Vacuum cleaner station and method for collecting dust performed by vacuum cleaner station

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a dust collection method performed by a vacuum cleaner station comprising a housing coupled with a dust bin of a vacuum cleaner, a dust collection motor disposed inside the housing to generate suction force to suck in dust inside the dust bin, and a collection unit provided with a space therein to collect dust sucked from the inside of the dust bin, wherein the dust collection method may comprise: a cover opening step of opening a discharge cover of the dust bin so as to communicate between the inside of the housing and the inside of the dust bin after the dust bin and the housing are coupled together; a door opening step of opening a door disposed at a coupling portion where the dust bin is coupled; a dust collection step in which the dust collection motor is driven to collect dust into a collection unit; and a compression step in which the collected dust is compressed by a rotational motion of a compression unit disposed inside the collection unit, wherein the compression step includes: a main compression step in which the rotational motion of the compression unit is performed after the dust collection step; and an initial compression step in which the rotation of the compression unit is performed before the dust collection step.

Description

Vacuum cleaner station and dust collection method of vacuum cleaner station

[0001] The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner station and a dust collection method for the vacuum cleaner station. More specifically, the present invention relates to a dust collection method for the vacuum cleaner station, wherein after the dust compression process is completed, the stop position of the rotary plate is always positioned opposite the stop position during the previous compression process, thereby enabling dust to be evenly distributed on the left and right sides of the rotary plate.

[0002]

[0003] Stick vacuum cleaners (hereinafter referred to as “vacuum cleaners”) have a small dustbin capacity that stores collected dust, which is inconvenient for users to have to empty the dustbin every time.

[0004] Accordingly, the use of vacuum cleaner stations configured to suck up and collect dust in a dust bin through the suction power of a dust collecting motor so that users do not have to manually remove dust from the dust bin is expanding.

[0005] These vacuum cleaner stations include a housing, a dust collecting motor disposed inside the housing, and a dust bag for receiving the collected dust, and are configured to be coupled with a vacuum cleaner or a dust bin of a vacuum cleaner.

[0006] The vacuum cleaner station is convenient in that it can automatically empty the vacuum cleaner's dust bin, and the dust bag included in the vacuum cleaner station is larger than the dust bin provided with most vacuum cleaners, which has the advantage of extending the cycle of having to deal with dust.

[0007] Meanwhile, since dust bags are consumables, they must be replaced with new ones when they become full of dust. However, this leads to problems such as the inconvenience of requiring periodic replacement, the dust flying around during the process of separating the dust bag from the vacuum cleaner station due to the nature of the material used to make the dust bag, and the burden of having to purchase new dust bags periodically.

[0008] In this regard, U.S. Patent Publication No. 10595692 is presented as the first prior art patent.

[0009] The first prior art patent discloses an embodiment of a discharge station that includes a canister dust bin in the form of a bin and a dust separator as a discharge station that docks with a robot vacuum cleaner.

[0010] In one embodiment disclosed in the above first prior patent, the dust separator is configured in a conical shape to utilize the principle of centrifugal separation and is contained within the canister. Another embodiment disclosed in the above prior patent document is configured such that dust separated from a multi-stage separation device positioned at the top of the canister is collected in the canister.

[0011] However, the canister dustbin disclosed in the first prior patent has a problem in that air flow is always generated inside it due to a multi-stage separation device that adopts a centrifugal separation principle, and therefore the volume of captured dust is large, and the dust storage efficiency is lower than that of a dust bag.

[0012] As a second prior art patent, Korean Patent Publication No. 0906848 is presented.

[0013] The second prior art patent relates to a vacuum cleaner, and the vacuum cleaner disclosed in the second prior art patent includes a dust collection unit in which foreign substances are stored, a pressure plate movably provided on the dust collection unit to compress the foreign substances, and a driving motor for moving the pressure plate.

[0014] In addition, the dust collection unit further includes a display unit that indicates the time of emptying the compressed foreign matter when the movement range of the pressure plate is within a certain range.

[0015] According to this second prior art patent, the dust stored in the dust collection unit is compressed, so there is an advantage of increased dust storage efficiency, but the emptying time is indicated on the display only when the dust is full.

[0016] Even though the emptying time is indicated on the display only when the dust is full, as in the second prior art patent, in the case of vacuum cleaners, the dust bin of the vacuum cleaner is mostly made of a transparent material, so the user can easily check the amount of dust stored, so the user can remove the dust at the desired time even before the dust bin is full.

[0017] On the other hand, in the case of vacuum cleaner stations with a dust emptying function, the dust collection unit is often covered with an opaque cover to prevent the dust collection status from being exposed to the outside for aesthetic reasons. Therefore, the user has to take out the dust collection unit and check with their own eyes to check the extent of dust collected in the dust collection unit, which is inconvenient.

[0018] In addition, even though the emptying time is indicated on the display only when the dust bin is full, as in the second prior art patent, in the case of a vacuum cleaner, the user can directly feel the degree to which the dust suction power during cleaning decreases as the dust bin fills up, so the user can remove the dust at the desired time even before the dust bin is full.

[0019] On the other hand, in the case of a vacuum cleaner station with a dust emptying function, even if the power to suck up dust from the dust bin decreases, the user cannot directly feel it, so there is a risk of missing the timing for removing dust from the dust collection unit.

[0020] Meanwhile, the second prior art patent describes that the dust emptying time is indicated by measuring the rotation range of the pressure plate, but no specific method for measuring the rotation range of the pressure plate is presented.

[0021] In addition, the second prior art patent compresses the dust by rotating the pressure plate immediately after collecting the dust, but there is a problem that the volume of the dust expands again as the compressed dust blows away during the time until the dust is collected again.

[0022]

[0023] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a vacuum cleaner station and a dust collection method with improved storage efficiency of captured dust.

[0024] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a vacuum cleaner station and dust collection method that enable a user to easily check the amount of collected dust without having to take out and check the collection unit.

[0025] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a cleaner station and dust collection method with improved convenience so that a user can flexibly select the removal time when removing dust collected in a collection unit.

[0026] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a vacuum cleaner station and a dust collection method having improved accuracy in calculating the amount of dust collected in a collection unit.

[0027]

[0028] In order to achieve the above-described object, one embodiment of the present invention provides a dust collection method performed by a cleaner station including a housing coupled to a dust bin of a cleaner, a dust collecting motor disposed inside the housing to generate a suction force to suck up dust inside the dust bin, and a collection unit having a space provided inside the dust bin to collect dust sucked in from inside the dust bin, the method including: a cover opening step in which, after the dust bin and the housing are coupled, a discharge cover of the dust bin is opened so that the inside of the housing and the inside of the dust bin are communicated; a door opening step in which a door disposed at a coupling portion to which the dust bin is coupled is opened; a dust collecting step in which the dust collecting motor is driven to collect dust into the inside of the collection unit; and a compression step in which the collected dust is compressed by a rotational operation of a compression unit disposed inside the collection unit.

[0029] In one embodiment of the present invention, the compression step may include a main compression step in which the rotational operation of the compression unit is performed after the dust collection step, and an initial compression step in which the rotational operation of the compression unit is performed before the dust collection step.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention, the initial compression step may compress the collected dust by rotating the rotating plate included in the compression unit once in the forward or reverse direction.

[0031] In one embodiment of the present invention, the main compression step can compress the collected dust by repeating one rotation cycle including forward rotation and reverse rotation of the rotary plate included in the compression unit multiple times.

[0032] In one embodiment of the present invention, the main compression step may be repeated by alternating forward and reverse rotation of the rotating plate included in the compression unit for a preset compression time.

[0033] In one embodiment of the present invention, the compression time may be set so that the rotating plate rotates more than a preset minimum number of compression times, regardless of the amount of collected dust.

[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the compression step, at the end of the main compression step, the rotary plate included in the compression unit may be placed at a second position opposite to the first position at which the rotary plate started to rotate in the initial compression step.

[0035] In order to achieve the above-described object, another embodiment of the present invention provides a dust collection method performed by a cleaner station including a housing coupled to a dust bin of a cleaner, a dust collecting motor disposed inside the housing to generate a suction force to suck up dust inside the dust bin, and a collection unit having a space provided inside the dust bin to collect dust sucked in from inside the dust bin, the method comprising: a cover opening step in which, after the dust bin and the housing are coupled, a discharge cover of the dust bin is opened so that the inside of the housing and the inside of the dust bin are communicated with each other; a door opening step in which a door disposed at a coupling portion to which the dust bin is coupled is opened; a dust collecting step in which the dust collecting motor is driven to collect dust into the inside of the collection unit; and a compression step in which the collected dust is compressed by a rotational operation of a compression unit disposed inside the collection unit; wherein the compression unit comprises: a fixed plate fixedly disposed on one side inside the collection unit; And a rotary plate that compresses dust placed between the fixed plate while rotating inside the collecting section; and in the main compression step, a start position, which is a position where the rotary plate starts to rotate, and a stop position, which is a position where the rotation ends, may be opposite to each other with respect to the fixed plate.

[0036] In another embodiment of the present invention, the compression step can calculate the amount of dust collected and stored in the collection unit by measuring the rotation angle of the rotating plate.

[0037] In another embodiment of the present invention, the compression step may further include an initial compression step in which a rotational operation of the compression part is performed before the dust collection step when the amount of dust stored inside the collection part is equal to or greater than a preset amount.

[0038] In another embodiment of the present invention, the initial compression step may compress the collected dust by rotating the rotating plate once in the forward or reverse direction.

[0039]

[0040] According to the present invention, the compression part compresses dust while moving in the internal space of the collection part, so that the storage efficiency of dust captured in the collection part is improved.

[0041] In addition, according to the present invention, since the amount of dust collected in the collecting unit is displayed on the display unit, there is an advantage in that the user can easily check the amount of dust collected in the collecting unit without having to take the collecting unit out to check it.

[0042] In addition, according to the present invention, the amount of dust compressed and stored inside the collecting unit is displayed as a warning notification on the display unit through a plurality of stages, so that the user has the advantage of being able to remove the dust by selecting an appropriate time of his / her choice before the collecting unit becomes full of dust.

[0043] In addition, according to the present invention, the amount of dust collected in the collecting unit is calculated through the rotation angle of the compression unit, and the rotation angle is calculated based on the number of changes in the pattern formed in the driving gear, so that there is an advantage in that the amount of dust can be accurately calculated even if the rotation speed of the compression unit changes due to the jamming of foreign substances, etc.

[0044] Furthermore, according to the present invention, after the dust compression process is completed, the stop position of the rotary plate is always opposite the stop position during the previous compression process, so that the dust is evenly distributed and accumulated on the left and right sides of the rotary plate. Therefore, the problem of compressed dust blocking the inlet can be prevented.

[0045] In addition, according to the present invention, an initial compression step is performed to pre-compress dust flying inside the collecting section before the driving of the dust collecting motor before the main compression process, so there is an advantage in that a large space for receiving dust can be secured before the dust is collected.

[0046] 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.

[0047]

[0048] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a cleaner in a cleaner system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 2 is a drawing of the vacuum cleaner of Figure 1 viewed from a different angle.

[0050] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining the lower side of a dust bin of a vacuum cleaner in a vacuum cleaner system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a vacuum cleaner system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a coupling part in a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a fixed unit in a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 7 is a drawing showing a state where the door closes the dust passage hole.

[0055] Figure 8 is a drawing showing a state where the door has its dust passage hole open.

[0056] FIG. 9 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.

[0057] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement of the components of a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Fig. 11 is a perspective view for explaining a collection unit in a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 12 is a drawing showing the components included in the capturing unit and the components coupled to the capturing unit in a separate and expanded form.

[0060] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X' of Fig. 11.

[0061] Figure 14 is a drawing showing the direction in which air is sucked when the capture unit is inserted into the housing.

[0062] Figure 15 is an enlarged view of the drive gear and transmission gear.

[0063] Figure 16 is a drawing for explaining a pattern formed on a driving gear.

[0064] Figure 17 is a drawing showing the arrangement relationship of the driving gear and the compression state detection unit.

[0065] Figure 18 is a drawing for explaining the detection principle of the compression state detection unit.

[0066] FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a cleaning station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Fig. 20 illustrates an embodiment in which a notification regarding the dust compression status is guided through a display unit.

[0068] Fig. 21 is a flowchart showing the flow of a dust collection method of a vacuum cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] FIG. 22 is a drawing showing the operation sequence of each motor included in the cleaner station in the embodiment of FIG. 21.

[0070] Fig. 23 is a drawing for more specifically explaining the operation of the compression unit performed in the dust compression step of Fig. 21.

[0071] Fig. 24 is a flowchart showing a second embodiment of a dust collection method of a vacuum cleaner station.

[0072] Fig. 25 is a drawing for more specifically explaining the operation of the compression unit performed in the dust compression step of Fig. 24.

[0073]

[0074] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0075] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. This is not intended to limit the invention to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0076]

[0077] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a cleaner in a cleaner system according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining the cleaner of FIG. 1 from a different angle, FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining the lower side of a dust bin of a cleaner in a cleaner system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a cleaner system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a cleaner system (3) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a cleaner (200) and a cleaner station (300).

[0079] The vacuum cleaner system (3) may include a vacuum cleaner station (300). A vacuum cleaner (200) may be coupled to the vacuum cleaner station (300). The vacuum cleaner (200) may be coupled to a side of the vacuum cleaner station (300). The vacuum cleaner station (300) may remove dust from the dust bin (220) of the vacuum cleaner (200).

[0080] First, the structure of the vacuum cleaner (200) will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 as follows.

[0081] The vacuum cleaner (200) may refer to a vacuum cleaner that is manually operated by a user. For example, the vacuum cleaner (200) may refer to a handheld vacuum cleaner or a stick vacuum cleaner.

[0082] The cleaner (200) can be mounted on the cleaner station (300). The cleaner (200) can be supported by the cleaner station (300). The cleaner (200) can be coupled to the cleaner station (300).

[0083] Meanwhile, in the embodiment of the present invention, the direction of the vacuum cleaner (200) can be defined based on the time when the bottom surface (lower surface) of the dust bin (220) and the battery housing (230) are placed on the ground.

[0084] 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 the 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.

[0085] 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).

[0086] The main body housing (211) may form the exterior of the vacuum cleaner (200). The main body housing (211) may provide a space capable of accommodating a suction motor (214) and a filter (not shown) therein. The main body housing (211) may be configured in a shape similar to a cylinder.

[0087] 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 coupled to 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.

[0088] The dust separation unit (213) can be communicated with the suction unit (212). The dust separation unit (213) can separate dust sucked into the interior through the suction unit (212). The space inside the dust separation unit (213) can be communicated with the space inside the dust bin (220).

[0089] For example, the dust separation unit (213) may be equipped 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. Therefore, the air and dust sucked through the suction unit (212) flow spirally along the inner surface of the dust separation unit (213). Therefore, a cyclone flow may occur in the inner space of the dust separation unit (213).

