Vacuum cleaner base station and dust collection method of vacuum cleaner base station

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to a dust collection method executed by a dust collector base station. The dust collector base station comprises a cover body combined with a dust barrel of a dust collector, a dust collection motor which is arranged in the cover body and generates suction force to suck dust in the dust barrel, and a collection part which is internally provided with a space for collecting the dust sucked in from the dust barrel, the dust collection method may include: a cover opening step of opening a discharge cover of the dust tub to communicate between an interior of the cover and an interior of the dust tub after the dust tub and the cover are coupled; a door opening step for opening a door disposed at a coupling part coupled to the dust tub; a dust collection step of driving the dust collection motor so that dust is collected into the collection unit; and a compression step in which the collected dust is compressed by the rotation of a compression unit disposed inside the collection unit. The compression step may include: a main compression step in which a rotation action of the compression part is performed after the dust collection step; and an initial compression step in which the rotational operation of the compression unit is performed before the dust collection step.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner base station and a dust collecting method for the vacuum cleaner base station. More specifically, the present invention relates to a dust collecting method for the vacuum cleaner base station, in which the stop position of a rotating plate after the dust compression process is completed is always located on the opposite side to the stop position in the previous compression process, so that the dust can be evenly distributed on the left and right sides of the rotating plate. Background Art

[0002] In a stick-type vacuum cleaner (hereinafter, referred to as a "vacuum cleaner"), a dust bucket that stores collected dust has a small capacity, and thus it is troublesome for a user to empty the dust bucket every time.

[0003] Therefore, in order to prevent the user from manually removing the dust from the dust bucket, the use of a vacuum cleaner base station that sucks and captures the dust from the dust bucket by the suction force of a dust collecting motor is increasing.

[0004] Such a vacuum cleaner base station includes a cover body, a dust collecting motor disposed inside the cover body, and a dust bag for accommodating collected dust, and the vacuum cleaner base station is configured to be combined with a vacuum cleaner or a dust bucket of the vacuum cleaner.

[0005] The convenience of the vacuum cleaner base station is that it can automatically empty the dust bucket of the vacuum cleaner. Most of the dust bags included in the vacuum cleaner base station have a larger volume than the dust bucket provided in the vacuum cleaner, so it has the advantage of lengthening the period for handling dust.

[0006] On the other hand, the dust bag is a consumable item. If it is full of dust, it needs to be replaced with a new one, which causes the inconvenience of periodic replacement, the dust flying during separation from the vacuum cleaner base station due to the material characteristics of the dust bag, and the cost burden of periodically purchasing new dust bags.

[0007] In this regard, as a first prior art patent, US Patent Publication No. 10595692 is proposed.

[0008] In the first existing patent, as an exhaust base station docked with a sweeping robot, an embodiment of an exhaust base station including a canister dust bucket in the form of a container (bin) and a dust separator is disclosed.

[0009] In one embodiment disclosed in the first prior art patent, the dust separator is configured in a conical shape to utilize the principle of centrifugal separation, and the dust separator is contained inside the barrel. Another embodiment disclosed in the prior art patent document is configured such that dust separated from a multi-stage separation device disposed on the upper portion of the barrel is collected in the barrel.

[0010] However, the first prior art patent discloses a multi-stage separation device based on the centrifugal separation principle, so air flow is always generated inside the drum dust barrel, thereby increasing the volume of the captured dust, resulting in a problem of reduced dust storage efficiency relative to the dust bag.

[0011] As a second prior art patent, Korean Patent Gazette No. 0906848 is proposed.

[0012] The second prior art patent relates to a vacuum cleaner, which includes a dust collecting unit storing foreign matter, a pressure plate movably provided at the dust collecting unit and compressing the foreign matter, and a driving motor for moving the pressure plate.

[0013] In addition, the dust collecting unit further includes a display unit that displays a timing for clearing out the compressed foreign matter when the moving range of the pressure plate is within a predetermined range.

[0014] According to the second prior art patent, since the dust stored in the dust collecting unit is compressed, there is an advantage of improving the dust storage efficiency, but the emptying timing is displayed on the display unit only when the dust is filled up.

[0015] Even if the emptying time is displayed on the display unit only when the dust is filled up like the second existing patent, in the case of a vacuum cleaner, since the dust bucket of the vacuum cleaner is mostly made of transparent material, the user can easily grasp the dust storage amount, and the user can remove the dust at a desired time before the dust fills up the dust bucket.

[0016] On the contrary, in the case of a vacuum cleaner base station with a dust emptying function, for the sake of aesthetics, most of them are covered with an opaque cover to prevent the dust collecting state of the dust collecting part from being exposed to the outside. As a result, there is the inconvenience that in order to confirm the dust collection degree in the dust collecting part, the user needs to directly take out the dust collecting part and confirm it with his eyes.

[0017] In addition, even if the emptying time is displayed on the display unit only when the dust is filled up like the second existing patent, in the case of a vacuum cleaner, since the user can directly feel the degree to which the dust suction force decreases during cleaning as the dust fills the dust bucket, the user can remove the dust at a desired time before the dust fills up the dust bucket.

[0018] On the contrary, in the case of a vacuum cleaner base station having a dust emptying function, even if the force of sucking dust from the dust bucket is reduced, the user cannot directly feel this, and thus there is a risk that the dust collection portion may miss the opportunity to remove the dust.

[0019] On the other hand, in the second prior art patent, although it is described that the rotation range of the pressure plate is measured to indicate the dust clearing timing, a specific method of measuring the rotation range of the pressure plate is not disclosed.

[0020] Furthermore, the second prior art patent rotates the pressure plate to compress the dust immediately after collecting the dust, but there is a problem that the compressed dust may scatter before collecting the dust again, and the volume of the dust may expand again. Summary of the invention

[0021] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0022] An object of the present invention is to provide a vacuum cleaner base station and a dust collecting method that improve the storage efficiency of captured dust.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide a vacuum cleaner base station and a dust collecting method that allow a user to easily check the amount of collected dust without taking out a collecting unit to check.

[0024] Another object of the present invention is to provide a vacuum cleaner base station and a dust collecting method that improve convenience and allow a user to flexibly select a removal timing when removing dust collected in a collection portion.

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to provide a vacuum cleaner base station and a dust collecting method that improve the accuracy of calculating the amount of dust collected in a collecting unit.

[0026] Technical solutions to the problem

[0027] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, one embodiment of the present invention relates to a dust collection method performed by a vacuum cleaner base station, wherein the vacuum cleaner base station includes a cover body combined with a dust bucket of the vacuum cleaner, a dust collecting motor arranged inside the cover body and generating suction to suck dust inside the dust bucket, and a collecting part provided with a space for collecting dust sucked from the inside of the dust bucket. The dust collection method of the vacuum cleaner base station may include: after the dust bucket and the cover body are combined, a cover opening step of opening a discharge cover of the dust bucket to connect the inside of the cover body and the inside of the dust bucket; a door opening step of opening a door arranged at a combining part combined with the dust bucket; a dust collection step of driving the dust collecting motor so that dust is collected inside the collecting part; and a compression step of compressing the collected dust by using the rotational action of a compression part arranged inside the collecting part.

[0028] In one embodiment of the present invention, the compression step may include: a main compression step performed after the dust collecting step in which the compression unit rotates; and an initial compression step performed before the dust collecting step in which the compression unit rotates.

[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, in the initial compression step, the rotating plate included in the compression part may rotate once in a forward direction or a reverse direction to compress the collected dust.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the main compression step, the rotating plate included in the compression part may repeatedly perform a rotation cycle including a forward rotation and a reverse rotation a plurality of times to compress the collected dust.

[0031] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the main compression step, the rotating plate included in the compression part can alternately and repeatedly perform forward rotation and reverse rotation within a preset compression time.

[0032] In one embodiment of the present invention, the compression time may be set to allow the rotating plate to rotate for more than a preset minimum number of compression times, regardless of the amount of dust collected.

[0033] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the compression step, at the end of the main compression step, the rotating plate included in the compression part can be configured at a second position in the opposite direction of the first position, and the first position is the position where the rotating plate starts to rotate in the initial compression step.

[0034] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, another embodiment of the present invention relates to a dust collection method performed by a vacuum cleaner base station, wherein the vacuum cleaner base station includes a cover body combined with a dust bucket of the vacuum cleaner, a dust collection motor arranged inside the cover body and generating suction to suck the dust inside the dust bucket, and a collection portion provided with a space for collecting the dust sucked from the inside of the dust bucket. The dust collection method of the vacuum cleaner base station may include: after the dust bucket and the cover body are combined, opening a discharge cover of the dust bucket to make the inside of the cover body and the inside of the dust bucket connected; opening a cover arranged at a combination portion combined with the dust bucket The door opening step of opening the door; the dust collecting step of driving the dust collecting motor so that the dust is collected inside the collecting section; and the compression step of compressing the collected dust by utilizing the rotational action of the compression section arranged inside the collecting section; at this time, the compression section may include: a fixed plate, which is fixedly arranged on one side inside the collecting section; and a rotating plate, which compresses the dust arranged between the rotating plate and the fixed plate while being driven to rotate inside the collecting section; in the main compression step, the position where the rotating plate starts to rotate, i.e. the starting position, and the position where the rotation ends, i.e. the stopping position, may be on opposite sides of each other with respect to the fixed plate.

[0035] In another embodiment of the present invention, in the compressing step, the rotation angle of the rotating plate may be measured to calculate the collected amount of the dust stored in the collecting portion.

[0036] In another embodiment of the present invention, the compressing step may further include an initial compressing step of performing a rotating action of the compressing portion before the dust collecting step when the collected amount of dust stored inside the collecting portion is greater than a preset specified amount.

[0037] In another embodiment of the present invention, in the initial compression step, the rotating plate may rotate once in a forward or reverse direction to compress the collected dust.

[0038] Effects of the Invention

[0039] According to the present invention, since the compression part compresses the dust while moving in the internal space of the collection part, there is an effect of improving the storage efficiency of the dust collected in the collection part.

[0040] Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the amount of dust collected in the collecting section is displayed on the display section, there is an advantage that the user can easily check the amount of dust collected in the collecting section without having to take out the collecting section for checking.

[0041] In addition, according to the present invention, since the collected amount of dust compressed and stored inside the collection section is divided into a plurality of steps and displayed on the display section in the form of a warning notification, the user has the advantage of being able to select the appropriate time he or she desires to remove the dust before the collection section is filled with dust.

[0042] In addition, according to the present invention, since the amount of dust collected in the collection section is calculated by the rotation angle of the compression section, and the rotation angle is calculated based on the number of changes in the pattern formed on the driving gear, it has the advantage of being able to accurately calculate the amount of dust even if the rotation speed of the compression section changes due to the entrapment of foreign matter, etc.

[0043] In addition, according to the present invention, since the stop position of the rotating plate after the dust compression process is completed is always opposite to the stop position in the previous compression process, the dust is evenly distributed and accumulated on the left and right sides of the rotating plate, thereby preventing the compressed dust from blocking the inlet.

[0044] Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the initial compression step of pre-compressing the dust scattered inside the collection part is performed before the dust collecting motor is driven before the main compression process, there is an advantage that a large space for accommodating dust can be ensured before collecting the dust.

[0045] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and those skilled in the art can more clearly understand other effects not mentioned through the description of the attached claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Figure 1It is a diagram for explaining a vacuum cleaner in the vacuum cleaner system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 2 From another perspective Figure 1 of a vacuum cleaner.

[0048] Figure 3 It is a diagram for explaining the lower side of the dust bucket of the vacuum cleaner in the vacuum cleaner system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 4 It is a diagram for explaining the vacuum cleaner system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 5 It is a diagram for explaining a coupling portion in a vacuum cleaner base station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 6 It is a diagram for explaining a fixing unit in the vacuum cleaner base station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 7 1 is a diagram showing a state where the door closes the dust through hole.

[0053] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a state where the door opens the dust through hole.

[0054] Fig. 9 This is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the vacuum cleaner and the lid opening unit in the vacuum cleaner base station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Fig.10 It is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of components of the vacuum cleaner base station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Fig.11 It is a perspective view for explaining the collection part in the vacuum cleaner base station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Fig.12 This is a diagram in which the components included in the collection unit and the components connected to the collection unit are separated and developed.

[0058] Fig.13 is along Fig.11 Cross-sectional view taken along line X-X'.

[0059] Fig.14 This is a diagram showing the direction in which air is sucked in when the collecting unit is inserted into the cover.

[0060] Fig.15 This is an enlarged view of the drive gear and transfer gear.

[0061] Fig.16 It is a diagram for explaining the pattern formed on the driving gear.

[0062] Fig.17 It is a diagram showing the arrangement relationship between the drive gear and the compression state detection unit.

[0063] Fig.18 It is a diagram for explaining the detection principle of the compression state detection unit.

[0064] Fig.19 4 is a block diagram of a vacuum cleaner base station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Fig. 20 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of explaining a notification regarding a dust compression state through a display unit.

[0066] Fig.21 1 is a flowchart showing the process of the dust collection method of the vacuum cleaner base station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Fig. 22 It is shown Fig.21 A diagram showing the operation sequence of each motor included in the vacuum cleaner base station of an embodiment.

[0068] Fig.23 is used to further explain Fig.21 FIG. 5 is a diagram of the action of the compression section performed in the dust compression step.

[0069] Fig.24 1 is a flow chart showing a second embodiment of a dust collecting method of a vacuum cleaner base station.

[0070] Fig.25 is used to further explain Fig.24 FIG. 5 is a diagram of the action of the compression section performed in the dust compression step. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0072] The present invention can be modified in various ways and can have various embodiments, so specific embodiments are shown in the drawings and are specifically described in the detailed description. This is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, but should be interpreted as including all changes, equivalents and substitutes within the scope of the present invention.

[0073] Figure 1 is a diagram for explaining a vacuum cleaner in a vacuum cleaner system according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 From another perspective Figure 1 The vacuum cleaner picture, Figure 3 1 is a diagram for explaining the lower side of a dust bucket of a vacuum cleaner in a vacuum cleaner system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 It is a diagram for explaining the vacuum cleaner system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Reference Figures 1 to 4 The vacuum cleaner system 3 of the embodiment of the present invention may include a vacuum cleaner 200 and a vacuum cleaner base station 300 .

[0075] The vacuum cleaner system 3 may include a vacuum cleaner base station 300. The vacuum cleaner 200 may be combined with the vacuum cleaner base station 300. The vacuum cleaner 200 may be combined with the side of the vacuum cleaner base station 300. The vacuum cleaner base station 300 may remove dust from the dust barrel 220 of the vacuum cleaner 200.

[0076] First, refer to Figures 1 to 3 , the structure of the vacuum cleaner 200 is described.

[0077] The vacuum cleaner 200 may be a vacuum cleaner manually operated by a user. For example, the vacuum cleaner 200 may be a handheld vacuum cleaner or a stick vacuum cleaner.

[0078] The vacuum cleaner 200 may be placed on the vacuum cleaner base station 300. The vacuum cleaner 200 may be supported by the vacuum cleaner base station 300. The vacuum cleaner 200 may be combined with the vacuum cleaner base station 300.

[0079] On the other hand, in the embodiment of the present invention, the direction of the vacuum cleaner 200 can be defined based on the bottom surface (lower side surface) of the dust bin 220 and the battery cover 230 placed on the ground.

[0080] At this time, the front may refer to the direction in which the suction unit 212 is configured with the suction motor 214 as a reference, and the rear may refer to the direction in which the handle 216 is configured with the suction motor 214 as a reference. Moreover, the direction configured on the right side may be referred to as the right side, and the direction configured on the left side may be referred to as the left side, based on the suction unit 212 viewed from the suction motor 214. In addition, in the embodiment of the present invention, the upper side and the lower side may be defined along a direction perpendicular to the ground, based on the bottom surface (lower side) of the dust bin 220 and the battery cover 230 placed on the ground.

