing may be provided with an elastic support portion positioned opposite the lower end of the button, and the elastic body may be characterized in that both ends are respectively fixed to the lower end of the button and the elastic support portion and positioned along the direction of linear movement of the button.

The above elastic body may be provided in multiple pieces.

The above cover control unit may further include a guide pin disposed on the inside of the elastic body, one end of which is fixed to the button and the other end of which passes through the elastic body support.

The above elastic body may be characterized in that it is installed in a pre-compressed state.

The above cover control frame may have a pressing projection formed to protrude from a surface that comes into contact with the discharge cover.

When no external force is applied to the button, the button may be positioned so that its upper surface is parallel to the upper surface of the housing, and the cover control frame may be arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle with the ground.

When an external force is applied to the above button, the cover control frame can rotate and be positioned perpendicular to the ground.

The above button may be characterized in that it moves linearly when an external force is applied, and the cover control frame may be characterized in that it moves rotationally.

The above first link may have a connecting shaft rod arranged along the rotation axis, with an end of the rotation lever arranged at one end and an end of the first link body arranged at the other end.

The above cover control frame includes a frame body hinge-coupled to the housing; and a link coupling portion having the link coupled to one side and the pressing projection formed on the other side; wherein the link coupling portion is provided at the center of the left-right direction of the frame body, and a width in the left-right direction can be formed narrower than the width in the left-right direction of the frame body.

The housing may have a protruding projection that limits a rotational path of the cover control frame, and the cover control frame may have a stopper that protrudes toward the inside of the housing to support the protruding projection.

Other specific details of the present invention are included in the detailed description and drawings.

According to the cleaning station of the present invention as described above, one or more of the following effects are achieved.

According to the present invention, there is an effect of eliminating the inconvenience of the user having to empty the dustbin every time.

In addition, there is no need to open the discharge cover before attaching the cleaner to the cleaner station, and when the dust collection motor is turned off, the user can manually close the discharge cover while the cleaner is attached to the cleaner station. Accordingly, there is no need for the user to directly open and close the discharge cover on the dust bin, and there is an effect of preventing dust from flying during this process.

In addition, the cover control unit for closing the discharge cover does not include a motor, so the number of parts can be reduced, the weight can be reduced, and noise caused by the motor can be prevented. In addition, since the configuration for controlling the motor, the encoder for precise control of the motor, and the sensor for position detection are not configured, the number of parts can be reduced, and the structure can be simplified.

In addition, it has the effect of solving the problem of inconvenience to the user or inability to collect dust when the motor fails in the structure in which the cover control frame is operated by a motor in the past.

In addition, when the vacuum cleaner is combined, the dust collection motor can be operated while opening the discharge cover, which has the effect of reducing the time required for dust collection in the dust bin. In addition, the time required for fixing or releasing the vacuum cleaner can be reduced, which has the effect of reducing the overall operating time.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning system comprising a cleaning station and a cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 2 and 3 are drawings for explaining a cleaner in a cleaner system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining the lower surface of a dust bin of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of a vacuum cleaner system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a coupling part in a cleaning station according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a fixed unit in a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 8 to 10 are drawings for explaining a cover control unit in a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 11 and 12 are drawings for explaining a cover control unit in a cleaner station according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining the relationship between a cleaner and a cover opening unit in a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a block diagram for explaining a control configuration in a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining a method for controlling a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

The present invention can have various modifications and various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and specifically described in the detailed description. This is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, but should be interpreted to include all modifications, equivalents, or substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to drawings for explaining a cleaning station according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaner system comprising a cleaner station and a cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of a cleaner system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, a cleaner system (10) according to one embodiment of the present specification may include a cleaner station (100) and a cleaner (200).

The cleaner system (10) may include a cleaner station (100). A cleaner (200) may be coupled to the cleaner station (100). Specifically, a main body of the cleaner (200) may be coupled to a side of the cleaner station (100). The cleaner station (100) may remove dust from a dust bin (220) of the cleaner (200).

Meanwhile, FIGS. 2 and 3 are drawings for explaining a cleaner in a cleaner system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a lower surface of a dust bin of a cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

First, the structure of the vacuum cleaner (200) will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 as follows.

The vacuum cleaner (200) may mean a vacuum cleaner that is manually operated by a user. For example, the vacuum cleaner (200) may mean a handheld vacuum cleaner or a stick vacuum cleaner.

The cleaner (200) can be mounted on the cleaner station (100). The cleaner (200) can be supported by the cleaner station (100). The cleaner (200) can be coupled to the cleaner station (100).

Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present invention, the direction of the vacuum cleaner (200) can be defined based on the lower surface of the dust bin (220) and the battery housing (230) placed on the ground.

At this time, the front may refer to the direction in which the suction unit (212) is arranged based on the suction motor (214), and the rear may refer to the direction in which the handle (216) is arranged based on the suction motor (214). In addition, when looking at the suction unit (212) from the suction motor (214), the direction in which it is arranged on the right may be referred to as the right, and the direction in which it is arranged on the left may be referred to as the left. In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, the upper and lower sides may be defined along the direction perpendicular to the ground when the bottom surface (lower surface) of the dust bin (220) and the battery housing (230) are placed on the ground.

The vacuum cleaner (200) may include a main body (210). The main body (210) may include a main body housing (211), a suction unit (212), a dust separation unit (213), a suction motor (214), an air discharge cover (215), a handle (216), and an operating unit (218).

The main body housing (211) can form the exterior of the cleaner (200). The main body housing (211) can provide a space that can accommodate a suction motor (214) and a filter (not shown) inside. The main body housing (211) can be configured in a shape similar to a cylinder.

The suction part (212) may protrude outwardly from the main body housing (211). For example, the suction part (212) may be formed in a cylindrical shape with an open interior. The suction part (212) may be combined with an extension pipe (250). The suction part (212) may provide a path (hereinafter, referred to as a 'suction path') through which air containing dust may flow.

Meanwhile, in this embodiment, a virtual line penetrating the interior of a suction part (212) configured in a cylindrical shape can be formed.

The dust separation unit (213) can be communicated with the suction unit (212). The dust separation unit (213) can separate dust sucked into the inside through the suction unit (212). The space inside the dust separation unit (213) can be communicated with the space inside the dust bin (220).

For example, the dust separation unit (213) may be provided with at least one cyclone unit capable of separating dust by cyclone flow. In addition, the space inside the dust separation unit (213) may be connected to the suction path. Accordingly, the air and dust sucked through the suction unit (212) flow spirally along the inner surface of the dust separation unit (213). Accordingly, a cyclone flow may occur in the inner space of the dust separation unit (213).

The dust separation unit (213) is connected to the suction unit (212) and is configured to apply the principle of a dust collector that utilizes centrifugal force to separate dust sucked into the interior of the main body (210) through the suction unit (212).

The dust separation unit (213) may further include a secondary cyclone that separates dust again from the air discharged from the cyclone. At this time, the secondary cyclone may be positioned inside the cyclone so that the size of the dust separation unit is minimized. The secondary cyclone may include a plurality of cyclone bodies arranged in parallel. The air discharged from the cyclone may be divided and passed through the plurality of cyclone bodies.

At this time, the axis of the cyclone flow of the secondary cyclone may also extend in the vertical direction, and the axis of the cyclone flow of the cyclone and the axis of the cyclone flow of the secondary cyclone may form a coaxial line in the vertical direction, which may be collectively referred to as the axis of the cyclone flow of the dust separation unit (213).

The suction motor (214) can generate a suction force to suck in air. The suction motor (214) can be accommodated in the main body housing (211). The suction motor (214) can generate a suction force by rotation. For example, the suction motor (214) can be provided in a similar cylindrical shape.

Meanwhile, in this embodiment, a virtual suction motor axis line can be formed by extending the rotation axis of the suction motor (214).

The air exhaust cover (215) may be placed on one axial side of the main body housing (211). The air exhaust cover (215) may accommodate a filter for filtering air. For example, the air exhaust cover (215) may accommodate a HEPA filter.

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

A flow guide may be arranged in the air discharge cover (215). The flow guide may guide the flow of air discharged through the air discharge port.

The handle (216) can be gripped by the user. The handle (216) can be positioned at the rear of the suction motor (214). For example, the handle (216) can be formed in a shape similar to a cylinder. Alternatively, the handle (216) can be formed in a curved cylinder shape. The handle (216) can be positioned at a predetermined angle with respect to the main body housing (211), the suction motor (214), or the dust separation unit (213).

The handle (216) may include a grip portion formed in a pillar shape so that the user can hold it, a first extension portion connected to one end of the grip portion in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) and formed to extend toward the suction motor (214), and a second extension portion connected to the other end of the grip portion in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) and formed to extend toward the dust bin (220).

Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a virtual gripping portion penetration line can be formed by extending along the longitudinal direction of the gripping portion (the axial direction of the column) and penetrating the gripping portion.

For example, the grip portion penetration line may be a virtual line formed inside a cylindrical handle (216), and may be a virtual line formed parallel to at least a portion of the outer surface (outer surface) of the grip portion.

The upper surface of the handle (216) may form a portion of the outer appearance of the upper surface of the cleaner (200). This may prevent a component of the cleaner (200) from coming into contact with the user's arm when the user holds the handle (216).

The first extension portion may extend from the phasor toward the main body housing (211) or the suction motor (214). At least a portion of the first extension portion may extend in a horizontal direction.

The second extension may extend from the handle (216) toward the dust bin (220). At least a portion of the second extension may extend horizontally.

The operating unit (218) may be placed on the handle (216). The operating unit (218) may be placed on an inclined surface formed in the upper area of the handle (216). The user may input an operation or stop command for the cleaner (200) through the operating unit (218).

The vacuum cleaner (200) may include a dust bin (220). The dust bin (220) may be connected to a dust separation unit (213). The dust bin (220) may store dust separated from the dust separation unit (213).

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

The dustbin body (221) can provide a space for storing dust separated from the dust separation unit (213). For example, the dustbin body (221) can be formed in a shape similar to a cylinder.

Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a virtual dustbin penetration line may be formed by penetrating the interior (internal space) of the dustbin body (221) and extending along the longitudinal direction of the dustbin body (221) (meaning the axial direction in the cylindrical dustbin body (221)).

The lower surface (bottom surface) of the dustbin body (221) may be partially open. In addition, a lower extension portion (221a) may be formed on the lower surface (bottom surface) of the dustbin body (221). The lower extension portion (221a) may be formed to block a portion of the lower surface of the dustbin body (221).

The dustbin (220) may include a discharge cover (222). The discharge cover (222) may be placed on the lower surface of the dustbin (220).

