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 Patent Application No. 201980082756.6 (Application Date: December 12, 2019; Invention Title: Cleaning apparatus with vacuum cleaner and docking station) for "Cleaning apparatus with vacuum cleaner and docking station". TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a cleaning apparatus including a vacuum cleaner and a docking station, and more particularly, to a docking station capable of automatically discharging dust inside a vacuum cleaner, and a cleaning apparatus including the same. BACKGROUND

[0003] Generally, a vacuum cleaner is a device including a fan motor configured to generate a suction force, and the device performs a cleaning operation using the suction force generated by the fan motor to suction foreign matter such as dust together with air, separate the foreign matter contained in the suctioned air from the air, and collect the dust.

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

[0005] Technical Problem to be Solved

[0006] Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaning apparatus including a docking station of a vacuum cleaner capable of automatically discharging foreign matter from a dust collection chamber.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaning apparatus including a docking station including an improved structure to effectively remove foreign matter in a dust collection chamber.

[0008] Technical Solution

[0009] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a cleaning apparatus includes a vacuum cleaner including a dust collection chamber in which foreign matter is collected, and a docking station configured to be connected to the dust collection chamber to remove the foreign matter collected in the dust collection chamber. The dust collection chamber is configured to collect foreign matter by centrifugal separation, and is configured to be docked to the docking station, and the docking station includes a suction device configured to suction the foreign matter and air in the dust collection chamber docked to the docking station.

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

[0011] The docking station can further include a body including a long axis extending in a vertical direction, and a seating portion on which the dust collecting chamber is seated, the seating portion being disposed to be open upward in the long axis direction of the body.

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

[0013] In response to the docking of the dust collecting chamber with the seating portion, the long axis of the cylindrical shape can be disposed in a direction coinciding with the long axis of the body.

[0014] The docking station can include a collector disposed between the seating portion and the suction device when disposed in the body, in which foreign matter moved from the dust collecting chamber by means of the suction air flow generated by the suction device is collected.

[0015] The seating portion, the collector, and the suction device can be sequentially disposed from an upper side to a lower side with respect to the long axis direction of the body.

[0016] The collector can include a collection portion configured to communicate with the seating portion, the collection portion being removably installed in the collector, and in which foreign matter introduced from the seating portion is collected.

[0017] The body can further include a cover configured to open and close the collector to allow the inside of the collector to be open to the outside, and in response to the opening of the inside of the collector, the collection portion can be separated from the inside of the collector and taken out of the collector.

[0018] The collection portion can include an additional dust collecting chamber including a cyclone separator configured to collect foreign matter by centrifugal separation.

[0019] The vacuum cleaner can further include a suction unit configured to suction foreign matter, and an extension pipe configured to connect the suction unit to the dust collecting chamber, the extension pipe including a long axis extending in one direction, and the long axis of the extension pipe and the long axis of the dust collecting chamber can extend in directions substantially coinciding with each other.

[0020] The vacuum cleaner can further include a suction unit configured to suction foreign substances, and an extension pipe configured to connect the suction unit to the dust collecting chamber, the extension pipe including a long axis extending in one direction; and in response to the dust collecting chamber being docked with the docking station, the vacuum cleaner is supported against the docking station to allow the long axis of the extension pipe to extend in a direction substantially identical to that of the long axis of the body.

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

[0022] The dust collecting chamber can further include a fixing member configured to removably fix the dust collecting chamber door to the dust collecting chamber; and the dust collecting chamber door can be opened in response to being connected to the docking station; and the docking station can include an opening guide configured to press the fixing member to allow the dust collecting chamber door to be opened in response to the connection of the dust collecting chamber to the docking station.

[0023] The docking station can include a flow regulator configured to selectively change an amount of suction air flow supplied to the dust collecting chamber in response to driving of the suction device, thereby changing a flow inside the dust collecting chamber.

[0024] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a cleaning apparatus includes a vacuum cleaner including a dust collecting chamber in which foreign substances are collected, and a docking station configured to be connected to the dust collecting chamber to remove the foreign substances collected in the dust collecting chamber. The dust collecting chamber is configured to be separated from the vacuum cleaner and to be docked to the docking station; and the docking station includes a suction device configured to suction the foreign substances and air in the dust collecting chamber docked to the docking station.

[0025] The docking station can further include a body including a long axis extending in a vertical direction, and a seating portion on which the dust collecting chamber is seated, the seating portion being configured to be open upward in the direction of the long axis of the docking station.

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

[0027] In response to the docking of the dust collecting chamber and the seating portion, the long axis of the dust collecting chamber can be disposed in a direction coinciding with the long axis of the body.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a cleaning apparatus includes a vacuum cleaner including a dust collecting chamber in which foreign substances are collected, and a docking station configured to be docked to the dust collecting chamber to remove the foreign substances collected in the dust collecting chamber. The dust collecting chamber includes a dust collecting chamber door configured to allow the dust collecting chamber to be opened in response to the docking of the dust collecting chamber and the docking station, and a fixing member configured to removably fix the dust collecting chamber door to the dust collecting chamber, and the docking station includes a suction device configured to suction foreign substances and air in the dust collecting chamber docked to the docking station, and an opening guide configured to press one side of the fixing member to allow the dust collecting chamber door to be opened in response to the docking of the dust collecting chamber and the docking station.

[0029] Advantageous Effects

[0030] The cleaning apparatus can automatically remove foreign substances collected in a dust collecting chamber of a vacuum cleaner, and can charge a battery of the vacuum cleaner through a docking station of the vacuum cleaner.

[0031] In particular, in the process of removing foreign substances collected in the dust collecting chamber, the cleaning apparatus can effectively remove the collected foreign substances by changing the flow rate while suctioning the inside of a dust bag. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a state in which a cleaner is separated from a station according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a portion of the station according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is transparent;

[0034] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a plan view of the station illustrated in FIG. 1; Figure 2

[0035] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the cleaner is coupled to the station according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure;

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

[0037] Figure 6 is a sectional view taken along the line AA' of Figure 3 the cleaner coupled to the station according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 7 is a sectional view taken along the line AA' of Figure 3 the cleaner coupled to the station according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure;

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

[0040] Figure 9 is a sectional view taken along the line BB' of Figure 3 the cleaner coupled to the station according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure when the flow path cover is closed;

[0041] Figure 10 is a sectional view taken along the line BB' of Figure 3 the cleaner coupled to the station according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure when the flow path cover is open;

[0042] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing driving the station shown in Figure 1 ;

[0043] Figure 12 is a sectional view taken along the line BB' of Figure 3 the cleaner coupled to the station according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure when the flow path cover is closed;

[0044] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a flow regulator of a station of a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 14 is a schematic side sectional view showing a state in which the flow regulator of Figure 13 closes a connection flow path;

[0046] Figure 15 is a schematic side sectional view showing a state in which the flow regulator of Figure 13 opens the connection flow path;

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

[0048] Figure 17 is a schematic side sectional view showing a state in which the flow regulator of Figure 16Fig. 6 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the flow regulator of Fig. 5 in a state in which the connecting flow path is closed;

[0049] Figure 18 Fig. 7 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the flow regulator of Fig. 5 in a state in which the connecting flow path is open; Figure 16

[0050] Figure 19 Fig. 8 is a schematic view of a flow regulator of a station according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] Figure 20 Fig. 9 is a view showing a state in which the flow regulator of a station according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure opens a discharge port of a dust collection chamber;

[0052] Figure 21 Fig. 10 is a view showing a state in which the flow regulator of a station according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure closes the discharge port of the dust collection chamber;

[0053] Figure 22 Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a station according to an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0054] Figure 23 Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a cleaning apparatus according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0055] Figure 24 Fig. 13 is a view showing some components of a station according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0056] Figure 25 Fig. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of some components of a cleaning apparatus according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0057] Figure 26 Fig. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of some components of a cleaning apparatus according to a ninth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0058] Figure 27 Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a flow regulator of a station according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0059] Figure 28 Fig. 17 is a view showing a state in which the flow regulator of a station according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure opens a connecting flow path;

[0060] Figure 29 Fig. 18 is a view showing a state in which the flow regulator of a station according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure closes the connecting flow path;

[0061] Figure 30 Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a docking station according to a tenth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0062] Figure 31 Fig. 20 is a view showing a state in which a dust collection chamber of a cleaner docks to the docking station according to the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure;​

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

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

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

[0066] Figure 35 is a view showing a state in which the flow regulator of Figure 34 closes the connection flow path;

[0067] Figure 36 is a view showing a state in which the flow regulator of Figure 34 opens the connection flow path;

[0068] Figure 37 is a view of a portion of the dust collecting chamber according to the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure;

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

[0070] Figure 39 is a view showing a state after the dust collecting chamber according to the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure is docked with the docking station;

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

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

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

[0074] Figure 43 is a view showing a state after the dust collecting chamber according to the twelfth embodiment of the present disclosure is docked with the docking station;

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

[0076] Figure 45 is a view showing a portion of the dust collecting chamber in an open state according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0077] Figure 46 is a view showing a docking portion according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present disclosure;

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

[0079] Figure 48 is a view showing a state where the dust collecting chamber is being docked to the docking station according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present disclosure;

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

[0081] Figure 50 is a view showing a state where the flow regulator opens the connection flow path according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0082] Figure 51 is a view showing a state where the flow regulator closes the connection flow path according to the fifteenth embodiment of the present disclosure;

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

[0084] Figure 53 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state where the damper is closed in the flow regulator according to the sixteenth embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0085] Figure 54 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state where the damper is closed in the flow regulator according to the sixteenth embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0086] The embodiments described in the present disclosure and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are merely examples of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and can be modified in various ways at the time of filing the present application to replace the embodiments of the present disclosure and the accompanying drawings.

[0087] In addition, the same reference numerals and symbols shown in the accompanying drawings of the present disclosure refer to elements or components performing substantially the same functions.

[0088] Also, the terms used in the present disclosure are used to describe embodiments and are not intended to limit and / or exclude the present disclosure. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well. In the present disclosure, the terms "including," "having," and the like are used to indicate the existence of the stated features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, and do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0089] It will be understood that, although the terms "first," "second," "third," etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The term "and / or" includes multiple combinations of the associated listed items or any one of the associated listed items.

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

[0091] The present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0092] Figure 1 is a view showing a state in which the cleaner is separated from the station according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a portion of the station is transparent in the station according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 3 is a plan view of the station shown in Figure 2 , and Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the cleaner is coupled to the station according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] Referring to Figures 1 to 4 , the cleaning apparatus 1 can include a cleaner 10 and a docking station 100.

[0094] The cleaner 10 can include a cleaner body 11, an extension pipe (not shown) removably coupled to the cleaner body 11, a suction unit (not shown) removably coupled to the extension pipe (not shown), and a dust collection chamber 20 removably coupled to the cleaner body 11.

[0095] The cleaner body 11 can include a suction motor (not shown) configured to generate a suction force required to suction foreign substances on a surface to be cleaned, and a dust collecting chamber 20 in which the foreign substances suctioned from the surface to be cleaned are accommodated.

[0096] The dust collecting chamber 20 can be disposed upstream of the air flow instead of being disposed on the suction motor so as to filter and collect dust and dirt in the air flowing through a main suction unit (not shown). The dust collecting chamber 20 can be provided to be removable from the cleaner body 11.

[0097] The cleaner 10 can include a filter housing 12. The filter housing 12 can have a substantially circular ring shape to accommodate a filter (not shown) therein. There is no limitation on the type of filter. For example, a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter can be disposed inside the filter housing 12. The filter can filter out ultra-fine dust that is not filtered out by the dust collecting chamber 20. The filter housing 12 can include a discharge port 13 for discharging air that has passed through the filter to the outside of the cleaner 10.

[0098] The cleaner body 11 can 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 can include a manipulator 15. The user can operate a power button provided on the manipulator 15 to turn the cleaner 10 on / off or adjust a suction intensity.

[0100] The cleaner body 11 can include a dust collecting guide 30 provided to be connected between the dust collecting chamber 20, the extension pipe (not shown), and the suction unit (not shown) so as to guide foreign substances to the dust collecting chamber 20.

[0101] The dust collecting guide 30 can be coupled to the above-described extension pipe (not shown) when guiding foreign substances into the dust collecting chamber 20 as described above. In addition, the dust collecting guide 30 can be provided to be directly coupled to the suction unit (not shown) instead of the extension pipe (not shown), or to be coupled to other components such as an auxiliary suction unit.

[0102] Accordingly, since the user can combine a plurality of components with the dust collecting guide 30 according to a cleaning situation, convenience of cleaning can be increased.

[0103] The cleaner body 11 can include a battery 16 configured to provide driving power to the cleaner 10. The battery 16 can be removably mounted to the cleaner body 11. Also, the battery 16 can be electrically connected to a charging terminal 123 provided in the docking station 100, which will be described later. The battery 16 can be charged by receiving power from the charging terminal 123 provided 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 can include a body case 110 forming an appearance of the docking station 100.