[0081] The vacuum cleaner 200 may include a main body 210 . The main body 210 may include a main body cover 211 , a suction part 212 , a dust separation part 213 , a suction motor 214 , an air discharge cover 215 , a handle 216 , and an operation part 218 .

[0082] The main body cover 211 may form the appearance of the vacuum cleaner 200. The main body cover 211 may provide a space capable of accommodating the suction motor 214 and a filter (not shown) inside. The main body cover 211 may be configured in a shape similar to a cylinder.

[0083] The suction part 212 may protrude outward from the main housing 211. As an example, the suction part 212 may be formed in a cylindrical shape with an internal opening. The suction part 212 may be combined with the extension pipe 250. The suction part 212 may provide a flow path (hereinafter, referred to as "suction flow path") through which air containing dust may flow.

[0084] The dust separation part 213 may be communicated with the suction part 212. The dust separation part 213 may separate the dust sucked into the inside through the suction part 212. The space inside the dust separation part 213 may be communicated with the space inside the dust barrel 220.

[0085] For example, the dust separation unit 213 may include at least one cyclone unit capable of separating dust by swirl. In addition, the space inside the dust separation unit 213 may be communicated with the suction flow path. Therefore, the air and dust sucked by the suction unit 212 flow in a spiral along the inner circumference of the dust separation unit 213. Therefore, a swirl may be generated in the internal space of the dust separation unit 213.

[0086] The dust separation unit 213 is communicated with the suction unit 212 and is configured by applying the principle of a dust collector using centrifugal force to separate dust sucked into the body 210 through the suction unit 212 .

[0087] The dust separation unit 213 may also include a secondary cyclone for separating dust from the air discharged from the cyclone again. At this time, the secondary cyclone may be located inside the cyclone to minimize the size of the dust separation unit. The secondary cyclone may include a plurality of cyclone bodies arranged in parallel. The air discharged from the cyclone may be diverted through the plurality of cyclone bodies.

[0088] At this time, the axis of the cyclone of the secondary cyclone can also extend in the up and down direction, and the axis of the cyclone of the cyclone and the axis of the cyclone of the secondary cyclone can form a coaxial axis in the up and down direction, and they can be collectively referred to as the axis of the cyclone of the dust separation part 213.

[0089] The suction motor 214 can generate suction force for sucking air. The suction motor 214 can be accommodated in the main housing 211. The suction motor 214 can generate suction force by rotating. As an example, the suction motor 214 can have a shape similar to a cylinder.

[0090] The air outlet cover 215 may be disposed on one axial side of the main housing 211. A filter for filtering air may be accommodated in the air outlet cover 215. As an example, a high efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) may be accommodated in the air outlet cover 215.

[0091] The air discharge cover 215 may be formed with an air discharge port for discharging air sucked by the suction force of the suction motor 214 .

[0092] A flow guide may be provided at the air discharge cover 215. The flow guide may guide the flow of the air discharged through the air discharge port.

[0093] The handle 216 can be held by the user. The handle 216 can be arranged behind the suction motor 214. As an example, the handle 216 can be formed in a shape similar to a cylinder. Alternatively, the handle 216 can be formed in a curved cylindrical shape. The handle 216 can be arranged to form a specified angle with the main cover 211, the suction motor 214, or the dust separation unit 213.

[0094] The handle 216 may include: a holding portion 216a, which is formed in a cylindrical shape so that the user can hold it; a first extension portion 216b, which is connected to one end portion of the holding portion 216a in the length direction (axial direction) and extends toward the suction motor 214; and a second extension portion 216c, which is connected to the other end portion of the holding portion 216a in the length direction (axial direction) and extends toward the dust bin 220.

[0095] The top surface of the handle 216 may form a part of the top surface of the cleaner 200. Thus, when the user holds the handle 216, a part of the cleaner 200 may be prevented from coming into contact with the user's arm.

[0096] The first extension portion 216b may extend from the grip portion 216a toward the main body cover 211 or the suction motor 214. At least a portion of the first extension portion 216b may extend in the horizontal direction.

[0097] The second extension portion 216c may extend from the grip portion toward the dust container 220. At least a portion of the second extension portion 216c may extend in a horizontal direction.

[0098] The operation unit 218 may be disposed on the handle 216. The operation unit 218 may be disposed on an inclined surface formed in an upper region of the handle 216. The user may input an operation or stop command of the cleaner 200 through the operation unit 218.

[0099] The operation unit 218 can visually display information related to the operation of the cleaner 200 (for example, suction intensity, remaining charge level of the battery, etc.) That is, the operation unit 218 can also function as a display device.

[0100] The cleaner 200 may include a dust container 220. The dust container 220 may be in communication with the dust separation portion 213. The dust container 220 may store the dust separated by the dust separation portion 213.

[0101] The dust bin 220 may include a dust bin body 221 , a discharge cover 222 , a dust bin compression rod 223 , and a compression member (not shown).

[0102] The dust container body 221 may provide a space capable of storing the dust separated by the dust separation portion 213. As an example, the dust container body 221 may be formed in a shape similar to a cylinder.

[0103] A portion of the lower side (bottom side) of the dust bin body 221 may be open. In addition, a bottom surface extension 221a may be formed on the lower side (bottom side) of the dust bin body 221. The bottom surface extension 221a may be formed to shield a portion of the lower side of the dust bin body 221.

[0104] The dust container 220 may include a discharge cover 222. The discharge cover 222 may be disposed on a lower side of the dust container 220.

[0105] The discharge cover 222 may be configured to open and close one end portion of the length direction of the dust bin body 221. Specifically, the discharge cover 222 may selectively open and close the lower portion of the dust bin 220 that opens downward.

[0106] The discharge cover 222 may include a cover body 222a and a hinge portion 222b. The cover body 222a may be formed to shield a portion of the lower side of the dust bin body 221. The cover body 222a may be rotated downward with the hinge portion 222b as a reference. The hinge portion 222b may be arranged adjacent to the battery cover 230. A torsion spring 222d may be provided at the hinge portion 222b. Therefore, when the discharge cover 222 is separated from the dust bin body 221, under the action of the elastic force of the torsion spring 222d, the cover body 222a may be supported in a state of rotating from the dust bin body 221 with the hinge portion 222b as an axis by more than a specified angle.

[0107] The discharge cover 222 may be coupled to the dust bin 220 in a hook-coupled manner. On the other hand, the discharge cover 222 may be separated from the dust bin 220 using a coupling rod 222c. The coupling rod 222c may be disposed in front of the dust bin. Specifically, the coupling rod 222c may be disposed on the outer side of the front side of the dust bin 220. When an external force is applied, the coupling rod 222c may elastically deform the hook extending from the cover body 222a to release the hook coupling between the cover body 222a and the dust bin body 221.

[0108] When the discharge cover 222 is closed, the lower side of the dust container 220 may be shielded (sealed) by the discharge cover 222 and the bottom surface extension 221 a.

[0109] The dust container 220 may include a dust container compression rod 223 (see Figure 2). The dust bin compression rod 223 may be arranged outside the dust bin 220 or the dust separation portion 211. The dust bin compression rod 223 may be configured to be able to move up and down outside the dust bin 220 or the dust separation portion 213. The dust bin compression rod 223 may be connected to a compression member (not shown). When the dust bin compression rod 223 moves downward under the action of an external force, the compression member (not shown) may also move downward together. Thus, user convenience can be improved. The compression member (not shown) and the dust bin compression rod 223 may be reset to their original positions using an elastic member (not shown). Specifically, when the external force applied to the dust bin compression rod 223 is removed, the elastic member may enable the dust bin compression rod 223 and the compression member (not shown) to move upward.

[0110] A compression member (not shown) may be disposed inside the dust bin body 221. The compression member may move in the internal space of the dust bin body 221. Specifically, the compression member may move up and down inside the dust bin body 221. Thus, the compression member may compress the dust inside the dust bin body 221 downward. In addition, when the discharge cover 222 is separated from the dust bin body 221 so that the lower portion of the dust bin 220 is open, the compression member may move from the upper portion to the lower portion of the dust bin 220 and remove foreign matter such as residual dust inside the dust bin 220. Thus, by preventing the residual dust from remaining inside the dust bin 220, the suction force of the vacuum cleaner may be improved. Furthermore, by preventing the residual dust from remaining inside the dust bin 220, the odor generated by the residual matter may be eliminated.

[0111] The vacuum cleaner 200 may include a battery cover 230. The battery cover 230 may contain a battery 240. The battery cover 230 may be disposed on the lower side of the handle 216. As an example, the battery cover 230 may be in the shape of a hexahedron with an open lower portion. The back of the battery cover 230 may be connected to the handle 216.

[0112] The battery cover 230 may include a receiving portion open downward. The battery 240 may be loaded and unloaded through the receiving portion of the battery cover 220 .

[0113] The vacuum cleaner 200 may include a battery 240 .

[0114] For example, the battery 240 may be detachably coupled to the vacuum cleaner 200. The battery 240 may be detachably coupled to the battery cover 230. As an example, the battery 240 may be inserted into the battery cover 230 from below. With such a configuration, the portability of the vacuum cleaner 200 may be improved.

[0115] Alternatively, the battery 240 may be integrally formed with the battery cover 230 inside the battery cover 230. In this case, the bottom surface of the battery 240 is not exposed to the outside.

[0116] The battery 240 can supply power to the suction motor 214 of the cleaner 200. The battery 240 can be disposed at the lower portion of the handle 216. The battery 240 can be disposed at the rear of the dust container 220.

[0117] According to an embodiment, when the battery 240 is combined with the battery cover 230, the bottom surface of the battery 240 may be exposed to the outside. Since the battery 240 may be placed on the ground when the vacuum cleaner 200 is placed on the ground, the battery 240 may be directly separated from the battery cover 230. In addition, since the bottom surface of the battery 240 is exposed to the outside and directly contacts the air outside the battery 240, the cooling performance of the battery 240 may be improved.

[0118] On the other hand, when the battery 240 is integrally fixed to the battery cover 230 , the structure for attaching and detaching the battery 240 and the battery cover 230 can be reduced, so the overall size of the cleaner 200 can be reduced and the weight can be reduced.

[0119] The cleaner 200 may include an extension pipe 250. The extension pipe 250 may be in communication with the cleaning module 260. The extension pipe 250 may be in communication with the main body 210. The extension pipe 250 may be in communication with the suction part 214 of the main body 210. The extension pipe 250 may be formed in a long cylindrical shape.

[0120] The main body 210 may be connected to the extension tube 250. The main body 210 may be connected to the cleaning module 260 through the extension tube 250. The main body 210 may generate suction using the suction motor 214, and may provide suction to the cleaning module 260 through the extension tube 250. External dust may flow into the main body 210 through the cleaning module 260 and the extension tube 250.

[0121] The cleaner 200 may include a cleaning module 260. The cleaning module 260 may be in communication with the extension tube 250. Therefore, by the suction force generated in the main body 210 of the cleaner 200, the external air may flow into the main body 210 of the cleaner 200 via the cleaning module 260 and the extension tube 250.

[0122] The dust in the dust bucket 220 of the vacuum cleaner 200 can be captured in the capture part 370 of the vacuum cleaner base station 300 under the action of gravity. At the same time, the dust in the dust bucket 220 can be captured in the capture part 370 of the vacuum cleaner base station 300 under the action of the suction force of the dust collecting motor 391 disposed inside the vacuum cleaner base station 300. Thus, the dust in the vacuum cleaner dust bucket can be removed even without additional operation by the user, thereby improving user convenience. In addition, the trouble of the user needing to empty the dust bucket every time can be eliminated. In addition, dust can be prevented from scattering when the dust bucket is emptied.

[0123] The vacuum cleaner 200 can be combined with the side of the cover body 310. Specifically, the main body 210 of the vacuum cleaner 200 can be placed on the coupling part 320. More specifically, the dust bin 220 and the battery cover body 230 of the vacuum cleaner 200 can be combined with the coupling surface 321 of the coupling part 320. The outer peripheral surface of the dust bin main body 221 can be combined with the dust bin guide surface 322. The suction part 212 can be combined with the suction part guide surface 326 of the coupling part 320. Through such a configuration, the central axis of the dust bin 220 can be arranged in a direction parallel to the ground, and the extension tube 250 can be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the ground.

[0124] Hereinafter, the structure of the vacuum cleaner base station 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0125] Reference Figure 4 , the vacuum cleaner base station 300 may be combined with the vacuum cleaner 200. Specifically, the main body of the vacuum cleaner 200 may be combined with the side of the vacuum cleaner base station 300. More specifically, the dust bucket 220 of the vacuum cleaner 200 may be combined with the side of the vacuum cleaner base station 300, and may be combined through a side configured with a discharge cover 222. Thus, if the discharge cover 222 is opened, the dust in the dust bucket 220 may be captured inside the vacuum cleaner base station 300 and removed.

[0126] The vacuum cleaner base station 300 may include a cover 310. The cover 310 may form the appearance of the vacuum cleaner base station 300. Specifically, the cover 310 may be formed in a cylindrical shape including at least one outer wall surface. As an example, the cover 310 may be formed in a shape similar to a quadrangular prism.

[0127] The cover body 310 may form a space therein capable of accommodating the collecting portion 370 and the dust suction module 390 .

[0128] The cover body 310 may include a bottom surface 311 , an outer wall surface 312 , and an upper surface 313 .

[0129] The bottom surface 311 may support the lower side of the dust suction module 390 in the gravity direction. That is, the bottom surface 311 may support the lower side of the dust collecting motor 391 of the dust suction module 390.

[0130] At this time, the bottom surface 311 can be arranged toward the ground. The bottom surface 311 can be arranged not only parallel to the ground, but also inclined at a predetermined angle to the ground. With such a configuration, the dust collecting motor 391 can be stably supported, and the overall weight balance can be maintained even when the vacuum cleaner 200 is combined.

[0131] On the other hand, according to an embodiment, the bottom surface 311 may further include a ground support portion 311a that increases the area of ​​contact with the ground to prevent the vacuum cleaner base station 300 from tipping over and maintain balance. As an example, the ground support portion 311a may be a plate shape extending from the bottom surface 311, or may be formed by one or more frames protruding and extending from the bottom surface 311 along the ground direction.

[0132] The outer wall surface 312 may refer to a surface formed along the gravity direction, and may refer to a surface connected to the bottom surface 311. For example, the outer wall surface 312 may refer to a surface vertically connected to the bottom surface 311. As a different embodiment from this, the outer wall surface 312 may also be configured to be inclined at a predetermined angle to the bottom surface 311.

[0133] The outer wall surface 312 may include at least one surface. For example, the outer wall surface 312 may include a first outer wall surface 312a, a second outer wall surface 312b, a third outer wall surface 312c, and a fourth outer wall surface 312d.

[0134] At this time, in this embodiment, the first outer wall surface 312a can be configured on the front side of the vacuum cleaner base station 300. Here, the front side can refer to the side where the vacuum cleaner 200 is exposed when the vacuum cleaner 200 is combined with the vacuum cleaner base station 300. Therefore, the first outer wall surface 312a can form the appearance of the front side of the vacuum cleaner base station 300.

[0135] On the other hand, in order to help understand the present embodiment, a direction is defined. In the present embodiment, the direction may be defined in a state where the vacuum cleaner 200 is combined with the vacuum cleaner base station 300 .

[0136] When the vacuum cleaner 200 is coupled to the vacuum cleaner base station 300 , the direction in which the vacuum cleaner 200 is exposed to the outside of the vacuum cleaner base station 300 may be referred to as the front.

[0137] From another perspective, when the vacuum cleaner 200 is combined with the vacuum cleaner base station 300, the direction in which the suction motor 214 of the vacuum cleaner 200 is arranged can be called the front. In addition, the opposite direction of the direction in which the suction motor 214 is arranged in the vacuum cleaner base station 300 can be called the rear.

[0138] In addition, based on the internal space of the cover body 310, the surface facing the front side can be called the back side of the vacuum cleaner base station 300. Therefore, the back side can refer to the direction in which the second outer wall surface 312b is formed.

