Cleaner station

Abstract

There is disclosed a cleaner station including a housing; a coupling portion disposed in the housing and to which at least a portion of a dust bin of the vacuum cleaner is coupled; a dust collection unit accommodated inside the housing and arranged on a lower side of the coupling portion, and configured to collect dust inside the dust bin; a dust collection motor accommodated inside the housing and arranged on a lower side of the dust collecting part, and which generates a suction force to suck dust inside the dust bin; and a cover control unit configured to close a discharge cover of the dust bin, and the cover control unit may include a button; a link configured to rotate when an external force is applied to the button; a cover control frame configured to contact the discharge cover based on the rotation of the link; and an elastic body configured to elastically deform, when an external force is applied to the button, and provide a restoring force to the button, thereby having an effect of simplifying the structure for closing the discharge cover.

Description

[BACKGROUND] [Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a leaner station, more particularly, a cleaner station configured to close a discharge cover with a simple configuration.[Background of the Disclosure]

[0002] Generally, a cleaner is an electrical appliance configured to suck in small pieces of trash or dust by sucking air and filling a dust bin provided therein, and is commonly called a vacuum cleaner.

[0003] Such vacuum cleaners may be classified into manual cleaners that perform cleaning while the user moves the cleaner, and automatic cleaners that perform cleaning while driving on their own. The manual vacuum cleaners may be classified into canister type vacuum cleaners, upright type vacuum cleaners, handheld vacuum cleaners and stick type vacuum cleaners, depending on the shape

[0004] In the past, canister-type vacuum cleaners were widely used for home vacuum cleaners, but recently, handheld vacuum cleaners stick type vacuum cleaners, which can a dust bin and vacuum cleaner body as one unit to improve convenience, are being widely used.

[0005] A canister vacuum cleaner has a cleaner body and a suction inlet that are connected by a rubber hose or pipe, and in some cases, a brush may be fitted to the suction inlet for use.

[0006] A hand vacuum cleaner is designed to maximize portability. The hand vacuum cleaner is light in weight but short in length, so the cleaning area may be limited when sitting down. Accordingly, it is used to clean localized areas such as a desk, sofa or inside a car.

[0007] A stick vacuum cleaner may be used standing up so a user can clean without bending down. This makes the stick vacuum cleaner ideal for cleaning wide areas while moving around. While the hand vacuum cleaner can clean narrow spaces, the stick vacuum cleaner can clean wider spaces and high places that are hard to reach. Recently, the stick vacuum cleaner is being provided in modular form, allowing user to actively change the vacuum cleaner type for user on various cleaning targets.

[0008] However, conventional hand vacuum cleaners, stick vacuum cleaners, and robot cleaners have small dust bins that store collected dust, which is inconvenient because users have to empty the dust bins every time.

[0009] In addition, when the dust bin is emptied, there is a problem that dust flies and has a harmful effect on the user's health.

[0010] In addition, there is a problem that the suction power of the vacuum cleaner is reduced when the remaining dust in the dust bin is not removed.

[0011] In addition, there is a problem that the remaining dust in the dust bin causes an unpleasant odor.

[0012] As a prior art patent document, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0086482 discloses a vacuum cleaner station that may automatically empty the dust bin of a vacuum cleaner when the vacuum cleaner is connected.

[0013] The above prior art patent document discloses a technology for automatically opening and closing the discharge cover of a dust bin using a door unit. However, the door unit has a limitation in that it requires a door motor to drive the door, and additional parts such as an encoder that can detect the rotation of the motor shaft in order to precisely rotate the link are required. Accordingly, there was a problem that the overall number of parts increased and the cost increased.

[0014] In addition, when the door motor malfunctioned while the door unit was located in a position where the dust passage hole was opened, the user had to directly close the discharge cover of the dust bin, which was harmful to the user's health and caused inconvenience to the user.

[0015] In addition, there was a problem that if the door motor failed while the door unit was positioned to close the dust passage hole, the door could not be opened and the dust inside the dust bin of the vacuum cleaner at the station could not be sucked up.[DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION] [Technical Problem]

[0016] Accordingly, one object of the present disclosure is to solve the above-noted disadvantages of the prior art, and to provide a cleaning station with a simple structure and configuration.

[0017] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaner station including a cover control unit configured to manually close a discharge cover, thereby solving problems caused by failure of conventional door motors.

[0018] The objects of the present disclosure are not limited to the objects mentioned above, and other objects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.[Technical Solution]

[0019] To solve the objects of the present disclosure, a cleaner station may include a cleaner station may include a housing; a coupling portion disposed in the housing and to which at least a portion of a dust bin of the vacuum cleaner is coupled; a dust collection unit accommodated inside the housing and arranged on a lower side of the coupling portion, and configured to collect dust inside the dust bin; a dust collection motor accommodated inside the housing and arranged on a lower side of the dust collecting part, and which generates a suction force to suck dust inside the dust bin; and a cover control unit configured to close a discharge cover of the dust bin. The cover control unit may include a button; a link configured to rotate when an external force is applied to the button; a cover control frame configured to contact the discharge cover based on the rotation of the link; and an elastic body configured to elastically deform, when an external force is applied to the button, and provide a restoring force to the button.

[0020] The cover control unit may include a long hole in which the button moves in a straight line and which is arranged along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the button moves.

[0021] The link may include a first link comprising a connecting protrusion and configured to rotate when the button moves linearly; and a second link rotatably coupled with the first link and rotatably coupled with the cover control frame.

[0022] The housing may include an elastic body support positioned opposite to a lower end of the button, and the elastic body may be disposed along the direction of linear movement of the button, with both ends of the elastic body fixed to the lower end of the button and the elastic support portion, respectively.

[0023] The elastic body may be provided in plural.

[0024] The cover control unit may further include a guide pin arranged on the inside of the elastic body and having one end fixed to the button and the other end passing through the elastic body support.

[0025] The elastic body may be installed in a pre-compressed state.

[0026] The cover control frame may include a pressing protrusion protruding from a surface that contacts the discharge cover.

[0027] When no external force is applied to the button, the button may be positioned so that its upper surface is parallel to an upper surface of the housing, and the cover control frame may be arranged so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle with the ground.

[0028] When an external force is applied to the button, the cover control frame may rotate and may be positioned perpendicular to the ground.

[0029] The button may be configured to move linearly when an external force is applied, and the cover control frame may be configured to move rotatably.

[0030] The first link may be provided with a connection shaft rod arranged along the rotation axis, the end of the rotation lever being arranged at one end and the end of the first link body being arranged at the other end.

[0031] The cover control frame may include a frame body hinge-coupled to the housing; and a link coupling portion having the link coupled to one side and the pressing protrusion formed on the other side. The link coupling portion may be provided at the center of the left-right direction of the frame body, and the width in the left-right direction may be formed narrower than the width in the left-right direction of the frame body.

[0032] The housing may be provided with a protrusion that limits the rotation path of the cover control frame, and the cover control frame may include a stopper protruding toward the inside of the housing to support the protrusion.

[0033] Other specific details of the present invention are included in the detailed description and drawings.[Advantageous Effect]

[0034] The cleaning station of the present disclosure as described above may have one or more of the following effects.

[0035] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, there is an effect of eliminating the inconvenience of the user having to empty the dustbin every time.

[0036] Furthermore, there is no need to open the discharge cover before mounting the cleaner to the cleaner station, and when the dust collection motor is turned off, the user may manually close the discharge cover while the cleaner is mounted to the cleaner station. Accordingly, there is no need for the user to directly open and close the discharge cover on the dust bin, and the effect of preventing dust from flying during this process is achieved.

[0037] Still further, the cover control unit configured to close the discharge cover does not include a motor, so the number of parts may be reduced, the weight may be reduced, and the noise caused by the motor may be prevented. In addition, since the configuration for controlling the motor, the encoder for precise control of the motor, and the sensor for position detection are not provided, thereby reducing the number of parts and simplifying the structure.

[0038] Still further, in the structure in which the cover control frame is operated by a motor in the past, thereby solving the problem of causing inconvenience to the user or making it impossible to collect dust when the motor fails.

[0039] Still further, when the cleaner is mounted, the dust collection motor may be operated while opening the discharge cover, so the time required for dust collection in the dust bin may be reduced. In addition, the time required to fix or release the cleaner may be reduced, thereby reducing the overall operating time.

[0040] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.[Description of Drawings]

[0041] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaner system configured of a cleaner station and a cleaner according to one embodiment; FIGS. 2 and 3 are view to describe a cleaner in the cleaner system according to one embodiment; FIG. 4 is a view to describe a lower surface of a dust bin of the vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment; FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the configurations of the cleaner system according to embodiments; FIG. 6 is a view to describe a mounting portion in the cleaner station according to one embodiment; FIG. 7 is a perspective view to describe a fixing unit in the cleaner station according to one embodiment; FIGS. 8 to 10 are views to describe a cover control unit in the cleaner station according to one embodiment; FIGS. 11 and 12 are views to describe a cover control unit in a cleaner statin according to another embodiment; FIG. 13 is a view to describe the relationship between the vacuum cleaner and a cover opening unit in the vacuum cleaner station according to the embodiment; FIG. 14 is a block view to describe the control configuration in the cleaner station according to one embodiment; and FIG. 15 is a flow chart to describe a controlling method of the cleaner statin according to one embodiment. [DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS]

[0042] Description will now be given in detail according to exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] The present disclosure may be variously modified and may have various embodiments, and particular embodiments illustrated in the drawings will be specifically described below. The description of the embodiments is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the particular embodiments, but it should be interpreted that the present disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0044] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described with reference to drawings for explaining a cleaner station according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaner system configured of a cleaner station and a cleaner according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the configurations of the cleaner system according to embodiments.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 5, a cleaner system 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cleaner station 100 and a cleaner 200.

[0047] The cleaner system 10 may include a cleaner station 100. A cleaner 200 may be mounted to the cleaner station 100. Specifically, a cleaner body of the cleaner 200 may be coupled to a side of the cleaner station 100. The cleaner station 100) may remove dust from a dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200.

[0048] FIGS. 2 and 3 are view to describe a cleaner in the cleaner system according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a view to describe a lower surface of a dust bin of the vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment.

[0049] First, the structure of the cleaner 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 as follows.

[0050] The cleaner 200 may mean a cleaner that is manually operated by a user. For example, the cleaner 200 may mean a handheld cleaner or a stick vacuum cleaner.

[0051] The cleaner 200 may be mounted on the cleaner station 100. The cleaner 200 may be supported by the cleaner station 100. The cleaner 200 may be coupled to the cleaner station 100.

[0052] Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the direction of the cleaner 200 may be defined based on the lower surface of the dust bin 220 and the battery housing 230 placed on the ground.

[0053] At this time, the front may refer to the direction in which a suction port 212 is arranged based on a suction motor 214, and the rear may refer to the direction in which a handle 216 is arranged based on the suction motor 214. In addition, the direction in which the suction port 212 is arranged on the right side when viewed from the suction motor 214 may be referred to as the right side, and the direction in which the suction port 212 is arranged on the left side may be referred to as the left side. In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, the upper and lower sides may be defined along the direction perpendicular to the ground when the bottom surface (lower surface) of the dust bin 220 and the battery housing 230 are placed on the ground.

[0054] The cleaner 200 may include a cleaner body 210. The cleaner body 210 may include a cleaner body housing 211, a suction port 212, a dust separation unit 213, a suction motor 214, an air discharge cover 215, a handle 216, and a manipulation unit 218.