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

The discharge cover (222) may include a cover body (222a) and a hinge part (222b). The cover body (222a) may be formed to block a portion of the lower surface of the dustbin body (221). The cover body (222a) may rotate downward based on the hinge part (222b). The hinge part (222b) may be arranged adjacent to the battery housing (230). A torsion spring (222d) may be provided in the hinge part (222b). Therefore, when the discharge cover (222) is separated from the dustbin body (221), the cover body (222a) may be supported in a state in which it is rotated by a predetermined angle or more about the hinge part (222b) as an axis in the dustbin body (221) by the elastic force of the torsion spring (222d).

The discharge cover (222) can be coupled with the dust bin (220) through a hook connection. Meanwhile, the discharge cover (222) can be separated from the dust bin (220) through a coupling lever (222c). The coupling lever (222c) can be arranged at the front of the dust bin. Specifically, the coupling lever (222c) can be arranged on the outer surface of the front side of the dust bin (220). When an external force is applied, the coupling lever (222c) can elastically deform a hook extended from the cover body (222a) to release the hook connection between the cover body (222a) and the dust bin body (221).

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

The dustbin (220) may include a dustbin compression lever (223) (see FIG. 3). The dustbin compression lever (223) may be arranged outside the dustbin (220) or the dust separation unit (213). The dustbin compression lever (223) may be arranged to move up and down outside the dustbin (220) or the dust separation unit (213). The dustbin compression lever (223) may be connected to a compressor (not shown). When the dustbin compression lever (223) moves downward by an external force, the compressor (not shown) may also move downward. Through this, convenience for the user may be provided. The compressor (not shown) and the dustbin compression lever (223) may return to their original positions by an elastic member (not shown). Specifically, when an external force applied to the dustbin compression lever (223) is removed, the elastic member may move the dustbin compression lever (223) and the compressor (not shown) upward.

A compressor (not shown) may be placed inside the dustbin body (221). The compressor may move in the internal space of the dustbin body (221). Specifically, the compressor may move up and down inside the dustbin body (221). Through this, the compressor may compress dust inside the dustbin body (221) downward. In addition, when the discharge cover (222) is separated from the dustbin body (221) and the lower part of the dustbin (220) is opened, the compressor may move from the upper part to the lower part of the dustbin (220) to remove foreign substances such as residual dust inside the dustbin (220). Through this, the suction power of the vacuum cleaner may be improved by preventing residual dust from remaining inside the dustbin (220). In addition, by preventing residual dust from remaining inside the dustbin (220), an unpleasant odor caused by residual substances may be eliminated.

The vacuum cleaner (200) may include a battery housing (230). The battery housing (230) may accommodate a battery (240). The battery housing (230) may be positioned at the lower side of the handle (216). For example, the battery housing (230) may have a hexahedral shape with an open bottom. The rear side of the battery housing (230) may be connected to the handle (216).

The battery housing (230) may include a receiving portion that opens downward. The battery (240) may be removed through the receiving portion of the battery housing (230).

The vacuum cleaner (200) may include a battery (240).

For example, the battery (240) may be detachably coupled to the cleaner (200). The battery (240) may be detachably coupled to the battery housing (230). For example, the battery (240) may be inserted into the interior of the battery housing (230) from the lower portion of the battery housing (230). With this configuration, the portability of the cleaner (200) may be improved.

Alternatively, the battery (240) may be integrally provided inside the battery housing (230). In this case, the lower surface of the battery (240) is not exposed to the outside.

The battery (240) can supply power to the suction motor (214) of the vacuum cleaner (200). The battery (240) can be placed at the bottom of the handle (216). The battery (240) can be placed at the rear of the dust bin (220).

According to an embodiment, when the battery (240) is coupled to the battery housing (230), the lower surface of the battery (240) may be exposed to the outside. Since the battery (240) may be placed on the floor when the vacuum cleaner (200) is placed on the floor, the battery (240) may be immediately separated from the battery housing (230). In addition, since the lower surface of the battery (240) is exposed to the outside and comes into direct contact with the external air of the battery (240), the cooling performance of the battery (240) may be improved.

Meanwhile, when the battery (240) is integrally fixed to the battery housing (230), the structure for attaching and detaching the battery (240) and the battery housing (230) can be reduced, so the overall size of the vacuum cleaner (200) can be reduced and its weight can be reduced.

The cleaner (200) may include an extension pipe (250). The extension pipe (250) may be communicated with a cleaning module (260). The extension pipe (250) may be communicated with a main body (210). The extension pipe (250) may be communicated with a suction portion (212) of the main body (210). The extension pipe (250) may be formed in a long cylindrical shape.

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

The cleaner (200) may include a cleaning module (260). The cleaning module (260) may be connected to an extension pipe (250). Accordingly, external air may be drawn into the main body (210) of the cleaner (200) through the cleaning module (260) and the extension pipe (250) by the suction force generated in the main body (210) of the cleaner (200).

Dust in the dust bin (220) of the vacuum cleaner (200) can be collected by the dust collection unit (170) of the vacuum cleaner station (100) by gravity and the suction power of the dust collection motor (191). Through this, dust in the dust bin (220) can be removed without separate operation by the user, thereby providing user convenience. In addition, the inconvenience of the user having to empty the dust bin (220) every time can be eliminated. In addition, when the dust bin (220) is emptied, dust can be prevented from flying.

The cleaner (200) may be coupled to the side of the housing (110). Specifically, the main body (210) of the cleaner (200) may be mounted on the coupling portion (120). More specifically, the dustbin (220) and the battery housing (230) of the cleaner (200) may be arranged to face the coupling surface (121), the outer surface of the dustbin main body (221) may be coupled to the dustbin guide surface (122), and the suction portion (212) may be coupled to the suction portion guide surface (126) of the coupling portion (120). In this case, the central axis of the dustbin (220) may be arranged in a direction parallel to the ground, and the extension pipe (250) may be arranged along a direction perpendicular to the ground.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 5, the cleaning station (100) of the present invention is described as follows.

A cleaner (200) may be placed in the cleaner station (100). A cleaner (200) may be coupled to a side of the cleaner station (100). Specifically, a main body of the cleaner (200) may be coupled to a side of the cleaner station (100). The cleaner station (100) may remove dust from a dust bin (220) of the cleaner (200).

The cleaner station (100) may include a housing (110). The housing (110) may form an exterior of the cleaner station (100). Specifically, the housing (110) may be formed in a pillar shape including at least one outer wall surface (112). As an example, the housing (110) may be formed in a shape similar to a square pillar.

The housing (110) can be formed with a space that can accommodate a dust collection unit (170) that stores dust inside and a dust suction module (190) that generates a fluid force that collects dust by the dust collection unit (170).

The housing (110) may include a bottom surface (111), an outer wall surface (112), and an upper surface (113).

The bottom surface (111) can support the lower side of the dust suction module (190) in the gravity direction. That is, the bottom surface (111) can support the lower side of the dust collection motor (191) of the dust suction module (190).

At this time, the bottom surface (111) can be placed toward the ground. The bottom surface (111) can be placed parallel to the ground, but can also be placed at a certain angle with the ground. With this configuration, the dust collection motor (191) can be stably supported, and even when the vacuum cleaner (200) is combined, there is an advantage in that the overall weight can be balanced.

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the bottom surface (111) may further include a ground support member that increases the area in contact with the ground to prevent the cleaner station (100) from falling over and maintain balance. For example, the ground support member may be in the form of a plate extended from the bottom surface (111), and one or more frames may be formed to protrude and extend along the ground direction from the bottom surface (111).

The outer wall surface (112) may mean a surface formed along the direction of gravity, and may mean a surface connected to the floor surface (111). For example, the outer wall surface (112) may mean a surface vertically connected to the floor surface (111). In another embodiment, the outer wall surface (112) may be arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the floor surface (111).

The outer wall surface (112) may be configured to include at least one surface. For example, the outer wall surface (112) may include a first outer wall surface (112a), a second outer wall surface (112b), a third outer wall surface (112c), and a fourth outer wall surface (112d).

At this time, in the present embodiment, the first outer wall surface (112a) may be placed on the front side of the cleaner station (100). Here, the front side may mean the surface on which the cleaner (200) is exposed when the cleaner (200) is coupled to the cleaner station (100). Therefore, the first outer wall surface (112a) may form the appearance of the front side of the cleaner station (100).

Meanwhile, in order to understand this embodiment, the direction is defined as follows. In this embodiment, the direction can be defined while the cleaner (200) is placed on the cleaner station (100).

When the cleaner (200) is mounted on the cleaner station (100), the direction in which the cleaner (200) is exposed to the outside of the cleaner station (100) can be called the front.

From another perspective, when the cleaner (200) is mounted on the cleaner station (100), the direction in which the suction motor (214) of the cleaner (200) is positioned can be called the front. And the direction opposite to the direction in which the suction motor (214) is positioned in the cleaner station (100) can be called the rear.

And, based on the internal space of the housing (110), the surface facing the front can be called the rear side of the cleaner station (100). Accordingly, the rear side can mean the direction in which the second outer wall surface (112b) is formed.

And, when looking at the front based on the internal space of the housing (110), the left side may be called the left side, and the right side may be called the right side. Accordingly, the left side may mean the direction in which the third outer wall surface (112c) is formed, and the right side may mean the direction in which the fourth outer wall surface (112d) is formed.

The first outer wall surface (112a) may be formed in a flat shape, or may be formed in an entirely curved shape, or may be formed to include a curved surface in a portion.

The first outer wall surface (112a) may have an appearance corresponding to the shape of the cleaner (200). Specifically, a coupling part (120) may be arranged on the first outer wall surface (112a). With this configuration, the cleaner (200) may be coupled to the cleaner station (100) and supported by the cleaner station (100). The specific configuration of the coupling part (120) will be described later.

Meanwhile, it is also possible to add a structure for mounting various types of cleaning modules (260) used in a vacuum cleaner (200) to the first outer wall surface (112a).

In this embodiment, the second outer wall surface (112b) may be a surface facing the first outer wall surface (112a). That is, the second outer wall surface (112b) may be arranged at the rear of the cleaner station (100). Here, the rear surface may be a surface facing the surface to which the cleaner (200) or the second cleaner (300) is coupled. Therefore, the second outer wall surface (112b) may form the exterior of the rear of the cleaner station (100).

For example, the second outer wall surface (112b) can be formed in a flat shape. With this configuration, the cleaner station (100) can be attached to an indoor wall and the cleaner station (100) can be stably supported.

