Cleaning apparatus with vacuum cleaner and docking station

Abstract

A cleaning apparatus according to the inventive concept comprises a vacuum cleaner comprising a dust chamber in which foreign matter is collected, and a docking station configured to be connected to the dust chamber in order to remove the foreign matter collected in the dust chamber, wherein the dust chamber is configured to collect foreign matter by means of centrifugal separation by rotation and to be docked in the docking station, and the docking station comprises suction means for suction of the foreign matter and of the internal air in the dust chamber docked in the docking station.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese invention patent application No. 201980082756.6 (filed on December 12, 2019; invention title: cleaning equipment with vacuum cleaner and docking station). Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to cleaning equipment including a vacuum cleaner and a docking station, and more specifically, to a docking station capable of automatically discharging dust from inside the vacuum cleaner, and cleaning equipment including the docking station. Background Technology

[0003] Generally, a vacuum cleaner is a device that includes a fan motor configured to generate suction force, and uses the suction force generated by the fan motor to suck up foreign objects such as dust that are carried with the air, separate the foreign objects contained in the sucked air from the air, and collect the dust, thereby performing a cleaning operation.

[0004] The vacuum cleaner includes a dust collection chamber for collecting foreign objects, and the user should periodically separate the dust collection chamber from the vacuum cleaner and discharge the foreign objects from the dust collection chamber. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical problems to be solved

[0006] Therefore, one aspect of this disclosure is to provide a cleaning device that includes a docking station for a vacuum cleaner capable of automatically discharging foreign matter from a dust collection chamber.

[0007] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a cleaning device including a docking station with an improved structure for effectively removing foreign matter from a dust collection chamber.

[0008] Technical solution

[0009] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a cleaning device includes: a vacuum cleaner comprising a dust collection chamber in which foreign matter is collected; and a docking station configured to connect to the dust collection chamber to remove the foreign matter collected in the dust collection chamber. The dust collection chamber is configured to collect the foreign matter by centrifugal separation and is configured to dock to the docking station, and the docking station includes a suction device configured to suction the foreign matter and air from the dust collection chamber docked to the docking station.

[0010] The dust collection chamber can be configured to be separate from the vacuum cleaner and docked to the docking station.

[0011] The docking station may further include: a body, the body including a long axis extending in a vertical direction; and a mounting section, the dust collection chamber being mounted on the mounting section, the mounting section being configured to open upward in the direction of the long axis of the docking station.

[0012] The dust collection chamber may include a cylindrical shape, the cylindrical shape including a long axis extending in one direction, and the dust collection chamber may be inserted into the docking station along the direction along the long axis of the cylindrical shape.

[0013] In response to the docking of the dust collection chamber and the mounting part, the long axis of the cylindrical shape can be set in the same direction as the long axis of the body.

[0014] The docking station may include a collector, which, when disposed in the body, is located between the placement portion and the suction device; the collector collects foreign objects that move from the dust collection chamber by means of the suction airflow generated by the suction device.

[0015] The placement part, the collector, and the suction device can be arranged sequentially from top to bottom along the long axis of the main body.

[0016] The collector may include a collection section configured to communicate with the placement section, the collection section being removably installed in the collector and collecting foreign objects introduced from the placement section in the collection section.

[0017] The body may also include a cover configured to open and close the collector to allow the interior of the collector to be open to the outside; and in response to the opening of the interior of the collector, the collecting part can be separated from the interior of the collector and removed from the collector.

[0018] The collection unit may include an additional dust collection chamber, which includes a cyclone separator configured to collect foreign matter by centrifugal separation.

[0019] The vacuum cleaner may further include: a suction unit configured to suction foreign matter; and an extension tube configured to connect the suction unit to the dust collection chamber, the extension tube including a long axis extending in one direction; and the long axis of the extension tube and the long axis of the dust collection chamber may extend in a direction substantially consistent with each other.

[0020] The vacuum cleaner may further include: a suction unit configured to suction foreign matter; and an extension tube configured to connect the suction unit to the dust collection chamber, the extension tube including a long axis extending in one direction; and in response to docking of the dust collection chamber with the docking station, the vacuum cleaner is supported against the docking station to allow the long axis of the extension tube and the long axis of the body to extend in a direction substantially consistent with each other.

[0021] The dust collection chamber may include: a cylindrical shape including a long axis extending in one direction; a dust collection chamber door disposed at the lower end of the cylindrical shape; and a cyclone separator configured to allow the separation of foreign matter in the dust collection chamber by centrifugal separation; and in response to the opening of the dust collection chamber door, the dust collection chamber may allow foreign matter collected inside the cyclone separator and foreign matter collected between the cyclone separator and the dust collection chamber to be separated toward the outside of the dust collector.

[0022] The dust collection chamber may further include a fixing member configured to removably attach the dust collection chamber door to the dust collection chamber; and the dust collection chamber door may be opened in response to connection to the docking station; and the docking station may include an opening guide configured to press the fixing member in response to connection between the dust collection chamber and the docking station to allow the dust collection chamber door to be opened.

[0023] The docking station may include a flow regulator configured to selectively change the amount of suction air supplied to the dust collection chamber in response to the actuation of the suction device, thereby changing the flow rate inside the dust collection chamber.

[0024] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the cleaning apparatus includes: a vacuum cleaner comprising a dust collection chamber in which foreign matter is collected; and a docking station configured to connect to the dust collection chamber to remove the foreign matter collected in the dust collection chamber. The dust collection chamber is configured to be detached from the vacuum cleaner and docked to the docking station; and the docking station includes a suction device configured to suction the foreign matter and air from the dust collection chamber docked to the docking station.

[0025] The docking station may further include: a body including a long axis extending in a vertical direction; and a mounting portion on which the dust collection chamber is mounted, the mounting portion being configured to open upward in the direction of the long axis of the docking station.

[0026] The dust collection chamber includes a long axis extending in one direction, and the dust collection chamber can be inserted into the docking station along the direction along which the long axis of the dust collection chamber extends.

[0027] In response to the docking of the dust collection chamber and the mounting part, the long axis of the dust collection chamber can be set in the same direction as the long axis of the main body.

[0028] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the cleaning device includes: a vacuum cleaner comprising a dust collection chamber in which foreign matter is collected; and a docking station configured to dock with the dust collection chamber to remove the foreign matter collected in the dust collection chamber. The dust collection chamber includes a dust collection chamber door and a fixing member, the dust collection chamber door being configured to allow opening of the dust collection chamber in response to docking with the docking station, the fixing member being configured to removably secure the dust collection chamber door to the dust collection chamber; and the docking station includes a suction device and an opening guide, the suction device being configured to suction foreign matter and air from the dust collection chamber docked with the docking station, the opening guide being configured to press one side of the fixing member in response to docking with the dust collection chamber to allow opening of the dust collection chamber door.

[0029] Beneficial effects

[0030] The cleaning equipment can automatically remove foreign objects collected in the dust collection chamber of the vacuum cleaner, and can charge the battery of the vacuum cleaner through the docking station of the vacuum cleaner.

[0031] In particular, during the removal of foreign objects collected in the dust collection chamber, the cleaning equipment can effectively remove the collected foreign objects by changing the flow rate while simultaneously suctioning the inside of the dust bag. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a view showing the cleaner and station separated according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing a portion of a station in a state where it is transparent, according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 3 Is Figure 2 A top view of the station shown;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a side sectional view showing the state of the cleaner connected to the station according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 5This is a partial perspective view of a portion of the dust collection chamber of a cleaner according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 6 According to the first embodiment of this disclosure, during the process of connecting the cleaner to the station, along Figure 3 A sectional view taken by line AA′;

[0038] Figure 7 This is the first embodiment of the present disclosure, after the cleaner is connected to the station, along... Figure 3 A sectional view taken by line AA′;

[0039] Figure 8 This is a partial perspective view of a portion of the dust collection chamber of a cleaner according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 9 According to the first embodiment of this disclosure, when the flow path cover is closed while the cleaner is connected to the station, along... Figure 3 A sectional view taken by line BB′;

[0041] Figure 10 According to the first embodiment of this disclosure, when the flow path cover is opened while the cleaner is connected to the station, along... Figure 3 A sectional view taken by line BB′;

[0042] Figure 11 It shows the drive in Figure 1 The flowchart of the station shown;

[0043] Figure 12 According to the third embodiment of this disclosure, when the flow path cover is closed while the cleaner is connected to the station, along... Figure 3 A sectional view taken by line BB′;

[0044] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the flow regulator of a station according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure;

[0045] Figure 14 It shows Figure 13 A schematic side sectional view of the flow regulator in the closed state of the connection flow path;

[0046] Figure 15 It shows Figure 13 A schematic side sectional view of the flow regulator in the open connection flow path;

[0047] Figure 16 This is a perspective view of a station flow regulator according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 17 It shows Figure 16A schematic side sectional view of the flow regulator in the closed state of the connection flow path;

[0049] Figure 18 It shows Figure 16 A schematic side sectional view of the flow regulator in the open connection flow path;

[0050] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of a station flow regulator according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] Figure 20 This is a view showing the state in which the flow regulator of the station opens the discharge port of the dust collection chamber according to the seventh embodiment of this disclosure;

[0052] Figure 21 This is a view showing the state in which the flow regulator of the station closes the discharge port of the dust collection chamber according to the seventh embodiment of this disclosure;

[0053] Figure 22 This is a perspective view of a station according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0054] Figure 23 This is a perspective view of a cleaning apparatus according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0055] Figure 24 This is a view showing some components of a station according to an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0056] Figure 25 This is a side sectional view of some components of a cleaning device according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0057] Figure 26 This is a side sectional view of some components of a cleaning device according to the ninth embodiment of this disclosure;

[0058] Figure 27 This is a perspective view of a station flow regulator according to the eighth embodiment of this disclosure;

[0059] Figure 28 This is a view showing the state in which the flow regulator of the station is connected to the flow path according to the eighth embodiment of this disclosure;

[0060] Figure 29 This is a view showing the state in which the flow regulator of the station is closed to the connected flow path according to the eighth embodiment of this disclosure;

[0061] Figure 30 This is a perspective view of the docking station according to the tenth embodiment of this disclosure;

[0062] Figure 31 This is a view showing the state in which the dust collection chamber of the cleaner is docked to the docking station according to the tenth embodiment of this disclosure;

[0063] Figure 32 This is an exploded perspective view of the docking station according to the tenth embodiment of this disclosure;

[0064] Figure 33 This is a side sectional view of the docking station according to the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0065] Figure 34 This is an exploded perspective view of a flow regulator according to the tenth embodiment of this disclosure;

[0066] Figure 35 It is shown Figure 34 A view of the state of the flow regulator when the connection to the flow path is closed;

[0067] Figure 36 It is shown Figure 34 The flow regulator opens a view of the status of the connected flow path;

[0068] Figure 37 This is a view of a portion of the dust collection chamber according to the tenth embodiment of this disclosure;

[0069] Figure 38 This is a view showing the state of the dust collection chamber before docking with the docking station according to the tenth embodiment of this disclosure;

[0070] Figure 39 This is a view showing the state of the dust collection chamber and the docking station after docking, according to the tenth embodiment of this disclosure;

[0071] Figure 40 This is a view of a portion of the dust collection chamber according to the eleventh embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0072] Figure 41 This is a view showing the state of the dust collection chamber before docking with the docking station according to the twelfth embodiment of this disclosure;

[0073] Figure 42 This is a view showing the state of the fixing member of the dust collection chamber under which an external force is applied, according to the twelfth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0074] Figure 43 This is a view showing the state of the dust collection chamber and the docking station after docking, according to the twelfth embodiment of this disclosure;

[0075] Figure 44 This is a view showing a portion of a dust collection chamber in a closed state according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0076] Figure 45 This is a view showing a portion of the dust collection chamber in the open state according to the thirteenth embodiment of this disclosure;

[0077] Figure 46 This is a view showing the mounting section according to the thirteenth embodiment of this disclosure;

[0078] Figure 47 This is a view showing the state of the dust collection chamber before it is docked to the docking station according to the thirteenth embodiment of this disclosure;

[0079] Figure 48 This is a view showing the state in which the dust collection chamber is docked to the docking station according to the fourteenth embodiment of this disclosure;

[0080] Figure 49 This is a side sectional view of the docking station according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0081] Figure 50 This is a view showing the state in which the flow regulator opens the connection flow path according to the fifteenth embodiment of this disclosure;

[0082] Figure 51 This is a view showing the state in which the flow regulator closes the connection flow path according to the fifteenth embodiment of this disclosure;

[0083] Figure 52 This is an exploded perspective view of a flow regulator according to the sixteenth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0084] Figure 53 This is a side sectional view showing the state in which the damper is closed in the flow regulator according to the sixteenth embodiment of this disclosure; and

[0085] Figure 54 This is a side sectional view showing the state in which the damper in the flow regulator is closed according to the sixteenth embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0086] The embodiments described in this disclosure and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are merely examples of embodiments of this disclosure and can be modified in various ways to replace the embodiments and drawings of this disclosure when this application is filed.

[0087] In addition, the same reference numerals and symbols shown in the accompanying drawings of this disclosure refer to elements or components that perform substantially the same function.

[0088] Furthermore, the terminology used herein is for describing embodiments and is not intended to limit and / or constrain this disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” “the,” and “the” also include the plural objects. In this disclosure, the terms “comprising,” “having,” and similar terms are used to enumerate features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more of said features, elements, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0089] It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and a second element may be referred to as a first element. The term “and / or” includes a combination of multiple related items or any one of multiple related items.

[0090] In the following detailed description, the terms "upper side", "lower side" and "front and rear direction" may be defined according to the accompanying drawings, and the shape and position of the parts are not limited by these terms.

[0091] This disclosure will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0092] Figure 1 This is a view showing the cleaner and station separated according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing a portion of a station in a transparent state according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 Is Figure 2 The top view of the station shown, and Figure 4 This is a side sectional view showing the state of the cleaner connected to the station according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] refer to Figures 1 to 4 The cleaning equipment 1 may include a cleaner 10 and a docking station 100.

[0094] The cleaner 10 may include: a cleaner body 11; an extension tube (not shown) removably connected to the cleaner body 11; a suction unit (not shown) removably connected to the extension tube (not shown); and a dust collection chamber 20 removably connected to the cleaner body 11.

[0095] The cleaner body 11 may include: a suction motor (not shown) configured to generate suction force required to remove foreign matter from the surface to be cleaned; and a dust collection chamber 20 in which the foreign matter removed from the surface to be cleaned is contained.

[0096] The dust collection chamber 20 can be positioned upstream of the airflow rather than on the suction motor to filter and collect dust and dirt in the air flowing through the main suction unit (not shown). The dust collection chamber 20 can be configured to be removed from the cleaner body 11.

[0097] The cleaner 10 may include a filter housing 12. The filter housing 12 may have a generally annular shape to house a filter (not shown). There are no limitations on the type of filter. For example, a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter may be disposed inside the filter housing 12. The filter can filter out ultrafine dust that is not filtered out by the dust collection chamber 20. The filter housing 12 may include a discharge port 13 for discharging air traveling through the filter to the outside of the cleaner 10.

[0098] The cleaner body 11 may include a handle 14 for allowing a user to grip and manipulate the cleaner 10. The user can grip the handle 14 and move the cleaner 10 back and forth.

[0099] The cleaner body 11 may include a control 15. The user can operate the power button located on the control 15 to turn the cleaner 10 on / off or adjust the suction intensity.

[0100] The cleaner body 11 may include a dust collection guide 30, which is configured to connect between the dust collection chamber 20, the extension tube (not shown), and the suction unit (not shown) to guide foreign objects into the dust collection chamber 20.

[0101] The dust collection guide 30 can be connected to the aforementioned extension tube (not shown) when guiding foreign objects into the dust collection chamber 20 as described above. Alternatively, the dust collection guide 30 can be configured to be directly connected to the suction unit (not shown) instead of the extension tube (not shown), or it can be configured to be connected to other components such as an auxiliary suction unit.

[0102] Accordingly, the ease of cleaning can be increased because users can combine various components with the dust collection guide 30 according to the cleaning situation.

[0103] The cleaner body 11 may include a battery 16 configured to provide driving force to the cleaner 10. The battery 16 may be removably installed in the cleaner body 11. Additionally, the battery 16 may be electrically connected to a charging terminal 123, which will be described later, located in the docking station 100. The battery 16 can be charged by receiving power from the charging terminal 123 located in the docking station 100.

[0104] The docking station 100 can be configured to store or hold the cleaner 10. The cleaner 10 can be charged in the docking station 100.

[0105] The docking station 100 may include a body housing 110, which forms the appearance of the docking station 100.

[0106] The docking station 100 may include a charger 120 that docks to the handle 14 of the cleaner 10 to power the battery 16.

[0107] The charger 120 may include: a battery placement portion 121 on which the battery 16 is placed; a battery guide 122 configured to guide the installation of the battery 16; and a charging terminal 123 configured to supply power to the battery 16 after the battery 16 has been placed.

[0108] However, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the battery 16 can be arranged to be exposed to the outside, but is not limited thereto. The battery 16 can be arranged inside the body 11 of the cleaner 10 and not exposed to the outside. In this case, the charger 120 can be arranged such that at least a portion of the body 11 in which the battery 16 is arranged is placed on the charger 120 for charging the battery 16.

[0109] As described above, a conventional docking station can be configured to supply power to the battery when the cleaner is docked to the docking station. The docking station 100 according to an embodiment of this disclosure can further enhance consumer convenience by automatically discharging dust collected in the dust collection chamber 20 after the cleaner 10 is docked to the docking station 100.

[0110] However, the docking station 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may only perform the function of automatically discharging the dust collected in the dust collection chamber 20 without charging the cleaner 10.

[0111] In a conventional manner, the user must directly remove the foreign matter collected in the dust collection chamber 20 after using the cleaner 10. However, the docking station 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can automatically remove the dust collected in the dust collection chamber 20 by directly docking the cleaner 10 to the dust collection chamber 20.

[0112] The docking station 100 can discharge the dust collected in the dust collection chamber 20 through the suction device 130.

[0113] The suction device 130 may include a suction flow path 132. The suction flow path 132 is directly connected to the suction fan 131 and the dust collection chamber 20 to allow foreign matter collected in the dust collection chamber 20 to be discharged to the outside of the dust collection chamber 20 by the suction fan 131.

[0114] The suction flow path 132 can convey the airflow generated by the suction fan 131 to the dust collection chamber 20. In other words, the suction airflow generated by the suction fan 131 can be conveyed to the dust collection chamber 20 along the suction flow path 132, and foreign objects inside the dust collection chamber 20 can be discharged to the outside of the dust collection chamber 20 through the suction airflow.

[0115] One end of the suction flow path 132 may be connected to the dust collection chamber 20, and the other end of the suction flow path 132 may be connected to a collector (not shown) configured to collect the suctioned foreign matter.