[0055] The cleaner body housing 211 may form the exterior of the cleaner 200. The cleaner body housing 211 may provide a space that can accommodate the suction motor 214 and a filter (not shown) inside. The cleaner body housing 211 may be configured in a shape similar to a cylinder.

[0056] The suction port 212 may protrude outwardly from the cleaner body housing 211. For example, the suction port 212 may be formed in a cylindrical shape with an open interior. The suction port 212 may be coupled with an extension pipe 250. The suction port 212 may provide a path (hereinafter, referred to as a 'suction path') through which air containing dust can flow.

[0057] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a virtual line penetrating the inside of the suction port 212 configured in a cylindrical shape can be formed.

[0058] The dust separation unit 213 may be communicated with the suction port 212. The dust separation unit 213 may separate dust sucked into the inside through the suction port 212. The space inside the dust separation unit 213 may be communicated with the space inside the dust bin 220.

[0059] For example, the dust separation unit 213 may be provided with at least one cyclone unit capable of separating dust by cyclone flow. And, the space inside the dust separation unit 213 may be communicated with the suction path. Therefore, the air and dust sucked through the suction port 212 flow spirally along the inner surface of the dust separation part 213. Therefore, a cyclone flow can occur in the inner space of the dust separation part 213.

[0060] The dust separation unit 213 is connected to the suction port 212 and is a configuration that applies the principle of a dust collector that uses centrifugal force to separate dust sucked into the interior of the cleaner body 210 through the suction port 212.

[0061] The dust separation unit 213 may further include a secondary cyclone that separates dust again from the air discharged from the cyclone. At this time, the secondary cyclone may be positioned inside the cyclone so that the size of the dust separation unit is minimized. The secondary cyclone may include a plurality of cyclone bodies arranged in parallel. The air discharged from the cyclone may be divided and passed through the plurality of cyclone bodies.

[0062] At this time, the axis of the cyclone flow of the secondary cyclone may also extend in the vertical direction, and the axis of the cyclone flow of the cyclone and the axis of the cyclone flow of the secondary cyclone may form a coaxial line in the vertical direction, which may be collectively referred to as the axis of the cyclone flow of the dust separation unit 213.

[0063] The suction motor 214 may generate a suction force that sucks in air. The suction motor 214 may be accommodated in the cleaner body housing 211. The suction motor 214 may generate suction force by rotation. For example, the suction motor 214 may be provided in a similar cylindrical shape.

[0064] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a virtual suction motor axis line that extends the rotation axis of the suction motor 214 may be formed.

[0065] The air discharge cover 215 may be arranged on one side of the cleaner body housing 211 in the axial direction. The air discharge cover 215 may accommodate a filter for filtering air. For example, the air discharge cover 215 may accommodate a HEPA filter.

[0066] The air discharge cover 215 may be formed with an air discharge port that discharges air sucked in by the suction force of the suction motor 214.

[0067] A flow guide may be arranged on the air discharge cover 215. The flow guide may guide the flow of air discharged through the air outlet.

[0068] The handle 216 may be held by the user. The handle 216 may be arranged at the rear of the suction motor 214. For example, the handle 216 may be formed in a similar shape to a cylinder. Alternatively, the handle 216 may be formed in a bent cylinder shape. The handle 216 may be arranged at a predetermined angle with the cleaner body housing 211, the suction motor 214, or the dust separation unit 213.

[0069] The handle 216 may include a gripping part formed in a column shape so that the user can hold it, a first extension part connected to one end of the gripping part in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) and formed to extend toward the suction motor 214, and a second extension part connected to the other end of the gripping part in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) and formed to extend toward the dust bin 220.

[0070] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a virtual grip portion penetration line can be formed by extending along the longitudinal direction of the grip portion (axial direction of the column) and penetrating the grip portion.

[0071] For example, the grip penetration line may be a virtual line formed inside the cylindrical handle 216, and may be a virtual line formed parallel to at least a portion of the outer surface (outer surface) of the grip.

[0072] The upper surface of the handle 216 may form a portion of the outer appearance of the upper surface of the cleaner 200. This may prevent a component of the cleaner 200 from coming into contact with the user's arm when the user grips the handle 216.

[0073] The first extension may extend from the grip portion toward the main body housing 211 or the suction motor 214. At least a portion of the first extension may extend in a horizontal direction.

[0074] The second extension may extend from the handle 216 toward the dust bin 220. At least a portion of the second extension may extend in a horizontal direction.

[0075] The manipulation unit 218 may be placed on the handle 216. The manipulation unit 218 may be placed on an inclined surface formed in the upper area of the handle 216. The user may input an operation or stop command of the cleaner 200 through the manipulation unit 218.

[0076] The cleaner 200 may include a dust bin 220. The dust bin 220 may be connected to a dust separation unit 213. The dust bin 220 may store dust separated from the dust separation unit 213.

[0077] The dust bin 220 may include a dust bin body 221, a discharge cover 222, a dust bin compression lever 223, and a compressor (not shown).

[0078] The dust bin body 221 may provide a space for storing dust separated from the dust separation unit 213. For example, the dust bin body 221 may be formed in a similar cylindrical shape.

[0079] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a virtual dust bin penetration line may be formed that penetrates the interior (internal space) of the dust bin body 221 and extends along the longitudinal direction of the dustbin body 221 (meaning the axial direction in the cylindrical dustbin body 221).

[0080] The lower surface (bottom surface) of the dust bin body 221 may be partially open. In addition, a lower surface extension portion 221a may be formed on the lower surface (bottom surface) of the dust bin body 221. The lower surface extension portion 221a may be formed to block a part of the lower surface of the dustbin body 221.

[0081] The dust bin 220 may include a discharge cover 222. The discharge cover 222 may be arranged on the lower surface of the dust bin 220.

[0082] The discharge cover 222 may be provided to open and close one end of the longitudinal direction of the dust bin body 221. Specifically, the discharge cover 222 may selectively open and close the lower part of the dust bin 220 that opens downward.

[0083] The discharge cover 222 may include a cover body 222a and a hinge 222b. The cover body 222a may be formed to block a part of the lower surface of the dust bin body 221. The cover body 222a may rotate downward based on the hinge 222b. The hinge 222b may be arranged adjacent to the battery housing 230. A torsion spring 222d may be provided in the hinge 222b. Accordingly, when the discharge cover 222 is separated from the dust bin body 221, the cover body 222a may be supported in a state of rotating at a predetermined angle or more about the hinge 222b as an axis in the dust bin body 221 by the elastic force of the torsion spring 222d.

[0084] The discharge cover 222 may be coupled with the dust bin 220 through a hook connection. Meanwhile, the discharge cover 222 may be separated from the dust bin 220 through a coupling lever 222c. The coupling lever 222c may be arranged at the front of the dust bin. Specifically, the coupling lever 222c may be arranged on the outer surface of the front side of the dust bin 220. When an external force is applied, the coupling lever 222c may elastically deform the hook formed by extending from the cover body 222a to release the hook connection between the cover body 222a and the dust bin body 221.

[0085] When the discharge cover 222 is closed, the lower surface of the dust bin 220 may be blocked (sealed) by the discharge cover 222 and the lower extension 221a.

[0086] The dust bin 220 may include a dust bin compression lever 223 (see FIG. 3). The dustbin compression lever 223 may be arranged outside the dust bin 220 or the dust separation unit 213. The dustbin compression lever 223 may be arranged to move up and down outside the dust bin 220 or the dust separation unit 213. The dust bin compression lever 223 may be connected to a compressor (not shown). When the dustbin compression lever 223 moves downward by an external force, the compressor (not shown) may also move downward. This may provide convenience to the user. The compressor (not shown) and the dustbin compression lever 223 may return to their original positions by an elastic member (not shown). Specifically, when an external force applied to the dustbin compression lever 223 is removed, the elastic member may move the dustbin compression lever 223 and the compressor (not shown) upward.

[0087] A compressor (not shown) may be placed inside the dust bin body 221. The compressor may move in the internal space of the dust bin body 221. Specifically, the compressor may move up and down inside the dust bin body 221. Through this, the compressor may compress 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 compressor may move from the upper part of the dust bin 220 to the lower part to remove foreign substances such as residual dust inside the dust bin 220. Through this, the suction power of the vacuum cleaner may be improved by preventing residual dust from remaining inside the dust bin 220. In addition, by preventing residual dust from remaining inside the dust bin 220, an unpleasant odor caused by residual substances may be eliminated.

[0088] The cleaner 200 may include a battery housing 230. The battery housing 230 may accommodate a battery 240. The battery housing 230 may be placed on the lower side of the handle 216. For example, the battery housing 230 may have a hexahedral shape with an open bottom. The rear of the battery housing 230 may be connected to the handle 216.

[0089] The battery housing 230 may include a receiving portion that opens downward. The battery 240 may be detachable through the receiving portion of the battery housing 230.

[0090] The cleaner 200 may include the battery 240.

[0091] For example, the battery 240 may be detachably coupled to the cleaner 200. The battery 240 may be detachably coupled to the battery housing 230. For example, the battery 240 may be inserted into the inside of the battery housing 230 from the bottom of the battery housing 230. With this configuration, the portability of the cleaner 200 may be improved.

[0092] Alternatively, the battery 240 may be integrally provided inside the battery housing 230. At this time, the lower surface of the battery 240 is not exposed to the outside.

[0093] The battery 240 may supply power to the suction motor 214 of the cleaner 200. The battery 240 may be placed at the lower surface of the handle 216. The battery 240 may be placed at the rear of the dust bin 220.

[0094] According to an embodiment, when the battery 240 is coupled to the battery housing 230, the lower surface of the battery 240 may be exposed to the outside. When the cleaner 200 is placed on the floor, the battery 240 may be placed on the floor, so that the battery 240 may be separated directly from the battery housing 230. In addition, since the lower surface of the battery 240 is exposed to the outside and comes into direct contact with the external air of the battery 240, the cooling performance of the battery 240 may be improved.

[0095] Meanwhile, when the battery 240 is integrally fixed to the battery housing 230, the structure for attaching and detaching the battery 240 and the battery housing 230 may be reduced, so that the overall size of the cleaner 200 may be reduced and its weight can be reduced.

[0096] The cleaner 200 may include an extension pipe 250. The extension pipe 250 may be connected to the cleaning module 260. The extension pipe 250 may be connected to the cleaner body 210. The extension pipe 250 may be communicated with the suction port 212 of the cleaner body 210. The extension pipe 250 may be formed in a long cylindrical shape.

[0097] The cleaner body 210 may be connected to the extension pipe 250. The cleaner body 210 may be connected to the cleaning module 260 through the extension pipe 250. The cleaner body 210 may generate suction force through the suction motor 214 and provide suction force to the cleaning module 260 through the extension pipe 250. External dust may be introduced into the cleaner body 210 through the cleaning module 260 and the extension pipe 250.

[0098] The cleaner 200 may include the cleaning module 260. The cleaning module 260 may be connected to the extension pipe 250. Therefore, the outside air may be drawn into the cleaner body 210 of the cleaner 200 through the cleaning module 260 and the extension pipe 250 by the suction force generated in the cleaner body 210 of the cleaner 200.

[0099] Dust in the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200 may be collected by the dust collection unit 170 of the cleaner station 100 by gravity and the suction force of the dust collection motor 191. Through this, dust in the dust bin 220 may be removed without a separate operation by the user, thereby providing user convenience. In addition, the inconvenience of the user having to empty the dust bin 220 every time may be eliminated. In addition, when the dust bin 220 is emptied, dust can be prevented from flying.

