Dust collector base station

Abstract

The invention relates to a base station of a dust collector. The base station comprises a cover body; a coupling part which is disposed on the cover body and to which at least a portion of a vacuum cleaner is coupled; the dust collecting part is accommodated in the cover body and is used for collecting dust in a dust barrel of the dust collector; the dust collection motor is accommodated in the cover body, is arranged on the lower side of the dust collection part and is used for generating suction force for sucking dust in the dust barrel; a flow path part in which a flow path for communicating the inner space of the dust barrel of the dust collector with the inner space of the dust collection part is formed; and an operation unit which is disposed in the cover body and to which a control command is input. The operation part can input a control command of the vacuum cleaner, so that a user can control the vacuum cleaner base station and the vacuum cleaner through one operation part arranged on the vacuum cleaner base station.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner base station, and more particularly, to a vacuum cleaner base station that is combined with a vacuum cleaner to suck and store dust stored in the vacuum cleaner therein. Background Art

[0002] Generally, a vacuum cleaner is a household appliance that sucks in small garbage or dust by using electricity to suck in air and fills a dust bin inside the product, and is usually referred to as a vacuum cleaner.

[0003] Such vacuum cleaners can be classified into a manual vacuum cleaner in which the user directly moves the vacuum cleaner to perform cleaning, and an automatic vacuum cleaner that autonomously travels and performs cleaning. The manual vacuum cleaner can be classified into a canister-type vacuum cleaner, an upright vacuum cleaner, a hand-held vacuum cleaner, a stick-type vacuum cleaner, etc. according to the shape of the vacuum cleaner.

[0004] In the past, canister-type vacuum cleaners were mostly used in household vacuum cleaners, but in recent years, hand-held vacuum cleaners and stick-type vacuum cleaners in which the dust bin and the vacuum cleaner body are integrated to improve the usability have been increasingly used.

[0005] In a canister-type vacuum cleaner, a rubber hose or a pipe is used to connect the main body and the suction port, and a brush can be inserted into the suction port and used as needed.

[0006] A hand-held vacuum cleaner is a vacuum cleaner that maximizes portability. Although it is light in weight, since its length is short, it is necessary to squat down to perform cleaning, so there is a limit to the cleaning area. Therefore, it is used for cleaning local areas such as desks, sofas, or inside cars.

[0007] A stick-type vacuum cleaner can be used while standing, so it is possible to clean without bending down. Therefore, it is advantageous to clean while moving in a spacious area. Compared with a hand-held vacuum cleaner for cleaning a narrow space, a stick-type vacuum cleaner can clean a wider space and can clean high places that cannot be reached by hand. In recent years, a stick-type vacuum cleaner has been provided in a modular form to actively change the type of vacuum cleaner and use it for various objects.

[0008] In addition, a floor cleaning robot that automatically performs cleaning without user operation is recently being used. The floor cleaning robot automatically cleans the area to be cleaned by autonomously traveling in the area to be cleaned and sucking in foreign substances such as dust from the floor.

[0009] To this end, the floor cleaning robot is provided with a distance sensor, a left wheel, and a right wheel. The distance sensor senses the distance to obstacles such as furniture, office supplies, or walls disposed within the cleaning area, and the left wheel and the right wheel are used for the movement of the floor cleaning robot.

[0010] Here, the left wheel is configured to rotate by a left wheel motor, and the right wheel is configured to rotate by a right wheel motor. With the driving of the left wheel motor and the right wheel motor, the floor cleaning robot self-converts its direction to perform indoor cleaning.

[0011] However, in existing handheld vacuum cleaners, stick vacuum cleaners, and floor cleaning robots, since the capacity of the dust bin for storing the collected dust is small, there is a trouble that the user needs to empty the dust bin each time.

[0012] In addition, there is a problem that when emptying the dust bin, the user's health is adversely affected due to the scattering of dust.

[0013] In addition, there is a problem that the suction power of the vacuum cleaner decreases when the residual dust in the dust bin is not removed.

[0014] In addition, there is a problem that an odor is generated due to the residue when the residual dust in the dust bin is not removed.

[0015] On the other hand, in the existing patent document KR2022-0006850A, a vacuum cleaner base station combined with a handheld stick vacuum cleaner and / or a floor cleaning robot to collect dust is disclosed.

[0016] The vacuum cleaner base station has a first flow path, a second flow path, and a flow path switching valve. The dust in the dust bin of the handheld stick vacuum cleaner flows in the first flow path, and the dust in the dust bin of the floor cleaning robot flows in the second flow path. The flow path switching valve selectively opens and closes the first flow path and the second flow path.

[0017] However, the vacuum cleaner base station does not disclose the specific structure combined with the floor cleaning robot. Thus, the structure of the second flow path is not disclosed.

[0018] In addition, the specific flow path configurations of the first flow path and the second flow path and the structure for selectively opening and closing the first flow path and the second flow path are not disclosed.

[0019] Therefore, there is a limitation in the structure that does not propose to minimize the occupied volume in the state where the handheld stick vacuum cleaner and the floor cleaning robot are all combined in the vacuum cleaner base station.

[0020] In addition, the vacuum cleaner base station does not specifically disclose controlling the operation unit of the vacuum cleaner base station through the vacuum cleaner base station, and there is a limitation in not proposing a method for controlling the vacuum cleaner base station or the vacuum cleaner through the operation unit.

[0021] On the other hand, generally, a floor cleaning robot travels along the floor surface and is thus configured at a relatively low position with reference to when a user stands. Therefore, there is an inconvenience that in order to directly input a control command to the floor cleaning robot, the user needs to bend down and input the control command to the floor cleaning robot or input the control command after lifting the floor cleaning robot.

[0022] To solve this problem, it is possible to operate a separate remote controller or a terminal such as a mobile phone, but there is an inconvenience that the user needs to move around to find the remote controller or the terminal.

[0023] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a device that enables a user to control a floor cleaning robot in a convenient posture at a certain position. Summary of the Invention

[0024] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0025] The present invention is proposed to improve the problems existing in the above-mentioned conventional vacuum cleaner system, and its purpose is to provide a vacuum cleaner base station that can eliminate the trouble of the user emptying the dust bin every time.

[0026] In addition, its purpose is to provide a vacuum cleaner base station that combines a vacuum cleaner with the side of the base station, so as to improve the space efficiency by minimizing the horizontal space occupied indoors.

[0027] In addition, its purpose is to provide a vacuum cleaner base station that can combine both a handheld stick vacuum cleaner and a floor cleaning robot.

[0028] In addition, its purpose is to provide a vacuum cleaner base station that enables a user to control the vacuum cleaner base station and the vacuum cleaner by operating the vacuum cleaner base station.

[0029] In addition, its purpose is to provide a vacuum cleaner base station that can eliminate the inconvenience of the user having to bend down or squat to control the vacuum cleaner.

[0030] In addition, its purpose is to provide a vacuum cleaner base station that can eliminate the inconvenience of the user having to search for a remote controller or a terminal to control the vacuum cleaner.

[0031] Technical Solutions for Solving the Problems

[0032] To achieve the above object, the vacuum cleaner base station of the present invention includes: a housing; a coupling part disposed on the housing, at least a part of the vacuum cleaner being coupled to the coupling part; a dust collection part accommodated inside the housing for collecting dust inside the dust bin of the vacuum cleaner; a dust collection motor accommodated inside the housing, disposed below the dust collection part, and generating a suction force for sucking the dust inside the dust bin; a flow path part having a flow path communicating the internal space of the dust bin of the vacuum cleaner and the internal space of the dust collection part; and an operation part disposed on the housing, to which a control command is input.

[0033] Herein, the operation part can input a control command of the vacuum cleaner. Thus, a single operation part can be used to control both the vacuum cleaner base station and the vacuum cleaner.

[0034] At this time, the operation part can be disposed on the upper part of the housing. Thus, even if the user does not bend down, a control command can be input to the vacuum cleaner base station or the vacuum cleaner.

[0035] The vacuum cleaner can include a first vacuum cleaner and a second vacuum cleaner of a different type from the first vacuum cleaner. Specifically, the first vacuum cleaner can be a stick vacuum cleaner, and the second vacuum cleaner can be a floor cleaning robot.

[0036] At this time, a control command for causing the second vacuum cleaner to travel can be input to the operation part. Thus, the second vacuum cleaner operates a travel motor, and can thereby travel and clean on the floor surface.

[0037] Alternatively, a control command for performing dust collection of the vacuum cleaner base station can be input to the operation part. Thus, the vacuum cleaner base station can collect dust from the dust bin by operating the dust collection motor.

[0038] Therefore, if a control command is input to the operation part, at least one of the dust collection motor and the travel motor can operate.

[0039] Specifically, the operation part can include: a first vacuum cleaner dust collection operation part for inputting a control command to collect dust from the dust bin of the first vacuum cleaner; a second vacuum cleaner dust collection operation part for inputting a control command to collect dust from the dust bin of the second vacuum cleaner; and a vacuum cleaner operation part for inputting a control command to operate the vacuum cleaner.

[0040] On the other hand, if a control command is input to the first vacuum cleaner dust collection operation part and then a control command is input to the second vacuum cleaner dust collection operation part, or if a control command is input to the second vacuum cleaner dust collection operation part and then a control command is input to the first vacuum cleaner dust collection operation part, a flow path switching module that selectively switches the flow path connected to the dust bin of the first vacuum cleaner or the dust bin of the second vacuum cleaner can operate.

[0041] In addition, if a control command is input to the second vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit while the dust collection motor is running, and then the control command is input to the vacuum cleaner operation unit, the second vacuum cleaner can travel after the operation of the dust collection motor ends. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the scattering of dust caused by the travel of the second vacuum cleaner during the dust collection process.

[0042] In addition, if a control command is input to the second vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit in a state where the vacuum cleaner base station and the second vacuum cleaner are not combined, the second vacuum cleaner can travel to be combined with the lower coupling portion. Then, if the second vacuum cleaner is combined with the vacuum cleaner base station, dust collection can start.

[0043] In addition, if a control command is input to the first vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit while the dust collection motor is running, and then the control command is input to the vacuum cleaner operation unit, the second vacuum cleaner can start traveling during the operation of the dust collection motor.

[0044] On the other hand, if a control command is input to the first vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit or the second vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit during the operation of the dust collection motor, the operation of the dust collection motor can be stopped.

[0045] On the other hand, according to the touch time of the user, the control command input to the first vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit can be changed. Specifically, it can be set to automatically perform dust collection on the vacuum cleaner when the touch time of the user is longer than a specified time.

[0046] Advantages of the Invention

[0047] As described above, the vacuum cleaner base station according to the present invention has the following advantages: if the user combines the vacuum cleaner with the vacuum cleaner base station, it is possible to sense the combination of the vacuum cleaner without additional operation by the user and remove the dust in the dust bin, thereby providing convenience to the user.

[0048] In addition, it has the following advantages: by combining the stick vacuum cleaner with the side of the vacuum cleaner base station and the floor cleaning robot with the lower side of the vacuum cleaner base station, it is possible to minimize the horizontal space occupied by the vacuum cleaner system in the room, thereby improving space efficiency.

[0049] In addition, it has the following advantages: it is possible to combine the stick vacuum cleaner and the floor cleaning robot simultaneously, and selectively remove the dust in the dust bins of the stick vacuum cleaner and the floor cleaning robot as needed.

[0050] In addition, it has the following advantages: by arranging the operation unit on the upper part of the cover body, the user can comfortably input the control command without bending down or squatting.

[0051] In addition, the operation unit includes a vacuum cleaner operation unit capable of controlling the vacuum cleaner and a dust collection operation unit capable of collecting dust for the vacuum cleaner, so that the user can control the vacuum cleaner base station and the vacuum cleaner by operating the vacuum cleaner base station.

[0052] As a result, it has the following effects: The user can input vacuum cleaner control in the vacuum cleaner base station configured at a certain position, so the inconvenience of searching for a remote controller or a terminal can be eliminated.

[0053] In addition, it has the following effects: While emptying the dust bin of the stick vacuum cleaner, the floor cleaning robot is commanded to clean, so the overall time for cleaning can be shortened. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] Figure 1 FIG. is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner system including a vacuum cleaner base station, a first vacuum cleaner, and a second vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 2 FIG. is a diagram for explaining the first vacuum cleaner in the vacuum cleaner system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 3 FIG. is a diagram for explaining the weight distribution using a virtual plane passing through the first vacuum cleaner in the vacuum cleaner system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 4 FIG. is a diagram for explaining the lower side surface of the dust bin of the first vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 5 FIG. is a perspective view for explaining the dust bin of the second vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 6 is exploded Figure 5 FIG. is a perspective view of the discharge cover of the second vacuum cleaner in

[0060] Figure 7 FIG. is a diagram for explaining the weight distribution and the angle of the flow path of the vacuum cleaner base station using virtual lines according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 8 FIG. is a diagram for explaining the coupling part in the vacuum cleaner base station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 9 FIG. is a cross-sectional view for explaining the fixing unit in the vacuum cleaner base station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 10 FIG. is a diagram for explaining the state in which the door unit blocks the dust through-hole in the vacuum cleaner base station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 11 It is a diagram for explaining the state in which the dust through-hole is opened by the door unit in the vacuum cleaner base station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 12 It is a diagram for explaining the cover opening unit in the vacuum cleaner base station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 13 It is a diagram for explaining the flow path switching module in the flow path unit of the vacuum cleaner base station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 14 It is a diagram for explaining the configuration relationship between the first vacuum cleaner flow path and the dust collection flow path in the flow path unit of the vacuum cleaner base station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 15 It is a diagram for explaining the configuration relationship between the second vacuum cleaner flow path and the dust collection flow path in the flow path unit of the vacuum cleaner base station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Figure 16 It is a block diagram for explaining the control configuration in the vacuum cleaner base station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Figure 17a and Figure 17b It is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the operation unit and the display unit in the vacuum cleaner base station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Figure 18 It is a block diagram for explaining the control configuration for controlling the vacuum cleaner and the vacuum cleaner base station according to the input of the operation unit in the vacuum cleaner base station according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed implementation manners

[0072] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0073] The present invention can be variously modified and can have various embodiments. Therefore, 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 construed as including all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0074] The terms used in the present application are only for explaining specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. Unless clearly stated otherwise in the context, singular expressions may include plural expressions.

[0075] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. Terms defined in common dictionaries may be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with the meaning in the relevant technical context, and unless explicitly defined in the present application, cannot be interpreted as ideal or overly formal meanings.

[0076] Figure 1 FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner system according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is composed of a base station, a first vacuum cleaner, and a second vacuum cleaner. Figure 5 FIG. 6 shows a diagram for explaining the weight distribution and the angle of the flow path of the vacuum cleaner base station by using virtual lines in the vacuum cleaner base station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 5 , a vacuum cleaner system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a vacuum cleaner base station 100 and vacuum cleaners 200 and 300. At this time, the vacuum cleaners 200 and 300 may include a first vacuum cleaner 200 and a second vacuum cleaner 300. On the other hand, in this embodiment, it may be implemented by removing a part of the components, and additional components are not excluded.

[0078] The dust removal system 10 may include a vacuum cleaner base station 100. The first vacuum cleaner 200 and the second vacuum cleaner 300 may be coupled to the vacuum cleaner base station 100. The first vacuum cleaner 200 may be coupled to the side surface of the vacuum cleaner base station 100. Specifically, the main body of the first vacuum cleaner 200 may be coupled to the side surface of the vacuum cleaner base station 100. The second vacuum cleaner 300 may be coupled to the lower part of the vacuum cleaner base station 100. The vacuum cleaner base station 100 may remove the dust in the dust bin 220 of the first vacuum cleaner 200. The vacuum cleaner base station 100 may remove the dust in the dust bin 310 of the second vacuum cleaner 300.

[0079] On the other hand, Figure 2 FIG. 21 shows a diagram for explaining the first vacuum cleaner in the dust removal system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 FIG. 23 shows a diagram for explaining the weight distribution of the first vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention by using virtual lines and virtual planes. Figure 4 FIG. 25 shows a diagram for explaining the lower side surface of the dust bin of the first vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] First, referring to Figures 1 to 5 , Figure 18 , the structure of the first vacuum cleaner 200 is described as follows.