[0116] The collector (not shown) may have a larger internal space than the internal space of the dust collection chamber 20.

[0117] Although not shown in the accompanying drawings, the collector (not shown) may be configured in the shape of a collection bag, which is configured to pass air to allow the intake airflow generated by the suction fan 131 to flow into the intake flow path 132, and is configured to prevent dust from being passed through.

[0118] However, the shape of the collector (not shown) is not limited to this, and therefore the collector (not shown) can be configured as an additional dust collection chamber connected to the suction flow path 132 and the suction fan 131. This additional dust collection chamber can be formed in the same manner as the dust collection chamber 20 as a multi-cyclone separator to collect foreign matter introduced from the dust collection chamber 20.

[0119] A collector (not shown) may be arranged in a first internal space 111 formed by the body housing 110. The first internal space 111 may be configured to be opened and closed by a first cover 112 arranged at the front of the body housing 110.

[0120] When the collector (not shown) is completely filled with foreign matter, the user can open the first cover 112 and separate the collector (not shown) from the main body housing 110 to remove the foreign matter collected in the collector (not shown).

[0121] A suction fan 131 may be arranged in a second internal space 113 formed by the housing. The second internal space 113 may be configured to be opened and closed by a second cover 114, which is arranged at the front of the main housing 110.

[0122] The second cover 114 can be configured to discharge air drawn in by the suction fan 131. The inner surface of the second cover 114 can be equipped with an additional filter (not shown) configured to additionally filter out foreign objects in the discharged air.

[0123] The first internal space 111 and the second internal space 113 can be configured to communicate with each other. Therefore, in response to driving the suction fan 131, the intake airflow can be conveyed through the first internal space 111 and the second internal space 113 to the intake flow path 132, and the intake airflow can be conveyed through the intake flow path 132 to the dust collection chamber 20.

[0124] However, the structure of the first internal space 111 and the second internal space 113 is not limited thereto, and therefore the first internal space 111 and the second internal space 113 can be formed as a space that is not divided in the body shell 110.

[0125] The charger 120 described above can be arranged at the top of the main body housing 110.

[0126] The main housing 110 may include a docking housing 140, which allows the dust collection chamber 20 and the dust collection guide 30 to be docked into the interior of the housing when the handle 14 is docked to the charger 120.

[0127] The suction flow path 132 described above can be arranged in the docking housing 140. Furthermore, the flow regulator 150, described later, can be arranged in the docking housing 140.

[0128] The docking housing 140 may correspond to a component of the main housing 110, but the docking housing 140 is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the docking housing 140 may be configured as a component integrally formed with the main housing 110.

[0129] The docking housing 140 may include a first opening 141 that docks to the dust collection chamber 20 and is connected to one end of the suction flow path 132.

[0130] The docking housing 140 may include a second opening 142 that docks to the dust collection guide 30 and is connected to the flow regulator 150.

[0131] By using the second opening 142, the flow regulator 150 can selectively supply outside air to the dust collection chamber 20 through the dust collection guide 30. This will be described below.

[0132] A switch unit 160 may be provided on one side of the docking housing 140, and the switch unit 160 is configured to detect the docking of the cleaner 10 with the docking housing 140 and transmit signals for driving the suction device 130 and the flow regulator 150.

[0133] The docking station 100 may include a controller (not shown) and may drive the suction device 130 and the flow regulator 150 by receiving electrical signals from the switching unit 160.

[0134] The switching unit 160 may include: a first switch 161 configured to detect that the dust collection chamber 20 has passed through the first opening 141 and is connected to the suction device 130; and a second switch 162 configured to detect that the dust collection guide 30 has passed through the second opening 142 and is connected to the flow regulator 150.

[0135] The structure of the dust collection chamber 20 connected to the suction device 130 will be described below.

[0136] Figure 5 This is a partial perspective view of a portion of the dust collection chamber of a cleaner according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 According to the first embodiment of this disclosure, during the process of connecting the cleaner to the station, along Figure 3 The sectional view taken by line AA′. Figure 7 This is the first embodiment of the present disclosure, after the cleaner is connected to the station, along... Figure 3 The sectional view taken by line AA′.

[0137] The dust collection chamber 20 may include a dust collection chamber door 21 configured to open and close the dust collection chamber 20 when it docks with the docking station 100.

[0138] The dust collection chamber door 21 can form the lower part of the dust collection chamber 20 and is arranged at the lower end of the dust collection chamber 20.

[0139] The dust collection chamber 20 can be configured to have multiple chambers. In other words, the dust collection chamber 20 can be formed by stacking multiple cyclone separator chambers. In this case, when the dust collection chamber door 21 is opened, the multiple chambers forming the dust collection chamber 20 can pass through the dust collection chamber door 21 (see reference). Figure 4 And it is open to the outside.

[0140] Although the dust collection chamber 20 is shaped like a multi-stage cyclone separator, the dust collection chamber 20 can discharge foreign matter collected in the dust collection chamber 20 when the dust collection chamber door 21 is opened.

[0141] The dust collection chamber door 21 may include a first door 22 and a second door 23. The first door 22 and the second door 23 may be configured to contact the center of the dust collection chamber 20 relative to its lower center, thereby closing the dust collection chamber 20. The first door 22 and the second door 23 may also be configured to rotate downwards from the lower center of the dust collection chamber 20 via a first rotation axis 22a and a second rotation axis 23a, thereby opening the dust collection chamber 20.

[0142] The first contact portion 22c of the first door 22 and the second contact portion 23c of the second door 23 may be provided at the part where the first door 22 and the second door 23 are in contact with each other.

[0143] The first contact portion 22c and the second contact portion 23c can contact each other, thereby overlapping each other in the vertical direction.

[0144] A first contact protrusion 22d may be formed in the first contact portion 22c, the first contact protrusion 22d protruding from the lower side of the first contact portion 22c to the second contact portion 23c; and a second contact protrusion 23d may be formed in the second contact portion 23c, the second contact protrusion 23d protruding from the upper side of the second contact portion 23c to the first contact portion 22c.

[0145] In other words, the second contact protrusion 23d and the first contact protrusion 22d can overlap each other in the vertical direction.

[0146] Accordingly, in response to the closed state of the first door 22 and the second door 23, leakage of foreign objects between the first door 22 and the second door 23 can be prevented.

[0147] The first door 22 may include a first pressure-bearing portion 22b, which is arranged on the side opposite to the first contact portion 22c and configured to allow the first door 22 to rotate about a first rotation axis 22a by being pressed by a first opening rib 132a, which will be described later. The first door 22 may be configured such that the first contact portion 22c, the first rotation axis 22a, and the first pressure-bearing portion 22b are arranged sequentially from the center of the lower end of the dust collection chamber 20 outwards.

[0148] The second door 23 may include a second pressure-bearing portion 23b, which is arranged on the side opposite to the second contact portion 23c and configured to allow the second door 23 to rotate about a second rotation axis 23a by being pressed by a second opening rib 132b, which will be described later. The second door 23 may be configured such that the second contact portion 23c, the second rotation axis 23a, and the second pressure-bearing portion 23b are arranged sequentially from the center of the lower end of the dust collection chamber 20 outwards.

[0149] The first door 22 and the second door 23 may be provided with door-side elastic members (not shown), which are configured to elastically support the first door 22 and the second door 23 so as to elastically connect to the dust collection chamber 20.

[0150] The door-side elastic member (not shown) can restrict the rotation of the first door 22 and the second door 23 so as to keep the first door 22 and the second door 23 in the closed state.

[0151] In response to the downward rotation of the first door 22 and the second door 23 due to external pressure, the door-side elastic member (not shown) can elastically support the first door 22 and the second door 23 upward. Therefore, in response to the release of external pressure, the downward-rotated first door 22 and the second door 23 can rotate upward again and be arranged in a closed state.

[0152] The suction flow path 132 may include a first opening rib 132a and a second opening rib 132b, which are arranged inside the suction flow path 132 and configured to push the first pressure-receiving part 22b and the second pressure-receiving part 23b upward when the dust collection chamber 20 is connected to the suction flow path 132.

[0153] The dust collection chamber 20 can be configured to be inserted into one end of the suction flow path 132 through the first opening 141. The dust collection chamber 20 is inserted into the suction flow path 132 in a vertical direction, and in particular, when the dust collection chamber 20 is inserted into the suction flow path 132 in a vertical direction, the first pressure-bearing part 22b and the second pressure-bearing part 23b can be pressed upward by the first opening rib 132a and the second opening rib 132b arranged inside the suction flow path 132.

[0154] For the first door 22, while the first pressure-bearing part 22b is pressed upward, the first contact part 22c can rotate downward around the first rotation axis 22a.

[0155] For the second door 23, while the second pressure part 23b is pressed upward, the second contact part 23c can rotate downward around the second rotation axis 23a.

[0156] The first opening rib 132a and the second opening rib 132b can each be configured to protrude from the circumferential inner surface of the suction flow path 132 toward the center of the suction flow path 132.

[0157] The first opening rib 132a and the second opening rib 132b can be arranged on opposite sides relative to the center of the suction flow path 132.

[0158] As described above, when the first door 22 and the second door 23 are opened downwards, the door-side elastic members (not shown) can elastically support the first door 22 and the second door 23 upwards.

[0159] When the dust collection chamber 20 is aligned with the suction flow path 132 in a downward direction, the first opening rib 132a and the second opening rib 132b can press the first pressure-receiving part 22b and the second pressure-receiving part 23b respectively, and then, at the same time as the dust collection chamber 20 is aligned with the suction flow path 132, the first opening rib 132a and the second opening rib 132b support the first pressure-receiving part 22b and the second pressure-receiving part 23b.

[0160] Therefore, while the dust collection chamber 20 is connected to the suction flow path 132, the first door 22 and the second door 23 can be kept open.

[0161] When the dust collection chamber 20 is separated from the suction flow path 132, the first pressure-bearing part 22b and the second pressure-bearing part 23b can move upward and separate from the first opening rib 132a and the second opening rib 132b.

[0162] Therefore, the first opening rib 132a and the second opening rib 132b will not press down on the first pressure-bearing part 22b and the second pressure-bearing part 23b, and thus the first door 22 and the second door 23 can be elastically supported by the door-side elastic member (not shown) and rotate upward.

[0163] Therefore, when the dust collection chamber 20 is connected to the suction flow path 132, the first door 22 and the second door 23 are opened by the first opening rib 132a and the second opening rib 132b. When the dust collection chamber 20 is separated from the suction flow path 132, the first door 22 and the second door 23 can be closed again by the door-side elastic members (not shown).

[0164] The first opening rib 132a and the second opening rib 132b can be configured to have different heights in the vertical direction. Regarding this vertical direction, the upper end of the first opening rib 132a can be configured to extend to a position higher than the upper end of the second opening rib 132b.

[0165] When the dust collection chamber 20 is docked to the suction flow path 132 with the upper end of the first opening rib 132a extending higher than the upper end of the second opening rib 132b, the first pressure part 22b can be pressed before the second pressure part 23b, and thus the first door 22 is opened first.

[0166] In sequence, the second pressure-bearing part 23b can be pressed by the upper end of the second opening rib 132b, and then the second door 23 can be opened after the first door 22 is opened.

[0167] In other words, because the upper ends of the first opening rib 132a and the second opening rib 132b are at different heights, the first door 22 and the second door 23 can be opened sequentially. Conversely, when the dust collection chamber 20 is separated from the suction flow path 132, the second pressure-bearing part 23b can move upward, and the contact with the second opening rib 132b can terminate before the contact between the first pressure-bearing part 22b and the second opening rib 132b is terminated. Therefore, the second door 23 can be closed before the first door 22.

[0168] By sequentially opening and closing the first door 22 and the second door 23, simultaneous opening of the first door 22 and the second door 23 can be prevented. Therefore, the dust collected in the dust collection chamber 20 can be prevented from scattering instantly. Furthermore, it prevents the situation where, while the first door 22 and the second door 23 are rotating, the first contact portion 22c and the second contact portion 23c have not reached the closed position, and thus, before the first door 22 and the second door 23 rotate to the closed position, the end portion of the first contact portion 22c contacts and jams against the end portion of the second contact portion 23c.

[0169] Furthermore, as described above, since the second contact protrusion 23d and the first contact protrusion 22d overlap each other in the vertical direction, the first door 22 can be opened before the second door 23 is opened, and the second door 23 can be closed before the first door 22 is closed.

[0170] Because the second contact protrusion 23d is arranged above the first contact protrusion 22d, when the second door 23 is opened before the first door 22, the second contact protrusion 23d can rotate downwards, and at the same time, the first contact protrusion 22d can restrict the rotation of the second contact protrusion 23d.

[0171] As described above, while the second contact protrusion 23d and the first contact protrusion 22d allow the first door 22 and the second door 23 to open or close sequentially, the second contact protrusion 23d and the first contact protrusion 22d can prevent foreign objects from overflowing from the dust collection chamber 20 through the space between the first door 22 and the second door 23.

[0172] In this way, due to the arrangement of the first opening rib 132a and the second opening rib 132b, as well as the arrangement of the second contact protrusion 23d and the first contact protrusion 22d, the first door 22 can be opened before the second door 23, and the second door 23 can be closed before the first door 22.

[0173] The configuration of the dust collection chamber door 21 according to the second embodiment of this disclosure will be described below. Except for the dust collection chamber door 21 described below, the configuration is the same as that of the cleaning device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and therefore its description is omitted.

[0174] Figure 8 This is a partial perspective view of a portion of the dust collection chamber of a cleaner according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0175] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first door 22 and the second door 23 of the dust collection chamber door 21 may each include a magnet 25.

[0176] According to the first embodiment of the present disclosure described above, the first door 22 and the second door 23 respectively include a first contact protrusion 22d and a second contact protrusion 23d. However, according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the first door 22 and the second door 23 do not include contact protrusions.

[0177] Therefore, the first contact portion 22c and the second contact portion 23c can be configured to have a flat shape.

[0178] The first door 22 includes a first magnet 25a, which is arranged adjacent to the first contact portion 22c and is disposed inside the first door 22.

[0179] The second door 23 includes a second magnet 25b, which is arranged adjacent to the second contact portion 23c and is disposed inside the second door 23.

[0180] In response to the closed state of the first door 22 and the second door 23 caused by the first magnet 25a and the second magnet 25b, the first contact portion 22c and the second contact portion 23c can be tightly maintained in contact.

[0181] Therefore, it can prevent foreign objects inside the dust collection chamber 20 from leaking out through the gap between the first door 22 and the second door 23.

[0182] The flow regulator 150 will be described below.

[0183] Figure 9 According to the first embodiment of this disclosure, when the flow path cover is closed while the cleaner is connected to the station, along... Figure 3 The sectional view taken by line BB′, and Figure 10According to the first embodiment of this disclosure, when the flow path cover is opened while the cleaner is connected to the station, along... Figure 3 The sectional view taken by line BB′.

[0184] As described above, foreign matter collected in the dust collection chamber 20 can be discharged to the outside by the suction device 130 and collected by the collector (not shown) of the suction device 130.

[0185] Air and foreign matter in the dust collection chamber 20 can be discharged to the outside through the dust collection chamber door 21 and the suction flow path 132 of the dust collection chamber 20. However, some of the foreign matter may not be discharged to the outside because it is captured by the internal structure of the dust collection chamber 20.

[0186] For example, because foreign objects such as hair are captured by the internal structure of the dust collection chamber 20 and are not discharged to the outside, the foreign objects may remain in the dust collection chamber 20 due to the intake airflow generated on the lower side of the dust collection chamber door 21.

[0187] The intake airflow delivered to the dust collection chamber 20 can be oriented only downwards towards the dust collection chamber 20. Therefore, some foreign objects may encounter resistance in the direction in which the intake airflow is formed, and thus, the foreign objects will not be discharged to the outside of the dust collection chamber 20 due to the intake airflow.

[0188] Therefore, it may be difficult to effectively remove foreign objects from the inside of the dust collection chamber 20.

[0189] To alleviate this difficulty, the docking station 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a flow regulator 150 configured to selectively supply additional outside air to the dust collection chamber 20 in addition to the intake airflow.

[0190] When the intake airflow is supplied to the dust collection chamber 20 and the air inside the dust collection chamber 20 is drawn by the suction device 130, the flow regulator 150 can change the internal airflow of the dust collection chamber 20 in a variety of different ways by changing the flow rate inside the dust collection chamber 20.

[0191] As described above, in the dust collection chamber 20, the airflow is guided downwards by the suction fan 131. In particular, because the internal air of the dust collection chamber 20 is continuously discharged to the outside by the suction fan 131, a negative pressure can be generated in the dust collection chamber 20 compared with atmospheric pressure.

[0192] At this time, when external air is additionally supplied to the dust collection chamber 20 through the flow regulator 150, the air pressure inside the dust collection chamber 20 can immediately increase. As the air pressure increases, the airflow inside the dust collection chamber 20 can be altered, and the airflow that is only directed downwards can be changed in all directions.

[0193] As the airflow inside the dust collection chamber 20 changes, the air can diffuse in all directions within the interior space of the dust collection chamber 20, and thus the airflow that is only directed to the lower side can be altered in multiple directions.

[0194] Because the direction of the airflow changes instantaneously, some foreign objects that have resistance to the downward direction can lose resistance as the air flows in other directions, and these foreign objects can be separated from the dust collection chamber 20 along with the airflow.

[0195] The flow regulator 150 is configured to supply air to the dust collection chamber 20 for a predetermined period of time and to stop supplying air for a predetermined period of time. The flow regulator 150 can periodically change the airflow inside the dust collection chamber 20 by repeatedly supplying or stopping the supply of outside air to the dust collection chamber 20.

[0196] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the flow regulator 150 may include a connecting flow path 151, which is connected to the dust collection guide 30.

[0197] One end of the connecting flow path 151 can be connected to the dust collection guide 30, and the other end of the connecting flow path 151 can be configured to allow external air to flow in the connecting flow path.

[0198] The connecting flow path 151 can be arranged in the docking housing 140 and connected to the second opening 142. One end of the connecting flow path 151 can communicate with the second opening 142, and the other end of the connecting flow path 151 can be arranged in the docking housing 140 to allow air in the docking housing 140 to flow in the connecting flow path.

[0199] As described above, the dust collection guide 30 is configured to communicate with the dust collection chamber 20, so when the dust collection guide 30 is opened to the outside, outside air can flow through the dust collection guide 30 into the dust collection chamber 20 (see [link]). Figure 4 ).

[0200] The flow regulator 150 includes a flow path cover 152 configured to cover the other end of the connecting flow path 151.

[0201] The flow path cover 152 may include a hinge 152a disposed on one side of the flow path cover 152 and configured to allow the flow path cover 152 to be rotatably connected to the connecting flow path 151.