[0100] The cleaner 200 may be attached to the side of the housing 110. Specifically, the cleaner body 210 of the cleaner 200 may be mounted on the coupling portion 120. More specifically, the dust bin 220 and the battery housing 230 of the cleaner 200 may be arranged to face the coupling surface 121, the outer surface of the dust bin body 221 may be coupled to the dustbin guide surface 122, and the suction port 212 may be coupled to the suction part guide surface 126 of the coupling portion 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 along a direction perpendicular to the ground.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 5, the cleaner station 100 of the present disclosure will be described as follows.

[0102] The cleaner 200 may be arranged in the cleaner station 100. The cleaner 200 may be coupled to a side of the cleaner station 100. Specifically, the cleaner body of the cleaner 200 may be coupled to a side of the cleaner station 100. The cleaner station 100 may remove dust from a dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200.

[0103] The cleaner station 100 may include a housing 110. The housing 110 may form an exterior of the cleaner station 100. Specifically, the housing 110 may be formed in a pillar shape including at least one outer wall surface 112. As an example, the housing 110 may be formed in a shape similar to a square pillar.

[0104] The housing 110 may be formed with a space that can accommodate the dust collection unit 170 that stores dust inside and the dust suction module 190 that generates a fluid force that collects dust by the dust collection unit 170.

[0105] The housing 110 may include a bottom surface 111, an outer wall surface 112, and an upper surface 113.

[0106] The bottom surface 111 may support the lower side of the dust suction module 190 in the direction of gravity. That is, the bottom surface 111 may support the lower side of the dust collection motor 191 of the dust suction module 190.

[0107] At this time, the bottom surface 111 may be arranged toward the ground. The bottom surface 111 may be arranged parallel to the ground, or may be arranged at an angle to the ground. With this configuration, the dust collecting motor 191 may be stably supported, and even when the cleaner 200 is combined, there is an advantage in that the overall weight can be balanced.

[0108] Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the bottom surface 111 may further include a ground support member that increases the area in contact with the ground to prevent the cleaner station 100 from falling over and maintain balance. For example, the ground support member may be a plate-shaped member extended from the bottom surface 111, and one or more frames may be formed to protrude and extend along the ground direction from the bottom surface 111.

[0109] The outer wall surface 112 may mean a surface formed along the direction of gravity, and may mean a surface connected to the bottom surface 111. For example, the outer wall surface 112 may mean a surface vertically connected to the bottom surface 111. In another embodiment, the outer wall surface 112 may also be arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle with the bottom surface 111.

[0110] The outer wall surface 112 may be configured to include at least one surface. For 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.

[0111] At this time, in the present embodiment, the first outer wall surface 112a may be arranged on the front side of the cleaner station 100. Here, the front side may mean the surface where the cleaner 200 is exposed when the cleaner 200 is coupled to the cleaner station 100. Therefore, the first outer wall surface 112a may form the appearance of the front side of the cleaner station 100.

[0112] Meanwhile, for the purpose of understanding the present embodiment, the direction is defined as follows. In this embodiment, the direction can be defined when the cleaner 200 is mounted on the cleaner station 100.

[0113] When the cleaner 200 is mounted on the cleaner station 100, the direction in which the cleaner 200 is exposed to the outside of the cleaner station 100 may be called the front.

[0114] From another perspective, when the cleaner 200 is mounted on the cleaner station 100, the direction in which the suction motor 214 of the cleaner 200 is positioned can be called the front. And the direction opposite to the direction in which the suction motor 214 is positioned in the cleaner station 100 may be called the rear.

[0115] And, based on the internal space of the housing 110, the side facing the front can be called the rear of the cleaner station 100. Therefore, the rear can mean the direction in which the second outer wall surface 112b is formed.

[0116] And, based on the internal space of the housing 110, when looking at the front, the left side can be called the left side, and the right side can be called the right side. Therefore, the left side may mean the direction in which the third outer wall surface 112c is formed, and the right side may mean the direction in which the fourth outer wall surface 112d is formed.

[0117] The first outer wall surface 112a may be formed in a flat shape, as well as in an overall curved shape, and may be formed to include a curved surface in a portion.

[0118] The first outer wall surface 112a may have an appearance corresponding to the shape of the cleaner 200. Specifically, the coupling portion 120 may be arranged on the first outer wall surface 112a. By this configuration, the cleaner 200 may be coupled to the cleaner station 100 and supported by the cleaner station 100. The specific configuration of the coupling portion 120 will be described later.

[0119] Meanwhile, a structure for mounting various types of cleaning modules 260 used in the cleaner 200 may be added to the first outer wall surface 112a.

[0120] In this embodiment, the second outer wall surface 112b may be a surface facing the first outer wall surface 112a. That is, the second outer wall surface 112b may be placed at the rear of the cleaner station 100. Here, the rear surface may be a surface facing the surface where the cleaner 200 or the second cleaner 300 is coupled. Therefore, the second outer wall surface 112b may form the exterior of the rear of the cleaner station 100.

[0121] As an example, the second outer wall surface 112b may be formed in a flat shape. By this configuration, the cleaner station 100 may be pressed against the wall of the room, and the cleaner station 100 may be stably supported.

[0122] As another example, a structure for mounting various types of cleaning modules 260 used in the cleaner 200 may be added to the second outer wall surface 112b.

[0123] In this embodiment, the third outer wall surface 112c and the fourth outer wall surface 112d may mean surfaces connecting the first outer wall surface 112a and the second outer wall surface 112b. At this time, the third outer wall surface 112c may be arranged on the left side of the station 100, and the fourth outer wall surface 112d may be arranged on the right side of the cleaner station 100. Alternatively, it is also possible for the third outer wall surface 112c to be placed on the right side of the cleaner station 100 and for the fourth outer wall surface 112d to be placed on the left side of the cleaner station 100.

[0124] The third outer wall surface 112c or the fourth outer wall surface 112d may be formed in a flat shape, or may be formed in a curved shape overall, or may be formed with a curved surface included in a portion.

[0125] The upper surface 113 may form the upper exterior of the cleaner station 100. That is, the upper surface 113 may mean a surface that is positioned at the topmost side in the direction of gravity in the cleaner station 100 and exposed to the outside.

[0126] The upper surface 113 may form the upper exterior of the cleaner station 100. That is, the upper surface 113 may mean a surface that is positioned at the topmost side in the direction of gravity in the cleaner station 100 and exposed to the outside.

[0127] For reference, in the embodiment of the present invention, the direction of the cleaner station 100 may be defined based on the state in which the bottom surface 111 of the cleaner station 100 is installed on the ground.

[0128] That is, the upper side and the lower side may mean the upper side and the lower side, respectively, along the direction of gravity (the direction perpendicular to the ground) when the cleaner station 100 is installed on the ground.

[0129] At this time, the upper surface 113 may be arranged parallel to the ground, but may also be arranged at an angle to the ground.

[0130] A display unit 410 may be arranged on the upper surface 113. For example, the display unit 410 may display the status of the cleaner station 100 and the status of the cleaner 200, and may also display information such as the cleaning progress status and a map of the cleaning area.

[0131] Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the upper surface 113 may be provided so as to be detachable from the outer wall surface 112. At this time, when the upper surface 113 is separated, the battery 240 separated from the cleaner 200 may be accommodated in the internal space surrounded by the outer wall surface 112, and a terminal (not shown) for charging the separated battery 240 may be provided.

[0132] Meanwhile, a protrusion 116 that limits the rotation path of the cover control frame 141 to be described later may be formed in the housing 110. Specifically, the housing 110 may form a space flow path 180 through which air drawn in from the dust bin 220 may flow, and the protrusion 116 may be formed protrudingly on the inner wall surface of the pipe forming the flow path 180.

[0133] As another example, the protrusion 116 may be the upper portion of the dust passage hole 121a formed in the housing 110, and the upper portion of the inner surface of the dust passage hole 121a may be formed by protruding.

[0134] At this time, the protrusion 116 may be positioned within the rotation radius of the cover control frame 141.

[0135] Therefore, the cover control frame 141 may come into contact with the protrusion 116 to limit the rotation range of the cover control frame 141. Specifically, the protrusion 116 may provide an upper rotation limit of the cover control frame 141.

[0136] FIG. 6 is a view to describe a mounting portion in the cleaner station according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view to describe a fixing unit in the cleaner station according to one embodiment. FIGS. 8 to 10 are views to describe a cover control unit in the cleaner station according to one embodiment. FIG. 13 is a view to describe the relationship between the vacuum cleaner and a cover opening unit in the vacuum cleaner station according to the embodiment.

[0137] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the coupling portion 120 of the cleaner station 100 of the present invention will be described as follows.

[0138] The cleaner station 100 may include a coupling portion 120 for coupling the cleaner 200. Specifically, the coupling portion 120 may be arranged on the first outer wall surface 112a, and the cleaner body 210, dust bin 220, and battery housing 230 of the cleaner 200 may be coupled.

[0139] The coupling portion 120 may include a coupling surface 121. The coupling surface 121 may be arranged on the side of the housing 110. For example, the coupling surface 121 may mean a surface formed in a concave groove shape toward the inside of the cleaner station 100 on the first outer wall surface 112a. That is, the coupling surface 121 may mean a surface formed by forming a single unit with the first outer wall surface 112a.

[0140] The coupling surface 121 may accommodate the cleaner 200. For example, the coupling surface 121 may face the lower surface of the dust bin 220 and the battery housing 230 of the cleaner 200. Here, the lower surface may mean a surface facing the ground when the user uses the cleaner 200 or places it on the ground.

[0141] For example, the angle formed by the coupling surface 121 with the ground may be a right angle. Through this, when the cleaner 200 is coupling to the coupling surface 121, the space of the cleaner station 100 may be minimized.

[0142] As another example, the coupling surface 121 may be arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the ground. Through this, when the cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling surface 121, the cleaner station 100 may be stably supported.

[0143] A dust passage hole 121a may be formed in the coupling surface 121 so that air from the outside of the housing 110 may flow into the inside. The dust passage hole 121a may be formed in a hole shape corresponding to the shape of the dust bin 220 so that dust in the dust bin 220 may flow into the dust collection unit 170. The dust passage hole 121a may be formed corresponding to the shape of the discharge cover 222 of the dust bin 220. The dust passage hole 121a may be formed to communicate with the flow path 180 described later.

[0144] The coupling portion 120 may include a dust bin guide surface 122. The dustbin guide surface 122 may be arranged on the first outer wall surface 112a. The dustbin 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.

[0145] The dustbin guide surface 122 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the outer surface of the dust bin 220. The front outer surface of the dust bin 220 may be connected to the dust bin guide surface 122.

[0146] Meanwhile, a protrusion moving hole 122a may be formed in the dustbin guide surface 122, and a push protrusion 151, which will be described later, may be linearly moved along the protrusion moving hole 122a. In addition, a gear box 155 that accommodates a gear of a cover opening unit 150, which will be described later, may be provided on the lower side of the dust bin guide surface 122 in the gravity direction. At this time, a guide space 122b, in which the push protrusion 151 may be moved, may be formed between the dustbin guide surface 122 and the upper surface of the gear box 155. In addition, the guide space 122b may be connected to the first flow path 181 through a bypass hole 122c. That is, the protrusion moving hole 122a, the guide space 122b, the bypass hole 122c, and the first flow path 181 may form one bypass flow path (see FIG. 13). With this configuration, when the dust collector motor 191 is operated while the dust bin 220 is connected to the coupling portion 120, there is an advantage in that dust remaining in the dust bin 220 and the dust bin guide surface 122 may be sucked through the bypass flow path.