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

[0107] The charger 120 can include a battery seating portion 121 on which the battery 16 is seated, 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 is seated.

[0108] However, according to an embodiment of the 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. At this time, the charger 120 can be provided in such a manner that at least a portion of the body 11 in which the battery 16 is arranged is seated on the charger 120 in order to charge the battery 16.

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

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

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

[0112] The docking station 100 can discharge dust collected in the dust collecting chamber 20 from the dust collecting chamber 20 by including a suction device 130.

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

[0114] The suction flow path 132 can deliver an air flow generated by the suction fan 131 to the dust collecting chamber 20. In other words, a suction air flow generated by the suction fan 131 can be delivered to the dust collecting chamber 20 along the suction flow path 132, and foreign matter inside the dust collecting chamber 20 can be discharged to the outside of the dust collecting chamber 20 by the suction air flow.

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

[0116] The collector (not shown) can have an inner space larger than that of the dust collecting chamber 20.

[0117] Although not shown in the drawings, the collector (not shown) can be provided in the shape of a collection bag configured to deliver air to allow a suction air flow generated by the suction fan 131 to flow into the suction flow path 132, and configured to block dust from being delivered.

[0118] However, the shape of the collector (not shown) is not limited thereto, and thus the collector (not shown) can be provided in the shape of an additional dust collecting chamber in communication with the suction flow path 132 and the suction fan 131. The additional dust collecting chamber can be formed as a multi-cyclone separator in the same manner as the dust collecting chamber 20 so as to collect foreign matter introduced from the dust collecting chamber 20.

[0119] The collector (not shown) can be disposed in a first inner space 111 formed by the body housing 110. The first inner space 111 can be provided to be opened and closed by a first cover 112 disposed at the front of the body housing 110.

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

[0121] The suction fan 131 can be disposed in a second internal space 113 formed by the housing. The second internal space 113 can be provided to be opened and closed by a second cover 114 disposed at a front of the body housing 110.

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

[0123] The first internal space 111 and the second internal space 113 can be provided to communicate with each other. Accordingly, in response to driving the suction fan 131, a suction air flow can be delivered to the suction flow path 132 through the first internal space 111 and the second internal space 113, and the suction air flow can be delivered to the dust collecting chamber 20 through the suction flow path 132.

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

[0125] The charger 120 described above can be disposed at an uppermost end of the body housing 110.

[0126] The body housing 110 can include a docking housing 140, and the docking housing 140 allows the dust collecting chamber 20 and the dust collecting guide 30 to be docked to an inside of the housing when the handle 14 is docked to the charger 120.

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

[0128] The docking housing 140 can correspond to a component of the body housing 110, but the docking housing 140 is not limited to the embodiment of the disclosure. Thus, the docking housing 140 can be provided as a component integrally formed with the body housing 110.

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

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

[0131] The flow regulator 150 can selectively supply external air to the dust collecting chamber 20 through the dust collecting guide 30 by using the second opening 142. An explanation thereof will be described below.

[0132] A switch unit 160 can be provided at one side of the docking housing 140, and the switch unit 160 is configured to detect docking of the cleaner 10 to the docking housing 140 and to deliver a signal for driving the suction device 130 and the flow regulator 150.

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

[0134] The switch unit 160 can include a first switch 161 configured to detect that the dust collecting chamber 20 has passed through the first opening 141 and is docked to the suction device 130, and a second switch 162 configured to detect that the dust collecting guide 30 has passed through the second opening 142 and is docked to the flow regulator 150.

[0135] A structure in which the dust collecting chamber 20 is docked to the suction device 130 will be described below.

[0136] Figure 5 is a partial perspective view of a portion of a dust collecting chamber of a cleaner according to a first embodiment of the disclosure, Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line AA' of Figure 3 , in a process in which the cleaner is coupled to the station according to the first embodiment of the disclosure, Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line AA' of Figure 3 , after the cleaner is coupled to the station according to the first embodiment of the disclosure.

[0137] The dust collecting chamber 20 can include a dust collecting chamber door 21 configured to open and close the dust collecting chamber 20 when the dust collecting chamber 20 is docked to the docking station 100.

[0138] The dust collecting chamber door 21 can form a lower portion of the dust collecting chamber 20 and is disposed at a lower end of the dust collecting chamber 20.

[0139] The dust collecting chamber 20 can be provided in a shape having a plurality of chambers. In other words, the dust collecting chamber 20 can be formed in a manner in which a plurality of cyclone chamber is arranged in a stacked manner. At this time, when the dust collecting chamber door 21 is opened, the plurality of chambers forming the dust collecting chamber 20 can be opened to the outside through the dust collecting chamber door 21 (refer to Figure 4 ).

[0140] Although the dust collecting chamber 20 is formed in a shape of a multi-stage cyclone separator type, the dust collecting chamber 20 can discharge foreign substances collected in the dust collecting chamber 20 when the dust collecting chamber door 21 is opened.

[0141] The dust collecting chamber door 21 can include a first door 22 and a second door 23. The first door 22 and the second door 23 can be configured to be in contact with the center of the dust collecting chamber 20 from the lower center of the dust collecting chamber 20, thereby closing the dust collecting chamber 20. The first door 22 and the second door 23 can be configured to be rotated toward the lower side from the lower center of the dust collecting chamber 20 by a first rotation shaft 22a and a second rotation shaft 23a, thereby opening the dust collecting chamber 20.

[0142] A first contact portion 22c of the first door 22 and a second contact portion 23c of the second door 23 can be provided at portions 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 be in contact with each other, thereby being overlapped with each other in a vertical direction.

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

[0145] In other words, the second contact protrusion 23d and the first contact protrusion 22d can be overlapped with each other in a vertical direction in sequence.

[0146] Accordingly, in response to a closed state of the first door 22 and the second door 23, it is possible to prevent foreign substances from leaking between the first door 22 and the second door 23.

[0147] The first door 22 can include a first pressure receiving portion 22b arranged at a side opposite to the first contact portion 22c and configured to rotate the first door 22 about the first rotation shaft 22a by being pressed by a first opening rib 132a to be described later. The first door 22 can be disposed such that the first contact portion 22c, the first rotation shaft 22a, and the first pressure receiving portion 22b are arranged outward in sequence from the center of the lower end of the dust collecting chamber 20.

[0148] The second door 23 can include a second pressure receiving portion 23b arranged at a side opposite to a second contact portion 23c and configured to be rotated about a second rotation axis 23a by being pressed by a second opening rib 132b to be described later. The second door 23 can be disposed such that the second contact portion 23c, the second rotation axis 23a, and the second pressure receiving portion 23b are arranged in order outward from the center of the lower end of the dust collecting chamber 20.

[0149] The first door 22 and the second door 23 can be provided with a door-side elastic member (not shown) configured to elastically support the first door 22 and the second door 23 so as to be elastically coupled to the dust collecting chamber 20.

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

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

[0152] The suction flow path 132 can include first and second opening ribs 132a and 132b arranged inside the suction flow path 132 and configured to push press the first and second pressure receiving portions 22b and 23b upward when the dust collecting chamber 20 is docked to the suction flow path 132.

[0153] The dust collecting chamber 20 can be disposed to be inserted into one end of the suction flow path 132 by passing through the first opening 141. The dust collecting chamber 20 is inserted into the suction flow path 132 in a vertical direction, and in particular, the first and second pressure receiving portions 22b and 23b can be arranged to be pressed upward by the first and second opening ribs 132a and 132b inside the suction flow path 132 when the dust collecting chamber 20 is inserted into the suction flow path 132 in a vertical direction.

[0154] For the first door 22, the first contact portion 22c can be rotated downward about the first rotation axis 22a while the first pressure receiving portion 22b is pressed upward.

[0155] For the second door 23, the second contact portion 23c can be rotated downward about the second rotation axis 23a while the second pressure receiving portion 23b is pressed upward.

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

[0157] The first opening rib 132a and the second opening rib 132b can be disposed on opposite sides with respect 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 downward, door-side elastic members (not shown) can elastically support the first door 22 and the second door 23 upward.

[0159] When the dust collecting chamber 20 is docked to 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 portion 22b and the second pressure receiving portion 23b, respectively, and then support the first pressure receiving portion 22b and the second pressure receiving portion 23b while the dust collecting chamber 20 is docked to the suction flow path 132.

[0160] Accordingly, the first door 22 and the second door 23 can be maintained in an open state while the dust collecting chamber 20 is docked to the suction flow path 132.

[0161] When the dust collecting chamber 20 is separated from the suction flow path 132, the first pressure receiving portion 22b and the second pressure receiving portion 23b can move upward and be separated from the first opening rib 132a and the second opening rib 132b.

[0162] Accordingly, the first opening rib 132a and the second opening rib 132b do not press the first pressure receiving portion 22b and the second pressure receiving portion 23b, and thus the first door 22 and the second door 23 can be rotated upward by being elastically supported by the door-side elastic members (not shown).

[0163] Accordingly, when the dust collecting chamber 20 is docked 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 collecting chamber 20 is separated from the suction flow path 132, the first door 22 and the second door 23 can close the dust collecting chamber 20 again by the door-side elastic members (not shown).

[0164] The first opening rib 132a and the second opening rib 132b can be disposed to have different heights in a vertical direction. With respect to the vertical direction, an upper end portion of the first opening rib 132a can be disposed to extend to a position higher than an upper end portion of the second opening rib 132b.

[0165] When the dust collecting chamber 20 is docked to the suction flow path 132 in a state in which the upper end of the first opening rib 132a extends higher than the upper end of the second opening rib 132b, the first pressure receiving portion 22b can be pressed before the second pressure receiving portion 23b, and thus the first door 22 can be opened first.

[0166] In sequence, the second pressure receiving portion 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 heights of the upper end of the first opening rib 132a and the upper end of the second opening rib 132b are different from each other, the first door 22 and the second door 23 can be opened in sequence. Conversely, when the dust collecting chamber 20 is detached from the suction flow path 132, the second pressure receiving portion 23b can move upward, and the contact with the second opening rib 132b can be terminated before the contact between the first pressure receiving portion 22b and the second opening rib 132b is terminated. Thus, the second door 23 can be closed before the first door 22.

[0168] By opening and closing the first door 22 and the second door 23 in sequence, it is possible to prevent the first door 22 and the second door 23 from being opened at the same time. Thus, it is possible to prevent dust collected in the dust collecting chamber 20 from being instantaneously scattered. In addition, it is possible to prevent a situation in which, while the first door 22 and the second door 23 are rotated, the first contact portion 22c and the second contact portion 23c do not reach the closed positions, and thus the end portions of the first contact portion 22c and the second contact portion 23c come into contact with and get caught with each other before the first door 22 and the second door 23 are rotated to the closed positions.

[0169] In addition, as described above, because the second contact protrusion 23d and the first contact protrusion 22d overlap each other in the vertical direction in sequence, it is possible to open the first door 22 before the second door 23 is opened, and it is possible to close the first door 22 before the second door 23 is closed.

[0170] Because the second contact protrusion 23d is disposed above the first contact protrusion 22d, when the second door 23 is opened before the first door 22, the second contact protrusion 23d can be rotated downward, 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 be opened or closed in sequence, the second contact protrusion 23d and the first contact protrusion 22d can prevent foreign substances from overflowing from the dust collecting chamber 20 through between the first door 22 and the second door 23.

[0172] In this way, due to the arrangement of the first and second opening ribs 132a and 132b, and the arrangement of the second and first contact protrusions 23d and 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] Hereinafter, a configuration of the dust collecting chamber door 21 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The configuration of the cleaning apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is the same except for the dust collecting chamber door 21 described below, and thus a description thereof will be omitted.

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

[0175] The first and second doors 22 and 23 of the dust collecting chamber door 21 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure can each include a magnet 25.

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

[0177] Accordingly, the first and second contact portions 22c and 23c can be provided in a flat shape.

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

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

[0180] In response to the closed state of the first and second doors 22 and 23 caused by the first and second magnets 25a and 25b, the first and second contact portions 22c and 23c can be maintained in a close contact state.

[0181] Accordingly, it is possible to prevent foreign substances inside the dust collecting chamber 20 from leaking out through between the first and second doors 22 and 23.

[0182] Hereinafter, a flow regulator 150 will be described.

[0183] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line BB' of the flow path cover in a state in which the flow path cover is closed, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line BB' of the flow path cover in a state in which the flow path cover is closed, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 10is a sectional view taken along a line BB' of the state in which the cleaner is coupled to the station according to the first embodiment of the disclosure when the flow path cover is opened Figure 3

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

[0185] The air and the foreign matter in the dust collecting chamber 20 can be discharged to the outside through the dust collecting chamber door 21 and the suction flow path 132 of the dust collecting chamber 20, but some of the foreign matter can not be discharged to the outside due to being captured by the internal structure of the dust collecting chamber 20.