[0090] 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).

[0091] 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 as to minimize the size of the dust separation unit. 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.

[0092] At this time, the axis of the cyclone flow of the secondary cyclone can also be extended 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 can form a coaxial axis in the vertical direction, which can be collectively referred to as the axis of the cyclone flow of the dust separation unit (213).

[0093] The suction motor (214) can generate a suction force to suck in air. The suction motor (214) can be accommodated within 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 shape similar to a cylinder.

[0094] An air exhaust cover (215) may be placed on one axial side of the main body housing (211). A filter for filtering air may be accommodated in the air exhaust cover (215). For example, a HEPA filter may be accommodated in the air exhaust cover (215).

[0095] An air exhaust port may be formed in the air exhaust cover (215) to exhaust air sucked in by the suction force of the suction motor (214).

[0096] A flow guide may be arranged in the air exhaust cover (215). The flow guide may guide the flow of air discharged through the air exhaust port.

[0097] 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).

[0098] The handle (216) may include a grip portion (216a) formed in a pillar shape so that the user can hold it, a first extension portion (216b) connected to one longitudinal (axial) end of the grip portion (216a) and formed to extend toward the suction motor (214), and a second extension portion (216c) connected to the other longitudinal (axial) end of the grip portion (216a) and formed to extend toward the dust bin (220).

[0099] The upper surface of the handle (216) may form a portion of the outer appearance of the upper surface of the vacuum cleaner (200). This prevents the components of the vacuum cleaner (200) from coming into contact with the user's arm when the user holds the handle (216).

[0100] The first extension portion (216b) may extend from the grip portion (216a) toward the main body housing (211) or the suction motor (214). At least a portion of the first extension portion (216b) may extend in a horizontal direction.

[0101] The second extension portion (216c) may extend from the grip portion toward the dust bin (220). At least a portion of the second extension portion (216c) may extend in a horizontal direction.

[0102] 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).

[0103] The control unit (218) can visually display information related to the operation of the vacuum cleaner (200) (e.g., suction strength, remaining charge level of the battery, etc.). That is, the control unit (218) can also function as a display device.

[0104] 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).

[0105] The dustbin (220) may include a dustbin body (221), a discharge cover (222), a dustbin compression lever (223), and a compressor (not shown).

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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).

[0108] The dustbin (220) may include a discharge cover (222). The discharge cover (222) may be placed on the lower surface of the dustbin (220).

[0109] The discharge cover (222) may be provided to open and close one end in 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.

[0110] The discharge cover (222) may include a cover body (222a) and a hinge portion (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 portion (222b). The hinge portion (222b) may be arranged adjacent to the battery housing (230). A torsion spring (222d) may be provided in the hinge portion (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 portion (222b) as an axis in the dustbin body (221) by the elastic force of the torsion spring (222d).

[0111] The discharge cover (222) can be coupled to 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 positioned at the front of the dust bin. Specifically, the coupling lever (222c) can be positioned 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).

[0112] 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).

[0113] The dustbin (220) may include a dustbin compression lever (223) (see FIG. 2). The dustbin compression lever (223) may be disposed outside the dustbin (220) or the dust separation unit (211). The dustbin compression lever (223) may be disposed outside the dustbin (220) or the dust separation unit (213) so as to move up and down. The dustbin compression lever (223) may be connected to a compressor (not shown). When the dustbin compression lever (223) moves downward due to an external force, the compressor (not shown) may also move downward. This may provide convenience to the user. The compressor (not shown) and the dustbin compression lever (223) may return to their original positions by an elastic member (not shown). Specifically, when the 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.

[0114] A compressor (not shown) may be placed inside the dustbin body (221). The compressor may move within the internal space of the dustbin body (221). Specifically, the compressor may move up and down within the dustbin body (221). Through this, the compressor may compress dust within the dustbin body (221) downward. In addition, when the discharge cover (222) is separated from the dustbin body (221) and the lower portion of the dustbin (220) is opened, the compressor may move from the upper portion to the lower portion of the dustbin (220) to remove foreign substances such as residual dust within the dustbin (220). Through this, the suction power of the vacuum cleaner may be improved by preventing residual dust from remaining within the dustbin (220). In addition, by preventing residual dust from remaining within the dustbin (220), an unpleasant odor caused by the residual dust may be eliminated.

[0115] 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 below the handle (216). For example, the battery housing (230) may have a hexahedral shape with an open bottom. The rear of the battery housing (230) may be connected to the handle (216).

[0116] 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 (220).

[0117] The vacuum cleaner (200) may include a battery (240).

[0118] For example, the battery (240) may be detachably coupled to the vacuum 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 bottom of the battery housing (230). With such a configuration, the portability of the vacuum cleaner (200) may be improved.

[0119] In contrast, 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.

[0120] 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).

[0121] In 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. When the vacuum cleaner (200) is placed on the floor, the battery (240) may be placed on the floor, so that the battery (240) can 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.

[0122] 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 that the overall size of the vacuum cleaner (200) can be reduced and its weight can be reduced.

[0123] The vacuum cleaner (200) may include an extension pipe (250). The extension pipe (250) may be connected to a cleaning module (260). The extension pipe (250) may be connected to a main body (210). The extension pipe (250) may be connected to a suction unit (214) of the main body (210). The extension pipe (250) may be formed in a long cylindrical shape.

[0124] 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).

[0125] The vacuum 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 vacuum cleaner (200) through the cleaning module (260) and the extension pipe (250) by the suction force generated in the main body (210) of the vacuum cleaner (200).

[0126] Dust in the dust bin (220) of the vacuum cleaner (200) can be collected by gravity into the collection unit (370) of the vacuum cleaner station (300). At the same time, dust in the dust bin (220) can be collected by the collection unit (370) of the vacuum cleaner station (300) by the suction force of the dust collection motor (391) arranged inside the vacuum cleaner station (300). Through this, dust in the vacuum cleaner dust bin can be removed without a separate operation by the user, thereby providing user convenience. In addition, the inconvenience of the user having to empty the dust bin every time can be eliminated. In addition, when the dust bin is emptied, dust can be prevented from flying.

[0127] The vacuum cleaner (200) can be coupled to the side of the housing (310). Specifically, the main body (210) of the vacuum cleaner (200) can be mounted on the coupling part (320). More specifically, the dustbin (220) and the battery housing (230) of the vacuum cleaner (200) can be coupled to the coupling surface (321) of the coupling part (320). The outer circumference of the dustbin main body (221) can be coupled to the dustbin guide surface (322). The suction part (212) can be coupled to the suction part guide surface (326) of the coupling part (320). With this configuration, the central axis of the dustbin (220) can be arranged in a direction parallel to the ground, and the extension pipe (250) can be arranged along a direction perpendicular to the ground.

[0128] Below, the configuration of the cleaner station (300) of the embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0129] Referring to FIG. 4, a cleaner (200) may be coupled to a cleaner station (300). Specifically, the main body of the cleaner (200) may be coupled to a side of the cleaner station (300). More specifically, a dust bin (220) of the cleaner (200) may be coupled to a side of the cleaner station (300), and may be coupled through one side where a discharge cover (222) is disposed. Accordingly, when the discharge cover (222) is opened, dust in the dust bin (220) may be collected and removed inside the cleaner station (300).

[0130] The cleaning station (300) may include a housing (310). The housing (310) may form the exterior of the cleaning station (300). Specifically, the housing (310) may be formed in a columnar shape including at least one outer wall surface. For example, the housing (310) may be formed in a shape similar to a square column.

[0131] The housing (310) may have a space formed therein that can accommodate a collection unit (370) and a dust suction module (390).

[0132] The housing (310) may include a bottom surface (311), an outer wall surface (312), and an upper surface (313).

[0133] The bottom surface (311) can support the lower side of the dust suction module (390) in the direction of gravity. That is, the bottom surface (311) can support the lower side of the dust collection motor (391) of the dust suction module (390).

[0134] At this time, the bottom surface (311) can be positioned facing the ground. The bottom surface (311) can be positioned parallel to the ground, but can also be positioned at a predetermined angle with the ground. This configuration can stably support the dust collection motor (391), and has the advantage of balancing the overall weight even when the vacuum cleaner (200) is combined.

[0135] Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the floor surface (311) may further include a ground support portion (311a) that increases the area in contact with the ground to prevent the cleaner station (300) from falling over and maintain balance. For example, the ground support portion (311a) may be in the form of a plate extending from the floor surface (311), and one or more frames may be formed to protrude and extend along the ground direction from the floor surface (311).

[0136] The outer wall surface (312) may refer to a surface formed along the direction of gravity and may refer to a surface connected to the floor surface (311). For example, the outer wall surface (312) may refer to a surface connected perpendicularly to the floor surface (311). In another embodiment, the outer wall surface (312) may be arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the floor surface (311).

[0137] The outer wall surface (312) may be configured to include at least one surface. For example, the outer wall surface (312) may include a first outer wall surface (312a), a second outer wall surface (312b), a third outer wall surface (312c), and a fourth outer wall surface (312d).

[0138] At this time, in the present embodiment, the first outer wall surface (312a) may be placed on the front side of the cleaner station (300). Here, the front side may refer to the exposed side of the cleaner (200) when the cleaner (200) is coupled to the cleaner station (300). Accordingly, the first outer wall surface (312a) may form the exterior appearance of the front side of the cleaner station (300).

[0139] Meanwhile, for the purpose of understanding this embodiment, the direction is defined as follows. In this embodiment, the direction can be defined when the cleaner (200) is coupled to the cleaner station (300).

[0140] When the cleaner (200) is coupled to the cleaner station (300), the direction in which the cleaner (200) is exposed to the outside of the cleaner station (300) can be called the front.

[0141] From another perspective, when the cleaner (200) is coupled to the cleaner station (300), 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 (300) can be called the rear.

[0142] And, based on the internal space of the housing (310), the surface facing the front can be called the rear of the cleaner station (300). Accordingly, the rear can mean the direction in which the second outer wall surface (312b) is formed.

[0143] And, when looking at the front with the internal space of the housing (310) as a standard, the left side may be called the left side, and the right side may be called the right side. Accordingly, the left side may refer to the direction in which the third outer wall surface (312c) is formed, and the right side may refer to the direction in which the fourth outer wall surface (312d) is formed.

[0144] The first outer wall surface (312a) may be formed in a flat shape, or may be formed in a curved shape overall, or may be formed to include a curved surface in a portion.

[0145] A coupling portion (320) may be arranged on the first outer wall surface (312a). With this configuration, the cleaner (200) may be coupled to the cleaner station (300) and supported by the cleaner station (300). The specific configuration of the coupling portion (320) will be described later.

[0146] Meanwhile, it is also possible to add a structure to the first outer wall surface (312a) to accommodate various types of cleaning modules (260) used in the vacuum cleaner (200).

[0147] In this embodiment, the second outer wall surface (312b) may be a surface facing the first outer wall surface (312a). That is, the second outer wall surface (312b) may be positioned at the rear of the cleaner station (300). The second outer wall surface (312b) may form the exterior of the rear of the cleaner station (300).

[0148] In this embodiment, the third outer wall surface (312c) and the fourth outer wall surface (312d) may refer to surfaces connecting the first outer wall surface (312a) and the second outer wall surface (312b). At this time, the third outer wall surface (312c) may be arranged on the left side of the cleaner station (300), and the fourth outer wall surface (312d) may be arranged on the right side of the cleaner station (300). Alternatively, the third outer wall surface (312c) may be arranged on the right side of the cleaner station (300), and the fourth outer wall surface (312d) may be arranged on the left side of the cleaner station (300).

[0149] The third outer wall surface (312c) or the fourth outer wall surface (312d) may be formed in a flat shape, or may be formed in a curved shape overall, or may be formed by including a curved surface in a portion thereof.

[0150] Meanwhile, it is also possible to add a structure for mounting various types of cleaning modules (290) used in a vacuum cleaner (200) to the third outer wall surface (312c) or the fourth outer wall surface (312d).

[0151] The upper surface (313) may form the upper exterior of the cleaner station. That is, the upper surface (313) may mean a surface that is positioned at the uppermost side in the direction of gravity in the cleaner station and is exposed to the outside.

[0152] For reference, in this embodiment, 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 (300) is installed on the ground.

[0153] At this time, the upper surface (313) may be arranged parallel to the ground, or may be arranged at a certain angle with the ground.

[0154] A display unit (530) may be arranged on the upper surface (313). For example, the display unit (530) may display the status of the cleaner station (300) 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.

[0155] Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the upper surface (313) may be provided to be detachable from the outer wall surface (312). In this case, when the upper surface (313) is detached, the internal space surrounded by the outer wall surface (312) may accommodate a battery detached from the vacuum cleaner (200), and a terminal (not shown) for charging the detached battery may be provided.

[0156] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a coupling part in a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0157] Referring to FIG. 5, the cleaner station (300) may include a coupling portion (320) to which the cleaner (200) is coupled. Specifically, the coupling portion (320) is disposed on the first outer wall surface (312a), and the dust bin (220) of the cleaner (200) may be coupled thereto. The main body (210) and battery housing (230) of the cleaner (200) may also be coupled to the coupling portion (320) along with the dust bin (220).

[0158] The coupling portion (320) may include a coupling surface (321). The coupling surface (321) may be arranged on a side surface of the housing (310). For example, the coupling surface (321) may refer to a surface formed in a concave groove shape toward the inside of the cleaner station (300) on the first outer wall surface (312a). In other words, the coupling surface (321) may refer to a surface formed by forming a step with the first outer wall surface (312a).

[0159] A vacuum cleaner (200) may be coupled to the coupling surface (321). For example, the coupling surface (321) may be in contact with the lower surface of the dust bin (220) and the battery housing (230) of the vacuum cleaner (200). Here, the lower surface may refer to the surface facing the ground when the user uses the vacuum cleaner (200) or places it on the ground.

[0160] For example, the angle formed by the coupling surface (321) with the ground may be a right angle. Through this, the space of the cleaning station (300) can be minimized when the cleaner (200) is coupled to the coupling surface (321).

[0161] As another example, the coupling surface (321) may be arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the ground. Through this, when the cleaner (200) is coupled to the coupling surface (321), the cleaner station (300) can be stably supported.

[0162] A dust passage hole (321a) may be formed in the coupling surface (321) to allow air from outside the housing (310) to flow into the inside. The dust passage hole (321a) may be formed in a hole shape corresponding to the shape of the dust bin (220) so that dust from the dust bin (220) may flow into the collection unit (370). The dust passage hole (321a) may be formed corresponding to the shape of the discharge cover (222) of the dust bin (220). The dust passage hole (321a) may be formed to communicate with a flow path (380) to be described later (see FIG. 8).

