Vacuum Cleaner Station

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner station comprising a housing, a dust collection motor that generates suction force to suck up dust inside the dust container of the vacuum cleaner, a dust collection unit arranged above the dust collection motor in the direction of gravity, a coupling unit having a coupling surface to which the vacuum cleaner is coupled, and a fixing unit that fixes the vacuum cleaner when the vacuum cleaner is coupled to the coupling unit, thereby allowing a user to seal the vacuum cleaner without applying any additional force.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vacuum cleaner station, and more particularly to a vacuum cleaner station configured to suck dust stored therein into the vacuum cleaner station. [Background technology]

[0002] A vacuum cleaner generally refers to an electrical appliance that uses electricity to suck in air, sucking in small particles of dirt or dust and filling a dust container provided in the product with the dirt or dust. Such a vacuum cleaner is generally called a suction type vacuum cleaner.

[0003] Vacuum cleaners can be classified into manual vacuum cleaners that are operated directly by a user to perform cleaning tasks, and automatic vacuum cleaners that perform cleaning tasks while autonomously traveling. Manual vacuum cleaners can be classified into canister vacuum cleaners, upright vacuum cleaners, handheld vacuum cleaners, stick vacuum cleaners, etc., depending on the shape of the vacuum cleaner.

[0004] Canister vacuum cleaners have been widely used as household vacuum cleaners in the past, but recently, there has been an increasing trend towards handheld and stick vacuum cleaners, in which the dust container and the vacuum cleaner body are integrated for greater convenience in use.

[0005] In the case of a canister type vacuum cleaner, the main body and the suction port are connected by a rubber hose or pipe, and in some cases, the canister type vacuum cleaner is used with a brush inserted in the suction port.

[0006] A handheld vacuum cleaner (handheld suction vacuum cleaner) is extremely portable and lightweight. However, the length of the handheld vacuum cleaner is short, so the area to be cleaned may be limited. Therefore, the handheld vacuum cleaner is used to clean a localized area such as a desk, a sofa, or the inside of a car.

[0007] A user can use a stick vacuum cleaner while standing, and therefore can perform cleaning tasks without bending over. Thus, stick vacuum cleaners are advantageous for cleaning large areas while the user moves around the area. Handheld vacuum cleaners can be used to clean small spaces, whereas stick vacuum cleaners can be used to clean large spaces and can also be used to clean high places that are out of reach of the user. Recently, modular stick vacuum cleaners have become a reality, which has led to a dynamic change in the types of vacuum cleaners and their use in cleaning various places.

[0008] In addition, robot vacuum cleaners that perform cleaning tasks autonomously without user operation have been used recently. The robot vacuum cleaners autonomously travel in the area to be cleaned and suck up foreign matter such as dust from the floor, thereby automatically cleaning the area to be cleaned.

[0009] To this end, the robot vacuum cleaner is equipped with a distance sensor configured to detect the distance from obstacles such as furniture, office supplies or walls installed in the area to be cleaned, and left and right wheels for moving the robot vacuum cleaner.

[0010] In this case, the left wheel and the right wheel are configured to rotate by a left wheel motor and a right wheel motor, respectively, and the robot vacuum cleaner autonomously changes direction and cleans the room by operating the left wheel motor and the right wheel motor.

[0011] However, handheld vacuum cleaners, stick vacuum cleaners, or robot vacuum cleaners in the related technical field have a dust container with a small capacity for storing collected dust, which requires the user to empty the dust container frequently, which is inconvenient for the user.

[0012] In addition, dust is scattered during the process of emptying the dust container, which poses a problem of adverse effects on the health of the user.

[0013] In addition, if residual dust is not removed from the dust container, the suction power of the vacuum cleaner decreases.

[0014] In addition, if the residual dust is not removed from the dust container, the residual dust may cause a foul odor.

[0015] US Patent Application Publication No. 2020-0129025A1 discloses a dust container in combination with a stick vacuum cleaner.

[0016] In the case of the combination of the dust container and the suction vacuum cleaner of US Patent Application Publication No. 2020-0129025A1, the sealing member corresponds to the size of the dust discharge outlet and can be arranged to surround the dust discharge outlet.

[0017] In U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020-0129025A1, a sealing member is fixedly disposed in the dust suction port and seals a portion between the dust container and the cup body of the suction vacuum cleaner.

[0018] With this configuration, when a user inserts the dust container into the suction cleaner, the gap between the dust container and the suction cleaner can be sealed.

[0019] However, the configuration disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020-0129025A1 requires the user to apply force to press the suction vacuum cleaner against the dust container to seal the gap between the dust container and the suction vacuum cleaner, which is inconvenient for the user.

[0020] In addition, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020-0129025A1 merely discloses a sealing member used to seal the gap between the suction vacuum cleaner and the dust container, but this configuration cannot prevent separation between the suction vacuum cleaner and the dust container, which may occur during the process of fixing the suction vacuum cleaner and removing dust, nor can it prevent the suction vacuum cleaner from shaking.

[0021] On the other hand, US Pat. No. 10,595,692 B2 discloses a discharge station that includes a debris bin for a robotic vacuum cleaner.

[0022] In US Pat. No. 10,595,692 B2, a station is provided to which the robotic vacuum cleaner is docked, and a sealing mechanism is provided to seal the area between the discharge port of the robotic vacuum cleaner and the suction port of the station.

[0023] The sealing mechanism disclosed in US Patent No. 10595692B2 simply seals the portion between the exhaust port of the robot cleaner and the suction port of the station when the exhaust port of the robot cleaner and the suction port of the station are pressed together by the weight of the robot cleaner, but the configuration of US Patent No. 10595692B2 cannot recognize the coupling of the cleaner, and cannot perform sealing while the cleaner is fixed.

[0024] Meanwhile, Korean Patent Application No. 2020-0037199A discloses a vacuum cleaner.

[0025] Korean Patent Application No. 2020-0037199A discloses a vacuum cleaner that can compress dust in a dust container and remove the dust.

[0026] The advantage of the vacuum cleaner disclosed in Korean Patent Application No. 2020-0037199A is that the operating unit operates to compress the inside of the dust container, thereby efficiently removing dust in the dust container.

[0027] However, the vacuum cleaner cannot compress the inside of the dust container unless the user performs a separate operation.

[0028] Furthermore, even if the inside of the dust container is compressed by operating the operating unit of the vacuum cleaner, the vacuum cleaner will tilt to one side and fall over, or the station to which the vacuum cleaner is attached will fall over, unless the user fixes the vacuum cleaner by a separate operation.

[0029] Meanwhile, Korean Patent Application No. 2020-0074054A discloses a suction vacuum cleaner and a docking station.

[0030] In this suction cleaner, the dust collector is provided with an exhaust port for discharging air, and the docking station is provided with an opening / closing device configured to open and close the exhaust port.

[0031] However, although this opening and closing device serves to block the exhaust port and prevent the inflow of outside air, it does not serve to seal the portion between the dust container and the station.

[0032] There is therefore a need to develop a structure that can secure a vacuum cleaner to a station while sealing the area between the cleaner and the station. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0033] The present disclosure has been made to solve the problems in the related technical field mentioned above, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a vacuum cleaner station that can eliminate the inconvenience caused by a user having to constantly empty the dust container.