[0139] In addition, when observing the front side with reference to the internal space of the cover body 310, the left side can be referred to as the left side, and the right side can be referred to as the right side. Therefore, the left side can refer to the direction in which the third outer wall surface 312c is formed, and the right side can refer to the direction in which the fourth outer wall surface 312d is formed.

[0140] The first outer wall surface 312a may be formed in a flat shape, may be formed in a curved shape as a whole, or may be formed to include a curved surface in a part thereof.

[0141] The first outer wall surface 312a may be provided with a coupling portion 320. With such a configuration, the cleaner 200 may be coupled to the cleaner base station 300 and supported by the cleaner base station 300. The specific configuration of the coupling portion 320 will be described later.

[0142] On the other hand, a structure for placing various forms of cleaning modules 260 used in the vacuum cleaner 200 may be additionally formed on the first outer wall surface 312a.

[0143] In this embodiment, the second outer wall surface 312b may be a surface facing the first outer wall surface 312a. That is, the second outer wall surface 312b may be disposed on the back side of the vacuum cleaner base station 300. The second outer wall surface 312b may form the appearance of the back side of the vacuum cleaner base station 300.

[0144] In this embodiment, the third outer wall surface 312c and the fourth outer wall surface 312d may refer to surfaces connecting the first outer wall surface 312a and the second outer wall surface 312b. In this case, the third outer wall surface 312c may be arranged on the left side of the vacuum cleaner base station 300, and the fourth outer wall surface 312d may be arranged on the right side of the vacuum cleaner base station 300. Alternatively, the third outer wall surface 312c may also be arranged on the right side of the vacuum cleaner base station 300, and the fourth outer wall surface 312d may also be arranged on the left side of the vacuum cleaner base station 300.

[0145] The third outer wall surface 312c or the fourth outer wall surface 312d may be formed in a flat shape, may be formed in a curved shape as a whole, or may be formed to include a curved surface in a part thereof.

[0146] On the other hand, a structure for placing various forms of cleaning modules 290 used in the cleaner 200 may be additionally formed on the third outer wall surface 312c or the fourth outer wall surface 312d.

[0147] The upper surface 313 may form the upper appearance of the vacuum cleaner base station. That is, the upper surface 313 may refer to a surface that is disposed at the uppermost side in the gravity direction in the vacuum cleaner base station and is exposed to the outside.

[0148] For reference, in the present embodiment, the upper side and the lower side may respectively refer to the upper side and the lower side along the gravity direction (the direction perpendicular to the ground) when the vacuum cleaner base station 300 is set on the ground.

[0149] At this time, the upper surface 313 may be arranged not only parallel to the ground but also inclined at a predetermined angle to the ground.

[0150] A display unit 530 may be disposed on the upper surface 313. As an example, the display unit 530 may display the status of the vacuum cleaner base station 300 and the status of the vacuum cleaner 200, and may also display information such as the cleaning progress and a map of the cleaning area.

[0151] On the other hand, according to an embodiment, the upper surface 313 may be detachably provided on the outer wall surface 312. At this time, when the upper surface 313 is separated, the battery separated from the vacuum cleaner 200 may be accommodated in the inner space surrounded by the outer wall surface 312, and a terminal (not shown) capable of charging the separated battery may be provided.

[0152] Figure 5 It is a diagram for explaining a coupling portion in a vacuum cleaner base station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0153] Reference Figure 5 The vacuum cleaner base station 300 may include a coupling portion 320 for coupling with the vacuum cleaner 200. Specifically, the coupling portion 320 may be disposed on the first outer wall surface 312a, and the dust bucket 220 of the vacuum cleaner 200 may be coupled to the coupling portion 320. The main body 210 and the battery cover 230 of the vacuum cleaner 200 may also be coupled to the coupling portion 320 together with the dust bucket 220.

[0154] The coupling portion 320 may include a coupling surface 321. The coupling surface 321 may be disposed on the side of the cover body 310. As an example, the coupling surface 321 may refer to a surface formed in the form of a groove that is recessed from the first outer wall surface 312a toward the inner side of the vacuum cleaner base station 300. That is, the coupling surface 321 may refer to a surface that forms a step with the first outer wall surface 312a.

[0155] The vacuum cleaner 200 may be combined with the joint surface 321. As an example, the joint surface 321 may contact the lower side of the dust bucket 220 and the battery cover 230 of the vacuum cleaner 200. Here, the lower side may refer to the surface facing the ground when the user uses the vacuum cleaner 200 or places it on the ground.

[0156] As an example, the angle formed by the coupling surface 321 and the ground may be a right angle. Thus, the space of the vacuum cleaner base station 300 when the vacuum cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling surface 321 can be minimized.

[0157] As another example, the coupling surface 321 may be tilted to form a predetermined angle with the ground. Thus, when the vacuum cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling surface 321 , the vacuum cleaner base station 300 may stably support the vacuum cleaner 200 .

[0158] The joint surface 321 may be formed with a dust hole 321a so that air outside the housing 310 can flow into the inside. The dust hole 321a may be formed in a hole shape corresponding to the shape of the dust bin 220 so that dust in the dust bin 220 flows into the collection portion 370. The dust hole 321a may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the discharge cover 222 of the dust bin 220. The dust hole 321a may be formed to communicate with the flow path portion 380 described later (see Figure 8 ).

[0159] The coupling portion 320 may include a dust bin guide surface 322. The dust bin guide surface 322 may be disposed on the first outer wall surface 312a. The dust bin guide surface 322 may be connected to the first outer wall surface 312a. In addition, the dust bin guide surface 322 may be connected to the coupling surface 321.

[0160] The dust bucket guide surface 322 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the outer side surface of the dust bucket 220. The front outer side surface of the dust bucket 220 may be combined with the dust bucket guide surface 322. Thus, the convenience of combining the vacuum cleaner 200 with the combination surface 321 can be provided.

[0161] On the other hand, a protrusion moving hole 322a may be formed on the dust barrel guide surface 322, and the pushing protrusion 351 described later may move linearly along the protrusion moving hole 322a (refer to Fig.11 ). In addition, a gear box 355 for accommodating gears and the like of the cover opening unit 350 described later may be provided on the lower side of the dust bin guide surface 322 in the direction of gravity. At this time, a guide space 322b for pushing the protrusion 351 to move may be formed between the lower side of the dust bin guide surface 322 and the upper side of the gear box 355. In addition, the guide space 322b may be connected to the first flow path 381 by means of the bypass hole 322c. That is, the protrusion moving hole 322a, the guide space 322b, the bypass hole 322c and the first flow path 381 may form a flow path. With such a configuration, there is an advantage that when the dust collecting motor 391 is running in a state where the dust bin 220 is coupled to the coupling portion 320, dust and the like remaining in the dust bin 220 and the dust bin guide surface 322 may be sucked in through the flow path.

[0162] The coupling portion 320 may include a guide protrusion 323. The guide protrusion 323 may be disposed on the coupling surface 321. The guide protrusion 323 may protrude upward from the coupling surface 321. The guide protrusion 323 may be spaced apart from each other and configured in two. The distance between the two spaced apart guide protrusions 323 may correspond to the width of the battery cover 230 of the vacuum cleaner 200. Thus, the convenience of coupling the vacuum cleaner 200 to the coupling surface 321 may be provided.

[0163] The joint portion 320 may include a joint portion side wall 324. The joint portion side wall 324 may refer to a wall surface disposed on both sides of the joint surface 321, which may be vertically connected to the joint surface 321. The joint portion side wall 324 may be connected to the first outer wall surface 312a. In addition, the joint portion side wall 324 may form a surface connected to the dust bin guide surface 322. Thus, the vacuum cleaner 200 can be stably accommodated.

[0164] The coupling part 320 may include a coupling sensor. The coupling sensor may detect whether the cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling part 320.

[0165] The combination sensor may also include a contact sensor. As an example, the combination sensor may include a micro switch. In this case, the combination sensor may be configured on the guide protrusion 323. Therefore, if the battery cover 230 or the battery 240 of the vacuum cleaner 200 is combined between a pair of guide protrusions 323, it will contact the combination sensor, and the combination sensor can detect that the vacuum cleaner 200 has been combined.

[0166] On the other hand, the combined sensor may also include a non-contact sensor. As an example, the combined sensor may include an infrared sensor unit (IR sensor). In this case, the combined sensor may be configured on the combined portion side wall 324. Therefore, if the dust bin 220 or the main body 210 of the vacuum cleaner 200 passes through the combined portion side wall 324 and reaches the combined surface 321, the combined sensor may detect the presence of the dust bin 220 or the main body 210.

[0167] When the vacuum cleaner 200 is coupled to the vacuum cleaner base station 300 , the coupling sensor may be opposite to the dust container 220 or the battery cover 230 of the vacuum cleaner 200 .

[0168] The coupling sensor may be a means for determining whether the cleaner 200 is coupled while power is applied to the battery 240 of the cleaner 200 .

[0169] The combination part 320 may include a suction part guide surface 326. The suction part guide surface 326 may be configured on the first outer wall surface 312a. The suction part guide surface 326 may be connected to the dust bin guide surface 322. The suction part 212 may be combined with the suction part guide surface 326. The shape of the suction part guide surface 326 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the suction part 212.

[0170] The coupling portion 320 may further include a fixing member access hole 327. The fixing member access hole 327 may be formed in a long hole shape along the coupling portion side wall 324 to allow the fixing member 331 to enter and exit.

[0171] With such a configuration, when the user couples the vacuum cleaner 200 to the coupling portion 320 of the vacuum cleaner base station 300, the main body 210 of the vacuum cleaner 200 can be stably arranged on the coupling portion 320 through the dust bucket guide surface 322, the guide protrusion 323, and the suction portion guide surface 326. Thus, the convenience of coupling the dust bucket 220 and the battery cover 230 of the vacuum cleaner 200 to the coupling surface 321 can be provided.

[0172] On the other hand, the vacuum cleaner base station 300 may further include a charging terminal 328. The charging terminal 328 may be disposed at the coupling portion 320. The charging terminal 328 may be electrically connected to the vacuum cleaner 200 coupled to the coupling portion 320. The charging terminal 328 may supply power to the battery of the vacuum cleaner 200 coupled to the coupling portion 320.

[0173] In addition, the vacuum cleaner base station 300 may further include a side door. The side door may be disposed on the cover body 310. The side door may selectively expose the collection unit 370 to the outside. Thus, the user may easily remove the collection unit 370 from the vacuum cleaner base station 300.

[0174] Figure 6 It is a diagram for explaining a fixing unit in the vacuum cleaner base station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0175] Reference Figure 6 , the vacuum cleaner base station 300 of the present invention may include a fixing unit 330. The fixing unit 330 may be configured on the side wall 324 of the coupling portion. In addition, the fixing unit 330 may be configured on the back of the coupling surface 321. The fixing unit 330 may fix the vacuum cleaner 200 coupled to the coupling surface 321. Specifically, the fixing unit 330 may fix the dust bucket 220 and the battery cover 230 of the vacuum cleaner 200 coupled to the coupling surface 321.

[0176] The fixing unit 330 may include a fixing member 331 for fixing the dust bucket 220 and the battery cover 230 of the vacuum cleaner 200, and a fixing motor 580 for driving the fixing member 331. In addition, the fixing unit 330 may further include a fixing connecting rod 335 for transmitting the power of the fixing motor 580 to the fixing member 331.

[0177] The fixing member 331 may be disposed on the joint sidewall 324 and is configured to be able to reciprocate on the joint sidewall 324 to fix the dust barrel 220. Specifically, the fixing member 331 may be accommodated inside the fixing member access hole 327.

[0178] The fixing members 331 may be respectively disposed on both sides of the coupling portion 320. As an example, two fixing members 331 may be symmetrically disposed in pairs with the coupling surface 321 as the center.

[0179] The fixing part motor 580 may provide power to move the fixing member 331 .

[0180] The fixing part link 335 may convert the rotational force of the fixing part motor 580 into the reciprocating movement of the fixing member 331 .

[0181] The fixed seal 336 may be disposed on the dust bucket guide surface 322 to seal the dust bucket 220 when the vacuum cleaner 200 is coupled. With such a configuration, if the dust bucket 220 of the vacuum cleaner 200 is coupled, the fixed seal 336 may be pressed under the weight of the vacuum cleaner 200, so that the dust bucket 220 and the dust bucket guide surface 322 are sealed.

[0182] The fixed seal 336 may be disposed on an imaginary extension line of the fixed member 331. With such a configuration, when the fixed portion motor 580 is operated and the fixed member 331 presses the dust bin 220, the peripheral edges of the dust bin 220 at the same height may be sealed.

[0183] According to an embodiment, the fixed seal 336 may be arranged on the dust bin guide surface 322 in a folded line shape corresponding to the arrangement of the cover opening unit 350 described later.

[0184] Therefore, when the main body 210 of the vacuum cleaner 200 is arranged on the coupling part 320, the fixing unit 330 can fix the main body 210 of the vacuum cleaner 200. Specifically, when the coupling sensor 325 detects that the main body 210 of the vacuum cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling part 320 of the vacuum cleaner base station 300, the fixing part motor 580 can fix the main body 210 of the vacuum cleaner 200 by moving the fixing member 331.

[0185] Thus, by preventing the remaining dust from remaining in the dust bin, the suction force of the vacuum cleaner can be improved. In addition, by preventing the remaining dust from remaining in the dust bin, the odor generated by the remaining dust can be removed.

[0186] Figure 7 and Figure 8 2 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between a vacuum cleaner and a door unit in a vacuum cleaner base station according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 2 is a diagram showing a state where the door closes the dust through hole. Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a state where the door opens the dust through hole.

[0187] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 The vacuum cleaner base station 300 of the present invention may include a door unit 340. The door unit 340 may be configured to open and close the dust through hole 321a.

[0188] The door unit 340 may include a door 341 , a door motor 342 , and a door arm 343 .

[0189] The door 341 may be hingedly coupled to the coupling surface 321, and may open and close the dust through hole 321a. The door 341 may include a door body 341a.

[0190] The door body 341a may be formed in a shape capable of shielding the dust through hole 321a. As an example, the door body 341a may be formed in a disk-like shape.

[0191] Based on the state in which the door body 341a covers the dust through hole 321a, a hinge portion may be disposed on the upper side of the door body 341a, and an arm coupling portion 341b may be disposed on the lower side of the door body 341a.

[0192] The door body 341a can be formed into a shape that can airtightly seal the dust through hole 321a. As an example, the outer side surface of the door body 341a exposed to the outside of the vacuum cleaner base station 300 can be formed to have a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the dust through hole 321a, and the inner side surface of the door body 341a configured inside the vacuum cleaner base station 300 can be formed to have a diameter greater than the diameter of the dust through hole 321a. In addition, a step can be generated between the outer side surface and the inner side surface of the door body 341a. On the other hand, at least one or more protruding reinforcement ribs can be formed on the inner side surface, and the reinforcement ribs connect the hinge part and the arm joint part 341b to strengthen the support force of the door body 341a.

[0193] The hinge part may be a means for hinge-joining the door 341 to the joint surface 321. The hinge part may be disposed at an upper end portion of the door body 341a and may be joined to the joint surface 321.

[0194] The arm coupling part 341b may be a means for rotatably coupling the door arm 343. The arm coupling part 341b may be disposed at the lower side of the door body 341a and may be rotatably coupled to the door body 341a, and the door arm 343 may be rotatably coupled to the arm coupling part 341b.

[0195] With such a configuration, if the door arm 343 pulls the door body 341a when the door 341 closes the dust hole 321a, the door body 341a can rotate toward the inside of the vacuum cleaner base station 300 with the hinge as the axis, thereby opening the dust hole 321a. On the other hand, if the door arm 343 pushes the door body 341a when the dust hole 321a is open, the door body 341a can rotate toward the outside of the vacuum cleaner base station 300 with the hinge 341b as the axis, thereby closing the dust hole 321a.