[0163] The coupling portion (320) may include a dustbin guide surface (322). The dustbin guide surface (322) may be arranged on the first outer wall surface (312a). The dustbin guide surface (322) may be connected to the first outer wall surface (312a). In addition, the dustbin guide surface (322) may be connected to the coupling surface (321).

[0164] The dustbin guide surface (322) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the outer surface of the dustbin (220). The front outer surface of the dustbin (220) may be coupled to the dustbin guide surface (322). This provides convenience in coupling the vacuum cleaner (200) to the coupling surface (321).

[0165] Meanwhile, a protrusion movement hole (322a) may be formed in the dustbin guide surface (322), and a push protrusion (351), which will be described later, may be linearly moved along the protrusion movement hole (322a) (see FIG. 11). In addition, a gear box (355), which accommodates a gear of a cover opening unit (350), which will be described later, may be provided on the lower side of the dustbin guide surface (322) in the gravity direction. At this time, a guide space (322b), in which the push protrusion (351) can move, may be formed between the dustbin guide surface (322), the lower side, and the upper side of the gear box (355). In addition, the guide space (322b) may be communicated with the first flow path (381) through a bypass hole (322c). That is, the protrusion movement hole (322a), the guide space (322b), the bypass hole (322c), and the first flow path (381) can form a single flow path. With this configuration, when the dust collector motor (391) is operated while the dust bin (220) is connected to the connecting portion (320), there is an advantage in that dust remaining in the dust bin (220) and the dust bin guide surface (322) can be sucked through the flow path.

[0166] The coupling portion (320) may include a guide protrusion (323). The guide protrusion (323) may be positioned on the coupling surface (321). The guide protrusion (323) may protrude upward from the coupling surface (321). Two guide protrusions (323) may be positioned spaced apart from each other. The distance between the two guide protrusions (323) 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 (321) may be provided.

[0167] The coupling portion (320) may include a coupling portion side wall (324). The coupling portion side wall (324) may refer to a wall surface disposed on both sides of the coupling surface (321) and may be vertically connected to the coupling surface (321). The coupling portion side wall (324) may be connected to the first outer wall surface (312a). In addition, the coupling portion side wall (324) may form a surface connected to the dustbin guide surface (322). Through this, the vacuum cleaner (200) may be stably accommodated.

[0168] The coupling unit (320) may include a coupling sensor. The coupling sensor may detect whether the cleaner (200) is coupled to the coupling unit (320).

[0169] The coupling sensor may also include a contact sensor. For example, the coupling sensor may include a micro switch. In this case, the coupling sensor may be positioned on the guide protrusion (323). Accordingly, when the battery housing (230) or the battery (240) of the cleaner (200) is coupled between a pair of guide protrusions (323), the coupling sensor comes into contact with the cleaner, and the coupling sensor can detect that the cleaner (200) has been coupled.

[0170] Meanwhile, the coupling sensor may also include a non-contact sensor. For example, the coupling sensor may include an infrared sensor (IR sensor). In this case, the coupling sensor may be placed on the side wall (324) of the coupling portion. Accordingly, when the dust bin (220) or the main body (210) of the cleaner (200) passes the side wall (324) of the coupling portion and reaches the coupling surface (321), the coupling sensor may detect the presence of the dust bin (220) or the main body (210).

[0171] When the vacuum cleaner (200) is coupled to the vacuum cleaner station (300), the coupling sensor may face the dust bin (220) or battery housing (230) of the vacuum cleaner (200).

[0172] The coupling sensor can be a means for determining whether the vacuum cleaner (200) is coupled with power being supplied to the battery (240) of the vacuum cleaner (200).

[0173] The coupling portion (320) may include a suction portion guide surface (326). The suction portion guide surface (326) may be arranged on the first outer wall surface (312a). The suction portion guide surface (326) may be connected to the dustbin guide surface (322). The suction portion (212) may be coupled to the suction portion guide surface (326). The shape of the suction portion guide surface (326) may be formed to correspond to the shape of the suction portion (212).

[0174] The connecting portion (320) may further include a fixed member entry / exit hole (327). The fixed member entry / exit hole (327) may be formed in the shape of a long hole along the side wall (324) of the connecting portion so that the fixed member (331) can enter / exit.

[0175] With this configuration, when a user couples the cleaner (200) to the coupling portion (320) of the cleaner station (300), the main body (210) of the cleaner (200) can be stably placed on the coupling portion (320) by the dustbin guide surface (322), the guide protrusion (323), and the suction portion guide surface (326). Through this, the convenience of coupling the dustbin (220) and the battery housing (230) of the cleaner (200) to the coupling portion (321) can be provided.

[0176] Meanwhile, the vacuum cleaner station (300) may further include a charging terminal (328). The charging terminal (328) may be positioned at the coupling portion (320). The charging terminal (328) may be electrically connected to the vacuum cleaner (200) coupled to the coupling portion (320). The charging terminal (328) may supply power to the battery of the vacuum cleaner (200) coupled to the coupling portion (320).

[0177] Additionally, the cleaner station (300) may further include a side door. The side door may be positioned in the housing (310). The side door may selectively expose the capture unit (370) to the outside. This allows the user to easily remove the capture unit (370) from the cleaner station (300).

[0178] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a fixed unit in a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0179] Referring to FIG. 6, the cleaner station (300) of the present invention may include a fixing unit (330). The fixing unit (330) may be disposed on a side wall (324) of a coupling portion. In addition, the fixing unit (330) may be disposed on the back surface of a coupling surface (321). The fixing unit (330) may fix a cleaner (200) coupled to the coupling surface (321). Specifically, the fixing unit (330) may fix a dust bin (220) and a battery housing (230) of the cleaner (200) coupled to the coupling surface (321).

[0180] The fixed unit (330) may include a fixed member (331) that fixes the dust bin (220) and battery housing (230) of the vacuum cleaner (200), and a fixed motor (580) that drives the fixed member (331). In addition, the fixed unit (330) may further include a fixed link (335) that transmits the power of the fixed motor (580) to the fixed member (331).

[0181] The fixing member (331) is arranged on the side wall (324) of the joint portion and may be provided to be reciprocally movable on the side wall (324) of the joint portion to fix the dustbin (220). Specifically, the fixing member (331) may be accommodated inside the fixing member access hole (327).

[0182] The fixing members (331) can be arranged on each side of the joint (320). For example, two fixing members (331) can be arranged symmetrically in pairs around the joint surface (321).

[0183] The fixed motor (580) can provide power to move the fixed member (331).

[0184] The fixed link (335) can convert the rotational power of the fixed motor (580) into reciprocating movement of the fixed member (331).

[0185] The fixed sealer (336) can be placed on the dustbin guide surface (322) to seal the dustbin (220) when the vacuum cleaner (200) is coupled. With this configuration, when the dustbin (220) of the vacuum cleaner (200) is coupled, the fixed sealer (336) can be pressurized by the weight of the vacuum cleaner (200), and the dustbin (220) and the dustbin guide surface (322) can be sealed.

[0186] The fixed sealer (336) can be placed on an imaginary extension of the fixed member (331). With this configuration, when the fixed member motor (580) is operated and the fixed member (331) pressurizes the dust bin (220), the circumference of the dust bin (220) at the same height can be sealed.

[0187] According to an embodiment, the fixed sealer (336) may be placed on the dustbin guide surface (322) in a bent line shape corresponding to the arrangement of the cover opening unit (350) described later.

[0188] Accordingly, when the main body (210) of the cleaner (200) is placed in the coupling portion (320), the fixing unit (330) can fix the main body (210) of the cleaner (200). Specifically, when the coupling sensor (325) detects that the main body (210) of the cleaner (200) is coupled with the coupling portion (320) of the cleaner station (300), the fixing portion motor (580) can move the fixing member (331) to fix the main body (210) of the cleaner (200).

[0189] This improves the vacuum's suction power by preventing residual dust from remaining in the bin. Furthermore, by preventing residual dust from remaining in the bin, it eliminates any unpleasant odors caused by residual dust.

[0190] FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are drawings for explaining the relationship between a cleaner and a door unit in a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a state in which a door closes a dust passage hole, and FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a state in which a door opens a dust passage hole.

[0191] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the cleaner station (300) of the present invention may include a door unit (340). The door unit (340) may be configured to open and close a dust passage hole (321a).

[0192] The door unit (340) may include a door (341), a door motor (342), and a door arm (343).

[0193] The door (341) is hingedly connected to the joining surface (321) and can open and close the dust passage hole (321a). The door (341) may include a door body (341a).

[0194] The door body (341a) may be formed in a shape that can block the dust passage hole (321a). For example, the door body (341a) may be formed in a shape similar to a circular plate.

[0195] Based on the state in which the door body (341a) blocks the dust passage hole (321a), a hinge part may be arranged on the upper side of the door body (341a), and a female coupling part (341b) may be arranged on the lower side of the door body (341a).

[0196] The door body (341a) may be formed in a shape that can seal the dust passage hole (321a). For example, the outer surface of the door body (341a) exposed to the outside of the cleaner station (300) is formed to have a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the dust passage hole (321a), and the inner surface disposed inside the cleaner station (300) is formed to have a diameter larger than the diameter of the dust passage hole (321a). In addition, a step may be generated between the outer surface and the inner surface. Meanwhile, at least one reinforcing rib may be formed to protrude on the inner surface to connect the hinge portion and the arm joint portion (341b) and to strengthen the supporting force of the door body (341a).

[0197] The hinge portion may be a means for hinge-connecting the door (341) to the joining surface (321). The hinge portion may be arranged at the upper end of the door body (341a) and may be connected to the joining surface (321).

[0198] The arm coupling portion (341b) may be a means to which the door arm (343) is rotatably coupled. The arm coupling portion (341b) is positioned on the lower side of the door body (341a), is rotatably coupled with the door body (341a), and the door arm (343) may be rotatably coupled thereto.

[0199] With this configuration, when the door arm (343) pulls the door body (341a) while the door (341) is closing the dust passage hole (321a), the door body (341a) rotates about the hinge portion to move toward the inside of the cleaner station (300), and the dust passage hole (321a) can be opened. On the other hand, when the door arm (343) pushes the door body (341a) while the dust passage hole (321a) is open, the door body (341a) rotates about the hinge portion (341b) to move toward the outside of the cleaner station (300), and the dust passage hole (321a) can be blocked.

[0200] Meanwhile, when the vacuum cleaner (200) is coupled to the vacuum cleaner station (300) and the discharge cover (220) is separated from the dustbin body (210), the door (341) can come into contact with the discharge cover (220). In addition, the discharge cover (220) can rotate in conjunction with the door (341) according to the rotation of the door (341).

[0201] The door motor (342) can provide power to rotate the door (341). Specifically, the door motor (342) can rotate the door arm (343) in a forward or reverse direction. Here, the forward direction may refer to a direction in which the door arm (343) pulls the door (341). Accordingly, when the door arm (343) rotates in a forward direction, the dust passage hole (321a) can be opened. In addition, the reverse direction may refer to a direction in which the door arm (343) pushes the door (341). Accordingly, when the door arm (343) rotates in a reverse direction, the dust passage hole (321a) can be at least partially closed. The forward direction may be the opposite direction to the reverse direction.

[0202] The door arm (343) connects the door (341) and the door motor (342), and can open and close the door (341) using the power generated from the door motor (342).

[0203] For example, the door arm (343) may include a first door arm (343a) and a second door arm (343b). One end of the first door arm (343a) may be coupled to a door motor (342). The first door arm (343a) may be rotated by the power of the door motor (342). The other end of the first door arm (343a) may be rotatably coupled to a second door arm (343b). The first door arm (343a) may transmit force transmitted from the door motor (342) to the second door arm (343b). One end of the second door arm (343b) may be coupled to the first door arm (343a). The other end of the second door arm (343b) may be coupled to the door (341). The second door arm (343b) can open or close the dust passage hole (321a) by pushing or pulling the door (341).

[0204] The door unit (340) can be opened together with the discharge cover (222) of the cleaner (200). In addition, when the door unit (340) is closed, the discharge cover (222) of the cleaner (200) can be closed together with it.

[0205] When dust in the dust bin (220) of the vacuum cleaner (200) is removed, the door motor (342) can couple the discharge cover (222) to the dust bin body (221) by rotating the door (341). Specifically, the door motor (342) rotates the door (341) by rotating the door (341) relative to the hinge portion (341b), and the door (141) that rotates relative to the hinge portion (341b) can push the discharge cover (222) toward the dust bin body (221).

[0206] FIG. 9 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.

[0207] Referring to FIG. 9, the cleaner station (300) of the present invention may include a cover opening unit (350). The cover opening unit (350) is disposed at the coupling portion (320) and may open the discharge cover (222) of the cleaner (200).

[0208] The cover opening unit (350) may include a push projection (351), a cover opening motor (352), a cover opening gear (353), and a gear box (355).

[0209] The push lug (351) can be moved to pressurize the coupling lever (222c) when the vacuum cleaner (200) is coupled.

[0210] The push protrusion (351) can be placed on the dustbin guide surface (322). Specifically, a protrusion movement hole can be formed on the dustbin guide surface (322), and the push protrusion (351) can pass through the protrusion movement hole and be exposed to the outside.

[0211] The push projection (351) may be positioned at a position where the coupling lever (222c) can be pressed when the vacuum cleaner (200) is coupled. That is, the coupling lever (222c) may be positioned on the projection movement hole. In addition, the coupling lever (222c) may be positioned on the movement area of ​​the push projection (351).

[0212] The push projection (351) can move linearly back and forth to pressurize the coupling lever (222c). Specifically, the push projection (351) can be coupled to a gear box (355) to guide linear movement. The push projection (351) can be coupled to a cover opening gear (353) to move together with the movement of the cover opening gear (353).

[0213] The cover opening motor (352) can provide power to move the push protrusion (351). Specifically, the cover opening motor (352) can rotate the motor shaft in a forward or reverse direction. Here, the forward direction may refer to the direction in which the push protrusion (351) presses the coupling lever (222c). In addition, the reverse direction may refer to the direction in which the push protrusion (351) that presses the coupling lever (222c) returns to its original position. The forward direction may be the opposite direction to the reverse direction.

[0214] The cover opening gear (353) is coupled with the cover opening motor (352) and can move the push projection (351) using the power of the cover opening motor (352). Specifically, the cover opening gear (353) can be accommodated inside the gear box (355). The driving gear (353a) of the cover opening gear (353) can be coupled with the motor shaft of the cover opening motor (352) to receive power. The driven gear (353b) of the cover opening gear (353) can be coupled with the push projection (351) to move the push projection (351). For example, the driven gear (353b) is provided in the form of a rack gear and meshes with the driving gear (353a) and can receive power from the driving gear (353a).

[0215] At this time, the discharge cover (222) may be equipped with a torsion spring (222d). By the elastic force of the torsion spring (222d), the discharge cover (222) can be rotated by a predetermined angle or more and supported in the rotated position. Accordingly, the discharge cover (222) can be opened, and the dust passage hole (321a) and the inside of the dust bin (220) can be connected.