[0147] The coupling portion 120 may include a guide protrusion 123. The guide protrusion 123 may be arranged on the coupling surface 121. The guide protrusion 123 may protrude from the coupling surface 121 toward the front of the cleaner station 100. Two guide protrusions 123 may be arranged spaced apart from each other. The distance between the two guide protrusions 123 spaced apart from each other may correspond to the width of the battery housing 230 of the cleaner 200. Through this, the convenience of the cleaner 200 being coupled to the coupling surface 121 may be provided.

[0148] The coupling portion 120 may include a side wall 124. The side wall 124 may refer to a wall surface arranged on both sides of the coupling surface 121 and may be vertically connected to the coupling surface 121. The side wall 124 may be connected to the first outer wall surface 112a. In addition, the side wall 124 may form a surface connected to the dustbin guide surface 122. Through this, the cleaner 200 may be stably accommodated.

[0149] The coupling portion 120 may include a coupling sensor 125. The coupling sensor 125 detect whether the cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling portion 120.

[0150] The coupling sensor 125 may include a contact sensor. For example, the coupling sensor 125 may include a micro switch. At this time, the coupling sensor 125 may be placed on the guide protrusion 123. Therefore, when the battery housing 230 or the battery 240 of the cleaner 200 is coupled between a pair of guide protrusions 123, it comes into contact with the coupling sensor 125, and the coupling sensor 125 may detect that the cleaner 200 is coupled.

[0151] Meanwhile, the coupling sensor 125 may also include a non-contact sensor. For example, the coupling sensor 125 may include an infrared sensor (IR sensor). At this time, the coupling sensor 125 may be placed on the side wall 124. Accordingly, when the dust bin 220 or the cleaner body 210 of the cleaner 200 passes the side wall 124 and reaches the coupling surface 121, the coupling sensor 125 may detect the presence of the dust bin 220 or the cleaner body 210.

[0152] The coupling sensor 125 may face the dust bin 220 or the battery housing 230 of the cleaner 200.

[0153] The coupling sensor 125 may be a means for determining whether the cleaner 200 is coupled together with power being supplied to the battery 240 of the cleaner 200.

[0154] The coupling portion 120 may include a suction portion guide surface 126. The suction portion guide surface 126 may be arranged on the first outer wall surface 112a. The suction portion guide surface 126 may be connected to the dust bin guide surface 122. The suction port 212 may be coupled to the suction portion guide surface 126. The shape of the suction portion guide surface 126 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the suction port 212.

[0155] The coupling portion 120 may further include a fixing member entry hole 127. The fixing member entry hole 127 may be formed in a long hole shape along the side wall 124 so that the fixing member 131 can enter and exit.

[0156] With this configuration, when a user couples the cleaner 200 to the coupling portion 120 of the cleaner station 100, the cleaner body 210 of the cleaner 200 may be stably placed on the coupling portion 120 by the dust bin guide surface 122, the guide protrusion 123, and the suction port guide surface 126. Through this, the convenience of the dust bin 220 and the battery housing 230 of the cleaner 200 being coupled to the coupling surface 121 may be provided.

[0157] Referring to FIG. 5, FIG. 7, and FIG. 14, the fixing unit 130 according to the present disclosure will be described as follows.

[0158] The cleaner station 100 of the present disclosure may include a fixing unit 130. The fixing unit 130 may be placed on the side wall 124. The fixing unit 130 may fix the cleaner 200 coupled to the dust bin guide surface 122. Specifically, the fixing unit 130 may fix the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200 coupled to the dust bin guide surface 122.

[0159] The fixing unit 130 may include a fixing member 131 that fixes the dust bin 220 and the battery housing 230 of the cleaner 200.

[0160] The fixing member 131 is arranged on the side wall 124 of the coupling portion 120 and may be provided to reciprocate on the side wall 124 to fix the dust bin 220. Specifically, the fixing member 131 may be accommodated inside the fixing member entry hole 127.

[0161] The fixing members 131 may be arranged on each side of the coupling portion 120. For example, two fixing members 131 may be arranged symmetrically in a pair in the left and right directions on the coupling surface 121.

[0162] When an external force is applied, the fixing member 131 may move toward the dust bin 220 to fix the dust bin 220. In addition, the fixing member 131 that was fixing the dust bin 220 may move away from the dust bin 220 when the external force is released.

[0163] For example, the fixing member 131 may be moved by the power of the motor. That is, the fixing member 131 may be moved by receiving power through at least one motor and a link connected to the motor.

[0164] For another example, the fixing member 131 may be moved by the suction power of the dust collection motor 191. That is, the fixing member 131 may be moved by receiving suction power through a path such as a hose.

[0165] Meanwhile, the fixing unit 130 may further include a fixing sealer 136. The fixing sealer 136 may be placed on the dust bin guide surface 122 to seal the dust bin 220 when the cleaner 200 is combined. With this configuration, when the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200 is combined, the fixing sealer 136 may be pressurized by the weight of the cleaner 200, and the dust bin 220 and the dust bin guide surface 122 may be sealed.

[0166] Through this, the suction power of the cleaner may be improved by preventing residual dust from remaining in the dust bin 220. In addition, by preventing residual dust from remaining in the dust bin 220, an unpleasant odor caused by the residue may be eliminated.

[0167] Referring to FIG. 5, FIG. 8 to FIG. 10 and FIG. 14, the cover control unit 140 of the present disclosure will be described as follows.

[0168] The cleaner station 100 of the present disclosure may include a cover control unit 140. The cover control unit 140 may be configured to allow a user to manually close the discharge cover 222 of the dust bin 220.

[0169] The cover control unit 140 may include a cover control frame 141, a button 142 and links 143 and 144.

[0170] The cover control frame 141 may be hinge-coupled to the housing 110 and may pass through the dust passage hole 121a to attach the discharge cover 222 to the dust bin 220. The cover control frame 141 may include a frame body 141a.

[0171] The frame body 141a may be formed in a plate shape that is arranged lengthwise in the left-right direction. The frame body 141a may have a hinge 141b arranged on the upper side and a link coupling portion 141c arranged on the lower side based on the state in which the frame body 141a is arranged vertically on the ground.

[0172] The hinge 141b is arranged on one end of the frame body 141a and is hinge-coupled to the housing 110 so as to rotate based on the frame hinge axis a2. For example, as illustrated in the drawing, the hinge 141b may be formed as a pair that is arranged spaced apart in the left-right direction on the frame hinge axis a2.

[0173] The link coupling portion 141c may be a means by which the links 143 and 144 are rotatably coupled. The link coupling portion 141c is arranged on the other side of the frame body 141a, and the links 143 and 144 may be rotatably coupled to the other end 141ca.

[0174] This link coupling portion 141c is provided in the center of the left-right direction of the frame body 141a, and the width in the left-right direction can be formed narrower than the width in the left-right direction of the frame body 141a.

[0175] That is, the link connecting portion 141c is formed in a plate shape arranged in the up-down direction so as to be able to press the connecting lever 222c side of the discharge cover 222, and one end thereof is connected to the frame body 141a, and the other end thereof may be connected to a link 143, 144 to be described later.

[0176] In this way, the cover control frame 141 composed of the frame body 141a and the link coupling portion 141c is formed so as to block at least a portion of the dust passage hole 121a, and since there is no need to close the dust passage hole 121a, it can be formed in an approximately 'Y' shape. Accordingly, the weight of the cover control frame 141 may be reduced, and the initial elastic support force required for the elastic body 145 to be described later may be reduced.

[0177] With this configuration, the cover control frame 141 may be positioned at the first position and the second position by rotation.

[0178] When the cover control frame 141 is positioned at the first position, as an example, the cover control frame 141 may be positioned at an angle with respect to the ground. At this time, the angle means an angle of 90 degrees or less. In addition, when the cover control frame 141 is positioned at the first position, as another example, it can be positioned at an angle with respect to the first outer wall surface 112a of the housing 110 by rotation. As another example, the cover control frame 141 may be positioned at an angle with respect to the inside of the cleaner station 100 by rotationally moving around the frame hinge axis (a2) of the hinge 141b so that the lower end of the cover control frame 141 may be positioned apart from the discharge cover 222. That is, the cover control frame 141 may form a space between it and the discharge cover 222. The first position of the cover control frame 141 may mean an initial arrangement state in which no external force is applied to the button 142.

[0179] When the cover control frame 141 is positioned at the second position, as an example, the cover control frame 141 may be positioned perpendicular to the ground. In addition, when the cover control frame 141 is positioned at the second position, as another example, it may be positioned parallel to the first outer wall surface 112a of the housing 110. As another example, the cover control frame 141 may be positioned so that the cover control frame 141 rotates toward the outside of the cleaner station 100 around the frame hinge axis (a2) of the hinge 141b, so that the lower end of the cover control frame 141, that is, the pressing protrusion 141e, presses the discharge cover 222. That is, the second position of the cover control frame 141 may mean the positioning state when an external force is applied to the button 142.

[0180] Accordingly, the cover control frame 141 may be positioned at the first position where the dust passage hole 121a is completely open, and in this state, when the links 143, 144 push the frame body 141a, the frame body 141a rotates (rotates downward) toward the outside of the cleaner station 100 around the hinge 141b. Accordingly, the cover control frame 141 may be positioned at a second position that at least partially blocks the dust passage hole 121a and can press the discharge cover 222 to hook-connect it to the dust bin 220. Then, when the cover control frame 141 is at the second position and the links 143, 144 pull the frame body 141a, the frame body 141a rotates (upwardly rotates) toward the inside of the cleaner station 100 about the hinge 141b, and the dust passage hole 121a may be completely opened.

[0181] In addition, the cover control frame 141 may be provided with a protrusion 141d that is formed to protrude toward the outside of the cleaner station 100. That is, the protrusion 141d may be formed on one side facing the discharge cover 222 when the cover control frame 141 is positioned at the second position, and may be formed to protrude stepwise from one side of the cover control frame 141 except for the hinge 141b.

[0182] In addition, at least one of the discharge cover 222 and the cover control frame 141 may be provided with a pressing protrusion 141e.

[0183] The pressing protrusion 141e may be formed to protrude toward the cover control frame 141 at a portion where the coupling lever 222c of the discharge cover 222 is arranged, based on the case when the cover control frame 141 is positioned at the second position. Alternatively, the push protrusion 141e may be formed to protrude toward the discharge cover 222 from the link coupling portion 141c of the cover control frame 141 when the cover control frame 141 is positioned at the second position, as shown in the drawing. That is, the link coupling portion 141c may have a link coupled to one side of the other end 141ca and a push protrusion 141e formed on the other side.

[0184] In addition, the cover control frame 141 may be provided with a stopper 141f that supports the protrusion 116 of the housing 110 when positioned at the first position.

[0185] As an example, the stopper 141f may be formed to protrude toward the inside of the housing 110 from the cover control frame 141 and may be formed at one end of the frame body 141a.

[0186] The stopper 141f may be formed to gradually protrude as it moves away from one end of the frame body 141a, and the protruding end may be formed as an inclined surface supported by the protrusion 116 when the cover control frame 141 is positioned at the first position.