[0186] For example, because the foreign matter such as hair is captured by the internal structure of the dust collecting chamber 20 without being discharged to the outside, the foreign matter can be left in the dust collecting chamber 20 due to the suction air flow generated from the lower side of the dust collecting chamber door 21.

[0187] The suction air flow delivered to the dust collecting chamber 20 can be formed to be directed only in a downward direction of the dust collecting chamber 20. Therefore, some foreign matter can have resistance in the direction in which the suction air flow is formed, and thus, the foreign matter can not be discharged to the outside of the dust collecting chamber 20 due to the suction air flow.

[0188] Therefore, a difficulty can occur in which the foreign matter inside the dust collecting chamber 20 is not effectively removed.

[0189] To alleviate the difficulty, the docking station 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure can include a flow regulator 150 configured to selectively provide additional outside air to the dust collecting chamber 20 in addition to the suction air flow.

[0190] When the suction air flow is supplied to the dust collecting chamber 20, and the internal air of the dust collecting chamber 20 is suctioned by the suction device 130, the flow regulator 150 can change the internal air flow of the dust collecting chamber 20 in a plurality of different ways by changing the flow inside the dust collecting chamber 20.

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

[0192] At this time, when the outside air is additionally supplied to the dust collecting chamber 20 through the flow regulator 150, the air pressure inside the dust collecting chamber 20 can immediately increase. As the air pressure increases, the air flow inside the dust collecting chamber 20 can be changed, and the air flow guided only downward can be changed in all directions. ​

[0193] As the flow inside the dust collecting chamber 20 changes, air can spread in all directions in the inner space of the dust collecting chamber 20, and thus the air flow directed only to the lower side can be changed in multiple directions.

[0194] Due to the instantaneous change in the direction of the air flow, some foreign substances having resistance to the downward direction can lose the resistance by the air flowing in other directions, and the foreign substances can be separated from the dust collecting chamber 20 together with the air flow.

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

[0196] As Figure 9 and Figure 10 illustrated, the flow regulator 150 can include a connection flow path 151 connected to the dust collecting guide 30.

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

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

[0199] Because the dust collecting guide 30 is disposed to communicate with the dust collecting chamber 20 as described above, when the dust collecting guide 30 is opened toward the outside, external air can flow into the dust collecting chamber 20 through the dust collecting guide 30 (see Figure 4 ).

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

[0201] The flow path cover 152 can 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 coupled to the connection flow path 151.

[0202] The flow path cover 152 can be rotatable with respect to the connection flow path 151 using the hinge 152a as a rotation axis. To close the connection flow path 151, the flow path cover 152 can be rotated downward around the hinge 152a at a position covering the other end of the connection flow path 151.

[0203] The flow regulator 150 can 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 upward.

[0205] The flow path cover 152 can be pressed upward by the cover elastic member 156. Accordingly, 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 connection flow path 151.

[0206] Accordingly, in response to no external pressure, the flow path cover 152 can close the connection flow path 151 by the cover elastic member 156. However, when the flow path cover 152 is pressed downward by external pressure, the flow path cover 152 can rotate downward around the hinge 152a, thereby opening to the outside of the connection flow path 151.

[0207] The flow regulator 150 can include an opening and closing unit 155 configured to selectively open and close the connection flow path 151 by the flow path cover 152.

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

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

[0210] The flow path cover 152 can include a pressed portion 152b arranged at one side of the flow path cover 152 and pressed by the opening and closing member 154.

[0211] The pressure receiving portion 152b can be arranged at the opposite side of the hinge 152a. Thus, when the pressure receiving portion 152b is pressed by the opening and closing member 154, the pressure receiving portion 152b can rotate about the hinge 152a toward the direction in which the pressure receiving portion 152b is pressed by the opening and closing member 154.

[0212] The opening and closing member 154 can press the pressure receiving portion 152b downward. Thus, the flow path cover 152 can be pressed downward with respect to the hinge 152a, and then the flow path cover 152 can be arranged at the open position.

[0213] Thus, when the pressure receiving portion 152b is pressed by the opening and closing member 154, the flow path cover 152 can be opened, and the connection 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 portion 152b can be rotated upward by the cover elastic member 156, thereby closing the flow path cover 152.

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

[0216] Suitably, the rotation axis A of the shaft 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 and closing member 154 rotates in one direction associated with the driving of the drive motor 153, the pressure receiving portion 152b can be pressed downward by the opening and closing member 154, and thus the flow path cover 152 can be turned in the direction opposite to the opening and closing member 154.

[0218] The opening and closing member 154 can include a pressure applying protrusion 154a protruding in the radial direction of the rotation axis of the opening and closing member 154 and configured to press the pressure receiving portion 152b. The pressure applying protrusion 154a can be provided in plural, and the plural pressure applying protrusions 154a can be arranged in the radial direction about the rotation axis of the opening and closing member 154. Suitably, four pressure applying protrusions 154a can be formed.

[0219] A non-pressure applying portion 154b configured not to press the pressure receiving portion 152b when the opening and closing member 154 rotates can be provided between the plural pressure applying protrusions 154a.

[0220] As 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 pressing protrusion of the plurality of pressing protrusions 154a continues to rotate downward as the opening and closing member 154 continuously rotates, and then the other pressing protrusion of the plurality of pressing protrusions 154a passes through the line L. Accordingly, the opening and closing member 154 can press the pressed portion 152b again, thereby opening the flow path cover 152.

[0230] As described above, as the plurality of pressing protrusions 154a and the non-pressing portion 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 connection flow path 151 can be periodically opened and closed with respect to the outside; the outside air can flow into the dust collection guide 30 for a predetermined period of time, the flow of air to the dust collection guide 30 can be blocked for a predetermined period of time, and air can flow into the dust collection guide 30 again for a predetermined period of time.

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

[0233] The direction of the air flow can be changed according to the change in the flow rate of the inside air of the dust collection chamber 20, and thus foreign matter remaining in the dust collection chamber 20 can be discharged to the outside together with the air flow generated in a plurality of directions.

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

[0235] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating driving the station shown in Figure 1

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

[0237] Accordingly, the switch unit 160 can transmit an electrical signal to a controller (not shown), or the switch 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 for driving the suction fan 131 to the suction device 130. 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 for driving the driving motor 153 to the flow regulator 150. The second switch 162 can provide a signal to the flow regulator 150 to drive the driving motor 153 for about 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 for about one minute.

[0241] In response to the elapsed time being less than one minute, the first switch 161 and the second switch 162 can continuously deliver a signal to drive the suction device 130 and the flow regulator 150.

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

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

[0244] As described above, because the flow regulator 150 is driven at the same time as the suction device 130 is driven, external air can be additionally supplied to the inside of the dust collecting chamber 20 at the same time as the intake air flow is generated inside the dust collecting chamber 20. Accordingly, the flow of the dust collecting chamber 20 can be changed, thereby changing the air flow.

[0245] The case in which the switch unit 160 directly delivers an electrical signal to the suction device 130 and the flow regulator 150 has been described above. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and thus the switch unit 160 can deliver an electrical signal to a controller (not shown), and then the controller (not shown) can deliver the electrical signal to the suction device 130 and the flow regulator 150.

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

[0247] Figure 12 is the direction in which the flow path cover is closed when the cleaner is coupled to the station according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB' of FIG. 1.

[0248] According to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, four pressure application protrusions 154a of the opening and closing member 154 can be provided. However, the number of the pressure application protrusions is not limited thereto, and thus four or less or more pressure application protrusions 154a can be provided.

[0249] The opening and closing member 154' according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure can include two pressure application protrusions 154a'.

[0250] As the number of the pressure application protrusions 154a' is reduced, the range occupied by the non-pressure application portion 154b' can be increased. Thus, the time for opening the flow path cover 152 when the opening and closing member 154' according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure is driven can become shorter than the time for opening the flow path cover 152 when the opening and closing member 154 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is driven.

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

[0252] Thus, the flow regulator 150' according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure can provide a smaller amount of external air to the dust collecting chamber 20 than the flow regulator 150 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0253] On the contrary, although not shown in the drawings, when more than four pressure application protrusions 154a' of the opening and closing member 154' are formed, 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] Thus, the flow regulator 150' according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure can provide a larger amount of external air to the dust collecting chamber 20 than the flow regulator 150 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0255] As described above, the amount of external air provided to the dust collecting chamber 20 can be variously adjusted by changing the number of pressure application protrusions 154a' of the opening and closing member 154'. Thus, the optimal supply of external air can be analyzed based on the shape of the inside of the dust collecting chamber 20, and accordingly, various shapes of the opening and closing member 154' can be provided to supply external air to the inside of the dust collecting chamber 20 according to the optimal supply of external air.

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

[0257] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a flow regulator of a station of the fourth embodiment of the disclosure, Figure 14 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing Figure 13 a state in which the flow regulator 170 closes the connection flow path, and Figure 15 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing Figure 13 a state in which the flow regulator 170 opens the connection flow path.

[0258] As shown in Figures 13 to 15 , the flow regulator 170 can include a connection flow path 171 connected to the dust collection guide 30, and a flow path cover 172 configured to selectively cover the connection flow path 171.

[0259] The flow regulator 170 can include an opening and closing unit 173 configured to selectively open and close the connection flow path 171 through the flow path cover 172.

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

[0261] The flow path cover 172 can open and close the connection flow path 171 by rotation of the flow path cover.

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

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

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

[0265] A coupler 172c engaged with the motor shaft 173a can be provided at the center of the flow path cover 172. Accordingly, the flow path cover 172 can rotate about the center of the flow path cover 172.

[0266] However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the coupler 172c can be disposed outside the center of the flow path cover 172.

[0267] The flow path cover 172 can include a body 172a and a cutout portion 172b, in which some shape is cut out in the body 172a at the cutout portion 172b.

[0268] The flow path cover 172 can be disposed in contact with the lower end portion of the connection flow path 171. In particular, the body 172a of the flow path cover 172 can be disposed in contact with the lower end portion of the connection flow path 171.

[0269] In response to the arrangement in which the connection flow path 171 and the body 172a overlap each other in the vertical direction by the rotation of the flow path cover 172, the flow path cover 172 can cover the connection flow path 171, and then the flow path cover 172 can close the connection flow path 171 from the outside. Accordingly, the outside air can not be supplied to the dust collecting chamber 20 through the connection flow path 171.

[0270] In response to the arrangement in which the connection flow path 171 and the cutout portion 172b overlap each other in the vertical direction by the rotation of the flow path cover 172, the connection flow path 171 can be opened to the outside through the cutout portion 172b. Accordingly, the outside air can be supplied to the dust collecting chamber 20 through the connection flow path 171.

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

[0272] As needed, the cutout portion 172b can be formed to be larger than the body 172a. The optimal supply of the outside air can be analyzed based on the shape inside the dust collecting chamber 20, and accordingly, the body 172a can have a plurality of regions for supplying the outside air to the inside of the dust collecting chamber 20 according to the optimal supply of the outside air.

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

[0274] Figure 16 is a perspective view of a flow regulator of a station according to the fifth embodiment of the disclosure, Figure 17 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing Figure 16 a state in which the flow regulator of Figure 18 is closing a connection flow path, and Figure 16 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the flow regulator of

[0275] is opening the connection flow path. Figures 16 to 18As shown, the flow regulator 180 can include a connection flow path 181 connected to the dust collection guide 30, and a flow path cover 182 configured to selectively cover the connection flow path 181.

[0276] The flow regulator 180 can include a drive motor 183 configured to transmit a driving force so as to selectively open and close the connection flow path 181 by the flow path cover 182.

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

[0278] The flow path cover 182 can include a shutter portion 182a provided at a position corresponding to the connection flow path 181 in a vertical direction, and provided with a shutter, and a driver 182b connected to the motor shaft 183a to drive the shutter portion 182a.

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

[0280] The flow path cover 182 can be provided in contact with a lower end portion of the connection flow path 181. In particular, the shutter portion 182a of the flow path cover 182 can be provided in contact with the lower end portion of the connection flow path 181.

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

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

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

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

[0285] Hereinafter, a flow regulator 190 according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The configuration of the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure other than the flow regulator 190 is the same as that of the first embodiment of the present disclosure, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

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

[0287] As Figure 19 shown, the flow regulator 190 can include a connection flow path 191 connected to the dust collecting guide 30, and a blower 193 configured to blow outside air to the connection flow path 191.

[0288] The blower 193 can include a blower fan. The blower 193 can be driven to blow outside air into the connection flow path 191, and thus a large amount of outside air can flow along the connection flow path 191 to the dust collecting guide 30 and the dust collecting chamber 20.

[0289] The blower 193 can be periodically activated or deactivated. Accordingly, outside air can be blown to the connection flow path 191 at predetermined intervals.