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

[0082] The first vacuum cleaner 200 can be placed on the vacuum cleaner base station 100. The first vacuum cleaner 200 can be supported by the vacuum cleaner base station 100. The first vacuum cleaner 200 can be combined with the vacuum cleaner base station 100.

[0083] On the other hand, in an embodiment of the present invention, the direction can be defined based on the case where the dust bin 220 and the bottom surface (lower side surface) of the battery cover 230 are placed on the ground.

[0084] At this time, the front can refer to the direction in which the suction part 212 is arranged based on the suction motor 214, and the rear can refer to the direction in which the handle 216 is arranged. And, the direction arranged on the right side based on the case of observing the suction part 212 from the suction motor 214 can be called the right side, and the direction arranged on the left side can be called the left side. In addition, in an embodiment of the present invention, the upper side and the lower side can be defined in a direction perpendicular to the ground based on the case where the bottom surface (lower side surface) of the dust bin 220 and the battery cover 230 are placed on the ground.

[0085] The first 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.

[0086] The main body cover 211 may form the appearance of the first 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.

[0087] The suction part 212 may protrude outward from the main body cover 211. As an example, the suction part 212 may be formed in a cylindrical shape with an open interior. The suction part 212 may be combined with an extension pipe 250. The suction part 212 may provide a flow path (hereinafter referred to as "suction flow path") for the air including dust to flow.

[0088] On the other hand, in this embodiment, a virtual line passing through the inside of the suction part 212 formed in a cylindrical shape may be formed. That is, a virtual suction flow path penetration line a2 penetrating the suction flow path in the length direction may be formed.

[0089] As an example, the suction flow path penetration line a2 may be a virtual line connecting the origin of the circles shown when the cylindrical suction part 212 is radially cut in the length direction (axial direction).

[0090] The dust separation part 213 may communicate 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 communicate with the space inside the dust bin 220.

[0091] For example, the dust separation unit 213 may have at least one cyclone unit that can separate dust using cyclone flow. Also, the space inside the dust separation unit 213 may communicate with the suction flow path. Thus, the air and dust inhaled through the suction unit 212 may flow spirally along the inner circumferential surface of the dust separation unit 213. Therefore, a cyclone flow can be generated in the internal space of the dust separation unit 213.

[0092] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a virtual cyclone line a4 extending in the vertical direction of the dust separation unit 213 where the cyclone flow is generated may be formed.

[0093] The suction motor 214 may generate a suction force for inhaling air. The suction motor 214 may be accommodated within the main body housing 211. The suction motor 214 may include an impeller that generates suction force by rotation. As an example, the suction motor 214 may have a shape similar to a cylinder.

[0094] On the other hand, in the embodiment, a virtual suction motor axis a1 extending the rotation axis of the suction motor 214 may be formed.

[0095] The air discharge cover 215 may be disposed on an axial side of the main body housing 211. A filter for filtering air may be accommodated in the air discharge cover 215. As an example, a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter may be accommodated in the air discharge cover 215.

[0096] An air discharge port (215a) for discharging the air inhaled by the suction force of the suction motor 214 may be formed in the air discharge cover 215.

[0097] A flow guide may be disposed in the air discharge cover 215. The flow guide may guide the flow of the air discharged through the air discharge port 215a.

[0098] The handle 216 may be held by a user. The handle 216 may be disposed behind the suction motor 214. As an example, the handle 216 may be formed in a shape similar to a cylinder. Or, the handle 216 may be formed in a curved cylindrical shape. The handle 216 may form a predetermined angle with the main body housing 211 or the suction motor 214 or the dust separation unit 213.

[0099] The handle 216 may include: a grip portion 216a formed in a column shape so that a user can hold it; a first extension portion 216b connected to one end portion in the length direction (axial direction) of the grip portion 216a and extending toward the suction motor 214; and a second extension portion 216c connected to the other end portion in the length direction (axial direction) of the grip portion 216a and extending toward the dust bin 220.

[0100] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a virtual grip portion through - line a3 can be formed that extends along the length direction (axial direction of the column) of the grip portion 216a and penetrates the grip portion 216a.

[0101] As an example, the grip portion through - line a3 can be a virtual line formed inside the cylindrical - shaped handle 216 and can be a virtual line formed parallel to at least a part of the outer side surface (outer peripheral surface) of the grip portion 216a.

[0102] The top surface of the handle 216 can form a part of the appearance of the top surface of the first vacuum cleaner 200. Thus, when the user holds the handle 216, it is possible to prevent a part of the first vacuum cleaner 200 from coming into contact with the user's arm.

[0103] The first extension portion 216b can extend from the grip portion 216a toward the main body cover 211 or the suction motor 214. At least a part of the first extension portion 216b can extend in the horizontal direction.

[0104] The second extension portion 216c can extend from the grip portion 216a toward the dust bin 220. At least a part of the second extension portion 216c can extend in the horizontal direction.

[0105] The operation portion 218 can be disposed on the handle 216. The operation portion 218 can be disposed on an inclined surface formed in the upper region of the handle 216. The user can input an operation or stop command for the first vacuum cleaner 200 through the operation portion 218.

[0106] The first vacuum cleaner 200 can include a dust bin 220. The dust bin 220 can communicate with the dust separation portion 213. The dust bin 220 can store the dust separated from the dust separation portion 213.

[0107] The dust bin 220 can include a dust bin main body 221, a discharge cover 222, a dust bin compression rod 223, and a compression member (not shown).

[0108] The dust bin main body 221 can provide a space capable of storing the dust separated from the dust separation portion 213. As an example, the dust bin main body 221 can be formed in a shape similar to a cylinder.

[0109] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a virtual dust - bin through - line a5 can be formed that penetrates the inside (internal space) of the dust bin main body 221 and extends along the length direction of the dust bin main body 221 (referring to the axial direction of the cylindrical - shaped dust bin main body 221).

[0110] At this time, the dust bin penetration line a5 includes points on the plane displayed when the dust bin 220 is radially cut in the length direction (axial direction in the cylindrical dust bin body 221), and the dust bin penetration line a5 can be a virtual line perpendicular to the plane.

[0111] As an example, the dust container penetration line a5 may be a virtual line that passes through the origin of a circle displayed when the dust container 220 is radially cut in the length direction and is perpendicular to the circle.

[0112] A portion of the lower side (bottom) of the dust bin body 221 may be open. In addition, a bottom surface extension portion 221a may be formed on the lower side (bottom) of the dust bin body 221. The bottom surface extension portion 221a may be formed to block a portion of the lower side of the dust bin body 221.

[0113] The dust bin 220 may include a discharge cover 222. The discharge cover 222 may be disposed on the lower side of the dust bin 220. The discharge cover 222 may selectively open and close the lower portion of the dust bin 220 that is open downward.

[0114] The discharge cover 222 may include a cover body 222a and a hinge portion 222b. The cover body 222a may be formed to block a portion of the lower side of the dust bin body 221. The cover body 222a may rotate 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, due to the elastic force of the torsion spring 222d, the cover body 222a may be supported in a state of rotating more than a specified angle with the hinge portion 222b as an axis in the dust bin body 221.

[0115] The discharge cover 222 may be coupled with the dust container 220 by hook coupling.

[0116] On the other hand, the dust bin may further include a coupling rod 222c. The discharge cover 222 may be separated from the dust bin 220 by the 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.

[0117] When the discharge cover 222 is in a closed state, the lower side of the dust container 220 may be blocked (sealed) by the discharge cover 222 and the bottom surface extension 221 a .

[0118] The dust bin 220 may include a dust bin compression rod 223. The dust bin compression rod 223 may be disposed outside the dust bin 220 or the dust separation unit 213. The dust bin compression rod 223 may be disposed outside the dust bin 220 or the dust separation unit 213 so as to be movable up and down. The dust bin compression rod 223 may be connected to a compression member (not shown). When the dust bin compression rod 223 is moved downward by an external force, the compression member (not shown) may also move downward together. Thereby, user convenience can be provided. The compression member (not shown) and the dust bin compression rod 223 may be reset to their original positions by an elastic member (not shown). Specifically, when the external force applied to the dust bin compression rod 223 is released, the elastic member may move the dust bin compression rod 223 and the compression member (not shown) upward.

[0119] The compression member (not shown) may be disposed inside the dust bin body 221. The compression member may move within the internal space of the dust bin body 221. Specifically, the compression member may move up and down within the dust bin body 221. Thereby, the compression member can 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 and the lower part of the dust bin 220 is opened, the compression member moves from the upper part to the lower part of the dust bin 220, so that foreign matters such as remaining dust inside the dust bin 220 can be removed. Thereby, the suction force of the vacuum cleaner can be improved by preventing the remaining dust from remaining inside the dust bin 220. Further, by preventing the remaining dust from remaining inside the dust bin 220, the odor generated by the residue can be removed.

[0120] The first vacuum cleaner 200 may include a battery cover 230. The battery 240 may be accommodated in the battery cover 230. The battery cover 230 may be disposed below the handle 216. As an example, the battery cover 230 may be a hexahedron shape with an open bottom. The back surface of the battery cover 230 may be connected to the handle 216.

[0121] The battery cover 230 may include a receiving portion that is open downward. The battery 240 may be loaded and unloaded through the receiving portion of the battery cover 230.

[0122] The first vacuum cleaner 200 may include a battery 240.

[0123] For example, the battery 240 may be detachably coupled to the first 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 inside of the battery cover 230 from below the battery cover 230. According to this configuration, the portability of the first vacuum cleaner 200 can be improved.

[0124] Alternatively, the battery 240 may be integrally provided with the battery cover 230 inside the battery cover 230. At this time, the bottom surface of the battery 240 is not exposed to the outside.

[0125] The battery 240 can supply power to the suction motor 214 of the first vacuum cleaner 200. The battery 240 can be disposed at the lower part of the handle 216. The battery 240 can be disposed behind the dust bin 220. That is, the suction motor 214 and the battery 240 can be arranged so as not to overlap in the vertical direction, and their arranged heights can also be different from each other. Based on the handle 216, the heavier suction motor 214 is arranged in front of the handle 216, and the heavier battery 240 is arranged below the handle 216, so that the overall weight of the first vacuum cleaner 200 can be evenly distributed. Thereby, it is possible to prevent burden on the user's wrist when the user holds the handle 216 for cleaning.

[0126] According to an embodiment, when the battery 240 is coupled to the battery housing 230, the bottom surface of the battery 240 can be exposed to the outside. When the first vacuum cleaner 200 is placed on the floor surface, the battery 240 can be placed on the floor, so that the battery 240 can be directly detached from the battery housing 230. In addition, since the bottom surface of the battery 240 is exposed to the outside and is in direct contact with the outside air of the battery 240, the cooling performance of the battery 240 can be improved.

[0127] On the other hand, when the battery 240 is integrally fixed to the battery housing 230, the structure for the loading and unloading of the battery 240 and the battery housing 230 can be reduced, so that the overall size of the first vacuum cleaner 200 can be reduced and weight reduction can be achieved.

[0128] The first vacuum cleaner 200 can include an extension tube 250. The extension tube 250 can communicate with the cleaning module 260. The extension tube 250 can communicate with the main body 210. The extension tube 250 can communicate with the suction part 212 of the main body 210. The extension tube 250 can be formed in a long cylindrical shape.

[0129] The main body 210 can be connected to the extension tube 250. The main body 210 can be connected to the cleaning module 260 through the extension tube 250. The main body 210 can generate suction force through the suction motor 214 and provide the suction force to the cleaning module 260 through the extension tube 250. External dust can flow into the main body 210 through the cleaning module 260 and the extension tube 250.

[0130] The first vacuum cleaner 200 can include a cleaning module 260. The cleaning module 260 can communicate with the extension tube 250. Therefore, external air can flow into the main body 210 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 via the cleaning module 260 and the extension tube 250 under the action of the suction force generated by the main body 210 of the first vacuum cleaner 200.

[0131] The first vacuum cleaner 200 may include a control unit 270. The control unit 270 of the first vacuum cleaner may be composed of a printed circuit board and a plurality of components mounted on the printed circuit board.

[0132] The control unit 270 of the first vacuum cleaner may inhale air by driving the suction motor 214 and control the output of the suction motor 214.

[0133] The dust in the dust bin 220 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 may be collected by gravity and the suction force of the dust collection motor 191 into the dust collection unit 170 of the vacuum cleaner base station 100. Thus, the dust in the dust bin can be removed without additional operation by the user, so user convenience can be improved. In addition, the trouble that the user needs to empty the dust bin every time can be eliminated. In addition, the scattering of dust when emptying the dust bin can be prevented.

[0134] The first vacuum cleaner 200 may be combined with the side surface of the cover body 110. Specifically, the main body 210 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 may be placed on the coupling part 120. More specifically, the dust bin 220 and the battery cover body 230 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 may be combined with the coupling surface 121, the outer peripheral surface of the dust bin main body 221 may be combined with the dust bin guide surface 122, and the suction part 212 may be combined with the suction part guide surface 126 of the coupling part 120. In this case, the central axis of the dust bin 220 may be arranged in a direction parallel to the ground, and the extension pipe 250 may be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the ground.

[0135] On the other hand, Figure 5 A perspective view of the dust bin of the second vacuum cleaner for explaining an embodiment of the present invention is shown, Figure 6 showing the exploded Figure 5 perspective view of the discharge cover of the second vacuum cleaner.

[0136] Referring to Figures 1 to 7 and Figure 18 , the description of the second vacuum cleaner 300 is as follows.

[0137] The vacuum cleaner system 10 may include a second vacuum cleaner 300. The second vacuum cleaner 300 may represent a floor cleaning robot. The second vacuum cleaner 300 may automatically clean the area to be cleaned by inhaling foreign matters such as dust from the floor while autonomously traveling in the area to be cleaned. The floor cleaning robot of the second vacuum cleaner 300 may include: a distance sensor that senses the distance to obstacles such as furniture, office supplies, or walls set in the cleaning area; and a left wheel and a right wheel for the movement of the floor cleaning robot. The second vacuum cleaner 300 may be combined with the vacuum cleaner base station. The dust in the second vacuum cleaner 300 may be collected into the dust collection unit 170 through the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182.

[0138] The second vacuum cleaner 300 may include a dust bin 310. The dust bin 310 can trap foreign matters such as dust. As an example, the dust bin 310 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. At this time, the bottom surface (lower side surface) of the dust bin 310 may be selectively opened and closed. For example, a dust bin lid 340 may be hinge-coupled to the lower side of the dust bin 310. When the dust bin lid 340 is opened, the internal space of the dust bin 310 can be opened. According to this configuration, the user can directly open the dust bin lid 340 to empty the dust trapped in the dust bin 310.

[0139] Although not shown, a dust separation unit may be disposed inside the dust bin 310. For example, the dust separation unit may have at least two or more cyclone units, and the cyclone units may separate dust by using a cyclone flow. Therefore, the air and dust sucked into the dust bin can flow spirally along the inner circumferential surface of the dust separation unit and be separated.

[0140] On the other hand, the second vacuum cleaner 300 may be coupled to the lower coupling part 160 of the vacuum cleaner base station 100. The dust sucked into the dust bin 310 of the second vacuum cleaner 300 can be collected in the dust collection unit 170 through the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182.

[0141] The second vacuum cleaner 300 may include a dust discharge hole 320. At this time, the dust discharge hole 320 may be disposed on the side surface (outer circumferential surface) of the dust bin 310 of the second vacuum cleaner 300, whereby the dust bin 310 of the second vacuum cleaner 300 can communicate with the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182. As an example, the dust discharge hole 320 may be in the form of a square hole.

[0142] The second vacuum cleaner 300 may include a second vacuum cleaner discharge cover 330. At this time, the second vacuum cleaner discharge cover 330 is formed in a shape corresponding to the dust discharge hole 320 to close the dust discharge hole 320. To this end, the second vacuum cleaner discharge cover 330 may be disposed at the dust discharge hole 320.