[0034] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a vacuum cleaner station that can prevent dust from scattering when emptying the dust container.

[0035] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a vacuum cleaner station that can provide convenience to a user by allowing the user to remove dust in the dust container without any additional operation.

[0036] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a cleaning station in which the vacuum cleaner can be mounted with the extension tube and cleaning module attached.

[0037] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a vacuum cleaner station that, even when equipped with a vacuum cleaner, occupies minimal space on a horizontal surface.

[0038] It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide a vacuum cleaner station that can minimize loss of flow force for dust collection.

[0039] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a vacuum cleaner station where the dust in the dust receptacle is not visible from the outside when the vacuum cleaner is attached.

[0040] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a vacuum cleaner station that can eliminate bad odors caused by residual dust by preventing the residual dust from remaining in the dust receptacle.

[0041] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a vacuum cleaner station that allows a user to seal the vacuum cleaner without exerting force when coupling the vacuum cleaner to the station.

[0042] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a vacuum cleaner station which can automatically seal the vacuum cleaner upon docking the vacuum cleaner to the station while detecting the docking status of the vacuum cleaner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0043] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a vacuum cleaner station comprising (including; configuring; constructing; setting; enclosing; containing; containing) a housing, a dust collection motor housed in the housing and configured to generate a suction force for sucking dust in a dust receptacle of the vacuum cleaner, a dust collection part housed in the housing and configured to capture dust in the dust receptacle, a coupling part disposed within the housing and having a coupling surface to which the vacuum cleaner is coupled, and a fixing unit configured to fix the vacuum cleaner when the vacuum cleaner is coupled to the coupling part.

[0044] The fixing unit may include a fixing member configured to move from outside the dust receptacle towards the dust receptacle and fix the dust receptacle when the vacuum cleaner is connected to the connecting portion.

[0045] The fixed unit may further include a fixed part motor configured to supply power for moving the fixed member, a fixed part gear coupled to the fixed part motor and configured to rotate using power from the fixed part motor, and a fixed part coupler configured to connect the fixed part gear and the fixed member and convert rotation of the fixed part gear into reciprocating motion of the fixed member.

[0046] The fixing member may include a connector coupling part to which one end of the fixing part connector is rotatably coupled, a movable panel connected to the connector coupling part and adapted to move reciprocally from the side wall of the coupling part toward the dust container by operation of the fixing part motor, and a movable sealing part arranged at the end in the direction in which the movable panel moves reciprocally and configured to seal the dust container.

[0047] The movable panel may include a panel body formed in the shape of a flat plate, a connection protrusion that is folded and extends from one end of the panel body and is connected to the connector connection portion, and a first pressing portion that is formed at the other end of the panel body and is formed to correspond to the shape of the dust container in order to seal the dust container.

[0048] The movable panel may further include a second pressing portion connected to the first pressing portion and configured to correspond to a shape of the battery housing.

[0049] The fixed part gear may include a drive gear into which the shaft of the fixed part motor is inserted and coupled, and a first coupling rotation gear to which the other end of the fixed part coupling is rotatably coupled.

[0050] The stator gear may further comprise a connecting gear configured to mesh with the drive gear and the first coupling rotation gear.

[0051] The fixation part gear may further comprise a second coupling rotation gear configured to mesh with the first coupling rotation gear and rotate in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the first coupling rotation gear.

[0052] The stator unit may further comprise a stator housing configured to house the stator gear therein.

[0053] The stator housing can include a first stator housing and a second stator housing coupled to the first stator housing and configured to define a space for receiving the stator gear therein.

[0054] The fixing part housing may further include a connector guide hole formed in a circumferential arc shape and configured to guide the movement of the fixing part connector.

[0055] The stationary part housing may further include a motor accommodating portion that protrudes in a cylindrical shape and accommodates the stationary part motor.

[0056] The fixed part coupling may include a coupling body, a first coupling connection portion provided at one end of the coupling body and coupled to the fixing member, and a second coupling connection portion provided at the other end of the coupling body and coupled to the fixed part gear.

[0057] The connector body is formed in the shape of a frame with a bent central portion, which can increase the efficiency of power transmission by changing the angle at which force is transmitted.

[0058] The coupling portion may further comprise a first induction unit configured to support an outer surface of the dust receptacle when the vacuum cleaner is coupled thereto.

[0059] The fixed unit may further comprise a stationary sealing portion disposed on the first induction unit and configured to seal the gravity-direction lower surface of the dust receptacle by gravity when the vacuum cleaner is coupled to the coupling portion.

[0060] The coupling portion may further include a fastening member entrance hole formed in an elongated hole shape along the side wall, whereby the fastening member enters and exits the fastening member entrance hole.

[0061] The stationary unit may further comprise a guide frame coupled to the housing and configured to guide movement of the stationary member through the movable panel.

[0062] The connecting protrusion may include a frame through-hole that may be penetrated by the guiding frame.

[0063] The cleaning station according to the present disclosure may further comprise a charging unit configured to supply power to the cleaning device, and a control unit configured to control the coupling unit, the charging unit and the fixing unit.

[0064] The docking portion may further comprise a docking sensor configured to detect whether the vacuum cleaner is docked or not.

[0065] The control unit may operate the stationary part motor when the control unit receives a signal from the docking sensor indicative of the docking status of the vacuum cleaner.

[0066] The control unit can operate the stationary part motor when power is applied to the battery of the vacuum cleaner via the charging part.

[0067] The control unit may determine that the vacuum cleaner is coupled to the coupling portion when the coupling sensor detects the vacuum cleaner and power is applied to a battery of the vacuum cleaner via the charging portion.

[0068] In a vacuum cleaner station according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the fixing member may include a rotating sealing portion adapted to surround the vacuum cleaner by being pressed against it when the vacuum cleaner is coupled to the coupling portion.

[0069] The rotary seal may include a coupling portion rotatably coupled to the coupling portion. Effect of the Invention

[0070] The vacuum cleaner station according to the present disclosure can eliminate the inconvenience caused by the user having to constantly empty the dust bin.

[0071] In addition, when the dust container is emptied, the dust in the dust container is sucked into the station, so that it is possible to prevent the dust from scattering.

[0072] In addition, by detecting the connection of the vacuum cleaner, the dust passage hole can be opened and the dust inside the dust container can be removed by operating the dust collection motor without the user having to perform any additional operations, thereby providing convenience to the user.

[0073] In addition, the stick vacuum cleaner and the robot vacuum cleaner can be simultaneously coupled to the cleaning station and dust in the dust bin of the stick vacuum cleaner and dust in the dust bin of the robot vacuum cleaner can be selectively removed as required.

[0074] In addition, when the vacuum cleaner station detects the connection of the dust receptacle, the lever can be pulled to compress the dust receptacle so that no residual dust remains in the dust receptacle, thereby increasing the suction power of the vacuum cleaner.

[0075] Furthermore, by preventing the residual dust from remaining in the dust container, it is possible to eliminate the malodor caused by the residual dust.