[0196] On the other hand, when the cleaner 200 is combined with the cleaner base station 300 and the discharge cover 220 is separated from the dust bucket body 210, the door 341 may contact the discharge cover 220. And, as the door 341 rotates, the discharge cover 220 may rotate in conjunction with the door 341.

[0197] The door motor 342 can provide power to rotate the door 341. Specifically, the door motor 342 can rotate the door arm 343 in a forward direction or a reverse direction. Here, the forward direction may refer to the direction in which the door arm 343 pulls the door 341. Therefore, if the door arm 343 rotates in the forward direction, the dust hole 321a can be opened. In addition, the reverse direction may refer to the direction in which the door arm 343 pushes the door 341. Therefore, if the door arm 343 rotates in the reverse direction, at least a portion of the dust hole 321a can be closed. The forward direction and the reverse direction may be opposite directions.

[0198] The door arm 343 may connect the door 341 and the door motor 342 , and may open and close the door 341 using power generated by the door motor 342 .

[0199] As an example, the door arm 343 may include a first door arm 343a and a second door arm 343b. One end of the first door arm 343a may be combined with the door motor 342. The first door arm 343a may be rotated by the power of the door motor 342. The other end of the first door arm 343a may be rotatably combined with the second door arm 343b. The first door arm 343a may transmit the force received from the door motor 342 to the second door arm 343b. One end of the second door arm 343b may be combined with the first door arm 343a. The other end of the second door arm 343b may be combined with the door 341. The second door arm 343b may open and close the dust through hole 321a by pushing or pulling the door 341.

[0200] The door unit 340 may be opened together when the discharge cover 222 of the cleaner 200 is opened. In addition, when the door unit 340 is closed, the discharge cover 222 of the cleaner 200 may be closed together in conjunction therewith.

[0201] When the dust of the dust bucket 220 of the vacuum cleaner 200 is removed, the door motor 342 can rotate the door 341 to couple the discharge cover 222 to the dust bucket body 221. Specifically, the door motor 342 can rotate the door 341 with the hinge part 341b as the reference by rotating the door 341, and the door 141 rotating with the hinge part 341b as the reference can push the discharge cover 222 toward the dust bucket body 221.

[0202] Fig. 9 This is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the vacuum cleaner and the lid opening unit in the vacuum cleaner base station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0203] Reference Fig. 9 The vacuum cleaner base station 300 of the present invention may include a cover opening unit 350. The cover opening unit 350 may be disposed at the coupling portion 320, and may open the discharge cover 222 of the vacuum cleaner 200.

[0204] The cover opening unit 350 may include a push protrusion 351 , a cover opening motor 352 , a cover opening gear 353 , and a gear box 355 .

[0205] When the cleaner 200 is coupled, the push protrusion 351 may move to press the coupling rod 222c.

[0206] The push protrusion 351 may be disposed on the dust barrel guide surface 322. Specifically, a protrusion moving hole may be formed on the dust barrel guide surface 322, and the push protrusion 351 may be exposed to the outside through the protrusion moving hole.

[0207] The push protrusion 351 can be arranged at a position that can press the coupling rod 222c when the vacuum cleaner 200 is combined. That is, the coupling rod 222c can be arranged on the protrusion moving hole. In addition, the coupling rod 222c can be arranged on the moving area of ​​the push protrusion 351.

[0208] The push protrusion 351 can reciprocate linearly to press the coupling rod 222c. Specifically, the push protrusion 351 can be combined with the gear box 355 to be guided to move linearly. The push protrusion 351 can be combined with the cover opening gear 353 and can move together with the movement of the cover opening gear 353.

[0209] The cover opening motor 352 can provide power to move the push protrusion 351. Specifically, the cover opening motor 352 can rotate the motor shaft in a forward or reverse direction. Here, the forward direction can refer to the direction in which the push protrusion 351 presses the coupling rod 222c. In addition, the reverse direction can refer to the direction in which the push protrusion 351 pressing the coupling rod 222c is reset to the original position. The forward direction can be the opposite direction to the reverse direction.

[0210] The cover opening gear 353 may be combined with the cover opening motor 352, and the power of the cover opening motor 352 may be used to move the push protrusion 351. Specifically, the cover opening gear 353 may be accommodated in the gear box 355. The driving gear 353a of the cover opening gear 353 may be combined with the motor shaft of the cover opening motor 352 and receive power. The driven gear 353b of the cover opening gear 353 may be combined with the push protrusion 351 and move the push protrusion 351. As an example, the driven gear 353b may be set in a rack shape and meshed with the driving gear 353a, and may receive power from the driving gear 353a.

[0211] At this time, a torsion spring 222d may be provided on the discharge cover 222. The discharge cover 222 may be rotated by the elastic force of the torsion spring 222d to a predetermined angle or more and supported at the rotated position. Therefore, the discharge cover 222 may be opened to connect the dust through hole 321a and the inside of the dust bin 220.

[0212] The gear box 355 may be disposed inside the cover body 310 and may be arranged on the lower side of the coupling portion 320 in the gravity direction. The cover opening gear 353 may be accommodated inside the gear box 355 .

[0213] According to the present invention, the user can open the dust container 220 through the cover opening unit 350 without separately opening the discharge cover 222 of the cleaner, thereby improving convenience.

[0214] In addition, since the discharge cover 222 is opened when the cleaner 200 is coupled to the cleaner base station 300 , it is possible to prevent dust from being scattered.

[0215] Fig.10 This is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of components of the vacuum cleaner base station 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0216] Reference Fig.10 The aforementioned cover opening unit 350 is disposed at the lower side of the coupling portion 320 , and the flow path portion 380 is disposed at the rear side of the coupling portion 320 and the cover opening unit 350 .

[0217] Hereinafter, the flow path from the coupling portion 320 to the collecting portion 370 is referred to as a first flow path 381. The collecting portion 370 for collecting dust is disposed to be connected to a lower end portion of the first flow path 381.

[0218] The vacuum cleaner base station 300 may further include a chamber 360 having a space for accommodating the collection unit 370. In this case, the collection unit 370 may be detachably provided in the chamber 360. The chamber 360 may be detachably provided in the cover body 310, or may be a accommodating space of the collection unit 370 formed integrally with the cover body 310.

[0219] The sterilization unit 450 may be disposed on the upper side of the chamber 360 .

[0220] The sterilization unit 450 is a structure for sterilizing the dust collected in the collection unit 370. The sterilization unit 450 may include: a light source for emitting sterilization light; and a protection panel disposed below the light source for protecting the light source.

[0221] In an operative embodiment, the light source and the protection panel may be combined with the chamber 360 in the form of being accommodated in an additionally provided sterilization cover. Alternatively, in an operative embodiment, the light source and the protection panel may be combined with the chamber 360 in the form of being accommodated in a space formed by bending a portion of the top surface of the chamber 360.

[0222] As long as the light source of the sterilizing section 450 is configured to emit sterilizing light toward the collecting section 370 , the configuration form of the combination of the sterilizing section 450 and the chamber 360 is not limited to a certain embodiment.

[0223] Here, the light source may include at least one light emitting diode (LED) that can emit sterilizing light having a sterilizing power capable of removing bacteria. The sterilizing light emitted by the light source may have different wavelengths depending on the type of the light emitting diode.

[0224] As an example, the light source may be a light emitting diode that emits ultraviolet light in the UV-C wavelength range. According to the wavelength, ultraviolet light can be divided into UV-A (315nm to 400nm), UV-B (280nm to 315nm), and UV-C (200nm to 280nm), among which ultraviolet light in the UV-C region can destroy the DNA double helix of microorganisms to inhibit the proliferation of microorganisms.

[0225] Alternatively, as another example, the light source may be a light emitting diode that emits visible light having a wavelength of 405 nm. Blue light having a wavelength of 405 nm has a wavelength in the boundary region of visible light and ultraviolet light, and its sterilization capability has been confirmed.

[0226] In order to prevent the light source from being damaged, the protective panel may be arranged at a predetermined distance from the light source. In this case, the protective panel may be formed of a material that maximizes the transmittance of the light source. As an example, the protective panel may be formed of quartz. As is known to all, quartz does not hinder the transmission of ultraviolet light in the UV-C region.

[0227] The advantage of the vacuum cleaner base station 300 of the present invention is that, by providing the sterilizing unit 450 , even when the dust sucked from the dust container 220 of the vacuum cleaner 200 is stored in the collecting unit 370 for a long time, the vacuum cleaner base station 300 can be managed hygienically.

[0228] On the other hand, although not Fig.10 However, the fixing unit 330 and the door unit 340 may be arranged adjacent to the joint 320, as previously described. Figures 6 to 8 Explained.

[0229] The cleaner base station 300 further includes a collection unit 370 .

[0230] The collecting portion 370 may be detachably coupled to the chamber 360. The collecting portion 370 is provided with a receiving space to collect dust sucked from the inside of the dust container 220 by the dust collecting motor 391.

[0231] Fig.11 3 is a perspective view for explaining the collection unit 370 in the vacuum cleaner base station 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig.12 This is a diagram in which the components included in the collection unit 370 and the components combined with the collection unit 370 are separated and expanded. Fig.13 is along Fig.11 Cross-sectional view taken along line X-X'.

[0232] Reference Figures 11 to 13 The collecting portion 370 may include a collecting portion body 371 , a collecting portion inner wall 372 and a cyclone 373 .

[0233] The collecting portion body 371 forms the appearance of a space for accommodating dust. In an implementable embodiment, the collecting portion body 371 may have a substantially hexahedral shape. In another implementable embodiment, the collecting portion body 371 may have a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0234] A light-transmitting panel 3714 may be disposed on the top surface 3711 of the collection unit body 371 .

[0235] When the collecting unit 370 is coupled to the chamber 360, the light-transmitting panel 3714 is arranged at a position corresponding to the position where the sterilizing unit 450 is arranged. That is, when the collecting unit 370 is inserted into the chamber 360, the sterilizing unit 450 and the light-transmitting panel 3714 are arranged opposite to each other.

[0236] The light-transmitting panel 3714 is formed of a material that allows the sterilizing light emitted from the sterilizing unit 450 to pass into the collecting unit body 371. As an example, the light-transmitting panel 3714 may be formed of a PMMA (Poly methyl methacrylate) material.

[0237] A collecting unit hinge 3715 may be disposed on one side of the corner of the bottom surface 3712 of the collecting unit body 371. If the bottom surface 3712 of the collecting unit body 371 rotates around the collecting unit hinge 3715, the inside of the collecting unit body 371 may be opened. Thus, the user may discharge the dust collected in the collecting unit body 371 to the outside for removal.

[0238] An inlet 3711a may be formed on the top surface 3711 of the collection portion body 371 so that air flows in from the flow path. As an example, the inlet 3711a may be circular. The first flow path 381 is connected to the upper side of the inlet 3711a. Thus, air sucked in by the suction force of the dust collecting motor 391 may flow into the collection portion body 371. The inlet 3711a may be arranged on the upper side of the first storage space S1 described later.

[0239] The inlet 3711a may be combined with an inlet cover 3716. The inlet cover 3716 may be opened by the suction force of the dust collecting motor 391. That is, the inlet cover 3716 may be opened toward the inner space (specifically, the first storage space S1) of the collection unit body 371. The inlet cover 3716 keeps the inlet 3711a closed when the dust collecting motor 391 is not driven, and may open the inlet 3711a when the dust collecting motor 391 starts to drive.

[0240] To this end, the inlet cover 3716 may be provided with a means for applying a restoring force in the direction of closing the inlet 3711a. The restoring force applying means may be, for example, an elastic member, a torsion spring, etc. With such a configuration, when no suction force is applied, the inlet cover 3716 always closes the inlet 3711a, thereby preventing odor, pollution, bacteria, etc. that may be generated inside the collection unit 370 from spreading to the first flow path 381.

[0241] A handle 3718 may be disposed on the front side (or front side) of the collection unit body 371. The handle 3718 is a configuration that is held by a user to allow the collection unit 370 to be drawn out of the chamber 360. The user can hold the handle 3718 and pull the collection unit 370 forward, thereby easily drawing the collection unit 370 out of the chamber 360.

[0242] The collection part body 371 may be provided with a finger groove 3717 so that the user can easily hold the handle 3718. The finger groove 3717 is formed into a groove to the extent that the user can insert a finger. The finger groove 3717 is formed in a shape that the collection part body 371 is recessed toward the internal space of the collection part 370. With such a structure, the handle 3718 can be formed without excessively protruding to the outside of the collection part body 371, so it can contribute to the miniaturization of the vacuum cleaner base station 300.

[0243] The collecting portion inner wall 372 may be disposed inside the accommodation space of the collecting portion body 371. The collecting portion inner wall 372 may divide the accommodation space of the collecting portion body 371 into two separate spaces. The collecting portion inner wall 372 may be disposed in a direction perpendicular to the ground.

[0244] The collecting portion inner wall 372 may be provided with a mesh 3721. For example, the mesh 3721 may be configured as a part of the collecting portion inner wall 372. That is, the air may pass through the mesh 3721 when flowing from one side to the other side of the divided accommodation space.

[0245] On the other hand, the storage space inside the collecting portion 370 is divided into a first storage space S1 and a second storage space S2 by the collecting portion inner wall 372 .

[0246] The first storage space S1 may be provided with a compression unit 410 described later. The second storage space S2 may be provided with a cyclone 373. Air sucked from the outside through the first flow path 381 first flows into the first storage space S1, and then flows into the second storage space S2 through the mesh 3721.

[0247] Thus, larger dust may be filtered by the mesh 3721. The filtered larger dust is accumulated and stored at the lower side of the first receiving space S1.

[0248] There may be a plurality of cyclones 373. For example, at least two cyclone bodies in a conical or cylindrical shape may be provided.

[0249] Each cyclone body includes an inflow body 3731 configured to allow air passing through the screen 3721 to flow in. Each cyclone body also includes an outflow body 3732 connected to the exhaust flow path 374. The exhaust flow path 374 is a flow path connected to the dust collecting motor 391 side, and is a flow path that constitutes a part of the second flow path 382 described later.

[0250] Air is sucked from the outflow body 3732 by the suction force applied to the discharge flow path 374, and a swirl flow is generated in the inflow body 3731. Through such a swirl flow, minute dust can be filtered from the air passing through the mesh 3721.

[0251] From another perspective, the first accommodating space S1 , as a space for accommodating and storing the sucked dust for the first time, can also be defined as a dust collecting space S1 .

[0252] The screen 3721 may be disposed on one side of the dust collecting space S1. The screen 3721 may constitute a part of the wall defining the dust collecting space. That is, the screen 3721 may constitute a part of the outer wall surrounding the dust collecting space S1.

[0253] The air flowing from the dust collecting space S1 through the screen 3721 may pass through the cyclone 373 to filter dust.

[0254] The cleaner base station 300 may include a flow path portion 380 .

[0255] Re-reference Fig.10The flow path 380 is defined as a passage for the air and foreign matter flowing out of the dust container 220 of the cleaner 200 to flow. The flow path 380 may include: a first flow path 381 connecting the dust container 220 and the collection part 370; and a second flow path 382 connecting the collection part 370 and the dust collecting motor 391.

[0256] The first flow path 381 may be disposed at the rear side of the joint surface 321. The first flow path 381 may refer to a space formed to allow air to flow between the dust container 220 of the vacuum cleaner 200 and the collection portion body 371. For example, the first flow path 381 may be a space surrounded by a structure. For example, the first flow path 381 may be an inner space of a hollow tube.

[0257] The first flow path 381 may include: a first region 381a, which is connected to the inner space of the dust barrel 220 when the vacuum cleaner 200 is combined with the vacuum cleaner base station 300 and the dust through hole 321a is opened; and a second region 381b, which is connected to the first region 381a and the dust separation part 371 (refer to Figure 8 ).

[0258] Therefore, if the dust collecting motor 391 is operated, the dust in the dust container 220 of the cleaner 200 may flow to the collection portion body 371 through the first flow path 381 .

[0259] The second flow path 382 may connect the collection part 370 and the dust suction module 390 . That is, the air from which the dust is separated while passing through the collection part 370 may be guided to the dust collecting motor 391 through the second flow path 382 .