As another example, a structure for mounting various types of cleaning modules (260) used in a vacuum cleaner (200) may be added to the second outer wall surface (112b).

In this embodiment, the third outer wall surface (112c) and the fourth outer wall surface (112d) may refer to surfaces connecting the first outer wall surface (112a) and the second outer wall surface (112b). At this time, the third outer wall surface (112c) may be arranged on the left side of the station (100), and the fourth outer wall surface (112d) may be arranged on the right side of the cleaner station (100). Alternatively, the third outer wall surface (112c) may be arranged on the right side of the cleaner station (100), and the fourth outer wall surface (112d) may be arranged on the left side of the cleaner station (100).

The third outer wall surface (112c) or the fourth outer wall surface (112d) may be formed in a flat shape, or may be formed in an entirely curved shape, or may be formed by including a curved surface in a portion.

Meanwhile, it is also possible to add a structure for mounting various types of cleaning modules (260) used in a cleaner (200) to the third outer wall surface (112c) or the fourth outer wall surface (112d).

The upper surface (113) may form the upper exterior of the cleaner station (100). That is, the upper surface (113) may mean a surface that is positioned at the uppermost side in the direction of gravity in the cleaner station (100) and is exposed to the outside.

For reference, in an embodiment of the present invention, the direction of the cleaner station (100) can be defined based on the state in which the bottom surface (111) of the cleaner station (100) is installed on the ground.

That is, the upper and lower sides may mean the upper and lower sides, respectively, along the direction of gravity (the direction perpendicular to the ground) when the cleaner station (100) is installed on the ground.

At this time, the upper surface (113) may be arranged parallel to the ground, but may also be arranged at a certain angle with the ground.

A display unit (410) may be placed on the upper surface (113). For example, the display unit (410) may display the status of the cleaner station (100) and the status of the cleaner (200), and may also display information such as the cleaning progress status and a map of the cleaning area.

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the upper surface (113) may be provided to be detachable from the outer wall surface (112). At this time, when the upper surface (113) is detached, the battery (240) detached from the cleaner (200) may be accommodated in the internal space surrounded by the outer wall surface (112), and a terminal (not shown) capable of charging the detached battery (240) may be provided.

Meanwhile, a protrusion (116) that limits the rotation path of a cover control frame (141) to be described later may be formed in the housing (110). Specifically, the housing (110) may form a space path (180) through which air drawn in from a dust bin (220) may flow, and a protrusion (116) may be formed protruding on the inner wall surface of a pipe forming the path (180).

As another example, the protrusion (116) may be an upper portion of a dust passage hole (121a) formed in the housing (110), and an upper portion of the inner surface of the dust passage hole (121a) may be formed to protrude.

At this time, the protruding jaw (116) can be placed within the rotation radius of the cover control frame (141).

Accordingly, the cover control frame (141) may come into contact with the protruding jaw (116) to limit the rotation range of the cover control frame (141). Specifically, the protruding jaw (116) may provide an upper rotation limit of the cover control frame (141).

FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a coupling part in a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a fixing unit in a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 8 to 10 are drawings for explaining a cover control unit in a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining a relationship between a cleaner and a cover opening unit in a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the coupling part (120) of the cleaner station (100) of the present invention is described as follows.

The cleaner station (100) may include a coupling part (120) for coupling the cleaner (200). Specifically, the coupling part (120) is arranged on the first outer wall surface (112a), and the main body (210), dust bin (220), and battery housing (230) of the cleaner (200) may be coupled.

The coupling portion (120) may include a coupling surface (121). The coupling surface (121) may be arranged on a side surface of the housing (110). For example, the coupling surface (121) may refer to a surface formed in a concave groove shape toward the inside of the cleaner station (100) on the first outer wall surface (112a). That is, the coupling surface (121) may refer to a surface formed by forming a single unit with the first outer wall surface (112a).

The coupling surface (121) can accommodate a vacuum cleaner (200). For example, the coupling surface (121) can face the lower surface of the dust bin (220) and the battery housing (230) of the vacuum cleaner (200). Here, the lower surface can mean a surface facing the ground when a user uses the vacuum cleaner (200) or places it on the ground.

For example, the angle formed by the joining surface (121) with the ground may be a right angle. Through this, the space of the cleaner station (100) can be minimized when the cleaner (200) is joined to the joining surface (121).

As another example, the joining surface (121) may be arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the ground. Through this, when the cleaner (200) is joined to the joining surface (121), the cleaner station (100) may be stably supported.

A dust passage hole (121a) may be formed in the coupling surface (121) to allow air from outside the housing (110) to flow into the inside. The dust passage hole (121a) may be formed in a hole shape corresponding to the shape of the dust bin (220) so that dust in the dust bin (220) may flow into the dust collection unit (170). The dust passage hole (121a) may be formed corresponding to the shape of the discharge cover (222) of the dust bin (220). The dust passage hole (121a) may be formed to communicate with a flow path (180) to be described later.

The coupling portion (120) may include a dustbin guide surface (122). The dustbin guide surface (122) may be arranged on the first outer wall surface (112a). The dustbin guide surface (122) may be connected to the first outer wall surface (112a). In addition, the dustbin guide surface (122) may be connected to the coupling surface (121).

The dustbin guide surface (122) can be formed in a shape corresponding to the outer surface of the dustbin (220). The front outer surface of the dustbin (220) can be coupled to the dustbin guide surface (122).

Meanwhile, a projection moving hole (122a) may be formed in the dustbin guide surface (122), and a push projection (151), which will be described later, may be linearly moved along the projection moving hole (122a). In addition, a gear box (155) that accommodates a gear of a cover opening unit (150), which will be described later, may be provided on the lower side of the dustbin guide surface (122) in the gravity direction. At this time, a guide space (122b), in which the push projection (151) may be moved, may be formed between the dustbin guide surface (122) and the upper surface of the gear box (155). In addition, the guide space (122b) may be communicated with the first flow path (181) through a bypass hole (122c). That is, the protrusion moving hole (122a), the guide space (122b), the bypass hole (122c), and the first flow path (181) can form one bypass flow path (see FIG. 13). With this configuration, when the dust collector motor (191) is operated while the dust bin (220) is connected to the connecting portion (120), there is an advantage in that dust remaining in the dust bin (220) and the dust bin guide surface (122) can be sucked in through the bypass flow path.

The coupling portion (120) may include a guide protrusion (123). The guide protrusion (123) may be arranged on the coupling surface (121). The guide protrusion (123) may protrude from the coupling surface (121) toward the front of the cleaner station (100). The guide protrusions (123) may be arranged two at a distance from each other. The distance between the two guide protrusions (123) that are spaced apart from each other may correspond to the width of the battery housing (230) of the cleaner (200). Through this, the convenience of coupling the cleaner (200) to the coupling surface (121) may be provided.

The coupling portion (120) may include a side wall (124). The side wall (124) may refer to a wall surface positioned on both sides of the coupling surface (121) and may be vertically connected to the coupling surface (121). The side wall (124) may be connected to the first outer wall surface (112a). In addition, the side wall (124) may form a surface connected to the dustbin guide surface (122). Through this, the vacuum cleaner (200) may be stably accommodated.

The coupling unit (120) may include a coupling sensor (125). The coupling sensor (125) may detect whether the cleaner (200) is coupled to the coupling unit (120).

The coupling sensor (125) may also include a contact sensor. For example, the coupling sensor (125) may include a micro switch. In this case, the coupling sensor (125) may be placed on the guide protrusion (123). Accordingly, when the battery housing (230) or the battery (240) of the cleaner (200) is coupled between a pair of guide protrusions (123), it comes into contact with the coupling sensor (125), and the coupling sensor (125) can detect that the cleaner (200) is coupled.

Meanwhile, the coupling sensor (125) may also include a non-contact sensor. For example, the coupling sensor (125) may include an infrared sensor (IR sensor). At this time, the coupling sensor (125) may be placed on the side wall (124). Accordingly, when the dust bin (220) or the main body (210) of the cleaner (200) passes the side wall (124) and reaches the coupling surface (121), the coupling sensor (125) may detect the presence of the dust bin (220) or the main body (210).

The coupling sensor (125) may face the dust bin (220) or battery housing (230) of the vacuum cleaner (200).

The coupling sensor (125) can be a means for determining whether the vacuum cleaner (200) is coupled along with power being supplied to the battery (240) of the vacuum cleaner (200).

The coupling portion (120) may include a suction portion guide surface (126). The suction portion guide surface (126) may be arranged on the first outer wall surface (112a). The suction portion guide surface (126) may be connected to the dustbin guide surface (122). A suction portion (212) may be coupled to the suction portion guide surface (126). The shape of the suction portion guide surface (126) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the suction portion (212).

The joint (120) may further include a fixed member entry/exit hole (127). The fixed member entry/exit hole (127) may be formed in the shape of a long hole along the side wall (124) so that the fixed member (131) can enter/exit.

With this configuration, when a user attaches the cleaner (200) to the attachment portion (120) of the cleaner station (100), the main body (210) of the cleaner (200) can be stably placed on the attachment portion (120) by the dustbin guide surface (122), the guide protrusion (123), and the suction portion guide surface (126). Through this, the convenience of attaching the dustbin (220) and the battery housing (230) of the cleaner (200) to the attachment portion (121) can be provided.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 7 and 14, the fixed unit (130) according to the present invention is described as follows.

The cleaner station (100) of the present invention may include a fixing unit (130). The fixing unit (130) may be placed on a side wall (124). The fixing unit (130) may fix a cleaner (200) coupled to a dustbin guide surface (122). Specifically, the fixing unit (130) may fix a dustbin (220) of the cleaner (200) coupled to the dustbin guide surface (122).

The fixed unit (130) may include a fixed member (131) that fixes the dust bin (220) and battery housing (230) of the vacuum cleaner (200).

The fixed member (131) is arranged on the side wall (124) of the joint (120) and may be provided to be reciprocally movable on the side wall (124) to fix the dust bin (220). Specifically, the fixed member (131) may be accommodated inside the fixed member access hole (127).

The fixed members (131) can be arranged on each side of the joint (120). For example, two fixed members (131) can be arranged symmetrically in pairs in the left and right directions on the joint surface (121).

When an external force is applied, the fixing member (131) can move toward the dust bin (220) to fix the dust bin (220). In addition, when the external force is released, the fixing member (131) that was fixing the dust bin (220) can move away from the dust bin (220).

For example, the fixed member (131) can be moved by the power of the motor. That is, the fixed member (131) can be moved by receiving power through at least one motor and a link connected to the motor.

As another example, the fixed member (131) can be moved by the suction force of the dust collecting motor (191). That is, the fixed member (131) can be moved by receiving the suction force through a path such as a hose.