[0076] Additionally, the vacuum cleaner may be mounted in a vacuum station with the extension tube and cleaning module attached.

[0077] In addition, even when the vacuum cleaner is mounted in the cleaning station, it is possible to minimize the space it occupies on a horizontal surface.

[0078] In addition, since the flow path communicating with the dust container bends downward only once, it is possible to minimize loss of flow force for collecting dust.

[0079] In addition, when the vacuum cleaner is attached to the vacuum cleaner station, the dust in the dust container cannot be seen from the outside.

[0080] In addition, the vacuum cleaner station automatically detects the docking status of the vacuum cleaner and secures the dust bin of the vacuum cleaner when the vacuum cleaner is docked to the station, thereby allowing the vacuum cleaner to be sealed without the application of additional force.

[0081] In addition, the vacuum cleaner station automatically detects the docking status of the vacuum cleaner and seals the vacuum cleaner when it is docked to the station, thereby increasing the efficiency of preventing dust from scattering. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0082] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a dust removal system including a cleaner station, a first cleaner, and a second cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a dust removal system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a first cleaner of a dust removal system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the center of gravity of the first vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a cleaning station according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram illustrating a coupling portion of a cleaning station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of a fixed unit, a door unit, a cover opening unit, and a lever pulling unit in a cleaning station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a stationary unit of a cleaning station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of a first cleaner and a fixed unit in a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a stationary unit of a cleaning station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a fixed unit of a cleaning station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a first cleaner and a door unit in a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the underside of the dust container of the first vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a first cleaner and a cover opening unit in a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a cover opening unit of a cleaning station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 illustrates a relationship between a first cleaner and a lever pulling unit in a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] 1 is a diagram for explaining a positional relationship between the cleaner station and the center of gravity of the first cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of FIG. 17 viewed from a different direction. [Figure 19] 2 is a configuration diagram for explaining the configuration of a control unit of a vacuum cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0083] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0084] Although the present disclosure may be modified in various ways and may have various embodiments, the following will specifically describe the specific embodiment shown in the drawings. The description of the embodiment is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the specific embodiment, and the present disclosure should be interpreted as including all modifications, equivalents, and alternative forms within the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0085] In the description of the present disclosure, terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to describe various components, but the components may not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. For example, a first component may be named a second component, and a second component may be named a first component, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0086] The term "and / or" may include any and all combinations of two or more of the associated listed items.

[0087] When an element is described as being "coupled" or "connected" to another element, it is understood that the element may be directly coupled or connected to the other element, or there may be intervening elements between the elements. When an element is described as being "directly coupled" or "directly connected" to another element, it is understood that there are no intervening elements between the elements.

[0088] The terms used in this specification are used only for the purpose of describing particular embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Singular expressions can include plural expressions unless otherwise clearly explained in the context.

[0089] The terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "containing," "has," "having," or other variations thereof, are inclusive and thus specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0090] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Terms as defined in commonly used dictionaries may be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the relevant art, and may not be interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning unless expressly defined in this application.

[0091] Furthermore, the following embodiments are presented to more completely explain the present disclosure to those skilled in the art, and the shapes and sizes of elements shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clearer explanation.

[0092] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a dust removal system including a vacuum cleaner station, a first vacuum cleaner, and a second vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the dust removal system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] 1 and 2, a dust removal system 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a vacuum cleaner station 100 and vacuum cleaners 200, 300. In this case, the vacuum cleaners 200 and 300 may include a first vacuum cleaner 200 and a second vacuum cleaner 300. However, the present embodiment may be implemented without some of the aforementioned components and does not exclude additional components.

[0094] The dust removal system 10 may include a vacuum cleaner station 100. A first vacuum cleaner 200 and a second vacuum cleaner 300 may be disposed in the vacuum cleaner station 100. The first vacuum cleaner 200 may be coupled to a side of the vacuum cleaner station 100. A main body of the first vacuum cleaner 200 may be specifically coupled to a side of the vacuum cleaner station 100. The second vacuum cleaner 200 may be coupled to a lower part of the vacuum cleaner station 100. The vacuum cleaner station 100 may remove dust from a dust container 220 of the first vacuum cleaner 200. The vacuum cleaner station 100 may remove dust from a dust container (not shown) of the second vacuum cleaner 300.

[0095] Meanwhile, FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a first cleaner of the dust removal system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the center of gravity of the first cleaner according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] To aid in understanding the cleaning station 100 according to the present disclosure, the structure of the first cleaner 200 will first be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

[0097] The first vacuum cleaner 200 may refer to a vacuum cleaner configured to be manually operated by a user. The first vacuum cleaner 200 may refer to, for example, a handheld vacuum cleaner or a stick vacuum cleaner.

[0098] The first vacuum cleaner 200 may be mounted to the cleaner station 100. The first vacuum cleaner 200 may be supported by the cleaner station 100. The first vacuum cleaner 200 may be coupled to the cleaner station 100.

[0099] The first vacuum cleaner 200 may include a main body 210. The main body 210 may include a main body housing 211, a suction part 212, a dust separation part 213, a suction motor 214, an exhaust cover 215, a handle 216, an extension part 217, and an operating part 218.

[0100] The main body housing 211 may define the external appearance of the first vacuum cleaner 200. The main body housing 211 may have a space therein capable of accommodating the suction motor 214 and a filter (not shown). The main body housing 211 may be formed in a shape similar to a cylinder.

[0101] The suction part 212 may protrude outward from the main body housing 211. The suction part 212 may be formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape with an open interior. The suction part 212 may be in communication with the extension tube 250. The suction part 212 may be referred to as a flow path (hereinafter referred to as a "suction flow path") through which air containing dust can flow.

[0102] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, it is possible to define a virtual center line that passes through the center of the cylindrical suction part 212. That is, a virtual center line a2 of the suction flow passage may be formed so as to pass through the center of the suction flow passage.

[0103] The dust separation unit 213 can be in communication with the suction unit 212. The dust separation unit 213 can separate dust that has been taken into the dust separation unit 213 through the suction unit 212. The dust separation unit 213 can be in communication with the dust container 220.

[0104] The dust separation unit 213 may be, for example, a cyclone unit capable of separating dust using a cyclone flow. The dust separation unit 213 may further be in communication with the suction unit 212. Thus, the air and dust taken in through the suction unit 212 flow in a spiral shape along the inner circumferential surface of the dust separation unit 213. Thus, a cyclone flow can be generated around the central axis of the dust separation unit 213.

[0105] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the central axis of the cyclone part may be a central axis a4 of a virtual cyclone extending in the vertical direction.

[0106] The suction motor 214 can generate a suction force for sucking in air. The suction motor 214 can be housed in the main body housing 211. The suction motor 214 can generate a suction force by rotation. The suction motor 214 may be formed in a shape similar to a cylindrical shape, for example.

[0107] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the imaginary motor axis a1 can be formed by extending the central axis of the suction motor 214.

[0108] The exhaust cover 215 may be disposed on one axial side of the main housing 211. The exhaust cover 215 may house a filter for filtering air. For example, a HEPA filter may be housed in the exhaust cover 215.

[0109] The exhaust cover 215 may include an exhaust port 215 a for exhausting air drawn in by the suction force of the suction motor 214 .