[0216] The gear box (355) is provided inside the housing (310) and is placed on the lower side in the direction of gravity of the coupling part (320), and the cover opening gear (353) can be accommodated inside.

[0217] According to the present invention, the user can open the dust bin (220) without having to separately open the discharge cover (222) of the vacuum cleaner by means of the cover opening unit (350), thereby improving convenience.

[0218] In addition, since the discharge cover (222) is opened while the vacuum cleaner (200) is connected to the vacuum cleaner station (300), there is an effect of preventing dust from flying.

[0219] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement of the components of a cleaner station (300) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0220] Referring to FIG. 10, the cover opening unit (350) described above is positioned on the lower side of the coupling portion (320), and the flow path (380) is positioned on the rear side of the coupling portion (320) and the cover opening unit (350).

[0221] Hereinafter, the path extending from the coupling portion (320) to the collection portion (370) is referred to as the first path (381). The collection portion (370) where dust is collected is connected and placed at the lower end of the first path (381).

[0222] The cleaner station (300) may further include a chamber (360) in which a space for accommodating a collecting unit (370) is formed. At this time, the collecting unit (370) may be detachably provided in the chamber (360). The chamber (360) may be configured to be detachably provided in the housing (310), or may mean a space for accommodating the collecting unit (370) formed integrally with the housing (310).

[0223] A sterilizing unit (450) may be placed on the upper side of the chamber (360).

[0224] The sterilizing unit (450) is a configuration provided to sterilize dust captured in the collecting unit (370). The sterilizing unit (450) may include a light source that emits sterilizing light and a protective panel positioned below the light source to protect the light source.

[0225] In a possible embodiment, the light source and the protective panel may be coupled to the chamber (360) in a form accommodated in a separately provided sterilization housing. Alternatively, in a possible embodiment, the light source and the protective panel may be coupled to the chamber (360) in a form accommodated in a space formed by bending a portion of the upper surface of the chamber (360).

[0226] The arrangement of the sterilizing unit (450) and the chamber (360) is not limited to any one embodiment as long as the light source of the sterilizing unit (450) is arranged to emit sterilizing light toward the collecting unit (370).

[0227] Here, the light source may include at least one light-emitting diode (LED) capable of emitting germicidal light having germicidal power capable of killing bacteria. The germicidal light emitted by the light source may have a wavelength that varies depending on the type of LED.

[0228] For example, the light source may be a light-emitting diode that emits ultraviolet light in the UV-C wavelength range. Ultraviolet light is divided into UV-A (315 nm to 400 nm), UV-B (280 nm to 315 nm), and UV-C (200 nm to 280 nm) depending on its wavelength. Among these, ultraviolet light in the UV-C range can inhibit the growth of microorganisms by damaging the double helix of their DNA.

[0229] Alternatively, as another example, the light source may be a light-emitting diode that emits visible light with a wavelength of 405 nm. Blue light with a wavelength of 405 nm lies at the boundary between visible light and ultraviolet light and has been proven to have germicidal properties.

[0230] The above-mentioned protective panel may be positioned at a predetermined distance from the light source to prevent damage to the light source. The protective panel may be made of a material that maximizes the light source's transmittance. For example, the protective panel may be made of quartz. Quartz is known to not impede the transmission of ultraviolet light in the UV-C range.

[0231] The vacuum cleaner station (300) according to the present invention has a sterilizing unit (450), thereby providing an advantage of being able to hygienically manage the vacuum cleaner station (300) even when dust sucked from the dust bin (220) of the vacuum cleaner (200) is stored in the collection unit (370) for a long period of time.

[0232]

[0233] Meanwhile, although not shown in FIG. 10, the fixed unit (330) and the door unit (340) are positioned adjacent to the joint (320), which has already been described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8.

[0234] The vacuum cleaner station (300) further includes a collection unit (370).

[0235] The collection unit (370) can be detachably connected to the chamber (360). A receiving space is provided in the collection unit (370) to collect dust sucked from inside the dust bin (220) by the dust collecting motor (391).

[0236] FIG. 11 is a perspective view for explaining a capturing unit (370) in a cleaner station (300) according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a configuration included in the capturing unit (370) and a configuration coupled to the capturing unit (370) in a separate and expanded manner, and FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X' of FIG. 11.

[0237] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, the capture unit (370) may include a capture unit body (371), a capture unit inner wall (372), and a cyclone (373).

[0238] The dust collection body (371) forms the outer appearance of a space that receives dust. In a possible embodiment, the dust collection body (371) may have a generally hexahedral shape. In another possible embodiment, the dust collection body (371) may have a generally cylindrical shape.

[0239] A transparent panel (3714) may be placed on the upper surface (3711) of the capture body (371).

[0240] The penetration panel (3714) is positioned at a position corresponding to the position where the sterilizing unit (450) is positioned when the capturing unit (370) is coupled to the interior of the chamber (360). That is, when the capturing unit (370) is inserted into the chamber (360), the sterilizing unit (450) and the penetration panel (3714) are positioned to face each other.

[0241] Additionally, the transparent panel (3714) is made of a material that allows the sterilizing light emitted from the sterilizing unit (450) to be transmitted toward the inside of the collecting unit body (371). For example, the transparent panel (3714) may be made of PMMA (Poly methyl methacrylate) material.

[0242] A collecting unit hinge (3715) may be placed on one side of a corner of the lower surface (3712) of the collecting unit body (371). When the lower surface (3712) of the collecting unit body (371) rotates around the collecting unit hinge (3715), the interior of the collecting unit body (371) may be opened. This allows the user to remove dust collected in the collecting unit body (371) by discharging it to the outside.

[0243] An inlet (3711a) may be formed on the upper surface (3711) of the collecting body (371) to allow air to flow in from the flow path. For example, the inlet (3711a) may be circular. A first flow path (381) is connected to the upper side of the inlet (3711a). Accordingly, air sucked in by the suction force of the dust collecting motor (391) can flow into the collecting body (371). The inlet (3711a) may be arranged on the upper side of the first receiving space (S1) described below.

[0244] An inlet cover (3716) may be coupled to the inlet (3711a). The inlet cover (3716) may be opened by the suction force of the dust collecting motor (391). That is, the inlet cover (3716) may be opened toward the internal space of the collecting body (371) (specifically, the first receiving space (S1)). The inlet cover (3716) may keep the inlet (3711a) closed when the dust collecting motor (391) is not driven, and may open the inlet (3711a) when the dust collecting motor (391) starts driving.

[0245] To this end, the inlet cover (3716) may be provided with a means for applying a restoring force in a direction that closes the inlet (3711a). The restoring force applying means may be, for example, an elastic member, a torsion spring, etc. Through this configuration, when no suction force is applied, the inlet cover (3716) always closes the inlet (3711a), thereby preventing any odors, contamination, bacteria, etc. that may occur within the collection unit (370) from spreading to the first flow path (381).

[0246] A handle (3718) may be placed on the front (or front side) of the capture unit body (371). The handle (3718) is configured to be held by a user so that the capture unit (370) can be withdrawn out of the chamber (360). The user can easily withdraw the capture unit (370) from the chamber (360) by holding the handle (3718) and pulling the capture unit (370) forward.

[0247] A finger groove (3717) may be provided in the collecting body (371) so that the user can easily grip the handle (3718). The finger groove (3717) is formed to be a groove that the user's finger can fit into. The finger groove (3717) is formed in a shape in which the collecting body (371) is recessed toward the inner space of the collecting body (370). This configuration can prevent the handle (3718) from excessively protruding outward from the collecting body (371), thereby contributing to miniaturization of the cleaning station (300).

[0248] The inner wall of the capture unit (372) can be arranged within the receiving space of the capture unit body (371). The inner wall of the capture unit (372) can divide the receiving space of the capture unit body (371) into two separate spaces. The inner wall of the capture unit (372) can be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the ground.

[0249] The inner wall (372) of the capture unit may be provided with a mesh net (3721). For example, the mesh net (3721) may form a part of the inner wall (372) of the capture unit. That is, when air flows from one side of the separated receiving space to the other side, it can pass through the mesh net (3721).

[0250] Meanwhile, the accommodation space inside the capturing unit (370) is divided into a first accommodation space (S1) and a second accommodation space (S2) by the capturing unit inner wall (372).

[0251] A compression unit (410), which will be described later, may be arranged in the first receiving space (S1). A cyclone (373) may be arranged in the second receiving space (S2). Air sucked in from the outside through the first flow path (381) first flows into the first receiving space (S1) and then flows through the mesh net (3721) into the second receiving space (S2).

[0252] Through this, relatively large dust can be filtered out in the mesh net (3721). The filtered large dust is collected and stored in the lower part of the first receiving space (S1).

[0253] A plurality of cyclones (373) may be provided. For example, at least two cyclone bodies in a conical or cylindrical shape may be provided.

[0254] Each cyclone body includes an inlet body (3731) arranged to allow air passing through the mesh (3721) to be introduced. Each cyclone body further includes an outlet body (3732) connected to a discharge path (374). The discharge path (374) is a path connected to the dust collecting motor (391) side and is a path that constitutes a part of a second path (382) described later.

[0255] Air is sucked from the outlet body (3732) by the suction force applied to the discharge passage (374), and a cyclone flow is generated in the inlet body (3731). By this cyclone flow, fine dust can be filtered from the air passing through the mesh net (3721).

[0256] From another perspective, the first receiving space (S1) may be defined as a dust collection space (S1) as a space where the inhaled dust is primarily received and stored.

[0257] The mesh net (3721) may be placed on one side of the dust collection space (S1). The mesh net (3721) may be configured as a part of a wall surface defining the dust collection space. That is, the mesh net (3721) may form a part of an outer wall surrounding the dust collection space (S1).

[0258] The air flowing through the mesh net (3721) in the dust collection space (S1) is filtered of dust through a cyclone (373).

[0259] The cleaner station (300) may include a euro section (380).

[0260] Referring back to FIG. 10, the flow path (380) is defined as a passage through which air and foreign substances that have exited the dust bin (220) of the vacuum cleaner (200) flow. The flow path (380) may include a first flow path (381) connecting the dust bin (220) and the collection unit (370) and a second flow path (382) connecting the collection unit (370) and the dust collecting motor (391).

[0261] The first flow path (381) may be positioned at the rear side of the coupling surface (321). The first flow path (381) may refer to a space formed between the dust bin (220) of the vacuum cleaner (200) and the collection body (371) to allow air to flow. For example, the first flow path (381) may be a space formed by being surrounded by a structure. For example, the first flow path (381) may be the internal space of a hollow tube.

[0262] The first euro (381) may include a first region (381a) that communicates with the internal space of the dust bin (220) when the vacuum cleaner (200) is coupled to the vacuum cleaner station (300) and the dust passage hole (321a) is opened, and a second region (381b) that communicates the first region (381a) and the dust separation unit (371). (See FIG. 8)

[0263] Therefore, when the dust collecting motor (391) is operated, dust in the dust bin (220) of the vacuum cleaner (200) can flow to the collection body (371) through the first euro (381).

[0264] The second flow path (382) can connect the collection unit (370) and the dust suction module (390). That is, the air from which dust has been separated while passing through the collection unit (370) can be guided to the dust collection motor (391) through the second flow path (382).

[0265] The second passage (382) may refer to a space formed between the collection body (371) and the dust suction module (390) to allow air to flow. The second passage (382) may be formed by being surrounded by a structure. A portion of the second passage (382) may be formed inside the collection body (371). The portion of the second passage (382) has the same configuration as the previously referred to discharge passage (374). The discharge passage (374) may be arranged on the front side of the collection body (371). (See FIG. 13)

[0266] The vacuum cleaner station (300) may include a dust suction module (390).

[0267] Referring back to FIG. 10, the dust suction module (390) may include a dust collection motor (391). The dust collection motor (391) may be positioned at the bottom of the collection unit (370). The dust collection motor (391) may generate suction force in the flow path unit (380). Through this, suction force capable of sucking dust into the dust bin (220) of the vacuum cleaner (200) is provided.

[0268] The dust suction module (390) may further include a HEPA filter (not shown). The HEPA filter may be positioned at the rear end (relative to the air flow path) of the dust collection motor (391). This allows clean air to escape to the outside of the housing (310).

[0269] The vacuum cleaner station (300) may include a compression unit (410). The compression unit (410) is a configuration provided to compress dust collected in the collection unit (370).

[0270] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the compression unit (410) is positioned inside the receiving space of the capturing unit body (371). More specifically, the compression unit (410) is positioned inside the first receiving space (S1) of the capturing unit body (371).

[0271] The compression unit (410) is movably arranged within the collection unit body (371). The compression unit (410) can move in a direction that compresses the dust collected within the first receiving space (S1). In a possible embodiment, the compression unit (410) can be rotatably arranged within the first receiving space (S1). In another possible embodiment, the compression unit (410) can be movably arranged within the first receiving space (S1).

[0272] Below, as a representative example (see FIGS. 12 and 13), an example in which a compression unit (410) rotates and compresses dust is described.

[0273] The compression unit (410) can rotate around an axis arranged in the longitudinal direction inside the capture unit body (371) (the first receiving space (S1)). More specifically, the compression unit (410) can include a rotational axis member (411), a fixed plate (412), and a rotating plate (413).

[0274] The rotation shaft member (411) can be arranged vertically inside the capture body (371), i.e., in the first receiving space (S1). The rotation shaft member (411) can be rotated by receiving power from a compression motor (420) to be described later. The central axis of the rotation shaft member (411) can form a coaxial axis with the central axis of the first receiving space (S1).

[0275] The lower end of the rotation shaft member (411) can be connected to and supported by the floor surface of the first receiving space (S1). The upper end of the rotation shaft member (411) can be spaced apart from the inlet (3711a) by a predetermined distance so as not to obstruct the opening of the inlet cover (3716). (See Fig. 14)

[0276] The fixed plate (412) may be fixedly arranged on one side inside the capturing unit (370). More specifically, the fixed plate (412) may be arranged vertically in the first receiving space (S1) and may be fixedly coupled to one side of the inner surface of the capturing unit body (371) forming the first receiving space (S1). The fixed plate (412) may have a square flat plate shape. The fixed plate (412) may be arranged on the opposite side from the mesh net (3721).

[0277] The fixed plate (412) can completely or partially shield the first receiving space (S1) and compress dust pushed by the rotation of the rotating plate (413) together with the rotating plate (413).

[0278] The rotary plate (413) is connected to and arranged on the outer surface of the rotary shaft member (411) and can rotate together with the rotary shaft member (411). More specifically, the rotary plate (413) is arranged between the inner surface of the collecting body (371) forming the first receiving space (S1) and the outer surface of the rotary shaft member (411) and can rotate.