Meanwhile, the fixed unit (130) may further include a fixed sealer (136). The fixed sealer (136) may be placed on the dustbin guide surface (122) to seal the dustbin (220) when the cleaner (200) is coupled. With this configuration, when the dustbin (220) of the cleaner (200) is coupled, the fixed sealer (136) may be pressurized by the weight of the cleaner (200), and the dustbin (220) and the dustbin guide surface (122) may be sealed.

Through this, the suction power of the vacuum cleaner can be improved by preventing residual dust from remaining in the dust bin (220). In addition, by preventing residual dust from remaining in the dust bin (220), the unpleasant odor caused by the residual dust can be eliminated.

The cover control unit (140) of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 8 to 10 and 14 as follows.

The cleaner station (100) of the present invention may include a cover control unit (140). The cover control unit (140) may be configured to allow a user to manually close the discharge cover (222) of the dust bin (220).

The cover control unit (140) may include a cover control frame (141), a button (142), and links (143, 144).

The cover control frame (141) is hingedly connected to the housing (110) and can pass through the dust passage hole (121a) to attach the discharge cover (222) to the dust bin (220). The cover control frame (141) can include a frame body (141a).

The frame body (141a) may be formed in a plate shape that is arranged lengthwise in the left-right direction. The frame body (141a) may have a hinge part (141b) arranged on the upper side and a link connecting part (141c) arranged on the lower side based on the state in which the frame body (141a) is arranged perpendicular to the ground.

The hinge portion (141b) is arranged at one end of the frame body (141a), is hinge-coupled to the housing (110), and can rotate around the frame hinge axis (a2). For example, as illustrated in the drawing, the hinge portion (141b) may be formed as a pair spaced apart from each other in the left and right directions on the frame hinge axis (a2).

The link coupling portion (141c) may be a means by which links (143, 144) are rotatably coupled. The link coupling portion (141c) may be arranged on the other side of the frame body (141a), and links (143, 144) may be rotatably coupled to the other end (141ca).

This link connection part (141c) is provided in the center of the left-right direction of the frame body (141a), and the width in the left-right direction can be formed narrower than the width in the left-right direction of the frame body (141a).

That is, the link coupling portion (141c) is formed in a plate shape arranged in the up-down direction so as to be able to press the coupling lever (222c) side of the discharge cover (222), one end of which is connected to the frame body (141a), and the other end of which can be connected to a link (143, 144) to be described later.

In this way, the cover control frame (141) composed of the frame body (141a) and the link connecting portion (141c) is formed to block at least a part of the dust passage hole (121a), and since there is no need to close the dust passage hole (121a), it can be formed in an approximately 'Y' shape. Accordingly, the weight of the cover control frame (141) can be reduced, and the initial elastic support force required for the elastic body (145) described later can be reduced.

With this configuration, the cover control frame (141) can be rotated and positioned at the first position and the second position.

When the cover control frame (141) is positioned at the first position, for example, the cover control frame (141) may be arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the ground. At this time, the predetermined angle means an angle of 90 degrees or less. In addition, when the cover control frame (141) is positioned at the first position, for another example, the cover control frame (141) may be arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the first outer wall surface (112a) of the housing (110). As another example, the cover control frame (141) may be rotated toward the inside of the cleaner station (100) about the frame hinge axis (a2) of the hinge portion (141b) so that the lower end of the cover control frame (141) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the discharge cover (222). That is, the cover control frame (141) may form a space between itself and the discharge cover (222). The first position of the cover control frame (141) may mean an initial arrangement state in which no external force is applied to the button (142).

When the cover control frame (141) is positioned at the second position, for example, the cover control frame (141) may be arranged perpendicular to the ground. In addition, when the cover control frame (141) is positioned at the second position, for another example, it may be arranged parallel to the first outer wall surface (112a) of the housing (110). As another example, the cover control frame (141) may be rotated toward the outside of the cleaner station (100) about the frame hinge axis (a2) of the hinge portion (141b), so that the lower end of the cover control frame (141), that is, the pressing projection (141e), may be arranged to press the discharge cover (222). That is, the second position of the cover control frame (141) may mean an arrangement state when an external force is applied to the button (142).

Accordingly, the cover control frame (141) can be positioned at a first position where the dust passage hole (121a) is completely open, and in this state, when the links (143, 144) push the frame body (141a), the frame body (141a) rotates (rotates downward) toward the outside of the cleaner station (100) about the hinge portion (141b). Accordingly, the cover control frame (141) can be positioned at a second position where the dust passage hole (121a) is at least partially blocked, and the discharge cover (222) can be pressed to hook-connect it to the dust bin (220). And, when the cover control frame (141) is in the second position, when the links (143, 144) pull the frame body (141a), the frame body (141a) rotates (upwardly rotates) toward the inside of the cleaner station (100) around the hinge portion (141b), and the dust passage hole (121a) can be completely opened.

In addition, the cover control frame (141) may be provided with a protrusion (141d) that is formed to protrude toward the outside of the cleaner station (100). That is, the protrusion (141d) may be formed on one side facing the discharge cover (222) when the cover control frame (141) is positioned at the second position, and a portion of one side of the cover control frame (141) excluding the hinge portion (141b) may be formed to protrude in a stepped manner.

Additionally, at least one of the discharge cover (222) and the cover control frame (141) may be provided with a pressing projection (141e).

The pressing projection (141e) may be formed to protrude toward the cover control frame (141) at a portion where the engaging lever (222c) of the discharge cover (222) is disposed, based on the case where the cover control frame (141) is positioned at the second position. Alternatively, the pressing projection (141e) may be formed to protrude toward the discharge cover (222) at the link engaging portion (141c) of the cover control frame (141), based on the case where the cover control frame (141) is positioned at the second position, as illustrated in the drawing. That is, the link engaging portion (141c) may have a link engaged on one surface of the other end (141ca) and a pressing projection (141e) formed on the other surface.

Additionally, the cover control frame (141) may be provided with a stopper (141f) that supports the protruding projection (116) of the housing (110) when positioned in the first position.

For example, the stopper (141f) may be formed to protrude toward the inside of the housing (110) from the cover control frame (141) and may be formed at one end of the frame body (141a).

These stoppers (141f) may be formed to gradually protrude away from one end of the frame body (141a), and the protruding end may be formed as an inclined surface supported by a protruding projection (116) when the cover control frame (141) is positioned at the first position.

Accordingly, the cover control frame (141) can be positioned at a first position when the stopper (141f) is supported by the protrusion (116) during an upward rotation, and can be positioned at a second position when the pressing projection (141e) is supported by the discharge cover (222) during a downward rotation. That is, the cover control frame (141) can have its rotation path limited between the protrusion (116) and the discharge cover (222). However, when the cleaner (100) is not coupled to the cleaner station (100), the cover control frame (141) can be rotated until the button (142) is supported by the button installation part (114) during a downward rotation. Alternatively, when the cleaner (100) is not coupled to the cleaner station (100), the button (142) moves until it can no longer move downward, and the cover control frame (141) can be rotated downward in conjunction with the button (142).

Meanwhile, when the cleaner (200) is coupled to the cleaner station (100) and the discharge cover (222) is separated from the dustbin body (210), the discharge cover (222) can rotate toward the inside of the cleaner station (100) by the torsion spring (222d) and come into contact with the cover control frame (141).

Such a cover control unit (140) may include a button (142) and links (143, 144) so that a user can manually operate the cover control frame (141) to rotate it.

The button (142) can be manually operated by the user by pressing it, and can rotate the cover control frame (141) by moving in a linear motion. For example, the button (142) can move in a linear motion along the up and down direction.

These buttons (142) are arranged along the direction of movement and can be composed of an upper part (142a) that is installed in the housing (110) and exposed to the outside, a vertical wall part (142b) that is arranged along the direction of movement on the upper part (142a), and a lower part (142c) that is arranged at the bottom of the vertical wall part (142b).

The upper part (142a) can be inserted into the button installation part (114) of the housing (110) to form a part of the exterior of the cleaner station (100).

The lower part (142c) is provided so that links (143, 144) can be connected and an elastic body (145) can be installed, and can be positioned opposite the upper part (142a).

The lower part (142c) may be provided with an elastic body fixing part (142d) having an upper surface connected to a vertical wall part (142b) and an elastic body (145) installed on the lower surface.

The elastic fixing member (142d) may be formed by protruding downward from the lower portion (142c), and may be formed in a cylindrical shape, for example. At least one such elastic fixing member (142d) may be provided at the lower portion (142c), and may be provided in a number corresponding to the number of elastic bodies (145).

Additionally, the lower part (142c) may have a bending part (142e) to which a rotary lever is connected.

The folded portion (142e) is arranged perpendicular to the lower portion (142c), and for example, may be formed by extending from the right end of the lower portion (142c) and being folded at a right angle.

This bending portion (142e) may be provided with a long hole (142f) into which a connecting projection (143d) of a rotary lever (143b) is inserted and moved.

When the direction in which the button (142) moves linearly is referred to as the first direction, the long hole (142f) may be arranged along a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. For example, the first direction may be a direction perpendicular to the ground. As another example, the button (142) may move linearly in the up-and-down direction, the long hole (142f) may be arranged along the forward-backward direction, and a connecting protrusion (143d) may be inserted to move along the long hole (142f) in the forward-backward direction.

A vertical wall (142b) is arranged between the upper part (142a) and the lower part (142c) to connect the upper part (142a) and the lower part (142c), and at least one may be provided.

These vertical wall portions (142b) can be formed long in the vertical direction and can be in the shape of a plate consisting of a front and a back, or a plate consisting of a left side and a right side, but are not limited thereto.

The button installation portion (114) formed in the housing (110) is provided so that the button (142) is inserted and exposed to the outside, and the upper surface of the button (142) can form part of the exterior of the cleaner station (100) together with the housing (110).

The button installation part (114) may be formed by a part of the upper surface (113) of the cleaner station (100) being sunken into a hole shape, or by a part of the outer wall surface of the housing (110) being sunken into. The button installation part (114) may have a button (142) inserted into the inside to enable linear movement, and may guide the linear movement of the button (142). Accordingly, the elastic body (145) described below may be compressed or restored in the direction of linear movement of the button (142).

In addition, the button installation portion (114) may be formed by recessing a portion of the upper surface (113) and the outer wall surface (112) of the housing (110). In addition, the button (142) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the button installation portion (114) so that the cleaner station (100) may form a portion of the exterior.