[0110] A flow guide may be disposed on the exhaust cover 215. The flow guide may guide the flow of air to be exhausted through the exhaust port 215a.

[0111] The handle 216 can be held by a user. The handle 216 may be disposed on the rear side of the suction motor 214. The handle 216 may be formed, for example, in a shape similar to a cylinder. Alternatively, the handle 216 may be formed in a curved cylindrical shape. The handle 216 may be disposed at a predetermined angle with respect to the main body housing 211, the suction motor 214, or the dust separation unit 213.

[0112] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the imaginary handle axis a3 can be formed by extending the central axis of the handle 216.

[0113] The shaft of the suction motor 214 may be disposed between the suction portion 212 and the handle 216 .

[0114] That is, the motor shaft a1 may be disposed between the suction portion 212 and the handle 216.

[0115] The handle axis a3 may further be disposed at an angle to the motor axis a1 or the center line a2 of the suction passage, and therefore there may be an intersection point where the handle axis a3 intersects with the motor axis a1 or the center line a2 of the suction passage.

[0116] On the other hand, the motor shaft a1, the center line a2 of the suction passage, and the handle shaft a3 can be arranged on the same plane S1.

[0117] With this configuration, the center of gravity of the entire first vacuum cleaner 200 according to the present disclosure can be arranged symmetrically with respect to the plane S1.

[0118] On the other hand, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the forward direction may refer to the direction in which the suction unit 212 is located based on the suction motor 214, and the rearward direction may refer to the direction in which the handle 216 is located.

[0119] The top surface of the handle 216 can define the appearance of a portion of the top surface of the first vacuum cleaner 200. This can prevent components of the first vacuum cleaner 200 from coming into contact with the arm of a user when the user grips the handle 216.

[0120] The extension 217 can extend from the handle 216 towards the body housing 211. At least a portion of the extension 217 can extend horizontally.

[0121] The operating unit 218 may be disposed on the handle 216. The operating unit 218 may be disposed on an inclined surface formed in an upper region of the handle 216. A user can input a command to operate or stop the first vacuum cleaner 200 via the operating unit 218.

[0122] The first vacuum cleaner 200 may include a dust container 220. The dust container 220 may be in communication with the dust separating unit 213. The dust container 220 may store the dust separated by the dust separating unit 213.

[0123] The dust receptacle 220 may include a dust receptacle body 221 , a discharge cover 222 , a dust receptacle compression lever 223 , and a compression member 224 .

[0124] The dust container body 221 may be provided with a space capable of storing the dust separated by the dust separation unit 213. The dust container body 221 may be formed in a shape similar to a cylinder, for example.

[0125] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the axis a5 of the virtual dust container can be formed by extending the central axis of the dust container body 221. The axis a5 of the dust container can be arranged coaxially with the motor axis a1, for example. Therefore, the axis a5 of the dust container can also be arranged on the plane S1 including the motor axis a1, the center line a2 of the suction flow path, and the handle axis a3.

[0126] A part of the lower side of the dust container body 221 can be opened. In addition, a lower extension part 221a can be formed on the lower side of the dust container body 221. The lower extension part 221a can be formed so as to close a part of the lower side of the dust container body 221.

[0127] The dust container 220 may include an exhaust cover 222. The exhaust cover 222 may be disposed on the lower side of the dust container 220. The exhaust cover 222 can selectively open and close the lower side of the dust container 220 that opens downward.

[0128] The discharge cover 222 may include a cover body 222a, a hinge portion 222b, and a coupling lever 222c. The cover body 222a may be formed to cover a part of the lower side of the dust container body 221. The cover body 222a may rotate downward about the hinge portion 222b. The hinge portion 222b may be disposed adjacent to the battery housing 230. The discharge cover 222 may be coupled to the dust container 220 by hook engagement. Meanwhile, the discharge cover 222 may be separated from the dust container 220 by using the coupling lever 222c. The coupling lever 222c may be disposed on the front side of the dust container. Specifically, the coupling lever 241 may be disposed on the front side of the outer surface of the dust container 220. When an external force is applied to the coupling lever 222c, the coupling lever 222c can elastically deform the hook extending from the cover body 222a to release the hook engagement between the cover body 222a and the dust container body 221.

[0129] When the exhaust cover 222 is closed, the lower side of the dust container 220 can be blocked (sealed) by the exhaust cover 222 and the lower extension portion 221a.

[0130] The dust container 220 may include a dust container compression lever 223. The dust container compression lever 223 may be disposed outside the dust container 220 or the dust separation unit 213. The dust container compression lever 223 may be disposed outside the dust container 220 or the dust separation unit 213 so as to be movable up and down. The dust container compression lever 223 may be connected to a compression member (not shown). When the dust container compression lever 223 is moved downward by an external force, the compression member (not shown) may also be moved downward. This makes it possible to provide convenience to the user. The compression member (not shown) and the dust container compression lever 223 may return to their original positions by an elastic member (not shown). Specifically, when the external force applied to the dust container compression lever 223 is no longer present, the elastic member may move the dust container compression lever 223 and the compression member (not shown) upward.

[0131] A compression member (not shown) can be disposed in the dust container body 221. The compression member can move in the internal space of the dust container body 221. Specifically, the compression member can move up and down in the dust container body 221. The compression member can therefore compress the dust in the dust container body 221. In addition, when the discharge cover 222 is separated from the dust container body 221 and thus the lower side of the dust container 220 is opened, the compression member moves from the upper side of the dust container 220 to the lower side of the dust container 220, thereby removing foreign matter such as dust remaining in the dust container 220. Therefore, by preventing the remaining dust from remaining in the dust container 220, it is possible to increase the suction power of the vacuum cleaner. Furthermore, by preventing the remaining dust from remaining in the dust container 220, it is possible to remove the bad odor caused by the remaining dust.

[0132] The first vacuum cleaner 200 may include a battery housing 230. The battery 240 may be accommodated in the battery housing 230. The battery housing 230 may be disposed below the handle 216. The battery housing 230 may be, for example, hexahedral in shape, with the bottom side of the battery housing being open. The rear surface of the battery housing 230 may be connected to the handle 216.

[0133] The battery housing 230 may include a receiving portion, the lower side of which is open. The battery 240 may be inserted and removed through the receiving portion of the battery housing 230.

[0134] The first vacuum cleaner 200 may include a battery 240 .

[0135] The battery 240 may, for example, be releasably coupled to the first vacuum cleaner 200. The battery 240 may be releasably coupled to the battery housing 230. The battery 240 may, for example, be inserted into the battery housing 230 from a bottom side of the battery housing 230.

[0136] Alternatively, the battery 240 may be integrally provided in the battery housing 230. In this case, the bottom surface of the battery 240 is not exposed to the outside.

[0137] The battery 240 is capable of powering the suction motor 214 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 .

[0138] The battery 240 may be disposed at the lower part of the handle 216. The battery 240 may be disposed at the rear side of the dust container 220. That is, the suction motor 214 and the battery 240 may be disposed so as not to overlap each other in the vertical direction and may be disposed at different heights. Based on the handle 216, the suction motor 214, which is heavy, is disposed at the front side of the handle 216, and the battery 240, which is heavy, is disposed at the lower side of the handle 216, so that the overall weight of the first vacuum cleaner 200 can be uniformly distributed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent stress from being applied to the wrist of the user when the user holds the handle 216 to perform a cleaning task.