[0279] The shape of the turntable (413) is basically a square plate shape, but can be modified to avoid interference with other components placed in the first receiving space (S1). For example, a cut portion may be formed at the upper end of the turntable (413) so as not to interfere with the rotation radius of the inlet cover (3716) when the inlet (3711a) is opened. (See Fig. 14)

[0280] The turntable (413) can rotate in both forward and reverse directions. Clockwise rotation can be defined as forward rotation and counterclockwise rotation can be defined as reverse rotation based on a state in which the first receiving space (S1) is viewed from above (i.e., a state in which the capturing unit (370) is viewed from above).

[0281] When the rotary plate (413) rotates in the forward direction, one side of the rotary plate (413) and one side of the fixed plate (412) meet to compress the dust. Similarly, when the rotary plate (413) rotates in the reverse direction, the other side of the rotary plate (413) and the other side of the fixed plate (412) meet to compress the dust. In other words, some of the compressed dust exists near one side of the fixed plate (412), and the rest exists near the other side of the fixed plate (412).

[0282] The compression member (410) may further include a cleaning member (414).

[0283] Referring to Fig. 13, the cleaning member (414) is coupled to the end of the rotary plate (413) on the opposite side where the rotary shaft member (411) is arranged. That is, one end of the rotary plate (413) is coupled to the rotary shaft member (411) and the other end is coupled to the cleaning member (414).

[0284] The cleaning member (414) may be arranged to rotate together with the rotating plate (413) while in contact with the mesh net (3721). More specifically, one edge of the cleaning member (414) may be arranged to contact one side of the mesh net (3721). (See FIG. 14)

[0285] Through this, the cleaning member (414) can rotate while scraping the mesh net (3721) when rotating together with the rotating plate (413), and foreign substances stuck to the mesh net (3721) can be removed. The cleaning member (414) can be, for example, a scrubber made of rubber.

[0286] Figure 14 is a drawing showing the direction in which air is sucked in when the capture unit (370) is inserted into the housing (310).

[0287] Air that flows into the first receiving space (S1) of the collecting body (371) through the first euro (381) passes through the mesh net (3721) and large dust is separated, and the air from which large dust has been separated flows into the second receiving space (S2).

[0288] Thereafter, the air introduced into the second receiving space (S2) passes through the cyclone (373) and is separated from even fine dust, and the air separated from even fine dust is introduced into the discharge path (374) provided in the collecting body (371).

[0289] The air that exits the exhaust pipe (374) flows through the pre-filter (470) to the dust collection motor (391).

[0290] Here, the pre-filter (470) is a configuration placed between the dust collecting motor (391) and the collecting unit (370), and serves to protect the dust collecting motor (391) by filtering dust once more from the air flowing to the dust collecting motor (391). The pre-filter (470) is placed on the second flow path (382), and more specifically, is placed on the outside of the discharge flow path (374) provided in the collecting unit body (371) to filter the air exiting the collecting unit body (371).

[0291] The vacuum cleaner station (300) may include a compression motor (420) and a power transmission unit (430). The compression motor (420) and the power transmission unit (430) are configured to generate power to move the compression unit (410) and transmit the power to the compression unit (410).

[0292] The compression motor (420) and the power transmission unit (430) are placed outside the receiving space of the capture unit body (371).

[0293] The compression motor (420) generates power to rotate the compression unit (410). The compression motor (420) is equipped with a motor capable of forward and reverse rotation. In other words, the compression motor (420) is a motor capable of bidirectional rotation.

[0294] Accordingly, the turntable (413) can rotate forward and backward, and as the turntable (413) rotates forward and backward, compressed foreign matter accumulates on both sides of the fixed plate (412).

[0295] In this way, in order to enable the compression motor (420) to rotate in both directions, a synchronous motor may be used as the compression motor (420). This synchronous motor is configured to enable the synchronous rotation by the motor itself, and when the force applied to the compression motor (420) exceeds a set value when the compression motor (420) rotates in one direction, the rotation of the compression motor (420) is converted to the other direction.

[0296] At this time, the force applied to the compression motor (420) is a resistance force (torque) generated as the rotating plate (413) pressurizes the dust, and when the resistance force reaches a set value, the rotation direction of the compression motor (420) is configured to change.

[0297] Since the technology for other synchronous motors is generally known in the field of motor technology, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0298] The power transmission unit (430) is placed between the compression unit (410) and the compression motor (420) and transmits the power generated by the rotation of the compression motor (420) to the compression unit (410).

[0299] More specifically, the power transmission unit (430) includes a drive gear (431) that is rotated by the power of the compression motor (420). The drive gear (431) can be connected to the motor shaft of the compression motor (420).

[0300] The power transmission unit (430) further includes a transmission gear (432) that is meshed with the drive gear (431) and receives power from the compression motor (420) from the drive gear (431) and transmits it to the compression unit (410).

[0301] The drive gear (431) will be described later with reference to FIG. 16, and first, the transmission gear (432) will be described as follows.

[0302] Figure 15 is an enlarged view of the drive gear (431) and the transmission gear (432).

[0303] Referring further to FIG. 12 together with FIG. 15, the transmission gear (432) can be connected to the rotational shaft member (411) of the compression member (410). A gear tooth (4322) that meshes with the drive gear (431) is arranged on the lower outer periphery of the transmission gear (432). A transmission gear shaft (4321) that is coaxially connected with the rotational shaft member (411) is arranged on the upper center of the transmission gear (432).

[0304] The transmission gear shaft (4321) can be inserted into the receiving space of the capture body (371) through a hole formed in the lower surface of the capture body (371). The transmission gear shaft (4321) can be configured to be inserted into a hollow formed in the rotation shaft member (411). That is, the size of the outer circumferential diameter of the transmission gear shaft (4321) can be formed to be smaller than the size of the outer circumferential diameter of the rotation shaft member (411).

[0305] A mechanical structure may be formed on the transmission gear shaft (4321) and the rotary shaft member (411) to mesh with each other so that they can rotate at the same angular velocity. For example, the mechanical structure may be a projection and groove structure.

[0306] Meanwhile, the drive gear (431) can be coupled to the housing (310), and the transmission gear (432) can be coupled to the capturing unit (370). The drive gear (431) and the transmission gear (432) have a structure in which they mesh with each other, but only the transmission gear (432) can be detachably coupled to the capturing unit (370) from the housing (310).

[0307] That is, the compression motor (420) and the driving gear (431) are rotatably coupled to the chamber (360) but are not detachable from the chamber (360) (housing (410)). On the other hand, the transmission gear (432) is rotatably coupled to the collecting unit (370) but can be detachably provided from the chamber (360) (housing (310)).

[0308] With this configuration, the user can naturally mesh the transmission gear (432) and the drive gear (431) with each other by simply pushing the capture unit (370) into the chamber (360).

[0309] When the capture unit (370) is inserted into the chamber (360), the power of the compression motor (420) can be transmitted to the compression unit (410) via the drive gear (431) and the transmission gear (432).

[0310] When the capture unit (370) is withdrawn from the chamber (360), the gear engagement between the transmission gear (431) and the drive gear (432) can be released. Furthermore, when the transmission gear (432) is separated from the rotation shaft member (411) and the lower surface of the capture unit body (371) is opened, dust collected inside the receiving space of the capture unit body (371) can be easily removed by the user.

[0311] Fig. 16 is a drawing for explaining a pattern (4314) formed on a driving gear (431).

[0312] Referring to FIG. 16, the driving gear (431) may include a gear body (4311), a shaft connecting portion (4312), and gear teeth (4313).

[0313] The gear body (4311) forms the outer appearance of the drive gear (431). Gear teeth (4313) that mesh with the gear teeth (4322) of the transmission gear (432) are formed and arranged on the upper portion of the gear body (4311). A pattern (4314) in which projections and grooves alternate and are continuous is formed on the lower periphery of the gear body (4311).

[0314] The upper diameter of the gear body (4311) where the gear teeth (4313) are arranged and the lower diameter of the gear body (4311) where the pattern (4314) is formed may have different sizes.

[0315] A shaft connection part (4312) connected to the motor shaft of the compression motor (420) is formed at the center of the gear body (4311). The shaft connection part (4312) may be formed and arranged in a cylindrical shape inside the gear body (4311). A hole having a shape corresponding to the motor shaft may be formed in the shaft connection part (4312) so that the motor shaft may be inserted therein. Accordingly, when the compression motor (420) rotates, the driving gear (431) rotates together. A plurality of ribs (4315) may be radially arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft connection part (4312) so as to support the shape of the shaft connection part (4312).

[0316] The pattern (4314) formed on the driving gear (431) can be formed so that the widths of adjacent projections and grooves are different from each other.

[0317] The protrusions and grooves formed in the pattern (4314) can be defined as phases that are distinguished according to the size of the formed width. At this time, the order in which the phases of the pattern (4314) are arranged can be formed to be different from each other in a first direction relative to the circumference of the gear body (4311) and in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0318] To be more specific, let me give you an example:

[0319] As in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 16, the pattern (4314) may be composed of a set of four phases. Here, the first and third phases may be formed in the form of protrusions, and the second and fourth phases may be formed in the form of grooves. In other words, the protrusions and grooves may be formed alternately.

[0320] Here, the widths of the first to fourth phases can be formed to be all different, and each phase can be distinguished through the size of the width. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 16, a protrusion having a width of dt_d1 (mm) can be defined as the first phase, a groove having a width of dt_d2 (mm) can be defined as the second phase, a protrusion having a width of dt_d3 (mm) can be defined as the third phase, and a groove having a width of dt_d4 (mm) can be defined as the fourth phase.

[0321] The arrangement order of each phase can be repeated in the order of 1-2-3-4 when looking at the gear body (4311) of the driving gear (431) while moving in the first direction (d1). Accordingly, when looking at the gear body (4311) of the driving gear (431) while moving in the second direction (d2) opposite to the first direction (d1), each phase is repeated in the order of 4-3-2-1.

[0322] In this way, through the arrangement of the directional pattern (4314) formed on the drive gear (431), the compression state detection unit (440) described later can detect whether the drive gear (431) is currently rotating in the first direction (d1) or the second direction (d2). Since the rotation of the drive gear (431) directly leads to the rotation of the compression unit (410), the rotation direction of the compression unit (410) is also determined through the rotation direction of the drive gear (431).

[0323] In addition, the rotation angle of the driving gear (431) can be calculated based on the number of patterns (4314) detected during the rotation of the driving gear (431). As will be described later, the rotation angle calculated in the embodiment of the present invention is calculated based on the number of patterns (4314) detected by the compression state detection unit (440) and is unrelated to the rotation speed of the driving gear (431) or the compression unit (410).

[0324] That is, since the rotation angle is directly calculated by detecting the physical rotation state of the mechanical structure of the driving gear (431) rather than indirectly calculating based on the rotation speed in calculating the rotation angle, there is an advantage in that the rotation angle is calculated more accurately.

[0325] Meanwhile, in a representative embodiment of the present invention, it has been described that a morphological pattern for detecting the rotational direction and angle of the compression unit (410) is formed on the drive gear (431), but in another possible embodiment, the pattern may be formed on the transmission gear (432).

[0326] When the above pattern is formed on the transmission gear (432), the transmission gear (432) together with the capturing unit (370) can be separated from the housing (310). This has an advantageous effect in terms of maintenance in case an error occurs in the detection of the above pattern.

[0327] Fig. 17 is a drawing showing the arrangement relationship between the driving gear (431) and the compression state detection unit (440), and Fig. 18 is a drawing for explaining the detection principle of the compression state detection unit (440).

[0328] The vacuum cleaner station (300) may include a compression state detection unit (440).

[0329] The compression state detection unit (440) is positioned adjacent to the driving gear (431). The compression state detection unit (440) can detect the rotational direction of the compression unit (410) and the rotational angle toward the rotational direction by using the pattern (4314) formed on the driving gear (431).

[0330] For example, the compression state detection unit (440) may be formed of a photo interrupter. In this case, the compression state detection unit (440) is arranged such that the light receiving unit and the light emitting unit are positioned so as to have the pattern (4314) of the driving gear (431) therebetween. As is well known, the photo interrupter is a sensor that integrates a photodiode and a phototransistor, and the light receiving unit of the photo interrupter is formed of a phototransistor and the light emitting unit is formed of a photodiode.

[0331] Referring to FIG. 18 together with FIG. 17, it can be seen that when a protrusion pattern (first phase or third phase) is placed between the light receiving portion and the light emitting portion, the transmission of infrared light is blocked. When a groove pattern (second phase or fourth phase) is placed between the light receiving portion and the light emitting portion, infrared light is transmitted to the base of the phototransistor.

[0332] When infrared light is transmitted, a high signal (or On signal) is transmitted to the control unit (510) described later. When infrared light is blocked, a low signal (or Off signal) is transmitted to the control unit (510). The control unit (510) can determine the phase of the pattern (4314) currently being detected based on the counting number of the transmitted signals.

[0333] Fig. 19 is a block diagram of a cleaner station (300) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0334] Referring to FIG. 19, the cleaner station (300) may further include a control unit (510) that controls each component of the cleaner station (300). The control unit (510) may be mounted on a printed circuit board.

[0335] The control unit (510) may include all types of devices capable of processing data, such as a processor. Here, the term "processor" may refer to a data processing device built into hardware, for example, having a physically structured circuit to perform a function expressed by a code or command included in a program. Examples of such data processing devices built into hardware may include processing devices such as a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), a processor core, a multiprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA), but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0336] When the coupling sensor (325) detects the coupling of the cleaner (200), the coupling sensor (325) can transmit a signal to the control unit (510) indicating that the cleaner (200) is coupled to the coupling unit (320). At this time, the control unit (510) can receive the signal of the coupling sensor (325) and determine that the cleaner (200) is coupled to the coupling unit (320).

[0337] Additionally, when power is supplied to the battery (240) of the vacuum cleaner (200) from the charging terminal (328), the control unit (510) can determine that the vacuum cleaner (200) is connected to the coupling unit (320).

[0338] If the control unit (510) determines that the cleaner (200) is coupled to the coupling unit (320), the control unit (510) controls the fixed unit motor (580) to rotate in the forward direction, thereby fixing the cleaner (200) to the coupling unit (320).

[0339] The cleaner station (300) may further include a fixation detection unit (570) that transmits a signal to the control unit (510) that the cleaner (200) is fixed to the coupling unit (320) when the fixation member (331) or the fixation link (335) moves to a predetermined fixation point (FP1).

[0340] The control unit (510) can determine that the cleaner (200) is fixed to the coupling unit (320) by receiving a signal from the fixing detection unit (570) that the cleaner (200) is fixed. If the control unit (510) determines that the cleaner (200) is fixed, the control unit (510) can control the operation of the fixing unit motor (580) to stop.

[0341] Meanwhile, when the emptying of the dustbin (220) is completed, the control unit (510) can release the fixing of the vacuum cleaner (200) and the coupling unit (320) by controlling the fixed unit motor (580) to rotate in the reverse direction.