[0202] The flow path cover 152 can rotate relative to the connecting flow path 151 using the hinge 152a as a pivot. To close the connecting flow path 151, the flow path cover 152 can rotate downward about the hinge 152a at a position covering the other end of the connecting flow path 151.

[0203] The flow regulator 150 may include a cover elastic member 156 configured to elastically support the flow path cover 152.

[0204] The cover elastic member 156 can be configured to allow the flow path cover 152 to be elastically supported upwards.

[0205] The flow path cover 152 can be pressed upward by the cover elastic member 156. Therefore, the cover elastic member 156 can elastically support the flow path cover 152 to allow the flow path cover 152 to rotate about the hinge 152a toward the other end of the flow path 151.

[0206] Therefore, in the absence of external pressure, the flow path cover 152 can close the connecting flow path 151 via the cover elastic member 156. However, when the flow path cover 152 is pressed down by external pressure, the flow path cover 152 can rotate downward about the hinge 152a, thereby opening to the outside of the connecting flow path 151.

[0207] The flow regulator 150 may include an on / off unit 155 configured to selectively open and close the connecting flow path 151 via a flow path cover 152.

[0208] When the opening and closing unit 155 separates the flow path cover 152 from the connecting flow path 151 and the other end of the connecting flow path 151 is opened to the outside, external air can be introduced into the connecting flow path 151, and the introduced external air can flow into the interior of the dust collection chamber 20 through the connecting flow path 151 and the dust collection guide 30.

[0209] The opening and closing unit 155 may include: a drive motor 153 configured to generate rotational force; and an opening and closing member 154 configured to be rotatable by being connected to the drive motor 153, thereby pressing the flow path cover 151 in one direction by the rotation of the opening and closing member 154.

[0210] The flow path cover 152 may include a pressure-receiving portion 152b, which is arranged on one side of the flow path cover 152 and is pressed by the opening and closing member 154.

[0211] The pressure-bearing part 152b can be arranged on the opposite side of the hinge 152a. Therefore, when the pressure-bearing part 152b is pressed by the opening and closing member 154, the pressure-bearing part 152b can rotate around the hinge 152a in the direction in which the pressure-bearing part 152b is pressed by the opening and closing member 154.

[0212] The opening / closing member 154 can press down on the pressure-receiving portion 152b. Therefore, the flow path cover 152 can be pressed down with respect to the hinge member 152a, and then the flow path cover 152 can be arranged in the open position.

[0213] Therefore, when the opening / closing member 154 presses the pressure-receiving part 152b, the flow path cover 152 can be opened, and the connecting flow path 151 can be opened to the outside.

[0214] When the pressing of the opening and closing member 154 is terminated, the pressure-receiving part 152b can be rotated upward by the cover elastic member 156, thereby closing the flow path cover 152.

[0215] Specifically, the rotation axis A of the drive motor 153 and the rotation axis B of the hinge 152a can extend parallel to each other. The opening / closing member 154 and the flow path cover 152 connected to the drive motor 153 may include rotation axes A and B having the same direction.

[0216] Suitablely, the rotation axis A of the drive motor 153 and the rotation axis B of the hinge 152a can be arranged at the same height in the vertical direction.

[0217] When the opening / closing member 154 rotates in a direction associated with the drive of the drive motor 153, the pressure portion 152b can be pressed down by the opening / closing member 154, and thus the flow path cover 152 can rotate in the opposite direction to the opening / closing member 154.

[0218] The opening / closing member 154 may include a pressure protrusion 154a that protrudes radially from the axis of rotation of the opening / closing member 154 and is configured to press against the pressure-receiving portion 152b. Multiple pressure protrusions 154a may be provided, and these multiple pressure protrusions 154a may be arranged radially around the axis of rotation of the opening / closing member 154. Suitablely, four pressure protrusions 154a may be formed.

[0219] A non-pressurizing portion 154b may be provided among the plurality of pressurizing protrusions 154a, the non-pressurizing portion 154b being configured not to press the pressurized portion 152b when the opening / closing member 154 is rotated.

[0220] like Figure 9As shown, when any one of the plurality of pressure protrusions 154a presses the pressure receiving part 152b while the opening and closing member 154 rotates, the flow path cover 152 can be rotated in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the opening and closing member 154, and then the flow path cover 152 is opened.

[0221] In other words, assuming that the imaginary line between the rotation axis A of the drive motor 153 shaft and the rotation axis B of the hinge 152a is line L, and that any one of the plurality of pressure protrusions 154a can press the pressure-receiving part 152b when it passes through line L, thereby opening the flow path cover 152.

[0222] As the opening / closing member 154 continues to rotate, any one of the plurality of pressure-applying protrusions 154a can continue to rotate downwards, and due to the radial distance of the opening / closing member 154, the pressure-applying protrusion rotates in a direction away from the pressure-receiving part 152b.

[0223] In other words, due to the continuous rotation of the opening and closing member 154, any one of the plurality of pressure protrusions 154a can pass through the line L, and therefore the pressing of any one of the plurality of pressure protrusions 154a against the pressure part 152b can be terminated.

[0224] The flow path cover 152 can rotate in the same direction of rotation as the opening and closing member 154 in order to close the connecting flow path 151 again.

[0225] like Figure 10 As shown, while the flow path cover 152 closes the connecting flow path 151, the opening and closing member 154 can continue to rotate. At this time, the non-pressurized part 154b can pass through the line L.

[0226] As described above, the non-pressurized portion 154b is configured not to press the pressurized portion 152b during rotation of the opening / closing member 154. For this non-pressurized portion 154b, the length extending in the radial direction of the rotation axis A of the opening / closing member 154 can be relatively smaller than that of the pressurized protrusion 154a.

[0227] For the non-pressured portion 154b, the length extending in the radial direction of the rotation axis A of the opening / closing member 154 can be set to prevent the non-pressured portion 154b from contacting the pressured portion 152b when passing through the line L.

[0228] Therefore, when the non-pressurized portion 154b passes through the line L, no external force is applied to the pressurized portion 152b, and thus the flow path cover 152 can maintain the closed state of the connecting flow path 151.

[0229] Subsequently, another pressure protrusion of the plurality of pressure protrusions 154a continues to rotate downward as the opening and closing member 154 rotates continuously, and then the other pressure protrusion of the plurality of pressure protrusions 154a passes through the line L. Therefore, the opening and closing member 154 can press the pressure-receiving part 152b again, thereby opening the flow path cover 152.

[0230] As described above, as the plurality of pressure-applying protrusions 154a and the non-pressure-applying protrusions 154b alternately pass through the line L, the opening and closing member 154 can alternately open and close the flow path cover 152.

[0231] The connecting flow path 151 can be periodically opened and closed relative to the outside; outside air can flow into the dust collection guide 30 within a predetermined time period, can block the flow of air into the dust collection guide 30 within a predetermined time period, and can flow into the dust collection guide 30 again within a predetermined time period.

[0232] As this mechanism is repeated, the flow rate of external air additionally introduced into the dust collection chamber 20 can be repeatedly changed, and thus the airflow inside the dust collection chamber 20 can be changed in a variety of different ways.

[0233] The direction of the airflow can be changed according to the change in the airflow inside the dust collection chamber 20, and thus foreign objects remaining in the dust collection chamber 20 can be discharged to the outside along with the airflow generated in multiple directions.

[0234] The driving sequence of the docking station 100 will be described below.

[0235] Figure 11 It shows the drive in Figure 1 The flowchart of the station shown.

[0236] In response to docking the cleaner 10 to the docking station 100 as described above (S100), the switching unit 160 can detect the docking of the cleaner 10.

[0237] Therefore, the switching unit 160 can transmit an electrical signal to the controller (not shown), or the switching unit 160 can be directly connected to the suction device 130 and the flow regulator 150 to transmit the electrical signal (S200).

[0238] The first switch 161 can provide an electrical signal to the suction device 130 to drive the suction fan 131. The first switch 161 can provide a signal to the suction device 130 to drive the suction fan 131 for about one minute (S310).

[0239] The second switch 162 can provide an electrical signal to the flow regulator 150 for driving the drive motor 153. The second switch 162 can provide a signal to the flow regulator 150 to drive the drive motor 153 for approximately one minute (S320).

[0240] The first switch 161 and the second switch 162 can simultaneously drive the suction device 130 and the flow regulator 150 within approximately one minute.

[0241] In response to a past time of less than one minute, the first switch 161 and the second switch 162 can continuously transmit signals to drive the suction device 130 and the flow regulator 150.

[0242] However, the predetermined time period is not limited to this, and the first switch 161 and the second switch 162 can provide signals to drive the suction device 130 and the flow regulator 150 for a period of one minute or less, or for a period of one minute or longer. Alternatively, either the suction device 130 or the flow regulator 150 may be driven first at predetermined intervals, rather than being driven simultaneously.

[0243] In response to a past minute, the first switch 161 and the second switch 162 can stop driving the suction device 130 and the flow regulator 150, and transmit a signal to the suction device 130 and the flow regulator 150 (S400).

[0244] As described above, because the flow regulator 150 is driven simultaneously with the suction device 130, external air can be additionally supplied to the interior of the dust collection chamber 20 while an intake airflow is generated inside the dust collection chamber 20. Therefore, the flow rate of the dust collection chamber 20 can be changed, thereby changing the airflow.

[0245] The case where the switching unit 160 directly transmits electrical signals to the suction device 130 and the flow regulator 150 has been described above. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, so the switching unit 160 can transmit electrical signals to a controller (not shown), and the controller (not shown) can then transmit the electrical signals to the suction device 130 and the flow regulator 150.

[0246] The opening / closing member 154' according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. The configuration of the third embodiment of the present disclosure, except for the opening / closing member 154', is the same as that of the first embodiment of the present disclosure, and therefore its description will be omitted.

[0247] Figure 12 According to the third embodiment of this disclosure, when the flow path cover is closed while the cleaner is connected to the station, along... Figure 3The sectional view taken by line BB′.

[0248] According to a first embodiment of this disclosure, four pressure-applying protrusions 154a may be provided for the opening / closing member 154. However, the number of pressure-applying protrusions is not limited to this, and therefore four, fewer, or more pressure-applying protrusions 154a may be provided.

[0249] According to the third embodiment of this disclosure, the opening / closing member 154′ may include two pressure-applying protrusions 154a′.

[0250] As the number of pressure-applying protrusions 154a' decreases, the area occupied by non-pressure-applying portions 154b' can increase. Therefore, the time for opening the flow path cover 152 when actuating the opening / closing member 154' according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure can be shortened compared to the time for opening the flow path cover 152 when actuating the opening / closing member 154 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0251] In response to one rotation of the opening / closing member 154′ according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the opening / closing member 154′ can open the flow path cover 152 twice; however, in response to one rotation of the opening / closing member 154 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the opening / closing member 154 can open the flow path cover 152 four times.

[0252] Therefore, compared with the flow regulator 150 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the flow regulator 150' according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure can provide less outside air to the dust collection chamber 20.

[0253] Conversely, although not shown in the accompanying drawings, when more than four pressure protrusions 154a' are formed in the opening and closing member 154', the opening and closing member 154' can open the flow path cover 152 more times than the opening and closing member 154 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0254] Therefore, compared with the flow regulator 150 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the flow regulator 150' according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure can provide a larger amount of outside air to the dust collection chamber 20.

[0255] As described above, the amount of external air supplied to the dust collection chamber 20 can be adjusted in various ways by changing the number of pressure protrusions 154a' of the opening / closing member 154'. Therefore, the optimal supply of external air can be analyzed based on the shape of the interior of the dust collection chamber 20, and accordingly, opening / closing members 154' of various shapes can be provided to supply external air to the interior of the dust collection chamber 20.

[0256] The flow regulator 170 according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. The configuration of the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, except for the flow regulator 170, is the same as that of the first embodiment of the present disclosure, and therefore its description will be omitted.

[0257] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the flow regulator of a station according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 14 It shows Figure 13 A schematic side sectional view of the flow regulator in the closed state of the connection path, and Figure 15 It is shown Figure 13 A schematic side sectional view of the flow regulator connecting the flow path in the open state.

[0258] like Figures 13 to 15 As shown, the flow regulator 170 may include: a connecting flow path 171 connected to the dust collection guide 30; and a flow path cover 172 configured to selectively cover the connecting flow path 171.

[0259] The flow regulator 170 may include an on / off unit 173 configured to selectively open and close the connecting flow path 171 via a flow path cover 172.

[0260] The opening / closing unit 173 may include a motor. The motor shaft 173a may be connected to the flow path cover 172 to rotate the flow path cover 172.

[0261] The flow path cover 172 can be rotated to open and close the connecting flow path 171.

[0262] The connecting flow path 171 can extend in the vertical direction, and the motor shaft 173a can extend in a direction corresponding to or consistent with the extension direction of the connecting flow path 171.

[0263] The flow path cover 172 can extend perpendicular to the extension direction of the connecting flow path 171 or the extension direction of the motor shaft 173a.

[0264] The flow path cover 172 can be formed from a circular plate. However, the shape of the flow path cover 172 is not limited to this, and the flow path cover 172 can have a variety of shapes.

[0265] The connector 172c, which engages with the motor shaft 173a, can be located at the center of the flow path cover 172. Accordingly, the flow path cover 172 can rotate about its center.

[0266] However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the connector 172c may be arranged on the outside of the center of the flow path cover 172.

[0267] The flow path cover 172 may include a body 172a and a cutout 172b, wherein at the cutout 172b, some shapes are cut out from the body 172a.

[0268] The flow path cover 172 can be configured to contact the lower end of the connecting flow path 171. In particular, the body 172a of the flow path cover 172 can be configured to contact the lower end of the connecting flow path 171.

[0269] In response to the vertical overlap of the connecting flow path 171 and the body 172a due to rotation of the flow path cover 172, the flow path cover 172 can cover the connecting flow path 171, and then the flow path cover 172 can seal the connecting flow path 171 and isolate it from the outside. Accordingly, outside air cannot be supplied to the dust collection chamber 20 through the connecting flow path 171.

[0270] In response to the vertical overlap of the connecting flow path 171 and the cutout 172b due to the rotation of the flow path cover 172, the connecting flow path 171 can be opened to the outside through the cutout 172b. Accordingly, outside air can be supplied to the dust collection chamber 20 through the connecting flow path 171.

[0271] As the opening and closing unit 173 continues to rotate the flow path cover 172 via a motor, the connecting flow path 171 can alternately overlap with the body 172a and the cutout portion 172b in the vertical direction.

[0272] As needed, the cutout 172b can be formed to be larger than the body 172a. The optimal supply of external air can be analyzed based on the shape of the interior of the dust collection chamber 20, and accordingly, based on the optimal supply of external air, the body 172a can have multiple areas for supplying external air to the interior of the dust collection chamber 20.

[0273] The flow regulator 180 according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. The configuration of the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure, except for the flow regulator 180, is the same as that of the first embodiment of the present disclosure, and therefore its description will be omitted.

[0274] Figure 16 This is a perspective view of a station flow regulator according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 17 It is shown Figure 16 A schematic side sectional view of the flow regulator in the closed state of the connection path, and Figure 18 It is shown Figure 16 A schematic side sectional view of the flow regulator connecting the flow path in the open state.

[0275] like Figures 16 to 18As shown, the flow regulator 180 may include: a connecting flow path 181 connected to the dust collection guide 30; and a flow path cover 182 configured to selectively cover the connecting flow path 181.

[0276] The flow regulator 180 may include a drive motor 183 configured to transmit driving force to selectively open and close the connecting flow path 181 through the flow path cover 182.

[0277] The motor shaft 183a can be connected to the flow path cover 182 to drive the baffle portion 182a of the flow path cover 182 via the motor 183.

[0278] The flow path cover 182 may include: a baffle portion 182a, which is disposed at a position in the vertical direction corresponding to the connection flow path 181, and the baffle portion 182a is provided with a baffle; and a driver 182b, which is connected to a motor shaft 183a to drive the baffle portion 182a.

[0279] The driver 182b can receive driving force from the opening and closing unit 183 to drive the baffle 182a, thereby opening and closing the baffle portion 182a.

[0280] The flow path cover 182 can be configured to contact the lower end of the connecting flow path 181. In particular, the baffle portion 182a of the flow path cover 182 can be configured to contact the lower end of the connecting flow path 181.

[0281] In response to the closed state of the baffle portion 182a, the baffle portion 182a can cover the connection flow path 181. Accordingly, the baffle portion 182a can close the connection flow path 181 to isolate it from the outside.

[0282] In response to the open state of the baffle portion 182a, the connection flow path 181 can be opened to the outside, and thus outside air can flow into the connection flow path 181 through the baffle portion 182a.

[0283] The drive motor 183 can transmit driving force to allow the baffle portion 182a to be repeatedly opened and closed. Since the baffle portion 182a is alternately maintained in the open and closed states, external air can flow into the connection flow path 181 at predetermined intervals.

[0284] The drive motor 183 can transmit driving force to repeatedly open and close the baffle portion 182a at a predetermined speed. The optimal supply of external air can be analyzed based on the shape of the interior of the dust collection chamber 20, and accordingly, based on the optimal supply of external air, the opening and closing speed of the baffle portion 182a can be adjusted in a variety of different ways to supply external air to the interior of the dust collection chamber 20.

[0285] The flow regulator 190 according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. The configuration of the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure, except for the flow regulator 190, is the same as that of the first embodiment of the present disclosure, and therefore its description will be omitted.

[0286] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of a station flow regulator according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0287] like Figure 19 As shown, the flow regulator 190 may include: a connecting flow path 191 connected to the dust collection guide 30; and a blower 193 configured to blow outside air into the connecting flow path 191.

[0288] Blower 193 may include a blower fan. Blower 193 may be driven to blow outside air into connecting flow path 191, and thus a large amount of outside air may flow along connecting flow path 191 to dust collection guide 30 and dust collection chamber 20.

[0289] The blower 193 can be started or stopped periodically. Therefore, outside air can be blown into the connecting flow path 191 at predetermined intervals.

[0290] Depending on the air volume of the blower 193, the flow regulator 190 according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure can generate a larger flow difference than the flow regulator 150 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0291] Therefore, the airflow inside the dust collection chamber 20 can be significantly changed, thereby effectively removing foreign objects from the dust collection chamber 20.

[0292] The flow regulator 200 according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. The configuration of the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure, except for the flow regulator 200, is the same as that of the first embodiment of the present disclosure, and therefore its description will be omitted.

[0293] Figure 20 This is a view showing the state in which the flow regulator of the station opens the discharge port of the dust collection chamber according to the seventh embodiment of this disclosure, and Figure 21This is a view showing the state of the discharge port of the dust collection chamber closed by the flow regulator of the station according to the seventh embodiment of this disclosure.