[0260] The second flow path 382 may refer to a space formed to allow air to flow between the collection portion body 371 and the dust suction module 390. The second flow path 382 may be formed by being surrounded by a structure. A portion of the second flow path 382 may be formed inside the collection portion body 371. The portion may be the same as the configuration referred to as the exhaust flow path 374 described above. The exhaust flow path 374 may be arranged on the front side of the collection portion body 371 (see Fig.13 ).

[0261] The cleaner base station 300 may include a dust suction module 390 .

[0262] Re-reference Fig.10 The dust suction module 390 may include a dust collecting motor 391. The dust collecting motor 391 may be disposed at the lower portion of the collecting portion 370. The dust collecting motor 391 may generate suction force in the flow path portion 380. Thus, suction force capable of sucking dust inside the dust barrel 220 of the vacuum cleaner 200 is provided.

[0263] The dust suction module 390 may further include a high efficiency particulate air filter (not shown). The high efficiency particulate air filter may be disposed at the rear end (air flow path reference) of the dust collecting motor 391. Thus, clean air flows out to the outside of the housing 310.

[0264] The cleaner base station 300 may include a compression unit 410. The compression unit 410 is provided to compress the dust collected in the collection unit 370.

[0265] Reference Fig.12 and Fig.13 The compression part 410 is disposed inside the storage space of the collection part body 371. More specifically, the compression part 410 is disposed inside the first storage space S1 of the collection part body 371.

[0266] The compression part 410 is movably disposed inside the collection part body 371. The compression part 410 can move in a direction to compress the dust collected inside the first storage space S1. In an operative embodiment, the compression part 410 can be rotatably disposed in the first storage space S1. In another operative embodiment, the compression part 410 can be linearly movably disposed in the first storage space S1.

[0267] Hereinafter, as a representative example (refer to Fig.12 , Fig.13 ) is used to illustrate an embodiment in which the compression unit 410 rotates and moves to compress dust.

[0268] The compression unit 410 can rotate around an axis arranged along the length direction in the inside of the collecting unit body 371 (the first accommodation space S1 ). More specifically, the compression unit 410 can include a rotation axis member 411 , a fixing plate 412 , and a rotation plate 413 .

[0269] The rotating shaft member 411 may be disposed vertically inside the collecting portion body 371, that is, the first storage space S1. The rotating shaft member 411 may receive power from a compression motor 420 to be described later to rotate. The central axis of the rotating shaft member 411 may be coaxial with the central axis of the first storage space S1.

[0270] The lower end of the rotating shaft member 411 may be connected to and supported by the bottom surface of the first accommodation space S1. The upper end of the rotating shaft member 411 may be spaced apart from the inlet 3711a by a predetermined distance so as not to hinder the opening of the inlet cover 3716 (see Fig.14 ).

[0271] The fixing plate 412 may be fixedly arranged at one side inside the collecting part 370. More specifically, the fixing plate 412 may be arranged in the first storage space S1 along the up-down direction, and may be fixedly coupled to one side of the inner circumference of the collecting part body 371 forming the first storage space S1. The fixing plate 412 may be in the shape of a quadrilateral flat plate. The fixing plate 412 may be arranged on the opposite side to the screen 3721.

[0272] The fixed plate 412 completely covers the first accommodation space S1 or covers a prescribed portion thereof, thereby compressing dust pushed by the rotation of the rotating plate 413 together with the rotating plate 413 .

[0273] The rotating plate 413 is connected to the outer circumference of the rotating shaft member 411 and can rotate together with the rotating shaft member 411. More specifically, the rotating plate 413 can be arranged between the inner circumference of the collecting portion body 371 constituting the first storage space S1 and the outer circumference of the rotating shaft member 411 and rotate.

[0274] The shape of the rotating plate 413 is basically a quadrilateral flat plate shape, and can be deformed into a shape that avoids interference with other components arranged in the first storage space S1. For example, a cut-off portion can be formed at the upper end of the rotating plate 413 to prevent interference with the rotation radius of the inlet cover 3716 when the inlet cover 3716 opens the inlet 3711a (see Fig.14 ).

[0275] The rotating plate 413 can rotate in the forward and reverse directions. Based on the state of observing the first receiving space S1 from the upper side (ie, the state of observing the collecting portion 370 from the upper side downward), clockwise rotation is defined as forward rotation, and counterclockwise rotation is defined as reverse rotation.

[0276] If the rotating plate 413 rotates in the forward direction, one side of the rotating plate 413 and one side of the fixed plate 412 may meet and compress the dust. Similarly, if the rotating plate 413 rotates in the reverse direction, the other side of the rotating plate 413 and the other side of the fixed plate 412 may meet and compress the dust. That is, part of the compressed dust exists near one side of the fixed plate 412, and the rest of the compressed dust exists near the other side of the fixed plate 412.

[0277] The compression part 410 may further include a cleaning member 414 .

[0278] Reference Fig.13 The cleaning member 414 is coupled to the end of the rotating plate 413 on the opposite side to the rotating shaft member 411. That is, one end of the rotating plate 413 is coupled to the rotating shaft member 411, and the other end is coupled to the cleaning member 414.

[0279] The cleaning member 414 can rotate together with the rotating plate 413 while being in contact with the screen 3721. More specifically, one side edge of the cleaning member 414 can be configured to be in contact with one side of the screen 3721 (see Fig.14 ).

[0280] Thus, when the cleaning member 414 rotates together with the rotating plate 413, it can rotate while scraping the screen 3721, and can remove foreign matter attached to the screen 3721. The cleaning member 414 can be, for example, a rubber scraper.

[0281] Fig.14 The figure shows the direction of air intake in a state where the collecting portion 370 is inserted into the cover body 310 .

[0282] The air flowing into the first storage space S1 of the collection unit body 371 through the first flow path 381 separates relatively large dust from the air while passing through the mesh 3721 , and the air from which the relatively large dust is separated flows into the second storage space S2 .

[0283] Thereafter, the air flowing into the second storage space S2 is separated into fine dust while passing through the cyclone 373 , and the air from which the fine dust has been separated flows into the discharge flow path 374 provided in the collection unit main body 371 .

[0284] The air flowing out of the exhaust flow path 374 flows to the dust collecting motor 391 via the pre-filter 470 .

[0285] Here, the pre-filter 470 is a structure arranged between the dust collecting motor 391 and the collecting part 370, and its function is to filter dust again from the air flowing to the dust collecting motor 391 to protect the dust collecting motor 391. The pre-filter 470 is arranged on the second flow path 382, ​​more specifically, arranged on the outside of the exhaust flow path 374 provided in the collecting part body 371, and filters the air flowing out from the collecting part body 371.

[0286] The cleaner base station 300 may include a compression motor 420 and a power transmission unit 430. The compression motor 420 and the power transmission unit 430 are components for generating power for moving the compression unit 410 and transmitting the power to the compression unit 410.

[0287] The compression motor 420 and the power transmission unit 430 are arranged outside the accommodation space of the collection unit body 371 .

[0288] The compression motor 420 generates power for rotating the compression unit 410. The compression motor 420 is composed of a motor capable of forward rotation and reverse rotation. In other words, the compression motor 420 uses a motor capable of bidirectional rotation.

[0289] Thus, the rotating plate 413 can rotate forward and reverse. As the rotating plate 413 rotates forward and reverse, compressed foreign matter will be accumulated on both sides of the fixed plate 412 .

[0290] As described above, in order to enable the compression motor 420 to rotate forward and reverse, a synchronous motor may be used for the compression motor 420. Such a synchronous motor is configured to be capable of rotating forward and reverse by the motor itself, and if the force applied to the compression motor 420 when the compression motor 420 rotates in one direction exceeds a set value, the rotation of the compression motor 420 is switched to the other direction.

[0291] At this time, the force applied to the compression motor 420 is the resistance (torque) generated by the rotating plate 413 pressing the dust. If the resistance reaches a set value, the compression motor 420 switches the rotation direction.

[0292] Other technologies related to synchronous motors are well-known in the field of motor technology, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0293] The power transmission unit 430 is disposed between the compression unit 410 and the compression motor 420 , and transmits power generated by the rotation of the compression motor 420 to the compression unit 410 .

[0294] More specifically, the power transmission part 430 includes a driving gear 431 rotated by the power of the compression motor 420. The driving gear 431 may be connected to a motor shaft of the compression motor 420.

[0295] The power transmission unit 430 further includes a transmission gear 432 , which is meshed with the driving gear 431 , receives power from the compression motor 420 from the driving gear 431 , and transmits the power to the compression unit 410 .

[0296] Later, refer to Fig.16 Next, the driving gear 431 will be described. Below, the transmission gear 432 will be described first.

[0297] Fig.15 It is an enlarged view of the driving gear 431 and the transmission gear 432 .

[0298] Reference Fig.15 and Fig.12 The transmission gear 432 can be connected to the rotating shaft member 411 of the compression part 410. The transmission gear 432 is provided with gear teeth 4322 meshing with the driving gear 431 at the lower periphery. The transmission gear shaft 4321 coaxially connected to the rotating shaft member 411 is provided at the upper center of the transmission gear 432.

[0299] The transmission gear shaft 4321 can be inserted into the accommodation space of the collection part body 371 through a hole formed in the bottom surface of the collection part body 371. The transmission gear shaft 4321 can be configured to be inserted into the hollow portion formed in the rotating shaft member 411. That is, the outer peripheral surface diameter of the transmission gear shaft 4321 can be smaller than the outer peripheral surface diameter of the rotating shaft member 411.

[0300] The transmission gear shaft 4321 and the rotation shaft member 411 may be formed with a mechanical structure that meshes with each other so as to be able to rotate at the same angular velocity. For example, the mechanical structure may be a protrusion and groove structure.

[0301] Meanwhile, the driving gear 431 may be coupled to the housing 310, and the transmission gear 432 may be coupled to the collecting portion 370. The driving gear 431 and the transmission gear 432 are meshed with each other, but only the transmission gear 432 can be attached to and detached from the housing 310 while being coupled to the collecting portion 370.

[0302] That is, the compression motor 420 and the driving gear 431 are rotatably coupled to the chamber 360 and cannot be separated from the chamber 360 (cover 410). On the contrary, the transmission gear 432 can be rotatably coupled to the collection portion 370 and is configured to be detachable from the chamber 360 (cover 310).

[0303] With such a configuration, the user can naturally mesh the transmission gear 432 and the drive gear 431 with each other simply by pushing the collection portion 370 into the chamber 360 .

[0304] If the collecting part 370 is inserted into the chamber 360 , the power of the compression motor 420 may be transmitted to the compression part 410 via the driving gear 431 and the transmission gear 432 .

[0305] If the collection part 370 is drawn out from the chamber 360, the meshing of the transmission gear 431 and the driving gear 432 can be released. Here, further, if the transmission gear 432 is separated from the rotating shaft member 411 and the bottom surface of the collection part body 371 is opened, the user can easily remove the dust collected in the storage space of the collection part body 371.

[0306] Fig.16 It is a diagram for explaining the pattern 4314 formed on the driving gear 431.

[0307] Reference Fig.16 The driving gear 431 may include a gear body 4311 , a shaft connecting portion 4312 , and gear teeth 4313 .

[0308] The gear body 4311 forms the appearance of the driving gear 431. Gear teeth 4313 are formed on the upper portion of the gear body 4311 to mesh with the gear teeth 4322 of the transmission gear 432. A pattern 4314 in which protrusions and grooves are alternately continuous is formed on the lower peripheral edge of the gear body 4311.

[0309] The diameter size of the upper portion of the gear body 4311 where the gear teeth 4313 are arranged and the diameter size of the lower portion of the gear body 4311 where the pattern 4314 is formed may be different from each other.

[0310] A shaft connection portion 4312 connected to the motor shaft of the compression motor 420 is formed at the center of the gear body 4311. The shaft connection portion 4312 may be formed in a cylindrical shape inside the gear body 4311. The shaft connection portion 4312 may be formed with a hole having a shape corresponding to the motor shaft so that the motor shaft is inserted. Thus, if the compression motor 420 rotates, the driving gear 431 rotates together. A plurality of ribs 4315 may be radially arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft connection portion 4312 so as to support the shape of the shaft connection portion 4312.

[0311] The pattern 4314 formed on the driving gear 431 may be formed such that the widths of the protrusions and the widths of the grooves adjacent to each other are different from each other.

[0312] The protrusions and grooves formed in the pattern 4314 can be defined as phases distinguished by the size of the formed width. At this time, the order of the phase arrangement of the pattern 4314 can be formed differently in a first direction of the periphery of the gear body 4311 and in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0313] The following is a more specific example.

[0314] like Fig.16 As shown in the embodiment, the pattern 4314 can be formed of four phases. Here, the first phase and the third phase can be formed in a convex shape, and the second phase and the fourth phase can be formed in a groove shape. That is, the convex and the groove can be formed alternately.

[0315] Here, the widths of the first to fourth phases may be formed to be different, and each phase may be distinguished by the size of the width. Fig.16 Taking the illustrated embodiment as an example, a protrusion with a width of dt_d1 (mm) can be defined as a first phase, a groove with a width of dt_d2 (mm) can be defined as a second phase, a protrusion with a width of dt_d3 (mm) can be defined as a third phase, and a groove with a width of dt_d4 (mm) can be defined as a fourth phase.

[0316] When the gear body 4311 of the driving gear 431 is moved in the first direction d1, the arrangement order of each phase may be repeated in the order of 1-2-3-4. Therefore, when the gear body 4311 of the driving gear 431 is moved in the second direction d2 opposite to the first direction d1, the arrangement order of each phase may be repeated in the order of 4-3-2-1.

[0317] As described above, by configuring the directional pattern 4314 formed on the driving gear 431, the compression state detection unit 440 described later can detect whether the driving gear 431 is currently rotating in the first direction d1 or in the second direction d2. Since the rotation of the driving gear 431 causes the rotation of the compression unit 410, the rotation direction of the compression unit 410 is also determined by the rotation direction of the driving gear 431.

[0318] In addition, the angle of rotation of the driving gear 431 can be calculated based on the number of patterns 4314 detected during the rotation of the driving gear 431. The rotation angle calculated in the embodiment of the present invention is calculated based on the number of patterns 4314 detected by the compression state detection unit 440, and has nothing to do with the rotation speed of the driving gear 431 or the compression unit 410, which will be described later.

[0319] That is, in the calculation of the rotation angle, the rotation angle is directly calculated by detecting the physical rotation state of the mechanical structure of the driving gear 431, rather than being indirectly calculated based on the rotation speed, so there is an advantage that the calculation of the rotation angle is more accurate.

[0320] On the other hand, although it is described that in the representative embodiment of the present invention, the shape pattern for detecting the rotation direction and angle of the compression unit 410 is formed on the driving gear 431, in another embodiment, the shape pattern may be formed on the transmission gear 432.

[0321] When the pattern is formed on the transmission gear 432, the transmission gear 432 can be separated from the cover body 310 together with the collecting portion 370. This has the effect of facilitating maintenance when an error occurs in the detection of the pattern.

[0322] Fig.17 4 is a diagram showing the arrangement relationship between the driving gear 431 and the compression state detection unit 440. Fig.18 This is a diagram for explaining the detection principle of the compression state detection unit 440.

[0323] The cleaner base station 300 may include a compression state detection unit 440 .

[0324] The compression state detection unit 440 is disposed adjacent to the driving gear 431. The compression state detection unit 440 can detect the rotation direction of the compression unit 410 and the rotation angle in the rotation direction by using the pattern 4314 formed on the driving gear 431.

[0325] As an example, the compression state detection unit 440 may be composed of a photo interrupter. In this case, the light receiving unit and the light emitting unit of the compression state detection unit 440 may be arranged across the pattern 4314 of the driving gear 431. As is well known, a photo interrupter is a sensor in which a photodiode and a photo transistor are integrated. The light receiving unit of the photo interrupter is composed of a photo transistor, and the light emitting unit is composed of a photodiode.