[0290] According to the amount of blowing of the blower 193, the flow regulator 190 according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure can generate a greater flow difference than the flow regulator 150 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0291] Accordingly, a greater change in the flow of the inside air of the dust collecting chamber 20 can be made, thereby effectively removing foreign matter in the dust collecting chamber 20.

[0292] Hereinafter, a flow regulator 200 according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The configuration of the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure other than the flow regulator 200 is the same as that of the first embodiment of the present disclosure, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

[0293] Figure 20 is a view showing a state in which a flow regulator of a station according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure opens a discharge port of a dust collecting chamber, and Figure 21is a view showing a state of a discharge port of a dust-sealed chamber of a flow regulator of a station according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0294] As shown in Figure 20 and Figure 21 The flow regulator 200 can include a discharge port opening and closing unit 201 configured to open and close the discharge port 13 of the cleaner, as shown.

[0295] The discharge port opening and 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 can include a discharge port cover 201a provided in a shape of a cut ring.

[0297] The discharge port cover 201a can close the discharge port 13 from the outside in a manner that the ring-shaped discharge port cover 201a surrounds the discharge port 13. Suitably, the discharge port cover 201a is formed of two parts to cover the discharge port 13.

[0298] However, the shape of the discharge port cover 201a is not limited thereto, and the discharge port cover 201a can be provided in a shape corresponding to a shape in which the discharge port 13 is disposed in the cleaner 10, and the number of the discharge port cover 201a can vary according to the arrangement of the discharge port 13.

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

[0300] In particular, the discharge port cover 201a can include a hinge 201b provided to be coupled to the body housing 110 in a rotatable manner. The driver (not shown) can rotate the discharge port cover 201a about the hinge 201b.

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

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

[0303] In response to the discharge port cover 201a being rotated about the hinge 201b toward the opposite side of the cleaner 10, the discharge port cover 201a can open or unclose 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 periodically opened and closed.

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

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

[0307] Further, although not shown in the drawings, unlike the first through sixth embodiments of the present disclosure, the dust collecting guide 30 need not be docked to the docking station 100.

[0308] The flow regulator 200 according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure changes the air pressure inside the dust collecting chamber 20 by opening and closing the discharge port 13, without supplying external air to the dust collecting chamber 20 through the dust collecting guide 30 as described above. Accordingly, the dust collecting guide 30 need not be docked to the docking station 100 to be connected to the flow regulator.

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

[0310] Hereinafter, a cleaning apparatus 1' according to an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The configuration of the cleaning apparatus 1' according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure is the same as that of the cleaning apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure except for the cleaning apparatus 1', and thus a description thereof will be omitted.

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

[0312] For the cleaning apparatus 1 according to the first to sixth embodiments, in order to improve the efficiency of the 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 external 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 communicating with the dust collection chamber 20 also docks with the dust collection chamber 20 to the docking station 100, and the docking station 100 can be configured to allow external air to selectively flow into the dust collection guide 30 through the flow regulators 150, 170, 180, and 190 when the dust collection guide 30 docks to the docking station 100.

[0314] According to the first to sixth embodiments of the present 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 pipe or the suction unit that can be coupled to the dust collection guide 30 and dock the dust collection guide 30 to the docking station 100.

[0315] At this time, detaching the extension pipe or the suction unit that can be coupled to the dust collection guide 30 can be inconvenient for the user, and this can cause a decrease in usability. However, even when the extension pipe 17 or the suction unit 18 is coupled to the dust collection guide 30 of the cleaner 10, the cleaning apparatus 1' according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure can dock the cleaner 10 to the docking station 100 and allow foreign matter collected in the dust collection chamber 20 to be automatically discharged.

[0316] In other words, for the cleaning apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the automatic discharge of the docking station 100 can be effectively performed only 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 apparatus 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 illustrated, the docking station 300 can include a docking housing 340 to which the dust collecting chamber 20 is docked without the components of the dust collecting guide 30 being docked. Thus, in response to the cleaner 10 being docked to the docking station 300, the extension pipe 17 and the suction unit 18 can be installed on the docking station 300 in a state of being coupled to the dust collecting guide 30.

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

[0319] The dust collecting chamber 20 can include a cylindrical shape including a long axis extending in one direction. Although it will be described later, the dust collecting chamber 20 can be configured to separate foreign matter introduced into the dust collecting chamber 20 by centrifugal separation. Accordingly, the dust collecting chamber 20 can be provided in a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0320] The dust collecting chamber 20 and the extension pipe 17 can be coupled to the cleaner 10 such that the long axis of the cylindrical shape of the dust collecting chamber 20 and the long axis of the extension pipe 17 extend in substantially corresponding or identical directions.

[0321] The docking station 300 can include a body housing 310 and a docking housing 340 as described above. A charger 320 configured to charge the battery 16 of the cleaner 10 when the cleaner 10 is docked to the docking station 300 can be provided above the body housing 310.

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

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

[0324] The docking station 300 can include a collector 350 in which foreign matter discharged from the dust collecting chamber 20 is collected. The collector 350 can be disposed in the body housing 310. The collector 350 can be disposed above the suction device 330.

[0325] The docking station 300 can 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 collecting chamber 20 to be suctioned through the docking housing 340 to the collector 350.

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

[0327] The seating portion 342 can be disposed to be open or opened upward with respect to the long axis of the body housing 310.

[0328] The seating portion 342 can correspond to a space open to the outside from the docking housing 340, and the seating portion 342 can be disposed to allow the dust collection chamber 20 to be inserted into and seated on the seating portion 342 in a vertical direction.

[0329] The docking of the cleaner 10 to the docking station 300 can be completed when the dust collection chamber 20 is seated on the seating portion 342.

[0330] The dust collection chamber 20 can be docked to the seating portion 342 in a direction in which the long axis of the body housing 310 extends.

[0331] The dust collection chamber 20 can be docked to the seating portion 342 in a direction in which the long axis of the cylindrical shape of the dust collection chamber 20 extends.

[0332] Therefore, when the dust collection chamber 20 is docked to the docking station 300, the long axis of the body housing 310 and the long axis of the extension pipe 17 can be disposed to substantially face corresponding or identical directions. This is because, as described above, the dust collection chamber 20 and the extension pipe 17 can be coupled to the cleaner 10 in a manner in which the long axis of the cylindrical shape of the dust collection chamber 20 and the long axis of the extension pipe 17 extend in approximately corresponding or identical directions.

[0333] Although not shown in the drawings, the switch unit and the pressure application protrusion described in the first embodiment of the disclosure can be arranged inside the seating portion 342.

[0334] Therefore, when the dust collection chamber 20 is seated on the seating portion 342, the dust collection chamber door 21 can be opened, and the controller (not shown) can confirm the state in which the dust collection chamber 20 is docked to the docking station 300 through the switch unit.

[0335] The multi-stage cyclone separator 22 can be arranged inside the dust collection chamber 20. The dust collection chamber 20 can be disposed to allow foreign matter to be collected in a lower side of the multi-stage cyclone separator 22. Therefore, when the dust collection chamber door 21 is opened, foreign matter collected in the dust collection chamber 20 can be easily discharged to the seating portion 342.

[0336] The suction flow path 341 can be connected to the collector 350 from the docking housing 340 by penetrating the body housing 310. However, the present 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 disposed in the body housing 310, and thus the inside of the seating portion 342 and the inside of the collector 350 can communicate with each other.

[0337] The suction flow path 341 can deliver the air flow generated by the suction device 330 to the dust collecting chamber 20. In other words, the suction air flow generated by the suction device 33 is delivered into the dust collecting chamber 20 through the collector 350 along the suction flow path 341 and the seating portion 342. Through the suction air flow, foreign substances in the dust collecting chamber 20 can be discharged from the dust collecting chamber 20 to the seating portion 342 by means of the air flow, and then collected in the collector 350 through the suction flow path 341.

[0338] The collector 350 can include a collector housing 351. The collector housing 351 can form a first internal space 352 therein. The first internal space 352 can be open 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 internal space 352 to be open to the outside by penetrating the body housing 310.

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

[0341] The collector 350 can include a second connector 354 connected to the suction device 330 through the flow regulator 210, which will be described later, and disposed below the collector 350.

[0342] A collection bag 355 can be disposed in the first internal space 352 to collect foreign substances introduced along the suction flow path 341 through the first connection portion 353.

[0343] The collection bag 355 can be formed of a material that is permeable to air but not to foreign substances, and thus the collection bag 355 can collect foreign substances introduced into the collector 350 from the dust collecting chamber 20.

[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 coupled to the lower end of the first connector 353.

[0345] The suction air flow 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 then can be discharged to the outside of the collector 350 through the second connector 354.

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

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

[0348] A third connector 334 configured to supply the suction air flow generated by the suction fan 331 to the dust collecting chamber 20 can be provided at the upper side of the suction device 330.

[0349] The suction air flow generated by the suction fan 331 can be supplied to the dust collecting chamber 20 from the second internal space 333 by moving along the collector 350 and the suction flow path 341 through the third connector 334.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[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 external air to the dust collecting chamber 20, and thus the amount of intake air flow can be lost as much as the external air supplied to the dust collecting chamber 20.

[0357] However, the flow regulator 210 of the eighth embodiment can not additionally supply external air to the dust collecting chamber 20, and thus there is no loss of intake air flow inside the dust collecting chamber 20 due to the supply of external air. Accordingly, compared to the flow regulators 150, 170, 180, 190, and 200 of the first to seventh embodiments, the flow regulator 210 of the eighth embodiment can more efficiently change the air pressure inside the dust collecting chamber 20.

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

[0359] However, in response to the arrangement in which the flow regulator 210 is placed between the collector 350 and the intake flow path 341, the intake air flow generated by the suction device 330 can flow into the flow regulator 210 through the collector 350, and thus some of the intake air flow supplied to the dust collecting chamber 20 can be lost.

[0360] In addition, in response to the arrangement in which the flow regulator 210 is placed between the collector 350 and the intake flow path 341, the air containing foreign matter discharged from the dust collecting chamber 20 can travel through the flow regulator 210, and thus this can cause a difficulty in hygiene.

[0361] Accordingly, it is appropriate that the flow regulator 210 is arranged between the suction device 330 and the collector 350.

[0362] In other words, the suction air flow generated by the suction device 330 can be supplied to the dust collecting chamber 20 by sequentially traveling through the flow regulator 210, the collector 350, the suction flow path 341, and the seating portion 342.

[0363] The suction air flow supplied to the dust collecting chamber 20 together with foreign matter collected in the dust collecting chamber 20 can move by sequentially traveling through the seating portion 342, the suction flow path 341, and the collector 350.

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

[0365] Hereinafter, a collector according to a ninth embodiment of the disclosure will be described. The configuration of the collector 350 according to the ninth embodiment of the disclosure is the same as that according to the eighth embodiment of the disclosure except for the collector 350, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

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

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

[0368] The disclosure is not limited thereto, and the collector 350 according to the ninth embodiment can include an additional dust collecting chamber 356 disposed in the first internal space 352. An internal space of the additional dust collecting chamber 356 can be set to be greater than an internal space of the dust collecting chamber 20.

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

[0370] An upper side of the additional dust collecting chamber 356 can communicate with the first connector 353, and a lower side of the additional dust collecting chamber 356 can communicate with the second connector 354. The additional dust collecting chamber 356 can be coupled to the first connector 353 and the second connector 354 in a removable manner.

[0371] Accordingly, 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 substances discharged from the dust collecting chamber 20 can be collected in the additional dust collecting chamber 356.

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

[0373] Figure 27 is a perspective view of a flow regulator of a station according to the eighth embodiment of the disclosure, Figure 28 is a view showing a state in which the flow regulator of the station opens a connection flow path according to the eighth embodiment of the disclosure, and Figure 29 is a view showing a state in which the flow regulator of the station closes the connection flow path according to the eighth embodiment of the disclosure.

[0374] As Figure 27 shown, the flow regulator 210 can include a flow path housing 211 forming a connection flow path 212 connecting the suction device 330 to the collector 350.

[0375] In particular, the connection flow path 212 can be configured to connect the second connector 354 to the third connector 334. Accordingly, the suction device 330 and the collector 350 can be in communication with each other through the connection flow path 212, and the suction air flow generated by the suction device 330 can move to the collector 350 through the connection flow path 212.

[0376] An upper end portion 211a of the flow path housing 211 can be connected to the second connector 354, and a lower end portion 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 collecting guide 30 and configured to flow external air to the dust collecting 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 can include a flow path valve 213 arranged on the connection flow path 212 and configured to open and close the connection flow path 212 in order to regulate the suction air flow in the connection flow path 212.

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

[0380] The rotation shaft 215 can be disposed on a rotation axis of the driving motor 214. The flow path valve 213 can be coupled to the rotation shaft 215 so as 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 the connection flow path 212.