[0143] In addition, the second vacuum cleaner discharge cover 330 may be hinge-coupled to the dust bin 310 and open and close the dust discharge hole 320 as it rotates about a hinge pin 331. At this time, a torsion spring 332 is provided at the hinge pin 331, so that a restoring force can be applied when the second vacuum cleaner discharge cover 330 is opened.

[0144] With such a configuration, when the dust collection motor 191 generates suction, as the second vacuum cleaner discharge cover 330 rotates outward from the dust bin 310, the dust discharge hole 320 can be opened.

[0145] In addition, if the dust collection motor 191 stops driving, under the action of the restoring force of the torsion spring 332, the second vacuum cleaner discharge cover 330 can rotate toward the dust bin 310 to re-seal the dust discharge hole 320. In this way, the second vacuum cleaner discharge cover 330 can rotate with the driving of the dust collection motor 191 to connect or close the dust bin 310 of the second vacuum cleaner 300 and the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182.

[0146] On the other hand, a seal 333 can be provided on the dust bin 310. The seal 333 can be arranged along the outer contour of the dust discharge hole 320. The seal 333 can contact the discharge cover 330. According to this configuration, in the state where the discharge cover 330 closes the dust discharge hole 320, the seal 333 makes the dust bin 310 and the discharge cover 330 airtight, thereby preventing dust from flowing out.

[0147] In addition, in the state where the second vacuum cleaner 300 is combined with the lower coupling part 160, the seal 333 can contact the side wall of the lower coupling part 160. Therefore, under the action of the seal 333, the outer peripheral surface of the dust bin 310 of the second vacuum cleaner 300 and the lower coupling part 160 can be made airtight. Through such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the dust flowing into the dust suction hole 162 through the dust discharge hole 320 from scattering to the outside.

[0148] The second vacuum cleaner 300 can include corresponding terminals (not shown) for charging the battery when combined with the lower coupling part 160. The corresponding terminals can be arranged at positions where they can be connected to the charging terminals (not shown) of the lower coupling part 160 of the lower coupling part 160 in the state where the second vacuum cleaner 300 is combined. As an example, the corresponding terminals can be arranged as a pair on the top surface of the second vacuum cleaner 300. If the corresponding terminals are electrically connected to the charging terminals (not shown) of the lower coupling part 160, the second vacuum cleaner 300 can be charged by supplying power to the second vacuum cleaner 300.

[0149] The second vacuum cleaner 300 can include a suction motor 350. The suction motor 350 can generate the suction force for sucking air. Therefore, if the suction motor 350 operates, the second vacuum cleaner 300 can suck the dust on the floor surface.

[0150] The second vacuum cleaner 300 can include a driving motor 360. The driving motor 360 can provide the power to rotate the wheels or the rotating plate. Therefore, if the driving motor 360 operates, the second vacuum cleaner 300 can move along the floor surface.

[0151] The second vacuum cleaner 300 can include a control unit 370. The control unit 370 of the second vacuum cleaner can be composed of a printed circuit board and a plurality of components mounted on the printed circuit board.

[0152] The control unit 370 of the second vacuum cleaner can move along the floor surface by driving the traveling motor 360.

[0153] The control unit 370 of the second vacuum cleaner can inhale air by driving the suction motor 350 and control the output of the suction motor 350.

[0154] The control unit 370 of the second vacuum cleaner can sense obstacles in the cleaning target area and perform mapping. Additionally, the mapped information can be stored.

[0155] Refer to Figure 1 and Figure 7 , the description of the vacuum cleaner base station 100 of the present invention is as follows.

[0156] The vacuum cleaner base station 100 can be configured with a first vacuum cleaner 200 and a second vacuum cleaner 300. The first vacuum cleaner 200 can be coupled to the side of the vacuum cleaner base station 100. Specifically, the main body of the first vacuum cleaner 200 can be coupled to the side of the vacuum cleaner base station 100. The second vacuum cleaner 300 can be coupled to the lower part of the vacuum cleaner base station 100. The vacuum cleaner base station 100 can remove the dust from the dust bin 220 of the first vacuum cleaner 200. The vacuum cleaner base station 100 can remove the dust from the dust bin 310 of the second vacuum cleaner 300.

[0157] The vacuum cleaner base station 100 can include a cover body 110. The cover body 110 can form the appearance of the vacuum cleaner base station 100. Specifically, the cover body 110 can be formed in a column shape including at least one outer wall surface. As an example, the cover body 110 can be formed in a shape similar to a quadrangular prism.

[0158] The cover body 110 can form a space in which a dust collection unit 170 that stores dust inside and a dust suction module 190 that generates a flow force for collecting dust into the dust collection unit 170 can be accommodated.

[0159] The cover body 110 can include a bottom surface 111, an outer wall surface 112, and an upper surface 113.

[0160] The bottom surface 111 can support the lower side in the gravity direction of the dust suction module 190. That is, the bottom surface 111 can support the lower side of the dust collection motor 191 of the suction module 190.

[0161] At this time, the bottom surface 111 can be arranged facing the ground. The bottom surface 111 can be arranged parallel to the ground, and of course, it can also be arranged at a specified angle inclined to the ground. According to this configuration, there is an advantage that the dust collection motor 191 can be stably supported, and the overall weight can be balanced even when the first vacuum cleaner 200 is coupled.

[0162] On the other hand, a lower coupling part 160 may be coupled to the lower side of the bottom surface 111. The second vacuum cleaner 300 may be coupled to the lower coupling part 160. An inclined part 161 to which the lower surface of the second vacuum cleaner 300 may be coupled may be provided in the lower coupling part 160. The lower coupling part 160 will be described later.

[0163] The outer wall surface 112 may refer to a surface formed along the direction of gravity and may refer to a surface connected to the bottom surface 111. For example, the outer wall surface 112 may refer to a surface perpendicularly connected to the bottom surface 111. As a different embodiment, the outer wall surface 112 may also be configured to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the bottom surface 111.

[0164] The outer wall surface 112 may include at least one surface. As an example, the outer wall surface 112 may include a first outer wall surface 112a, a second outer wall surface 112b, a third outer wall surface 112c, and a fourth outer wall surface 112d.

[0165] At this time, in the present embodiment, the first outer wall surface 112a may be disposed on the front surface of the vacuum cleaner base 100. Herein, the front surface may refer to the surface to which the first vacuum cleaner 200 or the second vacuum cleaner 300 is coupled. Therefore, the first outer wall surface 112a may form the appearance of the front surface of the vacuum cleaner base 100.

[0166] On the other hand, for understanding the present embodiment, the definition of directions is as follows. In the present embodiment, directions may be defined in a state where the first vacuum cleaner 200 is placed on the vacuum cleaner base 100.

[0167] When the first vacuum cleaner 200 is placed on the vacuum cleaner base 100, the direction in which the first vacuum cleaner 200 is exposed to the outside of the vacuum cleaner base 100 may be referred to as the front.

[0168] From another perspective, when the first vacuum cleaner 200 is placed on the vacuum cleaner base 100, the direction in which the suction motor 214 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 is disposed may be referred to as the front. And, the direction opposite to the direction in which the suction motor 214 is disposed in the vacuum cleaner base 100 may be referred to as the back.

[0169] And, the surface of the direction facing the front with respect to the internal space of the cover body 110 may be referred to as the back surface of the vacuum cleaner base 100. Therefore, the back surface may refer to the direction in which the second outer wall surface 112b is formed.

[0170] And, the surface on the left side when observing the front surface with respect to the internal space of the cover body 110 may be referred to as the left surface, and the surface on the right side may be referred to as the right surface. Therefore, the left surface may refer to the direction in which the third outer wall surface 112c is formed, and the right surface may refer to the direction in which the fourth outer wall surface 112d is formed.

[0171] The first outer wall surface 112a can be formed into a planar shape. Of course, as a whole, it can also be formed into a curved surface shape, and can be formed with a curved surface in part.

[0172] The first outer wall surface 112a can have an appearance corresponding to the shape of the first vacuum cleaner 200. Specifically, a coupling part 120 can be arranged on the first outer wall surface 112a. According to this configuration, the first vacuum cleaner 200 can be coupled to the vacuum cleaner base station 100 and can be supported by the vacuum cleaner base station 100. The specific configuration of the coupling part 120 will be described later.

[0173] On the other hand, a structure for placing various types of cleaning modules 260 for the first vacuum cleaner 200 can also be added to the first outer wall surface 112a.

[0174] In this embodiment, the second outer wall surface 112b can be the surface facing the first outer wall surface 112a. That is, the second outer wall surface 112b can be arranged on the back of the vacuum cleaner base station 100. Here, the back can refer to the surface facing the surface where the first vacuum cleaner 200 or the second vacuum cleaner 300 is coupled. Therefore, the second outer wall surface 112b can form the appearance of the back of the vacuum cleaner base station 100.

[0175] As an example, the second outer wall surface 112b can be formed into a planar shape. According to this configuration, the vacuum cleaner base station 100 can be closely attached to the indoor wall, and the vacuum cleaner base station 100 can be stably supported.

[0176] As another example, a structure for placing various types of cleaning modules 260 for the first vacuum cleaner 200 can also be added to the second outer wall surface 112b.

[0177] In this embodiment, the third outer wall surface 112c and the fourth outer wall surface 112d can refer to the surfaces connecting the first outer wall surface 112a and the second outer wall surface 112b. At this time, the third outer wall surface 112c can be arranged on the left side of the base station 100, and the fourth outer wall surface 112d can be arranged on the right side of the vacuum cleaner base station 100. Differently, it can also be that the third outer wall surface 112c is arranged on the right side of the vacuum cleaner base station 100, and the fourth outer wall surface 112d is arranged on the left side of the vacuum cleaner base station 100.

[0178] The third outer wall surface 112c or the fourth outer wall surface 112d is formed into a planar shape. Of course, as a whole, it can also be formed into a curved surface shape, and can be formed with a curved surface in part.

[0179] On the other hand, a structure for placing various types of cleaning modules 260 for the first vacuum cleaner 200 can also be added to the third outer wall surface 112c or the fourth outer wall surface 112d.

[0180] The upper surface 113 may form the upper appearance of the vacuum cleaner base station. That is, the upper surface 113 may refer to the surface that is disposed at the uppermost side in the direction of gravity in the vacuum cleaner base station and is exposed to the outside.

[0181] For reference, in the present embodiment, the upper side and the lower side may respectively refer to the upper side and the lower side in the direction of gravity (the direction perpendicular to the ground) when the vacuum cleaner base station 100 is disposed on the ground.

[0182] At this time, the upper surface 113 may be disposed parallel to the ground. Of course, it may also be disposed at a specified angle inclined to the ground.

[0183] A display unit 410 may be disposed on the upper surface 113. As an example, the display unit 410 may display the state of the vacuum cleaner base station 100, the state of the first vacuum cleaner 200, and the state of the second vacuum cleaner 300. In addition to this, it may also display information such as the cleaning progress and the map of the cleaning area.

[0184] On the other hand, according to an embodiment, the upper surface 113 may be detachably provided with the outer wall surface 112. At this time, if the upper surface 113 is separated, a battery separated from the vacuum cleaner 200 may be accommodated in the internal space surrounded by the outer wall surface 112, and terminals (not shown) capable of charging the separated battery may be provided.

[0185] Figure 8 The figure shows the coupling part in the vacuum cleaner base station for explaining the embodiments of the present invention. Figure 9 The figure shows the configuration of the coupling part and the fixing unit in the vacuum cleaner base station for explaining the embodiments of the present invention.

[0186] Refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 , the coupling part 120 of the vacuum cleaner base station 100 of the present invention is described as follows.

[0187] The vacuum cleaner base station 100 may include a coupling part 120 for coupling with the first vacuum cleaner 200. Specifically, the coupling part 120 may be disposed on the first outer wall surface 112a and may couple the main body 210, the dust bin 220, and the battery cover 230 of the first vacuum cleaner 200.

[0188] The coupling part 120 may include a coupling surface 121. The coupling surface 121 may be disposed on the side surface of the cover 110. As an example, the coupling surface 121 may refer to a groove-shaped surface that is recessed from the first outer wall surface 112a toward the inside of the vacuum cleaner base station 100. That is, the coupling surface 121 may refer to a surface that forms a step with the first outer wall surface 112a.

[0189] The first vacuum cleaner 200 can be combined on the combination surface 121. As an example, the combination surface 121 can face the lower side of the dust bucket 220 and the battery cover 230 of the first vacuum cleaner 200. Here, the lower side can refer to the side facing the ground when the user uses the first vacuum cleaner 200 or places the first vacuum cleaner 200 on the ground.

[0190] As an example, the angle formed by the coupling surface 121 and the ground may be a right angle. Thus, when the first vacuum cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling surface 121, the space of the vacuum cleaner base station 100 can be minimized.

[0191] As another example, the coupling surface 121 may be inclined at a predetermined angle to the ground. Thus, when the first vacuum cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling surface 121 , the vacuum cleaner base station 100 may be stably supported.

[0192] The joint surface 121 may be formed with a dust hole 121a to allow air outside the housing 110 to flow into the interior. The dust hole 121a may be formed in a hole shape corresponding to the shape of the dust barrel 220 so that dust in the dust barrel 220 flows into the dust collecting portion 170. The dust hole 121a may be formed in a shape corresponding to the discharge cover 222 of the dust barrel 220.

[0193] The dust through hole 121a may be formed to communicate with the first suction flow path 181 described later. In addition, when the first cleaner 200 and the cleaner base station 100 are combined and the discharge cover 222 is opened, the dust through hole 121a may communicate with the inner space of the dust container 220.

[0194] On the other hand, on the dust hole 121a, the door 141 can rotate. The door 141 can be a rotating body that rotates by hinged connection with the cover body 110. Therefore, with the rotation of the door 141, the dust hole 121a can be selectively opened and closed. In addition, in a state where the first vacuum cleaner 200 and the vacuum cleaner base station 100 are combined, on the dust hole 121a, the discharge cover 222 can rotate. In a state where the first vacuum cleaner 200 and the vacuum cleaner base station 100 are combined, the discharge cover 222 can rotate together with the rotation of the door 141. Therefore, with the rotation of the discharge cover 222, the dust hole 121a can be selectively opened and closed.

[0195] The coupling portion 120 may include a dust bin guide surface 122. The dust bin guide surface 122 may be disposed on the first outer wall surface 112a. The dust bin guide surface 122 may be connected to the first outer wall surface 112a. In addition, the dust bin guide surface 122 may be connected to the coupling surface 121.

[0196] The dustbin guide surface 122 can be formed into a shape corresponding to the outer side surface of the dustbin 220. The dustbin guide surface 122 can be coupled to the front outer side surface of the dustbin 220. Accordingly, the dustbin guide surface 122 can be coupled to the dustbin 220 of the first vacuum cleaner to support the dustbin 220.

[0197] The coupling part 120 can include guide protrusions 123. The guide protrusions 123 can be disposed on the coupling surface 121. The guide protrusions 123 can protrude from the coupling surface 121. Two guide protrusions 123 can be disposed at intervals from each other. The distance between the two guide protrusions 123 disposed at intervals from each other can correspond to the width of the battery cover body 230 of the first vacuum cleaner 200. Accordingly, the guide protrusions 123 can guide the coupling direction of the first vacuum cleaner 200. In addition, the battery cover body 230 and the battery 240 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 can be accommodated between the pair of guide protrusions 123.

[0198] The coupling part 120 can include side walls 124. The side walls 124 can refer to wall surfaces disposed on both side surfaces of the coupling surface 121 and can be perpendicularly connected to the coupling surface 121. The side walls 124 can be connected to the first outer wall surface 112a. In addition, the side walls 124 can be connected to the dustbin guide surface 122, that is, the side walls 124 form a surface connected to the dustbin guide surface 122. Accordingly, the first vacuum cleaner 200 can be stably accommodated.

[0199] The coupling part 120 can include a coupling sensor 125. The coupling sensor 125 can sense whether the first vacuum cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling part 120.