As shown in the drawing, when the button installation portion (114) is formed by recessing a portion of the upper surface (113) and the outer wall surface (112) of the housing (110), the upper surface of the button (142) and the outer appearance forming portion (142ab) formed by protruding downward from the upper portion of the button (142) can form a portion of the outer appearance of the cleaner station (100). In this case, the button installation portion (114) can be formed by recessing along the direction of the linear movement of the button (142) in the housing (110) so that the linear movement of the button (142) can be enabled, thereby guiding the linear movement of the button (142).

The button (142) may be arranged so that its upper surface is parallel to the upper surface (113) of the housing (110), but it may also be arranged so that its upper surface protrudes from the upper surface (113) of the housing (110), but is not limited thereto.

When an external force is applied to the button (142), the button (142) is positioned so as to be stepped from the upper surface (113) of the housing (110) and can rotate the cover control frame (141). Then, when the external force applied to the button (142) is removed, the button (142) can be moved to the original position by an elastic body (145) to be described later, and thus the links (143, 144) can be rotated in the forward or reverse direction.

Here, the forward direction may mean the direction in which the link (143, 144) pushes the cover control frame (141). Accordingly, when the link (143, 144) rotates in the forward direction, the cover control frame (141) may rotate toward the outside of the cleaner station (100) and the discharge cover (222) may close. In addition, when the link (143, 144) rotates in the forward direction, the communication between the internal space of the dust bin (220) and the flow path (180) may be blocked.

In addition, the reverse direction may mean the direction in which the links (143, 144) pull the cover control frame (141). Accordingly, the links (143, 144) rotate in the reverse direction so that the cover control frame (141) rotates toward the inside of the cleaner station (100), and the internal space of the dust bin (220) and the flow path (180) may be connected. The forward direction may be the opposite direction to the reverse direction.

The elastic body (145) is elastically deformed when an external force is applied to the button (142), thereby providing a restoring force to the button (142), and when the external force applied to the button (142) is removed, the button (142) can be moved to its original position.

The elastic body (145) can be arranged along the linear movement direction of the button (142), and for example, can be arranged perpendicular to the ground. As another example, the elastic body (145) can be arranged along the up-down direction.

The elastic body (145) may have one longitudinal end fixed to a button (142) and the other longitudinal end fixed to a housing (110). That is, for example, the elastic body (145) may have one longitudinal end fixed to an elastic body fixing member (142d) and the other longitudinal end fixed to an elastic body support member (115) formed in the housing (110).

The elastic support member (115) can be placed inside the housing (110), spaced downward from the lower end, and positioned opposite the lower end.

The elastic support member (115) may be provided with a support member fixing member (115a) to which the other end in the longitudinal direction of the elastic body (145) is fixed. The support member fixing member (115a) may be arranged at a position opposite to the elastic body fixing member (142d), and may be provided in the same number as the number of elastic bodies (145).

Accordingly, the elastic body (145) can be compressed in the vertical direction as the button (142) moves downward and approaches the elastic body support member (115), and can be restored as the button (142) moves upward and away from the elastic body support member (115).

That is, when an external force is applied to the button (142), the distance between the button (142) and the elastic support member (115) becomes narrower and the elastic body (145) is compressed, and when the external force applied to the button (142) is removed, the button (142) can move upward away from the elastic support member (115) due to the restoring force of the elastic body (145).

The elastic support member (115) may have a through hole the same number as the number of elastic bodies (145) so that a guide pin (146) to be described later may be installed by penetrating through it. In addition, the support member fixing member (115a) may be formed so that the circumference of the through hole in the elastic support member (115) protrudes toward the button. This support member fixing member (115a) is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape so that a guide pin (146) may be arranged inside it, and is formed so that the guide pin (146) can move linearly inside it.

The guide pin (146) is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the elastic body (145) to prevent bending or deformation of the elastic body (145) and to allow the elastic body (145) to be compressed in the longitudinal direction.

At least one guide pin (146) may be provided on the button (142) and may be provided in the same number as the number of elastic bodies (145).

The guide pin (146) may be arranged, for example, inside the elastic body (145), formed in a cylindrical shape, and arranged so that its central axis coincides with the central axis of the elastic body (145). The guide pin (146) may be arranged so that one end in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the button (142) and moves linearly together with the button (142), and the other end in the longitudinal direction penetrates the elastic body support member (115). That is, the other end in the longitudinal direction of the guide pin (146) is arranged on the inside of the support member fixing member (115a), so that the other end in the longitudinal direction protrudes downward from the elastic body support member (115), and the linear movement of the guide pin (146) may be guided by the support member fixing member (115a). In addition, a support member (147) that supports the linear movement of the guide pin (146) may be provided on the inside of the support member fixing member (115a).

The support member (147) is arranged to surround the guide pin (146) and can be accommodated in the support member fixing portion (115a). That is, it can be inserted and arranged between the support member fixing portion (115a) and the guide pin (146), and can be formed in a hollow shape so that the outer surface supports the inner side of the support member fixing portion (115a) and the inner surface supports the outer surface of the guide pin (146).

In addition, the support member (147) can be fixed to the support member fixing portion (115a) to support the linear movement of the guide pin (146). This support member (147) can be in close contact with the guide pin (146), and thus can guide the guide pin (146) to move in the up and down direction, and can prevent movement during linear movement.

In addition, the elastic body (145) may have its other longitudinal end fixed to one of the support member (147), the support member fixing member (115a), and the elastic body support member (115).

Accordingly, when an external force is applied to the button (142), the elastic body (145) is compressed, and the guide pin (146) moves downward together with the button (142), so that the length protruding downward from the support member fixing portion (115a) becomes longer. Then, when the external force applied to the button (142) is removed, the elastic body (145) is restored, and the guide pin (146) moves upward together with the button (142), so that the length protruding downward from the support member fixing portion (115a) becomes shorter.

Meanwhile, at least one elastic body (145) and one guide pin (146) may be provided, and when the elastic body (145) and the guide pin (146) are provided as one, the center of gravity of the button (142) may be positioned on the central axis thereof.

In addition, two or more elastic bodies (145) and guide pins (146) are provided so as to prevent the buckling phenomenon of the button (142). That is, since two or more elastic bodies (145) and guide pins (146) are provided spaced apart in the horizontal direction, the button (142) can be supported to move in a straight line in the up-and-down direction even if an external force is input to any part of the upper portion (142a) of the button (142).

Meanwhile, when no external force is applied, the upper surface of the button (142) must be arranged parallel to the upper surface (113) of the housing (110), and the upper surface must be exposed to the outside through the button installation portion (114).

To this end, the elastic body (145) is installed in a pre-compressed state and can continuously provide elastic support force to support the button (142) upward.

That is, the elastic body (145) is initially installed in a pre-compressed first state to elastically support the button (142), and when an external force is applied to the button (142), it can change from the first state to a more compressed second state.

When the elastic body (145) is in the first state, it can provide an initial elastic support force to the button (142) so that the upper surface of the button (142) is arranged parallel to the upper surface (113) of the housing (110). At this time, the initial elastic support force can be greater than or equal to the force required for the upper surface of the button (142) to be arranged parallel to the upper surface (113) of the housing (110).

That is, the button (142) is installed in a first state that is pre-compressed so as not to move downward due to the load of the button (142) and the links (143, 144), and can provide initial elastic support to the button (142).

When an external force is applied to the button (142), the elastic body (145) can be in the second state. When the elastic body (145) is in the second state, the upper surface of the button (142) can be arranged with a step from the upper surface (113) of the housing (110). Accordingly, the elastic body (145) in the second state is at least shorter than the elastic body (145) in the first state, and can provide an elastic support force greater than the initial elastic support force to the button (142). Then, when the external force applied to the button (142) is removed, the button (142) is restored to the first state in which it was compressed in advance by the restoring force of the elastic body (145).

Links (143, 144) connect the cover control frame (141) and the button (142), and can rotate the cover control frame (141) to close the discharge cover (222) by using an external force input to the button (142).

Links (143, 144) connect the cover control frame (141) and the rotation lever (143b), and can rotate the cover control frame (141) by the rotational movement converted from the rotation lever (143b).

For example, links (143, 144) may include a first link (143) and a second link (1442).

The first link (143) can rotate according to the linear motion of the button (142). The first link (143) can rotate around the rotation axis (a1) and can transmit the force transmitted from the button (142) to the second link (144). Here, the rotation axis (a1) may mean an imaginary line extending the rotation axis of the first link (143). One end of the second link (144) may be rotatably coupled to the first link (143). The second link (1442) can close the discharge cover (222) by pushing or pulling the cover control frame (141).

The first link (143) may be configured to include a rotating body (143a), a rotating lever (143b), and a first link body (143c).

The rotating body (143a) rotates around the rotation axis (a1) and, for example, can be formed in a cylindrical shape centered around the rotation axis (a1).

The first link (143) may include a rotating body (143a) and a first link body (143c) that are respectively arranged radially on the outside. For example, the rotating body (143a) may include a rotating lever (143b) and a first link body (143c) that are formed to protrude radially outward, and the protruding end of the rotating lever (143b) may be connected to the button (142), and the protruding end of the first link body (143c) may be connected to the second link.

The rotary lever (143b) and the first link body (143c) arranged on the rotary body (143a) can be arranged to form a predetermined angle. When the first link (143) rotates around the rotation axis (a1), the rotary lever (143b) and the first link body (143c) can maintain the predetermined angle. That is, the rotary body (143a), the rotary lever (143b), and the first link body (143c) rotate together, and for example, can be provided as one piece.

A rotary lever (143b) may be installed to convert the linear motion of the button (142) into a rotary motion. The rotary lever (143b) may be formed in the form of a frame arranged along the radial direction of the rotary body (143a), for example.

The rotary lever (143b) has a rotary body (143a) at one end in the longitudinal direction so that it can rotate around the rotation axis (a1), and has a connecting projection (143d) at the other end in the longitudinal direction so that it can be connected to a button (142), as described later.

The rotary lever (143b) is provided with a connecting projection (143d) that is inserted into the long hole (142f) of the button (142) and moves, so that it can rotate around the rotation axis (a1) when the button (142) moves linearly.

The connecting projection (143d) can be formed to protrude from the other end of the rotary lever (143b) toward the button (142), and is inserted into the long hole (142f) and moved. For example, the connecting projection (143d) can move rearward along the long hole (142f) as the button (142) moves downward. Accordingly, when the button (142) moves linearly, the connecting projection (143d) is inserted into the long hole (142f) and moves along the long hole (142f), and the rotary lever (143b) can rotate around the rotation axis (a1). The connecting projection (143d) can be guided by the long hole (142f) and moved along the long hole (143d).