[0382] In particular, the flow path valve 213 can have a cylindrical shape including a cut portion 213a and a body 213b. A central axis of the cylindrical shape can be disposed in a direction corresponding to or coinciding with an extension direction of the rotation shaft 215.

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

[0384] The cut portion 213a can be disposed in a pair of symmetrical positions with respect to the central axis of the cylindrical shape.

[0385] As described above, the flow path valve 213 can be configured to rotate on the connection flow path 212. The flow path valve 213 can rotate in one direction due to driving of the driving motor 214. In the rotation of the flow path valve 213 in one direction, when the flow path valve 213 is positioned such that the direction D along which the intake air flow moves faces the pair of cut portions 213a on the connection flow path 121, the intake air flow can move inside the connection flow path 212 by passing through the cut portions 213a.

[0386] In other words, as Figure 28 shown, it is assumed that the position of the flow path valve 213 when the pair of cut portions 213a faces the flow direction D of the intake air flow during rotation of the flow path valve 213 is an open position 213(o). 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 collecting chamber 20.

[0387] In the rotation of the flow path valve 213 in one direction, when the flow path valve 213 is positioned such that the direction D along which the intake air flow moves faces the body 213b on the connection flow path 121, the movement of the intake air flow can be blocked by the body 213b. The intake air flow cannot move from the suction device 330 to the collector 350 due to being blocked by the body 213b, and thus the intake air flow cannot be supplied to the dust collecting chamber 20.

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

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

[0390] According to the opening and closing of the flow path valve 213, the intake air flow can be supplied to the dust collecting chamber 20, or the supply of the intake air flow can be stopped. Accordingly, the air pressure inside the dust collecting chamber 20 can be changed.

[0391] When the flow path valve 213 is opened, the intake air flow can be supplied to the dust collecting chamber 20, and thus the air pressure inside the dust collecting chamber 20 can decrease. When the flow path valve 213 is closed, the supply of the intake air flow can be stopped, and thus the air pressure inside the dust collecting chamber 20 can increase.

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

[0393] When the dust collecting chamber 20 is seated on the seating portion 342, the docking of the cleaner 10 can be detected by a 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 arranged in the open position 213(o) for a predetermined period of time. After the predetermined period of time elapses, the controller (not shown) can control the drive motor 214 to allow the flow path valve 213 to be arranged in the closed position 213(c) for another predetermined period of time.

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

[0396] Suitably, 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 of time than the flow path valve 213 is arranged in the closed position 213(c). This will serve to increase the amount of suction air flow supplied to the dust collecting chamber 20.

[0397] As described above, the flow rate regulator 210 can selectively vary the amount of suction air flow supplied to the dust collecting chamber 20. As the amount of suction air flow supplied to the dust collecting chamber 20 varies, the air pressure inside the dust collecting chamber 20 can vary according to the amount of suction air flow, and accordingly, the air flow in the dust collecting chamber 20 can be generated in a variety of different ways. The suction efficiency can be improved.

[0398] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the controller (not shown) can control the amount of air flow by varying the size of the area facing the flow direction D of the suction air flow in the cutout portion 213a of the flow path valve 213.

[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) using the rotation of the drive motor 214, the amount of suction air flow supplied to the dust collecting chamber 20 can be varied to be less than the amount of suction air flow when the flow path valve 213 is in the open position 213(o), and the amount of suction air flow supplied to the dust collecting chamber 20 can be varied to be greater than the amount of suction air flow when the flow path valve 213 is in the closed position 213(c).

[0400] In other words, the flow rate regulator 210 can vary the amount of suction air flow supplied to the dust collecting chamber 20 by the rotation of the flow path valve 213, and accordingly, the air pressure inside the dust collecting chamber 20 can be varied in a variety of different ways.

[0401] In addition, the above description is not limited to the eighth embodiment, and thus the amount of suction air flow can be regulated by using the components of the flow path covers 152, 172, and 182 according to the first embodiment to the fifth embodiment. In other words, by arranging the flow rate regulators 150, 170, and 180 according to the first embodiment to the fifth embodiment in the collector 350 and the suction device 330, and by arranging the flow path covers 152, 172, and 182 on the connection flow path 212, the amount of suction air flow supplied to the dust collecting chamber 20 can be regulated.

[0402] Hereinafter, a cleaning apparatus 1" according to a tenth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The configuration of the cleaning apparatus 1" according to the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure, other than the cleaning apparatus 1", is the same as that of the cleaning apparatus 1' according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

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

[0404] In the same manner as the cleaning apparatus 1' according to the eighth embodiment, the cleaning apparatus 1" according to the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure can automatically discharge the collected substances by changing the suction air flow supplied to the dust collecting chamber 20 of the cleaner 10.

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

[0406] In addition, the cleaning apparatus 1" according to the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure separates the dust collecting chamber 50 from the cleaner 10 and then docks only the dust collecting chamber 50 to the docking station 400, thereby automatically discharging the dust inside the dust collecting chamber 50.

[0407] Accordingly, the user can separate only the dust collecting chamber 50 from the cleaner 10 and dock the dust collecting chamber 50 to the docking station 400 without docking the entire cleaner 10 to the docking station 400. Thus, the size of the docking station 400 can be miniaturized, and the dust of the dust collecting chamber 50 can be automatically discharged by simply separating the dust collecting chamber 50.

[0408] As shown in FIG. 17, Figures 30 to 33 the docking station 400 can include a body case 410 and a docking case 440 configured to allow the dust collecting chamber 50 to be docked thereto, but not a component configured to allow the dust collecting guide 30 to be docked thereto.

[0409] The docking station 400 can include the above-described body case 410 and docking case 440. The body case 410 can include a cover 411 disposed at an upper side of the body case 410 and configured to open and close the docking case 440.

[0410] The body case 410 can be provided to include a long axis extending in one direction. Suitably, the long axis of the body case 410 extends in a vertical direction. Accordingly, the docking station 400 can be provided in a box shape extending substantially in the vertical direction.

[0411] The body case 410 can include a panel 412 arranged at a front of the body case 410 and configured to be removable from the body case 410. Alternatively, the panel 412 can be arranged on a side surface or a rear surface of the body case 410 as well as on a front surface of the body case 410 and configured to be removable from the body case 410.

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

[0413] The docking station 400 can discharge dust collected in the dust collecting chamber 50 from the dust collecting chamber 50 by including a suction device 430. The suction device 430 can be arranged inside the body case 410.

[0414] The docking station 400 can include a collector 450 in which foreign matter discharged from the dust collecting chamber 50 is collected. The collector 450 can be arranged inside the body case 410. The collector 450 can be arranged above the suction device 430.

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

[0416] The docking case 440 can include a seating portion 442 configured to communicate with the suction flow path 441 and on which the dust collecting chamber 50 is mounted.

[0417] The seating portion 442 can be provided to be open toward an upper side with respect to the long axis of the body case 410.

[0418] The seating portion 442 can correspond to a space open to the outside from the docking case 440, and can be provided to allow the dust collecting chamber 50 to be inserted in the seating portion 442 and seated thereon in the vertical direction.

[0419] Docking of the cleaner 10 with the docking station 400 can be completed when the dust collecting chamber 50 is seated on the seating portion 442.

[0420] The dust collecting chamber 50 can be docked to the seating portion 442 in a direction along which a long axis of the body housing 410 extends.

[0421] The dust collecting chamber 50 can be docked to the seating portion 442 in a direction along which a long axis of a cylindrical shape of the dust collecting chamber 50 extends.

[0422] Therefore, when the dust collecting chamber 50 is docked to the docking station 400, the long axis of the body housing 410 and the long axis of the dust collecting chamber 50 can be disposed to face substantially corresponding or identical directions.

[0423] Although not shown in the drawings, the switch unit described in the first embodiment of the present disclosure can be disposed inside the seating portion 442.

[0424] Therefore, when the dust collecting chamber 50 is seated on the seating portion 442, the controller (not shown) can confirm a state in which the dust collecting chamber 50 is docked to the docking station 400 through the switch unit.

[0425] The multi-stage cyclone separator 52 can be disposed inside the dust collecting chamber 50. The dust collecting chamber 50 can be provided to allow foreign substances to be collected in a lower side 52a of the multi-stage cyclone separator 52. The dust collecting chamber 50 can include a first dust collector 50a configured to collect foreign substances that are mainly collected and have a relatively large size, and a second dust collector 50b configured to collect foreign substances that are collected by the multi-stage cyclone separator 52 and have a relatively small size.

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

[0427] Therefore, when the dust collecting chamber door 51 disposed at the lower side of the dust collecting chamber 50 is opened, foreign substances collected in the dust collecting chamber 50 can be easily discharged to the seating portion 442.

[0428] The suction flow path 441 can be connected to the collector 450 from the docking housing 440 by penetrating the body housing 410. However, the present 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 an air flow generated by the suction device 430 to the dust collecting chamber 50. In other words, the suction air flow generated by the suction device 430 is delivered into the dust collecting chamber 50 through the collector 450 along the suction flow path 441 and the seating portion 442. By the suction air flow, foreign substances in the dust collecting chamber 50 can be discharged from the dust collecting chamber 50 to the seating portion 442 by means of the air flow, and then collected in the collector 450 through the suction flow path 441.

[0430] The collector 450 can include a collector housing 451. The collector housing 451 can form an internal space.

[0431] The collector 450 can include a collector cover 452. The collector cover 452 can be disposed on a front surface of the collector housing 451. The collector cover 452 can open and close the collector housing 451 to allow the inside of the collector 450 to be opened to the outside in a state in which the panel 412 is separated.

[0432] The collector 450 can include a dust bag 455 disposed in the internal space of the collector 450 and configured to collect foreign substances introduced through the suction flow path 441.

[0433] The dust bag 455 can be formed of a material that is permeable to air but not permeable to foreign substances, and thus the dust bag 455 can collect foreign substances introduced into the collector 450 from the dust collection chamber 50.

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

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

[0436] Although not shown in the drawings, as in the ninth embodiment, the collector 450 can include an additional dust collection chamber (not shown) in addition to the dust bag 455. An internal space of the additional dust collection chamber (not shown) is set to be greater than an internal space of the dust collection chamber 50, and the additional dust collection chamber (not shown) can collect fine foreign substances in the same manner as the dust collection chamber 50 by including a multi-stage cyclone separator.

[0437] The suction device 430 can include a suction fan 431 disposed in an internal space of a suction device housing 432.

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

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

[0440] The docking station 400 can include a flow regulator 220 configured to selectively vary the amount of suction air flow supplied to the dust collecting chamber 50.

[0441] The flow regulator 220 can be disposed inside the body housing 410. The flow regulator 220 can be disposed between the collector 450 and the suction device 430. In particular, the flow regulator 220 can be connected to the flow path connected with the collector 450 and the suction device 430.

[0442] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the flow regulator 220 can be disposed between the collector 450 and the suction flow path 441.

[0443] Hereinafter, the flow regulator 220 according to the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0444] Figure 34 is an exploded perspective view of a flow regulator according to the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 35 is a view showing Figure 34 a state in which the flow regulator closes the connection flow path, and Figure 36 is a view showing Figure 34 a state in which the flow regulator opens the connection flow path.

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

[0446] In particular, the connection flow path 222 can be configured to connect the collector 450 to the suction device 430 and allow air to flow. Thus, the collector 450 and the suction device 430 can be in communication with each other through the connection flow path 222, and the suction air flow generated by the suction device 430 can move to the collector 450 through the connection flow path 222.

[0447] The connection flow path 151 disclosed in the first to sixth embodiments can be connected to the dust collecting guide 30 and configured to allow external air to flow to the dust collecting 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 can include a flow path valve 223 disposed on the connection flow path 222 and configured to open and close the connection flow path 222 to regulate the intake air flow in the connection flow path 222.

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

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

[0451] A shaft 226 can be disposed on one side of the rotation member 225. The shaft 226 can be disposed outside the rotation axis of the rotation member 225. Accordingly, upon driving of the drive motor 224, the shaft 226 can rotate about the rotation axis of the drive motor 224.

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

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

[0454] The first direction A can be a left-right direction or a front-rear direction perpendicular to a vertical direction in which the connection flow path 222 extends.

[0455] The shaft 226 can move the slit 229 in the first direction A and a direction opposite to the first direction A while reciprocating in a second direction B perpendicular to one direction in the slit 229.

[0456] The second direction B is a direction perpendicular to the first direction A and a vertical direction in which the connection flow path 222 extends. Accordingly, when the first direction A is a left-right direction, the second direction B can be a front-rear direction, and when the first direction A is a front-rear direction, the second direction B can be a left-right direction.

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

[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 illustrated, when the shaft 226 continues to rotate in one direction and moves from the second position 226B to the first position 226A, the slit 229 can be pressed in a direction opposite to the first direction A, and the plate 228 can be disposed outside the connection flow path 222. At this time, the intake air flow can flow along the connection flow path 222 without being restricted. The intake air flow can flow from the suction device 430 to the collector 450 without being restricted by the plate 228, and thus the intake air flow can be supplied to the dust collecting chamber 50.