[0187] Accordingly, when the cover control frame 141 rotates upward, the stopper 141f may be supported by the protrusion 116 and positioned at the first position, and when the cover control frame 141 rotates downward, the pressing protrusion 141e may be supported by the discharge cover 222 and positioned at the second position. That is, the rotation path of the cover control frame 141 may be limited between the protrusion 116 and the discharge cover 222. However, when the cleaner 200 is not coupled to the cleaner station 100, the cover control frame 141 may be rotated until the button 142 is supported by the button installation portion 114 when rotating downward. Or, when the cleaner 200 is not coupled to the cleaner station 100, the button 142 moves until it can no longer move downward, and the cover control frame 141 may be rotated downward in conjunction with the button 142.

[0188] Meanwhile, when the cleaner 200 is coupled to the cleaner station 100 and the discharge cover 222 is separated from the dust bin body 210, the discharge cover 222 may be rotated toward the inside of the cleaner station 100 by the torsion spring 222d and can come into contact with the cover control frame 141.

[0189] This cover control unit 140 may include a button 142 and links 143 and 144) so that a user can manually operate the cover control frame 141 to rotate it.

[0190] The button 142 may be manually operated by a user by pressing it, and may rotate the cover control frame 141 by moving in a linear motion. For example, the button 142 may move in a linear motion along an up-down direction.

[0191] This button 142 may be arranged along the direction of movement and may be composed of an upper end 142a installed in the housing 110 and exposed to the outside, a vertical wall 142b arranged along the direction of movement on the upper end 142a, and a lower end 142c arranged at the bottom of the vertical wall 142b.

[0192] The upper end 142a may be inserted into the button installation portion 114 of the housing 110 to form a part of the exterior of the cleaner station 100.

[0193] The lower end 142c is provided so that the links 143 and 144 may be connected and an elastic body 145 may be installed, and can be positioned opposite the upper end 142a.

[0194] The lower end 142c may have an elastic body fixing portion 142d whose upper surface is connected to the vertical wall 142b and whose lower surface is equipped with the elastic body 145.

[0195] The elastic body fixing portion 142d may be formed by protruding downward from the lower end 142c, and can be formed in a cylindrical shape, for example. Such elastic fixing portion 142d may be provided at least once on the lower end 142c, and may be provided in a number corresponding to the number of elastic bodies 145.

[0196] In addition, the lower end 142c may be provided with a bending portion 142e to which a rotation lever is connected.

[0197] The bending portion 142e is arranged perpendicular to the lower end 142c, and for example, may be formed by extending from the right end of the lower end 142c, but may be formed by being bent at a right angle.

[0198] The bending portion 142e may be provided with a long hole 142f into which a connecting protrusion 143d of the rotation lever 143b is inserted and moved.

[0199] When the direction in which the button 142 moves linearly is referred to as the first direction, the long hole 142f may be arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. For example, the first direction may be a direction perpendicular to the ground. As another example, the button 142 moves linearly in the up-and-down direction, the long hole 142f may be arranged along the forward-backward direction, and the connecting protrusion 143d may be inserted to move along the long hole 142f in the forward-backward direction.

[0200] The vertical wall 142b may be arranged between the upper end 142a and the lower end 142c to connect the upper end 142a and the lower portion 142c, and at least one may be provided.

[0201] This vertical wall 142b may be formed long in the vertical direction, and may be a plate shape composed of a front and a back, or a plate shape composed of a left side and a right side, but is not limited thereto.

[0202] The button installation portion 114 formed in the housing 110 is provided so that the button 142 is inserted and exposed to the outside, and the upper surface of the button 142 can form part of the exterior of the cleaner station 100 together with the housing 110.

[0203] This button installation portion 114 may be provided in the form of a hole by a part of the upper surface 113 of the cleaner station 100 being sunken, and may be formed by a part of the outer wall surface of the housing 110 being sunken. The button installation portion 114 may be formed so that the button 142 is inserted inside and can move linearly, and may guide the linear movement of the button 142. Accordingly, the elastic body 145 described later may be compressed or restored in the direction of linear movement of the button 142.

[0204] In addition, the button installation portion 114 may be formed by sinking a portion of the upper surface 113 and the outer wall surface 112 of the housing 110. In addition, the button 142 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the button installation portion 114 so that the cleaner station 100 may form a portion of the exterior.

[0205] As shown in the drawing, when the button installation portion 114 is formed by sinking a portion of the upper surface 113 and the outer wall surface 112 of the housing 110, the upper surface of the button 142 and the exterior forming portion 142ab formed by protruding downward from the upper portion of the button 142 may form a portion of the exterior of the cleaner station 100. In this case, the button installation portion 114 may be formed by being sunken in the housing 110 along the direction of linear movement of the button 142 so as to enable linear movement of the button 142, thereby guiding the linear movement of the button 142.

[0206] The button 142 may be arranged so that its upper surface is parallel to the upper surface 113 of the housing 110, but may also be arranged so that its upper surface protrudes from the upper surface 113 of the housing 110, but is not limited thereto.

[0207] When an external force is applied to the button 142, it is arranged so that it is stepped from the upper surface 113 of the housing 110 and can rotate the cover control frame 141. Then, when the external force applied to the button 142 is removed, the button 142 may be moved to its original position by the elastic body 145 described later, and thus the links 143 and 144 may be rotated in a forward or reverse direction.

[0208] Here, the forward direction may mean the direction in which the links 143 and 144 push the cover control frame 141. Therefore, when the links 143 and 144 rotate in the forward direction, the cover control frame 141 may be rotated toward the outside of the cleaner station 100, and the discharge cover 222 may be closed. And, when the links 143 and 144 rotate in the forward direction, the communication between the internal space of the dust bin 220 and the flow path 180 may be blocked.

[0209] In addition, the reverse direction may mean the direction in which the links 143 and 144 pull the cover control frame 141. Therefore, when the links 143 and 144 rotate in the reverse direction, the cover control frame 141 may be rotated toward the inside of the cleaner station 100, and the internal space of the dust bin 220 and the flow path 180 may be communicated. The forward direction may be the opposite direction to the reverse direction.

[0210] The elastic body 145 is elastically deformed when an external force is applied to the button 142, thereby providing a restoring force to the button 142, and when the external force applied to the button 142 is removed, the button 142 may be moved to its original position.

[0211] The elastic body 145 may be arranged along the direction of linear movement of the button 142, and for example, can be arranged perpendicular to the ground. As another example, the elastic body 145 may be arranged along the up-down direction.

[0212] One end of the elastic body 145 in the longitudinal direction can be fixed to the button 142, and the other end of the elastic body 145 in the longitudinal direction can be fixed to the housing 110. That is, for example, one end in the longitudinal direction of the elastic body 145 may be fixed to an elastic body fixing member 142d and the other end in the longitudinal direction may be fixed to an elastic body support 115 formed in the housing 110.

[0213] For example, the guide pin 146 may be arranged inside the elastic body 145, formed in a cylindrical shape, and arranged so that its central axis coincides with the central axis of the elastic body 145. The guide pin 146 may be arranged so that one end in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the button 142 and moves linearly with the button 142, and the other end in the longitudinal direction penetrates the elastic body support 115. That is, the other end in the longitudinal direction of the guide pin 146 is arranged inside the support member fixing portion 115a, so that the other end in the longitudinal direction protrudes downward from the elastic body support 115, and the guide pin 146 may be guided in linear motion by the support member fixing portion 115a. In addition, a support member 147 that supports the linear movement of the guide pin 146 may be provided on the inner side of the support member fixing portion 115a.

[0214] The support member 147 may be arranged to surround the guide pin 146 and may be accommodated in the support member fixing portion 115a. That is, it may be inserted and arranged between the support member fixing portion 115a and the guide pin 146, and may be formed in a hollow shape so that the outer surface supports the inner side of the support member fixing portion 115a and the inner surface supports the outer surface of the guide pin 146.

[0215] In addition, the support member 147 may be fixed to the support member fixing portion 115a and may support the linear movement of the guide pin 146. This support member 147 may be closely attached to the guide pin 146, and thus may guide the guide pin 146 to move up and down, and may prevent movement during linear movement.

[0216] In addition, the elastic body 145 may be fixed to one of the support member 147, the support member fixing portion 1151a, and the elastic body support member 115 at the other end in the longitudinal direction.

[0217] Accordingly, when an external force is applied to the button 142, the elastic body 145 is compressed, and the guide pin 146 moves downward together with the button 142, so that the length protruding downward from the support member fixing portion 115a becomes longer. And, when the external force applied to the button 142 is removed, the elastic body 145 is restored, and the guide pin 146 moves upward together with the button 142 so that the length protruding downward from the support member fixing portion 115a becomes shorter.

[0218] Meanwhile, the elastic body 145 and the guide pin 146 may be provided at least one each, and when the elastic body 145 and the guide pin 146 are provided as one, they may be arranged so that the center of gravity of the button 142 is located on the central axis thereof.

[0219] In addition, the elastic body 145 and the guide pin 146 may be provided in two or more to prevent the buckling phenomenon of the button 142. That is, since the elastic body 145 and the guide pin 146 are provided in two or more positions spaced apart in the horizontal direction, the button 142 may be supported to move in a straight line in the up-and-down direction regardless of whether an external force is input to any part of the upper end 142a of the button 142.

[0220] Meanwhile, when no external force is applied to the button 142, the upper surface should be arranged parallel to the upper surface 113 of the housing 110, and the upper surface should be exposed to the outside through the button installation portion 114.

[0221] To this end, the elastic body 145 is installed in a pre-compressed state, and can continuously provide elastic support force that supports the button 142 upward.

[0222] That is, the elastic body 145 is initially installed in a pre-compressed first state to elastically support the button 142, and when an external force is applied to the button 142, it can change from the first state to a second state that is more compressed.

[0223] When the elastic body 145 is in the first state, it may provide an initial elastic support force to the button 142 so that the upper surface of the button 142 is arranged parallel to the upper surface 113 of the housing 110. At this time, the initial elastic support force may be greater than or equal to the force required for the upper surface of the button 142 to be arranged parallel to the upper surface 113 of the housing 110.

[0224] That is, the button 142 is installed in a first state that is pre-compressed so as not to move downward due to the load of the button 142 and the links 143 and 144, and may provide the initial elastic support force to the button 142.

[0225] When an external force is applied to the button 142, the elastic body 145 may enter the second state. When the elastic body 145 is in the second state, the upper surface of the button 142 may be arranged with a step from the upper surface 113 of the housing 110. Accordingly, the elastic body 145 in the second state is at least shorter than the elastic body 145 in the first state, and can provide the elastic support force to the button 142 greater than the initial elastic support force. And, when the external force applied to the button 142 is removed, the button 142 is restored to the first state that is compressed in advance by the restoring force of the elastic body 145.

[0226] The link 143, 144 connects the cover control frame 141 and the button 142, and can rotate the cover control frame 141 so that the cover control frame 141 closes the discharge cover 222 by using the external force input to the button 142.

[0227] The link 143, 144 connects the cover control frame 141 and the rotation lever 143b, and can rotate the cover control frame 141 by the rotational movement converted from the rotation lever 143b.

[0228] As an example, the link 143, 144 may include a first link 143 and a second link 144.

[0229] The first link 143 may rotate according to the linear motion of the button 142. The first link 143 may rotate around the rotation axis (a1) and may transmit the force transmitted from the button 142 to the second link 144. Here, the rotation axis (a1) can mean a virtual line extending the rotation axis of the first link 143. One end of the second link 144 may be rotatably coupled with the first link 143. The second link 144 may close the discharge cover 222 by pushing or pulling the cover control frame 141.