[0342] The control unit (510) can open the door (341) of the cleaner station (300) by controlling the door motor (342) to rotate in the forward direction.

[0343] The cleaner station (300) may further include a door open / close detection unit (560) that transmits a signal to the control unit (510) that the door (341) is opened when the door (341) or door arm (343) reaches a predetermined open position (DP1).

[0344] The control unit (510) can determine whether the door (341) is open by receiving a signal from the door open / close detection unit (560). If the control unit (510) determines that the door (341) is open, it can control the door motor (342) to stop operating.

[0345] Meanwhile, when emptying of the dustbin (220) is completed, the control unit (510) can control the door motor (342) to rotate in the reverse direction to close the door (341).

[0346] The control unit (510) can open the discharge cover (222) of the vacuum cleaner (220) by controlling the drive of the cover opening motor (352).

[0347] The cleaner station (300) may further include a cover opening detection unit (520) that transmits a signal to the control unit (510) that the discharge cover (222) is opened when the push protrusion (351) reaches a predetermined opening position (CP1).

[0348] The control unit (510) can determine that the discharge cover (222) is open by receiving a signal from the cover opening detection unit (520). If the control unit (510) determines that the discharge cover (222) is open, it can control the operation of the cover opening motor (352) to stop.

[0349] The control unit (510) can control the sterilization unit (450). For example, the control unit (510) can turn on the light source of the sterilization unit (450) after dust is captured in the collection unit (370) or at predetermined time intervals to sterilize viruses or microorganisms existing inside the collection unit (370).

[0350] The control unit (510) can control the operation of the dust collecting motor (391). The control unit (510) can control the dust collecting motor (391) to operate for a predetermined period of time so that dust inside the dust bin (220) is sucked into the collection unit (370).

[0351] The control unit (510) can control the compression motor (420). The control unit (510) can control the compression motor (420) to operate a predetermined number of times and / or a predetermined time, thereby compressing the dust collected inside the collection unit (370).

[0352] The control unit (510) can control the compression motor (420) to operate when it determines that the vacuum cleaner (200) is coupled to the coupling unit (320). The control unit (510) can control the compression motor (420) to operate after dust collection is completed and the operation of the dust collection motor (391) is stopped.

[0353] The control unit (510) can calculate the amount of dust collected stored in the collection unit (370). In an embodiment of the present invention, the amount of dust collected can be calculated from the rotation angle of the driving gear (431) or the compression unit (410) detected by the compression state detection unit (440).

[0354] As described above, the compression state detection unit (440) can detect a change in the pattern (4314) of the driving gear (431) and generate an on / off signal. The on signal corresponds to a high signal, and the off signal corresponds to a low signal.

[0355] The control unit (510) can receive a signal transmitted by the compression state detection unit (440) and determine the phase for the pattern (4314) of the current driving gear (431).

[0356] The phase can be determined by the number of counted signals according to the detection signal and detection resolution of the compression state detection unit (440). For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 16, the number of counted high signals in the fourth phase is greater than the number of counted high signals in the second phase. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 16, the number of counted low signals in the third phase is greater than the number of counted low signals in the first phase.

[0357] Accordingly, the control unit (510) can determine the number of changes in the phase detected by the compression state detection unit (440), and calculate the rotation angle of the driving gear (431) based on the number of changes in the phase.

[0358] To explain more specifically, let us assume that N different phases form one set and that the set is formed in M ​​pieces on the drive gear (431).

[0359] When the drive gear (431) rotates and one set passes, the rotation angle is calculated as 360 / M(°). By dividing this again by N, the rotation angle corresponding to one phase can be approximately calculated.

[0360] Looking at the case where N=4 (Phase) and M=30 (Set) as in the example of Fig. 16, the rotation angle for one set of Phases is 12°, and the rotation angle of one Phase is calculated to be approximately 3°. At this time, since the error caused by the different widths of each Phase is not large, the same rotation angle can be applied uniformly to the rotation angle of one Phase.

[0361] The control unit (510) can calculate the dust collection amount by using the average value of the rotation angle of the compression unit (410) rotated in the forward direction and the rotation angle of the compression unit (410) rotated in the reverse direction as one cycle of forward and reverse rotation of the compression motor (420).

[0362] When the compression motor (420) rotates in the forward direction (clockwise), the driving gear (431) rotates in the first direction (d1) (clockwise). When the compression motor (420) rotates in the reverse direction (counterclockwise), the driving gear (431) rotates in the second direction (d2) (counterclockwise).

[0363] When the drive gear (431) rotates in the first direction (d1), the transmission gear (432) meshed with the drive gear (431) rotates in the second direction (d2), and the rotary plate (413) of the compression unit (410) coaxially connected to the transmission gear (432) rotates in the second direction (d2). Since the transmission gear (432) and the rotary shaft member (411) of the compression unit (410) are coaxially connected, when the compression motor (420) rotates in the clockwise direction, which is the normal direction, the rotary plate (413) rotates counterclockwise.

[0364] By the same principle, when the drive gear (431) rotates in the second direction (d2), the transmission gear (432) rotates in the first direction (d1), and the rotary plate (413) of the compression unit (410) also rotates in the first direction (d1). That is, when the compression motor (420) rotates counterclockwise, the rotary plate (413) rotates clockwise.

[0365] Meanwhile, the clockwise direction (cw) and counterclockwise direction (ccw) described in the specification of the present invention are based on a state in which the cleaner station (300) is viewed from above.

[0366] As previously explained, the rotation angle of the compression unit (410) is calculated by the number of phase changes of the pattern (4314) formed on the driving gear (431). When the forward rotation angle of the compression unit (410) calculated by the control unit (510) is calculated as 80° and the reverse rotation angle is calculated as 70°, the control unit (510) can determine the rotation angle of the compression unit (410) as the average value of 75°.

[0367] In this way, when the average value of the forward and reverse rotation angles is determined as the rotation angle of the compression member (410), the reliability of the calculation for the rotation angle can be further increased.

[0368] The control unit (510) can calculate the dust collection amount as a percentage through the rotation angle of the compression unit (410). For example, if the rotation angle of the compression unit (410) is 180°, the dust collection amount is calculated as 50%.

[0369] The control unit (510) can distinguish the amount of dust collected by matching it to a preset stage.

[0370] For example, when the rotation angle of the compression unit (410) is 234° or more, it can be classified as the dust collection level 1 corresponding to the “no collected dust level”.

[0371] For example, if the rotation angle of the compression unit (410) is greater than 180° and less than 234°, the dust collection amount can be classified into two stages.

[0372] For example, if the rotation angle of the compression unit (410) is greater than 126° and less than 180°, the dust collection amount can be divided into three stages.

[0373] For example, when the rotation angle of the compression unit (410) is greater than 72° and less than 126°, the dust collection amount can be divided into four stages.

[0374] For example, when the rotation angle of the compression unit (410) is 72° or less, the dust collection amount can be divided into 5 stages corresponding to the “dust-filled stage”.

[0375] The above-described dust collection stage division criteria and number of stages are examples only and can be appropriately changed according to design.

[0376] The control unit (510) can control the dust collection motor (391) not to operate when the calculated dust collection amount corresponds to the last stage among a plurality of preset stages. The last stage corresponds to, for example, the dust collection amount stage 5 described above. In this case, the control unit (510) can not operate the dust collection motor (391) even when the vacuum cleaner (200) is coupled to the coupling unit (320).

[0377] The control unit (510) can control the display unit (530). The control unit (510) can display various information related to the operation of the cleaner station (300) on the display unit (530).

[0378] For example, the above information may include the progress of emptying the dust bin (220) of the vacuum cleaner (200), the charging level of the vacuum cleaner (200), guidance on the currently operating configuration, the degree of dust compression, etc.

[0379] The control unit (510) can display a notification on the display unit (530) in a plurality of preset stages according to the amount of dust collected in the collection unit (370). For example, the control unit (510) can display a notification on the dust compression status on the display unit (530) in a plurality of stages according to the amount of dust collected.

[0380] In addition, the control unit (510) can display the inability to drive the dust collection motor (391) on the display unit (530) to alert the user to remove the dust collected in the collection unit (370) at an appropriate time.

[0381] Again, referring to FIG. 19, the cleaner station (300) may further include a memory (540). The memory (540) may store an application program for driving the cleaner station (300) and various related data.

[0382] Preset values ​​related to the operation of the cleaner station (300) described in this specification may be stored in the memory (540).

[0383] The memory (540) may include a magnetic storage media or a flash storage media, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. The memory (540) may include built-in memory and / or external memory, and may include a volatile memory such as a DRAM, an SRAM, or an SDRAM, a non-volatile memory such as an OTPROM (one time programmable ROM), a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, a mask ROM, a flash ROM, a NAND flash memory, or a NOR flash memory, a flash drive such as an SSD, a CF (compact flash) card, an SD card, a Micro-SD card, a Mini-SD card, an Xd card, or a memory stick, or a storage device such as an HDD.

[0384] The memory (540) may be included in the control unit (510) or may be provided as a separate configuration.

[0385] The vacuum cleaner station (300) may further include an input unit (550). The input unit (550) generates key input data that a user inputs to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner station (300). To this end, the input unit (550) may be configured with a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (static / capacitive), etc. In particular, when the touch pad forms a mutual layer structure with the display unit (530), it may be called a touch screen.

[0386] The input unit (550) and / or the display unit (530) may be placed on the upper surface (313) of the housing (310).

[0387] Fig. 20 illustrates an embodiment in which a notification regarding the dust compression status is guided through a display unit (530).

[0388] As in the embodiment of Fig. 20, the control unit (510) can display a notification regarding the dust compression status on the display unit (530) in three stages. The dust collection amount corresponding to each notification stage illustrated in Fig. 20 is merely an example and may be appropriately changed. In addition, the configuration referred to as a "dust bin" in Fig. 20 corresponds to the collection unit (370) described herein.

[0389] In this way, when a notification regarding the dust compression status is displayed in multiple stages, the user has the advantage of knowing how much dust has currently been collected in the collection unit (370). In addition, the user has the advantage of being able to remove dust at an appropriate time according to his / her preference even before the collection unit (370) becomes full of dust. For example, the user can remove dust from the collection unit (370) if the first notification (60% full notification in the example of FIG. 20) is displayed before the dust collection unit (370) becomes full and the dust collection motor (391) becomes inoperable.

[0390] Hereinafter, as an embodiment of the present invention, a dust collection method performed by a vacuum cleaner station (300) will be described.

[0391] First, a first embodiment of a dust collection method will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 to 23.

[0392] Fig. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of a dust collection method of a vacuum cleaner station (300). Fig. 22 is a diagram illustrating the operation sequence of each motor included in the vacuum cleaner station (300) in the embodiment of Fig. 21. Fig. 23 is a diagram for explaining in more detail the operation of the compression unit (410) performed in the dust compression step (S160) of Fig. 21.

[0393] Referring to Fig. 21, the dust collection method of the vacuum cleaner station (300) includes a dust bin combination step (S110).

[0394] This step (S110) is a step in which the dust bin (220) of the vacuum cleaner (200) is connected to the housing (310) (specifically, the connecting part (320)) of the vacuum cleaner station (300) by the user.

[0395] In a possible embodiment, the dustbin (220) may be coupled to the coupling portion (320) while being coupled to the vacuum cleaner (200). In another possible embodiment, the dustbin (220) may be coupled to the coupling portion (320) while being separated from the vacuum cleaner (200).

[0396] In this step (S110), the coupling sensor (325) can detect the coupling of the cleaner (200). The coupling sensor (325) can transmit a signal indicating that the cleaner (200) is coupled to the coupling portion (220) to the control unit (510). At this time, the control unit (510) can receive the signal of the coupling sensor (325) and determine that the cleaner (200) is coupled to the coupling portion (320).

[0397] Additionally, when power is supplied to the battery (240) of the vacuum cleaner (200) from the charging terminal (328), the control unit (510) can determine that the dust bin (220) of the vacuum cleaner (200) is connected to the connecting portion (320).

[0398] In a possible embodiment, whether the dustbin (220) is engaged can be determined using either the engagement sensor (325) or the charging terminal (328) simultaneously or by using either one of them.

[0399] The dust collection method of the vacuum cleaner station (300) may further include a dust bin fixing step (S120).

[0400] This step (S120) is a step performed after the dust bin (220) of the vacuum cleaner (200) is connected to the connecting part (320). By fixing the dust bin (220) to the connecting part (320), shaking of the dust bin (220) can be prevented during the dust collection process performed thereafter.

[0401] In this step (S120), if the control unit (510) determines that the dust bin (220) is connected to the coupling unit (320), the control unit (510) controls the fixed unit motor (580) to rotate in the forward direction, thereby connecting the dust bin (220) of the vacuum cleaner (200) to the coupling unit (320).

[0402] The control unit (510) can determine that the vacuum cleaner (200) is fixed to the coupling unit (320) by receiving a signal from the fixed detection unit (570) that the dust bin (220) is fixed to the coupling unit (320). If the control unit (510) determines that the vacuum cleaner (200) is fixed, it can control the operation of the fixed unit motor (580) to stop.

[0403] More specifically, the control unit (510) can control the fixed member motor (580) to drive in the forward direction so that the fixed member (331) fixes the dust bin (220) to the coupling unit (320).

[0404] At this time, when the fixed member (331) or the fixed link (335) moves to the dustbin fixed position (FP1), the fixed detection unit (570) can transmit a signal to the control unit (510) that the dustbin (220) is fixed to the coupling unit (320). Therefore, when the control unit (510) receives a signal from the fixed detection unit (570), it determines that the vacuum cleaner (200) is fixed to the coupling unit (320) and can control the operation of the fixed motor (580) to stop.

[0405] In another possible embodiment, the control unit (510) may drive the fixed motor (580) in the forward direction for a preset fixed time (tf) and then stop the driving of the fixed motor (580). For example, the control unit (510) may drive the fixed motor (580) in the forward direction for a fixed time (tf) of 4 seconds or more and 5 seconds or less and then stop the driving of the fixed motor (580). (See FIG. 22)

[0406] The dust collection method of the vacuum cleaner station (300) may further include a cover opening step (S130).

[0407] This step (S130) is performed after the dust bin (200) is connected to the connecting portion (320) of the housing (310), and is a step in which the dust bin body (221) is opened by the rotational motion of the discharge cover (222) to allow communication between the inside of the housing (310) and the inside of the dust bin (200).

[0408] In a possible embodiment, the cover opening step (S130) may be performed after the dustbin fixing step (S120) described above.

[0409] In this step (S130), the control unit (510) can open the discharge cover (222) of the cleaner (200) by controlling the cover opening motor (352) to rotate in the forward direction.

[0410] The control unit (510) can determine that the discharge cover (520) is open by receiving a discharge cover opening signal from the cover opening detection unit (520). If the control unit (510) determines that the discharge cover (222) is open, it can control the operation of the cover opening motor (352) to stop.