[0200] The coupling sensor 125 can also include a contact sensor. As an example, the coupling sensor 125 can include a micro switch (refer to Figure 16 ). At this time, the coupling sensor 125 can be disposed on the guide protrusion 123. Accordingly, if the battery cover body 230 or the battery 240 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 is coupled between the pair of guide protrusions 123, it will contact the coupling sensor 125, and the coupling sensor 125 can sense that the first vacuum cleaner 200 has been coupled.

[0201] On the other hand, the coupling sensor 125 can also include a non-contact sensor. As an example, the coupling sensor 125 can include an infrared sensor unit (IR sensor). At this time, the coupling sensor 125 can be disposed on the side wall 124. Accordingly, if the dustbin 220 or the main body 210 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 reaches the coupling surface 121 via the side wall 124, the coupling sensor 125 can sense the presence of the dustbin 220 or the main body 210.

[0202] The coupling sensor 125 can be opposite to the dust bin 220 or the battery cover 230 of the first vacuum cleaner 200.

[0203] The coupling sensor 125 can be a device that determines whether the battery 240 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 is being powered while also determining whether the first vacuum cleaner 200 is coupled.

[0204] The coupling portion 120 can include a suction portion guide surface 126. The suction portion guide surface 126 can be disposed on the first outer wall surface 112a. The suction portion guide surface 126 can be connected to the dust bin guide surface 122. The suction portion 212 can be coupled to the suction portion guide surface 126. The shape of the suction portion guide surface 126 can be formed to correspond to the shape of the suction portion 212. Thereby, it is possible to provide convenience for the main body 210 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 to be coupled to the coupling surface 121.

[0205] The coupling portion 120 can include a fixing member access hole 127. The fixing member access hole 127 can be formed in a long hole shape along the side wall 124 to enable the fixing member 131 to access. As an example, the fixing member access hole 127 can be a rectangular hole formed along the side wall 124. The fixing member 131 will be described in detail later.

[0206] According to this configuration, when the user couples the first vacuum cleaner 200 to the coupling portion 120 of the vacuum cleaner base station 100, due to the dust bin guide surface 122, the guide protrusion 123, and the suction portion guide surface 126, the main body 210 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 can be stably disposed in the coupling portion 120. Thereby, it is possible to provide convenience for the dust bin 220 and the battery cover 230 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 to be coupled to the coupling surface 121.

[0207] Refer to Figure 9 , the fixing unit 130 of the present invention is described as follows.

[0208] The vacuum cleaner base station 100 of the present invention can include a fixing unit 130. The fixing unit 130 can be disposed on the side wall 124. In addition, at least a part of the fixing unit 130 can be disposed on the back surface of the coupling surface 121. The fixing unit 130 can fix the first vacuum cleaner 200 coupled to the coupling surface 121. Specifically, the fixing unit 130 can fix the dust bin 220 and the battery cover 230 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 coupled to the coupling surface 121.

[0209] The fixing unit 130 can include: a fixing member 131 that fixes the dust bin 220 and the battery cover 230 of the first vacuum cleaner 200; and a fixing portion motor 133 that drives the fixing member 131. In addition, the fixing unit 130 can further include a fixing portion link 135 that transmits the power of the fixing portion motor 133 to the fixing member 131.

[0210] The fixing member 131 can be disposed on the side wall 124 of the coupling part 120 and can be reciprocally movably disposed on the side wall 124 to fix the dust bin 220. Specifically, the fixing member 131 can be received inside the fixing member access hole 127.

[0211] The fixing members 131 can be respectively disposed on both sides of the coupling part 120. As an example, two fixing members 131 can be symmetrically arranged in pairs with the joint surface 121 as the center.

[0212] The fixing part motor 133 can provide power to move the fixing member 131 (refer to Figure 16 ).

[0213] The fixing part link 135 can convert the rotational force of the fixing part motor 133 into the reciprocating movement of the fixing member 131.

[0214] The fixing seal 136 can be disposed on the dust bin guiding surface 122 to airtight the dust bin 220 when the vacuum cleaner 200 is coupled. According to this configuration, when the dust bin 220 of the vacuum cleaner 200 is coupled, the fixing seal 136 can be pressed under the action of the self-weight of the vacuum cleaner 200, and the dust bin 220 and the dust bin guiding surface 122 can be sealed.

[0215] The fixing seal 136 can be disposed on the virtual extension line of the fixing member 131. According to this configuration, when the fixing part motor 133 operates and the fixing member 131 presses the dust bin 220, the periphery at the same height of the dust bin 220 can be sealed.

[0216] According to an embodiment, the fixing seal 136 can be disposed on the dust bin guiding surface 122 in a line shape bent corresponding to the arrangement of the lid opening unit 150 described later.

[0217] Therefore, when the main body 210 of the vacuum cleaner 200 is disposed on the coupling part 120, the fixing unit 130 can fix the main body 210 of the vacuum cleaner 200. Specifically, when the coupling sensor 125 senses that the main body 210 of the vacuum cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling part 120 of the vacuum cleaner base 100, the fixing part motor 133 can fix the main body 210 of the vacuum cleaner 200 by moving the fixing member 131.

[0218] Thereby, the suction force of the vacuum cleaner can be improved by preventing residual dust from remaining in the dust bin. Further, by preventing residual dust from remaining in the dust bin, the odor generated by the residue can be removed.

[0219] Figure 10 and Figure 11The figure shows the operation of opening and closing the door unit of the vacuum cleaner base station for explaining the embodiments of the present invention.

[0220] Referring to Figures 7 to 11 , the door unit 140 of the present invention will be described as follows.

[0221] The vacuum cleaner base station 100 of the present invention may include a door unit 140. The door unit 140 may be configured to open and close the dust through-hole 121a.

[0222] The door unit 140 may include a door 141, a door motor 142, and a door arm 143.

[0223] The door 141 may be hinge-coupled to the coupling surface 121 and may selectively open and close the dust through-hole 121a. The door 141 may include a door body 141a.

[0224] The door body 141a may be formed in a shape capable of blocking the dust through-hole 121a. As an example, the door body 141a may be formed in a shape similar to a circular plate.

[0225] Based on the state where the door body 141a blocks the dust through-hole 121a, a hinge portion may be disposed on the upper side of the door body 141a, and an arm coupling portion 141b may be disposed on the lower side of the door body 141a.

[0226] The door body 141a may be formed in a shape capable of making the dust through-hole 121a airtight. As an example, the outer side surface of the door body 141a exposed to the outside of the vacuum cleaner base station 100 is formed to have a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the dust through-hole 121a, and the inner side surface disposed inside the vacuum cleaner base station 100 is formed to have a diameter larger than the diameter of the dust through-hole 121a. In addition, a step may be formed between the outer side surface and the inner side surface. On the other hand, at least one reinforcing rib may be protruded and formed on the inner side surface of the door body 141a, and the reinforcing rib connects the hinge portion and the arm coupling portion 141b to strengthen the supporting force of the door body 141a.

[0227] The hinge portion may be a component that hinge-couples the door 141 to the coupling surface 121. The hinge portion may be disposed at the upper end of the door body 141a and coupled to the coupling surface 121.

[0228] The arm coupling portion 141b may be a component to which the door arm 143 is rotatably coupled. The arm coupling portion 141b may be disposed on the lower side of the door body 141a, rotatably coupled to the door body 141a, and to which the door arm 143 is rotatably coupled.

[0229] According to this structure, when the door 141 closes the dust hole 121a, if the door arm 143 pulls the door body 141a, the door body 141a rotates toward the inside of the vacuum cleaner base station 100 with the hinge as the axis, and the dust hole 121a can be opened. On the other hand, when the dust hole 121a is open, if the door arm 143 pushes the door body 141a, the door body 141a rotates toward the outside of the vacuum cleaner base station 100 with the hinge as the axis, and the dust hole 121a can be blocked.

[0230] On the other hand, when the cleaner 200 is combined with the cleaner base station 100 and the discharge cover 222 is separated from the dust container body 210, the door 141 may contact the discharge cover 222. And, as the door 141 rotates, the discharge cover 222 may rotate in conjunction with the door 141.

[0231] The door motor 142 may provide power to rotate the door 141. Specifically, the door motor 142 may cause the door arm 143 to rotate in a forward direction or a reverse direction. Here, the forward direction may refer to the direction in which the door arm 143 pulls the door 141. Therefore, if the door arm 143 rotates in the forward direction, the dust hole 121a may be opened. In addition, the reverse direction may refer to the direction in which the door arm 143 pushes the door 141. Therefore, if the door arm 143 rotates in the reverse direction, at least a portion of the dust hole 121a may be closed. The forward direction may be the opposite direction to the reverse direction.

[0232] The door arm 143 may connect the door 141 and the door motor 142 , and may open and close the door 141 using power generated by the door motor 142 .

[0233] As an example, the door arm 143 may include a first door arm 143a and a second door arm 143b. One end of the first door arm 143a may be combined with the door motor 142. The first door arm 143a may be rotated by the power of the door motor 142. The other end of the first door arm 143a may be rotatably combined with the second door arm 143b. The first door arm 143a may transmit the force transmitted from the door motor 142 to the second door arm 143b. One end of the second door arm 143b may be combined with the first door arm 143a. The other end of the second door arm 143b may be combined with the door 141. The second door arm 143b may open and close the dust through hole 121a by pushing or pulling the door 141.

[0234] The door unit 140 may further include a door opening and closing sensor 144. The door opening and closing sensor 144 may be disposed inside the housing 110 and may sense whether the door 141 is in an open state (see Figure 16 ).

[0235] As an example, the door opening and closing sensors 144 may be disposed at both ends of the rotational movement region of the door arm 143. As another example, the door opening and closing sensors 144 may be disposed at both ends of the movement region of the door 141.

[0236] Therefore, if the door arm 143 moves to the preset door opening position DP1 or the door 141 opens to a predetermined position, the door opening and closing sensor 144 can sense that the door has been opened. In addition, if the door arm 143 moves to the preset door closing position DP2 or the door 141 opens to a predetermined position, the door opening and closing sensor 144 can sense that the door has been opened.

[0237] The door opening / closing sensor 144 may include a contact sensor. As an example, the door opening / closing sensor 144 may include a micro switch.

[0238] On the other hand, the door opening / closing sensor 144 may include a non-contact sensor. For example, the door opening / closing sensor 144 may include an infrared sensor (IR sensor).

[0239] According to this configuration, the door unit 140 can connect the outside of the first outer wall surface 112 a with the flow path portion 180 and / or the dust collecting portion 170 by selectively opening and closing at least a portion of the joint surface 121 .

[0240] The door unit 140 may be opened together with the discharge cover 222 of the cleaner 200. In addition, if the door unit 140 is closed, the discharge cover 222 of the cleaner 200 may be closed together with the door unit 140 in conjunction therewith.

[0241] When the dust of the dust bucket 220 of the cleaner 200 is removed, the door motor 142 can couple the discharge cover 222 to the dust bucket body 221 by rotating the door 141. Specifically, the door motor 142 can rotate the door 141 by rotating the door 141, and the rotating door 141 can push the discharge cover 222 toward the dust bucket body 221.

[0242] Reference Figures 7 to 12 , the cover opening unit 150 of the present invention is described as follows.

[0243] The vacuum cleaner base station 100 of the present invention may include a cover opening unit 150. The cover opening unit 150 may be disposed at the coupling portion 120, and may open the discharge cover 222 of the vacuum cleaner 200.

[0244] The cover opening unit 150 may include a push protrusion 151 , a cover opening motor 152 , a cover opening gear 153 , a support plate 154 , and a gear box 155 .

[0245] The pushing projection 151 can move in a manner that presses the coupling rod 222c when the vacuum cleaner 200 is coupled.

[0246] The pushing projection 151 can be disposed on the dustbin guiding surface 122. Specifically, a projection movement hole can be formed on the dustbin guiding surface 122, and the pushing projection 151 can be exposed to the outside through the projection movement hole.

[0247] The pushing projection 151 can be disposed at a position where it can press the coupling rod 222c when the first vacuum cleaner 200 is coupled. That is, the coupling rod 222c can be disposed on the projection movement hole. In addition, the coupling rod 222c can be disposed in the movement area of the pushing projection 151.

[0248] The pushing projection 151 can linearly reciprocate to press the coupling rod 222c. Specifically, the pushing projection 151 can be coupled to the gearbox 155 and be guided to linearly move. The pushing projection 151 can be coupled to the lid opening gear 153 and move together with the movement of the lid opening gear 153.

[0249] The lid opening motor 152 can provide power to move the pushing projection 151. Specifically, the lid opening motor 152 can rotate the motor shaft (not shown) in the forward or reverse direction. Here, the forward direction can refer to the direction in which the pushing projection 151 presses the coupling rod 222c. In addition, the reverse direction can refer to the direction in which the pushing projection 151 pressing the coupling rod 222c is reset to its original position. The forward direction can be the direction opposite to the reverse direction.

[0250] The lid opening gear 153 is coupled to the lid opening motor 152, and can use the power of the lid opening motor 152 to move the pushing projection 151. Specifically, the lid opening gear 153 can be accommodated inside the gearbox 155. The driving gear 153a of the lid opening gear 153 can be coupled to the motor shaft of the lid opening motor 152 to receive power. The driven gear 153b of the lid opening gear 153 can be coupled to the pushing projection 151 to move the pushing projection 151. As an example, the driven gear 153b can be set in the form of a rack, engage with the driving gear 153a, and receive power from the driving gear 153a.

[0251] At this time, a torsion spring 222d can be provided on the discharge lid 222. Due to the elastic force of the torsion spring 222d, the discharge lid 222 can rotate by more than a specified angle and can be supported at the rotated position. Therefore, the discharge lid 222 can be opened, and the dust through hole 121a and the inside of the dustbin 220 can be communicated.

[0252] The gearbox 155 can be disposed inside the cover body 110, disposed on the lower side in the gravity direction of the coupling part 120, and accommodate the lid opening gear 153 inside.

[0253] A cover opening sensing unit 155f may be provided in the gear box 155. At this time, the cover opening sensing unit 155f may also include a contact sensor. As an example, the cover opening sensing unit 155f may include a micro switch. On the other hand, the cover opening sensing unit 155f may also include a non-contact sensor. As an example, the cover opening sensing unit 155f may include an infrared sensor unit (IR sensor).

[0254] The cover opening sensing unit 155f may be disposed on at least one of the inner side surface and the outer side surface of the gear box 155. As an example, one cover opening sensing unit 155f may be disposed on the inner side surface of the gear box 155. At this time, the cover opening sensing unit 155f may sense that the pushing protrusion 151 is in the initial position.

[0255] As another example, two cover opening sensing units 155f may be disposed on the outer side surface of the gear box 155. At this time, the cover opening sensing unit 155f may sense the initial position and the cover opening position of the pushing protrusion 151.

[0256] Therefore, according to the present invention, due to the cover opening unit 150, the user can open the dust bin 220 without separately opening the discharge cover 222 of the first vacuum cleaner, thereby improving convenience.

[0257] In addition, in a state where the vacuum cleaner 200 is coupled to the vacuum cleaner base 100, the discharge cover 222 is opened, so that there is an effect of preventing dust from scattering.

[0258] Referring to Figure 7 , the vacuum cleaner base 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a lower coupling part 160. The vacuum cleaners 200 and 300 may be coupled to the lower coupling part 160. Specifically, the second vacuum cleaner 300 may be coupled to the lower coupling part 160. In a state where the second vacuum cleaner 300 is coupled to the lower coupling part 160, the dust stored inside the second vacuum cleaner 300 may be collected by the vacuum cleaner base 100.

[0259] The lower coupling part 160 may include an inclined part 161, and the second vacuum cleaner 300 climbs the inclined part 161 for coupling. The inclined part 161 may be composed of a plurality of inclined surfaces having different inclinations from each other, and each of the plurality of inclined surfaces may determine its own inclination degree according to the outer shape of the bottom surface part of the second vacuum cleaner 300.