[0230] The first link 143 may be configured to include a rotation body 143a, a rotation lever 143b, and a first link body 143c.

[0231] The rotation body 143a rotates around the rotation axis (a1), and for example, may be formed in a cylindrical shape centered around the rotation axis (a1).

[0232] The first link 143 may include a rotation lever 143b and a first link body 143c that are respectively arranged radially on the outside of the rotation body 143a. For example, the rotation body 143a may have a rotation lever 143b and a first link body 43c that are formed to protrude radially outward, and the protruding end of the rotation lever 143b may be connected to the button 142, and the protruding end of the first link body 143c may be connected to the second link.

[0233] The rotation lever 143b and the first link body 143c arranged on the rotation body 143a may be arranged to form a predetermined angle. When the first link 143 rotates around the rotation axis (a1), the rotation lever 143b and the first link body 143c may maintain the predetermined angle. That is, the rotation body 143a, the rotation lever 143b, and the first link body 143c rotate together, and for example, may be provided as one piece.

[0234] The rotation lever 143b may be installed to convert the linear motion of the button 142 into a rotational motion. The rotation lever 143b may be formed in a frame shape arranged along the radial direction of the rotation body 143a, for example.

[0235] The rotation lever 143b is provided with a rotation body 143a at one end in the longitudinal direction so that it can rotate around the rotation axis (a1) and has a connecting protrusion 143d to be described later at the other end in the longitudinal direction so that it can be connected to the button 142.

[0236] The rotation lever 143b is provided with the connecting protrusion 143d that is inserted into the long hole 142f of the button 142 and moves so that it can rotate around the rotation axis (a1) when the button 142 moves linearly.

[0237] The connecting projection 143d may be formed by protruding toward the button 142 at the other end of the rotation lever 143b and is inserted into the long hole 142f and moves. The connecting protrusion 143d may, for example, move backward along the long hole 142f as the button 142 moves downward. Accordingly, when the button 142 moves linearly, the connecting protrusion 143d may be inserted into the long hole 142f and move along the long hole 142f, and the rotation lever 143b may rotate around the rotation axis (a1). The connecting protrusion 143d may be guided by the long hole 142f and move along the long hole 143d.

[0238] After the connecting protrusion 143d is inserted into the long hole 142f, a fixing member 143e is fastened to the end to maintain the state of being inserted into the long hole 142f. That is, after one side of the bending portion 142e of the connecting protrusion 143d is inserted into the long hole 142f, the fixing member 143e is fastened to the protruding end, and as the fixing member supports the other side of the bending portion 142e, the connecting protrusion 143d may be prevented from being separated from the long hole 142f. At this time, the connecting protrusion 143d may have a fixing member insertion groove in which the fixing member 143e is inserted into the end. In addition, the fixing member 143e may be, for example, a snap ring with one side cut off, but is not limited thereto.

[0239] The first link body 143c rotates together with the rotation body 143a, and can transmit the force transmitted through the button 142 to the second link 1442. For example, the first link body 143c is formed in a frame shape, has a rotation body 143a provided on one longitudinal side, and may be rotatably coupled to the second link 1442 on the other longitudinal side.

[0240] This first link body 143c may be a rotation body that rotates around the rotation axis (a1). In addition, the first link body 143c may be provided with one side in the longitudinal direction integrally with the rotation body 143a, for example.

[0241] Therefore, the rotation lever 143b and the first link body 143c may rotate together according to the linear movement of the button 142.

[0242] Here, the first link 143 is composed only of the rotation body 143a and the rotation lever 143b, and at least one location of the first link 143 may be rotatably coupled with the second link 144. For example, the second link 144 may be linked to one location of the rotation lever 143b.

[0243] And, as shown in the drawing, the first link 143 is composed of a rotation body 143a, a rotation lever 143b, and a first link body 143c, and a second link 144 is rotatably coupled to an end of the first link body 143c, thereby reducing the force required to rotate the cover control frame 141.

[0244] The second link 1442 may be composed of a second link body 144a and a frame connecting portion 1442b.

[0245] The second link body 144a may transmit the force of the first link 143 to the cover control frame 141. For example, the second link body 144a may be formed in a frame shape, and one longitudinal side may be rotatably coupled with the first link body 143c, and a frame connecting portion 1442b may be arranged on the other longitudinal side.

[0246] The frame connecting portion 1442b may be formed on the other longitudinal side of the second link body 144a.

[0247] The frame connecting portion 1442b may be coupled with the cover control frame 141. The frame connecting portion 1442b may be hinge-coupled to the link connecting portion 141c. At this time, the hinge that connects the frame connecting portion 1442b and the cover control frame 141 may become the rotation axis of the second link 1442.

[0248] With this configuration, when the user presses the button 142, the cover control frame 141 may be rotated to close the discharge cover 222.

[0249] Referring to FIG. 8 and FIG. 10, FIG. 8 shows that the elastic body 145 provides initial elastic support force to the button 142 in the first state, and the cover control frame 141 may be positioned at the first position by the stopper 141f being supported by the protrusion 116 of the housing 110. At this time, since the stopper 141f is supported by the protrusion 116, the cover control frame 141 is restricted from moving upward, and the button 142 connected thereto is also restricted from moving upward, so that the upper surface of the button 142 may be arranged parallel to the upper surface 113 of the housing 110.

[0250] Here, when an external force is applied to the button 142, the button 142 moves downward as shown in FIG. 10, the elastic body 145 is compressed to the second state, the connecting protrusion 143d inserted into the long hole 142f moves backward, and the links 143 and 144 may rotate. Here, the first link 143 rotates, and the longitudinal other side of the first link body 143c is positioned relatively downward, and the position of the second link body 144a is positioned relatively downward, and the frame connecting portion 144b may also be positioned downward. In this way, when the links 143 and 144 rotate and push the cover control frame 141, the cover control frame 141 may rotate downward about the hinge portion 141b as an axis. At this time, the cover control frame 141 can close the discharge cover 222 by rotating downward until the discharge cover 222 is fastened to the dust bin 220.

[0251] Then, when the external force applied to the button 142 is removed, the button 142 moves upward again as shown in FIG. 8 by the restoring force of the elastic body 145, and the connecting protrusion 143d inserted into the long hole 142f moves forward, and the link 143 and 144 can rotate. Then, when the link 143, 144 rotates and pulls the cover control frame 141, the cover control frame 141 may rotate upward about the hinge 141b as an axis. At this time, the cover control frame 141 may rotate upward until the stopper 141f is supported by the protrusion 116, and the elastic body 145 is restored to the first state to provide initial elastic support force to the button 142. Accordingly, the button 142 may move upward until its upper surface is arranged parallel to the upper surface 113 of the housing 110.

[0252] In this way, as the external force applied to the button 142 is converted into a rotational motion and transmitted to the cover control frame 141 through the links 143 and 144, the force with which the cover control frame 141 closes the discharge cover 222 may be amplified more than the force transmitted to the links 143 and 144 through the button 142. Therefore, even if the external force applied to the button 142 is small, there is an effect of being able to generate sufficient force to close the discharge cover 222.

[0253] Therefore, the user may easily close the discharge cover 222 by operating the button 142, and since a conventional motor or the like for closing the discharge cover 222 is not required, the number of parts may be reduced, the weight can be reduced, and noise caused by the motor can be prevented.

[0254] FIGS. 11 and 12 are views to describe a cover control unit in a cleaner statin according to another embodiment.

[0255] Referring to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the cover control unit 140 of the cleaner station 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The cover control unit 140 may have a first link 143 equipped with a connecting shaft rod 143f. However, the cleaner station 100 according to another embodiment is configured with a connecting shaft rod 143f in addition to the cleaner station 100 according to one embodiment, and in order to avoid redundant description, descriptions of other components except for the connecting shaft rod 143f will be omitted.

[0256] The connecting shaft rod 143f may be arranged along the rotation axis (a1) between the rotation lever 143b and the first link body 143c to space the rotation lever 143b and the first link body 143c. That is, the length of the connecting shaft 143f is formed to be as long as the desired distance between the rotation lever 143b and the first link body 143c, so that the rotation lever 143b and the first link body 143c may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by the desired distance on the rotation axis (a1). The connecting shaft 143f may be arranged coaxially with the rotation body 143a, and for example, the rotation body 143a may be formed by extending along the rotation axis (a1).

[0257] The connecting shaft 143f may have the end of the rotation lever 143b arranged at one end on the rotation axis (a1) and the end of the first link body 143c arranged at the other end.

[0258] This connecting shaft 143f may be provided to space the positions of the button 142 and the cover control frame 141 in the left-right direction of the housing 110.

[0259] That is, the cover control frame 141 is preferably positioned in the center of the left-right direction so that the discharge cover 222 is closed by pressing the portion adjacent to the coupling lever 222c when closing the discharge cover 222, and the link coupling portion 141c is also preferably positioned in the center of the left-right direction of the cover control frame 141. At this time, if the connecting shaft 143f is not provided in the rotation lever 143b, the button 142 may be positioned in the center of the left-right direction of the housing 110 or may be positioned adjacent to the center of the left-right direction of the housing 110. And, when the rotation lever 143b is provided with a connecting shaft 143f, the button 142 may be placed at a position spaced apart from the center of the left and right directions of the housing 110. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the button 142 may be placed at the left end of the housing 110.

[0260] As the connecting shaft 143f is provided on the rotation lever 143b in this way, the installation position of the button 142 may be easily changed, the design of the housing 110 may be improved, and the button 142 may be placed in a position that is easy for the user to access.

[0261] In addition, since the housing 110 must form a space in the center of the upper part where the battery 240 separated from the cleaner 200 may be stored and charged, the connecting shaft 143f is provided so that the button 142 may be placed at a position spaced from the center of the left and right directions of the housing, and the space where the button 142 is installed may be flexibly secured. Accordingly, the vertical movement distance of the button 142 may be secured, and collision with surrounding parts may be prevented when the button 142 moves vertically.

[0262] Also, although not shown in the drawing, the connecting shaft 143f may be provided on any one of the rotation body 143a of the first link body 143c, the frame connecting portion of the second link body 144a, and the end where the first link body 143c and the second link body 144a are rotatably connected.

[0263] Referring to FIG. 5, FIG. 13, and FIG. 14, the cover opening unit 150 of the present disclosure will be described as follows.

[0264] The cleaner station 100 of the present disclosure may include the cover opening unit 150. The cover opening unit 150 is arranged at the coupling portion 120 and may open the discharge cover 222 of the cleaner 200.

[0265] 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.

[0266] The push protrusion 151 may be moved to pressurize the coupling lever 222c when the cleaner 200 is coupled.

[0267] The push protrusion 151 may be arranged on the dust bin guide surface 122. Specifically, a projection moving hole may be formed on the dust bin guide surface 122, and the push protrusion 151 may pass through the protrusion moving hole and be exposed to the outside.

[0268] The push protrusion 151 may be arranged at a position where the coupling lever 222c may be pressed when the cleaner 200 is coupled. That is, the coupling lever 222c may be arranged on the protrusion moving hole. In addition, the coupling lever 222c may be arranged on the moving area of the push protrusion 151.

[0269] The push protrusion 151 may move linearly back and forth to press the coupling lever 222c. Specifically, the push protrusion 151 may be coupled to the gear box 155 so that the linear movement may be guided. The push protrusion 151 may be coupled to the cover opening gear 153 so that it can move together by the movement of the cover opening gear 153.