The connecting projection (143d) can be maintained in a state of being inserted into the long hole (142f) by fastening a fixing member (143e) to an end after being inserted into the long hole (142f). That is, after being inserted into the long hole (142f) on one side of the folded portion (142e) of the connecting projection (143d), the fixing member (143e) is fastened to the protruding end, and as the fixing member supports the other side of the folded portion (142e), the connecting projection (143d) can be prevented from being separated from the long hole (142f). At this time, the connecting projection (143d) can be provided with a fixing member insertion groove in which the fixing member (143e) is inserted into the end. In addition, the fixing member (143e) can be, for example, a snap ring with one side cut off, but is not limited thereto.

The first link body (143c) rotates together with the rotary body (143a) and can transmit the force transmitted through the button (142) to the second link (1442). For example, the first link body (143c) is formed in a frame shape, has a rotary body (143a) provided on one longitudinal side, and can be rotatably coupled with the second link (1442) on the other longitudinal side.

This first link body (143c) may be a rotating body that rotates around the rotation axis (a1). In addition, for example, one longitudinal side of the first link body (143c) may be provided as an integral part with the rotating body (143a).

Accordingly, the rotary lever (143b) and the first link body (143c) can be rotated together according to the linear movement of the button (142).

Here, the first link (143) is composed only of a rotating body (143a) and a rotating lever (143b), and at least one portion of the first link (143) can be rotatably coupled with the second link (144). For example, the second link (144) can be linked to one portion of the rotating lever (143b).

And, as shown in the drawing, the first link (143) is composed of a rotating body (143a), a rotating lever (143b), and a first link body (143c), and as the second link (144) is rotatably coupled to the end of the first link body (143c), the force required to rotate the cover control frame (141) can be reduced.

The second link (1442) may be configured to include a second link body (144a) and a frame connecting portion (1442b).

The second link body (144a) can transmit the force of the first link (143) to the cover control frame (141). For example, the second link body (144a) is formed in a frame shape, and one longitudinal side can be rotatably coupled with the first link body (143c), and a frame connecting portion (1442b) can be arranged on the other longitudinal side.

The frame connecting portion (1442b) can be formed on the longitudinal side of the second link body (144a).

The frame connecting portion (1442b) can be coupled with the cover control frame (141). The frame connecting portion (1442b) can be hinge-coupled to the link connecting portion (141c). At this time, the hinge that couples the frame connecting portion (1442b) and the cover control frame (141) can become the rotation axis of the second link (1442).

With this configuration, when the user presses the button (142), the cover control frame (141) can be rotated to close the discharge cover (222).

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 10, FIG. 8 shows that the elastic body (145) provides an initial elastic support force to the button (142) in a first state, and the cover control frame (141) can be positioned at the first position by the stopper (141f) being supported by the protruding projection (116) of the housing (110). At this time, since the stopper (141f) is supported by the protruding projection (116), the cover control frame (141) is restricted from moving upward, and the button (142) connected thereto is also restricted from moving upward, so that the upper surface of the button (142) can be arranged parallel to the upper surface (113) of the housing (110).

Here, when an external force is applied to the button (142), the button (142) moves downward as shown in FIG. 10, the elastic body (145) is compressed to the second state, the connecting protrusion (143d) inserted into the long hole (142f) moves rearward, and the links (143, 144) can rotate. Here, the first link (143) rotates, and the longitudinal other side of the first link body (143c) is positioned relatively downward, and the position of the second link body (144a) is positioned relatively downward, and the frame connecting portion (144b) can also be positioned downward. In this way, when the links (143, 144) rotate and push the cover control frame (141), the cover control frame (141) can rotate downward about the hinge portion (141b) as an axis. At this time, the cover control frame (141) can close the discharge cover (222) by rotating downward until the discharge cover (222) is attached to the dust bin (220).

And, when the external force applied to the button (142) is removed, as shown in Fig. 8, the button (142) moves upward due to the restoring force of the elastic body (145), the connecting protrusion (143d) inserted into the long hole (142f) moves forward, and the link (143, 144) can rotate. And, when the link (143, 144) rotates and pulls the cover control frame (141), the cover control frame (141) can rotate upward about the hinge portion (141b) as an axis. At this time, the cover control frame (141) can rotate upward until the stopper (141f) is supported by the protruding projection (116), and the elastic body (145) is restored to the first state to provide the initial elastic support force to the button (142). Accordingly, the button (142) can be moved upward until its upper surface is aligned with the upper surface (113) of the housing (110).

In this way, by converting the external force applied to the button (142) into a rotational motion and transmitting it to the cover control frame (141) through the links (143, 144), the force with which the cover control frame (141) closes the discharge cover (222) can be amplified more than the force transmitted to the links (143, 144) through the button (142). Therefore, even if the external force applied to the button (142) is small, there is an effect of being able to generate a force sufficient to close the discharge cover (222).

Accordingly, the user can easily close the discharge cover (222) by operating the button (142), and since a conventional motor or the like for closing the discharge cover (222) is not required, the number of parts can be reduced, the weight can be reduced, and noise caused by the motor can be prevented.

FIGS. 11 and 12 are drawings for explaining a cover control unit in a cleaner station according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, a cover control unit (140) of a cleaner station (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. The cover control unit (140) may have a first link (143) equipped with a connecting shaft rod (143f). However, the cleaner station (100) according to another embodiment is configured with an additional connecting shaft rod (143f) in the cleaner station (100) according to one embodiment, and thus, in order to avoid redundant description, descriptions of other components except for the connecting shaft rod (143f) will be omitted.

The connecting shaft rod (143f) can be arranged along the rotation axis line (a1) between the rotating lever (143b) and the first link body (143c) to separate the rotating lever (143b) and the first link body (143c). That is, the length of the connecting shaft rod (143f) can be formed as long as the desired separation distance between the rotating lever (143b) and the first link body (143c), so that the rotating lever (143b) and the first link body (143c) can be separated by the desired distance on the rotation axis line (a1). The connecting shaft rod (143f) can be arranged coaxially with the rotating body (143a), and for example, the rotating body (143a) can be formed to extend along the rotation axis line (a1).

The connecting shaft (143f) may have an end of a rotary lever (143b) placed at one end on the rotary axis (a1) and an end of a first link body (143c) placed at the other end.

These connecting shafts (143f) may be provided to space the positions of the button (142) and the cover control frame (141) in the left-right direction of the housing (110).

That is, the cover control frame (141) is preferably positioned at the center in the left-right direction so that the discharge cover (222) is closed by pressing the portion adjacent to the coupling lever (222c) when closing the discharge cover (222), and the link coupling portion (141c) is also preferably positioned at the center in the left-right direction of the cover control frame (141). At this time, if the connecting shaft rod (143f) is not provided on the rotating lever (143b), the button (142) may be positioned at the center in the left-right direction of the housing (110), or may be positioned at a position adjacent to the center in the left-right direction of the housing (110). In addition, if the connecting shaft rod (143f) is provided on the rotating lever (143b), the button (142) may be positioned at a position spaced apart from the center in the left-right direction of the housing (110). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the button (142) may be positioned at the left end of the housing (110).

As the connecting shaft (143f) is provided on the rotary lever (143b) in this way, the installation position of the button (142) can be easily changed, the design of the housing (110) can be improved, and the button (142) can be placed in a position that is easy for the user to access.

In addition, since the housing (110) must form a space in the center of the upper part where the battery (240) separated from the cleaner (200) can be stored and charged, a connecting shaft (143f) is provided so that the button (142) can be placed at a position spaced apart from the center of the left and right directions of the housing, and the space where the button (142) is installed can be flexibly secured. Accordingly, the vertical movement distance of the button (142) can be secured, and collision with surrounding parts can be prevented when the button (142) moves vertically.

In addition, although not shown in the drawing, the connecting shaft (143f) may be provided on any one of the rotating body (143a) of the first link body (143c), the frame connecting portion of the second link body (144a), or the end portion where the first link body (143c) and the second link body (144a) are rotatably connected.

The cover opening unit (150) of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 5, FIG. 13, and FIG. 14 as follows.

The cleaner station (100) of the present invention may include a cover opening unit (150). The cover opening unit (150) is arranged at the coupling portion (120) and may open the discharge cover (222) of the cleaner (200).

The cover opening unit (150) may include a push projection (151), a cover opening motor (152), a cover opening gear (153), a support plate (154), and a gear box (155).

The push lug (151) can be moved to pressurize the coupling lever (222c) when the vacuum cleaner (200) is coupled.

The push projection (151) can be placed on the dustbin guide surface (122). Specifically, a projection moving hole can be formed on the dustbin guide surface (122), and the push projection (151) can pass through the projection moving hole and be exposed to the outside.

The push projection (151) can be positioned at a position where the coupling lever (222c) can be pressed when the cleaner (200) is coupled. That is, the coupling lever (222c) can be positioned on the projection moving hole. In addition, the coupling lever (222c) can be positioned on the moving area of the push projection (151).

The push projection (151) can move linearly back and forth to pressurize the coupling lever (222c). Specifically, the push projection (151) can be coupled to a gear box (155) so that the linear movement can be guided. The push projection (151) can be coupled to a cover opening gear (153) so that it can move together with the movement of the cover opening gear (153).

The cover opening motor (152) can provide power to move the push projection (151). Specifically, the cover opening motor (152) can rotate the motor shaft (not shown) in a forward or reverse direction. Here, the forward direction may mean the direction in which the push projection (151) presses the engaging lever (222c). In addition, the reverse direction may mean the direction in which the push projection (151) that has pressed the engaging lever (222c) returns to the original position. The forward direction may be the opposite direction to the reverse direction.

The cover opening gear (153) is coupled with the cover opening motor (152) and can move the push projection (151) using the power of the cover opening motor (152). Specifically, the cover opening gear (153) can be accommodated inside the gear box (155). The driving gear (153a) of the cover opening gear (153) can be coupled with the motor shaft of the cover opening motor (152) to receive power. The driven gear (153b) of the cover opening gear (153) can be coupled with the push projection (151) to move the push projection (151). For example, the driven gear (153b) is provided in the form of a rack gear to mesh with the driving gear (153a) and can receive power from the driving gear (153a).

At this time, the discharge cover (222) may be equipped with a torsion spring (222d). The discharge cover (222) may be rotated by a predetermined angle or more by the elastic force of the torsion spring (222d), and may be supported at the rotated position. Accordingly, the discharge cover (222) may be opened, and may communicate the dust passage hole (121a) and the inside of the dust bin (220).