[0260] The lower coupling part 160 may include a dust suction hole 162, which is disposed at a position corresponding to the position where the dust bin 310 of the second vacuum cleaner 300 is arranged, based on the state of being coupled to the second vacuum cleaner 300. More specifically, the dust suction hole 162 may be formed on the side wall of the lower coupling part 160. At this time, the side wall may be formed in a direction perpendicular to the ground and may be configured to face the dust bin 310 of the second vacuum cleaner 300. Therefore, the dust suction hole 162 may be disposed at a position facing the dust discharge hole 320 based on the state of being coupled to the second vacuum cleaner 300. For example, the dust suction hole 162 may be disposed at a position farther from the ground than the inclined part 161.

[0261] The dust suction hole 162 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the dust discharge hole 320. As an example, the dust suction hole 162 may be in the form of a square hole. At this time, the dust suction hole 162 may accommodate at least a part of the discharge cover 330 of the second vacuum cleaner when the discharge cover 330 of the second vacuum cleaner is open. According to this configuration, even if the dust collection motor 191 operates to open the discharge cover 330 of the second vacuum cleaner, the dust discharge hole 320 and the dust suction hole 162 may be disposed adjacent to each other and communicate with each other.

[0262] In addition, the lower coupling part 160 may include charging terminals (not shown) for power supply, which are electrically connected to the second vacuum cleaner 300 to charge the second vacuum cleaner 300. When the second vacuum cleaner 300 is coupled, the corresponding terminals of the second vacuum cleaner 300 may be electrically connected to the charging terminals (not shown) of the lower coupling part 160, and the second vacuum cleaner 300 may be charged by supplying power from the lower coupling part 160 to the second vacuum cleaner 300.

[0263] On the other hand, a second vacuum cleaner flow path 182 may be formed in the lower coupling part 160. The second vacuum cleaner flow path 182 may be formed to communicate with the dust suction hole 162.

[0264] On the other hand, with reference to Figure 7 and Figure 16 , the dust collection part 170 is described as follows.

[0265] The vacuum cleaner base station 100 may include a dust collection part 170. The dust collection part 170 may be disposed inside the cover 110. The dust collection part 170 may be disposed on the lower side in the gravitational direction of the coupling part 120.

[0266] As an example, the dust collection part 170 may refer to a dust bag that collects dust sucked from the inside of the dust bin 220 of the vacuum cleaner 200 by the dust collection motor 191.

[0267] The dust collection part 170 may be detachably coupled to the cover 110.

[0268] Therefore, the dust collection unit 170 can be separated from the cover 110 and discarded, and a new dust collection unit 170 can be coupled to the cover 110. That is, the dust collection unit 170 can be defined as a consumable component.

[0269] If suction force is generated by the dust collection motor 191, the dust bag can increase in volume while allowing dust to be accommodated therein.

[0270] For this purpose, the dust bag can be formed of a material that allows air to pass through and prevents foreign substances such as dust from passing through. As an example, the dust bag can be formed of a non-woven fabric material and can have a hexahedral shape based on the increased volume.

[0271] Therefore, the user does not need to separately tie up the bag for collecting dust, etc., and thus the convenience of the user can be improved.

[0272] Differently, the dust bag can be formed of a non-permeable material. For example, the dust bag can include a roll of plastic (not shown). In this case, the dust bag can be joined by a joining machine. According to this configuration, if the dust bag is sealed or joined, it is possible to prevent the dust or odor collected inside the dust bag from leaking to the outside of the dust bag. In this case, the dust bag can be installed in the cover 110 through a dust bag case (not shown). As needed, the dust bag can be replaced through the dust bag case.

[0273] On the other hand, the vacuum cleaner base station 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a sterilization module (not shown).

[0274] The sterilization module (not shown) can be provided on the flow path unit 180, or at least one sterilization module (not shown) can be provided around the dust collection unit 170.

[0275] The sterilization module (not shown) is configured to sterilize the dust collected in the dust collection unit 170. The sterilization module (not shown) can include a light source that irradiates sterilization light and a protection panel disposed below the light source to protect the light source.

[0276] Here, the light source can include at least one light-emitting diode (LED), and the light-emitting diode can irradiate sterilization light having bactericidal power that can remove bacteria. The sterilization light irradiated by the light source can have different wavelengths according to the type of the light-emitting diode.

[0277] As an example, the light source can be a light-emitting diode that irradiates ultraviolet rays in the range of the UV-C wavelength. Or as another example, the light source can be a light-emitting diode that irradiates visible light having a wavelength of 405 nm.

[0278] To prevent damage to the light source, the protection panel can be arranged at a prescribed distance below the light source and separated therefrom. At this time, the protection panel can be made of a material with the maximum transmittance of the light source. As an example, the protection panel can be made of quartz.

[0279] The vacuum cleaner base station 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention has a sterilization module (not shown) for performing sterilization to prevent bacteria from breeding in the dust collection unit 170, so that the dust collection unit 170 that stores the inhaled dust for a long time can be hygienically managed.

[0280] Figure 13 The figure shows a flow path switching module in the flow path unit of a vacuum cleaner base station for explaining an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 The figure shows the configuration relationship between the first vacuum cleaner flow path and the dust collection flow path in the flow path unit of a vacuum cleaner base station for explaining an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 The figure shows the configuration relationship between the second vacuum cleaner flow path and the dust collection flow path in the flow path unit of a vacuum cleaner base station for explaining an embodiment of the present invention.

[0281] Refer to Figures 7 to 15 , and the flow path unit 180 of the vacuum cleaner base station according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described as follows.

[0282] The vacuum cleaner base station 100 can include a flow path unit 180. The flow path unit 180 can connect the dust bins 220, 310 of the vacuum cleaners 200, 300 to the dust collection unit 170. That is, the flow path unit 180 can connect the dust bin 220 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 or the dust bin 310 of the second vacuum cleaner 300 to the dust collection unit 170.

[0283] The flow path unit 180 can include a first vacuum cleaner flow path 181, a second vacuum cleaner flow path 182, a flow path switching module 183, and a dust collection flow path 184.

[0284] The first vacuum cleaner flow path 181 is arranged inside the cover body 110 and is flow-connected to the dust bin 220 of the first vacuum cleaner 200.

[0285] The first vacuum cleaner flow path 181 can connect the dust bin 220 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 to the dust collection unit 170. The first vacuum cleaner flow path 181 can be arranged at the rear side of the coupling part 120. The first vacuum cleaner flow path 181 can represent the space between the dust bin 220 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 and the dust collection unit 170.

[0286] The first vacuum cleaner flow path 181 can be formed in a shape that extends rearward from the coupling part 120 and then bends and extends downward.

[0287] Specifically, the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181 includes a first flow path 181a. The first flow path 181a can communicate with the dust through hole 121a and can be formed behind the joint portion 120 along the front-rear direction of the vacuum cleaner base 100.

[0288] In a state where the first vacuum cleaner 200 is coupled to the vacuum cleaner base 100 and the door 141 and the discharge cover 222 are open, the space inside the dust bin 220, the dust through hole 121a, and the first flow path 181a can communicate with each other.

[0289] As the first flow path 181a is formed along the front-rear direction of the vacuum cleaner base 100, sufficient space can be provided for the air and foreign substances inside the dust bin 220 to flow into the inside of the vacuum cleaner base 100 when the dust collection motor 191 operates.

[0290] In addition, the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181 includes a second flow path 181b. The second flow path 181b can communicate with the first flow path 181a and can be formed along the up-down direction of the vacuum cleaner base 100.

[0291] At this time, the up-down direction length of the second flow path 181b can be greater than the front-rear direction length of the first flow path 181a. According to this configuration, flow path loss can be minimized.

[0292] The diameter of the upper side of the second flow path 181b can be greater than the diameter of the lower side. That is, the second flow path 181b can be formed in a shape where the diameter becomes smaller from the upper side to the lower side. According to this configuration, the following effects are achieved: The air and foreign substances flowing in from the inside of the dust bin 220 can be concentrated and sucked into the dust collection unit 170, and the flow velocity increases as it approaches the lower part of the second flow path 181b, thereby increasing the suction force.

[0293] On the other hand, in the vacuum cleaner base 100 of the embodiment of the present invention, the second flow path 181b can be formed perpendicular to the ground or at a predetermined angle with respect to the ground.

[0294] Specifically, in this embodiment, a virtual line passing through the inside of the second flow path 181b can be formed. That is, the vacuum cleaner base 100 of the present invention can include a virtual first vacuum cleaner flow path through line P1 that penetrates the second flow path 181b in the length direction.

[0295] The first vacuum cleaner flow path through line P1 can be formed along the length direction (axial direction) of the second flow path 181b and can be formed to penetrate the inside of the second flow path 181b.

[0296] On the other hand, the lower part of the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181 can be connected to the flow path switching module 183. Specifically, the lower part of the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181 can communicate with the connection pipe 1832 provided in the flow path switching module 183. That is, the lower part of the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181 can communicate with the flow path (hereinafter referred to as "connection flow path") formed inside the connection pipe 1832.

[0297] According to this configuration, the dust in the dust bin 220 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 can move through the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181 via the connection flow path and the dust collection flow path 184 to the dust collection part 170.

[0298] The second vacuum cleaner flow path 182 is arranged inside the cover body 110 and is connected to the dust bin 310 of the second vacuum cleaner 300.

[0299] The second vacuum cleaner flow path 182 can connect the dust bin 310 of the second vacuum cleaner 300 and the dust collection part 170.

[0300] The second vacuum cleaner flow path 182 can be formed from the lower coupling part 160 toward the rear, and after being bent, it can be formed upward.

[0301] Specifically, the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182 includes a third flow path 182a. The third flow path 182a can communicate with the dust suction hole 162 and is formed from the dust suction hole 162 toward the rear in the front-rear direction of the vacuum cleaner base 100. For example, the third flow path 182a can be formed from the dust suction hole 162 toward the rear in a direction parallel to the ground.

[0302] The space inside the dust bin 310 of the second vacuum cleaner 300 can communicate with the dust suction hole 162 and the third flow path 182a. That is, when the dust collection motor 191 operates, the second vacuum cleaner discharge cover 330 can be opened under the suction force of the dust collection motor 191. At this time, the space inside the dust bin 310 of the second vacuum cleaner 300 can communicate with the dust suction hole 162 and the third flow path 182a, and the dust stored inside the dust bin 310 can pass through the dust suction hole 162 and the third flow path 182a.

[0303] In addition, the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182 includes a fourth flow path 182b. The fourth flow path 182b can communicate with the third flow path 182a and can be formed in the up-down direction of the vacuum cleaner base 100. That is, the fourth flow path 182b can be bent upward from the third flow path 182a and can be formed in a direction perpendicular to the ground. When the dust collection motor 191 operates, the dust stored inside the dust bin 310 can flow upward against gravity under the suction force of the dust collection motor 191.

[0304] In addition, the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182 includes a fifth flow path 182c. The fifth flow path 182c can communicate with the fourth flow path 182b and is formed at a specified angle with the ground.

[0305] The fifth flow path 182c can be arranged between the first flow path 181a and the dust collection flow path 184.

[0306] Since the fifth flow path 182c is arranged farther from the ground than the dust collection flow path 184, foreign objects (dust) flowing into the dust collection flow path 184 can be prevented from flowing back to the second vacuum cleaner flow path 181. At the same time, since the fifth flow path 182c is arranged closer to the ground than the first flow path 181a, there is an effect that, by the operation of the dust collection motor 191, the distance that foreign objects in the dust bin 310 of the second vacuum cleaner 300 overcome gravity and flow upward can be minimized.

[0307] The fifth flow path 182c can represent a flow path formed to be bent at a specified angle from the fourth flow path 182b.

[0308] One end of the fifth flow path 182c in the axial direction is connected to the fourth flow path 182b. In addition, the other end of the fifth flow path 182c in the axial direction can be connected to a connection pipe 1832 provided in the flow path switching module 183.

[0309] At this time, at least a part of one end of the fifth flow path 182c can be arranged at a higher position than the other end. According to this configuration, the air and foreign objects passing through the fourth flow path 182b can move toward the dust collection flow path 184 under the action of gravity.

[0310] On the other hand, in this embodiment, a virtual line can be formed to penetrate the inside of the fifth flow path 182c. That is, the vacuum cleaner base station 100 of the present invention can include a virtual second vacuum cleaner flow path penetration line P2 that penetrates the fifth flow path 182c in the length direction.

[0311] The second vacuum cleaner flow path penetration line P2 is formed along the length direction (axial direction) of the fifth flow path 182c and is formed to penetrate the inside of the fifth flow path 182c.

[0312] On the other hand, the diameter of the fourth flow path 182b can be smaller than the diameter of the fifth flow path 182c. At this time, the flow velocity of the air and foreign objects flowing in the fourth flow path 182b can be faster than the flow velocity of the air and foreign objects flowing in the fifth flow path 182c. Therefore, the dust stored in the dust bin 310 of the second vacuum cleaner 300 can overcome gravity, flow upward along the fourth flow path 182b, and then flow downward along the fifth flow path 182c.

[0313] According to this configuration, the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182 can collect the dust stored in the second vacuum cleaner 300, and the second vacuum cleaner 300 is arranged at a position closer to the ground than the dust collection unit 170.

[0314] The fifth flow path 182c can communicate with the fourth flow path 182b and the dust collection flow path 184.

[0315] On the other hand, the lower part of the fifth flow path 182c can be connected to the flow path switching module 183. Specifically, the lower part of the fifth flow path 182c can communicate with the connecting pipe 1832 provided in the flow path switching module 183. That is, the lower part of the fifth flow path 181 can communicate with the flow path (connecting flow path) formed inside the connecting pipe 1832.

[0316] According to this configuration, the dust in the dust bin 310 of the second vacuum cleaner 300 can move to the dust collection unit 170 through the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182 via the connecting flow path and the dust collection flow path 184.

[0317] The flow path switching module 183 is a component that selectively connects the dust collection flow path 184 to the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181 or the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182.

[0318] The flow path switching module 183 can selectively connect the dust collection unit 170 arranged in the cover body 110 to the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181 or the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182.

[0319] The flow path switching module 183 can be arranged between the dust collection unit 170 and the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181 and the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182. The flow path switching module 183 can selectively open and close the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181 or the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a decrease in suction force due to the simultaneous opening of a plurality of flow paths 181 and 182.

[0320] For example, when only the first vacuum cleaner 200 is combined in the vacuum cleaner base station 100, the flow path switching module 183 can connect the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181 to the dust collection unit 170 and block the connection between the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182 and the dust collection unit 170.

[0321] In addition, when only the second vacuum cleaner 300 is combined in the vacuum cleaner base station 100, the flow path switching module 183 can connect the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182 to the dust collection unit 170 and block the connection between the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181 and the dust collection unit 170.

[0322] For the sake of easy understanding, the directions of the flow path switching module 183 are defined as follows. Centering on the housing 1831, the direction where the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182 is provided can be defined as the rear. Centering on the housing 1831, the direction where the drive cam 1836 is provided can be defined as the front. Centering on the housing 1831, the direction where the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181 is provided can be defined as the upper side. Centering on the housing 1831, the direction where the dust collection part 170 is provided can be defined as the lower side.

[0323] The flow path switching module 183 is arranged inside the cover body 110.

[0324] The flow path switching module 183 includes a housing 1831, a connecting pipe 1832, a first link 1833, a second link 1834, a switching motor 1835, and a drive cam 1836.

[0325] The flow path switching module 183 includes a housing 1831. The housing 1831 is a component that forms the appearance and forms a framework for other plural components to be combined or supported by other plural components.

[0326] The housing 1831 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a space provided inside, and has a first vacuum cleaner flow path connection part 1831b connected to the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181 and a second vacuum cleaner flow path connection part 1831c connected to the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182. In addition, the housing 1831 has a dust collection flow path connection part 1831d connected to the dust collection flow path 184.

[0327] The housing 1831 can form an arc on the inner circumferential surface. The inner circumferential surface of the housing 1831 constitutes a part of a virtual circle centered on the central axis. Refer to Figure 11 , the central axis 1831a of the housing is arranged along the left - right direction of the vacuum cleaner base station 100.