[0270] The cover opening motor 152 may provide power to move the push protrusion 151. Specifically, the cover opening motor 152 may rotate the motor shaft (not shown) in the forward or reverse direction. Here, the forward direction can mean the direction in which the push protrusion 151 presses the coupling lever 222c. In addition, the reverse direction may mean the direction in which the push protrusion 151 that presses the coupling lever 222c returns to the original position. The forward direction can be the opposite direction to the reverse direction.

[0271] The cover opening gear 153 is coupled with the cover opening motor 152 and may move the push protrusion 151 using the power of the cover opening motor 152. Specifically, the cover opening gear 153 may be accommodated inside the gear box 155. The driving gear 153a of the cover opening gear 153 may be coupled with the motor shaft of the cover opening motor 152 and receive power. The driven gear 153b of the cover opening gear 153 may be coupled with the push protrusion 151 and move the push protrusion 151. For example, the driven gear 153b is provided in the form of a rack gear and meshes with the driving gear 153a and may receive power from the driving gear 153a.

[0272] At this time, the discharge cover 222 may be equipped with a torsion spring 222d. The discharge cover 222 may be rotated by a predetermined angle or more by the elastic force of the torsion spring 222d and may be supported at the rotated position. Accordingly, the discharge cover 222 may be opened and may communicate the dust passage hole 121a and the inside of the dust bin 220.

[0273] The gear box 155 is equipped inside the housing 110 and is arranged on the lower side of the gravity direction of the coupling portion 120, and the cover opening gear 153 may be accommodated inside.

[0274] The gear box 155 may be equipped with a cover opening detection unit 155f. At this time, the cover opening detection unit 155f may include a contact sensor. For example, the cover opening detection unit 155f may include a micro switch. Meanwhile, the cover opening detection unit 155f may also include a non-contact sensor. For example, the cover opening detection unit 155f may include an infrared sensor (IR sensor).

[0275] At least one cover opening detection unit 155f may be arranged on the inner or outer surface of the gear box 155. For example, one cover opening detection unit 155f may be arranged on the inner surface of the gear box 155. At this time, the cover opening detection unit 155f may detect that the push protrusion 151 is in the initial position.

[0276] As another example, two cover opening detection units 155f may be arranged on the outer surface of the gear box 155. At this time, the cover opening detection unit 155f may detect the initial position of the push protrusion 151 and the cover opening position.

[0277] Therefore, according to the present disclosure, the user may open the dust bin 220 without separately opening the discharge cover 222 of the cleaner 200 by the cover opening unit 150, thereby improving convenience.

[0278] In addition, since the discharge cover 222 is opened while the cleaner 200 is connected to the cleaner station 100, there is an effect of preventing dust from flying.

[0279] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 14, the dust collection unit 170 is described as follows.

[0280] The cleaner station 100 may include the dust collection unit 170. The dust collection unit 170 may be placed inside the housing 110. The dust collection unit 170 may be placed below the gravity direction of the coupling unit 120.

[0281] As an example, the dust collection unit 170 may mean a dust bag that collects dust sucked from inside the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200 by the dust collection motor 191.

[0282] The dust collection unit 170 may be detachably coupled to the housing 110.

[0283] Therefore, the dust collection unit 170 may be separated from the housing 110 and discarded, and a new dust collection unit 170 may be coupled to the housing 110. That is, the dust collection unit 170 may be defined as a consumable part.

[0284] The dust bag nay be provided so that the volume increases when suction power is generated by the dust collection motor 191 and dust is received inside.

[0285] To this end, the dust bag may be made of a material that allows air to pass through but does not allow foreign substances such as dust to pass through. For example, the dust bag may be made of a non-woven material and may have a hexahedral shape when the volume increases.

[0286] Therefore, since the user does not need to separately tie the bag containing the dust, user convenience may be improved.

[0287] Alternatively, the dust bag may include a roll vinyl (not shown). With this configuration, when the dust bag is sealed or bonded, dust or odor captured inside the dust bag may be prevented from leaking out of the dust bag. At this time, the dust bag can be mounted on the housing 110 through a dust bag cartridge (not shown). If necessary, the dust bag may be replaced through the dust bag cartridge.

[0288] Meanwhile, a temperature sensor 175 may be provided in the dust collection unit 170. The temperature sensor 175 may measure the temperature inside the dust collection unit 170. Temperature information measured by the temperature sensor 175 may be received by the control unit 400.

[0289] Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the temperature sensor 175 may also be provided in the dust suction module 190. When the temperature sensor 175 is provided in the dust suction module 190, the temperature of the dust collection motor 191 or the temperature of the air discharged from the dust collection motor 191 may be measured to calculate the temperature of the air flowing into the dust collection unit 170.

[0290] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 14, the flow path 180 is described as follows.

[0291] The cleaner station 100 may include the flow path 180.

[0292] The flow path 180 may connect the dust bin 220 and the dust collection unit 170 of the cleaner 200. The flow path 180 may be arranged at the rear side of the coupling surface 121. The flow path 180 may refer to a space between the dust bin 220 and the dust collection unit 170 of the cleaner 200. The flow path 180 may be a space formed at the rear side of the dust passage hole 121a, and may be a flow path formed by bending downward from the dust passage hole 121a so that dust and air may flow.

[0293] Specifically, when the cleaner 200 is coupled to the cleaner station 100 and the dust passage hole 121a is opened, the cleaner may include a first flow path 181 communicating with the internal space of the dust bin 220, and a second flow path 182 communicating between the first flow path 181 and the internal space of the dust collection unit 170.

[0294] As an example, the first flow path 181 may be arranged substantially parallel to the axis of the suction motor 214 or the virtual penetration line penetrating the dust bin 220. At this time, the axis of the suction motor 214 or the penetration line of the dust bin 220 may penetrate the first flow path 181.

[0295] At this time, the second flow path 182 may be formed at a predetermined angle with the first flow path 181. For example, the first flow path 181 and the second flow path 182 may be formed at a right angle. With this configuration, the overall volume of the cleaner station 100 may be minimized.

[0296] The second flow path 182 may be formed to extend downward from the first flow path 181 and may be connected to the first flow path 181 to guide the air passing through the first flow path 181 to the dust collection unit 170.

[0297] The second flow path 182 may be arranged in a direction parallel to the axis (C) of the dust collection motor 191. With this configuration, the suction power of the dust collection motor 191 may be minimized from being reduced in the first flow path 181 and the second flow path 182.

[0298] Dust in the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200 maya move to the dust collection unit 170 through the flow path 180.

[0299] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 14, the dust suction module 190 is described as follows.

[0300] The cleaner station 100 may include the 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).

[0301] The dust collection motor 191 may be placed at the bottom of the dust collection unit 170. The dust collection motor 191 may generate suction force in the flow path unit 180. Through this, the dust collection motor 191 may provide suction force capable of sucking dust in the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200.

[0302] The dust collection motor 191 may generate suction force by rotation. For example, the dust collection motor 191 may be formed in a shape similar to a cylinder.

[0303] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, a virtual dust collecting motor axis line that extends the rotation axis of the dust collecting motor 191 may be formed.

[0304] The first filter (not shown) can be placed between the dust collection unit 170 and the dust collection motor 191. The first filter may be a pre-filter.

[0305] The second filter (not shown) can be placed between the dust collecting motor 191 and the outer wall surface 112. The second filter (not shown) may be a HEPA filter.

[0306] Meanwhile, the cleaner station 100 may further include a charging unit 128. The charging unit can be placed in the coupling portion 120. The charging unit 128 may be electrically connected to the cleaner 200 coupled to the coupling portion 120. The charging unit 128 may supply power to the battery of the cleaner 200 coupled to the coupling portion 120.

[0307] In addition, the cleaner station 100 may further include a side door (not shown). The side door can be placed in the housing 110. The side door can selectively expose the dust collection unit 170 to the outside. This allows the user to easily remove the dust collection unit 170 from the cleaner station 100.

[0308] Meanwhile, FIG. 14 is a block view to describe the control configuration in the cleaner station according to one embodiment.

[0309] Referring to FIG. 14, the control configuration of the cleaner station 100 of the present disclosure is explained as follows.

[0310] The cleaner station 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a control unit 400 that controls a coupling portion 120, a fixing unit 130, a dust bin cover control unit 140, a cover opening unit 150, a dust collection unit 170, a flow path unit 180, and a dust suction module 190.

[0311] The control unit 400 may be composed of a printed circuit board and components mounted on the printed circuit board.

[0312] When the coupling sensor 125 detects the coupling of the cleaner 200, the coupling sensor 125 may transmit a signal that the cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling portion 120. At this time, the control unit 400 can receive the signal of the coupling sensor 125 and determine that the cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling unit 120.

[0313] When the control unit 400 determines that the cleaner 200 is fixed to the coupling portion 120, the control unit 400 may operate the cover opening motor 152 to open the discharge cover 222 of the cleaner 200.

[0314] When the control unit 400 determines that the cleaner 200 is fixed to the coupling portion 120, the control unit 400 may operate the cover opening motor 152 to open the discharge cover 222 of the cleaner 200.

[0315] The cover opening detection unit 155f may transmit a signal that the discharge cover 222 is opened when the guide protrusion 123 moves backwards so that the support plate 154 may reach a predetermined opening position, and when the support plate 154 reaches the predetermined opening position. The control unit 400 may receive a signal from the cover opening detection unit 155f that the discharge cover 222 is opened and determine that the discharge cover 222 is opened. When the control unit 400 determines that the discharge cover 222 is opened, the control unit 400 may stop the operation of the cover opening motor 152.

[0316] The control unit 400 may drive the dust collection motor 191 to suck up dust inside the dust bin 220.

[0317] The control unit 400 may operate the display unit 410 to display the dustbin emptying status and charging status of the cleaner 200.

[0318] Meanwhile, the cleaner station 100 of the present disclosure may include the display unit 410.

[0319] The display unit 410 may be placed in the housing 110, as well as in a separate display device, and can be equipped in a terminal including a mobile phone.

[0320] The display unit 410 may be configured to include at least one of a display panel capable of outputting characters and / or figures, and a speaker capable of outputting voice signals and sounds. The user may easily grasp the status of the current administration, the remaining time, etc. through the information output through the display unit.

[0321] Meanwhile, the cleaner station 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a memory 430. The memory 430 may include various data for driving and operating the cleaner station 100.

[0322] Meanwhile, the cleaner station 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include an input unit 440. The input unit 440 generates key input data that a user inputs to control the operation of the cleaner station 100. For this purpose, the input unit 440 may be composed of a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (static / electrostatic), etc. In particular, when the touch pad forms a mutual layer structure with the display unit 410, it may be called a touch screen.

[0323] And, after the operation of the dust collection motor 191 is finished, the user may check the display unit 410 to check the dust bin emptying status, and press the button 142 to close the discharge cover 222.

[0324] That is, the user may operate the cover control unit 140 by applying an external force to the button 142, and the discharge cover 222 may be fastened to the dust bin 220 by the cover control unit 140.

[0325] Accordingly, the user may eliminate the inconvenience of having to directly close the discharge cover 222 of the dust bin 220, and may prevent the discharge cover 222 from being exposed to the dust bin 220 in an unclosed state, thereby preventing dust from flying.