[0294] like Figure 20 and Figure 21 As shown, the flow regulator 200 may include a discharge port opening / closing unit 201, which is configured to open and close the discharge port 13 of the cleaner.

[0295] The discharge port opening / closing unit 201 can be configured to cover the discharge port 13 when the cleaner 10 is docked to the docking station 100.

[0296] The discharge port opening and closing unit 201 may include a discharge port cover 201a, which is configured as a cut annular shape.

[0297] The discharge port cover 201a can be used to externally close the discharge port 13 in a ring-shaped manner surrounding the discharge port 13. Suitablely, the discharge port cover 201a is formed by two parts to cover the discharge port 13.

[0298] However, the shape of the discharge port cover 201a is not limited to this, and the discharge port cover 201a can be configured to correspond to the shape of the discharge port 13 arranged in the cleaner 10, and the number of discharge port covers 201a can vary depending on the arrangement of the discharge port 13.

[0299] The discharge port opening / closing unit 201 may include a driver (not shown) configured to drive the discharge port cover 201a. While the suction device 130 is actuated, the driver (not shown) can actuate the discharge port cover 201a to allow the discharge port cover 201a to periodically open and close the discharge port 13.

[0300] Specifically, the discharge port cover 201a may include a hinge 201b configured to be rotatably coupled to the body housing 110. An actuator (not shown) may rotate the discharge port cover 201a about the hinge 201b.

[0301] In response to rotation of the discharge port cover 201a about the hinge 201b toward the cleaner 10, the discharge port cover 201a can cover the discharge port 13 and close the discharge port 13.

[0302] The suction device 130 generates a negative pressure inside the dust collection chamber 20. When the discharge port 13 is covered by the discharge port cover 201a, the discharge port cover 201a can receive the suction force through the discharge port 13, thereby covering the discharge port 13 more tightly.

[0303] In response to the rotation of the discharge port cover 201a about the hinge 201b toward the opposite side of the cleaner 10, the discharge port cover 201a can open or close the discharge port 13.

[0304] A driver (not shown) can drive the discharge port cover 201a to alternately change the rotation direction of the discharge port cover 201a, thereby allowing the discharge port 13 to be opened and closed periodically.

[0305] According to the first to sixth embodiments, the flow regulators 150, 170, 180 and 190 can deliver outside air to the dust collection chamber 20 through the dust collection guide 30 connected to the dust collection chamber 20, but as Figure 20 and Figure 21 The flow regulator 200 shown according to the seventh embodiment can regulate the amount of external air flowing into the dust collection chamber 20 by opening or closing the discharge port 13 communicating with the dust collection chamber 20.

[0306] Therefore, the amount of air flowing into the dust collection chamber 20 can be changed at predetermined intervals, and thus the airflow rate inside the dust collection chamber 20 can be changed.

[0307] Furthermore, although not shown in the accompanying drawings, unlike the first to sixth embodiments of this disclosure, it is not necessary to dock the dust collection guide 30 to the docking station 100.

[0308] According to the seventh embodiment of this disclosure, the flow regulator 200 changes the air pressure inside the dust collection chamber 20 by opening and closing the discharge port 13, without supplying outside air to the dust collection chamber 20 via the dust collection guide 30 as described above. Therefore, it is not necessary to dock the dust collection guide 30 to the docking station 100 for connection to the flow regulator.

[0309] Therefore, the user can dock the dust collection chamber 20 to the docking station 100 without separating the extension tube (not shown) or suction unit (not shown) of the cleaner 10 from the dust collection guide 30.

[0310] The cleaning device 1' according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. The configuration of the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure, except for the cleaning device 1', is the same as that of the first embodiment of the present disclosure, and therefore its description will be omitted.

[0311] Figure 22This is a perspective view of a station according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 23 This is a perspective view of a cleaning apparatus according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 24 This is a view showing some components of a station according to an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure; and Figure 25 This is a side sectional view of some components of a cleaning device according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0312] For the cleaning equipment 1 according to the first to sixth embodiments, in order to improve the efficiency of automatic discharge in the automatic discharge operation of the docking station 100, the flow regulators 150, 170, 180 and 190 can change the air pressure inside the dust collection chamber 20 by using a method of supplying outside air to the dust collection chamber 20 through the dust collection guide 30 connected to the dust collection chamber 20.

[0313] Therefore, the dust collection guide 30, which is connected to the dust collection chamber 20, is also docked to the docking station 100 together with the dust collection chamber 20, and the docking station 100 can be configured to allow outside air to selectively flow into the dust collection guide 30 through flow regulators 150, 170, 180 and 190 when the dust collection guide 30 is docked to the docking station 100.

[0314] According to the first to sixth embodiments of this disclosure, in order to automatically discharge foreign matter collected in the dust collection chamber 20 by docking the cleaner 10 to the docking station 100, the user can detach the extension tube or suction unit that may be connected to the dust collection guide 30 and dock the dust collection guide 30 to the docking station 100.

[0315] At this point, disconnecting the extension tube or suction unit that may be connected to the dust collection guide 30 may be inconvenient for the user and could lead to reduced usability. However, even when the extension tube 17 or suction unit 18 is connected to the dust collection guide 30 of the cleaner 10, the cleaning device 1' according to the eighth embodiment of this disclosure can dock the cleaner 10 to the docking station 100 and allow the foreign matter collected in the dust collection chamber 20 to be automatically discharged.

[0316] In other words, for the cleaning device 1 according to the first embodiment, the automatic discharge of the docking station 100 can only be effectively performed when both the dust collection chamber 20 and the dust collection guide 30 of the cleaner 10 are docked to the docking station 100. However, for the cleaning device 1' according to the eighth embodiment, the automatic discharge of the docking station 300 can be effectively performed as long as the dust collection chamber 20 of the cleaner 10 is docked to the docking station 300.

[0317] Therefore, as Figures 22 to 25As shown, docking station 300 may include docking housing 340 to which dust collection chamber 20 docks, without any component docking with dust collection guide 30. Therefore, in response to cleaner 10 docking with docking station 300, extension tube 17 and suction unit 18 can be installed on docking station 300 while connected to dust collection guide 30.

[0318] The extension tube 17 of the cleaner 10 can be configured to have a long axis extending in one direction.

[0319] The dust collection chamber 20 may include a cylindrical shape, which includes a long axis extending in one direction. Although described later, the dust collection chamber 20 may be configured to separate foreign objects introduced into the dust collection chamber 20 by centrifugal separation. Accordingly, the dust collection chamber 20 may be configured to be generally cylindrical in shape.

[0320] The dust collection chamber 20 and the extension tube 17 can be connected to the cleaner 10 such that the long axis of the cylindrical shape of the dust collection chamber 20 and the long axis of the extension tube 17 extend in a generally corresponding or consistent direction.

[0321] The docking station 300 may include a main housing 310 and a docking housing 340 as described above. A charger 320 may be disposed on top of the main housing 310, which is configured to charge the battery 16 of the cleaner 10 when the cleaner 10 is docked to the docking station 300.

[0322] The docking station 300 can discharge dust collected in the dust collection chamber 20 from the dust collection chamber 20 by including a suction device 330. The suction device 330 can be arranged inside the main body housing 310.

[0323] The body housing 310 can be configured to have a long axis extending in one direction. Suitablely, the long axis of the body housing 310 extends in a vertical direction.

[0324] The docking station 300 may include a collector 350 in which foreign matter discharged from the dust collection chamber 20 is collected. The collector 350 may be arranged within the main housing 310. The collector 350 may be arranged above the suction device 330.

[0325] The docking station 300 may include a suction flow path 341 configured to connect the docking housing 340 to the collector 350 and configured to allow foreign matter discharged from the dust collection chamber 20 to be drawn through the docking housing 340 to the collector 350.

[0326] The docking housing 340 may include a mounting portion 342 configured to communicate with the suction flow path 341, and the dust collection chamber 20 is mounted on the mounting portion 342.

[0327] The mounting section 342 can be configured to be open or have an opening towards the upper side relative to the long axis of the main body housing 310.

[0328] The placement section 342 may correspond to the space that opens to the outside from the docking housing 340, and the placement section 342 may be configured to allow the dust collection chamber 20 to be inserted into the placement section 342 in the vertical direction and placed on the placement section 342.

[0329] When the dust collection chamber 20 is placed on the placement section 342, the cleaner 10 can be docked with the docking station 300.

[0330] The dust collection chamber 20 can be connected to the mounting portion 342 in the direction extending along the long axis of the main body housing 310.

[0331] The dust collection chamber 20 can be connected to the mounting portion 342 in the direction of the long axis of the cylindrical shape of the dust collection chamber 20.

[0332] Therefore, when the dust collection chamber 20 is docked to the docking station 300, the long axis of the main body housing 310 and the long axis of the extension tube 17 can be set to face substantially corresponding or consistent directions. This is because, as described above, the dust collection chamber 20 and the extension tube 17 can be connected to the cleaner 10 such that the long axis of the cylindrical shape of the dust collection chamber 20 and the long axis of the extension tube 17 extend in substantially corresponding or consistent directions.

[0333] Although not shown in the accompanying drawings, the switching unit and pressure protrusion described in the first embodiment of this disclosure may be arranged inside the mounting portion 342.

[0334] Therefore, when the dust collection chamber 20 is placed on the placement part 342, the dust collection chamber door 21 can be opened, and the controller (not shown) can confirm the status of the dust collection chamber 20 docking to the docking station 300 through the switch unit.

[0335] A multi-stage cyclone separator 22 can be arranged inside the dust collection chamber 20. The dust collection chamber 20 can be configured to allow the collection of foreign matter in the lower part of the multi-stage cyclone separator 22. Therefore, when the dust collection chamber door 21 is opened, the foreign matter collected in the dust collection chamber 20 can be easily discharged into the placement part 342.

[0336] The suction flow path 341 can be connected from the docking housing 340 to the collector 350 through the body housing 310. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the docking housing 340 and the body housing 310 can be integrally formed with each other. In this case, the suction flow path 341 can be arranged in the body housing 310, and thus the interior of the placement portion 342 and the interior of the collector 350 can communicate with each other.

[0337] The suction flow path 341 can deliver the airflow generated by the suction device 330 to the dust collection chamber 20. In other words, the suction airflow generated by the suction device 33 is conveyed to the dust collection chamber 20 via the collector 350 along the suction flow path 341 and the placement part 342. Through the suction airflow, foreign objects in the dust collection chamber 20 can be discharged from the dust collection chamber 20 to the placement part 342 by means of the airflow, and then collected in the collector 350 through the suction flow path 341.

[0338] Collector 350 may include collector housing 351. Collector housing 351 may form a first internal space 352. The first internal space 352 may be opened to the outside through a first cover (not shown).

[0339] The first cover (not shown) can open and close the collector housing 351 to allow the first interior space 352 to be opened to the outside through the body housing 310.

[0340] The collector 350 may include a first connector 353 disposed on the upper side of the collector 350 and connected to the first internal space 352 and the suction flow path 341.

[0341] Collector 350 may include a second connector 354 which is connected to suction device 330 via flow regulator 210, as will be described later, and which is arranged below collector 350.

[0342] The collection bag 355 can be arranged in the first internal space 352 to collect foreign objects introduced along the suction flow path 341 through the first connection 353.

[0343] The collection bag 355 can be formed of a material that is permeable to air but impermeable to foreign objects, and therefore the collection bag 355 can collect foreign objects introduced from the dust collection chamber 20 into the collector 350.

[0344] The upper end of the first connector 353 can be connected to the suction flow path 341, and the lower end of the first connector 353 can be connected to the collection bag 355. The collection bag 355 can be removably attached to the lower end of the first connector 353.

[0345] The suction airflow generated by the suction device 330 can flow into the first internal space 352 through the first connector 353 and the collection bag 355, and can then be discharged to the outside of the collector 350 through the second connector 354.

[0346] The suction device 330 may include a suction fan 331 and a suction device housing 332, the suction device housing 332 forming a second internal space 333, and the suction fan 331 being arranged in the second internal space 333.

[0347] The second internal space 333 can be configured to be opened and closed by a second cover 335 disposed in the main body housing 310. The second cover 335 can be configured to discharge air drawn in by the suction fan 331.

[0348] A third connector 334 may be provided on the upper side of the suction device 330, which is configured to supply the suction airflow generated by the suction fan 331 to the dust collection chamber 20.

[0349] The intake airflow generated by the suction fan 331 can be supplied from the second interior space 333 to the dust collection chamber 20 via the third connector 334 along the collector 350 and the intake flow path 341.

[0350] The docking station 300 may include a flow regulator 210 configured to selectively change the amount of intake air supplied to the dust collection chamber 20.

[0351] The flow regulator 210 may be disposed inside the main housing 310. The flow regulator 210 may be disposed between the collector 350 and the suction device 330. In particular, the flow regulator 210 may be connected to the second connector 354 and the third connector 334.

[0352] According to the first to seventh embodiments, the flow regulators 150, 170, 180, 190 and 200 can change the air pressure inside the dust collection chamber 20 by additionally supplying or stopping the supply of external air while maintaining the intake air flow supplied from the suction device at a predetermined state.

[0353] However, according to the eighth embodiment, the flow regulator 210 can change the air pressure inside the dust collection chamber 20 by changing the amount of intake air flow supplied to the dust collection chamber 20.

[0354] In other words, the flow regulator 210 can selectively open and close the connection flow path 212 (which will be described below) that communicates with the suction device 330 and the dust collection chamber 20, thereby supplying or blocking the intake airflow generated by the suction device 330, thereby changing the air pressure inside the dust collection chamber 20.

[0355] Therefore, compared with the flow regulators 150, 170, 180, 190 and 200 according to the first to seventh embodiments, the loss of the amount of airflow supplied to the dust collection chamber 20 is reduced, and thus automatic discharge can be performed more effectively.

[0356] In other words, the flow regulators 150, 170, 180, 190 and 200 of the first to seventh embodiments can be configured to periodically supply outside air to the dust collection chamber 20, and thus the amount of air intake flow may be lost as much as the outside air supplied to the dust collection chamber 20.

[0357] However, the flow regulator 210 of the eighth embodiment can supply outside air to the dust collection chamber 20 without additional external air supply, and therefore there is no loss of intake airflow inside the dust collection chamber 20 due to the supply of outside air. Therefore, compared with the flow regulators 150, 170, 180, 190 and 200 of the first to seventh embodiments, the flow regulator 210 of the eighth embodiment can change the air pressure inside the dust collection chamber 20 more effectively.

[0358] As described above, the flow regulator 210 can be disposed between the collector 350 and the suction device 330. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the flow regulator 210 can also be disposed between the collector 350 and the suction flow path 341.

[0359] However, in response to the arrangement of the flow regulator 210 between the collector 350 and the suction flow path 341, the suction airflow generated by the suction device 330 can flow through the collector 350 to the flow regulator 210, and thus some of the suction airflow supplied to the dust collection chamber 20 may be lost.

[0360] Furthermore, in response to the arrangement of the flow regulator 210 between the collector 350 and the suction flow path 341, air containing foreign matter discharged from the dust collection chamber 20 can travel through the flow regulator 210, which may therefore lead to hygiene difficulties.

[0361] Therefore, it is appropriate to arrange the flow regulator 210 between the suction device 330 and the collector 350.

[0362] In other words, the suction airflow generated by the suction device 330 can be supplied to the dust collection chamber 20 by passing sequentially through the flow regulator 210, collector 350, suction flow path 341 and placement part 342.

[0363] Along with the foreign matter collected in the dust collection chamber 20, the intake airflow supplied to the dust collection chamber 20 can move by passing sequentially through the placement part 342, the intake flow path 341 and the collector 350.

[0364] In collector 350, foreign matter discharged from dust collection chamber 20 can be collected, and the air separated from the foreign matter can be discharged to the outside of main body housing 310 through flow regulator 210 and suction device 330. The flow regulator 210 will be described in detail later.

[0365] The collector according to the ninth embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described. The configuration of the ninth embodiment of the present disclosure, except for the collector 350, is the same as that of the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure, and therefore its description will be omitted.

[0366] According to the eighth embodiment, a collection bag 355 can be arranged in the collector 350, and thus foreign matter discharged from the dust collection chamber 20 can be collected in the collection bag 355.

[0367] When the collection bag 355 is completely filled with foreign matter, the user can separate the collection bag 355 from the first connector 353, discharge the foreign matter collected in the collection bag 355, and then connect the collection bag 355 back to the first connector 353.

[0368] This disclosure is not limited thereto, and the collector 350 according to the ninth embodiment may include an additional dust collection chamber 356 disposed in the first internal space 352. The internal space of the additional dust collection chamber 356 may be configured to be larger than the internal space of the dust collection chamber 20.

[0369] The additional dust collection chamber 356 may include a multi-stage cyclone separator 357. Thus, air containing foreign matter introduced into the collector 350 via the first connector 353 can flow into the additional dust collection chamber 356, and the foreign matter can be removed by the multi-stage cyclone separator 357, and then the air with the foreign matter removed can flow into the flow regulator 210 via the second connector 354.

[0370] The upper side of the additional dust collection chamber 356 can communicate with the first connector 353, and the lower side of the additional dust collection chamber 356 can communicate with the second connector 354. The additional dust collection chamber 356 can be removably connected to the first connector 353 and the second connector 354.

[0371] Therefore, air introduced through the first connector 353 can be discharged to the second connector 354 by traveling through the multi-stage cyclone separator 357. As the air travels through the multi-stage cyclone separator 357, foreign matter discharged from the dust collection chamber 20 can be collected in the additional dust collection chamber 356.

[0372] The flow regulator 210 according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below.

[0373] Figure 27 This is a perspective view of a station flow regulator according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 28 This is a view showing the state in which the flow regulator of the station has the connection flow path open, according to the eighth embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 29 This is a view showing the state of the closed connection flow path of the station's flow regulator according to the eighth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0374] like Figure 27 As shown, the flow regulator 210 may include a flow path housing 211, which forms a connecting flow path 212 that connects the suction device 330 to the collector 350.

[0375] Specifically, the connecting flow path 212 can be configured to connect the second connector 354 to the third connector 334. Therefore, the suction device 330 and the collector 350 can be communicated with each other through the connecting flow path 212, and the suction airflow generated by the suction device 330 can move to the collector 350 through the connecting flow path 212.

[0376] The upper end 211a of the flow path housing 211 can be connected to the second connector 354, and the lower end 211b of the flow path housing 211 can be connected to the third connector 334.

[0377] The connection flow path 151 disclosed in the first to sixth embodiments can be connected to the dust collection guide 30 and configured to allow outside air to flow to the dust collection guide 30, but the connection flow path 212 of the eighth embodiment can connect the suction device 330 to the collector 350.

[0378] The flow regulator 210 may include a flow path valve 213 disposed on the connecting flow path 212 and configured to open and close the connecting flow path 212 in order to regulate the intake air flow in the connecting flow path 212.