[0328] The first vacuum cleaner flow path connection part 1831b can be formed to protrude outward in the radial direction from the housing 1831. The first vacuum cleaner flow path connection part 1831b can be formed to protrude upward. A flange can be formed at the end of the first vacuum cleaner flow path connection part 1831b. As the flange is inserted into the groove formed in the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181, the first vacuum cleaner flow path connection part 1831b can be connected to the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181.

[0329] The second vacuum cleaner flow path connection part 1831c can be formed to protrude outward in the radial direction from the housing 1831. The second vacuum cleaner flow path connection part 1831c can be formed to protrude rearward from the housing 1831. A flange can be formed at the end of the second vacuum cleaner flow path connection part 1831c. As the flange is inserted into the groove formed in the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182, the second vacuum cleaner flow path connection part 1831c can be connected to the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182.

[0330] The dust collection flow path connection part 1831d can be formed to protrude radially outward from the housing 1831. The dust collection flow path connection part 1831d can be formed to protrude downward. A flange can be formed at the end of the dust collection flow path connection part 1831d, and as the flange is inserted into the groove formed in the dust collection flow path 184, the dust collection flow path connection part 1831d can be connected to the dust collection flow path 184.

[0331] The housing 1831 can be detachably coupled to the cover 110. The housing 1831 is inserted into the cover 110, and as the flange formed on the first vacuum cleaner flow path connection part 1831b is inserted into the groove of the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181, the flange formed on the second vacuum cleaner flow path connection part 1831c is inserted into the groove of the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182, and the flange formed on the dust collection flow path connection part 1831d is inserted into the groove of the dust collection flow path 184, it is fixed. After that, the housing 1831 can be threadedly coupled to the cover 110 using at least one screw.

[0332] The flow path switching module 183 includes a connection pipe 1832. The connection pipe 1832 is a component that selectively communicates the dust collection flow path 184 with the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181 or the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182.

[0333] As the inlet 1832a of the connection pipe 1832 moves along the inner circumferential surface of the housing 1831, the connection pipe 1832 is selectively coupled to either the first vacuum cleaner flow path connection part 1831b or the second vacuum cleaner flow path connection part 1831c. The outlet 1832b of the connection pipe is coupled to the dust collection flow path connection part 1831d.

[0334] That is, the connection pipe 1832 can be disposed inside the flow path switching module 183, one end of the connection pipe 1832 can be connected to the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181 or the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182, and the other end of the connection pipe 1832 can be connected to the dust collection flow path 184.

[0335] The inlet 1832a of the connection pipe 1832 can be disposed at a position closer to the upper side than the outlet 1832b of the connection pipe. That is, one end of the connection pipe 1832 can be disposed farther from the ground than the other end of the connection pipe 1832.

[0336] According to this configuration, the air and dust flowing in from the inlet 1832a of the connection pipe 1832 can be accelerated under the action of gravity and can flow out from the outlet 1832b of the connection pipe 1832. Therefore, even if the connection pipe 1832 is bent at a specified angle, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of flow path loss.

[0337] The connecting pipe 1832 can be formed of a stretchable material. For example, the connecting pipe 1832 can be made of rubber or resin material. Thus, the shape of the connecting pipe 1832 can be deformed during movement.

[0338] Alternatively, wrinkles can be formed in at least a part of the connecting pipe 1832. Thus, the connecting pipe 1832 can undergo structural deformation.

[0339] The inlet 1832a of the connecting pipe 1832 can be selectively coupled to either the first vacuum cleaner flow path connection part 1831b or the second vacuum cleaner flow path connection part 1831c. The connecting pipe 1832 can be coupled to the first vacuum cleaner flow path connection part 1831b to communicate the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181 with the dust collection part 170. Alternatively, the connecting pipe 1832 can be coupled to the second vacuum cleaner flow path connection part 1831c to communicate the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182 with the dust collection part 170.

[0340] The inlet 1832a of the connecting pipe 1832 moves along the inner circumferential surface of the housing 1831. Specifically, the inlet 1832a of the connecting pipe 1832 can move along the inner circumferential surface of the housing 1831 while being separated from the housing 1831 by a predetermined distance or more. Therefore, there is an effect of preventing damage to the seal 1832c disposed at the inlet 1832a of the connecting pipe 1832 during the movement of the connecting pipe 1832 along the inner circumferential surface of the housing 1831.

[0341] The outlet 1832b of the connecting pipe 1832 is coupled to the dust collection flow path connection part 1831d. The outlet 1832b of the connecting pipe 1832 is fixedly coupled to the dust collection flow path connection part 1831d and is always in communication with the dust collection part 170.

[0342] The flow path switching module 183 includes a first link 1833. The first link 1833 is a component that transmits the power of the motor to the connecting pipe 1832 to move the connecting pipe 1832.

[0343] One side of the first link 1833 is rotatably coupled to the housing 1831, and the other side is coupled to the connecting pipe 1832.

[0344] The first link 1833 rotates about a rotation axis 1833a disposed on one side. The first link 1833 is rotatably coupled to the housing 1831 through the rotation axis 1833a of the first link 1833. The first link 1833 is rotatably coupled to the housing 1831.

[0345] The rotation axis 1833a of the first link becomes the rotation center for rotating the first link 1833. The rotation axis 1833a of the first link is rotatably coupled to the housing 1831.

[0346] The connecting portion 1833b of the first link 1833 extends in one direction from the rotation axis 1833a of the first link, is connected to the connecting pipe 1832, and is disposed at the end of the first link 1833.

[0347] The connecting portion 1833b of the first link is hinge-coupled to the inlet 1832a of the connecting pipe 1832. The first link 1833 is connected to the connecting pipe 1832 through the connecting portion 1833b of the first link. Therefore, when the first link 1833 rotates, the connecting pipe 1832 can move.

[0348] The first link 1833 extends from the rotation axis 1833a. The connecting portion 1833b of the first link is disposed at the rear end of the first link 1833. The connecting portion 1833b of the first link can be connected to the rear of the inlet 1832a of the connecting pipe 1832.

[0349] The first link 1833 includes a gear portion 1833c.

[0350] The gear portion 1833c of the first link 1833 can extend from the rotation axis 1833a of the first link in the opposite direction to the connecting portion 1833b. The first link 1833 can extend forward from the rotation axis 1833a of the first link, and the gear portion 1833c of the first link is disposed at the front end of the first link 1833.

[0351] Gear teeth are formed at the end of the gear portion 1833c of the first link. The gear portion 1833c of the first link 1833 is connected to the gear portion 1836c of the drive cam 1836. Specifically, the gear portion 1833c of the first link meshes with the gear portion 1836c of the drive cam.

[0352] The first link includes a partition wall 1833d.

[0353] The partition wall 1833d of the first link is a component that prevents the flow path switching module 183 from separating when the connecting pipe 1832 is in a specific position. Specifically, in the case where the connecting pipe 1832 is not combined with the first vacuum cleaner flow path connecting portion 1831b, but during the process of the connecting pipe 1832 being combined with the second vacuum cleaner flow path portion 1831c or when the connecting pipe 1832 is located between the first vacuum cleaner flow path portion 1831b and the second vacuum cleaner flow path portion 1831c, it can block the separation of the flow path switching module 183.

[0354] The partition wall 1833d of the first link extends radially outward of the gear portion 1833c of the first link.

[0355] That is, the partition wall 1833d of the first link is disposed at a part of the gear portion 1833c of the first link. The partition wall 1833d of the first link covers a part of the gear portion 1833c. That is, a part of the gear portion 1833c of the first link overlaps with the partition wall 1833d, and the remaining part does not overlap with the partition wall 1833d. In addition, as the drive cam 1836 rotates, a part of the gear portion 1836c of the drive cam that meshes with the gear portion 1833c of the first link may overlap with the partition wall 1833d.

[0356] Therefore, during the process of the assembly including the housing 1831 and the first link 1833 moving toward the side of the vacuum cleaner base station 100, as the drive cam 1836 rotates, the gear portion 1836c of the drive cam and the partition wall 1833d of the first link get stuck with each other, thereby being able to restrict the separation of the assembly.

[0357] Specifically, if as the drive cam 1836 rotates, the gear portion 1836c of the drive cam and the partition wall 1833d are disposed at overlapping positions with each other, the partition wall 1833d is stuck by the gear portion 1836c of the drive cam and the assembly cannot be separated. On the contrary, if as the drive cam rotates, the partition wall 1833d of the first link and the gear portion 1836c of the drive cam are disposed at non-overlapping positions, the flow path switching module 183 can be easily separated.

[0358] More specifically, when the connection tube 1832 is combined with the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181, the partition wall 1833d of the first link and the drive cam 1836 are configured not to overlap in the front - rear direction. In addition, when the connection tube 1832 is combined with the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182, the partition wall 1833d of the first link and the drive cam 1836 are configured to overlap in the front - rear direction. In addition, when the connection tube 1832 is disposed between the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181 and the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182, the partition wall 1833d of the first link and the drive cam 1836 are configured to overlap in the front - rear direction. Therefore, the flow path switching module 183 can be separated only when the connection tube 1832 is connected to the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181, thereby having the effect of preventing the falling dust from scattering through the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181 during the process of combination or separation.

[0359] The flow path switching module 183 includes a second link 1834. The second link 1834 is a component that moves the connection tube 1832 together with the first link 1833.

[0360] One side of the second link 1834 is rotatably coupled to the housing 1831, and the other side is coupled to the connection tube 1832.

[0361] The second link 1834 rotates about a rotation axis 1834a disposed on one side. One side of the second link 1834 is rotatably coupled to the housing 1831. The second link 1834 rotates about a rotation axis 1834a disposed on one side. The rotation axis 1834a of the second link may be disposed at an end of the second link 1834. The second link 1834 is rotatably coupled to the housing 1831.

[0362] The rotation axis 1834a of the second link serves as a rotation center for rotating the second link 1834. The rotation axis 1834a of the second link extends from the second link 1834 toward the housing 1831. The rotation axis 1834a of the second link is rotatably coupled to the housing 1831.

[0363] The second link 1834 extends in one direction from the rotation axis 1834a of the second link, and a connection portion 1834b for connecting to the connection pipe 1832 is disposed at the end.

[0364] The connection portion 1834b of the second link is hinge-coupled to the inlet of the connection pipe 1832. The second link 1834 is connected to the connection pipe 1832 through the connection portion 1834b of the second link. Therefore, when the second link 1834 rotates, the connection pipe 1832 can move.

[0365] One side of the second link 1834 is coupled to the housing 1831, and the other side of the second link 1834 is coupled to the connection pipe 1832. Specifically, one end of the second link 1834 becomes the rotation axis 1834a and is coupled to the housing 1831. The other end of the second link 1834 becomes the connection portion 1834b and is hinge-coupled to the inlet 1832a of the connection pipe 1832.

[0366] The rotation axis 1834a of the second link is disposed at the lower portion of the second link 1834 and is rotatably coupled to the housing 1831. The second link 1834 is formed to extend upward from the rotation axis 1834a of the second link. The connection portion 1834b of the second link is disposed at the upper end of the second link 1834. The connection portion 1834b of the second link can be connected to the inlet of the connection pipe 1832.

[0367] Therefore, during the movement of the inlet of the connection pipe 1832, the inlet of the connection pipe 1832 can move at a predetermined distance from the housing 1831.

[0368] At least one of the rotation axis 1833a of the first link and the rotation axis 1834a of the second link is disposed at a distance from the central axis 1831a of the housing 1831.

[0369] The rotation axis 1833a of the first link can be arranged in front of the central axis 1831a of the housing 1831. The rotation axis 1834a of the second link can be arranged below the central axis 1831a of the housing 1831. The rotation axis 1833a of the first link can be arranged at a distance from the rotation axis 1834a of the second link.

[0370] Due to such an arrangement, the rotation axis 1833a of the first link and the rotation axis 1834a of the second link become two foci, and the connecting pipe 1832 can move along an elliptical trajectory. That is, the trajectories of the connecting portion 1833b of the first link and the connecting portion 1834b of the second link are offset, and the inlet 1832a of the connecting pipe has an elliptical trajectory and moves.

[0371] Therefore, the inlet 1832a of the connecting pipe can be separated from the inner peripheral surface of the housing 1831 by a distance greater than a specified distance during movement.

[0372] When the connecting pipe 1832 is combined with either the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181 or the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182, it adheres to the inner peripheral surface of the housing 1831, and is separated from the inner peripheral surface of the housing 1831 when moving from either the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181 or the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182 to the other.

[0373] Therefore, the seal 1832c of the connecting pipe 1832 will not be damaged by friction during the movement between the first vacuum cleaner flow path connection portion 1831b and the second vacuum cleaner flow path connection portion 1831c.

[0374] In the flow path switching module 183, the radius of curvature of the inner peripheral surface of the housing 1831 can be smaller than the radius of curvature formed by the trajectory of the inlet 1832a of the connecting pipe 1832. The trajectory of the inlet 1832a of the connecting pipe 1832 can be formed in a shape similar to an ellipse, and the radius of curvature of the ellipse can be greater than the radius of curvature of the inner peripheral surface of the housing 1831.

[0375] The trajectory of the inlet of the connecting pipe 1832 is an ellipse with the rotation axis 1833a of the first link and the rotation axis (1833b) of the second link as foci, and the radius of curvature formed by the trajectory of the inlet 1832a of the connecting pipe 1832 is obviously greater than the radius of curvature of the inner peripheral surface of the housing 1831.

[0376] Since the radius of curvature of the ellipse is greater than the radius of curvature of the inner peripheral surface of the housing 1831, the inlet 1832a of the connecting pipe 1832 can be separated from the inside of the inner peripheral surface of the housing 1831 when moving along the inner peripheral surface of the housing 1831.

[0377] The flow path switching module 183 includes a plurality of link rods. One side of the plurality of link rods is rotatably coupled to the housing 1831, and the other side is coupled to the connection pipe 1832. The link rods may be a first link rod 1833 and a second link rod 1834.

[0378] In at least one of the plurality of link rods, the radius of curvature of the trajectory of the end portion connected to the housing 1831 may be greater than the radius of curvature of the inner circumferential surface of the housing 1831. The radius of curvature R2 of the second trajectory may be greater than the radius of curvature of the inner circumferential surface of the housing 1831, and the radius of curvature R1 of the first trajectory may be greater than the radius of curvature R2 of the second trajectory and the radius of curvature of the inner circumferential surface of the housing 1831.

[0379] The length of the first link rod 1833 may be greater than the length of the second link rod 1834.

[0380] When observing the flow path switching module 183 from one side, the first link rod 1833 may cross the second link rod 1834.

[0381] Since the length of the first link rod 1833 is formed to be different from the length of the second link rod 1834 and the first link rod 1833 and the second link rod 1834 are arranged in a crossed manner, the inlet 1832a of the connection pipe 1832 may be spaced apart from the inner circumferential surface of the housing 1831 during the movement between the first vacuum cleaner flow path connection portion 1831b and the second vacuum cleaner flow path connection portion 1831c.

[0382] The flow path switching module 183 includes a switching motor 1835 and a drive cam 1836.

[0383] The switching motor 1835 is disposed on one side of the housing 1831 and generates power to move the connection pipe 1832.

[0384] The switching motor 1835 may be a bidirectional motor capable of rotating in both directions. That is, the switching motor 1835 may rotate in the clockwise direction or the counterclockwise direction. For example, when the switching motor 1835 rotates in the clockwise direction, the connection pipe 1832 is connected to the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182. On the contrary, when the switching motor 1835 rotates in the counterclockwise direction, the connection pipe 1832 is connected to the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181.

[0385] The drive cam 1836 is coupled to the switching motor 1835 and transmits the power of the switching motor 1835 to the first link rod 1833.

[0386] The drive cam 1836 is coupled to the switching motor 1835 and includes a detection portion 1836b protruding to one side, and transmits the power of the switching motor 1835 to the connection pipe 1832.