[0411] More specifically, when the control unit (510) drives the cover opening motor (352) in the forward direction, the push projection (351) can move away from the initial position to a position where it presses the coupling lever (222c). Accordingly, by the movement of the coupling lever (222c), the hook connection between the discharge cover (222) and the dustbin body (221) is released, and the discharge cover (222) can rotate to open one side of the dustbin body (221).

[0412] Meanwhile, before the push protrusion (351) presses the coupling lever (222c), the cover opening detection unit (520) can transmit a signal to the control unit (510) that the push protrusion (351) is in the initial position.

[0413] When the cover opening motor (352) is driven and the push projection (351) begins to move to press the coupling lever (222c), the cover opening detection unit (520) can transmit a signal to the control unit (510) that the push projection (351) has moved out of the initial position. The control unit (510) can receive this signal and determine that the cover opening unit (350) has been operated normally.

[0414] The control unit (510) can drive the cover opening motor (352) in the forward direction for a cover opening time (tc1) longer than the time required to press the coupling lever (222c), thereby separating the discharge cover (222) from the dustbin body (221). Thereafter, the control unit (510) can reverse the rotation direction of the cover opening motor (352) for a preset rotation direction change time (tc2) and then drive the cover opening motor (352) in the reverse direction for a preset projection return time (tc3). As a result, the push projection (351) can return to its initial position. (See FIG. 22)

[0415] For example, the cover opening time (tc1) and the protrusion return time (tc3) may be set to a time of 4 seconds or more and 5 seconds or less. The times may be set based on the movement distance and speed of the push protrusion (351). For example, the rotation direction change time (tc2) may be set to a time of 2 seconds or more and 3 seconds or less.

[0416] Meanwhile, the control unit (510) can receive a signal from the cover opening detection unit (520) that the push protrusion (351) has returned to the initial position, and in this case, can control the operation of the cover opening motor (352) to be stopped.

[0417] The dust collection method of the vacuum cleaner station (300) may further include a door opening step (S140).

[0418] This step (S140) is performed after the dustbin (220) is coupled to the coupling portion (320) of the housing (310), and is a step in which the door (341) arranged in the coupling portion (320) is opened. In a possible embodiment, the door opening step (S140) may be performed after the dustbin fixing step (S120) described above.

[0419] In a possible embodiment, the door opening step (S140) may be performed simultaneously with the cover opening step (S130) described above (see FIG. 22).

[0420] In this step (S140), the control unit (510) can open the door (341) of the cleaner station (300) by controlling the door motor (342) to rotate in the forward direction.

[0421] More specifically, when the control unit (510) controls the door motor (342) to rotate in the forward direction, the door (341) can rotate and open the dust passage hole (321a). That is, in this step, the control unit (510) can open the dust passage hole (321a) by rotating the door (341).

[0422] Meanwhile, in a possible embodiment, the control unit (510) may control the door motor (342) to drive in the forward direction after receiving a signal from the fixation detection unit (570) that the dustbin (220) is fixed and a preset time has elapsed. For example, the control unit (510) may drive the door motor (342) after a time of 0.5 seconds or more and 1.5 seconds or less has elapsed since the dustbin (220) is fixed.

[0423] With this configuration, the door (341) can be opened after waiting for the time required for the push protrusion (351) to begin pressing the coupling lever (222c) in the cover opening step (S130). In addition, the discharge cover (222) and the door (341) can be opened at similar times. If the discharge cover (222) is opened after the door (341) has been opened to the maximum angle, the discharge cover (222) may impact the door (341), resulting in damage to the configuration. Conversely, if the door (341) is not opened even when the push protrusion (351) is pressing the coupling lever (222c), the dustbin body (221) may not be opened. The configuration described above can prevent the occurrence of such problems.

[0424] Meanwhile, the control unit (510) can open the dust passage hole (321a) by rotating the door (341) in stages. More specifically, the control unit (510) can rotate the door (341) by a preset first opening angle (θ1), then stop the rotation of the door (341) for a predetermined period of time, and then further rotate the door (341) by a preset second opening angle (θ2). (See FIG. 22)

[0425] The sum of the first opening angle (θ1) and the second opening angle (θ2) becomes the maximum rotation angle of the door (341). The second opening angle (θ2) may be greater than the first opening angle (θ1). For example, the first opening angle (θ1) may be 25 degrees or more and 35 degrees or less. For example, the second opening angle (θ2) may be 45 degrees or more and 55 degrees or less.

[0426] As a result, when the cover opening step (S130) and the door opening step (S140) are performed, the discharge cover (222) of the dust bin (220) rotates, opening one side of the dust bin body (221), and the door (341) rotates, opening the dust passage hole (321a) as well, so that the internal space of the dust bin (220) and the internal space of the housing (310) (specifically, the first flow path (381)) are connected.

[0427] In addition, when the door arm (343) moves to the preset door opening position (DP1), the door opening / closing detection unit (560) can detect this and transmit a signal corresponding to this to the control unit (510). Accordingly, the control unit (510) can determine that the door (341) is open and control the operation of the door motor (342) to be stopped.

[0428] The dust collection method of the vacuum cleaner station (300) may further include a dust collection step (S150).

[0429] This step (S150) is performed after the interior of the housing (310) and the interior of the dust bin body (221) are connected, and is a step in which the dust collecting motor (391) is driven to collect dust into the interior of the collecting unit (370).

[0430] In this step (S150), the control unit (510) can operate the dust collecting motor (391) when a preset dust collection standby time (tw) has elapsed. Here, both the opening of the discharge cover and the opening of the door (341) must be completed during the dust collection standby time (tw). For example, the control unit (510) can control to operate the dust collecting motor (391) when a time of 6 seconds or more and 7 seconds or less has elapsed after the fixing of the dust bin (220) is completed. For example, the control unit (510) can control to operate the dust collecting motor (391) when a time of 10 seconds or more and 11 seconds or less has elapsed after the dust bin (220) is coupled to the coupling unit (320).

[0431] The control unit (510) can gradually increase the rotation speed of the dust collecting motor (391) to a preset dust collecting speed (Ws) during a preset suction increase time (tsi). For example, the control unit (510) can gradually increase the rotation speed of the dust collecting motor (391) to the dust collecting speed (Ws) for a period of 3 seconds or more and 5 seconds or less. This has the advantage of protecting the dust collecting motor (391) and increasing the lifespan of the dust collecting motor (391).

[0432] In this step, the control unit (510) can operate the dust collecting motor (391) to rotate at the dust collecting speed (Ws) for a preset dust collecting time (ts2). For example, in the dust collecting step, the control unit (510) can operate the dust collecting motor (391) to rotate at the dust collecting speed (Ws) for a time of 14 seconds or more and 16 seconds or less, but is not limited thereto, and the dust collecting time (ts1) can be changed and set according to the output of the dust collecting motor (391) and the amount of dust stored inside the dust bin (220).

[0433] At this stage, dust inside the dust bin (220) can pass through the dust passage hole (321a) and the flow path (381) and be collected in the collection unit (370). Therefore, the user can remove dust inside the dust bin (220) without any separate operation, thereby improving user convenience.

[0434] Meanwhile, dust and hair remaining in the coupling unit (320) after the dust collection step (S150) can be additionally collected. The additional dust collection can be performed by the control unit (510) closing the door (341) and rotating the dust collection motor (391) at a speed lower than the dust collection speed (Ws) for a preset additional dust collection time (ts2). This has the effect of concentrating negative pressure on the bypass hole (322c) to remove residual dust that was not removed in the dust collection step (S150).

[0435] After the dust collection step (S150) is completed or after additional dust collection is completed, the control unit (510) can control the dust collection motor (391) to stop.

[0436] At this time, the control unit (510) can gradually reduce the rotation speed of the dust collecting motor (391) for a preset suction reduction time (tsd). This has the advantage of protecting the dust collecting motor (391) and increasing the lifespan of the dust collecting motor (391).

[0437] The dust collection method of the vacuum cleaner station (300) may further include a compression step (S160).

[0438] This step (S160) is a step in which the collected dust is compressed by the rotational motion of the compression unit (410) placed inside the collection unit (370).

[0439] In this step (S160), the control unit (510) can drive and control the compression motor (420) to rotate in the forward or reverse direction, thereby allowing the compression unit (410) to rotate in the forward or reverse direction to compress the dust. Here, the forward direction of the compression motor (420) and the compression unit (410) is defined as the clockwise direction (CW) based on a state of looking down on the cleaner station (300) from above, and the reverse direction is defined as the counterclockwise direction (CCW).

[0440] In the embodiment described above with reference to FIG. 12, when the compression motor (420) rotates forward, the compression unit (410) rotates in the reverse direction, and when the compression motor (420) rotates backward, the compression unit (410) rotates in the forward direction.

[0441] The compression step (600) may include an initial compression step (S161) in which the rotational motion of the compression unit (410) is performed before the dust collection step (S150).

[0442] More specifically, in the initial compression step (S161), the rotary plate (413) included in the compression unit (410) rotates once in the forward or reverse direction, thereby compressing the collected dust. In the initial compression step (S161), the control unit (510) can control the compression motor (420) to rotate only once in the forward or reverse direction, and then stop the compression motor (420). That is, the compression motor (420) is rotated for the initial compression time (tp1), but the initial compression time (tp1) is not a preset time and varies depending on the amount of dust stored inside the collection unit (370).

[0443] For example, if a small amount of dust is stored inside the collection unit (370), tp1 becomes longer, and if a large amount of dust is stored, tp1 becomes shorter.

[0444] Meanwhile, the initial compression step (S161) may be performed simultaneously with the control unit (510) detecting that the dust bin (220) of the vacuum cleaner (200) is coupled to the coupling unit (320). That is, the initial compression step (S161) may be performed while at least one of the fixing step (S120), the cover opening step (S130), and the door opening step (S140) is being performed. The initial compression step (S161) may be completed before the start of the dust collection step (S150).

[0445] If the compressed dust volume expands again for any reason (for example, if vibration is applied to the vacuum station and the compressed dust is scattered within the collection unit), there is a problem that the space available for dust collection in the next dust collection step becomes narrow. However, if the initial compression step (S161) is performed, even in such cases, there is an advantage in that the space available for dust collection in the dust collection step (S150) can be secured more widely.

[0446] Meanwhile, the initial compression step (S160) is not performed prior to the other steps (S120, S130, S140) performed before the dust collection step (S150), but is performed simultaneously with one or more of the other steps, so there is an advantage in that the overall dust emptying operation time can be prevented from being excessively increased.

[0447] The compression step (600) may include a main compression step (S162) in which the rotational motion of the compression unit (410) is performed after the dust collection step (S150).

[0448] More specifically, in the main compression step (S162), the rotary plate (413) included in the compression unit (410) repeats one rotation cycle including forward and reverse rotation multiple times, thereby compressing the collected dust. In the main compression step (S162), the compression motor (420) rotates in one direction, and when the force applied to the compression motor (420) becomes greater than a set value while the dust is compressed, the rotation direction is changed to the other direction. That is, in the main compression step (S162), the rotation of the compression unit (410) (specifically, the rotary plate (413) of the compression unit (410)) is repeatedly performed in an alternating manner between the forward and reverse directions.

[0449] In a possible embodiment, the main compression step (S162) may be performed simultaneously with the additional dust collection described above. Simultaneous execution of the additional dust collection and the main compression step (S162) is possible because the amount of dust captured in the additional dust collection step is very small, and this has the advantage of preventing an excessive increase in the overall cycle time.

[0450] The rotation of the compression unit (410) in the main compression step (S162) may be performed for a preset compression time (tp2). Here, the compression time (tp2) may be set so that the rotation plate (413) rotates more than a preset minimum number of compressions, regardless of the amount of collected dust. For example, the minimum number of compressions may be 5 or more, and the compression time (tp2) may be 40 seconds or more. The minimum number of compressions and the compression time may be appropriately changed in terms of design.

[0451] In this way, by presetting the minimum standards for compression time and compression number of times, the dust inside the collection unit (370) can be effectively compressed. In addition, while the compression time is fixed, the amount of dust stored gradually increases, so that the more collected dust, the more rotation cycles of the compression unit (410) also increase. In other words, the more collected dust is compressed, the more times it is compressed, resulting in the effect of more effectively compressing the dust inside the collection unit (370).

[0452] Meanwhile, when the compression time elapses (S163), the control unit (510) can control the compression motor (420) to stop operating so that it no longer operates.

[0453] The compression unit (410) is stopped after repeating a rotation cycle including forward and reverse rotation multiple times. In this way, when the compression unit (410) rotates in cycle units, after the compression stage is completed, the rotation plate (413) is placed in a second position opposite to the first position where it started to rotate in the initial compression stage (S161).

[0454] More specifically, referring to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 23, the rotating plate (413) that started to rotate at the first position (left side of the fixed plate (412)) in the initial compression stage (S161) is placed at the second position (right side of the fixed plate (412)) after a number of rotation cycles are completed in the main compression stage (S162).

[0455] If the position at which the rotary plate (413) stops after the end of the compression phase is the same as the position at which the compression phase began, a problem may arise where dust accumulates biasedly on the left or right side of the fixed portion (412). This may lead to the flow path being blocked by the compressed dust.

[0456] However, in the embodiment of the present invention, the position of the rotary plate (413) when the compression step starts (the start position of the rotary plate (413) or the stop position of the rotary plate (413) in the previous compression step) and the position of the rotary plate (413) when the compression step ends (the stop position of the rotary plate (413)) are configured to be opposite, so that dust is evenly accumulated on both left and right sides of the fixed part (412). As a result, the above-described problem is prevented in advance.

[0457] In the main compression step (S162), the control unit (510) can calculate the amount of dust collected and stored in the collection unit (370). As described above, in the embodiment of the present invention, the amount of dust collected can be calculated from the rotation angle of the driving gear (431) or the compression unit (410) detected by the compression state detection unit (440).

[0458] In the main compression stage (S162), the control unit (510) can distinguish the produced dust collection amount by matching it to a preset dust collection amount stage.

[0459] Details on the calculation of dust collection amount and the division of dust collection amount stages have already been explained with reference to FIGS. 16 to 18, so they are omitted here.

[0460] The dust collection method of the vacuum cleaner station (300) may further include a door and cover closing step (S170).

[0461] This step (S170) is performed after the dust collection process is completed, and is a step in which the door (341) closes the dust passage hole (321a) by driving the door motor (342).

[0462] In this step, the control unit (510) can control the door motor (342) to rotate in the reverse direction so that the door (341) closes the dust passage hole (321a). More specifically, when a preset suction end time (tse) has elapsed after the operation of the dust collection motor (391) has ended, the control unit (510) can control the door motor (342) to rotate in the reverse direction so that the dust passage hole (321a) is closed by the door (341).