The gear box (155) is provided inside the housing (110) and is positioned below the gravity direction of the coupling part (120), and the cover opening gear (153) can be accommodated inside.

The gear box (155) may be equipped with a cover opening detection unit (155f). At this time, the cover opening detection unit (155f) may include a contact sensor. For example, the cover opening detection unit (155f) may include a micro switch. Meanwhile, the cover opening detection unit (155f) may also include a non-contact sensor. For example, the cover opening detection unit (155f) may include an infrared sensor (IR sensor).

At least one cover opening detection unit (155f) may be arranged on the inner or outer surface of the gear box (155). For example, one cover opening detection unit (155f) may be arranged on the inner surface of the gear box (155). At this time, the cover opening detection unit (155f) may detect that the push projection (151) is in the initial position.

As another example, two cover opening detection units (155f) may be arranged on the outer surface of the gear box (155). At this time, the cover opening detection units (155f) can detect the initial position of the push projection (151) and the cover opening position.

Therefore, according to the present invention, the user can open the dust bin (220) without separately opening the discharge cover (222) of the vacuum cleaner (200) by using the cover opening unit (150), thereby improving convenience.

In addition, since the discharge cover (222) is opened while the cleaner (200) is connected to the cleaner station (100), there is an effect of preventing dust from flying.

Meanwhile, the dust collection unit (170) will be described as follows with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 14.

The vacuum cleaner station (100) may include a dust collection unit (170). The dust collection unit (170) may be placed inside the housing (110). The dust collection unit (170) may be placed below the gravity direction of the coupling unit (120).

For example, the dust collection unit (170) may mean a dust bag that collects dust sucked from inside the dust bin (220) of the vacuum cleaner (200) by the dust collection motor (191).

The dust collection unit (170) can be detachably coupled to the housing (110).

Accordingly, the dust collector (170) can be separated from the housing (110) and discarded, and a new dust collector (170) can be combined with the housing (110). That is, the dust collector (170) can be defined as a consumable part.

The dust bag may be provided so that its volume increases and dust is accommodated inside when suction power is generated by the dust collection motor (191).

For this purpose, the dust bag may be made of a material that is permeable to air but impermeable to foreign substances such as dust. For example, the dust bag may be made of a non-woven material and may have a hexahedral shape when its volume increases.

Therefore, user convenience can be improved because the user does not need to separately bundle dust-collecting bags, etc.

Alternatively, the dust bag may include a roll of vinyl (not shown). With this configuration, when the dust bag is sealed or bonded, dust or odors captured inside the dust bag can be prevented from leaking out of the dust bag. At this time, the dust bag can be mounted on the housing (110) through a dust bag cartridge (not shown). If necessary, the dust bag can be replaced through the dust bag cartridge.

Meanwhile, the dust collection unit (170) may be equipped with a temperature sensor (175). The temperature sensor (175) may measure the temperature inside the dust collection unit (170). Temperature information measured by the temperature sensor (175) may be received by the control unit (400).

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the temperature sensor (175) may also be equipped in the dust suction module (190). When the temperature sensor (175) is equipped in the dust suction module (190), the temperature of the dust collecting motor (191) or the temperature of the air discharged from the dust collecting motor (191) can be measured to calculate the temperature of the air flowing into the dust collecting unit (170).

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 14, the euro section (180) is described as follows.

The cleaner station (100) may include a euro section (180).

The flow path (180) can connect the dust bin (220) and the dust collection unit (170) of the cleaner (200). The flow path (180) can be arranged at the rear side of the joining surface (121). The flow path (180) can mean a space between the dust bin (220) and the dust collection unit (170) of the cleaner (200). The flow path (180) can be a space formed at the rear side of the dust passage hole (121a), and can be a flow path formed by bending downward from the dust passage hole (121a) so that dust and air can flow.

Specifically, when the cleaner (200) is coupled to the cleaner station (100) and the dust passage hole (121a) is opened, it may include a first passage (181) communicating with the internal space of the dust bin (220), and a second passage (182) communicating between the first passage (181) and the internal space of the dust collection unit (170).

For example, the first flow path (181) may be arranged substantially parallel to an imaginary through-line penetrating the axis of the suction motor (214) or the dust bin (220). At this time, the axis of the suction motor (214) or the through-line of the dust bin (220) may penetrating the first flow path (181).

At this time, the second flow path (182) can be formed at a predetermined angle with the first flow path (181). For example, the first flow path (181) and the second flow path (182) can be formed at a right angle. With this configuration, the overall volume of the cleaner station (100) can be minimized.

The second flow path (182) is formed to extend downward from the first flow path (181) and is connected to the first flow path (181) so as to guide air passing through the first flow path (181) to a dust collection unit (170).

The second flow path (182) can be arranged in a direction parallel to the axis (C) of the dust collecting motor (191). With this configuration, the reduction in the suction power of the dust collecting motor (191) in the first flow path (181) and the second flow path (182) can be minimized.

Dust in the dust bin (220) of the vacuum cleaner (200) can move to the dust collection unit (170) through the euro section (180).

Meanwhile, the dust suction module (190) is described as follows with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 14.

The vacuum cleaner station (100) may include a dust suction module (190). The dust suction module (190) may include a dust collection motor (191), a first filter (not shown), and a second filter (not shown).

The dust collecting motor (191) may be placed at the bottom of the dust collecting unit (170). The dust collecting motor (191) may generate suction force in the duct unit (180). Through this, the dust collecting motor (191) may provide suction force capable of sucking up dust in the dust bin (220) of the vacuum cleaner (200).

The dust collecting motor (191) can generate suction force by rotation. For example, the dust collecting motor (191) can be formed in a shape similar to a cylinder.

Meanwhile, in this embodiment, a virtual dust collecting motor axis line can be formed by extending the rotation axis of the dust collecting motor (191).

A first filter (not shown) may be placed between the dust collection unit (170) and the dust collection motor (191). The first filter may be a pre-filter.

A second filter (not shown) may be placed between the dust collection motor (191) and the outer wall surface (112). The second filter (not shown) may be a HEPA filter.

Meanwhile, the cleaner station (100) may further include a charging unit (128). The charging unit may be placed in the coupling unit (120). The charging unit (128) may be electrically connected to a cleaner (200) coupled to the coupling unit (120). The charging unit (128) may supply power to the battery of the cleaner (200) coupled to the coupling unit (120).

In addition, the cleaner station (100) may further include a side door (not shown). The side door may be placed in the housing (110). The side door may selectively expose the dust collection unit (170) to the outside. This allows the user to easily remove the dust collection unit (170) from the cleaner station (100).

Meanwhile, FIG. 14 discloses a block diagram for explaining a control configuration in a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 14, the control configuration of the cleaner station (100) of the present invention is described as follows.

The cleaner station (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a control unit (400) that controls a coupling unit (120), a fixing unit (130), a dust bin cover control unit (140), a cover opening unit (150), a dust collection unit (170), a flow path unit (180), and a dust suction module (190).

The control unit (400) may be composed of a printed circuit board and components mounted on the printed circuit board.

When the coupling sensor (125) detects the coupling of the cleaner (200), the coupling sensor (125) can transmit a signal that the cleaner (200) is coupled to the coupling part (120). At this time, the control unit (400) can receive the signal of the coupling sensor (125) and determine that the cleaner (200) is coupled to the coupling part (120).

Additionally, when power is supplied to the battery (240) of the vacuum cleaner (200) from the charging unit (128), the control unit (400) can determine that the vacuum cleaner (200) is connected to the coupling unit (120).

The control unit (400) can operate the cover opening motor (152) to open the discharge cover (222) of the cleaner (200) when it is determined that the cleaner (200) is fixed to the coupling unit (120).

The cover opening detection unit (155f) can transmit a signal that the discharge cover (222) is opened when the guide protrusion (123) moves backwards so that the support plate (154) can reach a predetermined opening position, and when the support plate (154) reaches the predetermined opening position. The control unit (400) can receive a signal from the cover opening detection unit (155f) that the discharge cover (222) is opened and determine that the discharge cover (222) is opened. When the control unit (400) determines that the discharge cover (222) is opened, the control unit (400) can stop the operation of the cover opening motor (152).

The control unit (400) can drive the dust collection motor (191) to suck up dust inside the dust bin (220).

The control unit (400) can operate the display unit (410) to display the dustbin emptying status and charging status of the vacuum cleaner (200).

Meanwhile, the cleaning station (100) of the present invention may include a display unit (410).

The display unit (410) may be placed in the housing (110), or may be placed in a separate display device and may be provided in a terminal including a mobile phone.

The display unit (410) may be configured to include at least one of a display panel capable of outputting characters and/or figures, and a speaker capable of outputting voice signals and sounds. The user can easily grasp the status of the current administration, the remaining time, etc. through the information output through the display unit.

Meanwhile, the cleaner station (100) according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a memory (430). The memory (430) may include various data for driving and operating the cleaner station (100).

Meanwhile, the cleaner station (100) according to the embodiment of the present invention may include an input unit (440). The input unit (440) generates key input data that a user inputs to control the operation of the cleaner station (100). To this end, the input unit (440) may be composed of a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (static/electrostatic), etc. In particular, when the touch pad forms a mutual layer structure with the display unit (410), it may be called a touch screen.

And, after the operation of the dust collection motor (191) is finished, the user can check the display (410) to check the dust bin emptying status and close the discharge cover (222) by pressing the button (142).

That is, the user can operate the cover control unit (140) by applying an external force to the button (142), and the discharge cover (222) can be fastened to the dust bin (220) by the cover control unit (140).

Accordingly, the inconvenience of the user having to directly close the discharge cover (222) of the dust bin (220) can be eliminated, and the discharge cover (222) can be prevented from being exposed to the dust bin (220) in an open state, thereby preventing dust from flying.

In addition, the control unit (400) can detect the position or closedness of the discharge cover (222) by mounting an additional sensor on the push protrusion (151) or the cover control frame (141), and can display whether the discharge cover (222) is closed on the display unit (410). In addition, the control unit (400) can generate a warning sound, a warning light, a warning message, etc. when the cleaner (200) is about to be separated from the cleaner station (100) while the discharge cover (222) is not closed. At this time, the warning message can convey the content of requesting to close the discharge cover (222) by pressing the button (142).

Figure 15 illustrates a flowchart for explaining a control method of a vacuum cleaner system according to the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 5 to 15, a method for controlling a cleaning station according to an embodiment of the present invention is described as follows.

The control method of the cleaner station of the present invention includes a combination confirmation step (S10), a cover opening step (S20), a dust collection step (S30), and a cover closing step (S40).

In the coupling confirmation step (S10), it can be confirmed whether the cleaner (200) is coupled to the coupling part (120) of the cleaner station (100).