[0139] According to the 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 first vacuum cleaner 200 is placed on the floor, the battery 240 can be placed on the floor, so that the battery 240 can be immediately separated from the battery housing 230. In addition, the lower surface of the battery 240 is exposed to the outside, which directly contacts the air outside the battery 240, so that the cooling performance of the battery 240 can be improved.

[0140] On the other hand, if the battery 240 is fixed integrally to the battery housing 230, the number of structures for attaching and detaching the battery 240 and the battery housing 230 can be reduced, and as a result, the overall size of the first vacuum cleaner 200 and the weight of the first vacuum cleaner 200 can be reduced.

[0141] The first vacuum cleaner 200 may include an extension tube 250. The extension tube 250 may be in communication with the cleaning module 260. The extension tube 250 may be in communication with the main body 210. The extension tube 250 may be in communication with the suction portion 211 of the main body 210. The extension tube 250 may be formed in a long cylindrical shape.

[0142] The main body 210 can be connected to an extension tube 250. The main body 210 can be connected to a cleaning module 260 through the extension tube 250. The main body 210 can generate suction force by a suction motor 214 and provide the suction force to the cleaning module 260 through the extension tube 250. External dust can be taken into the main body 210 through the cleaning module 260 and the extension tube 250.

[0143] The first vacuum cleaner 200 may include a cleaning module 260. The cleaning module 260 may be in communication with the extension tube 250. Thus, outside air may be drawn into the main body 210 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 through the cleaning module 260 and the extension tube 250 by the suction force of the main body 210 of the first vacuum cleaner 200.

[0144] The first vacuum cleaner 200 may be coupled to a side of the housing 110. The main body 210 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 may be specifically attached to the coupling part 120. More specifically, the dust container 220 and the battery housing 230 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 may be coupled to the coupling surface 121, the outer circumferential surface of the dust container main body 221 may be coupled to the dust container guide surface 122, and the suction part 212 may be coupled to the suction part guide surface 126 of the coupling part 120. In this case, the central axis of the dust container 220 may be disposed in a direction parallel to the ground, and the extension tube 250 may be disposed in a direction perpendicular to the ground (see FIG. 2).

[0145] Meanwhile, referring to Fig. 5, in another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first vacuum cleaner 200 may be coupled to an upper portion of the housing 110. The main body 210 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 may be specifically mounted to the coupling part 120. More specifically, the dust container 220 and the battery housing 230 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 may be coupled to the coupling surface 121, the outer circumferential surface of the dust container main body 221 may be coupled to the dust container guide surface 122, and the suction part 212 may be coupled to the suction part guide surface 126 of the coupling part 120.

[0146] The dust in the dust container 220 of the first cleaner 200 can be captured by the dust collecting unit 170 of the cleaner station 100 by gravity and the suction force of the dust collecting motor 191. Therefore, the dust in the dust container can be removed without the user having to perform a separate operation, which provides convenience to the user. In addition, it is possible to eliminate the inconvenience caused by the user having to empty the dust container all the time. In addition, it is possible to prevent the dust from scattering when emptying the dust container.

[0147] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, a virtual center plane S1 can be defined that includes at least two of the motor axis a1, the center line a2 of the suction flow passage, the handle axis a3, the central axis a4 of the cyclone, and the axis a5 of the dust container.

[0148] Therefore, the suction unit 212 may be disposed on a virtual extension plane of the center of gravity S1. Alternatively, the dust separation unit 213 may be disposed on a virtual extension plane of the center of gravity S1. Alternatively, the suction motor 214 may be disposed on a virtual extension plane of the center of gravity S1. Alternatively, the handle 216 may be disposed on a virtual extension plane of the center of gravity S1. Alternatively, the dust container 220 may be disposed on a virtual extension plane of the center of gravity S1.

[0149] The center of gravity of the entire first vacuum cleaner 200 may be disposed symmetrically with respect to the center of gravity plane S1.

[0150] The dust removal system 10 may include a second vacuum cleaner 300. The second vacuum cleaner 300 may refer to a robot vacuum cleaner. The second vacuum cleaner 300 may automatically clean an area to be cleaned by autonomously traveling in the area to be cleaned and sucking up foreign objects such as dust from a floor. The second vacuum cleaner 300, i.e., the robot vacuum cleaner, may include a distance sensor configured to detect a distance from an obstacle such as furniture, office supplies, or a wall installed in the area to be cleaned, and left and right wheels for moving the robot vacuum cleaner. The second vacuum cleaner 300 may be coupled to the vacuum cleaner station 100. Dust in the second vacuum cleaner 300 may be captured in the dust collection unit 170 through the second flow path 182.

[0151] Meanwhile, FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the vacuum cleaner station and the center of gravity of the first vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of FIG. 17 viewed from a different direction.

[0152] A cleaning station 100 according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 17 and 18. FIG.

[0153] The first vacuum cleaner 200 and the second vacuum cleaner 300 may be arranged in the vacuum cleaner station 100. The first vacuum cleaner 200 may be coupled to a side of the vacuum cleaner station 100. The main body of the first vacuum cleaner 200 may be specifically coupled to a side of the vacuum cleaner station 100. The second vacuum cleaner 200 may be coupled to a lower part of the vacuum cleaner station 100. The vacuum cleaner station 100 may remove dust from a dust container 220 of the first vacuum cleaner 200. The vacuum cleaner station 100 may remove dust from a dust container (not shown) of the second vacuum cleaner 300.

[0154] The vacuum cleaner station 100 may include a housing 110. The housing 110 may define the external appearance of the vacuum cleaner station 100. Specifically, the housing 110 may be formed in the form of a pillar having one or more outer wall surfaces. The housing 110 may be formed, for example, in a shape similar to a rectangular pillar.

[0155] The housing 110 may have a space capable of accommodating a dust collection section 170 configured to store dust therein, and a dust suction module 190 configured to generate a flow force to collect dust from the dust collection section 170.

[0156] The housing 110 may include a bottom surface 111 and an outer wall surface 112 .

[0157] The bottom surface 111 can support the lower side in the gravity direction of the dust suction module 190. That is, the bottom surface 111 can support the lower side of the dust collection motor 191 of the dust suction module 190.

[0158] In this case, the bottom surface 111 may be disposed facing the ground. The bottom surface 111 may also be disposed parallel to the ground, or inclined at a predetermined angle to the ground. The above-mentioned configuration may be advantageous because it stably supports the dust collection motor 191 and maintains the overall weight balance even when the first vacuum cleaner 200 is coupled.

[0159] Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the bottom surface 111 may further include a ground support portion (not shown) to prevent the vacuum cleaner station 100 from tipping over and to increase the area of ​​contact with the ground to maintain balance. The ground support portion may have, for example, a plate shape extending from the bottom surface 111, or one or more frames may protrude and extend from the bottom surface 111 toward the ground. In this case, the ground support portion may be arranged line-symmetrically based on the front surface on which the first vacuum cleaner 200 is mounted to maintain left-right balance and front-back balance.