[0466] In other words, it can be assumed that, when the plate 228 is placed outside the connection flow path 222 while the flow path valve 223 reciprocates in the first direction A together with the shaft 226, 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 the reciprocation, the intake air flow can be supplied to the dust collecting chamber 50.

[0467] According to the opening and closing of the flow path valve 223, the intake air flow can be supplied to the dust collecting chamber 50, or the supply of the intake air flow can be stopped. Thus, the air pressure inside the dust collecting chamber 50 can be changed.

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

[0469] As described above, the flow path valve 223 can periodically open and close the connection flow path 222, and thus the air pressure inside the dust collecting chamber 50 can decrease and increase. Thus, the flow direction of the air inside the dust collecting chamber 50 can be changed.

[0470] When the dust collecting chamber 50 is seated on the seating portion 442, the seating of the dust collecting chamber 50 can be detected by a switch unit (not shown), and thus the flow regulator 220 can be driven.

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

[0472] After the predetermined period of time elapses, the controller (not shown) can control the driving motor 224 to allow the flow path valve 223 to be disposed at the closed position 223B for another predetermined period of time.

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

[0474] Suitably, 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 of time than the flow path valve 223 is disposed in the closed position 223B. This will serve to increase the amount of suction air flow supplied to the dust collecting chamber 50.

[0475] As described above, the flow rate regulator 220 can selectively vary the amount of suction air flow supplied to the dust collecting chamber 50. As the amount of suction air flow supplied to the dust collecting chamber 50 varies, the air pressure inside the dust collecting chamber 50 can vary according to the amount of suction air flow, and accordingly, the air flow in the dust collecting chamber 50 can be generated in a variety of different ways. The suction efficiency can be improved.

[0476] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the controller (not shown) can control the amount of air flow by varying the size of the area of the connection 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 disposed 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 suction air flow supplied to the dust collecting chamber 50 can be varied to be less than the amount of suction air flow when the flow path valve 223 is in the open position 223A, and the amount of suction air flow supplied to the dust collecting chamber 50 can be varied to be greater than the amount of suction air flow when the flow path valve 223 is in the closed position 223B.

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

[0479] In addition, the above description is not limited to the tenth embodiment, and thus the amount of the intake air flow can be adjusted by using the components of the flow path covers 152, 172, and 182 according to the first to fifth embodiments and the components of the flow path valve 213 according to the eighth embodiment. In other words, by arranging the flow rate adjusters 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 connection flow path 412, the amount of the intake air flow supplied to the dust collecting chamber 50 can be adjusted.

[0480] Technical features of the dust collecting chamber 50 according to the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure docking to the docking station 400 will be described below in detail. The dust collecting chamber 50 according to the tenth embodiment can be applied to the cleaning apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment or the cleaning apparatus 1' according to the eighth embodiment.

[0481] Figure 37 is a view of a portion of the dust collecting chamber according to the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 38 is a view illustrating a state before the dust collecting chamber docks to the docking station according to the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 39 is a view illustrating a state after the dust collecting chamber docks to the docking station according to the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0482] As Figure 37 and Figure 38 illustrated, the dust collecting chamber 50 can include a dust collecting chamber body 53 and a dust collecting chamber door 51 configured to open and close the dust collecting chamber body 53 when docked to the docking station 400.

[0483] The dust collecting chamber body 53 can be provided in a cylindrical shape. However, the shape of the dust collecting chamber body 53 is not limited thereto, and thus the dust collecting chamber body 53 can be provided in a polygonal tubular shape.

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

[0485] As described above, the dust collecting chamber 50 can include a first dust collector 50a configured to collect foreign matter that is primarily collected and has a relatively large size, and a second dust collector 50b configured to collect foreign matter collected by the multi-stage cyclone separator 52 and having a relatively small size.

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

[0487] The dust chamber door 51 can include an engaging protrusion 51a that engages with the dust chamber body 53 to maintain the dust chamber 50 in a closed state, and a cap portion 51b configured to prevent foreign substances collected in the second dust chamber 50b from being scattered to the outside when the dust chamber 50 is closed.

[0488] The dust chamber door 51 can open and close the lower end of the dust chamber body 53 while rotating about a rotation shaft 51c arranged at one side of the lower end of the dust chamber body 53.

[0489] The dust chamber 50 can include a fixing member 56 arranged at the other side of the lower end of the dust chamber body 53 and configured to prevent the dust chamber door 51 from being separated from the lower end of the dust chamber body 53 by supporting the engaging protrusion 51a.

[0490] The fixing member 56 can be hooked to the engaging protrusion 51a to prevent the engaging protrusion 51a from being separated from the dust chamber body 53.

[0491] The fixing member 56 can include a pusher 56a configured to release the hooking engagement with the engaging protrusion 51a by rotating when an external force is applied, and a hook 56b interlocked with the pusher 56a and hooking engaged with the engaging protrusion 51a.

[0492] The fixing member 56 can include an elastic member 56c configured to maintain the hook 56b and the engaging protrusion 51a in a hooked state in response to a state in which the fixing member 56 is not 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 engaging protrusion 51a, thereby maintaining the hooking engagement of the hook 56b with the engaging protrusion 51a in the closed state of the dust chamber door 51.

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

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

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

[0497] Accordingly, when the pusher 56a is pressed in a direction opposite to the radial direction of the dust collection chamber body 53 with an external force, 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 in a direction away from the engagement protrusion 51a.

[0498] At this time, the dust collection chamber door 51 can be separated from the dust collection chamber body 53 under the action of gravity and rotate downward about the rotation shaft 51c, and thus can open the lower end portion of the dust collection chamber body 53.

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

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

[0501] The docking station 400 can 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 seated on the seating portion 442.

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

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

[0504] The circumferential inner surface 442a of the seating portion 442 can be provided to have a size substantially corresponding to the circumferential outer surface of the dust collecting chamber body 53. In particular, the circumference of the circumferential inner surface 442a of the seating portion 442 and the circumference of the dust collecting chamber body 53 can substantially correspond to each other.

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

[0506] Thus, when the dust collecting chamber 50 is seated on the seating portion 442, as shown in FIG. 6, the circumferential outer surface of the dust collecting chamber body 53 can move downward along the circumferential inner surface 442a of the seating portion 442. Figure 39

[0507] At this time, the push member 56a, which protrudes more outward than the circumferential outer surface of the dust collecting chamber body 53, can be pressed downward and at the same time be pressed by the opening guide 443 formed as a part of the circumferential inner surface 442a of the seating portion 442.

[0508] In particular, when the dust collecting chamber 50 is pressed downward, the push member 56a disposed on the outside of the circumferential outer surface of the dust collecting chamber body 53 can be pressed in the vertical direction by the opening guide 443, and thus the push member 56a can rotate in a direction opposite to the radial direction of the circumferential outer surface of the dust collecting chamber body 53. Accordingly, the hooking engagement of the hook 56b with the engagement protrusion 51a can be released, and thus the dust collecting chamber door 51 can be opened.

[0509] Thus, when the dust collecting chamber 50 is docked to the seating portion 442, the opening guide 443 can automatically press the push member 56a, and thus the dust collecting chamber door 51 can be opened when the dust collecting chamber 50 is docked to the docking station 400.

[0510] Hereinafter, a dust collecting chamber 50' of a cleaning apparatus according to an eleventh embodiment of the disclosure will be described. Configurations other than the dust collecting chamber 50' described below are the same as those of the cleaning apparatus 1" and the dust collecting chamber 50 according to the tenth embodiment of the disclosure, and thus a description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the dust collecting 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 is a view of a part of the dust collecting chamber according to the eleventh embodiment of the disclosure.

[0512] ​The dust collecting chamber 50' according to the eleventh embodiment of the present disclosure can include first and second fixing members 57 and 58.

[0513] The first and second fixing members 57 and 58 can be hooked to first and second engagement protrusions 51d and 51e, respectively, which are arranged on the dust collecting chamber door 51.

[0514] The first and second fixing members 57 and 58 each have the same configuration as that of the fixing member 56 according to the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure, and thus a description thereof will be omitted.

[0515] The dust collecting chamber 50 can be opened when the user operates the cleaner 10 because the user accidentally presses the fixing member 26 during the operation. In other words, the fixing member 26 can open the dust collecting chamber door 21 with pressure, and the fixing member 26 can be pressed to open the dust collecting chamber 50 regardless of the user's intention.

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

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

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

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

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

[0521] The opening guide 443 can maintain the pressed state of the first and second fixing members 57 and 58 at the same time, and thus the dust collecting chamber door 51 can be opened.

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

[0523] At this time, the opening guide 443 can be formed on the entire circumferential inner surface 442a of the seating 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 seating portion 442.

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

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

[0526] The guide (not shown) can guide the dust collecting chamber 50' to allow the dust collecting chamber 50' to be docked in a direction in which the first and second fixing members 57 and 58 substantially overlap the opening guide 443 in the vertical direction.

[0527] As described above, the dust collecting chamber door 51 can be opened only when the first and second fixing members 57 and 58 are pressed. Thus, the first and second fixing members 57 and 58 can necessarily be pressed by the opening guide 443 when the dust collecting chamber 50' is docked to the docking station 400, and thus the dust collecting chamber door 51 can be opened when the dust collecting chamber 50' is docked.

[0528] A dust collecting chamber 50" of a cleaning device according to a twelfth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. Configurations other than the dust collecting chamber 50" described below are the same as those of the cleaning device 1" and the dust collecting chamber 50 of the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure, and thus a description thereof is omitted. In addition, the dust collecting chamber of the cleaning device according to the twelfth embodiment can be applied to the cleaning device 1 according to the first embodiment or the cleaning device 1' according to the eighth embodiment.

[0529] Figure 41 is a view showing a state before the dust collecting chamber is docked with the docking station according to the twelfth embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 42 is a view showing a state in which an external force is applied to the fixing member of the dust collecting chamber according to the twelfth embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 43 is a view showing a state after the dust collecting chamber is docked with the docking station according to the twelfth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0530] As shown in Figure 41 , the dust collecting chamber 50" can include a fixing member 26 and an auxiliary fixing member 29 configured to fix the dust collecting chamber door 51 with the fixing member 26. Configurations of the dust collecting chamber 50" according to the twelfth embodiment other than the auxiliary fixing member 29 are the same as those of the dust collecting chamber 50 according to the tenth embodiment, and thus a description thereof is omitted.

[0531] The dust collecting chamber door 51 can open and close a lower end of the dust collecting chamber body 53 while rotating about a rotation shaft 51c arranged at one side of the lower end of the dust collecting chamber body 53.

[0532] The fixing member 56 can be arranged on the other side of the lower end of the dust collecting chamber body 53 and configured to support the engagement protrusion 51a to prevent the dust collecting chamber door 51 from being separated from the lower end of the dust collecting chamber body 53.

[0533] The fixing member 56 can be hooked to the engagement protrusion 51a to prevent the engagement protrusion 51a from being separated from the dust collecting chamber body 53.

[0534] The auxiliary fixing member 29 can prevent the dust collecting chamber door 51 from being opened regardless of the intention of use. In other words, a case in which the dust collecting chamber door 51 is opened and foreign substances are scattered due to the fixing member 56 being accidentally pressed by a user can be prevented.

[0535] The auxiliary fixing member 29 can be arranged on the rotation shaft 51c of the dust collecting chamber door 51 so as to limit the rotation of the rotation portion 51f of the dust collecting chamber door 51, thereby fixing the dust collecting chamber door 51 to the dust collecting chamber body 53.

[0536] The auxiliary fixing member 59 can include a pusher 59a configured to release the restriction of the rotation of the rotating portion 51f by rotating when pressed by an external force, and a stopper 59b interlocked with the pusher 59a and configured to restrict the rotation of the rotating portion 51f by pressing the rotating portion 51f toward a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the rotating portion 51f.

[0537] The pusher 59a can be provided to protrude outward from a circumferential outer surface of the dust collecting chamber body 53 in a radial direction of a central axis of the dust collecting chamber body 53. A user can easily press the pusher 59a of the auxiliary fixing member 59 protruding outward from the circumferential outer surface of the dust collecting chamber body 53, thereby easily opening the dust collecting chamber 50".

[0538] The auxiliary fixing member 59 can include an elastic member 56c configured to maintain a pressed state of the rotating portion 51f by allowing the stopper 59b to press the rotating portion 51f when the auxiliary fixing member 59 is not pressed by the pusher 59a.

[0539] In the closed state of the dust collecting chamber door 51, the elastic member 59c is biased to allow the stopper 59b to press the rotating portion 51f toward a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the rotating portion 51f. Accordingly, a state in which the stopper 59b restricts the rotation of the rotating portion 51f can be maintained.