[0379] The flow regulator 210 may include a drive motor 214 configured to drive the flow path valve 213.

[0380] The rotating shaft 215 can be arranged on the rotation axis of the drive motor 214. The flow valve 213 can be connected to the rotating shaft 215 to rotate in one direction or in the opposite direction.

[0381] The flow path valve 213 can be configured to open or close the connection flow path 212 while rotating on it.

[0382] Specifically, the flow path valve 213 may have a cylindrical shape, which includes a cutout portion 213a and a body 213b. The central axis of this cylindrical shape may be set in a direction corresponding to or consistent with the extension direction of the rotation axis 215.

[0383] The cut portion 213a can be configured to be cut at a predetermined distance in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical shape and extend in the extension direction of the cylindrical shape.

[0384] The cutouts 213a can be configured as a pair symmetrical about the central axis of the cylindrical shape.

[0385] As described above, the flow path valve 213 can be configured to rotate on the connecting flow path 212. Driven by the drive motor 214, the flow path valve 213 can rotate in one direction. During rotation of the flow path valve 213 in one direction, when the flow path valve 213 is positioned to allow the direction D along which the intake airflow moves to face the pair of cutouts 213a on the connecting flow path 121, the intake airflow can move within the connecting flow path 212 by passing through the cutouts 213a.

[0386] In other words, such as Figure 28 As shown, it is assumed that the position of the flow path valve 213 is open position 213(o) when the pair of cutouts 213a face the flow direction D of the intake air flow during rotation. In response to the open position 213(o) of the flow path valve 213 during rotation, the intake air flow can be supplied to the dust collection chamber 20.

[0387] During rotation of the flow path valve 213 in one direction, when the flow path valve 213 is positioned to allow the intake airflow to move in the direction D opposite to the body 213b on the connecting flow path 121, the movement of the intake airflow can be blocked by the body 213b. Because the intake airflow is blocked by the body 213b, it cannot move from the suction device 330 to the collector 350, and therefore the intake airflow cannot be supplied to the dust collection chamber 20.

[0388] In other words, such as Figure 29As shown, it is assumed that during the rotation of the flow path valve 213, when the body 213b faces the flow direction D of the intake airflow, the position of the flow path valve 213 is the closed position 213(c). In response to the closed position 213(c) of the flow path valve 213 during rotation, the intake airflow cannot be supplied to the dust collection chamber 20.

[0389] As the drive motor 214 rotates in one direction, the cutout 213a and the body 213b can be arranged sequentially in the direction D along which the intake airflow flows. Therefore, the flow path valve 213 can sequentially open and close the connecting flow path 212.

[0390] Depending on whether the flow path valve 213 is opened or closed, the intake airflow can be supplied to the dust collection chamber 20, or the supply of the intake airflow can be stopped. Therefore, the air pressure inside the dust collection chamber 20 can be changed.

[0391] When the flow path valve 213 is opened, an intake airflow can be supplied to the dust collection chamber 20, and thus the air pressure inside the dust collection chamber 20 can be reduced. When the flow path valve 213 is closed, the supply of intake airflow can be stopped, and thus the air pressure inside the dust collection chamber 20 can be increased.

[0392] As described above, the flow path valve 213 can periodically open and close the connecting flow path 212, and thus the air pressure inside the dust collection chamber 20 can decrease and increase. Therefore, the airflow direction inside the dust collection chamber 20 can be generated in a variety of different ways.

[0393] When the dust collection chamber 20 is placed on the placement part 342, the docking of the cleaner 10 can be detected by the switch unit (not shown), and thus the flow regulator 210 can be driven.

[0394] A controller (not shown) can control the drive motor 214 to allow the flow path valve 213 to be positioned in the open position 213(o) for a predetermined time period. After the predetermined time period has elapsed, the controller (not shown) can control the drive motor 214 to allow the flow path valve 213 to be positioned in the closed position 213(c) for another predetermined time period.

[0395] In other words, the controller (not shown) can control the drive motor 214 to allow the flow path valve 213 to be arranged sequentially at predetermined intervals in the open position 213(o) and the closed position 213(c).

[0396] Suitablely, the controller (not shown) can control the drive motor (not shown) to allow the flow path valve 213 to be in the open position 213(o) for a longer period than the flow path valve 213 is arranged in the closed position 213(c). This will be used to increase the amount of intake air supplied to the dust collection chamber 20.

[0397] As described above, the flow regulator 210 can selectively change the amount of intake air supplied to the dust collection chamber 20. With the change in the amount of intake air supplied to the dust collection chamber 20, the air pressure inside the dust collection chamber 20 can be changed according to the amount of intake air, and correspondingly, airflow can be generated in the dust collection chamber 20 in a variety of different ways. This can improve suction efficiency.

[0398] However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the controller (not shown) can control the amount of airflow by changing the size of the area in the cutout 213a of the flow path valve 213 facing the flow direction D of the intake airflow.

[0399] Because the flow path valve 213 is configured to be arranged in any intermediate position between the open position 213(o) and the closed position 213(c) by the rotation of the drive motor 214, the amount of intake air supplied to the dust collection chamber 20 can be changed to be less than the amount of intake air supplied when the flow path valve 213 is in the open position 213(o), and the amount of intake air supplied to the dust collection chamber 20 can be changed to be greater than the amount of intake air supplied when the flow path valve 213 is in the closed position 213(c).

[0400] In other words, the flow regulator 210 can change the amount of intake air supplied to the dust collection chamber 20 by rotating the flow path valve 213, and correspondingly, the air pressure inside the dust collection chamber 20 can be changed in a variety of different ways.

[0401] Furthermore, the above description is not limited to the eighth embodiment, and therefore the amount of the intake airflow can be adjusted by using components of the flow path covers 152, 172, and 182 according to the first to fifth embodiments. In other words, by arranging the flow regulators 150, 170, and 180 according to the first to fifth embodiments in the collector 350 and the suction device 330, and by arranging the flow path covers 152, 172, and 182 on the connecting flow path 212, the amount of intake airflow supplied to the dust collection chamber 20 can be adjusted.

[0402] The cleaning device 1″ according to the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. The configuration of the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure, except for the cleaning device 1″, is the same as that of the cleaning device 1′ according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure, and therefore its description will be omitted.

[0403] Figure 30 This is a perspective view of docking station 1″ according to the tenth embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 31 This is a view showing the state in which the dust collection chamber of the cleaner is docked to the docking station according to the tenth embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 32 This is an exploded perspective view of the docking station according to the tenth embodiment of this disclosure, and Figure 33 This is a side sectional view of the docking station according to the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0404] In the same manner as the cleaning device 1′ according to the eighth embodiment, the cleaning device 1″ according to the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure can automatically discharge the collected material by changing the intake airflow supplied to the dust collection chamber 20 of the cleaner 10.

[0405] In other words, for the cleaning device 1 according to the first embodiment, the automatic discharge of the docking station 100 can only be effectively performed when both the dust collection chamber 20 and the dust collection guide 30 of the cleaner 10 are docked to the docking station 100. However, for the cleaning device 1' according to the eighth embodiment, the automatic discharge of the docking station 300 can be effectively performed as long as the dust collection chamber 20 of the cleaner 10 is docked to the docking station 300.

[0406] Furthermore, the cleaning device 1″ according to the tenth embodiment of this disclosure separates the dust collection chamber 50 from the cleaner 10, and then only docks the dust collection chamber 50 to the docking station 400, thereby automatically discharging the dust inside the dust collection chamber 50.

[0407] Therefore, the user can simply separate the dust collection chamber 50 from the cleaner 10 and dock the dust collection chamber 50 to the docking station 400, without having to dock the entire cleaner 10 to the docking station 400. This allows for miniaturization of the docking station 400, and enables automatic discharge of dust from the dust collection chamber 50 simply by separating it.

[0408] like Figures 30 to 33 As shown, docking station 400 may include a main body housing 410 and a docking housing 440, the docking housing 440 being configured to allow the dust collection chamber 50 to dock with the docking housing 440, and having no component configured to allow the dust collection guide 30 to dock with it.

[0409] The docking station 400 may include the aforementioned body housing 410 and docking housing 440. The body housing 410 may include a cover 411 disposed on the upper side of the body housing 410 and configured to open and close the docking housing 440.

[0410] The body housing 410 can be configured to include a long axis extending in one direction. Suitablely, the long axis of the body housing 410 extends in a vertical direction. Therefore, the docking station 400 can be configured as a box shape extending generally in a vertical direction.

[0411] The body housing 410 may include a panel 412 disposed on the front of the body housing 410 and configured to be removable from the body housing 410. Alternatively, the panel 412 may be disposed on a side or rear surface of the body housing 410 and on the front surface of the body housing 410 and configured to be removable from the body housing 410.

[0412] When the panel 412 is separated from the main housing 410, the user can open the collector 450 (which will be described later) and easily replace the dust bag 455 arranged in the collector 450.

[0413] The docking station 400 can discharge dust collected in the dust collection chamber 50 through a suction device 430. The suction device 430 can be arranged inside the main body housing 410.

[0414] The docking station 400 may include a collector 450 in which foreign matter discharged from the dust collection chamber 50 is collected. The collector 450 may be disposed inside the main housing 410. The collector 450 may be disposed above the suction device 430.

[0415] The docking station 400 may include a suction flow path 441 configured to connect the docking housing 440 to the collector 450 and configured to allow foreign matter discharged from the dust collection chamber 50 to be drawn into the collector 450 through the docking housing 440.

[0416] The docking housing 440 may include a mounting portion 442 configured to communicate with the suction flow path 441, and the dust collection chamber 50 is mounted on the mounting portion 442.

[0417] The mounting section 442 can be configured to open upward relative to the long axis of the main body housing 410.

[0418] The placement part 442 may correspond to the space that opens to the outside from the docking housing 440, and the placement part 442 may be configured to allow the dust collection chamber 50 to be inserted into the placement part 442 in a vertical direction and placed on the placement part 442.

[0419] When the dust collection chamber 50 is placed on the placement section 442, the cleaner 10 can be docked with the docking station 400.

[0420] The dust collection chamber 50 can be connected to the mounting part 442 along the direction of the long axis of the main body shell 410.

[0421] The dust collection chamber 50 can be connected to the mounting part 442 along the direction along the long axis of the cylindrical shape of the dust collection chamber 50.

[0422] Therefore, when the dust collection chamber 50 is docked to the docking station 400, the long axis of the main body shell 410 and the long axis of the dust collection chamber 50 can be set to face a basically corresponding or consistent direction.

[0423] Although not shown in the accompanying drawings, the switching unit described in the first embodiment of this disclosure may be arranged inside the mounting portion 442.

[0424] Therefore, when the dust collection chamber 50 is placed on the mounting section 442, the controller (not shown) can use the switching unit to confirm the docking status of the dust collection chamber 50 and the docking station 400.

[0425] A multi-stage cyclone separator 52 may be arranged inside a dust collection chamber 50. The dust collection chamber 50 may be configured to allow foreign matter to be collected in the lower side 52a of the multi-stage cyclone separator 52. The dust collection chamber 50 may include: a first dust collector 50a configured to collect primarily collected foreign matter of relatively large size; and a second dust collector 50b configured to collect foreign matter collected by the multi-stage cyclone separator 52 of relatively small size.

[0426] The first dust collector 50a and the second dust collector 50b can be opened to the outside when the dust collection chamber door 51 is opened.

[0427] Therefore, when the dust collection chamber door 51 located on the lower side of the dust collection chamber 50 is opened, the foreign matter collected in the dust collection chamber 50 can be easily discharged to the placement part 442.

[0428] The suction flow path 441 can be connected from the docking housing 440 to the collector 450 through the body housing 410. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the docking housing 440 and the body housing 410 can be integrally formed with each other.

[0429] The suction flow path 441 can deliver the airflow generated by the suction device 430 to the dust collection chamber 50. In other words, the suction airflow generated by the suction device 430 is conveyed to the dust collection chamber 50 via the collector 450 along the suction flow path 441 and the placement section 442. By means of the suction airflow, foreign objects in the dust collection chamber 50 can be discharged from the dust collection chamber 50 to the placement section 442 by means of the airflow, and then collected in the collector 450 via the suction flow path 441.

[0430] Collector 450 may include collector housing 451. The collector housing 451 may form an internal space.

[0431] Collector 450 may include collector cover 452. Collector cover 452 may be disposed on the front surface of collector housing 451. Collector cover 452 may open and close collector housing 451 to allow the interior of collector 450 to be opened to the outside when panel 412 is in a disengaged state.

[0432] Collector 450 may include a dust bag 455 disposed in the interior space of collector 450 and configured to collect foreign objects introduced through suction flow path 441.

[0433] The dust bag 455 can be formed of a material that allows air to pass through but not foreign matter, and therefore the dust bag 455 can collect foreign matter introduced from the dust collection chamber 50 into the collector 450.

[0434] The dust bag 455 can be directly connected to the suction flow path 441, and the dust bag 455 can be detachable from the collector 450.

[0435] When the docking station 400 is activated to collect foreign matter from the dust bag 455, the user can detach the panel 412 and open the collector cover 452 to separate the dust bag 455 from the collector 450, thereby discharging the foreign matter collected in the docking station 400.

[0436] Although not shown in the accompanying drawings, as in the ninth embodiment, in addition to the dust bag 455, the collector 450 may also include an additional dust collection chamber (not shown). The interior space of this additional dust collection chamber (not shown) is configured to be larger than the interior space of the dust collection chamber 50, and the additional dust collection chamber (not shown) can collect fine foreign objects in the same manner as the dust collection chamber 50 by including a multi-stage cyclone separator.

[0437] The suction device 430 may include a suction fan 431 and a suction device housing 432, the suction device housing 432 forming an internal space, in which the suction fan 431 is arranged.

[0438] The suction device housing 432 may include a suction device cover 435 disposed within the body housing 410 and configured to open and close the interior of the suction device 432. The suction device cover 435 may be configured to allow the discharge of air drawn in by the suction fan 431.

[0439] The suction airflow generated by the suction fan 431 can be supplied from the internal space of the suction device housing 432 through the collector 450 and the suction flow path 441 to the dust collection chamber 50.

[0440] The docking station 400 may include a flow regulator 220 configured to selectively change the amount of intake air supplied to the dust collection chamber 50.

[0441] The flow regulator 220 can be disposed inside the main housing 410. The flow regulator 220 can be disposed between the collector 450 and the suction device 430. Specifically, the flow regulator 220 can be connected to a flow path connected to the collector 450 and the suction device 430.

[0442] However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the flow regulator 220 may be arranged between the collector 450 and the suction flow path 441.

[0443] The flow regulator 220 according to the tenth embodiment of this disclosure will be described in detail below.

[0444] Figure 34 This is an exploded perspective view of a flow regulator according to the tenth embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 35 It is shown Figure 34 A view of the state of the closed connection flow path of the flow regulator, and Figure 36 It is shown Figure 34 The flow regulator opens a view of the status of the connected flow path.

[0445] like Figures 34 to 36 As shown, the flow regulator 220 may include a flow path housing 221 forming a connecting flow path 222 configured to connect the collector 450 to the suction device 430.

[0446] Specifically, the connecting flow path 222 can be configured to connect the collector 450 to the suction device 430 and allow airflow. Therefore, the collector 450 and the suction device 430 can communicate with each other through the connecting flow path 222, and the intake airflow generated by the suction device 430 can move to the collector 450 through the connecting flow path 222.

[0447] The connection flow path 151 disclosed in the first to sixth embodiments can be connected to the dust collection guide 30 and configured to allow external air to flow to the dust collection guide 30; however, the connection flow path 212 according to the eighth embodiment and the connection flow path 222 according to the tenth embodiment can be configured to connect the suction device 430 to the collector 450.

[0448] The flow regulator 220 may include a flow path valve 223 disposed on the connecting flow path 222 and configured to open and close the connecting flow path 222 to regulate the intake air flow in the connecting flow path 222.

[0449] The flow regulator 220 may include a drive motor 224 configured to allow the flow path valve 223 to open and close the connected flow path 222 by means of rotation of the drive motor.

[0450] The rotating member 225 can be arranged on the rotation axis of the drive motor 224. The rotating member 225 can be configured in a disc shape and can rotate about the rotation axis of the drive motor 224.

[0451] Shaft 226 can be arranged on one side of rotating member 225. Shaft 226 can be arranged outside the rotation axis of rotating member 225. Therefore, when driven by drive motor 224, shaft 226 can rotate about the rotation axis of drive motor 224.

[0452] The flow path valve 223 may include a slit 229 into which the shaft 226 is inserted.

[0453] The slit 229 allows the flow path valve 223 to reciprocate in a first direction A together with the rotation of the shaft 226 inserted in the slit 229.

[0454] The first direction A can be a left-right direction or a front-back direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the connecting flow path 222 extends in the vertical direction.

[0455] While the shaft 226 reciprocates in a second direction B perpendicular to one of the directions of the slit 229, the shaft 226 can move the slit 229 in the first direction A and in a direction opposite to the first direction A.

[0456] The second direction B is a direction perpendicular to the first direction A and the vertical direction along which the connecting flow path 222 extends. Therefore, when the first direction A is a left-right direction, the second direction B can be a front-back direction, and when the first direction A is a front-back direction, the second direction B can be a left-right direction.

[0457] The flow path valve 223 may include a plate 228 configured to perform a translational movement in a first direction A together with the slit 229, and the plate 228 is configured to selectively open and close the connecting flow path 222 by means of the translational movement.

[0458] The plate 228 can be integrally formed with the slit 229. Therefore, in response to movement of the slit 229 in the first direction A, the plate 228 can move together with the slit 229 in the first direction A.

[0459] Plate 228 can be configured to reciprocate on the connecting flow path 222.

[0460] In response to the rotation of the shaft 226 in one direction by the rotation of the drive motor 224, the plate 228 and the slit 229 can move in a first direction A, and then translate in a direction opposite to the first direction A as the shaft 226 rotates.

[0461] In other words, in response to a single rotation of the shaft 226, the plate 228 can reciprocate once in the first direction A. In response to the completion of a single rotation of the shaft 226, the plate 228 can open the connection flow path 222 once and close the connection flow path 222 once.

[0462] It can be assumed that the starting position of the shaft 226 during its rotation is a first position 226A, and the return point corresponding to the intermediate position during the rotation of the shaft 226 is a second position 226B. In response to the first position 226A of the shaft 226, the flow path valve 223 can open the connecting flow path 222, and in response to the second position 226B of the shaft 226, the flow path valve 223 can close the connecting flow path 222.

[0463] like Figure 35 As shown, when shaft 226 rotates in one direction and moves from first position 226A to second position 226B, slit 229 can be compressed in the first direction A, and plate 228 can be arranged on connecting flow path 222. At this time, the intake airflow can be blocked by plate 228. The intake airflow can be blocked by plate 228, and therefore the intake airflow cannot flow from suction device 430 to collector 450. Therefore, the intake airflow cannot be supplied to dust collection chamber 50.