[0160] The outer wall surface 112 may refer to a surface formed in the direction of gravity or a surface connected to the bottom surface 111. The outer wall surface 112 may refer to a surface connected to the bottom surface 111 so as to be perpendicular to the bottom surface 111. As another embodiment, the outer wall surface 112 may be disposed so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the bottom surface 111.

[0161] The outer wall surface 112 may include at least one surface. The outer wall surface 112 may include, for example, 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.

[0162] In this case, in this embodiment, the first outer wall surface 112a may be disposed on the front side of the cleaner station 100. In this case, the front side may mean the side to which the first cleaner 200 or the second cleaner 300 is coupled. Thus, the first outer wall surface 112a may define the appearance of the front side of the cleaner station 100.

[0163] Meanwhile, for the sake of understanding this embodiment, the directions are defined as follows: In this embodiment, the directions can be defined in a state where the first cleaner 200 is attached to the cleaner station 100.

[0164] In this case, the surface including the extension line 212a of the suction unit 212 may be called the front surface (see FIG. 1). That is, when the first cleaner 200 is attached to the cleaner station 100, a part of the suction unit 212 may be attached in contact with the suction unit guide surface 126, and the remaining part of the suction unit 212 that is not attached to the suction unit guide surface 126 may be arranged so as to be exposed to the outside from the first outer wall surface 112a. Therefore, the imaginary extension line 212a of the suction unit 212 may be arranged on the first outer wall surface 112a, and the surface including the extension line 212a of the suction unit 212 may be called the front surface.

[0165] From another perspective, the surface including the side portion of lever pull arm 161 that is exposed to the outside when lever pull arm 161 is attached to housing 110 may be referred to as the front surface.

[0166] In yet another respect, the outer surface of the cleaner station 100 through which the main body 210 of the first cleaner passes when the first cleaner 200 is mounted on the cleaner station 100 may be referred to as the front surface.

[0167] Furthermore, when the first cleaner 200 is attached to the cleaner station 100, the direction in which the first cleaner 200 is exposed to the outside of the cleaner station 100 may be referred to as the front.

[0168] In addition, from another perspective, the direction in which the suction motor 214 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 is disposed when the first vacuum cleaner 200 is attached to the vacuum cleaner station 100 may be referred to as the forward direction. Furthermore, the direction opposite to the direction in which the suction motor 214 is disposed in the vacuum cleaner station 100 may be referred to as the rearward direction.

[0169] From another perspective, the direction in which the intersection of the handle shaft a3 and the motor shaft a1 is located based on the cleaner station 100 may be referred to as the front. Alternatively, the direction in which the intersection of the handle shaft a3 and the center line a2 of the suction flow path is located may be referred to as the front. Alternatively, the direction in which the intersection of the motor shaft a1 and the center line a2 of the suction flow path is located may be referred to as the front. Furthermore, the direction opposite to the direction in which the intersection is located based on the cleaner station 100 may be referred to as the rear.

[0170] Furthermore, based on the internal space of the housing 110, the surface facing the front surface may be referred to as the rear surface of the cleaner station 100. That is, based on the dust collection motor 191, the direction opposite to the front surface may be referred to as the rear surface. Therefore, the rear surface may refer to the direction in which the second outer wall surface 112b is formed.

[0171] Furthermore, based on the internal space of the housing 110, the left surface when looking at the front surface may be called the left surface, and the right surface when looking at the front surface may be called the right surface. Therefore, the left surface may mean the direction in which the third outer wall surface 112c is formed, and the right surface may mean the direction in which the fourth outer wall surface 112d is formed.

[0172] The first outer wall surface 112a may be formed to have a flat surface, or the first outer wall surface 112a may be formed to have a curved surface over its entirety, or may be formed to include a partial curved surface.

[0173] The first outer wall surface 112a may have an appearance corresponding to the shape of the first vacuum cleaner 200. In particular, a coupling portion 120 may be disposed on the first outer wall surface 112a. With this configuration, the first vacuum cleaner 200 can be coupled to and supported by the vacuum cleaner station 100. The specific configuration of the coupling portion 120 will be described below.

[0174] In addition, a lever pulling unit 160 may be disposed on the first outer wall surface 112a. Specifically, a lever pulling arm 161 of the lever pulling unit 160 may be attached to the first outer wall surface 112a. The first outer wall surface 112a may, for example, include an arm receiving eyelet in which the lever pulling arm 161 may be received. In this case, the arm receiving eyelet may be formed to correspond to the shape of the lever pulling arm 161. Thus, when the lever pulling arm 161 is attached to the arm receiving eyelet, the outer surfaces of the first outer wall surface 112a and the lever pulling arm 161 may define a continuous outline, and the lever pulling arm 161 may stroke to protrude from the first outer wall surface 112a by the operation of the lever pulling unit 160.

[0175] Meanwhile, structures for mounting various types of cleaning modules 260 used in the first vacuum cleaner 200 may additionally be provided on the first outer wall surface 112a.

[0176] In addition, a structure to which the second vacuum cleaner 300 can be coupled may be additionally provided on the first outer wall surface 112a. Accordingly, a structure corresponding to the shape of the second vacuum cleaner 300 may be additionally provided on the first outer wall surface 112a.

[0177] Furthermore, a cleaner bottom plate (not shown) to which the underside of the second cleaner 300 may be coupled may additionally be coupled to the first outer wall surface 112a. Meanwhile, in another embodiment, the cleaner bottom plate (not shown) may be configured to be connected to the bottom surface 111.

[0178] 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 disposed on the rear surface of the cleaner station 100. In this case, the rear surface may be a surface facing the surface to which the first cleaner 200 or the second cleaner 300 is coupled. Therefore, the second outer wall surface 112b may define the appearance of the rear surface of the cleaner station 100.

[0179] The second outer wall surface 112b may be formed, for example, in a flat shape. With this configuration, the vacuum cleaner station 100 can be brought into close contact with the wall of a room, and the vacuum cleaner station 100 can be stably supported.

[0180] As another example, the second exterior wall surface 112b may additionally be provided with structures for mounting various types of cleaning modules 260 used in the first vacuum cleaner 200.

[0181] In addition, a structure to which the second vacuum cleaner 300 can be coupled may be additionally provided on the second outer wall surface 112b. Accordingly, a structure corresponding to the shape of the second vacuum cleaner 300 may be additionally provided on the second outer wall surface 112b.

[0182] Furthermore, a cleaner bottom plate (not shown) to which the lower surface of the second cleaner 300 can be coupled may be additionally coupled to the second outer wall surface 112b. Meanwhile, in another embodiment, the cleaner bottom plate (not shown) may be shaped to be connected to the bottom surface 111. With this configuration, when the second cleaner 300 is coupled to the cleaner bottom plate (not shown), the center of gravity of the entire cleaner station 100 can be lowered, and as a result, the cleaner station 100 can be stably supported.