[0326] Reference Fig.17 and Fig.18 It can be confirmed that if a convex pattern (first phase or third phase) is arranged between the light receiving part and the light emitting part, the transmission of infrared light is blocked. If a groove pattern (second phase or fourth phase) is arranged between the light receiving part and the light emitting part, infrared light is transmitted to the base of the phototransistor.

[0327] If the infrared light is transmitted, a high signal (or an on signal) is transmitted to the control unit 510 described later. If the infrared light is blocked, a low signal (or an off signal) is transmitted to the control unit 510. The control unit 510 can determine the phase of the pattern 4314 currently being detected based on the counting number of the received signal.

[0328] Fig.19 is a block diagram of a vacuum cleaner base station 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0329] Reference Fig.19 The vacuum cleaner base station 300 may further include a control unit 510 for controlling each component of the vacuum cleaner base station 300. The control unit 510 may be mounted on a printed circuit board.

[0330] The control unit 510 may include all types of devices that can process data, such as a processor. Here, a "processor" may refer to, for example, a data processing device built into hardware, which has a physical structure circuit for executing functions expressed as codes or instructions contained in a program. As an example of a data processing device built into hardware, it may include a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), a processor core, a multiprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), and other processing devices, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to this.

[0331] If the combination sensor 325 detects the combination of the cleaner 200, the combination sensor 325 may transmit a signal indicating that the cleaner 200 is combined with the combination part 320 to the control part 510. At this time, the control part 510 may receive the signal of the combination sensor 325 and determine that the cleaner 200 is combined with the combination part 320.

[0332] In addition, if power is supplied from the charging terminal 328 to the battery 240 of the vacuum cleaner 200 , the control unit 510 may determine that the vacuum cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling portion 320 .

[0333] If it is determined that the cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling portion 320 , the control portion 510 may control the fixing portion motor 580 to rotate in the forward direction to fix the cleaner 200 to the coupling portion 320 .

[0334] The cleaner base station 300 may further include a fixing detection unit 570 , which transmits a signal indicating that the cleaner 200 is fixed to the coupling unit 320 to the control unit 510 if the fixing member 331 or the fixing unit link 335 moves to a predetermined fixing position FP1 .

[0335] The control unit 510 may receive a signal indicating that the cleaner 200 is fixed from the fixing detection unit 570 to determine that the cleaner 200 is fixed to the coupling unit 320. If it is determined that the cleaner 200 is fixed, the control unit 510 may control to stop driving the fixing unit motor 580.

[0336] On the other hand, if the dust container 220 is completely emptied, the control unit 510 may control the fixing unit motor 580 to rotate in the reverse direction to release the fixing of the cleaner 200 and the coupling unit 320 .

[0337] The control unit 510 may control the door motor 342 to rotate in the forward direction to open the door 341 of the cleaner base station 300 .

[0338] The vacuum cleaner base station 300 may further include a door opening / closing detection unit 560 . If the door 341 or the door arm 343 reaches a predetermined opening position DP1 , the door opening / closing detection unit 560 transmits a signal indicating that the door 341 is opened to the control unit 510 .

[0339] The control unit 510 may receive a signal from the door opening / closing detection unit 560 to determine that the door 341 is in an open state. If it is determined that the door 341 is open, the control unit 510 may control to stop the driving of the door motor 342.

[0340] On the other hand, if the dust container 220 is completely emptied, the control unit 510 may control the door motor 342 to rotate in the reverse direction to close the door 341 .

[0341] The control unit 510 may drive and control the cover opening motor 352 to open the discharge cover 222 of the cleaner 220 .

[0342] The cleaner base station 300 may further include a cover opening detection unit 520 . If the protrusion 351 is pushed to reach a predetermined opening position CP1 , the cover opening detection unit 520 may transmit a signal indicating that the discharge cover 222 has been opened to the control unit 510 .

[0343] The control unit 510 may receive a signal from the cover opening detection unit 520 to determine that the discharge cover 222 is in the open state. If it is determined that the discharge cover 222 is opened, the control unit 510 may control to stop driving the cover opening motor 352.

[0344] The control unit 510 can control the sterilization unit 450. For example, the control unit 510 can turn on the light source of the sterilization unit 450 after the dust is captured in the collection unit 370 or at a predetermined time interval to sterilize viruses and microorganisms in the collection unit 370.

[0345] The control unit 510 may control the driving of the dust collecting motor 391. The control unit 510 may control the driving of the dust collecting motor 391 for a predetermined time to suck the dust inside the dust container 220 into the collecting unit 370.

[0346] The control unit 510 may control the compression motor 420. The control unit 510 may control the compression motor 420 to be driven at least a predetermined number of times and / or for at least a predetermined time to compress the dust collected in the collection unit 370.

[0347] If it is determined that the cleaner 200 is in the state of being coupled to the coupling portion 320, the control unit 510 may control the compression motor 420 to drive. After the dust collection is completed and the dust collection motor 391 stops driving, the control unit 510 may control the compression motor 420 to drive.

[0348] The control unit 510 may calculate the amount of dust collected in the collection unit 370. In the embodiment of the present invention, the amount of dust collected may be calculated based on the rotation angle of the driving gear 431 or the compression unit 410 detected by the compression state detection unit 440.

[0349] As described above, the compression state detection unit 440 can generate an on / off signal by detecting the change of the pattern 4314 of the driving gear 431. The on signal corresponds to a high signal, and the off signal corresponds to a low signal.

[0350] The control unit 510 may receive a signal sent by the compression state detection unit 440 to determine the Phase of the pattern 4314 of the current driving gear 431 .

[0351] Phase can be determined by counting the detection signal of the compression state detection unit 440 and the number of signals of the detection resolution count. Fig.16 In the embodiment of the present invention, the number of high signal counts of the fourth phase is greater than the number of high signal counts of the second phase. Fig.16 In an embodiment, the number of low signal counts of the third phase is greater than the number of low signal counts of the first phase.

[0352] Thus, the control unit 510 can determine the number of changes in the phase (Phase) detected by the compression state detection unit 440, and can calculate the rotation angle of the driving gear 431 based on the number of changes in the phase (Phase).

[0353] For a more specific description, it is assumed that N mutually different phases constitute one set, and the set is formed with M phases on the driving gear 431 .

[0354] When the driving gear 431 rotates through one group, the rotation angle is 360 / M (°). If this is divided by N, the rotation angle corresponding to one phase can be approximately calculated.

[0355] like Fig.16As in the embodiment of FIG. 1 , when N=4 (Phase) and M=30 (Set), the rotation angle of one phase is calculated to be 12°, and the rotation angle of one phase is calculated to be about 3°. At this time, since the error caused by the different widths of the phases is not large, the same rotation angle can be applied to the rotation angle of one phase.

[0356] The control unit 510 may calculate the dust collection amount by using an average value of the rotation angle of the compression unit 410 in the forward rotation and the rotation angle of the compression unit 410 in the reverse rotation, taking the forward rotation and the reverse rotation of the compression motor 420 as one cycle.

[0357] If the compression motor 420 rotates in the forward direction (clockwise), the driving gear 431 rotates in the first direction d1 (clockwise), and if the compression motor 420 rotates in the reverse direction (counterclockwise), the driving gear 431 rotates in the second direction d2 (counterclockwise).

[0358] If the driving gear 431 rotates in the first direction d1, the transmission gear 432 meshing with the driving gear 431 rotates in the second direction d2, and the rotating plate 413 of the compression unit 410 coaxially connected to the transmission gear 432 rotates in the second direction d2. Since the transmission gear 432 and the rotating shaft member 411 of the compression unit 410 are coaxially connected, when the compression motor 420 rotates in the positive direction, that is, the clockwise direction, the rotating plate 413 rotates in the counterclockwise direction.

[0359] In the same principle, if the driving gear 431 rotates in the second direction d2, the transmission gear 432 rotates in the first direction d1, and the rotating plate 413 of the compression unit 410 also rotates in the first direction d1. That is, when the compression motor 420 rotates in the reverse direction, that is, counterclockwise, the rotating plate 413 rotates in the clockwise direction.

[0360] On the other hand, the clockwise direction cw and the counterclockwise direction ccw described in the specification of the present invention are based on a state in which the vacuum cleaner base station 300 is viewed from above.

[0361] As described above, the rotation angle of the compression unit 410 is calculated using the number of phase changes of the pattern 4314 formed on the driving gear 431. In the case where the forward rotation angle of the compression unit 410 calculated by the control unit 510 is 80° and the reverse rotation angle is 70°, the control unit 510 may determine the rotation angle of the compression unit 410 to be 75° as an average value.

[0362] As described above, when the average value of the forward and reverse rotation angles is determined as the rotation angle of the compression unit 410, the calculation reliability of the rotation angle can be further improved.

[0363] The control part 510 may calculate the dust collection amount as a percentage by the rotation angle of the compression part 410. For example, if the rotation angle of the compression part 410 is 180°, the dust collection amount is calculated as 50%.

[0364] The control part 510 may distinguish by matching the dust collection amount with a preset step.

[0365] For example, in the case where the rotation angle of the compression part 410 is 234° or more, it can be distinguished as the first step of the dust collection amount corresponding to the "step of no collected dust".

[0366] For example, when the rotation angle of the compression unit 410 is greater than 180° and less than or equal to 234°, it can be classified as the second step of the dust collection amount.

[0367] For example, when the rotation angle of the compression unit 410 is greater than 126° and less than or equal to 180°, it can be classified as the third step of the dust collection amount.

[0368] For example, when the rotation angle of the compression unit 410 is greater than 72° and less than or equal to 126°, it can be classified as the fourth step of the dust collection amount.

[0369] For example, when the rotation angle of the compression unit 410 is 72° or less, it can be distinguished as a fifth step of the dust collection amount corresponding to the "step filled with dust".

[0370] The above-mentioned step classification criteria of the dust collection amount and the number of the classified steps are merely examples and may be appropriately changed according to the design.

[0371] When the calculated dust collection amount corresponds to the last step of the preset plurality of steps, the control unit 510 may control not to drive the dust collection motor 391. For example, the last step is equivalent to the aforementioned fifth step of dust collection amount. At this time, even if the vacuum cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling portion 320, the control unit 510 will not drive the dust collection motor 391.

[0372] The control unit 510 may control the display unit 530 . The control unit 510 may display various information related to the driving of the vacuum cleaner base station 300 on the display unit 530 .

[0373] For example, the information may include the progress of emptying the dust container 220 of the vacuum cleaner 200, the charging level of the vacuum cleaner 200, the description of the configuration currently being driven, the compression level of dust, and the like.

[0374] The control unit 510 may display a notification on the display unit 530 in a plurality of preset steps according to the amount of dust collected in the collection unit 370. For example, the control unit 510 may display the notification about the dust compression state on the display unit 530 in a plurality of steps according to the amount of dust collected.

[0375] Furthermore, the control unit 510 may display on the display unit 530 that the dust collecting motor 391 is not drivable, so as to remind the user to remove the dust collected in the collection unit 370 at an appropriate time.

[0376] Re-reference Fig.19 The vacuum cleaner base station 300 may further include a memory 540. The memory 540 may store an application program for driving the vacuum cleaner base station 300 and various related data.

[0377] The preset values ​​related to the driving of the vacuum cleaner base station 300 described in this specification may be stored in the memory 540 .

[0378] The memory 540 may include a magnetic storage medium or a flash storage medium, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Such memory 540 may include a built-in memory and / or an external memory, and may also include a volatile memory such as a DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, or may also include an OTPROM (one time programmable ROM), a PROM (programmable read-only memory), an EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory), an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), a mask ROM (mask read-only memory), a flash ROM (flash read-only memory), a NAND flash memory, a NOR flash memory, or may also include a flash drive such as an SSD (solid state drive), a CF (compact flash) card, an SD card, a Micro-SD card, a Mini-SD card, an Xd card, a memory stick, or a storage device such as a HDD.

[0379] The memory 540 may be included in the control unit 510 or provided as an independent component.

[0380] The vacuum cleaner base station 300 may further include an input unit 550. The input unit 550 generates key input data input by a user to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner base station 300. To this end, the input unit 550 may be composed of a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (static pressure / static electricity), etc. In particular, when the touch pad and the display unit 530 form a layer structure with each other, it may be referred to as a touch screen.

[0381] The input unit 550 and / or the display unit 530 may be disposed on the upper surface 313 of the cover body 310 .

[0382] Fig. 20 FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of explaining the notification of the dust compression state through the display unit 530 .

[0383] like Fig. 20 As in the embodiment of FIG. 5 , the control unit 510 may display a notification about the dust compression state on the display unit 530 in three steps. Fig. 20 The dust collection amount corresponding to each notification step shown is only an example and can be changed appropriately. Fig. 20 In the description, the structure referred to as the "dust bucket" corresponds to the collection section 370 described in this specification.

[0384] As described above, when the notification about the dust compression state is displayed in a plurality of steps, there is an advantage that the user can understand how much dust is currently collected in the collection section 370. In addition, there is an advantage that the user can remove the dust at an appropriate time according to preference even before the collection section 370 is filled with dust. For example, the user can remove the dust before the dust collection motor 391 cannot be driven due to the dust filling of the collection section 370. Fig. 20 The dust in the collecting portion 370 is removed when the filling notification is 60% in the example.

[0385] Hereinafter, as an embodiment of the present invention, a dust collection method performed by the vacuum cleaner base station 300 will be described.

[0386] First, refer to Figure 21 to Figure 23 , a first embodiment of the dust collection method is described.

[0387] Fig.21 1 is a flowchart showing a first embodiment of a dust collection method of the cleaner base station 300 . Fig. 22 It is shown Fig.21 A diagram showing the operation sequence of each motor included in the vacuum cleaner base station 300 of the embodiment. Fig.23 is used to further explain Fig.21 FIG. 4 is a diagram of the operation of the compression unit 410 performed in the dust compression step (S160).

[0388] Reference Fig.21 , the dust collecting method of the vacuum cleaner base station 300 includes a dust bucket combining step (S110).

[0389] This step ( S110 ) is a step in which the user combines the dust container 220 of the vacuum cleaner 200 with the cover body 310 (specifically, the combining part 320 ) of the vacuum cleaner base station 300 .

[0390] In an operative embodiment, the dust container 220 may be coupled to the coupling portion 320 in a state of being coupled to the cleaner 200. In another operative embodiment, the dust container 220 may be coupled to the coupling portion 320 in a state of being separated from the cleaner 200.

[0391] In this step (S110), the combination sensor 325 can detect the combination of the vacuum cleaner 200. The combination sensor 325 can transmit a signal indicating that the vacuum cleaner 200 has been combined with the combination part 220 to the control part 510. At this time, the control part 510 can receive the signal of the combination sensor 325 to determine that the vacuum cleaner 200 has been combined with the combination part 320.

[0392] In addition, if power is supplied from the charging terminal 328 to the battery 240 of the vacuum cleaner 200 , the control unit 510 may determine that the dust container 220 of the vacuum cleaner 200 has been coupled to the coupling portion 320 .

[0393] In an implementable embodiment, whether the dust container 220 is combined can be determined by using the combination sensor 325 and the charging terminal 328 at the same time or either one of them.

[0394] The dust collecting method of the cleaner base station 300 may further include a dust bucket fixing step ( S120 ).

[0395] This step (S120) is performed after the dust container 220 of the vacuum cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling portion 320. If the dust container 220 is fixed to the coupling portion 320, the dust container 220 can be prevented from shaking during the dust collection process that is subsequently performed.

[0396] In this step ( S120 ), if it is determined that the dust container 220 has been coupled to the coupling portion 320 , the control portion 510 may control the fixing portion motor 580 to rotate forward to fix the dust container 220 of the vacuum cleaner 200 to the coupling portion 320 .

[0397] The control unit 510 may receive a signal indicating that the dust container 220 is fixed to the coupling portion 320 from the fixing detection unit 570 to determine that the cleaner 200 is fixed to the coupling portion 320. If it is determined that the cleaner 200 is fixed, the control unit 510 may control the driving of the fixing unit motor 580 to stop.