[0540] In other words, the elastic member 59c can press the stopper 59b toward a direction opposite to the radial direction of the dust collecting chamber body 53 to allow the stopper 59b to be maintained at a position in which the stopper 59b restricts the rotation of the rotating portion 51f.

[0541] The pusher 59a and the stopper 59b can be arranged in opposite directions with respect to a rotation axis of the auxiliary fixing member 59. Accordingly, when the pusher 59a is pressed, the stopper 59b can move in a direction opposite to the pressing direction of the pusher 59a.

[0542] Accordingly, when the pusher 59a is pressed in a direction opposite to the radial direction of the dust collecting chamber body 53 by an external force, the pusher 59a can rotate in a direction opposite to the radial direction of the dust collecting chamber body 53, and accordingly the stopper 59b can rotate in a direction opposite to the radial direction of the dust collecting chamber body 53 and then move in a direction away from the rotating portion 51f.

[0543] As the stopper 59b moves in a direction away from the rotating portion 51f, the stopper 59b can be separated from a position in which the stopper 59b is pressed in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the rotating portion 51f.

[0544] In the state where the hook engagement of the engagement protrusion 51a with the hook 56b is released due to the pressing of the fixing member 56, when the stopper 59b is separated from the position pressed in the opposite direction of the rotation direction of the rotation portion 51f, the dust collecting chamber door 51 can be separated from the dust collecting chamber body 53 by the action of gravity, and the dust collecting chamber door 51 can rotate downward around the rotation shaft 51c, and thus the lower end portion of the dust collecting 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 shown in FIG. 11, the stopper 59b of the dust collecting chamber door 51 can restrict the rotation of the rotation portion 51f, and thus the dust collecting chamber door 51 can be fixed to the dust collecting chamber body 53 without rotating and moving downward. Figure 42

[0546] In order to open the dust collecting 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 simultaneously pressed, the fixing of the engagement protrusion 51a can be released, and the restriction of the rotation of the rotation portion 51f can be released, so that the dust collecting chamber door 51 can be opened.

[0547] The fixing member 56 and the auxiliary fixing member 59 can be spaced apart from each other. The spacing distance between the fixing member 56 and the auxiliary fixing member 59 can vary. However, the auxiliary fixing member 59 can be disposed to substantially correspond to the rotation shaft 51c of the dust collecting chamber door 51 in which the rotation portion 51f is disposed in the vertical direction.

[0548] As shown in FIG. 12, 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 engagement protrusion 51a and the hook 56b, and the rotation restriction of the rotation portion 51f by the stopper 59b can be released. Therefore, the dust collecting chamber door 51 can be opened. Figure 43 The opening guide 443 can simultaneously maintain the pressed state of the fixing member 56 and the auxiliary fixing member 59, and thus the dust collecting chamber door 51 can be opened.

[0549]

[0550] ​​In other words, even in the case where a plurality of configuration members (such as the fixing member 56 and the auxiliary fixing member 59) configured to fix the dust collecting chamber door 51 are provided, all of the plurality of configuration members can be pressed by opening the guide 443 when the dust collecting chamber 50 is docked to the docking station 400, and thus the dust collecting chamber door 51 can be automatically opened.

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

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

[0553] Alternatively, the docking station 400 can include a guide (not shown) configured to allow the dust collecting chamber 50" to be seated in a specific direction along the circumferential direction of the circumferential outer surface of the dust collecting chamber body 53 when the dust collecting chamber 50" is seated on the seating portion 442.

[0554] As described above, the dust collecting chamber door 51 can be opened only when the fixing member 56 and the auxiliary fixing member 59 are pressed. Therefore, when the dust collecting chamber 50" is docked to 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 collecting chamber door 51 can be opened.

[0555] Hereinafter, technical features of a dust collecting chamber 60 according to a thirteenth embodiment of the disclosure docked to a docking station 400 will be described in detail. The dust collecting 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 FIG. 17 is a view showing a portion of a dust collecting chamber in a closed state according to a thirteenth embodiment of the disclosure, Figure 45 FIG. 18 is a view showing a portion of a dust collecting chamber in an open state according to a thirteenth embodiment of the disclosure, Figure 46 FIG. 19 is a view showing a seating portion according to a thirteenth embodiment of the disclosure, and Figure 47 FIG. 20 is a view showing a state before a dust collecting chamber is docked to a docking station according to a thirteenth embodiment of the disclosure.

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

[0558] The dust collecting chamber body 63 can include a cylindrical shape extending along a long axis X of the dust collecting chamber or along a long axis X of the dust collecting chamber body 63. However, the shape of the dust collecting chamber body 63 is not limited thereto, and thus the dust collecting chamber body 63 can be provided as a polygonal tubular shape.

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

[0560] As described above, the dust collecting chamber 60 can include a first dust collector 60a configured to collect foreign matter that is primarily collected and has a relatively large size, and a second dust collector 60b configured to collect foreign matter collected by the multi-stage cyclone separator 62 and having a relatively small size.

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

[0562] The dust collecting chamber door 61 can include an engagement protrusion 61a that engages with the dust collecting chamber body 63 to maintain the dust collecting chamber 60 in a closed state, and a cap portion 61b configured to prevent foreign matter collected in the second dust collecting chamber 60b from flying to the outside when the dust collecting chamber 60 is closed.

[0563] The dust collecting chamber door 61 can open and close the lower end of the dust collecting chamber body 63 while rotating about a rotation shaft 61c arranged at one side of the lower end of the dust collecting chamber body 63.

[0564] The dust collecting chamber 60 can include a fixing device 66 arranged at the other side of the lower end of the dust collecting chamber body 63 and configured to support the engagement protrusion 61a to prevent the dust collecting chamber door 61 from being separated from the lower end of the dust collecting chamber body 63.

[0565] The fixing device 66 can include a hook 66a configured to be hooked to the engagement protrusion 61a to prevent the engagement protrusion 61a from being separated from the dust collecting chamber body 63.

[0566] The fixing device 66 can include a pusher 66b configured to release the hooking 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 to release the engagement between the hook 66a and the engagement protrusion 61a.

[0568] The dust collecting chambers 50, 50', and 50" disclosed in the tenth to twelfth embodiments described above can be configured to allow a user to press the pusher toward the opposite direction of the radial direction r of the dust collecting chamber body 63 with respect to the long axis X of the dust collecting chamber body 63, thereby moving the fixing member toward the radial direction r of the dust collecting chamber body, and thereby separating the fixing member from the engagement protrusion.

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

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

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

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

[0573] The pusher 66b can press the hook 66a toward the radial direction r of the dust collecting chamber body 63 while moving along the circumferential direction c of the dust collecting chamber body 63, the radial direction r being the opposite direction of the direction in which the hook 66a is biased.

[0574] In other words, although not shown in the drawings, the pusher 66b can include an inclined surface provided in a portion in contact with the hook 66a caused by the movement of the pusher 66b, and thus the hook 66a can be pressed in the radial direction r of the dust collecting chamber body 63 along the inclined surface.

[0575] The dust collecting chamber 60 can be opened by the user operating the cleaner 10, as the user accidentally presses the pusher 66b of the fixing device 66 during the manipulation. In other words, the fixing device 66 can open the dust collecting chamber door 61 by the pressure of the pusher 66b, and the fixing device 66 can be pressed regardless of the user's intention, thereby opening the dust collecting chamber 60.

[0576] To alleviate this difficulty, the fixing device 66 of the dust collecting chamber 60 according to the thirteenth embodiment of the disclosure can 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, with respect to the circumferential direction c of the dust collecting chamber body 63.

[0578] The two pushers 66b-1 and 66b-2 can press the hook 66a to allow the dust collecting chamber door 61 to be opened, only in response to the pressure in one direction and the opposite direction, respectively, with respect to the circumferential direction c of the dust collecting chamber body 63.

[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-type 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 have a force greater than the force applied to the hook 66a by any one of the pushers 66b-1 or 66b-2 when any one of the pushers 66b-1 or 66b-2 presses the hook 66a. Thus, a case in which the hook 66a is separated from the engagement protrusion 61a when only one pusher 66b-1 or 66b-2 is pressed can be prevented.

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

[0582] Thus, even when the user accidentally presses any one of the two pushers 66b-1 and 66b-2 during cleaning, the dust collecting chamber door 61 can be fixed to the fixing device 66 without being separated from the dust collecting chamber body 63.

[0583] The docking station 400 can be configured to allow the dust collecting chamber door 61 to be opened in response to the dust collecting chamber 60 being seated to the seating portion 442 of the docking station 400.

[0584] The docking station 400 can include an opening guide 444 configured to press the push member 66b to open the dust collection chamber door 66 in response to the dust collection chamber 60 being seated on the seating portion 442.

[0585] The opening guide 444 can be disposed on the circumferential inner surface 442a of the seating portion 442 that forms the seating portion 442.

[0586] In the same manner as the embodiments of the present disclosure, the opening guide 444 can be provided in a shape that protrudes from the circumferential inner surface 442a of the seating portion 442 toward the center of the seating portion 442. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and thus the opening guide 444 can be formed as a partial region of the circumferential inner surface 442a. Alternatively, the opening guide 444 can be formed in a shape such as a protruding surface, a protruding portion, or a rib that protrudes from the circumferential inner surface 442a of the seating portion 442 toward the center.

[0587] The circumferential inner surface 442a of the seating portion 442 can have a diameter that is significantly greater 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 seating portion 442.

[0588] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in response to the shape of the opening guide 444 formed in a partial region of the circumferential inner surface 442a, the circumferential inner surface 442a of the seating portion 442 can have a size that substantially corresponds to the diameter of the circumferential outer surface of the dust collection chamber body 63.

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

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

[0591] The opening guide 444 can be provided in a ring shape that extends in the circumferential direction of the circumferential inner surface 442a of the seating portion 442 and protrudes toward the center direction of the seating portion 442.

[0592] The opening guide 444 can include an opening region 444c provided in the opening guide 444 in a circumferential direction of the circumferential inner surface 442a of the seating portion 442. In other words, the opening region 444c can be formed in a region in which the annular opening guide 444 is cut away.

[0593] The opening region 444c is a region in which the fixing device 66 is seated in response to the dust collecting chamber 60 being docked to the seating portion 442.

[0594] In response to the fixing device 66 and the opening region 444c not being placed in positions corresponding to each other in a direction in which the dust collecting chamber 60 is docked, during docking of the dust collecting chamber 60 to the seating portion 442, docking of the dust collecting chamber 60 can be restricted by the protrusion 444d of the opening guide 444.

[0595] The protrusion 444d of the opening guide 444 can guide the dust collecting chamber 60 to allow the fixing device 66 and the opening region 444c to be placed in corresponding positions in the direction in which the dust collecting chamber 60 is docked.

[0596] The opening guide 444 can include an inclined portion 444a provided at a portion in which the opening guide 444 is cut away, and configured to be inclined with respect to the direction in which the dust collecting chamber 60 is docked.

[0597] The opening guide 444 can include a pressure maintaining portion 444b provided to extend from the inclined portion 444a, and configured to press the pusher 66b to maintain the pusher 66b pressed by the inclined portion 444a in a pressed state.

[0598] The pressure maintaining portion 444b can be provided to extend downward from a lower end of the inclined portion 444a. The pressure maintaining portion 444b can be provided to extend from the lower end of the inclined portion 444a toward a direction corresponding to or identical to the direction in which the dust collecting chamber 60 is docked.

[0599] The fixing device 66 protruding outward from the circumferential outer surface of the dust collecting chamber body 66 can be docked to the seating portion 442 together with the dust collector body 66, and the fixing device 66 comes into contact with the inclined portion 444a of the opening guide 444, and then the fixing device 66 is pressed along the inclined portion 444a toward the circumferential direction c of the dust collecting chamber body 63.

[0600] Specifically, when the dust collecting chamber 60 is pressed downward, the fixing device 66 can move downward on the opening region 444c, and then the pusher 66b can come into contact with the inclined portion 444a.

[0601] Due to the continuous pressure of the dust collecting 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 collecting chamber body 63, and thus, the hooking engagement between the hook 66a and the engagement protrusion 61a can be released. Accordingly, the dust collecting chamber door 61 can be opened in the seating portion 442.

[0603] In response to the docking of the dust collecting chamber 60 and the seating portion 442, the pusher 66b can be maintained in a state of being pressed by the pressure holding portion 444b in the circumferential direction c of the dust collecting chamber body 63.

[0604] Accordingly, in response to the docking of the dust collecting chamber 60 to the seating portion 442, when the dust collecting chamber door 61 is docked to the seating portion 442 by the opening guide 444, the dust collecting chamber 60 can be opened.

[0605] Hereinafter, technical features in which the dust collecting chamber 50 according to the fourteenth embodiment is docked to the docking station 400 will be described in detail. The configuration of the docking station 400 according to the fourteenth embodiment is the same as that of the docking station 400 and the dust collecting chamber 50 according to the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure except for the illumination device 90 of the docking station 400 described below, and thus a description thereof will be omitted.