[0183] In this embodiment, the third outer wall surface 112c and the fourth outer wall surface 112d can refer to surfaces connecting the first outer wall surface 112a and the second outer wall surface 112b. In this case, the third outer wall surface 112c may be disposed on the left surface of the station 100, and the fourth outer wall surface 112d may be disposed on the right surface of the cleaner station 100. In other cases, the third outer wall surface 112c may be disposed on the right surface of the cleaner station 100, and the fourth outer wall surface 112d may be disposed on the left surface of the cleaner station 100.

[0184] The third outer wall surface 112c or the fourth outer wall surface 112d may be formed in a flat shape, or the third outer wall surface 112c or the fourth outer wall surface 112d may be formed in a curved shape throughout, or may be formed to include a partial curved surface.

[0185] Meanwhile, structures for mounting various types of cleaning modules 260 used in the first vacuum cleaner 200 may be additionally provided on the third outer wall surface 112c or the fourth outer wall surface 112d.

[0186] In addition, a structure to which the second vacuum cleaner 300 can be coupled may be additionally provided on the third outer wall surface 112c or the fourth outer wall surface 112d. Thus, a structure corresponding to the shape of the second vacuum cleaner 300 may be additionally provided on the third outer wall surface 112c or the fourth outer wall surface 112d.

[0187] Furthermore, a cleaner bottom plate (not shown) to which the underside of the second cleaner 300 can be coupled may additionally be provided on the third outer wall surface 112c or the fourth outer wall surface 112d. Meanwhile, in another embodiment, the cleaner bottom plate (not shown) may be shaped to be connected to the bottom surface 111.

[0188] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the connection portion of a vacuum cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of a fixing unit, a door unit, a cover opening unit, and a lever pulling unit of a vacuum cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0189] The coupling 120 of the cleaning station 100 according to the present disclosure will now be described with reference to FIGS.

[0190] The vacuum cleaner station 100 may include a coupling portion 120 to which the first vacuum cleaner 200 is coupled. The coupling portion 120 may be specifically disposed on the first outer wall surface 112a, and the main body 210, the dust container 220, and the battery housing 230 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 may be coupled to the coupling portion 120.

[0191] The coupling portion 120 may include a coupling surface 121. The coupling surface 121 may be disposed on a side surface of the housing 110. The coupling surface 121 may refer to, for example, a surface formed in the shape of a small hole recessed from the first outer wall surface 112a toward the inside of the vacuum cleaner station 100. In other words, the coupling surface 121 may refer to a surface formed to include a step portion with respect to the first outer wall surface 112a.

[0192] The first vacuum cleaner 200 can be coupled to the coupling surface 121. The coupling surface 121 can be in contact with, for example, the bottom surface of the dust container 220 and the bottom surface of the battery housing 230 of the first vacuum cleaner 200. In this case, the bottom surface can mean the surface that faces the ground when a user uses the first vacuum cleaner 200 or places the first vacuum cleaner 200 on the ground.

[0193] In this case, the coupling between the coupling surface 121 and the dust container 220 of the first cleaner 200 may refer to a physical coupling in which the first cleaner 200 and the cleaner station 100 are coupled and fixed to each other. This may be premised on a coupling of a flow path in which the dust container 220 and the flow path portion 180 communicate with each other and a fluid can flow.

[0194] Furthermore, the coupling between the coupling surface 121 and the battery housing 230 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 may refer to a physical coupling in which the first vacuum cleaner 200 and the vacuum cleaner station 100 are coupled and fixed to each other, which may presuppose an electrical coupling in which the battery 240 and the charging part 128 are electrically connected to each other.

[0195] The angle of the coupling surface 121 with respect to the ground may be, for example, a right angle. Thus, when the first cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling surface 121, it is possible to minimize the space of the cleaner station 100.

[0196] As another example, the docking surface 121 may be arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the ground, so that when the first cleaner 200 is docked to the docking surface 121, the cleaner station 100 can be stably supported.

[0197] The coupling surface 121 may include a dust passing hole 121a that can take in air outside the housing 110 into the housing 110. The dust passing hole 121a may be formed in the form of a hole corresponding to the shape of the dust container 220 so that dust in the dust container 220 can be taken into the dust collection unit 170. The dust passing hole 121a may be formed to correspond to the shape of the discharge cover 222 of the dust container 220. The dust passing hole 121a may be formed to communicate with a first flow path 181, which will be described below.

[0198] The coupling portion 120 may include a dust container guide surface 122. The dust container guide surface 122 may be disposed on the first outer wall surface 112a. The dust container guide surface 122 may be connected to the first outer wall surface 112a. The dust container guide surface 122 may additionally be connected to the coupling surface 121.

[0199] The dust container guide surface 122 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the outer surface of the dust container 220. The front outer surface of the dust container 220 can be coupled to the dust container guide surface 122. Therefore, it is possible to provide convenience when coupling the first vacuum cleaner 200 to the coupling surface 121.

[0200] The coupling portion 120 may include a guide protrusion 123. The guide protrusion 123 may be disposed on the coupling surface 121. The guide protrusion 123 may protrude upward from the coupling surface 121. The two guide protrusions 123 may be disposed spaced apart from each other. The distance between the two spaced apart guide protrusions 123 may correspond to the width of the battery housing 230 of the first vacuum cleaner 200. Therefore, it is possible to provide convenience when coupling the first vacuum cleaner 200 to the coupling surface 121.

[0201] The coupling portion 120 may include a side wall 124. The side wall 124 may mean a wall surface disposed on two sides of the coupling surface 121, and may be connected perpendicularly to the coupling surface 121. The side wall 124 may be connected to the first outer wall surface 112a. The side wall 124 may additionally be connected to the dust container guide surface 122. That is, the side wall 124 may define a surface connected to the dust container guide surface 122. Therefore, the first vacuum cleaner 200 can be stably accommodated.

[0202] The coupling unit 120 may include a coupling sensor 125. The coupling sensor 125 may detect whether the first vacuum cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling unit 120 or not.

[0203] The coupling sensor 125 may include a contact sensor. The coupling sensor 125 may include, for example, a microswitch. In this case, the coupling sensor 125 may be disposed on the guiding protrusions 123. Thus, when the battery housing 230 or the battery 240 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 is coupled between a pair of guiding protrusions 123, the battery housing 230 or the battery 240 comes into contact with the coupling sensor 125, so that the coupling sensor 125 can detect that the first vacuum cleaner 200 is physically coupled to the vacuum cleaner station 100.

[0204] On the other hand, the coupling sensor 125 may include a non-contact sensor. The coupling sensor 125 may include, for example, an infrared ray (IR) sensor. In this case, the coupling sensor 125 may be disposed on the side wall 124. Thus, when the dust container 220 or the main body 210 of the first cleaner 200 passes the side wall 124 and then reaches the coupling surface 121, the coupling sensor 125 can detect the presence of the dust container 220 or the main body 210 and detect that the first cleaner 200 is physically coupled to the cleaner station 100.

[0205] The coupling sensor 125 may face the dust container 220 or the battery housing 230 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 .

[0206] The docking sensor 125 may be a means for determining whether the first vacuum cleaner 200 is docked and power is applied to the battery 240 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 .