[0398] More specifically, the control unit 510 may control the fixing unit motor 580 to drive in a forward direction so that the fixing member 331 fixes the dust container 220 to the coupling unit 320 .

[0399] At this time, if the fixing member 331 or the fixing part link 335 moves to the dust bucket fixing position FP1, the fixing detection part 570 can transmit a signal indicating that the dust bucket 220 is fixed to the connecting part 320 to the control part 510. Therefore, if a signal is received from the fixing detection part 570, the control part 510 can determine that the vacuum cleaner 200 is connected to the connecting part 320, and can control to stop the driving of the fixing part motor 580.

[0400] In another embodiment, the control unit 510 may stop driving the fixing unit motor 580 after controlling the fixing unit motor 580 to drive in the forward direction for a preset fixed time tf. For example, the control unit 510 may stop driving the fixing unit motor 580 after the fixing unit motor 580 drives in the forward direction for a fixed time tf of 4 seconds or more and 5 seconds or less (see Fig. 22 ).

[0401] The dust collecting method of the cleaner base station 300 may further include a cover opening step ( S130 ).

[0402] This step (S130) is performed after the dust bin 200 is coupled to the coupling portion 320 of the cover body 310, and is a step of opening the dust bin body 221 by rotating the discharge cover 222 to allow communication between the interior of the cover body 310 and the interior of the dust bin 200.

[0403] In an practicable embodiment, the cover opening step ( S130 ) may be performed after the aforementioned dust container fixing step ( S120 ).

[0404] In this step ( S130 ), the control unit 510 may control the cover opening motor 352 to be driven to rotate in the forward direction to open the discharge cover 222 of the cleaner 200 .

[0405] The control unit 510 may receive the discharge cover opening signal from the cover opening detection unit 520 and determine that the discharge cover 520 is in the open state. If it is determined that the discharge cover 222 is opened, the control unit 510 may control to stop driving the cover opening motor 352.

[0406] More specifically, if the control unit 510 drives the cover opening motor 352 in the forward direction, the pushing protrusion 351 can deviate from the initial position and move to the position of pressing the coupling rod 222c. Therefore, by the movement of the coupling rod 222c, the hook connection between the discharge cover 222 and the dust bin body 221 is released, so that the discharge cover 222 can rotate to open one side of the dust bin body 221.

[0407] On the other hand, before the push protrusion 351 presses the coupling bar 222 c , the cover opening detection part 520 may transmit a signal indicating that the push protrusion 351 is located at the initial position to the control part 510 .

[0408] If the cover opening motor 352 is driven so that the push protrusion 351 starts to move to press the coupling bar 222c, the cover opening detection unit 520 can transmit a signal indicating that the push protrusion 351 has deviated from the initial position to the control unit 510. The control unit 510 can receive such a signal to determine that the cover opening unit 350 has been operating normally.

[0409] The control unit 510 can drive the cover opening motor 352 in the forward direction within the cover opening time tc1 which is longer than the time required to press the coupling rod 222c, so as to separate the discharge cover 222 from the dust bin body 221. After that, the control unit 510 can reversely switch the rotation direction of the cover opening motor 352 within the preset rotation direction switching time tc2, and then reversely drive the cover opening motor 352 within the preset protrusion reset time tc3. As a result, the push protrusion 351 can be reset to the initial position (refer to Fig. 22 ).

[0410] For example, the cover opening time tc1 and the projection reset time tc3 can be set to a time of 4 seconds or more and 5 seconds or less. The time can be set based on the moving distance and speed of the push projection 351. For example, the rotation direction switching time tc2 can be set to a time of 2 seconds or more and 3 seconds or less.

[0411] On the other hand, the control unit 510 may receive a signal from the cover opening detection unit 520 indicating that the push protrusion 351 has returned to the initial position. In this case, the control unit 510 may control to stop driving the cover opening motor 352 .

[0412] The dust collecting method of the vacuum cleaner base station 300 may further include a door opening step ( S140 ).

[0413] This step (S140) is performed after the dust bucket 220 is combined with the combination part 320 of the cover body 310, and is a step of opening the door 341 configured on the combination part 320. In an implementable embodiment, the door opening step (S140) can be performed after the aforementioned dust bucket fixing step (S120).

[0414] In an practicable embodiment, the door opening step (S140) may be performed simultaneously with the lid opening step (S130) described above (see Fig. 22 ).

[0415] In this step ( S140 ), the control unit 510 may control the door motor 342 to be driven to rotate in the forward direction to open the door 341 of the cleaner base station 300 .

[0416] More specifically, if the control unit 510 drives and controls the door motor 342 to rotate in the forward direction, the dust hole 321a can be opened with the rotation of the door 341. That is, in this step, the control unit 510 can open the dust hole 321a by rotating the door 341.

[0417] On the other hand, in an practicable embodiment, the control unit 510 may control the door motor 342 to drive in the forward direction after receiving a signal indicating that the dust bin 220 is fixed from the fixing detection unit 570 and a preset time has passed. For example, the control unit 510 may drive the door motor 342 after a time of more than 0.5 seconds and less than 1.5 seconds has passed after the dust bin 220 is fixed.

[0418] By such a configuration, in the cover opening step (S130), the door 341 can be opened after waiting for the time required for the push protrusion 351 to start pressing the coupling rod 222c. In addition, the discharge cover 222 and the door 341 can be opened at similar times. If the discharge cover 222 is opened after the door 341 opens to the maximum angle, the discharge cover 222 collides with the door 341, which may cause damage to the configuration. On the contrary, if the door 341 is not opened when the push protrusion 351 presses the coupling rod 222c, the dust bucket body 221 may not be opened. The configuration as described above can prevent such a problem from occurring.

[0419] On the other hand, the control unit 510 can rotate the door 341 in steps to open the dust through hole 321a. More specifically, after the control unit 510 rotates the door 341 to a preset first opening angle θ1, it can stop the rotation of the door 341 for a predetermined time, and then rotate the door 341 to a preset second opening angle θ2 (refer to Fig. 22 ).

[0420] The sum of the first opening angle θ1 and the second opening angle θ2 is the maximum rotation angle of the door 341. The second opening angle θ2 may be greater than the first opening angle θ1. For example, the first opening angle θ1 may be greater than 25 degrees and less than 35 degrees. For example, the second opening angle θ2 may be greater than 45 degrees and less than 55 degrees.

[0421] As a result, if the cover opening step (S130) and the door opening step (S140) are performed, as the discharge cover 222 of the dust bin 220 rotates, one side of the dust bin body 221 is opened, and as the door 341 rotates, the dust hole 321a is also opened, so that the internal space of the dust bin 220 and the internal space of the cover body 310 (specifically, the first flow path 381) are connected.

[0422] And, if the door arm 343 moves to the preset door opening position DP1, the door opening and closing detection unit 560 detects this and transmits a signal to the control unit 510. Therefore, the control unit 510 can determine that the door 341 is open and control the door motor 342 to stop driving.

[0423] The dust collecting method of the cleaner base station 300 may further include a dust collecting step ( S150 ).

[0424] This step ( S150 ) is performed after the interior of the cover body 310 and the interior of the dust container body 221 are connected to each other, and is a step of driving the dust collecting motor 391 to collect dust in the collection portion 370 .

[0425] In this step (S150), if the preset dust collection standby time tw has passed, the control unit 510 can operate the dust collection motor 391. Here, the opening of the discharge cover and the opening of the door 341 need to be completed within the dust collection standby time tw. For example, if more than 6 seconds and less than 7 seconds have passed after the dust bin 220 is fixed, the control unit 510 can control the dust collection motor 391 to drive. For example, if more than 10 seconds and less than 11 seconds have passed after the dust bin 220 is coupled to the coupling portion 320, the control unit 510 can control the dust collection motor 391 to drive.

[0426] The control unit 510 can gradually increase the rotation speed of the dust collecting motor 391 to a preset dust collecting speed Ws within a preset suction increase time tsi. For example, the control unit 510 can gradually increase the rotation speed of the dust collecting motor 391 to the dust collecting speed Ws within a time of more than 3 seconds and less than 5 seconds. This has the advantage of being able to protect the dust collecting motor 391 and extend the life of the dust collecting motor 391.

[0427] In this step, the control unit 510 can operate the dust collection motor 391 to rotate at the dust collection speed Ws within the preset dust collection time ts2. For example, in the dust collection step, the control unit 510 can operate the dust collection motor 391 to rotate at the dust collection speed Ws for a period of more than 14 seconds and less than 16 seconds, but is not limited thereto, and the dust collection time ts1 can also be changed according to the output of the dust collection motor 391 and the amount of dust stored in the dust bin 220.

[0428] In this step, the dust inside the dust barrel 220 can be collected into the collection portion 370 via the dust through hole 321a and the flow path portion 381. Therefore, the user can remove the dust inside the dust barrel 220 without additional operation, thereby improving user convenience.

[0429] On the other hand, after the dust collection step (S150), additional dust collection may be performed on the dust and hair remaining in the coupling portion 320. The additional dust collection may be performed by causing the control unit 510 to close the door 341 and rotate the dust collection motor 391 at a speed lower than the dust collection speed Ws for a preset additional dust collection time ts2. This has the effect of removing the residual dust that could not be removed in the dust collection step (S150) by concentrating negative pressure in the bypass hole 322c.

[0430] After the dust collection step (S150) is completed or after the additional dust collection is also completed, the control unit 510 may control the dust collection motor 391 to stop.

[0431] At this time, the control unit 510 can gradually reduce the rotation speed of the dust collecting motor 391 within the preset suction reduction time tsd. This has the advantage of being able to protect the dust collecting motor 391 and extend the life of the dust collecting motor 391.

[0432] The dust collecting method of the vacuum cleaner base station 300 may further include a compression step ( S160 ).

[0433] This step ( S160 ) is a step of compressing the collected dust by rotating the compression unit 410 disposed inside the collection unit 370 .

[0434] In this step (S160), the control unit 510 can drive and control the compression motor 420 to rotate forward or reverse, so that the compression unit 410 can rotate forward or reverse to compress the dust. Here, based on the state of observing the vacuum cleaner base station 300 from top to bottom, the forward direction of the compression motor 420 and the compression unit 410 is defined as the clockwise direction CW, and the reverse direction is defined as the counterclockwise direction CCW.

[0435] In reference Fig.12 In the illustrated embodiment, when the compression motor 420 rotates in the forward direction, the compression unit 410 rotates in the reverse direction, and when the compression motor 420 rotates in the reverse direction, the compression unit 410 rotates in the forward direction.

[0436] The compressing step 600 may include an initial compressing step ( S161 ) in which the rotational motion of the compressing part 410 is performed before the dust collecting step ( S150 ).

[0437] More specifically, in the initial compression step (S161), the rotating plate 413 included in the compression unit 410 rotates once in the forward direction or the reverse direction to compress the collected dust. In the initial compression step (S161), the control unit 510 may stop the compression motor 420 after driving and controlling the compression motor 420 to rotate only once in the forward direction or the reverse direction. That is, the compression motor 420 is driven to rotate within the initial compression time tp1, and the initial compression time tp1 is not a pre-set time, but varies according to the amount of dust stored inside the collection unit 370.

[0438] For example, when a small amount of dust is accumulated in the collecting portion 370 , tp1 becomes longer, and the more dust is accumulated, the shorter tp1 becomes.

[0439] On the other hand, the initial compression step (S161) can be performed when the control unit 510 detects that the dust bucket 220 of the vacuum cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling unit 320. That is, the initial compression step (S161) can be performed during the execution of at least one of the fixing step (S120), the cover opening step (S130), and the door opening step (S140). The initial compression step (S161) can be completed before the start time of the dust collection step (S150).

[0440] If the volume of the compressed dust expands again for some reason (for example, the vacuum cleaner base station is vibrated and the compressed dust is scattered inside the collection part), there is a problem that the space that can accommodate the dust in the next dust collection step becomes smaller. However, if the initial compression step (S161) is performed, there is an advantage that even in such a case, a larger space for accommodating the dust collected in the dust collection step (S150) can be ensured.

[0441] On the other hand, the initial compression step (S160) is not performed before the other steps (S120, S130, S140) performed before the dust collection step (S150), but is performed simultaneously with any one or more of the other steps, thereby having the advantage of preventing the overall operation time for emptying the dust from being excessively increased.

[0442] The compressing step 600 may include a main compressing step ( S162 ) performed after the rotational motion of the compressing part 410 is performed in the dust collecting step ( S150 ).

[0443] More specifically, in the main compression step (S162), the rotating plate 413 included in the compression unit 410 compresses the collected dust by repeatedly performing a rotation cycle (cycle) including a forward rotation and a reverse rotation. In the main compression step (S162), the compression motor 420 rotates in a certain direction to compress the dust, and if the force applied to the compression motor 420 is greater than a set value, the rotation direction is switched to another direction. That is, in the main compression step (S162), the compression unit 410 (specifically, the rotating plate 413 of the compression unit 410) alternately and repeatedly performs forward rotation and reverse rotation.

[0444] In an operative embodiment, the main compression step (S162) can be performed simultaneously with the aforementioned additional dust collection. Since the amount of dust captured in the additional dust collection step is small, the additional dust collection and the main compression step (S162) can be performed simultaneously, in which case, there is an advantage of being able to prevent the overall operation time from being excessively increased.

[0445] In the main compression step (S162), the compression unit 410 may rotate for a preset compression time tp2. Here, the compression time tp2 may be set to rotate the rotating plate 413 for a preset minimum number of compression times or more, regardless of the amount of dust collected. For example, the minimum number of compression times may be five times or more, and the compression time tp2 may be 40 seconds or more. The minimum number of compression times and the compression time may be appropriately changed in design.

[0446] As described above, by presetting the minimum reference for the compression time and the number of compressions, the dust inside the collection part 370 can be effectively compressed. Furthermore, the compression time is fixed, but the amount of dust stored is gradually increased, so the more dust is collected, the more the number of rotation cycles of the compression part 410 is. That is, the more dust is collected, the more the number of compressions is, so there is an effect of more effectively compressing the dust inside the collection part 370.

[0447] On the other hand, when the compression time has elapsed (S163), the control unit 510 may perform stop control so that the compression motor 420 is no longer driven.

[0448] The compression unit 410 stops after repeating a plurality of rotation cycles including forward rotation and reverse rotation. As described above, when the compression unit 410 rotates in a cycle unit, after the compression step is completed, the rotating plate 413 is configured at a second position in the opposite direction to the first position at which the rotation started in the initial compression step (S161).

[0449] More specifically, refer to Fig.23The embodiment shown is used to illustrate that the rotating plate 413, which starts rotating from a first position (left side of the fixed plate 412) in the initial compression step (S161), is configured in a second position (right side of the fixed plate 412) after completing multiple rotation cycles in the main compression step (S162).

[0450] If the position where the rotating plate 413 stops after the compression step is the same as the position at the beginning of the compression step, the dust may tend to accumulate on the left or right side of the fixing portion 412. This may cause the flow path to be blocked by the compressed dust.

[0451] However, in the embodiment of the present invention, the position of the rotating plate 413 at the beginning of the compression step (the starting position of the rotating plate 413 or the stop position of the rotating plate 413 in the previous compression step) and the position of the rotating plate 413 at the end of the compression step (the stop position of the rotating plate 413) are located on opposite sides, so that dust is evenly accumulated on both sides of the left and right sides based on the fixing portion 412. Thus, the above-mentioned problem is prevented in advance.

[0452] In the main compression step (S162), the control unit 510 may calculate the amount of dust stored in the collection unit 370. As described above, in the embodiment of the present invention, the amount of dust may be calculated based on the rotation angle of the driving gear 431 or the compression unit 410 detected by the compression state detection unit 440.

[0453] In the main compression step (S162), the control part 510 may distinguish the calculated dust collection amount by matching it with a preset dust collection amount step.

[0454] For details on dust collection amount calculation and dust collection amount step classification, refer to Figures 16 to 18 description, so it is omitted here.