[0326] In addition, the control unit 400 may detect the position or closedness of the discharge cover 222 by mounting an additional sensor on the push protrusion 151 or the cover control frame 141, and may display whether the discharge cover 222 is closed on the display unit 410. In addition, the control unit 400 may generate a warning sound, a warning light, a warning message, etc. when the cleaner 200 is about to be separated from the cleaner station 100 while the discharge cover 222 is not closed. At this time, the warning message can convey the content of pressing the button 142 to close the discharge cover 222.

[0327] FIG. 15 is a flow chart to describe a controlling method of the cleaner statin according to one embodiment.

[0328] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 15, the control method of the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention is described as follows.

[0329] The control method of the cleaner station according to the present disclosure includes a coupling confirmation step (S10), a cover opening step (S20), a dust collection step (S30), and a cover closing step (S40).

[0330] In the coupling confirmation step (S10), it is possible to confirm whether the cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling portion 120 of the cleaner station 100.

[0331] Specifically, in the coupling confirmation step (S10), when the cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling portion 120, the coupling sensor 125 arranged on the guide protrusion 123 may come into contact with the battery housing 230, and the coupling sensor 125 may transmit a signal that the cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling portion 120. Or, according to one embodiment, a non-contact sensor type coupling sensor 125 disposed on a side wall 124 may detect the presence of the dust bin 220, and the coupling sensor 125 may transmit a signal indicating that the cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling portion 120.

[0332] Therefore, in the coupling confirmation step (S10), the control unit 400 may receive a signal generated from the coupling sensor 125 and determine that the cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling portion 120.

[0333] Or, in the combination confirmation step (S10) of the present disclosure, the control unit 400 may detect whether the cleaner 200 is connected in the correct position by checking whether the charging unit 128 supplies power to the battery 240 of the cleaner 200.

[0334] In the cover opening step (S20), the control unit 400 may open the discharge cover 222 of the cleaner 200 when the dust bin 220 is connected to the cleaner station 100.

[0335] When the control unit 400 receives a signal from the fixing detection unit 137 that the dust bin 220 is fixed, the control unit 400 may operate the cover opening motor 152 in the forward direction to open the discharge cover 222.

[0336] Specifically, the control unit 400 may drive the cover opening motor 152 in the forward direction. As a result, the push protrusion 151 may be moved from the initial position to a position where it presses the coupling lever 222c. Accordingly, the hook connection between the discharge cover 222 and the dust bin body 221 is released by the movement of the coupling lever 222c, and the discharge cover 222 may be separated while rotating away from the dust bin body 221 by the restoring force of the torsion spring 222d.

[0337] Meanwhile, before the push protrusion 151 presses the coupling lever 222c, the cover opening detection unit 155f may transmit a signal that the push protrusion 151 is in the initial position.

[0338] When the cover opening motor 152 is driven and the push protrusion 151 starts to move to press the coupling lever 222c, the cover opening detection unit 155f may transmit a signal that the push protrusion 151 has moved out of the initial position. Then, the control unit 400 may receive this signal and determine that the cover opening unit 150 has operated normally.

[0339] At this time, the control unit 400 may measure the time after the cover opening motor 152 is driven in the forward direction through a timer (not shown) or measure the time after the push protrusion 151 has moved out of the initial position.

[0340] At this time, the control unit 400 may preset and store the time required for the push protrusion 151 to start from the initial position and press the coupling lever 222c based on the rotation speed of the cover opening motor 152 and the movement distance of the push protrusion 151. Accordingly, the control unit 400 may drive the cover opening motor 152 in the forward direction for a cover opening time (tc1) longer than the time required to press the coupling lever 222c. For example, the control unit 400 may drive the cover opening motor 152 in the forward direction for a time of 4 seconds or longer and 5 seconds or shorter.

[0341] Then, the control unit 400 may change the rotation direction of the cover opening motor 152 for a preset rotation direction change time (tc2) after the cover opening time (tc1) has elapsed.

[0342] Then, the control unit 400 may drive the cover opening motor 152 in the reverse direction after the rotation direction change time (tc2) has elapsed. As a result, the push protrusion 151 may return to the initial position.

[0343] The control unit 400 may drive the cover opening motor 152 until the cover opening detection unit 155f detects that the push protrusion 151 has returned to the initial position. At this time, the control unit 400 may preset and store the protrusion return time (tc3) required until the push protrusion 151 returns to the initial position after pressing the coupling lever 222c. Therefore, the control unit 400 may drive the cover opening motor 152 in the reverse direction during the projection return time (tc3). For example, the control unit 400 may drive the cover opening motor 152 in the reverse direction for 4 seconds or more and 5 seconds or less.

[0344] Meanwhile, when the control unit 400 receives a signal from the cover opening detection unit 155f that the push protrusion 151 has returned to the initial position, the control unit 400 may terminate the operation of the cover opening motor 152.

[0345] As a result, when the cover opening step (S20) is performed, the discharge cover 222 of the dust bin 220 rotates, opening the space inside the dust bin body 221, so that the internal space of the dust bin 220 and the flow path 180 (specifically, the first flow path 181) of the cleaner station 100 may be connected. At this time, the cover control frame 141 may be positioned at the first position that completely opens the dust passage hole 121a.

[0346] In the dust collection step (S30), when the discharge cover 222 is opened, the dust collection motor 191 is operated to collect dust inside the dust bin 220.

[0347] For example, in the dust collection step (S30), the control unit 400 may start the operation of the dust collection motor 191 after receiving a signal from the cover opening detection unit 155f that the discharge cover 222 is opened.

[0348] As another example, the control unit 400 may start the operation of the dust collection motor 191 after a time of 6 seconds or more and 7 seconds or less has elapsed after the dust bin is combined or an action is input from the user.

[0349] In the dust collection step (S30), the control unit 400 may operate the dust collection motor 191 to rotate at a preset dust collection speed (Ws) for a preset dust collection time (ts). For example, in the dust collection step (S30), the control unit 400 may operate the dust collection motor 191 to rotate at the dust collection speed (Ws) for 5 seconds or more and 9 seconds or less, but is not limited thereto, and the dust collection time may be changed and set according to the output of the dust collection motor 191 and the amount of dust stored inside the dust bin 220.

[0350] According to the dust collection step (S30), the dust inside the dust bin 220 may pass through the dust passage hole 121a and the flow path 180 and be collected by the dust collection unit 170. Therefore, the user may remove the dust inside the dust bin 220 without a separate operation, thereby providing user convenience.

[0351] Meanwhile, in the present invention, according to an embodiment, the fixing of the dust bin 220 may be performed simultaneously in the dust collection step (S30). Specifically, in the dust collection step (S30), the suction power of the dust collection motor 191 may operate the fixed unit 130 by the operation of the dust collection motor 191. That is, in the dust collection step (S30), the fixed member 131 may be moved in the direction of pressing the dust bin 220 by the suction power of the dust collection motor 191.

[0352] With this configuration, even if the cleaner station 100 vibrates due to the operation of the dust collection motor 191, the dust bin 220 can be stably fixed.

[0353] Therefore, according to the present disclosure, the time required to fix or release the cleaner 200 may be reduced, thereby having the effect of reducing the overall operating time.

[0354] Meanwhile, the control method of the cleaner station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a cover closing step (S40) of closing the discharge cover 222 by rotating the cover control frame 141 after the operation of the dust collection motor 191 is terminated. In this cover closing step (S40), the user can close the discharge cover 222 by pressing the button 142.

[0355] In the cover closing step (S40), the user may press the button 142 to close the discharge cover 222 of the cleaner 200, and the cover control unit 140 may operate to close the discharge cover 222 when an external force is applied to the button 142.

[0356] Specifically, when an external force is applied to the button 142, the cover control unit 140 may cause the button 142 to move downward to compress the elastic body 145, and rotate the link 143, 144 connected to the button 142. The link 143, 144 may be connected to the cover control frame 141 to rotate the cover control frame 141 downward, and may rotate the cover control frame 141 downward until the cover control frame 141 closes the discharge cover 222.

[0357] Then, the user can remove the external force applied to the button 142, i.e., release the button 142, and the button 142, links 143 and 144, and cover control frame 141 may be moved or rotated to their original positions by the restoring force of the elastic body 145.

[0358] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the exemplified drawings, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed in this specification, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

[0359] Further, although the operating effects according to the configuration of the present invention are not explicitly described while describing an embodiment of the present invention, it should be appreciated that predictable effects are also to be recognized by the configuration.[Numeral Reference]

[0360] 10: Cleaner system 100: Cleaner station 110: Housing 115: Link stopper 120: Coupling portion 121: Coupling surface 121a: Dust passage hole 140: Dust bin cover control unit 141: Cover control frame 141a: Frame body 141b: Hinge 141c: Link coupling portion 141d: Protrusion 141e: Pressing protrusion 141f: Stopper 142: Button 142e: Bending portion 142f: Long hole 143: First link 143a: Rotation body 143b: Rotation lever 143c: First link body 143d: Connecting protrusion 143e: Fixing member 143f: Connection shaft rod 144: Second link 144a: Second link body 144b: Frame connecting portion 145: Elastic body 146: Guide pin 147: Support member 150: Cover opening unit 170: Dust collection unit 180: Flow path 191: Dust collection motor 200: Cleaner 210: Cleaner body 220: Dust bin 222: Discharge cover 230: Battery housing 240: Battery 250: Extension pipe 260: Cleaning module 400: Control unit

Claims

1. A cleaner station comprising: a housing; a coupling portion disposed in the housing and to which at least a portion of a dust bin of the vacuum cleaner is coupled; a dust collection unit accommodated inside the housing and arranged on a lower side of the coupling portion, and configured to collect dust inside the dust bin; a dust collection motor accommodated inside the housing and arranged on a lower side of the dust collecting part, and which generates a suction force to suck dust inside the dust bin; and a cover control unit configured to close a discharge cover of the dust bin, wherein the cover control unit comprises, a button; a link configured to rotate when an external force is applied to the button; a cover control frame configured to contact the discharge cover based on the rotation of the link; and an elastic body configured to elastically deform, when an external force is applied to the button, and provide a restoring force to the button.

2. The cleaner station of claim 1, wherein the cover control unit comprises, a long hole in which the button moves in a straight line and which is arranged along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the button moves.

3. The cleaner station of claim 2, wherein the link comprises, a first link comprising a connecting protrusion and configured to rotate when the button moves linearly; and a second link rotatably coupled with the first link and rotatably coupled with the cover control frame.

4. The cleaner station of claim 2, wherein the housing comprises an elastic body support positioned opposite to a lower end of the button, and the elastic body is disposed along the direction of linear movement of the button, with both ends of the elastic body fixed to the lower end of the button and the elastic support portion, respectively.

5. The cleaner station of claim 4, wherein the elastic body is provided in plural.

6. The cleaner station of claim 4, wherein the cover control unit further comprises, a guide pin arranged on the inside of the elastic body and having one end fixed to the button and the other end passing through the elastic body support.

7. The cleaner station of claim 1, wherein the elastic body is installed in a pre-compressed state.

8. The cleaner station of claim 1, wherein the cover control frame comprises a pressing protrusion protruding from a surface that contacts the discharge cover.

9. The cleaner station of claim 1, wherein when no external force is applied to the button, the button is positioned so that its upper surface is parallel to an upper surface of the housing, and the cover control frame is arranged so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle with the ground.

10. The cleaner station of claim 9, wherein when an external force is applied to the button, the cover control frame rotates and is positioned perpendicular to the ground.

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