[0606] In addition, the illumination device 90 described below can be easily applied to the docking stations 100, 300, and 400 disclosed in the first embodiment, the eighth embodiment, and the tenth embodiment described above.

[0607] As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the docking station 400 can include an illumination device 90 configured to emit light toward the dust collecting chamber 50 located in the seating portion 442 in response to the docking of the dust collecting chamber 50 to the seating portion 442. Figure 48 Figure 49 The illumination device 90 can be configured to emit light toward the dust collecting chamber 50 to allow a user to recognize a process of removing dust from the inside of the dust collecting chamber 50.

[0608] In other words, recognition of foreign substances remaining in the inside of the dust collecting chamber 50 can be improved by the illumination device 90.

[0609] In some cases, in response to the foreign substances in the inside of the dust collecting chamber 50 not being completely removed, a user can easily determine such a state with the naked eye and input a restart signal to the docking station 400.

[0610] In some cases, in response to the foreign substances in the inside of the dust collecting chamber 50 not being completely removed, a user can easily determine such a state with the naked eye and input a restart signal to the docking station 400.

[0611] ​The lighting device 90 can be provided inside the seating portion 442. Specifically, the lighting device 90 can be installed at a lower portion of the seating portion 442 and configured to emit light toward the dust collecting chamber 50.

[0612] The lighting device 90 can include a light emitting device such as a light emitting diode (LED). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the lighting device 90 can include a component configured to emit light toward the dust collecting chamber 50.

[0613] The docking station 400 can include a switch unit 460 configured to detect docking of the dust collecting chamber 50 to the docking housing 440 and to deliver a signal for driving the suction device 430, the flow regulator 220, and the lighting device 90.

[0614] The docking station 400 can include a controller (not shown) and can drive the suction device 430 and the flow regulator 220 by receiving an electrical signal of the switch unit 460.

[0615] The switch unit 460 can be provided on a circumferential inner surface 442a of the seating portion 442. In response to the dust collecting chamber 50 being docked to the seating portion 442, the switch unit 460 can be pressed against a circumferential outer surface of the dust collecting chamber body 53 and then turned on.

[0616] In response to the switch unit 460 being turned on, a signal can be delivered to the controller (not shown), and the controller (not shown) can control each configuration to allow driving of the suction device 430, the flow regulator 220, and the lighting device 90.

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

[0618] The docking station 400 can include an input device 401 configured to deliver a signal to the controller (not shown) in order to re-drive the suction device 430 and the flow regulator 220 in the case where driving of the suction device 430 and the flow regulator 220 is terminated.

[0619] When the user presses the input device 401, a signal can be delivered to the controller (not shown) to allow the suction device 430 and the flow regulator 220 to be driven again in the case where driving of the suction device 430 and the flow regulator 220 is terminated. In addition, the lighting device 90 can be configured to be driven again by the input device 401.

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

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

[0622] The input device 401 can be provided in a configuration such as a button or a switch, but is not limited thereto. Thus, the input device 401 can be formed as a touch display configured to recognize a user’s touch.

[0623] Hereinafter, the flow regulator 220 according to the fifteenth embodiment of the disclosure will be described. 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 disclosure except for the return switch 227 according to the following description, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0624] In addition, 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 can include a plate 228 configured to selectively open and close the connection flow path 222. The plate 228 can be configured to open or close the connection flow path 222 by translating in one direction.

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

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

[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 can include a detector 227a disposed in contact with the side surface 228a of the plate 228 and configured 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 disposed close to the connection flow path 222. Specifically, the return switch 227 can be disposed in parallel with the connection flow path 222 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the plate 228 translates.

[0638] Accordingly, in a state in which the side surface 228a of the plate 228 presses the detector 227a, the position of the plate 228 can be a position in which the plate 228 closes the connection flow path 222.

[0639] In contrast, in a state in which the side surface 228a of the plate 228 is moved and does not press the detector 227a, the position of the plate 228 can be a position in which 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 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 according to whether the detector 227a is pressed. In other words, in response to the return switch 227 being turned on, a controller (not shown) can detect the position of the plate 228 as a position in which the plate 228 opens the connection flow path 222, and in response to the return switch 227 being turned off, the controller (not shown) can detect the position of the plate 228 as a position in which the plate 228 closes the connection flow path 222.

[0642] Accordingly, at a time point at which the driving of the flow rate regulator 220 and the suction device 430 is terminated after a predetermined time elapses from the docking of the dust collection chamber 50 to the docking station 400, in response to the return switch 227 being turned off, a controller (not shown) can terminate the entire driving of the flow rate regulator 220.

[0643] In contrast, after the predetermined time elapses from the time when the dust collecting chamber 50 is docked to the docking station 400, at the time point when the driving of the flow regulator 220 and the suction device 430 is terminated, in response to the turning-on of the return switch 227, the controller (not shown) can additionally drive the driving motor 224 until the return switch 227 of the flow regulator 220 is turned off, and thus the controller (not shown) can terminate the entire driving of the flow regulator 220 in response to the turning-off of the return switch 227 by additionally moving the plate 228.

[0644] Hereinafter, a flow regulator 230 according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The flow regulator 230 according to the sixteenth embodiment described below is identical in configuration to the flow regulator 220 of the tenth embodiment and the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure except for a bypass 240, and thus a description thereof will be omitted.

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

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

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

[0648] Specifically, the connection flow path 232 can be configured to connect the collector 450 to the suction device 430 and allow air to flow. Thus, the collector 450 and the suction device 430 can be in communication with each other through the connection flow path 232, and the suction air flow generated by the suction device 430 can move to the collector 450 through the connection flow path 232.

[0649] The connection flow path 151 disclosed in the first through 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, but 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 can include a flow path valve 233 arranged on the connection flow path 232 and configured to open and close the connection flow path 232 to regulate the intake air flow in the connection flow path 232.

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

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

[0653] A shaft 236 can be arranged on one side of the rotation member 235. The shaft 236 can be arranged outside the rotation axis of the rotation member 235. Accordingly, the shaft 236 can rotate about the rotation axis of the drive motor 234 under the drive of the drive motor 234.

[0654] The flow path valve 233 can include a slit 239 into which the shaft 236 is inserted. The slit 229 can allow the flow path valve 233 to reciprocate together with the rotation of the shaft 236 inserted into the slit 239.

[0655] The flow path valve 233 can include a plate 228 configured to perform translational motion together with the slit 239 and configured to selectively open and close the connection flow path 232 by translational motion.

[0656] The operation of the flow path valve 233 to selectively open and close the connection flow path 232 while moving is the same as that of the flow regulator 220 according to the tenth embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

[0657] In response to the connection flow path 232 being closed by the plate 238 of the flow path valve 233, the vacuum pressure on the suction device 430 and the connection flow path 232 can increase. Accordingly, because the suction device 430, particularly the suction fan 431, is overloaded, the reliability of the docking station 400 can deteriorate.

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

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

[0660] In detail, the flow regulator 230 can include a bypass 240 configured to allow the intake air flow to be smoothly formed even in a closed state of the connection flow path 232 by the plate 238.

[0661] The bypass 240 can include a bypass flow path 241 communicating with one side of the connection flow path 232, and a damper 242 connected to the other end of the bypass flow path 241 and configured to be opened 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 can include a bypass pipe 243 forming the bypass flow path 241.

[0663] One end of the bypass pipe 243 can be connected to the connection flow path 232, and the other end of the bypass pipe 243 can include a communication hole 244 communicating with the outside of the bypass pipe 243.

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

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

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

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

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

[0669] In particular, the mass 242a of the damper 242 can be disposed inside the bypass pipe 243, and the elastic member 242b configured to press the mass 242a can transmit an elastic force to the mass 242a to allow the mass 242a to be biased toward the communication hole 244.

[0670] The diameter of the mass 242a can be greater than the diameter of the communication hole 244, and thus the mass 242a can be prevented from being separated toward the outside of the flow regulator 230 through the communication hole 244 even when the mass 242a is biased toward the communication hole 244.

[0671] The mass 242a can be biased toward the communication hole 244, and thus the communication hole 244 can be maintained in the closed state. In other words, the damper 242 can maintain the closed state of the communication hole 244 in response to no external force being transmitted to the mass 242a, or in response to a force smaller than the elastic force transmitted by the elastic member 242b being transmitted to the mass 242a.

[0672] In response to the connection flow path 232 being closed by the plate 238, the intake air flow formed toward the collector 450 can be blocked, and thus the intake air flow can flow in the connection flow path 232 and the suction device 430. Accordingly, the vacuum pressure in the connection flow path 232 and the suction device 430 can increase.

[0673] In this case, the intake air flow can be transmitted to the damper 242 through the bypass flow path 341. The intake air flow can transmit a suction force to the mass 242a, and in response to the suction power of the intake air flow being greater than the elastic force of the elastic member 242b, the mass 242a can move in a direction opposite to the biased direction by means of the intake air flow.

[0674] As the mass 242a is moved by means of the intake air flow, the communication hole 244 can be opened, and the intake air flow can flow from the outside of the flow regulator 230 through the communication hole 244. Accordingly, the vacuum pressure in the connection flow 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 connection flow path 232 and the suction device 430, the mass 242a can be moved by the internal vacuum pressure, and thus the communication hole 244 closed by the mass 242a can be opened.

[0676] The connection flow path 232 can be communicated with the outside through the bypass flow path 241, and the vacuum pressure in the connection flow path 232 and the suction device 430 connected thereto can be reduced, thereby reducing noise and alleviating overload.

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

[0678] While some embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details can be made therein without departing from the scope of the principles and spirit of the present disclosure as defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A cleaning system, comprising: A vacuum cleaner, comprising a dust collection chamber capable of collecting foreign matter by centrifugal separation; and A dust collection station, which can be connected to the dust collection chamber 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, wherein the dust collection chamber is 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 a suction 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 is disposed between the opening of the placement section and the suction device, and the collection section is configured to collect the foreign matter discharged from the dust collection chamber through the opening of the placement section; A flow path control device configured to block at least a portion of the flow path during operation of the suction device, to alter the intake airflow into the dust collection chamber without additional supplying outside air to the dust collection chamber; and A bypass unit, configured to be connected to the flow path to introduce air from outside the flow path into the flow path. The bypass unit is configured to open the flow path to the outside when the suction device is in operation, so as to prevent the vacuum pressure inside the flow path from increasing to a predetermined value.

2. 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 A fixing member, configured to secure the dust collection chamber door to the dust collection chamber body. In the case where the vacuum cleaner is connected to the dust collection station, the dust collection station is configured to allow the dust collection chamber door to switch from a closed position to an open position by pressing the fixing member.

3. The cleaning system according to claim 2, wherein, The dust collection chamber also includes: A first dust collection section is formed along the circumferential inner surface of the dust collection chamber body; and A second dust collection section is formed in the center of the first dust collection section to separate it from the first dust collection section, and The dust collection chamber door is configured to simultaneously open or close the first dust collection section and the second dust collection section.

4. The cleaning system according to claim 3, wherein, The placement unit is configured such that, when the dust collection chamber door is in the open position, the intake airflow is simultaneously supplied to both the first dust collection unit and the second dust collection unit.

5. The cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein, The bypass unit is configured to open in response to an increase in vacuum pressure inside the flow path to a value greater than or equal to the predetermined value, thereby forming a bypass flow path that is allowed to communicate with the outside, allowing air to be introduced into the flow path from the outside.

6. The cleaning system according to claim 5, wherein, The bypass unit is configured to allow air from outside the flow path to be introduced into the flow path via the bypass unit through the bypass flow path in response to opening the bypass flow path.

7. The cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein, The bypass unit includes: Connecting holes, and A damper, configured to selectively open or close the communication port. When the damper is in the open position, air from outside the flow path travels through the connecting hole.

8. The cleaning system according to claim 7, wherein, The damper is configured to switch from a closed position to an open position in response to an increase in vacuum pressure inside the flow path to a value greater than or equal to the predetermined value.

9. The cleaning system according to claim 8, wherein, The damper includes a mass body configured to open or close the communication hole.

10. The cleaning system according to claim 9, wherein, In response to an increase in the vacuum pressure inside the flow path to a value greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the mass body is configured to be moved by the vacuum pressure inside the flow path.

11. The cleaning system according to claim 9, wherein, The damper also includes an elastic member configured to elastically compress the mass body toward the connecting hole.

12. The cleaning system according to claim 9, wherein, The damper is configured to move relative to the communication hole between the open position and the closed position by the movement of the mass body.

13. The cleaning system according to claim 7, wherein, When the damper is in the open position, a bypass flow path is formed between the damper and a portion of the flow path.

14. The cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein, The bypass unit is arranged between the placement section and the suction device.

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