[0455] The dust collecting method of the cleaner base station 300 may further include a door and cover closing step ( S170 ).

[0456] This step ( S170 ), which is performed after the dust collection process is finished, is a step of driving the door motor 342 to make the door 341 close the dust through hole 321 a .

[0457] In this step, the control unit 510 can control the door motor 342 to rotate in the reverse direction so that the door 341 closes the dust hole 321a. More specifically, if the preset suction end time tse has passed after the driving of the dust collecting motor 391 ends, the control unit 510 can control the door motor 342 to rotate in the reverse direction so that the door 341 closes the dust hole 321a.

[0458] In the embodiment of performing additional dust collection, since the door 341 is already in a state of closing the dust through hole 321a, the control unit 510 can rotate the door 341 in the forward direction and then rotate it in the reverse direction. That is, the door 341 can be controlled to reopen the dust through hole 321a and then close.

[0459] When additional dust collection is performed, the door 341 is subjected to negative pressure and may slightly open the dust hole 321a. The purpose of reopening the closed dust hole 321a and then closing it again is to open and close the dust hole 321a again to reliably close the dust hole 321a.

[0460] On the other hand, if the control unit 510 controls the door motor 342 to drive in reverse rotation, the door 341 pushes the discharge cover 222 toward the outside of the cover body 310, and at the time point when the door 341 closes the dust hole 321a, the discharge cover 222 can be reunited with the dust bin body 221.

[0461] The dust collection method of the vacuum cleaner base station 300 may further include a fixing release step ( S180 ).

[0462] This step ( S180 ), which is performed after the door 341 closes the dust through hole 321 a , is a step of releasing the dust container 220 fixed to the coupling portion 320 by driving the fixing portion motor 580 .

[0463] More specifically, in this step, if the control unit 510 receives a signal from the door opening and closing detection unit 560 indicating that the door 341 has closed the dust through hole 321a, the fixing unit motor 580 can be controlled to rotate in the reverse direction to release the dust bin 220.

[0464] In an practicable embodiment, the control unit 510 may control the fixing unit motor 580 to drive for a preset fixing release time tf. For example, the control unit 510 may control the fixing unit motor 580 to drive in the reverse direction for a time period of 4 seconds to 5 seconds.

[0465] If the fixing release step (S180) is completed, the user may separate the cleaner 200 from the cover body 310 or separate the dust container 220 from the cover body 310. The user may perform cleaning using the cleaner 200 from which the dust in the dust container 220 is removed.

[0466] Next, refer to Fig.24 and Fig.25 , describing a second embodiment of the dust collection method.

[0467] Fig.24 1 is a flowchart showing a second embodiment of the dust collection method of the cleaner base station 300 . Fig.25 is used to further explain Fig.24 FIG. 4 is a diagram of the operation of the compression unit 410 performed in the dust compression step (S260).

[0468] Reference Fig.24 , the second embodiment of the dust collection method of the vacuum cleaner base station 300 may include a dust bucket combining step ( S210 ) and a dust bucket fixing step ( S220 ).

[0469] The contents of the present steps (S210, S220) are the same as the dust bucket combining step (S110) and the dust bucket fixing step (S120) in the first embodiment, and thus the description of the repeated contents is omitted here.

[0470] As a feature of the second embodiment different from the first embodiment, the second embodiment of the dust collection method of the vacuum cleaner base station 300 may further include an initial compression necessity judgment step ( S230 ).

[0471] This step (S230) may be performed simultaneously with the dust bucket fixing step (S220), or may be performed after the dust bucket fixing step (S220) is performed.

[0472] In this step (S230), the control unit 510 can determine whether initial compression is required based on the dust collection amount calculated when the vacuum cleaner base station 300 was last driven. For example, it can be determined that initial compression is required when the rotation angle of the compression unit 410 is less than 126°, that is, when the dust collection amount is more than 65%.

[0473] In this step (S230), the control unit 510 can determine whether initial compression is required based on the dust collection amount step calculated when the cleaner base station 300 was last driven. For example, it can be determined that initial compression is required from the fourth dust collection amount step.

[0474] That is, whether or not the initial compression is necessary can be determined based on whether or not the dust collection amount is equal to or larger than a predetermined amount.

[0475] Thus, when the amount of dust accumulated inside the collecting section is equal to or larger than a predetermined amount, a larger dust storage space can be ensured by executing the initial compression step.

[0476] Reference Fig.24 , the second embodiment of the dust collecting method of the vacuum cleaner base station 300 may include a cover opening step ( S240 ), a door opening step ( S250 ), and a dust collecting step ( S260 ).

[0477] The contents of the present steps (S240, S250, S260) are the same as the cover opening step (S130), the door opening step (S140) and the dust collecting step (S150) in the first embodiment, and therefore the description of the repeated contents is omitted here.

[0478] Reference Fig.24 The second embodiment of the dust collection method of the vacuum cleaner base station 300 may further include a compression step (S270).

[0479] The difference between this step (S270) and the compression step (S170) in the first embodiment is that in the first embodiment, the initial compression step (S161) must be performed, but whether to perform the initial compression step (S271) is optional.

[0480] As described above, in the initial compression necessity determination step ( S230 ), if it is determined that initial compression is necessary because the dust collection amount is equal to or larger than a predetermined amount, the initial compression step ( S271 ) is executed.

[0481] The initial compression step (S271) is not performed before the other steps (S220, S240, S250) performed before the dust collection step (S260), but can be performed simultaneously with any one or more of the other steps.

[0482] Except that it is an optional step, the initial compression step (S271) is the same as the initial compression step (S161) of the first embodiment, so the description of the repeated content is omitted here.

[0483] In the initial compression necessity judgment step (S230), if it is judged that initial compression is not required because the dust collection amount is less than the specified amount, the initial compression step (S271) is not performed, and only the main compression step (S272) is performed after the dust collection step (S260).

[0484] The main compression step (S272) of the second embodiment is characterized in that in the overall operation of the compression step (S270) (including the case of performing the initial compression step (S271)), the starting position as the position where the rotating plate 413 starts to rotate and the stop position as the position where the rotation ends are on opposite sides of each other.

[0485] Reference Fig.25 , giving an example of any number of driving times of the vacuum cleaner base station 300 (here, the number of driving times is a concept that includes the overall operation from step S210 to step S290), that is, in the Nth driving, the starting position of the rotating plate 413 is located on the left side of the fixed plate 412, and the stopping position is located on the right side of the fixed plate 412.

[0486] At this time, in the main compression step (S272), the rotation drive of the rotating plate 413 is repeated one or more times including a cycle rotation of the clockwise rotation cw and the counterclockwise rotation ccw. The present embodiment is characterized in that the number of rotation cycles can be set to an appropriate value, and the start position and the stop position of the rotating plate 413 are located on opposite sides of each other with respect to the fixed plate 412.

[0487] Continue to refer to Fig.25 In the N+1th driving number of the vacuum cleaner base station 300, the starting position of the rotating plate 413 is located at the same position as the stopping position of the previous driving number (Nth time). In the N+1th driving number, the starting position and the stopping position of the rotating plate 413 are also on opposite sides of each other with respect to the fixed plate 412 as a reference.

[0488] Fig.25 The example shows a case where the amount of dust collected reaches a predetermined amount or more in the N+1th driving number of the vacuum cleaner base station 300, and initial compression is required in the next driving number (N+2th driving number).

[0489] In the N+2th driving number of the cleaner base station 300, the starting position of the rotating plate 413 indicates the starting position in the initial compression step (S271). The starting position of the rotating plate 413 is the same position as the stop position of the previous driving number (N+1th).

[0490] In the N+2th driving number, the starting position and the stopping position of the rotating plate 413 are also opposite to each other based on the fixed plate 412. Therefore, in the main compression step after the initial compression step, the rotation drive of the rotating plate 413 will be performed once more or less.

[0491] On the other hand, in the initial compression step (S271) of the second embodiment, it is described that the rotating plate 413 is rotationally driven once in the clockwise direction or counterclockwise direction, but in the initial compression step (S272), the rotating plate 413 may also perform a cyclic rotational drive including a rotational drive in the clockwise direction cw and a counterclockwise direction ccw.

[0492] In the second embodiment, as long as the starting position and the stopping position of the rotating plate 413 are on opposite sides of each other with respect to the fixed plate 412, the number of rotation drives of the rotating plate 413 in the initial compression step and the number of rotation drives of the rotating plate 413 in the main compression step can be changed to appropriate values.

[0493] In addition to the above contents, the specific contents of the dust compression method and the dust collection amount calculation method of the compression step (S270) are the same as those of the compression step (S160) of the first embodiment, so the description of the repeated contents is omitted here.

[0494] Similar to the first embodiment, when a preset compression time has elapsed (S273), the control unit 510 may perform a stop control so that the compression motor 420 is no longer driven.

[0495] The second embodiment of the dust collection method of the cleaner base station 300 may further include a door and cover closing step ( S280 ) and a fixing release step ( S290 ).

[0496] The contents of these steps (S280, S290) are respectively the same as the door and cover closing step (S170) and the fixation release step (S180) in the first embodiment, and therefore the description of the repeated contents is omitted here.

[0497] If the fixing release step (S290) is completed, the user may separate the cleaner 200 from the cover body 310 or separate the dust container 220 from the cover body 310. The user may perform cleaning using the cleaner 200 from which the dust in the dust container 220 is removed.

[0498] On the other hand, in the embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the vacuum cleaner 200 and the vacuum cleaner base station 300 , the vacuum cleaner system 3 may further include a display device.

[0499] The display device may display a notification in a plurality of steps set in advance according to the dust collection amount calculated from the rotation angle detected by the compression state detection unit 440 .

[0500] In an practicable embodiment, the display device may be a device that visually displays driving information related to the operation of the vacuum cleaner base station 300. As an example, the display device may be the display unit 530 of the vacuum cleaner base station 300 described above.

[0501] In addition, the driving information related to the operation of the vacuum cleaner base station 300 may include information on the currently executed operation (dust collection, charging, compression, etc.) in addition to the notification related to the dust collection amount.

[0502] Alternatively, in an practicable embodiment, the display device may be a device that visually displays driving information related to the operation of the vacuum cleaner 200. As an example, the display device may be the aforementioned operating unit 218 of the vacuum cleaner 200. In this embodiment, information about the amount of dust collection may be transmitted from the vacuum cleaner base station 300 to the vacuum cleaner 200 using wired communication or wireless communication.

[0503] In addition, the driving information related to the operation of the vacuum cleaner 200 may include information related to the suction power of the vacuum cleaner, information related to the remaining battery level of the vacuum cleaner, etc. in addition to the notification related to the dust collection amount.

[0504] Alternatively, in an practicable embodiment, the display device may be a portable terminal 600. In this case, the display device is a portable wireless communication electronic device, such as an external mobile phone, a PDA (personal digital assistant), a portable computer, a digital camera, a game console, an electronic book, etc. In this embodiment, information about the amount of dust collection can be transmitted from the vacuum cleaner base station 300 to the terminal 600 using wireless communication.

[0505] On the other hand, the display device is not limited to any one of the above embodiments, and may include more than two configurations. That is, the dust collection amount may be selectively displayed on any one of the vacuum cleaner 200, the vacuum cleaner base station 300, and the terminal 600, but may also be displayed on at least two or all configurations.

[0506] As described above, according to the present invention, since the compression part compresses the dust while moving in the internal space of the collection part, there is an effect of improving the storage efficiency of the dust collected in the collection part.

[0507] Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the amount of dust collected in the collecting section is displayed on the display section, there is an advantage that the user can easily check the amount of dust collected in the collecting section without having to take out the collecting section for checking.

[0508] In addition, according to the present invention, since the collected amount of dust compressed and stored inside the collection section is divided into a plurality of steps and displayed on the display section in the form of a warning notification, the user has the advantage of being able to select the appropriate time he or she desires to remove the dust before the collection section is filled with dust.

[0509] In addition, according to the present invention, since the amount of dust collected in the collection section is calculated by the rotation angle of the compression section, and the rotation angle is calculated based on the number of changes in the pattern formed on the driving gear, it has the advantage of being able to accurately calculate the amount of dust even if the rotation speed of the compression section changes due to the entrapment of foreign matter, etc.

[0510] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and those skilled in the art can more clearly understand other effects not mentioned through the description of the attached claims.

Claims

1. A dust collection method for a vacuum cleaner base station, which is a dust collection method performed by a vacuum cleaner base station, wherein: The vacuum cleaner base station includes a cover body combined with a dust bucket of the vacuum cleaner, a dust collecting motor arranged inside the cover body and generating suction to suck the dust inside the dust bucket, and a collecting part provided with a space inside to collect the dust sucked from the inside of the dust bucket. The dust collection method of the vacuum cleaner base station comprises: After the dust bucket and the cover body are combined, a cover opening step of opening a discharge cover of the dust bucket to allow the interior of the cover body to communicate with the interior of the dust bucket; a door opening step of opening a door disposed at a joint portion combined with the dust bin; A dust collecting step of driving the dust collecting motor so that dust is collected inside the collecting portion; and A compressing step of compressing the collected dust by utilizing the rotation of a compression unit disposed inside the collection unit; The compression step comprises: A main compression step performed after the dust collecting step by the rotation of the compression part; and The rotational action of the compression part is an initial compression step performed before the dust collecting step.

2. The dust collection method of the vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 1, wherein: In the initial compression step, the rotating plate included in the compression part rotates once in a forward direction or a reverse direction to compress the collected dust.

3. The dust collection method of the vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 1, wherein: In the main compression step, the rotating plate included in the compression part repeatedly performs a rotation cycle including a forward rotation and a reverse rotation a plurality of times to compress the collected dust.

4. The dust collection method of the vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 1, wherein: In the main compression step, the rotating plate included in the compression part rotates forward and reverse alternately and repeatedly within a preset compression time.

5. The dust collection method of the vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 4, wherein: The compression time is set to rotate the rotating plate for more than a preset minimum number of compression times regardless of the amount of dust collected.

6. The dust collection method of the vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 1, wherein: In the compression step, at the end of the main compression step, the rotating plate included in the compression section is arranged at a second position in a direction opposite to a first position, wherein the first position is a position where the rotating plate starts to rotate in the initial compression step.

7. A dust collection method for a vacuum cleaner base station, which is a dust collection method performed by a vacuum cleaner base station, wherein: The vacuum cleaner base station includes a cover body combined with a dust bucket of the vacuum cleaner, a dust collecting motor arranged inside the cover body and generating suction to suck the dust inside the dust bucket, and a collecting part provided with a space inside to collect the dust sucked from the inside of the dust bucket. The dust collection method of the vacuum cleaner base station comprises: After the dust bucket and the cover body are combined, a cover opening step of opening a discharge cover of the dust bucket to allow the interior of the cover body to communicate with the interior of the dust bucket; a door opening step of opening a door disposed at a joint portion combined with the dust bin; A dust collecting step of driving the dust collecting motor so that dust is collected inside the collecting portion; and A compressing step of compressing the collected dust by utilizing the rotation of a compression unit disposed inside the collection unit; The compression unit comprises: a fixing plate fixedly disposed at one side inside the collecting portion; and A rotating plate that compresses dust disposed between the rotating plate and the fixed plate while being driven to rotate inside the collecting portion; In the main compression step, a start position, which is a position where the rotating plate starts rotating, and a stop position, which is a position where the rotating plate ends rotating, are located on opposite sides of each other with respect to the fixed plate.

8. The dust collection method of the vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 7, wherein: In the compressing step, a rotation angle of the rotating plate is measured to calculate a collection amount of dust stored in the collecting portion.

9. The dust collection method of the vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 7, wherein: The compressing step further includes an initial compressing step of performing a rotational operation of the compressing unit before the dust collecting step when the collected amount of dust stored in the collecting unit is equal to or larger than a predetermined amount.

10. The dust collection method of the vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 9, wherein: In the initial compression step, the rotating plate rotates once in a forward or reverse direction to compress the collected dust.

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