[0464] In other words, it can be assumed that when the flow path valve 223 is reciprocating together with the shaft 226 in the first direction A and the plate 228 is placed on the connecting flow path 222, the position of the flow path valve 223 is the closed position 223A. In response to the closed position 223A of the flow path valve 223 during this reciprocating motion, the intake airflow cannot be supplied to the dust collection chamber 50.

[0465] On the contrary, such as Figure 36As shown, when shaft 226 continues to rotate in one direction and moves from second position 226B to first position 226A, slit 229 can be compressed in the direction opposite to the first direction A, and plate 228 can be arranged outside connecting flow path 222. At this time, the intake airflow can flow unrestricted along the connecting flow path 222. The intake airflow can flow from suction device 430 to collector 450 without being restricted by plate 228, and therefore the intake airflow can be supplied to dust collection chamber 50.

[0466] In other words, it can be assumed that when the flow path valve 223, together with the shaft 226, reciprocates in the first direction A while the plate 228 is placed outside the connecting flow path 222, the position of the flow path valve 223 is the open position 223B. In response to the open position 223B of the flow path valve 223 during this reciprocating motion, a flow of intake air can be supplied to the dust collection chamber 50.

[0467] Depending on the opening and closing of the flow path valve 223, the intake airflow can be supplied to the dust collection chamber 50, or the supply of the intake airflow can be stopped. Therefore, the air pressure inside the dust collection chamber 50 can be changed.

[0468] When the intake airflow is supplied to the dust collection chamber 50 when the flow path valve 223 is open, the air pressure inside the dust collection chamber 50 can decrease; and when the supply of the intake airflow is stopped when the flow path valve 223 is closed, the air pressure inside the dust collection chamber 50 can increase.

[0469] As described above, the flow path valve 223 can periodically open and close the connecting flow path 222, and thus the air pressure inside the dust collection chamber 50 can decrease and increase. Therefore, the airflow direction inside the dust collection chamber 50 can change.

[0470] When the dust collection chamber 50 is placed on the mounting part 442, the docking of the dust collection chamber 50 can be detected by the switching unit (not shown), and thus the flow regulator 220 can be driven.

[0471] A controller (not shown) can control the drive motor 224 to allow the flow path valve 223 to be positioned in the open position 213B for a predetermined time period. In other words, the shaft 226 can be positioned in the first position 226A without rotation.

[0472] After the predetermined time period has elapsed, the controller (not shown) can control the drive motor 224 to allow the flow path valve 223 to be positioned in the closed position 223B for another predetermined time period.

[0473] In other words, the controller (not shown) can control the drive motor 224 to allow the flow path valve 223 to be arranged sequentially at predetermined intervals in the open position 223A and the closed position 223B.

[0474] Suitablely, the controller (not shown) can control the drive motor (not shown) to allow the flow path valve 223 to be in the open position 223A for a longer period than the period the flow path valve 223 is arranged in the closed position 223B. This will be used to increase the amount of intake air supplied to the dust collection chamber 50.

[0475] As described above, the flow regulator 220 can selectively change the amount of intake air supplied to the dust collection chamber 50. With the change in the amount of intake air supplied to the dust collection chamber 50, the air pressure inside the dust collection chamber 50 can be changed according to the amount of intake air, and correspondingly, airflow can be generated in the dust collection chamber 50 in a variety of different ways. This can improve suction efficiency.

[0476] However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the controller (not shown) can control the amount of airflow by changing the size of the area of ​​the connecting flow path 222 closed by the plate 228 of the flow path valve 223.

[0477] Because the flow path valve 223 is configured to be positioned at any intermediate position between the open position 223A and the closed position 223B by means of the rotation of the drive motor 224, the amount of intake air supplied to the dust collection chamber 50 can be changed to be less than the amount of intake air supplied when the flow path valve 223 is in the open position 223A, and the amount of intake air supplied to the dust collection chamber 50 can be changed to be greater than the amount of intake air supplied when the flow path valve 223 is in the closed position 223B.

[0478] In other words, the flow regulator 220 can change the amount of intake air supplied to the dust collection chamber 50 by the reciprocating motion of the flow path valve 223, and accordingly, the air pressure inside the dust collection chamber 50 can be changed in a variety of different ways.

[0479] Furthermore, the above description is not limited to the tenth embodiment, and therefore the amount of the intake airflow can be adjusted by using components of the flow path covers 152, 172, and 182 according to the first to fifth embodiments and components of the flow path valve 213 according to the eighth embodiment. In other words, by arranging the flow regulators 150, 170, 180, and 210 according to the first to fifth embodiments and the eighth embodiment between the collector 450 and the suction device 430, and by arranging the flow path covers 152, 172, and 182 and the flow path valve 213 on the connecting flow path 412, the amount of intake airflow supplied to the dust collection chamber 50 can be adjusted.

[0480] The technical features of the dust collection chamber 50 according to the tenth embodiment of this disclosure, which is connected to the docking station 400, will be described in detail below. The dust collection chamber 50 according to the tenth embodiment can be applied to the cleaning device 1 according to the first embodiment or the cleaning device 1' according to the eighth embodiment.

[0481] Figure 37 This is a view of a portion of the dust collection chamber according to the tenth embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 38 This is a view showing the state of the dust collection chamber and the docking station before docking, according to the tenth embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 39 This is a view showing the state of the dust collection chamber and docking station after docking, according to the tenth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0482] like Figure 37 and Figure 38 As shown, the dust collection chamber 50 may include a dust collection chamber body 53 and a dust collection chamber door 51, which is configured to open and close the dust collection chamber body 53 when docking to the docking station 400.

[0483] The dust collection chamber body 53 can be configured as a cylindrical shape. However, the shape of the dust collection chamber body 53 is not limited to this, and therefore the dust collection chamber body 53 can be configured as a polygonal tubular shape.

[0484] The dust collection chamber door 51 can be arranged at the lower end of the dust collection chamber body 53, and the dust collection chamber door 51 opens and closes the lower end of the dust collection chamber body 53.

[0485] As described above, the dust collection chamber 50 may include a first dust collector 50a and a second dust collector 50b, wherein the first dust collector 50a is configured to collect foreign objects that are mainly collected and have a relatively large size, and the second dust collector 50b is configured to collect foreign objects that are collected by the multi-stage cyclone separator 52 and have a relatively small size.

[0486] Both the first dust collector 50a and the second dust collector 50b can be configured to open to the outside when the dust collection chamber door 51 is opened. In this case, both the first dust collector 50a and the second dust collector 50b can open to the outside when the dust collection chamber door 51 is open.

[0487] The dust collection chamber door 51 may include: an engagement protrusion 51a that engages with the dust collection chamber body 53 to maintain the dust collection chamber 50 in a closed state; and a cap 51b that is configured to prevent foreign matter collected in the second dust collection chamber 50b from scattering to the outside when the dust collection chamber 50 is closed.

[0488] The dust collection chamber door 51 can open and close the lower end of the dust collection chamber body 53 while rotating around a rotating shaft 51c, which is located on one side of the lower end of the dust collection chamber body 53.

[0489] The dust collection chamber 50 may include a fixing member 56 disposed on the other side of the lower end of the dust collection chamber body 53 and configured to prevent the dust collection chamber door 51 from separating from the lower end of the dust collection chamber body 53 by supporting the engaging protrusion 51a.

[0490] The fixing member 56 can hook onto the engagement protrusion 51a to prevent the engagement protrusion 51a from separating from the dust collection chamber body 53.

[0491] The fixing member 56 may include: a pusher 56a configured to release the hook engagement with the engagement protrusion 51a by rotation when an external force is applied; and a hook 56b interlocking with the pusher 56a and engaging with the engagement protrusion 51a.

[0492] The fixing member 56 may include an elastic member 56c, which is configured to maintain the hook 56b and the engagement protrusion 51a in a hooked state in response to the fixing member 56 not being pressed by the pusher 56a.

[0493] The elastic member 56c is biased to allow the hook 56b to be pressed in the direction of the engagement protrusion 51a, thereby maintaining the hook engagement between the hook 56b and the engagement protrusion 51a in the closed state of the dust collection chamber door 51.

[0494] In other words, the elastic member 56c can press the hook 56b toward the engaging protrusion 51a by pressing the hook 56b in a direction opposite to the radial direction of the dust collection chamber body 53.

[0495] When the pusher 56a is pressed with a force greater than the elastic force of the elastic member 56c, the hook 56b can rotate together with the pusher 56a, and the hook-type engagement between the hook 56b and the engagement protrusion 51a can be released.

[0496] The pusher 56a and the hook 56b can be arranged in opposite directions about the axis of rotation of the fixing member 56. Therefore, in response to the pressing of the pusher 56a, the hook 56b can move in the opposite direction to the pressing direction of the pusher 56a.

[0497] Therefore, when the pusher 56a is pressed with an external force in a direction opposite to the radial direction of the dust collection chamber body 53, the pusher 56a can rotate in a direction opposite to the radial direction of the dust collection chamber body 53, and thus the hook 56b can rotate in a direction opposite to the radial direction of the dust collection chamber body 53, and then move away from the engaging protrusion 51a.

[0498] At this time, the dust collection chamber door 51 can separate from the dust collection chamber body 53 under the action of gravity and rotate downward about the rotation axis 51c, thus opening the lower end of the dust collection chamber body 53.

[0499] The pusher 56a can protrude outward from the outer periphery of the dust collection chamber body 53 in a radial direction along the central axis of the dust collection chamber body 53. The user can easily press the pusher 56a of the fixing member 56, which protrudes outward from the outer periphery of the dust collection chamber body 53, thereby opening the dust collection chamber 50.

[0500] For docking station 400, the dust collection chamber door 51 can be configured to open in response to the dust collection chamber 50 docking with the mounting portion 442 of docking station 400.

[0501] The docking station 400 may include an opening guide 443 configured to press the pusher 56a to open the dust collection chamber door 51 when the dust collection chamber 50 is placed on the mounting portion 442.

[0502] The opening guide 443 can be arranged on the circumferential inner surface 442a of the placement portion 442, which forms the placement portion 442.

[0503] The opening guide 443 can be formed as a portion of the circumferential inner surface 442a of the placement portion 442 in the same manner as in the embodiments of this disclosure. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the opening guide 443 can be configured as a protruding surface or region protruding toward the center from the circumferential inner surface 442a of the placement portion 442, and as a shape such as a rib or protrusion protruding toward the center from the circumferential inner surface 442a.

[0504] The circumferential inner surface 442a of the mounting portion 442 can be configured to have a dimension that substantially corresponds to the circumferential outer surface of the dust collection chamber body 53. In particular, the perimeter of the circumferential inner surface 442a of the mounting portion 442 can substantially correspond to the perimeter of the dust collection chamber body 53.

[0505] In other words, when the dust collection chamber 50 is docked to the docking station 400, the circumferential inner surface 442a of the mounting part 442 and the circumferential outer surface of the dust collection chamber body 53 can face each other at a predetermined distance.

[0506] Therefore, when the dust collection chamber 50 is placed on the mounting section 442, such as Figure 39 As shown, the outer circumferential surface of the dust collection chamber body 53 can move downward along the inner circumferential surface 442a of the mounting portion 442.

[0507] At this time, the pusher 56a, which protrudes further outward than the circumferential outer surface of the dust collection chamber body 53, can be pressed down and simultaneously pressed by the opening guide 443, which is formed as part of the circumferential inner surface 442a of the placement portion 442.

[0508] Specifically, when the dust collection chamber 50 is pressed downwards, the pusher 56a, which is arranged on the outer side of the circumferential outer surface of the dust collection chamber body 53, can be pressed vertically by the opening guide 443, and thus the pusher 56a can rotate in a direction opposite to the radial direction of the circumferential outer surface of the dust collection chamber body 53. Therefore, the hook-like engagement of the hook 56b with the engaging protrusion 51a can be released, thereby opening the dust collection chamber door 51.

[0509] Therefore, when the dust collection chamber 50 is docked to the placement part 442, the opening guide 443 can automatically press the pusher 56a, and thus the dust collection chamber door 51 can be opened when the dust collection chamber 50 is docked to the docking station 400.

[0510] The dust collection chamber 50' of the cleaning apparatus according to the eleventh embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. Except for the dust collection chamber 50' described below, its configuration is the same as that of the cleaning apparatus 1″ and dust collection chamber 50 according to the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure, and therefore its description is omitted. Furthermore, the dust collection chamber of the cleaning apparatus according to the eleventh embodiment can be applied to the cleaning apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment or the cleaning apparatus 1′ according to the eighth embodiment.

[0511] Figure 40 This is a view of a portion of the dust collection chamber according to the eleventh embodiment of this disclosure.

[0512] The dust collection chamber 50′ according to the eleventh embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first fixing member 57 and a second fixing member 58.

[0513] The first fixing member 57 and the second fixing member 58 can be hooked to the first engaging protrusion 51d and the second engaging protrusion 51e, respectively, which are arranged on the dust collection chamber door 51.

[0514] The first fixing member 57 and the second fixing member 58 both have the same configuration as the fixing member 56 according to the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0515] When a user operates the cleaner 10, the dust collection chamber 50 may be opened because the user accidentally presses the retaining member 26 during operation. In other words, the retaining member 26 can be used to open the dust collection chamber door 21 by pressure, and the retaining member 26 may be pressed to open the dust collection chamber 50 regardless of the user's intention.

[0516] To alleviate this difficulty, the dust collection chamber 50′ according to the eleventh embodiment of this disclosure may be provided with two fixing members 57 and 58 for fixing the dust collection chamber door 51.

[0517] Therefore, the difficulty of opening the dust collection chamber 50' regardless of the user's intention when driving the cleaner 10 can be reduced. In particular, two fixing members 57 and 58 engaged with the dust collection chamber door 51 can be provided to be released by external force; and thus even if the user accidentally presses one fixing member 57, the other fixing member 58 can fix the dust collection chamber door 51, thereby maintaining the dust collection chamber door 51 in a closed state.

[0518] To open the dust collection chamber door 51, the user must press two fixing members 57 and 58. In other words, the constraint on the first engaging protrusion 51d and the second engaging protrusion 51e can only be released, thereby opening the dust collection chamber door 51, when the first fixing member 57 and the second fixing member 58 are pressed simultaneously.

[0519] The first fixing member 57 and the second fixing member 58 can be spaced apart from each other. The distance between the first fixing member 57 and the second fixing member 58 can vary.

[0520] In the same manner as the fixing member 56 of the tenth embodiment of this disclosure, when docking to the docking station 400, the first fixing member 57 and the second fixing member 58 can be pressed by the opening guide 443, and the hook engagement of the first fixing member 57 and the second fixing member 58 with the first engagement protrusion 51d and the second engagement protrusion 51e can be released, and thus the dust collection chamber door 51 can be opened.

[0521] The opening guide 443 can simultaneously maintain the pressure state of the first fixing member 57 and the second fixing member 58, and thus the dust collection chamber door 51 can be opened.

[0522] In other words, although multiple fixing components 57 and 58 are provided, when docking to docking station 400, the multiple fixing components 57 and 58 can be pressed by the opening guide 443, and thus the dust collection chamber door 51 can be opened automatically.

[0523] At this time, the opening guide 443 can be formed on the entire circumferential inner surface 442a of the placement portion 442. In other words, although not shown in the drawings, the opening guide 443 can be formed along the circumferential direction of the circumferential inner surface 442a of the placement portion 442.

[0524] Therefore, even when the dust collection chamber 50′ is docked to the docking station 400 in any direction along the circumferential direction of the outer circumferential surface of the dust collection chamber body 53, the opening guide 443 can always press the first fixing member 57 and the second fixing member 58.

[0525] Alternatively, docking station 400 may include a guide (not shown) configured to allow the dust collection chamber 50' to be positioned in a specific direction along the circumferential direction of the circumferential outer surface of the dust collection chamber body 53 when the dust collection chamber 50' is positioned on the mounting portion 442.

[0526] The guide (not shown) can guide the dust collection chamber 50' to allow docking of the dust collection chamber 50' in a direction in which the first fixing member 57 and the second fixing member 58 substantially overlap with the opening guide 443 in the vertical direction.

[0527] As described above, the dust collection chamber door 51 can only be opened when the first fixing member 57 and the second fixing member 58 are pressed. Therefore, when docking the dust collection chamber 50′ to the docking station 400, the first fixing member 57 and the second fixing member 58 can necessarily be pressed by the opening guide 443, and thus the dust collection chamber door 51 can be opened when docking the dust collection chamber 50′.

[0528] The dust collection chamber 50″ of the cleaning apparatus according to the twelfth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. Except for the dust collection chamber 50″ described below, its configuration is the same as that of the cleaning apparatus 1″ and dust collection chamber 50 of the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure, and therefore its description is omitted. Furthermore, the dust collection chamber of the cleaning apparatus according to the twelfth embodiment can be applied to the cleaning apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment or the cleaning apparatus 1′ according to the eighth embodiment.

[0529] Figure 41 This is a view showing the state of the dust collection chamber before docking with the docking station according to the twelfth embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 42 This is a view showing the state of the fixing member of the dust collection chamber under an external force according to the twelfth embodiment of this disclosure, and Figure 43 This is a view showing the state of the dust collection chamber and docking station after docking, according to the twelfth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0530] like Figure 41 As shown, the dust collection chamber 50″ may include a fixing member 26 and an auxiliary fixing member 29, the auxiliary fixing member 29 being configured to fix the dust collection chamber door 51 to the fixing member 26. The configuration of the dust collection chamber 50″ according to the twelfth embodiment is the same as that of the dust collection chamber 50 according to the tenth embodiment, except for the auxiliary fixing member 29, and therefore its description is omitted.

[0531] The dust collection chamber door 51 can open and close the lower end of the dust collection chamber body 53 while rotating around a rotating shaft 51c, which is located on one side of the lower end of the dust collection chamber body 53.

[0532] The fixing member 56 may be arranged on the other side of the lower end of the dust collection chamber body 53 and is configured to support the engaging protrusion 51a to prevent the dust collection chamber door 51 from separating from the lower end of the dust collection chamber body 53.

[0533] The fixing member 56 can hook onto the engagement protrusion 51a to prevent the engagement protrusion 51a from separating from the dust collection chamber body 53.

[0534] The auxiliary fixing member 29 can prevent the dust collection chamber door 51 from being opened regardless of the intended use. In other words, it can prevent the dust collection chamber door 51 from being opened and foreign objects from being scattered due to the user accidentally pressing the fixing member 56.

[0535] The auxiliary fixing member 29 can be arranged on the rotation shaft 51c of the dust collection chamber door 51 to restrict the rotation of the rotating part 51f of the dust collection chamber door 51, thereby fixing the dust collection chamber door 51 to the dust collection chamber body 53.