[0387] The drive cam 1836 is coupled to the shaft of the switching motor 1835. Thus, the drive cam 1836 rotates integrally with the shaft of the switching motor 1835.

[0388] The drive cam 1836 includes a gear portion 1836c. The gear portion 1836c of the drive cam may be formed in a shape protruding radially outward of the drive cam.

[0389] The gear portion 1836c of the drive cam is connected to the gear portion 1833c of the first link. That is, the gear portion 1836c of the drive cam is meshingly connected to the gear portion 1833c of the first link. Therefore, if the drive cam 1836 rotates clockwise, the first link 1833 rotates counterclockwise, and if the drive cam 1836 rotates counterclockwise, the first link 1833 rotates clockwise.

[0390] The flow path switching module 183 includes a detection unit 1836b and a position sensor 1837, and thus can determine the position of the connection pipe 1832.

[0391] The detection unit 1836b is formed on the drive cam 1836 and protrudes radially outward of the shaft of the switching motor 1835.

[0392] The position sensor 1837 is disposed on one side of the detection unit 1836b, is turned on (On) - off (Off) by the detection unit 1836b, and detects the position of the connection pipe 1832.

[0393] As an example, the position sensor 1837 includes a microswitch. The microswitch is disposed on one side of the detection unit 1836b. Thus, the microswitch emits a signal when it is pressed by the detection unit 1836b (On). On the contrary, the microswitch does not emit a signal when it is not pressed by the detection unit 1836b (Off).

[0394] The signal may be transmitted to the control unit 400, and the control unit 400 may determine the position of the connection pipe 1832 based on whether there is a signal and the transmission time of the signal.

[0395] The detection unit 1836b may be composed of a plurality of surfaces. The plurality of surfaces may be outer peripheral surfaces formed radially outward of the rotation axis 1836a of the drive cam 1836, and each of the plurality of surfaces may be formed to have different radii centered on the rotation axis of the drive cam 1836.

[0396] Specifically, when the surface with a relatively large radius in the detection unit 1836b contacts the switch of the position sensor 1837, the position sensor 1837 is turned on by pressing the switch of the position sensor 1837, and the position sensor 1837 transmits an on signal to the control unit 400. On the contrary, when the surface with a relatively small radius in the detection unit 1836b faces the switch of the position sensor 1837, the switch of the position sensor 1837 is not pressed, and the position sensor 1837 is turned off, and the position sensor 1837 transmits an off signal to the control unit 400 or does not transmit a signal to the control unit 400.

[0397] The flow path switching module 183 may further include an elastic member 1838. The elastic member 1838 is a component that helps the movement of the inlet of the connecting tube 1832.

[0398] One side of the elastic member 1838 is connected to the housing 1831, and the other side is connected to the second link 1834.

[0399] The elastic member 1838 may be a torsion spring.

[0400] The elastic member 1838 is stretched when the connecting tube 1832 is connected to the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181. In addition, the elastic member 1838 is compressed when the connecting tube 1832 is connected to the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182.

[0401] In a state where the connecting tube 1832 is connected to the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182, the elastic member 1838 helps the connecting tube 1832 to move toward the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181. The first link 1833 can easily guide the connecting tube 1832 connected to the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181 to the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182 by pulling the connecting tube 1832 backward. Differently, the first link 1833 pushes the connecting tube 1832 connected to the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182 forward and upward to guide it to the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181, and on the path where the connecting tube 1832 moves, a problem may occur that a part of the connecting tube 1832 is stuck. At this time, the elastic force of the elastic member 1838 pulls the connecting portion 1834b of the second link 1834, so that the connecting tube 1832 can be easily separated from the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182.

[0402] The flow path switching module 183 includes a stop sensor 1839 and a stopper 1836d, so as to be able to block the connecting tube 1832 from moving upward beyond the limit position.

[0403] The stopper 1836d is disposed on one side of the drive cam 1836. The stopper 1836d protrudes radially outward from the drive cam 1835.

[0404] The stop sensor 1839 may be disposed adjacent to the drive cam 1836.

[0405] The stop sensor 1839 may be an infrared sensor or a contact sensor. When the stopper 1836d is disposed at a position close to the stop sensor 1839, the stop sensor 1839 may detect the position of the stopper 1836d and send a signal. In addition, the signal sent by the stop sensor 1839 is transmitted to the control unit 400.

[0406] When receiving a signal from the stop sensor 1839, the control unit 400 may determine that the connection pipe 1832 and the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181 are completely combined, and stop the operation of the switching motor 1835.

[0407] The flow path switching module 183 of the present invention may be detachably coupled to the cover 110. A chamber for disposing the flow path switching module 183 is formed in the cover 110, and the flow path switching module 183 is disposed in the chamber and connected to the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181, the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182, and the dust collection flow path 184.

[0408] Air and dust flow through the flow path switching module 183, and there is a risk of malfunction due to dust contamination or dust accumulation. Therefore, there is a need for easy separation and cleaning. According to the present invention, the flow path switching module 183 can be easily coupled or separated from the cover 110, and thus has the effect of being easily separated and cleaned.

[0409] The connection pipe 1832 and the first link 1833 are coupled to the housing 1831 to form an assembly, and the assembly may be integrally coupled or separated from the cover 110. The housing 1831, the connection pipe 1832, the first link 1833, and the second link 1834 may form an assembly. The assembly may be assembled before being coupled to the cover 110 and may be coupled or separated from the cover 110 as a single component.

[0410] Each flange of the assembly may be slidably inserted into a plurality of flange grooves and coupled to the cover 110. After the assembly is coupled to the cover 110, it may be more firmly fixed using screws or the like.

[0411] The flow path switching module 183 is detachably coupled to the cover 110, but is separated when connected to either the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181 or the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182. As an example, the flow path switching module 183 may be separated when the connection pipe 1832 is connected to the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181. When the connection pipe 1832 is connected to the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182, the partition wall 1833d may be caught by the gear portion 1836c of the drive cam and restricted from being separated.

[0412] One side of the dust collection flow path 184 is selectively connected to either the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181 or the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182, and the other side is connected to the dust collection unit 170. For example, the upper end of the dust collection flow path 184 is selectively connected to either the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181 or the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182, and the lower end is connected to the dust collection unit 170.

[0413] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a virtual line penetrating the inside of the dust collection flow path 184 may be formed. That is, the vacuum cleaner base station 100 of the present invention may include a virtual dust collection flow path penetration line P3 penetrating the dust collection flow path 184 in the longitudinal direction.

[0414] The dust collection flow path penetration line P3 may be formed along the length direction (axial direction) of the dust collection flow path 184 and formed to penetrate the inside of the dust collection flow path 184. The dust collection flow path penetration line P3 is arranged parallel to the vertical line V.

[0415] The inlet of the dust collection flow path 184 is combined with the housing 1831 and communicated with the connecting pipe 1832 combined with the housing 1831.

[0416] As Figure 14 described, when the connecting pipe 1832 is connected to the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181, the dust collection flow path 184 is connected to the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181, and air can flow in the dust collection flow path 184. Differently, as Figure 15 shown, when the connecting pipe 1832 is connected to the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182, the dust collection flow path 184 is connected to the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182, and air can flow in the dust collection flow path 184.

[0417] On the other hand, referring to Figure 7 and Figure 16 , the dust suction module 190 is described as follows.

[0418] The vacuum cleaner base station 100 may include a dust suction module 190. The dust suction module 190 may include a dust collection motor 191, a first filter (not shown), and a second filter (not shown).

[0419] The dust collection motor 191 may be arranged below the dust collection unit 170. The dust collection motor 191 may generate a suction force toward the flow path unit 180. Thus, the dust collection motor 191 may provide a suction force capable of sucking the dust in the dust bin 220 of the vacuum cleaner 200.

[0420] The dust collection motor 191 may generate a suction force by rotation. As an example, the dust collection motor 191 may be formed in a shape similar to a cylinder.

[0421] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a virtual dust collection motor axis C extending the rotation axis of the dust collection motor 191 may be formed.

[0422] A first filter (not shown) may be disposed between the dust collection unit 170 and the dust collection motor 191. The first filter may be a pre-filter.

[0423] A second filter (not shown) may be disposed between the dust collection motor 191 and the outer wall surface 112. The second filter (not shown) may be a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.

[0424] On the other hand, the vacuum cleaner base station 100 may further include a charging unit 128. The charging unit 128 may be disposed at the coupling part 120. The charging unit 128 may be electrically connected to the first vacuum cleaner 200 coupled to the coupling part 120. The charging unit 128 may supply power to the battery of the first vacuum cleaner 200 coupled to the coupling part 120.

[0425] In addition, the vacuum cleaner base station 100 may further include a side door (not shown). The side door may be disposed on the cover body 110. The side door may selectively expose the dust collection unit 170 to the outside. Thus, the user can easily remove the dust collection unit 170 from the vacuum cleaner base station 100.

[0426] On the other hand, Figure 16 A block diagram for explaining the control configuration in the vacuum cleaner base station according to an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

[0427] Referring to Figure 16 , the control configuration of the vacuum cleaner base station 100 of the present invention will be described as follows.

[0428] The vacuum cleaner base station 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a control unit 400 for controlling the coupling part 120, the fixing unit 130, the door unit 140, the cover opening unit 150, the lower coupling part 160, the dust collection unit 170, the flow path unit 180, and the dust suction module 190.

[0429] The control unit 400 may be composed of a printed circuit board and a plurality of components mounted on the printed circuit board.

[0430] If the coupling sensor 125 senses the coupling of the first vacuum cleaner 200, the coupling sensor 125 may send a signal that the first vacuum cleaner 200 has been coupled to the coupling part 120. At this time, the control unit 400 may receive the signal of the coupling sensor 125 and determine that the first vacuum cleaner 200 has been coupled to the coupling part 120.

[0431] In addition, if power is supplied from the charging unit 128 to the battery 240 of the first vacuum cleaner 200, the control unit 400 may determine that the first vacuum cleaner 200 has been coupled to the coupling part 120.

[0432] If it is determined that the first vacuum cleaner 200 has been coupled to the coupling part 120, the control unit 400 may fix the first vacuum cleaner 200 by operating the fixing part motor 133.

[0433] If the fixing member 131 or the fixing part link 135 moves to the specified fixing position FP1, the fixing sensing unit 137 may send a signal indicating that the first vacuum cleaner 200 has been fixed. The base station control unit 400 may receive the signal indicating that the first vacuum cleaner 200 has been fixed from the fixing sensing unit 137 and determine that the first vacuum cleaner 200 has been fixed. If it is determined that the first vacuum cleaner 200 has been fixed, the base station control unit 400 may interrupt the operation of the fixing part motor 133.

[0434] On the other hand, if the emptying of the dustbin 220 is completed, the control unit 400 may release the fixing of the first vacuum cleaner 200 by rotating the fixing part motor 133 in the reverse direction.

[0435] If it is determined that the first vacuum cleaner 200 has been fixed to the coupling part 120, the control unit 400 may open the door 141 of the vacuum cleaner base 100 by operating the door motor 142.

[0436] If the door 141 or the door arm 143 reaches the specified opening position DP1, the door opening / closing sensing unit 144 may send a signal indicating that the door 141 has been opened. The control unit 400 may receive the signal indicating that the door 141 has been opened from the door opening / closing sensing unit 137 and determine that the door 141 has been opened. If it is determined that the door 141 has been opened, the control unit 400 may interrupt the operation of the door motor 142.

[0437] On the other hand, if the emptying of the dustbin 220 is completed, the control unit 400 may close the door 141 by rotating the door motor 142 in the reverse direction.

[0438] If it is determined that the door 141 has been opened, the control unit 400 may open the discharge cover 222 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 by operating the cover opening motor 152.

[0439] The control unit 400 may receive the signal indicating that the discharge cover 222 has been opened from the cover opening sensing unit 155f and determine that the discharge cover 222 has been opened. If it is determined that the discharge cover 222 has been opened, the control unit 400 may interrupt the operation of the cover opening motor 152.

[0440] If the second vacuum cleaner 300 is coupled to the lower coupling part 160, power may be applied to the second vacuum cleaner 300 through a charging terminal (not shown), whereby the control unit 400 may determine that the second vacuum cleaner 300 is coupled to the lower coupling part 160.

[0441] The control unit 400 can control the sterilization module 175. As an example, the control unit 400 can operate the sterilization module 175 after the dust collection unit 170 has collected dust or at regular time intervals to sterilize viruses, microorganisms, etc. present inside or outside the dust collection unit 170.

[0442] The control unit 400 can control the flow path switching module 183 of the flow path unit 180. As an example, the control unit 400 can control the switching motor 1835 to move the connecting pipe 1832. The connecting pipe 1832 can be selectively connected to the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181 or the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182. Therefore, the control unit 400 can selectively open or close the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181 or the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182 by moving the connecting pipe 1832.

[0443] The control unit 400 can suck the dust inside the dust bin 220 by driving the dust collection motor 191.

[0444] The control unit 400 can display the dust bin emptying status and charging status of the first vacuum cleaner 200 or the second vacuum cleaner 300 by operating the display unit 410.

[0445] On the other hand, the vacuum cleaner base station 100 of the present invention can include a display unit 410.

[0446] The display unit 410 can include at least one of a display device capable of outputting text and / or graphics and a speaker capable of outputting a voice signal and sound. The user can easily grasp the currently ongoing actions, the charging status of the first vacuum cleaner 20 and / or the second vacuum cleaner 30, the filling degree of the dust bag, the map information of the room during the cleaning process, etc. by using the information output through the display unit 410.

[0447] Here, the display device can be formed of one element among a light emitting diode (LED), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display panel, and an organic light emitting diode (OLED).

[0448] The display unit 410 can be disposed on the upper surface 113. With this configuration, the user can confirm the information at the position where the display unit 410 disposed on the upper surface 113 is viewed from above. On the other hand, since the information can be displayed over a wider area, the visibility is ensured.

[0449] The communication unit 420 may include at least one module capable of implementing wireless communication between the vacuum cleaner base station 100 and an external device. As described above, the external device may be one or more household appliances, vacuum cleaners 200, 300, or an external server.

[0450] At least one communication unit 420 may be disposed outside or inside the housing 110. For example, the communication unit 420 may be disposed in the lower coupling part 160 to communicate with the second vacuum cleaner 300. At the same time, the communication unit 420 may be disposed in the coupling part 120 to communicate with the first vacuum cleaner 200. At the same time, the communication unit 420 may be disposed inside the housing 110 to communicate with a remote controller or a terminal, etc.

[0451] As an example, at least one of the modules may include at least one of an IR (Infrared) module for infrared communication, an ultrasonic module for ultrasonic communication, and a short-range communication module such as a WiFi module or a Bluetooth module. Or, it may include a wireless Internet module to transmit and receive data with a preset device through various wireless technologies such as WLAN (Wireless LAN) and Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity). Or, the communication unit 420 may be electrically connected to the vacuum cleaners 200, 300 to transmit and receive data through an electrical signal.

[0452] On the other hand, the vacuum cleaner base station 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a memory 430. The memory 430 may include various data for driving and operating the vacuum cleaner base station 100.

[0453] The memory 430 may include various information for operating the vacuum cleaner base station 100. The memory 430 may include an application program for operating the vacuum cleaner base station 100 and related various information. In addition, each information transmitted from an external device may be stored, and the setting information of various settings (for example, the brightness of the display unit, etc.) selected or input by the user may be included.

[0454] On the other hand, the vacuum cleaner base station 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an operation unit 440. The operation unit 440 generates key input data input by a user to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner base station 100. To this end, the operation unit 440 may be composed of a keypad, a dome switch, a touch pad (static pressure / electrostatic), etc. In particular, when the touch pad and the display unit 410 form a layer structure with each other, it may be referred to as a touch screen.

[0455] The operation unit 440 may be disposed on the upper surface 113. On the other hand, the operation unit 440 may be disposed on the upper surface in the longitudinal axis direction of the housing 110.