Specifically, in the coupling confirmation step (S10), when the cleaner (200) is coupled to the coupling portion (120), the coupling sensor (125) disposed on the guide protrusion (123) may come into contact with the battery housing (230), and the coupling sensor (125) may transmit a signal indicating that the cleaner (200) is coupled to the coupling portion (120). Alternatively, according to an embodiment, a non-contact sensor type coupling sensor (125) disposed on the side wall (124) may detect the presence of a dust bin (220), and the coupling sensor (125) may transmit a signal indicating that the cleaner (200) is coupled to the coupling portion (120).

Therefore, in the coupling confirmation step (S10), the control unit (400) can determine that the cleaner (200) is coupled to the coupling unit (120) by receiving a signal generated from the coupling sensor (125).

Alternatively, in the combination confirmation step (S10) of the present invention, the control unit (400) can detect whether the cleaner (200) is combined in the correct position by checking whether the charging unit (128) supplies power to the battery (240) of the cleaner (200).

In the cover opening step (S20), the control unit (400) can open the discharge cover (222) of the cleaner (200) when the dust bin (220) is connected to the cleaner station (100).

When the control unit (400) receives a signal from the fixed detection unit (137) that the dust bin (220) is fixed, it can operate the cover opening motor (152) in the forward direction to open the discharge cover (222).

Specifically, the control unit (400) can drive the cover opening motor (152) in the forward direction. As a result, the push projection (151) can be moved away from the initial position to a position where the coupling lever (222c) is pressed. Accordingly, the hook connection between the discharge cover (222) and the dustbin body (221) is released by the movement of the coupling lever (222c), and the discharge cover (222) can be separated by rotating away from the dustbin body (221) by the restoring force of the torsion spring (222d).

Meanwhile, before the push projection (151) presses the coupling lever (222c), the cover opening detection unit (155f) can transmit a signal that the push projection (151) is in the initial position.

When the cover opening motor (152) is driven and the push projection (151) starts to move to press the coupling lever (222c), the cover opening detection unit (155f) can transmit a signal that the push projection (151) has moved out of the initial position. Then, the control unit (400) can receive this signal and determine that the cover opening unit (150) has been operated normally.

At this time, the control unit (400) can measure the time after the cover opening motor (152) is driven in the forward direction through a timer (not shown) or measure the time after the push projection (151) is removed from the initial position.

At this time, the control unit (400) may preset and store the time required for the push projection (151) to start from the initial position and press the engaging lever (222c) based on the rotation speed of the cover opening motor (152) and the movement distance of the push projection (151). Accordingly, the control unit (400) may drive the cover opening motor (152) in the forward direction for a cover opening time (tc1) longer than the time required to press the engaging lever (222c). For example, the control unit (400) may drive the cover opening motor (152) in the forward direction for a time of 4 seconds or longer and 5 seconds or shorter.

And, the control unit (400) can change the rotation direction of the cover opening motor (152) for a preset rotation direction change time (tc2) after the cover opening time (tc1) has elapsed.

And, the control unit (400) can drive the cover opening motor (152) in the reverse direction after the rotation direction change time (tc2) has elapsed. As a result, the push projection (151) can return to the initial position.

The control unit (400) can drive the cover opening motor (152) until the cover opening detection unit (155f) detects that the push projection (151) has returned to the initial position. At this time, the control unit (400) can preset and store a projection return time (tc3) required for the push projection (151) to return to the initial position after pressing the engaging lever (222c). Accordingly, the control unit (400) can drive the cover opening motor (152) in the reverse direction during the projection return time (tc3). For example, the control unit (400) can drive the cover opening motor (152) in the reverse direction for 4 seconds or more and 5 seconds or less.

Meanwhile, when the control unit (400) receives a signal from the cover opening detection unit (155f) that the push projection (151) has returned to the initial position, it can stop the operation of the cover opening motor (152).

As a result, when the cover opening step (S20) is performed, the discharge cover (222) of the dust bin (220) rotates to open the space inside the dust bin body (221), so that the internal space of the dust bin (220) and the flow path (180) (specifically, the first flow path (181)) of the cleaner station (100) can be connected. At this time, the cover control frame (141) can be positioned at the first position that completely opens the dust passage hole (121a).

In the dust collection stage (S30), when the discharge cover (222) is opened, the dust collection motor (191) is operated to collect dust inside the dust bin (220).

For example, in the dust collection step (S30), the control unit (400) may start the operation of the dust collection motor (191) after receiving a signal from the cover opening detection unit (155f) that the discharge cover (222) is opened.

As another example, the control unit (400) can start the operation of the dust collection motor (191) after a time of 6 seconds or more and 7 seconds or less has elapsed after the dust bin is combined or an action is input from the user.

In the dust collection step (S30), the control unit (400) can operate the dust collection motor (191) to rotate at a preset dust collection speed (Ws) for a preset dust collection time (ts). For example, in the dust collection step (S30), the control unit (400) can operate the dust collection motor (191) to rotate at the dust collection speed (Ws) for a time of 5 seconds or more and 9 seconds or less, but is not limited thereto, and the dust collection time can be changed and set according to the output of the dust collection motor (191) and the amount of dust stored inside the dust bin (220).

According to the dust collection step (S30), dust inside the dust bin (220) can pass through the dust passage hole (121a) and the passage part (180) and be collected in the dust collection part (170). Therefore, the user can remove dust inside the dust bin (220) without a separate operation, so there is an effect of providing user convenience.

Meanwhile, in the present invention, according to an embodiment, fixing of the dust bin (220) can be performed simultaneously in the dust collection step (S30). Specifically, in the dust collection step (S30), the suction force of the dust collection motor (191) can operate the fixing unit (130) by the operation of the dust collection motor (191). That is, in the dust collection step (S30), the fixing member (131) can be moved in the direction of pressing the dust bin (220) by the suction force of the dust collection motor (191).

With this configuration, even if vibration occurs in the cleaner station (100) due to the operation of the dust collection motor (191), the dust bin (220) can be stably fixed.

Therefore, according to the present invention, there is an effect of reducing the overall operating time by reducing the time required to fix or release the vacuum cleaner (200).

Meanwhile, the control method of the cleaner station according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a cover closing step (S40) of closing the discharge cover (222) by rotating the cover control frame (141) after the operation of the dust collection motor (191) is terminated. In this cover closing step (S40), the user can close the discharge cover (222) by pressing the button (142).

In the cover closing step (S40), a user can press a button (142) to close the discharge cover (222) of the cleaner (200), and the cover control unit (140) can operate to close the discharge cover (222) when an external force is applied to the button (142).

Specifically, when an external force is applied to the button (142), the cover control unit (140) can cause the button (142) to move downward to compress the elastic body (145) and rotate the link (143, 144) connected to the button (142). The link (143, 144) can be connected to the cover control frame (141) to rotate the cover control frame (141) downward, and can rotate the cover control frame (141) downward until it closes the discharge cover (222).

Next, the user can remove the external force applied to the button (142), i.e., release the button (142), and the button (142), links (143, 144), and cover control frame (141) can be moved or rotated to their original positions by the restoring force of the elastic body (145).

Although the present invention has been described in detail through specific examples, this is only for the purpose of specifically explaining the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that the present invention can be modified or improved by a person having ordinary knowledge in the relevant field within the technical spirit of the present invention.

All simple modifications or changes of the present invention fall within the scope of the present invention, and the specific protection scope of the present invention will be made clear by the appended claims.

10: Vacuum cleaner system
100: Vacuum cleaner station
110: Housing
115: Link Stopper
120: Joint
121: Mating surface
121a: Dust Pass Hole
140: Dustbin cover control unit
141: Cover Control Frame
141a: Frame body
141b: Hinge
141c: Link joint
141d: protrusion
141e: Pushbutton
141f: Stopper
142: Button
142e: bend
142f: Janghol
143: First Link
143a: Rotating body
143b: Rotating lever
143c: 1st link body
143d: connecting protrusion
143e: Fixed member
143f: Connecting shaft
144: Second Link
144a: Second link body
144b: Frame joint
145: Elastic
146: Guide pin
147: Absence of support
150: Cover opening unit
170: Dust collection unit
180: Euro
191: Dust collector motor
200: Vacuum cleaner
210: Body
220: Dustbin
222: Exhaust cover
230: Battery Housing
240: Battery
250: Extension tube
260: Cleaning module
400: Control Unit

Claims (10)

housing;
A coupling part disposed in the housing and to which at least a portion of the dust bin of the vacuum cleaner is coupled;
A dust collection unit accommodated inside the housing and positioned on the lower side of the coupling portion, for capturing dust inside the dust bin;
A dust collecting motor which is accommodated inside the housing and is positioned below the dust collecting unit and generates a suction force to suck up dust inside the dust bin; and
A cover control unit for closing the discharge cover of the above dust bin;
Including,
The above cover control unit,
button;
A link that rotates when an external force is applied to the above button;
A cover control frame that contacts the discharge cover according to the rotation of the above link; and
A cleaning station including an elastic body that is elastically deformed when an external force is applied to the button and provides a restoring force to the button. In paragraph 1,
The above cover control unit,
The above button moves in a straight line and has a long hole arranged along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the button moves.
The above link is a cleaner station having a connecting projection that is inserted into the above hole and moves along the above hole. In the second paragraph,
The above link is,
A first link having the above connecting projection and rotating when the button moves linearly; and
A cleaner station comprising: a second link rotatably coupled with the first link and rotatably coupled with the cover control frame; In the second paragraph,
The above housing has an elastic support portion positioned opposite the lower portion of the button,
A cleaning station characterized in that the elastic body is arranged along the direction of linear movement of the button, with both ends respectively fixed to the lower portion of the button and the elastic body support portion. In paragraph 4,
A cleaning station having a plurality of the above elastic bodies. In paragraph 4,
The above cover control unit,
A guide pin disposed on the inside of the elastic body, one end of which is fixed to the button and the other end of which passes through the elastic body support;
A cleaner station that includes more. In paragraph 1,
A cleaning station, characterized in that the elastic body is installed in a pre-compressed state. In paragraph 1,
The above cover control frame,
A cleaner station having a pressing projection formed to protrude from a surface that comes into contact with the discharge cover. In paragraph 1,
If no external force is applied to the above button,
The above button has its upper surface positioned parallel to the upper surface of the housing,
A cleaner station, characterized in that the cover control frame is arranged at an angle to the ground. In Article 9,
When an external force is applied to the above button,
A cleaner station characterized in that the cover control frame rotates and is positioned vertically to the ground.