[0536] The auxiliary fixing member 59 may include: a pusher 59a configured to release the restriction on the rotation of the rotating part 51f by rotation when pressed by an external force; and a limiting member 59b interlocked with the pusher 59a and configured to limit the rotation of the rotating part 51f by pressing the rotating part 51f in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the rotating part 51f.

[0537] The pusher 59a can be configured to protrude outward from the circumferential outer surface of the dust collection chamber body 53 in the radial direction of the central axis of the dust collection chamber body 53. The user can easily press the pusher 59a of the auxiliary fixing member 59, which protrudes outward from the circumferential outer surface of the dust collection chamber body 53, thereby easily opening the dust collection chamber 50″.

[0538] The auxiliary fixing member 59 may include an elastic member 56c, which is configured to maintain the compressed state of the rotating part 51f by allowing the limiting member 59b to press the rotating part 51f when the auxiliary fixing member 59 is not pressed by the pushing member 59a.

[0539] With the dust collection chamber door 51 closed, the elastic member 59c is biased to allow the limiting member 59b to press the rotating part 51f in the opposite direction to its rotation direction. Therefore, the limiting member 59b can maintain the state in which it restricts the rotation of the rotating part 51f.

[0540] In other words, the elastic member 59c can press the limiting member 59b in a direction opposite to the radial direction of the dust collection chamber body 53, so that the limiting member 59b is maintained in the position where the limiting member 59b restricts the rotation of the rotating part 51f.

[0541] The pushing member 59a and the limiting member 59b can be arranged in opposite directions about the rotation axis of the auxiliary fixing member 59. Therefore, when the pushing member 59a is pressed, the limiting member 59b can move in the opposite direction to the pressing direction of the pushing member 59a.

[0542] Therefore, when the pusher 59a is pressed with an external force in a direction opposite to the radial direction of the dust collection chamber body 53, the pusher 59a can rotate in a direction opposite to the radial direction of the dust collection chamber body 53, and thus the limiting member 59b can rotate in a direction opposite to the radial direction of the dust collection chamber body 53, and then move away from the rotating part 51f.

[0543] As the limiting member 59b moves away from the rotating part 51f, the limiting member 59b can be separated from the position where it is pressed in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the rotating part 51f.

[0544] When the engagement protrusion 51a and hook 56b are released due to pressing the fixing member 56, the dust collection chamber door 51 can be separated from the dust collection chamber body 53 by gravity when the limiting member 59b is separated from the position where it is pressed in the opposite direction of the rotation direction of the rotating part 51f. The dust collection chamber door 51 can rotate downward about the rotation axis 51c, and thus the lower end of the dust collection chamber body 53 can be opened.

[0545] Therefore, when the user presses only the fixing member 26 without pressing the auxiliary fixing member 29, as Figure 42 As shown, the limiting member 59b of the dust collection chamber door 51 can restrict the rotation of the rotating part 51f, and therefore the dust collection chamber door 51 can be fixed to the dust collection chamber body 53 without rotating and moving downward.

[0546] To open the dust collection chamber door 51, the user must press both the fixing member 56 and the auxiliary fixing member 59. In other words, only when the fixing member 56 and the auxiliary fixing member 59 are pressed simultaneously can the fixation on the engaging protrusion 51a be released, and the constraint on the rotation of the rotating part 51f be released, thereby allowing the dust collection chamber door 51 to be opened.

[0547] The fixing member 56 and the auxiliary fixing member 59 can be spaced apart from each other. The spacing between the fixing member 56 and the auxiliary fixing member 59 can vary. However, the auxiliary fixing member 59 can be arranged to substantially correspond in the vertical direction to the rotation axis 51c of the dust collection chamber door 51 on which the rotating part 51f is arranged.

[0548] like Figure 43 As shown, in the same manner as the first fixing member 57 and the second fixing member 58 according to the eleventh embodiment, when the fixing member 56 and the auxiliary fixing member 59 are docked to the docking station 400, the opening guide 443 can press the fixing member 56 and the auxiliary fixing member 59, thereby releasing the hook engagement between the engaging protrusion 51a and the hook 56b, and releasing the rotational constraint of the limiting member 59b on the rotating part 51f. Therefore, the dust collection chamber door 51 can be opened.

[0549] Opening the guide 443 can simultaneously maintain the pressure state of the fixing member 56 and the auxiliary fixing member 59, and thus the dust collection chamber door 51 can be opened.

[0550] In other words, even when multiple configurations (such as fixing member 56 and auxiliary fixing member 59) configured to fix the dust collection chamber door 51 are provided, all of the multiple configurations can be pressed by opening the guide 443 when docking to the docking station 400, and thus the dust collection chamber door 51 can be opened automatically.

[0551] At this time, the opening guide 443 can be formed on the entire circumferential inner surface 442a of the placement portion 442. In other words, the opening guide 443 can be formed along the circumferential direction of the circumferential inner surface 442a of the placement portion 442, although it is not shown in the drawings.

[0552] Therefore, even when the dust collection chamber 50″ is docked to the docking station 400 in any direction along the circumferential direction of the outer surface of the dust collection chamber body 53, the opening guide 443 can press the fixing member 56 and the auxiliary fixing member 59.

[0553] Alternatively, docking station 400 may include a guide (not shown) configured to allow the dust collection chamber 50″ to be positioned in a specific direction along the circumferential direction of the outer circumferential surface of the dust collection chamber body 53 when the collection chamber 50″ is placed on the placement part 442.

[0554] As described above, the dust collection chamber door 51 can be opened only when the fixing member 56 and the auxiliary fixing member 59 are pressed. Therefore, when the dust collection chamber 50″ is docked with the docking station 400, the fixing member 56 and the auxiliary fixing member 59 can be pressed by the opening guide 443 accordingly, and thus the dust collection chamber door 51 can be opened.

[0555] The technical features of the docking of the dust collection chamber 60 and the docking station 400 according to the thirteenth embodiment of this disclosure will be described in detail below. The dust collection chamber 60 according to the thirteenth embodiment can be applied to the cleaning device 1 according to the first embodiment or the cleaning device 1' according to the eighth embodiment.

[0556] Figure 44 This is a view showing a portion of a dust collection chamber in a closed state according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 45 This is a view showing a portion of the dust collection chamber in the open state according to the thirteenth embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 46 This is a view showing the mounting section according to the thirteenth embodiment of this disclosure, and Figure 47 This is a view showing the state of the dust collection chamber before it is docked to the docking station according to the thirteenth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0557] like Figures 44 to 47As shown, the dust collection chamber 60 may include a dust collection chamber body 63 and a dust collection chamber door 61, which is configured to open and close the dust collection chamber body 63 when the dust collection chamber body 63 is docked to the docking station 400.

[0558] The dust collection chamber body 63 may include a cylindrical shape that extends along the long axis X of the dust collection chamber or along the long axis X of the dust collection chamber body 63. However, the shape of the dust collection chamber body 63 is not limited thereto, and therefore the dust collection chamber body 63 may be configured as a polygonal tubular shape.

[0559] The dust collection chamber door 61 can be arranged at the lower end of the dust collection chamber body 63 and is configured to open and close the lower end of the dust collection chamber body 63.

[0560] As described above, the dust collection chamber 60 may include a first dust collector 60a and a second dust collector 60b, the first dust collector 60a being configured to collect foreign objects that are primarily collected and have a relatively large size, and the second dust collector 60b being configured to collect foreign objects that are collected by the multi-stage cyclone separator 62 and have a relatively small size.

[0561] Both the first dust collector 60a and the second dust collector 60b can be opened to the outside when the dust collection chamber door 61 is opened. At this time, when the dust collection chamber door 61 is open, both the first dust collector 60a and the second dust collector 60b can be opened to the outside.

[0562] The dust collection chamber door 61 may include: an engagement protrusion 61a that engages with the dust collection chamber body 63 to maintain the dust collection chamber 60 in a closed state; and a cap 61b configured to prevent foreign matter collected in the second dust collection chamber 60b from scattering to the outside when the dust collection chamber 60 is closed.

[0563] The dust collection chamber door 61 can open and close the lower end of the dust collection chamber body 63 while rotating around a rotating shaft 61c, which is located on one side of the lower end of the dust collection chamber body 63.

[0564] The dust collection chamber 60 may include a fixing device 66 disposed on the other side of the lower end of the dust collection chamber body 63 and configured to support the engaging protrusion 61a to prevent the dust collection chamber door 61 from separating from the lower end of the dust collection chamber body 63.

[0565] The fixing device 66 may include a hook 66a configured to engage with the engagement protrusion 61a to prevent the engagement protrusion 61a from separating from the dust collection chamber body 63.

[0566] The fixing device 66 may include a pusher 66b configured to release the hook engagement between the hook 66a and the engagement protrusion 61a by moving when an external force is applied.

[0567] The pusher 66b can be configured to be pressed by a user to move the hook 66a, thereby releasing the engagement between the hook 66a and the engagement protrusion 61a.

[0568] The dust collection chambers 50, 50′ and 50″ disclosed in the tenth to twelfth embodiments described above are configured such that a user can press the pusher relative to the long axis X of the dust collection chamber body 63 in the opposite direction to the radial direction r of the dust collection chamber body, thereby moving the fixing member toward the radial direction r of the dust collection chamber body, thereby disengaging the fixing member from the engaging protrusion.

[0569] However, the dust collection chamber 60 according to the thirteenth embodiment of this disclosure can be configured to allow a user to press the pusher 66b relative to the long axis X of the dust collection chamber body 63 in the circumferential direction c of the dust collection chamber body 63, thereby opening the dust collection chamber door 61.

[0570] When the pusher 66b moves along the circumferential direction c of the dust collection chamber body 63, the pusher 66b can press the hook 66a toward the radial direction r of the dust collection chamber body 63, and correspondingly, the hook engagement between the hook 66a and the engagement protrusion 61a can be released.

[0571] The fixing device 66 may include an elastic member 66c, which is configured to maintain the hook 66a in a hooked state with the engagement protrusion 61a in response to the hook 66a not being pressed by the pusher 66b.

[0572] The elastic member 66c can be configured to allow the hook 66a to be biased in the direction toward the engagement protrusion 61a, thereby maintaining the hook engagement between the hook 66a and the engagement protrusion 61a in the closed state of the dust collection chamber door 61.

[0573] While the pusher 66b moves along the circumferential direction c of the dust collection chamber body 63, it can press the hook 66a in the radial direction r of the dust collection chamber body 63, the radial direction r being the opposite direction along which the hook 66a is biased.

[0574] In other words, although not shown in the figures, the pusher 66b may include an inclined surface disposed in the portion of the pusher 66b that contacts the hook 66a as caused by the movement of the pusher 66b, so that the hook 66a can be pressed along the inclined surface in the radial direction r of the collection chamber 63.

[0575] When a user operates the cleaner 10, the dust collection chamber 60 may be opened if the user accidentally presses the pusher 66b of the fixing device 66 during operation. In other words, the fixing device 66 can open the dust collection chamber door 61 by the pressure of the pusher 66b, and the dust collection chamber 60 may be opened by pressing the fixing device 66 regardless of the user's intention.

[0576] To alleviate this difficulty, the fixing device 66 of the dust collection chamber 60 according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present disclosure may include two pushers 66b-1 and 66b-2.

[0577] The two pushers 66b-1 and 66b-2 can be configured to be pressed in one direction and the opposite direction, respectively, about the circumferential direction c of the dust collection chamber body 63.

[0578] Only in response to pressure in one and opposite directions relative to the circumferential direction c of the dust collection chamber body 63, the two pushers 66b-1 and 66b-2 can press the hook 66a to allow the dust collection chamber door 61 to be opened.

[0579] For example, when the pusher 66b is pressed with a force greater than the elastic force of the elastic member 66c, the hook 66 can be moved together with the pusher 66b, and thus the hook engagement between the hook 66a and the engagement protrusion 61a can be released.

[0580] At this time, the elastic force of the elastic member 66c can be greater than the force applied to the hook 66a by either pusher 66b-1 or 66b-2 when either pusher 66b-1 or 66b-2 presses the hook 66a. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the hook 66a from separating from the engaging protrusion 61a when only one pusher 66b-1 or 66b-2 is pressed.

[0581] In other words, in response to the hook 66a being pushed and pressed by the two pushers 66b-1 and 66b-2, a force greater than the elastic force of the elastic member 66c can be transmitted to the hook 66a.

[0582] Therefore, even if the user accidentally presses either of the two pushers 66b-1 and 66b-2 during cleaning, the dust collection chamber door 61 can be secured to the fixing device 66 without separating from the dust collection chamber body 63.

[0583] The docking station 400 can be configured to allow the dust collection chamber door 61 to open in response to the dust collection chamber 60 docking with the mounting portion 442 of the docking station 400.

[0584] The docking station 400 may include an opening guide 444 configured to press the pusher 66b to open the dust collection chamber door 66 in response to placing the dust collection chamber 60 on the placement portion 442.

[0585] The opening guide 444 can be arranged on the circumferential inner surface 442a of the placement portion 442.

[0586] In the same manner as in the embodiments of this disclosure, the opening guide 444 can be configured to project from the circumferential inner surface 442a of the placement portion 442 toward the center of the placement portion 442. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and therefore the opening guide 444 can be formed as a portion of the circumferential inner surface 442a. Alternatively, the opening guide 444 can be formed as a protruding surface, protrusion, or rib projecting from the circumferential inner surface 442a of the placement portion 442 toward the center.

[0587] The circumferential inner surface 442a of the mounting portion 442 can have a diameter significantly larger than the diameter of the circumferential outer surface of the dust collection chamber body 63. This is because the opening guide 444 is formed to protrude toward the center of the mounting portion 442.

[0588] However, the invention is not limited thereto, and in response to the shape of the opening guide 444 formed in a portion of the circumferential inner surface 442a, the circumferential inner surface 442a of the placement portion 442 may have a size substantially corresponding to the diameter of the circumferential outer surface of the dust collection chamber body 63.

[0589] In response to the docking of the dust collection chamber 60 to the docking station 400, the circumferential inner surface 442a of the mounting part 442 and the circumferential outer surface of the dust collection chamber body 63 can face each other at a predetermined distance.

[0590] Therefore, as Figure 46 and Figure 47 As shown, in response to the dust collection chamber 60 being placed on the mounting portion 442, the circumferential outer surface of the dust collection chamber body 63 can move downward along the circumferential inner surface 442a of the mounting portion 442.

[0591] The opening guide 444 can be configured to be annular in shape, which extends in the circumferential direction of the circumferential inner surface 442a of the placement portion 442 and protrudes toward the center of the placement portion 442.

[0592] The opening guide 444 may include an opening region 444c, which is disposed in the opening guide 444 in the circumferential direction of the circumferential inner surface 442a of the placement portion 442. In other words, the opening region 444c may be formed in the area where the annular opening guide 444 is cut off.

[0593] The opening area 444c is the area in which the fixing device 66 is placed in response to the docking of the dust collection chamber 60 to the placement part 442.

[0594] In response to the fact that the fixing device 66 and the opening area 444c are not placed in positions corresponding to each other in the direction of docking of the dust collection chamber 60 during the docking of the dust collection chamber 60 to the placement part 442, the docking of the dust collection chamber 60 can be constrained by the protrusion 444d of the opening guide 444.

[0595] The protrusion 444d of the opening guide 444 can guide the dust collection chamber 60 to allow the fixing device 66 and the opening area 444c to be placed in corresponding positions relative to the direction of docking with the dust collection chamber 60.

[0596] The opening guide 444 may include an inclined portion 444a, which is disposed at the cut portion of the opening guide 444 and is configured to be inclined relative to the direction of docking with the dust collection chamber 60.

[0597] The opening guide 444 may include a pressure holding portion 444b, which is configured to extend from the inclined portion 444a and to press the push member 66b to maintain the push member 66b pressed by the inclined portion 444a in a compressed state.

[0598] The pressure holding part 444b can be configured to extend downward from the lower end of the inclined part 444a. The pressure holding part 444b can be configured to extend from the lower end of the inclined part 444a in a direction corresponding to or consistent with the docking direction of the dust collection chamber 60.

[0599] The fixing device 66, which protrudes outward from the circumferential outer surface of the dust collection chamber body 66, can dock with the dust collector body 66 to the placement part 442, and the fixing device 66 contacts the inclined part 444a of the opening guide 444, and then the fixing device 66 is pressed along the inclined part 444a toward the circumferential direction c of the dust collection chamber body 63.

[0600] Specifically, when the dust collection chamber 60 is pressed downward, the fixing device 66 can move downward on the opening area 444c, and then the pushing member 66b can contact the inclined portion 444a.

[0601] Due to the continuous pressure of the dust collection chamber 60, the pusher 66b can descend along the inclined portion 444a, and at the same time, the pusher 66b can be pressed by the inclined portion 444a.

[0602] In other words, the inclined portion 444a can press the pusher 66b toward the circumferential direction c of the dust collection chamber body 63, and thus, the hook engagement between the hook 66a and the engaging protrusion 61a can be released. Therefore, the dust collection chamber door 61 can be opened in the placement portion 442.

[0603] In response to the docking of the dust collection chamber 60 and the placement part 442, the pusher 66b can be maintained in a state where it is pressed by the pressure holding part 444b along the circumferential direction c of the dust collection chamber body 63.

[0604] Therefore, in response to the dust collection chamber 60 being connected to the mounting part 442, the dust collection chamber 60 can be opened when the dust collection chamber door 61 is connected to the mounting part 442 via the opening guide 444.

[0605] The technical features of the dust collection chamber 50 docking with the docking station 400 according to the fourteenth embodiment of this disclosure will be described in detail below. Except for the lighting device 90 of the docking station 400 described below, the configuration of the fourteenth embodiment is the same as that of the docking station 400 and the dust collection chamber 50 according to the tenth embodiment of this disclosure, and therefore its description is omitted.

[0606] Furthermore, the lighting device 90 described below can be readily applied to the docking stations 100, 300, and 400 disclosed in the first, eighth, and tenth embodiments described above.

[0607] like Figure 48 and Figure 49 As shown, docking station 400 may include lighting device 90, which is configured to emit light toward dust collection chamber 50 located in placement section 442 in response to docking of dust collection chamber 50 to placement section 442.

[0608] The lighting device 90 can be configured to emit light toward the dust collection chamber 50 to allow the user to identify the process of removing dust from the interior of the dust collection chamber 50.

[0609] In other words, the identification of foreign objects remaining inside the dust collection chamber 50 can be improved by using the lighting device 90.

[0610] In some cases, if foreign objects inside the dust collection chamber 50 are not completely removed, the user can easily visually determine this condition and input a restart signal to the docking station 400.