[0463] In an embodiment where additional dust collection is performed, since the door (341) has already closed the dust passage hole (321a), the control unit (510) can rotate the door (341) in the forward direction and then rotate it in the reverse direction again. That is, the door (341) can be controlled to open and then close the dust passage hole (321a) again.

[0464] In this way, the dust passage hole (321a) that has already been closed is opened and closed again to ensure that the dust passage hole (321a) is closed securely, as there may be cases where the dust passage hole (321a) is slightly opened due to negative pressure being applied to the door (341) when additional dust collection is performed.

[0465] Meanwhile, when the control unit (510) controls the door motor (342) to rotate in the reverse direction, the door (341) pushes the discharge cover (222) outward from the housing (310), and when the door (341) closes the dust passage hole (321a), the discharge cover (222) can be reattached to the dust bin body (221).

[0466] The dust collection method of the vacuum cleaner station (300) may further include a release step (S180).

[0467] This step (S180) is performed after the door (341) closes the dust passage hole (321a), and is a step of releasing the fixation of the dust bin (220) that was fixed to the coupling part (320) by driving the fixing part motor (580).

[0468] More specifically, in this step, when the control unit (510) receives a signal from the door open / close detection unit (560) that the door (341) has closed the dust passage hole (321a), the fixed unit motor (580) can be controlled to rotate in the reverse direction to release the fixation of the dust bin (220).

[0469] In a possible embodiment, the control unit (510) can control the driving of the fixed motor (580) for a preset release time (tf). For example, the control unit (510) can control the driving of the fixed motor (580) in the reverse direction for a time period of 4 seconds or more and 5 seconds or less.

[0470] When the fixing release step (S180) is performed, the user can separate the vacuum cleaner (200) from the housing (310) or separate the dust bin (220) from the housing (310). The user can perform cleaning using the vacuum cleaner (200) with the dust in the dust bin (220) removed.

[0471] Next, a second embodiment of a dust collection method will be described with reference to FIGS. 24 and 25.

[0472] Fig. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a second embodiment of a dust collection method of a vacuum cleaner station (300). Fig. 25 is a drawing for more specifically explaining the operation of the compression unit (410) performed in the dust compression step (S260) of Fig. 24.

[0473] Referring to FIG. 24, the second embodiment of the dust collection method of the vacuum cleaner station (300) may include a dust bin combination step (S210) and a dust bin fixing step (S220).

[0474] These steps (S210, S220) are identical in content to the dustbin combination step (S110) and dustbin fixing step (S120) in the first embodiment, so description of the overlapping content is omitted here.

[0475] As a feature of the second embodiment that is different from the first embodiment, the second embodiment of the dust collection method of the cleaner station (300) may further include an initial compression necessity determination step (S230).

[0476] This step (S230) may be performed simultaneously with the dustbin fixing step (S220) or after the dustbin fixing step (S220) is performed.

[0477] In this step (S230), the control unit (510) can determine whether initial compression is necessary based on the amount of dust collected when the vacuum cleaner station (300) was operated immediately before. For example, it can be determined that initial compression is necessary when the rotation angle of the compression unit (410) is 126° or less, that is, when the amount of dust collected is 65% or more.

[0478] In this step (S230), the control unit (510) can determine whether initial compression is necessary based on the dust collection level calculated when the vacuum cleaner station (300) was operated immediately before. For example, it can be determined that initial compression is necessary starting from the dust collection level 4.

[0479] That is, whether initial compression is necessary can be determined by whether the amount of dust collected is greater than a certain amount.

[0480] Through this, when the amount of dust accumulated inside the collection section exceeds a certain amount, the initial compression step can be performed to secure a larger dust collection space.

[0481] Referring to FIG. 24, the second embodiment of the dust collection method of the vacuum cleaner station (300) may further include a cover opening step (S240), a door opening step (S250), and a dust collection step (S260).

[0482] These steps (S240, S250, S260) have the same contents as the cover opening step (S130), door opening step (S140), and dust collection step (S150) in the first embodiment, so description of the overlapping contents is omitted here.

[0483] Referring to FIG. 24, the second embodiment of the dust collection method of the vacuum cleaner station (300) may further include a compression step (S270).

[0484] What makes this step (S270) different from the compression step (S170) in the first embodiment is that in the first embodiment, the initial compression step (S161) is mandatory, but whether or not to perform the initial compression step (S271) is optional.

[0485] Previously, if it is determined in the initial compression necessity determination step (S230) that the amount of dust collected is greater than a certain amount and initial compression is necessary, the initial compression step (S271) is performed.

[0486] The initial compression step (S271) may not be performed prior to the other steps (S220, S240, S250) performed before the dust collection step (S260), but may be performed simultaneously with one or more of the other steps.

[0487] The initial compression step (S271) is identical in content to the initial compression step (S161) of the first embodiment except that it is an optional execution step, so description of the overlapping content is omitted here.

[0488] If it is determined that initial compression is not necessary because the dust collection amount is less than a certain amount in the initial compression necessity determination step (S230), the initial compression step (S271) is not performed, and only the main compression step (S272) is performed after the dust collection step (S260).

[0489] The main compression step (S272) of the second embodiment is characterized in that, for the entire stroke of the compression step (S270) (including the initial compression step (S271) when performed), the start position, which is the position where the rotary plate (413) starts to rotate, and the stop position, which is the position where the rotation ends, are opposite to each other.

[0490] Referring to FIG. 25, an example is shown in which, in the Nth driving cycle, which is an arbitrary driving cycle of the cleaner station (300) (here, the driving cycle is a concept including the entire cycle from step S210 to step S290), the starting position of the rotating plate (413) is on the left side of the fixed plate (412), and the stopping position is on the right side of the fixed plate (412).

[0491] At this time, in the main compression step (S272), the rotation drive of the rotary plate (413) is repeated at least once in one cycle of rotation including clockwise rotation (cw) and counterclockwise rotation (ccw). The number of rotation cycles can be set to an appropriate value, but the present embodiment is characterized in that the start position and stop position of the rotary plate (413) are located on opposite sides with respect to the fixed plate (412).

[0492] Continuing with reference to FIG. 25, in the N+1 driving cycle of the cleaner station (300), the starting position of the rotating plate (413) becomes the same as the stop position of the previous driving cycle (Nth cycle). In the N+1 driving cycle as well, the starting position and stop position of the rotating plate (413) become opposite to each other with respect to the fixed plate (412).

[0493] The example illustrated in Fig. 25 illustrates a case where the amount of dust collected in the N+1 driving cycle of the cleaner station (300) exceeds a certain amount, and thus initial compression is required in the next driving cycle (N+2 driving cycle).

[0494] In the N+2 driving cycle of the cleaner station (300), the starting position of the rotating plate (413) means the starting position in the initial compression stage (S271). The starting position of the rotating plate (413) becomes the same position as the stop position of the previous driving cycle (N+1).

[0495] Even in the N+2 driving cycle, the start and stop positions of the rotary plate (413) are opposite to each other with respect to the fixed plate (412). To this end, in the main compression stage after the initial compression stage is performed, the rotary drive of the rotary plate (413) is performed one more or one less time.

[0496] Meanwhile, in the initial compression step (S271) of the second embodiment, it is described that the rotary plate (413) rotates once in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, but in the initial compression step (S272), the rotary plate (413) may rotate one cycle including rotation in a clockwise (cw) and counterclockwise (ccw) direction.

[0497] In the second embodiment, as long as the start position and stop position of the rotary plate (413) are opposite to each other with respect to the fixed plate (412), the number of rotations of the rotary plate (413) in the initial compression stage and the number of rotations of the rotary plate (413) in the main compression stage can be changed to appropriate values.

[0498] In addition to the above-described contents, specific contents such as the dust compression method of the compression step (S270) and the method for calculating the dust collection amount are the same as those of the compression step (S160) of the first embodiment, so description of the overlapping contents is omitted here.

[0499] As in the first embodiment, when the preset compression time has elapsed (S273), the control unit (510) can control the compression motor (420) to stop operating so that it no longer operates.

[0500] A second embodiment of the dust collection method of the vacuum cleaner station (300) may further include a door and cover closing step (S280) and a fixing release step (S290).

[0501] These steps (S280, S290) are identical in content to the door and cover closing step (S170) and the fixing release step (S180) in the first embodiment, so description of the overlapping content is omitted here.

[0502] When the unfastening step (S290) is performed, the user can separate the vacuum cleaner (200) from the housing (310) or separate the dust bin (220) from the housing (310). The user can perform cleaning using the vacuum cleaner (200) with the dust in the dust bin (220) removed.

[0503] Meanwhile, in an embodiment of the present invention, the cleaner system (3) may further include a display device together with the cleaner (200) and the cleaner station (300).

[0504] The display device can display a notification in a plurality of preset stages according to the amount of dust collected calculated from the rotation angle detected by the compression state detection unit (440).

[0505] In a possible embodiment, the display device may be a device that visually displays driving information related to the operation of the cleaner station (300). As an example, the display device may be the display unit (530) of the cleaner station (300) described above.

[0506] In addition, the driving information related to the operation of the vacuum cleaner station (300) may further include information on the operation currently being performed (dust collecting, charging, compressing, etc.) in addition to notifications based on the amount of dust collected.

[0507] Alternatively, in a possible embodiment, the display device may be a device that visually displays driving information related to the operation of the vacuum cleaner (200). For example, the display device may be the control unit (218) of the vacuum cleaner (200) described above. In this embodiment, information on the amount of dust collected may be transmitted from the vacuum cleaner station (300) to the vacuum cleaner (200) via wired or wireless communication.

[0508] In addition, the driving information related to the operation of the vacuum cleaner (200) may further include, in addition to notifications based on the amount of dust collected, information related to the suction power of the vacuum cleaner, information related to the remaining battery level of the vacuum cleaner, etc.

[0509] Alternatively, in a possible embodiment, the display device may be a portable terminal (600). In this case, the display device may be a portable wireless communication electronic device, such as an external mobile phone, PDA, laptop, digital camera, game console, or e-book. In this embodiment, information on the amount of dust collected may be transmitted from the vacuum cleaner station (300) to the terminal (600) via wireless communication.

[0510] Meanwhile, the display device is not limited to any one of the above-described embodiments, and may be included in two or more configurations. That is, the dust collection amount may be selectively displayed on any one of the vacuum cleaner (200), the vacuum cleaner station (300), and the terminal (600), but may also be displayed on at least two or more configurations, or all configurations.

[0511] As described above, according to the present invention, the compression unit compresses dust while moving in the internal space of the collection unit, thereby improving the storage efficiency of dust captured in the collection unit.

[0512] In addition, according to the present invention, since the amount of dust collected in the collecting unit is displayed on the display unit, there is an advantage in that the user can easily check the amount of dust collected in the collecting unit without having to take the collecting unit out to check it.

[0513] In addition, according to the present invention, the amount of dust compressed and stored inside the collecting unit is displayed as a warning notification on the display unit through a plurality of stages, so that the user has the advantage of being able to remove the dust by selecting an appropriate time of his / her choice before the collecting unit becomes full of dust.

[0514] In addition, according to the present invention, the amount of dust collected in the collecting unit is calculated through the rotation angle of the compression unit, and the rotation angle is calculated based on the number of changes in the pattern formed in the driving gear, so that there is an advantage in that the amount of dust can be accurately calculated even if the rotation speed of the compression unit changes due to the jamming of foreign substances, etc.

[0515] 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.

Claims

2023391498   18 Jun 2026[CLAIMS]

1. A method of collecting dust performed by a cleaner station including a housing coupled to a dust bin of a cleaner, a dust collection motor disposed inside the housing to generate a suction force to suction dust inside the dust bin, and a first accommodation space in which a space for collecting the dust suctioned from an interior of the dust bin and accommodating a compression unit for compressing the dust is provided, and a second accommodation space disposed on the same horizontal plane as the first accommodation space and accommodating a cyclone therein, the method comprising:a cover opening operation of opening a discharging cover of the dust bin so that an interior of the housing communicates with the interior of the dust bin after the dust bin is coupled to the housing;a door opening operation of opening a door disposed on a coupling unit to which the dust bin is coupled;a dust collection operation of collecting dust inside the first accommodation space by driving the dust collection motor; anda compressing operation of compressing the collected dust by a rotation operation of a compression unit disposed inside the first accommodation space,wherein the compressing operation includes:a main compression operation in which the rotation operation of the compression unit is performed after the dust collecting operation; andan initial compression operation in which the rotation operation of the compression unit is performed before the dust collecting operation.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the initial compression operation includes2023391498   18 Jun 2026compressing the collected dust by a rotation plate included in the compression unit and rotating once in a forward or reverse direction.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the main compression operation includes compressing the collected dust by a rotation plate included in the compression unit and repeating one rotation cycle including forward rotation and reverse rotation a plurality of times.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, in the main compression operation, the rotation plate included in the compression unit alternately repeats forward rotation and reverse rotation for a preset compression time.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the compression time is set so that the rotation plate rotates a preset minimum compression count or more regardless of an amount of the collected dust.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein, in the compressing operation, when the main compression operation is finished, the rotation plate included in the compression unit is disposed at a second position which is a direction opposite to a first position at which the rotation plate starts to rotate in the initial compression operation.

7. A method of collecting dust performed by a cleaner station including a housing coupled to a dust bin of a cleaner, a dust collection motor disposed inside the housing to generate a suction force to suction dust inside the dust bin, and a first accommodation space in which a space for collecting the dust suctioned from an interior of the dust bin2023391498   18 Jun 2026and accommodating a compression unit for compressing the dust is provided, and a second accommodation space disposed on the same horizontal plane as the first accommodation space and accommodating a cyclone, the method comprising:a cover opening operation of opening a discharging cover of the dust bin so that an interior of the housing communicates with the interior of the dust bin after the dust bin is coupled to the housing;a door opening operation of opening a door disposed on a coupling unit to which the dust bin is coupled;a dust collection operation of collecting dust inside the first accommodation space by driving the dust collection motor; anda compressing operation of compressing the collected dust by a rotation operation of a compression unit disposed inside the first accommodation space,wherein the compression unit includes:a fixed plate fixedly disposed at one side of the interior of the first accommodation space; anda rotation plate formed to compress dust disposed between the rotation plate and the fixed plate while rotating inside the first accommodation space, andin the compressing operation, a start position, which is a position at which the rotation plate starts to rotate, and a stop position, which is a position at which the rotation plate ends rotating, are positioned at opposite sides of the fixed plate.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the compressing operation includes measuring a rotation angle of the rotation plate and calculating an amount of collected dust stored in the first accommodation space.

9. 2023391498   18 Jun 2026The method of claim 7, wherein the compressing operation further includes an initial compression operation in which the rotation of the rotation plate is performed before the dust collecting operation when the amount of collected dust stored inside the first accommodation space is a predetermined amount or more.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the initial compression operation includes compressing the collected dust by the rotation plate rotating once in a forward or reverse direction.

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