[0456] According to this configuration, during operations such as when the user presses or touches the operation unit 440 disposed on the upper surface of the cover body 110, there is no need to bend down or lower the posture, etc., so it can provide convenience for the use of the vacuum cleaner base station 100. Additionally, from the user's perspective, when the operation unit 440 is disposed on the upper surface 113, the operation unit 440 can be viewed from above and operated, so the visibility is ensured.

[0457] Furthermore, according to this configuration, when the user applies pressure such as pressing or touching the operation unit 440, the vacuum cleaner base station 100 can be structurally stably supported without tipping over.

[0458] The control unit 400 can generate a control signal corresponding to the command input from the user through the operation unit 440 and cause each component to operate. For example, when the user touches or presses by applying pressure to the power button included in the operation unit 440, the control unit 400 can be controlled to supply power to the vacuum cleaner base station 100.

[0459] On the other hand, the control unit 400 can be connected to an external device through the communication unit 420 by wireless communication. In this case, the control unit 400 can transmit various information to the connected external device. And information can be received from the connected external device through the communication unit 420 and stored in the memory 430.

[0460] On the other hand, Figure 17a and Figure 17b is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the operation unit and the display unit in the vacuum cleaner base station according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 18 is a block diagram for explaining the control configuration of controlling the vacuum cleaner and the vacuum cleaner base station according to the input of the operation unit in the vacuum cleaner base station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0461] Referring to Figures 16 to 18 , the control method of the vacuum cleaner base station according to an embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described as follows.

[0462] Prior to this, the configuration of the display unit 410 and the operation unit 440 disposed on the upper surface 113 will be described as follows.

[0463] The current state of the vacuum cleaner base station 100 can be displayed on the display unit 410. For example, the display unit 410 can include a bag replacement display unit 411, an auxiliary battery charging display unit 412, a sterilization display unit 413, and an automatic dust collection display unit 414. In addition to this, although not shown, a display unit for additionally displaying whether the first vacuum cleaner 200 and / or the second vacuum cleaner 300 are combined and the charging state of the first vacuum cleaner 200 and / or the second vacuum cleaner 300 can also be added.

[0464] At this time, it can be displayed on the bag replacement display unit 411 whether the dust collection unit 170 needs to be replaced. Specifically, for the bag replacement display unit 411, the bag replacement display unit 411 can be displayed when the dust collection unit 170 stores dust exceeding a specified reference dust amount. For example, when the dust collection unit 170 stores dust exceeding a specified reference dust amount, the bag replacement display unit 411 can be lit.

[0465] The charging degree of the auxiliary battery (not shown) can be displayed on the auxiliary battery charging display unit 412. Specifically, when the auxiliary battery is incorporated inside the cover body 110 and charged, the charging degree of the auxiliary battery can be displayed on the auxiliary battery charging display unit 412. For example, the charging degree of the auxiliary battery can be displayed as a percentage on the auxiliary battery charging display unit 412.

[0466] Whether sterilization is performed on the dust collection unit 170 or the flow path unit 180 can be displayed on the sterilization display unit 413. For example, for the sterilization display unit 413, during the operation of the sterilization module 175, the sterilization display unit 413 can be lit.

[0467] Whether automatic dust collection is performed on the vacuum cleaners 200 and 300 can be displayed on the automatic dust collection display unit 414. For example, if the automatic dust collection display unit 414 is set to sense and automatically operate the dust collection motor 191 when the vacuum cleaners 200 and 300 are combined with the vacuum cleaner base station 100, the automatic dust collection display unit 414 can be lit.

[0468] On the other hand, control commands can be input in the operation unit 440. For example, the operation unit 440 includes dust collection operation units 441 and 442 and a vacuum cleaner operation unit 443. In addition, although not shown, an operation unit capable of reserving the operation time of the dust collection motor 191 or adjusting the output of the dust collection motor 191 can also be added.

[0469] The dust collection operation units 441 and 442 include a first vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit 441 and a second vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit 442.

[0470] A control command can be input in the first vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit 441 to collect dust from the dust bin 220 of the first vacuum cleaner 200. That is, the user can input a control command to collect dust from the dust bin 220 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 by touching the first vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit 441.

[0471] A control command can be input in the second vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit 442 to collect dust from the dust bin 310 of the second vacuum cleaner 300. That is, the user can input a control command to collect dust from the dust bin 310 of the second vacuum cleaner 300 by touching the second vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit 442.

[0472] Control commands can be input into the vacuum cleaner operation unit 443 to operate the vacuum cleaners 200 and 300. That is, the user can input control commands to operate the vacuum cleaners 200 and 300 by touching the vacuum cleaner operation unit 443.

[0473] As a result, there is an effect that the user can control the vacuum cleaner base station 100 and the vacuum cleaners 200 and 300 by touching one operation unit 440.

[0474] Hereinafter, the process in which the vacuum cleaner base station 100 and the vacuum cleaners 200 and 300 operate according to the control command input into the operation unit 440 will be described.

[0475] If a control command is input into the first vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit 441 by the user's touch or the like, dust collection of the first vacuum cleaner 200 can be achieved. That is, if a control command is input into the first vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit 441, the control unit 400 can operate the dust collection motor 191.

[0476] At this time, processes required may be accompanied before dust collection of the first vacuum cleaner 200. For example, if a control command is input into the first vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit 441, the fixing unit 130 can fix the dust bin 220, the door unit 140 can communicate the internal space of the dust bin 220 and the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181 by opening the dust through hole 121a, and the cover opening unit 150 can open the discharge cover 222. Then, the dust collection motor 191 can operate.

[0477] On the other hand, according to the user's touch time, the control command input into the first vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit 441 can be changed. Specifically, it can be set that, when the time for which the user touches the first vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit 441 is longer than a preset input change time, if the vacuum cleaners 200 and 300 are combined with the vacuum cleaner base station, the dust bins 220 and 310 of the vacuum cleaners 200 and 300 are automatically collected. For example, it can be set that, when the time for which the user touches the first vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit 441 exceeds three seconds, if the vacuum cleaners 200 and 300 are combined with the vacuum cleaner base station, the vacuum cleaner base station 100 operates the dust collection motor 191 by sensing it.

[0478] On the other hand, if a control command is input into the first vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit 441 in a state where the first vacuum cleaner 200 is not combined with the coupling part 120, the operation of the dust collection motor 191 can be restricted.

[0479] If a control command is input into the second vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit 442 by the user's touch or the like, dust collection of the second vacuum cleaner 300 can be performed. That is, if a control command is input into the second vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit 442, the control unit 400 can operate the dust collection motor 191.

[0480] On the other hand, if a control command is input to the dust collection operation unit 442 of the second vacuum cleaner 300 when the vacuum cleaner base station 100 and the second vacuum cleaner 300 are not combined, the second vacuum cleaner 300 can travel to be combined with the lower coupling part 160.

[0481] Specifically, if a control command is input to the dust collection operation unit 442 of the second vacuum cleaner 300 when the vacuum cleaner base station 100 and the second vacuum cleaner 300 are not combined, the control unit 400 can wait without starting the operation of the dust collection motor 191 until the second vacuum cleaner 300 is combined with the lower coupling part 160. And, a control command to move and combine with the vacuum cleaner base station 100 can be sent to the second vacuum cleaner 300 through the communication unit 420. And, the control unit 370 of the second vacuum cleaner 300 that receives this control command can combine the second vacuum cleaner 300 with the vacuum cleaner base station 100 by controlling the driving motor 360. And, if the second vacuum cleaner 300 is combined with the vacuum cleaner base station 100, the control unit 400 can start the operation of the dust collection motor 191.

[0482] If a control command is input to the vacuum cleaner operation unit 443 by the user's touch or the like, the vacuum cleaners 200 and 300 can operate.

[0483] Specifically, if a control command is input to the vacuum cleaner operation unit 443, the second vacuum cleaner 300 can travel and clean. More specifically, if a control command is input to the vacuum cleaner operation unit 443, the driving motor 360 of the second vacuum cleaner 300 can operate to travel along the floor surface, and as the suction motor 350 operates, the dust on the floor surface can be sucked in.

[0484] On the other hand, if a control command is input to the vacuum cleaner operation unit 443, the suction motor 214 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 can also operate. By the operation of the suction motor 214, the foreign matter remaining in the first vacuum cleaner 200 can be removed. That is, if a control command is input to the vacuum cleaner operation unit 443, a control command can be sent to the control unit 270 of the first vacuum cleaner through the communication unit 420, and the control unit 270 of the first vacuum cleaner can operate the suction motor 214.

[0485] Therefore, according to the present invention, if a control command is input to the operation unit 440 when the vacuum cleaners 200 and 300 are combined with the vacuum cleaner base station 100, one of the vacuum cleaner base station 100, the first vacuum cleaner 200, and the second vacuum cleaner 300 can operate. That is, if a control command is input to the operation unit 440 when the vacuum cleaners 200 and 300 are combined with the vacuum cleaner base station 100, at least one of the dust collection motor 191, the suction motor 214, and the driving motor 360 can operate.

[0486] Hereinafter, the process of operating the vacuum cleaner base station 100 and the vacuum cleaners 200 and 300 according to a plurality of control commands input to the operation unit 440 will be described.

[0487] After the control command is input to the first vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit 441 by the user's touch or the like for dust collection, if the control command is input to the second vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit 442, the control unit 400 can operate the flow path switching module 183. Thereby, the connection between the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181 and the dust collection flow path 184 can be switched to the connection between the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182 and the dust collection flow path 184.

[0488] Moreover, after the control command is input to the second vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit 442 for dust collection, if the control command is input to the first vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit 441, the control unit 400 can operate the flow path switching module 183. Thereby, the connection between the second vacuum cleaner flow path 182 and the dust collection flow path 184 can be switched to the connection between the first vacuum cleaner flow path 181 and the dust collection flow path 184.

[0489] In the above case, after the flow path is switched by the flow path switching module 183, the dust collection motor 191 can operate.

[0490] On the other hand, if the control command is input to the vacuum cleaner operation unit 443 during the operation of the dust collection motor 191 when the control command is input to the second vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit 442 by the user's touch or the like, the second vacuum cleaner 300 can travel after the operation of the dust collection motor 191 ends.

[0491] That is, during the operation of the dust collection motor 191 when the control command is input to the second vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit 442, the control unit 370 of the second vacuum cleaner 300 can be controlled to prevent the travel motor 360 and / or the suction motor 350 from operating.

[0492] Thereby, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent the dust in the dust bin 310 from flying outside due to the travel of the second vacuum cleaner 300 during the dust collection process.

[0493] Differently, if the control command is input to the vacuum cleaner operation unit 443 during the operation of the dust collection motor 191 when the control command is input to the first vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit 441, the second vacuum cleaner 300 can start traveling regardless of the operation of the dust collection motor 191. This is because, during the dust collection of the first vacuum cleaner 200, the second vacuum cleaner 300 and the dust collection flow path 184 are not connected to each other, so the dust in the dust bin of the second vacuum cleaner 300 does not fly away under the suction force of the dust collection motor 191.

[0494] According to this configuration, while the first vacuum cleaner 200 is collecting dust, the second vacuum cleaner 300 can perform cleaning, so that the overall time for cleaning can be shortened.

[0495] On the other hand, during the operation of the dust collection motor 191 when a control command is input to the first vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit 441 or the second vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit 442, if a control command is input to the first vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit 441 or the second vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit 442, the control unit 400 can stop the operation of the dust collection motor 191.

[0496] At this time, in the case where a control command is continuously input to each of the first vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit 441 and the second vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit 442, and in the case where a control command is alternately input to the first vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit 441 and the second vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit 442, the dust collection motor 191 can stop operating. This is because it is difficult for the user to judge which of the vacuum cleaners 200 and 300 is collecting dust only by hearing the operating sound of the dust collection motor 191.

[0497] According to this configuration, there is the following effect: when the user needs to urgently stop the dust collection of the vacuum cleaners 200 and 300 or urgently change the object to be dust-collected, the effect of being able to stop the operation of the dust collection motor 191.

[0498] As described above, the specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, but they are only used to specifically illustrate the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Obviously, the present invention can be deformed or improved by those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs within the technical idea of the present invention.

[0499] Simple deformations or changes of the present invention all belong to the scope of the present invention, and the specific protection scope of the present invention will become clearer through the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner base station, characterized in that, Comprising: A cover body; A coupling portion disposed on the cover body, at least a part of the vacuum cleaner being coupled to the coupling portion; A dust collection portion accommodated inside the cover body for collecting dust inside the dust bin of the vacuum cleaner; A dust collection motor accommodated inside the cover body, disposed below the dust collection portion, for generating a suction force to suck the dust inside the dust bin; A flow path portion having a flow path communicating the internal space of the dust bin of the vacuum cleaner and the internal space of the dust collection portion; And An operation portion disposed on the cover body, to which a control command is input; The operation portion can input a control command for the vacuum cleaner.

2. The vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 1, wherein The vacuum cleaner includes: A first vacuum cleaner including a suction portion, a dust separation portion, a suction motor, and a dust bin, the suction portion having a suction flow path through which air can flow, the dust separation portion having at least one cyclone portion, the suction motor providing a suction force for air, and the dust bin storing the dust separated by the dust separation portion; and A second vacuum cleaner traveling along the floor surface and sucking the dust on the floor surface; If a control command is input to the operation portion, the second vacuum cleaner travels on the floor surface.

3. The vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 2, wherein The second vacuum cleaner includes a traveling motor for providing power to travel along the floor surface; If a control command is input to the operation portion, at least one of the dust collection motor and the traveling motor operates.

4. The vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 1, wherein The operation portion includes: A dust collection operation portion for inputting a control command to operate the dust collection motor; and A vacuum cleaner operation portion for inputting a control command to operate the vacuum cleaner.

5. The vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 4, wherein The vacuum cleaner includes: A first vacuum cleaner including a suction portion, a dust separation portion, a suction motor, and a dust bin, the suction portion having a suction flow path through which air can flow, the dust separation portion having at least one cyclone portion, the suction motor providing a suction force for air, and the dust bin storing the dust separated by the dust separation portion; and A second vacuum cleaner traveling along the floor surface and sucking the dust on the floor surface; The dust collection operation portion includes: A first vacuum cleaner dust collection operation portion for inputting a control command to collect dust from the dust bin of the first vacuum cleaner; and A second vacuum cleaner dust collection operation portion for inputting a control command to collect dust from the dust bin of the second vacuum cleaner.

6. The vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 5, wherein It further includes a lower coupling portion disposed below the dust collection motor, to which the second vacuum cleaner is coupled; The flow path portion includes: A first vacuum cleaner flow path communicating with a dust through hole formed in the coupling portion; A second vacuum cleaner flow path communicating with a dust suction hole formed in the lower coupling portion; A dust collection flow path selectively communicating with the first vacuum cleaner flow path or the second vacuum cleaner flow path and communicating with the dust collection portion; and A flow path switching module that selectively connects the first vacuum cleaner flow path or the second vacuum cleaner flow path to the dust collection flow path; If, after a control command is input to the first vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit, a control command is input to the second vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit, or if, after a control command is input to the second vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit, a control command is input to the first vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit, then the flow path switching module operates.

7. The vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 5, characterized in that, If, during the operation of the dust collection motor when a control command is input to the second vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit, a control command is input to the vacuum cleaner operation unit, then the second vacuum cleaner travels after the operation of the dust collection motor ends.

8. The vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 5, characterized in that, If, during the operation of the dust collection motor, a control command is input to the first vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit or the second vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit, then the operation of the dust collection motor stops.

9. The vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 5, characterized in that, It further includes a lower coupling part that is configured to be closer to the ground than the dust collection motor, and the vacuum cleaner is coupled to the lower coupling part; If, in a state where the lower coupling part and the second vacuum cleaner are separated, a control command is input to the second vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit, then the second vacuum cleaner travels to be coupled to the lower coupling part.

10. The vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 5, characterized in that, If, during the operation of the dust collection motor when a control command is input to the first vacuum cleaner dust collection operation unit, a control command is input to the vacuum cleaner operation unit, then the second vacuum cleaner starts to travel during the operation of the dust collection motor.

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