[0611] The lighting device 90 can be installed inside the mounting section 442. Specifically, the lighting device 90 can be installed in the lower part of the mounting section 442 and configured to emit light toward the dust collection chamber 50.

[0612] The lighting device 90 may include a light-emitting device such as a light-emitting diode (LED). However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the lighting device 90 may include components configured to emit light toward the dust collection chamber 50.

[0613] The docking station 400 may include a switching unit 460 configured to detect the docking of the dust collection chamber 50 with the docking housing 440 and to transmit signals for driving the suction device 430, the flow regulator 220 and the lighting device 90.

[0614] The docking station 400 may include a controller (not shown) and may drive the suction device 430 and the flow regulator 220 by receiving electrical signals from the switching unit 460.

[0615] The switch unit 460 can be disposed on the circumferential inner surface 442a of the mounting portion 442. In response to the dust collection chamber 50 docking with the mounting portion 442, the switch unit 460 can be pressed against the circumferential outer surface of the dust collection chamber body 53 and then turned on.

[0616] In response to the activation of the switching unit 460, a signal can be transmitted to a controller (not shown), which can control each configuration to allow the suction device 430, the flow regulator 220, and the lighting device 90 to be driven.

[0617] The suction device 430, flow regulator 220, and lighting device 90 can be driven for a predetermined period of time after the switching unit 460 is turned on, and then the driving of the suction device 430, flow regulator 220, and lighting device 90 can be terminated.

[0618] The docking station 400 may include an input device 401 configured to transmit a signal to a controller (not shown) to re-drive the suction device 430 and the flow regulator 220 if the drive to the suction device 430 and the flow regulator 220 is terminated.

[0619] When the user presses the input device 401, a signal can be transmitted to a controller (not shown) to allow the suction device 430 and flow regulator 220 to be reactivated if the actuation of the suction device 430 and flow regulator 220 has been terminated. Furthermore, the lighting device 90 can be configured to be reactivated by the input device 401.

[0620] As described above, the suction device 430, flow regulator 220, and lighting device 90 can be driven for a predetermined period of time after the switching unit 460 is turned on, and then the driving of the suction device 430, the flow regulator 220, and the lighting device 90 can be terminated. However, foreign objects in the dust collection chamber 50 may not be completely removed during the driving time.

[0621] Because the user can easily observe the interior of the dust collection chamber 50 through the lighting device 90, the user can drive the suction device 430 and the flow regulator 220 as needed by pressing the input device 401.

[0622] The input device 401 can be configured as a button or switch, but is not limited thereto. Therefore, the input device 401 can be formed as a touch display configured to recognize the user's touch.

[0623] The flow regulator 220 according to the fifteenth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. The configuration of the flow regulator 220 of the fifteenth embodiment is the same as that of the flow regulator 220 according to the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure, except for the return switch 227 described below, and therefore its description is omitted.

[0624] Furthermore, the return switch 227 described below can be included not only in the flow regulator 220 according to the tenth embodiment described above, but also in the flow regulators 150, 170, 180 and 210 disclosed in each of the embodiments described above.

[0625] As described in the tenth embodiment, the flow regulator 220 may include a plate 228 configured to selectively open and close the connection flow path 222. The plate 228 may be configured to open or close the connection flow path 222 by translating in one direction.

[0626] Furthermore, as described above, after the dust collection chamber 50 is connected to the docking station 400, the flow regulator 220 can be driven for a predetermined time, and then the drive of the flow regulator 220 can be terminated.

[0627] In this case, the rotation of the drive motor 224 can be terminated in response to the termination of the drive, and the plate 228 can be set according to the position of the shaft 226 interlocked with the drive motor 224.

[0628] In other words, in response to the termination of the drive of the flow regulator 220, the plate 280 can be arranged in a position where the connection flow path 222 is fully open, the connection flow path 222 is fully closed, or at least a portion of the connection flow path 222 is closed.

[0629] The connecting flow path 222 allows the suction device 430 to communicate with the collector 450; and when at least a portion of the connecting flow path 222 is open, in response to the termination of the drive of the flow regulator 220, foreign matter scattered in the collector 450 can flow through the connecting flow path 222 into the suction device 430.

[0630] The suction device 430 may include electrical components such as a suction fan 431 configured to suction air, and the suction device 430 may be damaged by foreign objects continuously flowing into the connection flow path 222, or may form a contaminated intake airflow by foreign objects introduced through the suction fan 431.

[0631] To prevent this situation, such as Figure 50 and Figure 51 As shown, after the flow regulator 220 is terminated according to the drive end signal transmitted from the controller (not shown), the flow regulator 220 can detect the position of the plate 228. Therefore, the flow regulator 220 can perform additional drive such that the drive of the flow regulator 220 is terminated after the plate 228 moves to a position that completely closes the connecting flow path 222.

[0632] In other words, although the drive end signal is transmitted from the controller (not shown) to the flow regulator 220, the plate 228 may not be placed in the position that closes the connection flow path 222 when the drive to the flow regulator 220 is terminated.

[0633] At this time, the flow regulator 220 can detect the position of the plate 228 and additionally drive the drive motor 224 to move the plate 228 to a position that closes the connecting flow path 222, thereby positioning the plate 228 in a position that closes the connecting flow path 222.

[0634] The flow regulator 220 can be configured to terminate the entire drive of the flow regulator 220 in response to detecting that the position of the plate 228 corresponds to the position of closing the connection flow path 222.

[0635] The flow regulator 220 may include a return switch 227 configured to detect the position of the plate 228.

[0636] The return switch 227 may include a detector 227a, which is configured to contact the side surface 228a of the plate 228 and to detect the position of the plate 228 based on whether the detector 227a is in contact with the side surface 228a of the plate 228.

[0637] The return switch 227 can be configured to be close to the connection flow path 222. Specifically, the return switch 227 can be configured parallel to the connection flow path 222 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of translation of the plate 228.

[0638] Therefore, with the side surface 228a of plate 228 pressing the detector 227a, the position of plate 228 can be the position where plate 228 closes the connection flow path 222.

[0639] In contrast, when the side surface 228a of the plate 228 is moved and the detector 227a is not pressed, the position of the plate 228 can be a position where the plate 228 is away from the connection flow path 222 and the plate 228 opens the connection flow path 222.

[0640] The return switch 227 can be turned off in response to the detector 227a being pressed against the side surface 228a of the plate 228; and the return switch 227 can be turned on in response to the detector 227a not being pressed against the side surface 228a of the plate 228.

[0641] The position of the plate 228 can be detected based on whether the detector 227a is pressed. In other words, in response to the closing of the return switch 227, the controller (not shown) can detect the position of the plate 228 as the position where the plate 228 opens the connection flow path 222; and in response to the opening of the return switch 227, the controller (not shown) can detect the position of the plate 228 as the position where the plate 228 closes the connection flow path 222.

[0642] Therefore, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the dust collection chamber 50 was connected to the docking station 400, at the point in time when the drive of the flow regulator 220 and the suction device 430 is terminated, in response to the opening of the return switch 227, the controller (not shown) can terminate the entire drive of the flow regulator 220.

[0643] Conversely, after the predetermined time elapsed from the docking of the dust collection chamber 50 to the docking station 400, at the point when the drive of the flow regulator 220 and the suction device 430 is terminated, in response to the activation of the return switch 227, the controller (not shown) can additionally drive the drive motor 224 until the return switch 227 of the flow regulator 220 is deactivated, and thus the controller (not shown) can terminate the entire drive of the flow regulator 220 in response to deactivating the return switch 227 by additionally moving the plate 228.

[0644] The flow regulator 230 according to the sixteenth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. The flow regulator 230 according to the sixteenth embodiment described below has the same configuration as the flow regulator 220 of the tenth and fifth embodiments of the present invention, except for the bypass 240, and therefore its description is omitted.

[0645] Furthermore, the bypass 240 described below can be included not only in the flow regulator 220 according to the tenth and fifth embodiments described above, but also in the flow regulators 150, 170, 180 and 210 disclosed in each of the embodiments described above.

[0646] Figure 52 This is an exploded perspective view of a flow regulator according to the sixteenth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 53 This is a side sectional view showing the flow regulator in a closed state according to the sixteenth embodiment of this disclosure, and... Figure 54 This is a side sectional view showing the state of the damper being closed in the flow regulator according to the sixteenth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0647] like Figures 52 to 54 As shown, the flow regulator 230 may include a flow path housing 231 forming a connecting flow path 232 configured to connect the collector 450 to the suction device 430.

[0648] Specifically, the connecting flow path 232 can be configured to connect the collector 450 to the suction device 430 and allow airflow. Therefore, the collector 450 and the suction device 430 can communicate with each other through the connecting flow path 232, and the intake airflow generated by the suction device 430 can move to the collector 450 through the connecting flow path 232.

[0649] The connection flow path 151 disclosed in the first to sixth embodiments can be connected to the dust collection guide 30 and configured to allow external air to flow to the dust collection guide 30. However, the connection flow path 212 according to the eighth embodiment, the connection flow path 222 according to the tenth embodiment, and the connection flow path 232 according to the sixteenth embodiment can be configured to connect the suction device 430 to the collector 450.

[0650] The flow regulator 230 may include a flow path valve 233 disposed on a connecting flow path 232 and configured to open and close the connecting flow path 232 to regulate the intake air flow in the connecting flow path 232.

[0651] The flow regulator 230 may include a drive motor 234 configured to allow the flow path valve 233 to open and close the connection flow path 232 by means of rotation of the drive motor.

[0652] The rotating member 235 can be arranged on the rotation axis of the drive motor 234. The rotating member 235 can be configured in a disc shape and can rotate about the rotation axis of the drive motor 234.

[0653] Shaft 236 can be arranged on one side of rotating member 235. Shaft 236 can be arranged outside the rotation axis of rotating member 235. Therefore, driven by drive motor 234, shaft 236 can rotate about the rotation axis of drive motor 234.

[0654] The flow path valve 233 may include a slit 239 into which the shaft 236 is inserted. The slit 239 allows the flow path valve 233 to reciprocate along with the rotation of the shaft 236 inserted into the slit 239.

[0655] The flow path valve 233 may include a plate 228 configured to translate together with the slit 239 and configured to selectively open and close the connecting flow path 232 by means of translational movement.

[0656] The operation of the flow path valve 233 in selectively opening and closing the connecting flow path 232 while moving is the same as the operation of the flow regulator 220 according to the tenth embodiment, and its description will be omitted.

[0657] In response to the closure of the connecting flow path 232 by plate 238 via flow path valve 233, the vacuum pressure on the suction device 430 and the connecting flow path 232 can increase. Therefore, because the suction device 430, especially the suction fan 431, is overloaded, the reliability of the docking station 400 may deteriorate.

[0658] In addition, as the vacuum pressure between the suction device 430 and the connecting flow path 232 increases, unnecessary noise may be generated.

[0659] Therefore, even when the plate 238 closes the connection flow path 232, the flow regulator 230 according to the sixteenth embodiment can maintain a smooth flow of the intake airflow, thereby preventing noise and overload of the suction fan 431.

[0660] Specifically, the flow regulator 230 may include a bypass 240 configured to allow a smooth intake airflow even when the connection flow path 232 is closed due to the passage through the plate 238.

[0661] The bypass 240 may include: a bypass flow path 241 that communicates with one side of the connecting flow path 232; and a damper 242 that is connected to the other end of the bypass flow path 241 and is configured to open to the outside in response to the vacuum pressure in the bypass flow path 241 being equal to or higher than a certain value.

[0662] The bypass 240 may include a bypass pipe 243, which forms the bypass flow path 241.

[0663] One end of the bypass pipe 243 may be connected to the connecting flow path 232, and the other end of the bypass pipe 243 may include a connecting hole 244, which communicates with the outside of the bypass pipe 243.

[0664] The bypass pipe 243 may have a hollow shape, and the bypass flow path 241 may be formed inside the bypass pipe 243.

[0665] The bypass pipe 243 can be configured to extend from one side of the flow path housing 231 to the outside of the flow path housing 231.

[0666] The damper 242 may include: a mass 242a disposed inside the bypass pipe 243 and movable inside the bypass pipe 243; and an elastic member 242b configured to transmit elastic force to the mass 242a.

[0667] The damper 242 can be configured to stably maintain the vacuum pressure inside the connecting flow path 232 while opening and closing the connecting orifice 244. The damper 242 can also be configured to reduce the vacuum pressure by opening the connecting orifice 244 in response to an increase in vacuum pressure in the connecting flow path 232 and the suction device 430 connected to it, caused by closing the connecting flow path 232.

[0668] In other words, the damper 242 can close the connecting hole 244 when the connecting flow path 232 is open, and the damper 242 can open the connecting hole 244 in response to an increase in vacuum pressure in the connecting flow path 232 and the suction device 430 when the connecting flow path 232 is closed.

[0669] Specifically, the mass body 242a of the damper 242 can be disposed inside the bypass pipe 243 and is configured such that pressing the elastic member 242b of the mass body 242a can transmit elastic force to the mass body 242a to allow the mass body 242a to be biased toward the connecting hole 244.

[0670] The diameter of the mass body 242a can be larger than the diameter of the connecting hole 244, and therefore even when the mass body 242a is biased toward the connecting hole 244, it can prevent the mass body 242a from separating toward the outside of the flow regulator 230 through the connecting hole 244.

[0671] The mass 242a can be biased toward the connecting hole 244, and thus the connecting hole 244 can be maintained in a closed state. In other words, the damper 242 can maintain the closed state of the connecting hole 244 in response to an external force not transmitted to the mass 242a, or in response to a force less than the elastic force transmitted by the elastic member 242b being transmitted to the mass 242a.

[0672] In response to the closure of the connecting flow path 232 via plate 238, the intake airflow forming toward the collector 450 can be blocked, and therefore, the intake airflow can flow in the connecting flow path 232 and the suction device 430. Consequently, the vacuum pressure in the connecting flow path 232 and the suction device 430 can be increased.

[0673] In this configuration, the intake airflow can be transmitted to the damper 242 via the bypass path 341. This intake airflow can transmit suction force to the mass 242a, and in response to the suction force of the intake airflow being greater than the elastic force of the elastic member 242b, the mass 242a can move in the opposite direction to the biased direction by means of the intake airflow.

[0674] As the mass body 242a moves by means of the intake airflow, the communication hole 244 can be opened, and the intake airflow can flow from outside the flow regulator 230 through the communication hole 244. Therefore, the vacuum pressure in the connection path 232 and the suction device 430 can be maintained at a predetermined level.

[0675] In other words, in response to an increase in the vacuum pressure in the connecting flow path 232 and the suction device 430, the mass body 242a can be moved by the internal vacuum pressure, and thus the connecting hole 244 closed by the mass body 242a can be opened.

[0676] The connecting flow path 232 can be connected to the outside through the bypass flow path 241, which can reduce the vacuum pressure in the connecting flow path 232 and the suction device 430 connected to the connecting flow path 232, thereby reducing noise and mitigating overload.

[0677] Therefore, the suction device 430 can be driven in the same manner even when the connecting flow path 232 is closed by the flow regulator 230. However, by using the bypass 240, the vacuum pressure in the connecting flow path 232 and the suction device 430 can be prevented from increasing to a predetermined value, regardless of whether the connecting flow path 232 is closed.

[0678] Although some embodiments of this disclosure have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the principles and spirit of this disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A cleaning system, comprising: A vacuum cleaner, comprising a dust collection chamber capable of collecting foreign objects; and A dust collection station, which can be connected to the vacuum cleaner and is configured to remove the foreign matter collected in the dust collection chamber. The dust collection station includes: The placement section includes an opening configured to communicate with the interior of the dust collection chamber, the dust collection chamber being configured to be placed on the placement section when the vacuum cleaner is connected to the dust collection station; A suction device configured to generate an intake airflow to discharge the foreign object from the dust collection chamber through the opening of the placement portion, wherein a flow path is formed to communicate with the suction device and the dust collection chamber; A collection section, disposed between the opening of the placement section and the suction device, is configured to collect foreign matter discharged from the dust collection chamber through the opening of the placement section; and A flow path control device includes a flow path cover configured to block at least a portion of the flow path when the vacuum cleaner is connected to the dust collection station and the suction device generates an intake airflow for discharging the foreign matter from the dust collection chamber to the collection section. The flow path control device is configured to move the position of the flow path cover during operation of the suction device to selectively block at least a portion of the flow path.

2. The cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein, The flow path control device includes a cover actuator configured to move the flow path cover to selectively block at least a portion of the flow path, and The flow path driver includes: Drive motor, the drive motor being configured to generate driving force; and An opening and closing member is configured to press a first side of the flow path cover by the driving force of the drive motor.

3. The cleaning system according to claim 2, wherein, The flow path cover includes a hinge, which is disposed on a second side of the flow path cover opposite to the first side. The flow path cover is further configured to rotate relative to the flow path about the hinge.

4. The cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein, The flow path control device is further configured to selectively arrange the flow path cover at a first position, a second position, or a third position, in which the flow path is closed, in the second position, the flow path is open, and in the third position, at least a portion of the flow path is blocked to reduce the area opened by the flow path cover compared to when it is arranged at the second position.

5. The cleaning system according to claim 4, wherein, The flow path control device is further configured to rotate the flow path cover relative to the flow path to the third position at least once during operation of the suction device.

6. The cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein, The flow path control device is further configured to: The flow path cover is rotated relative to the flow path between a first position and a second position, wherein the flow path is closed in the first position and the flow path is opened in the second position; as well as The flow path cover is selectively positioned at a third location between the first and second locations.

7. The cleaning system according to claim 6, wherein, The flow path control device is further configured to rotate the flow path cover relative to the flow path to the third position at least once during operation of the suction device.

8. The cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein, The dust collection station also includes a switch unit arranged on the mounting section. The switching unit is configured to output a signal in response to detecting that the dust collection chamber is placed on the mounting portion, and The dust collection station is further configured to drive the suction device to generate the intake airflow based on the signal output from the switching unit.

9. The cleaning system according to claim 8, wherein, The dust collection station is further configured to drive the flow path control device based on the signal output from the switching unit.

10. The cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein, The dust collection chamber includes: The dust collection chamber body has a cylindrical shape; Dust collection chamber door, the dust collection chamber door being configured to open or close the dust collection chamber body; and The fixing member is configured as follows: The dust collection chamber door is removably secured to the dust collection chamber body; and The fixing of the dust collection chamber door is released in response to being pressed by an external force, and The dust collection station further includes an opening guide configured to press the fixing member in response to the dust collection chamber being connected to the dust collection station, thereby opening the dust collection chamber door.

11. The cleaning system according to claim 10, wherein, The suction device is further configured to be activated after the dust collection chamber door is opened.

12. The cleaning system according to claim 8, wherein, The switching unit includes a switch configured to detect the placement of the dust collection chamber on the mounting section by means of the switching on / off operation of the switch.

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