[0207] The coupling part 120 may include a suction part guide surface 126. The suction part guide surface 126 may be disposed on the first outer wall surface 112a. The suction part guide surface 126 may be connected to the dust container guide surface 122. The suction part 212 may be coupled to the suction part guide surface 126. The suction part guide surface 126 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the suction part 212. Therefore, it is possible to provide convenience when coupling the main body 210 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 to the coupling surface 121.

[0208] The coupling portion 120 may include a fixing member entrance hole 127. The fixing member entrance hole 127 may be formed as a long hole along the side wall 124 so that the fixing member 131 can enter and exit the fixing member entrance hole 127. The fixing member entrance hole 127 may be, for example, a rectangular hole formed along the side wall 124. The fixing member 131 will be described in detail below.

[0209] With this configuration, when a user couples the first vacuum cleaner 200 to the coupling part 120 of the vacuum cleaner station 100, the dust container guide surface 122, the guide protrusion 123, and the suction part guide surface 126 allow the main body 210 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 to be stably positioned on the coupling part 120. Therefore, it is possible to provide convenience when coupling the dust container 220 and the battery housing 230 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 to the coupling surface 121.

[0210] Meanwhile, FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a cleaning station according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0211] The same configurations and effects of the vacuum cleaner station may apply, so that in order to avoid redundant description, the description of the vacuum cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may apply, except for the components not specifically described in this embodiment.

[0212] 5, the coupling portion 120 of the vacuum cleaner station according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may be disposed on the upper surface of the housing 110. Additionally, in this embodiment, the coupling surface 121 may be disposed to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the ground. The angle between the coupling surface 121 and the ground may be, for example, an acute angle.

[0213] Therefore, it is possible to provide convenience when the main body 210 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling surface 121. That is, when the first vacuum cleaner 200 is placed on the coupling surface 121, the first vacuum cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling surface 121 by the weight of the first vacuum cleaner 200, so that it is possible to provide convenience.

[0214] Meanwhile, Figure 8 is an exploded oblique view for illustrating a fixed unit of a vacuum cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 9 is a diagram for illustrating the arrangement of a first vacuum cleaner and a fixed unit within a vacuum cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view for illustrating the fixed unit of a vacuum cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0215] A stationary unit 130 according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0216] The vacuum cleaner station 100 according to the present disclosure may include a fixing unit 130. The fixing unit 130 may be disposed on the side wall 124. The fixing unit 130 may additionally be disposed on the rear surface of the coupling surface 121. The fixing unit 130 may fix the first vacuum cleaner 200 coupled to the coupling surface 121. The fixing unit 130 may specifically fix the dust container 220 and the battery housing 230 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 coupled to the coupling surface 121.

[0217] The fixed unit 130 may include a fixed member 131 configured to fix the dust container 220 and the battery housing 230 of the first vacuum cleaner 200, and a fixed part motor 133 configured to operate the fixed member 131. The fixed unit 130 may further include a fixed part gear 134 configured to transmit power from the fixed part motor 133 to the fixed member 131, and a fixed part connector 135 configured to convert the rotational motion of the fixed part gear 134 into the reciprocating motion of the fixed member 131. The fixed unit 130 may further include a fixed part housing 132 configured to accommodate the fixed part motor 133 and the fixed part gear 134.

[0218] The fixing member 131 is disposed on the side wall 124 of the coupling portion 120, and can be provided on the side wall 124 so as to reciprocate in order to fix the dust container 220. Specifically, the fixing member 131 can be housed in the fixing member entrance hole 127.

[0219] The fixing members 131 may be disposed on both sides of the coupling portion 120. For example, a pair of two fixing members 131 may be disposed symmetrically with respect to the coupling surface 121.

[0220] Specifically, the fixing member 131 may include a connector coupling portion 131a, a movable panel 131b, and a movable sealing portion 131c. In this case, the connector coupling portion 131a may be disposed on one side of the movable panel 131b, and the movable sealing portion 131c may be disposed on the other side of the movable panel 131b.

[0221] The connector coupling portion 131a is disposed on one side of the movable panel 131b and is coupled to the fixed part coupling device 135. The connector coupling portion 131a can be protruded in a cylindrical or round pin shape from a connection protrusion 131bb formed by bending and extending one end of the movable panel 131b. Therefore, the connector coupling portion 131a can be rotatably inserted into one end of the fixed part coupling device 135 and coupled thereto.

[0222] The movable panel 131b may be connected to the connector coupling portion 131a and provided so as to be capable of reciprocating movement from the side wall 124 toward the dust container 220 by the operation of the fixed part motor 133. The movable panel 131b may be provided so as to be capable of linear and reciprocating movement along the guide frame 131d, for example.

[0223] Specifically, one side of the movable panel 131b can be positioned so as to be accommodated in the space of the first outer wall surface 112a, and the other side of the movable panel 131b can be positioned so as to be exposed from the side wall 124.

[0224] The movable panel 131b may include a panel body 131ba, a connecting protrusion 131bb, a first pressing portion 131bc, and a second pressing portion 131bd. The panel body 131ba may be formed in the shape of a flat plate, for example. In addition, the connecting protrusion 131bb may be disposed at one end of the panel body 131ba. Furthermore, the first pressing portion 131bc may be formed at the other end of the panel body 131ba.

[0225] The connection protrusion 131bb may be formed by bending and extending one end of the panel body 131ba toward the fixed part motor 133. The connector coupling portion 131a can protrude and extend from the tip of the connection protrusion 131bb.

[0226] The connection protrusion 131bb may include a frame through-hole through which the guide frame 131d can pass. The frame through-hole may be formed in a shape similar to the letter "I", for example.

[0227] The first pressing portion 131bc is formed at the other end of the panel body 131ba and is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the dust container 220 in order to seal the dust container 220. The first pressing portion 131bc may be formed in a shape that can surround a cylindrical shape, for example. That is, the first pressing portion 131bc may refer to an end portion formed on the other side of the panel body 131ba in a concave arc shape.

[0228] The second pressing portion 131bd is connected to the first pressing portion 131bc and can be formed into a shape corresponding to the shape of the battery housing 230 in order to seal the battery housing 230. The second pressing portion 131bd can be formed into a shape capable of pressing the battery housing 230, for example. That is, the second pressing portion 131bd can mean a straight-shaped end portion formed on the other side of the panel body 131ba.

[0229] The movable sealing part 131c can be disposed at the tip of the movable panel 131b in the direction of reciprocating motion, and can seal the dust container 220. Specifically, the movable sealing part 131c can be coupled to the first pressing part 131bc, and when the first pressing part 131bc surrounds and presses the dust container 220, the space between the dust container 220 and the first pressing part 131bc can be sealed. The movable sealing part 131c can additionally be coupled to the second pressing part 131bd, and when the second pressing part 131bd surrounds and presses the battery housing 230, the space between the battery housing 230 and the second pressing part 131bd can be sealed.

[0230] The fixed unit 130 may further include a guide frame 131d coupled to the housing 110 and configured to guide the movement of the fixed member 131 through the movable panel 131b. The guide frame 131d may be, for example, an "I" shaped frame that passes through the connection protrusion 131bb. With this configuration, the movable panel 131b can linearly reciprocate along the guide frame 131d.

[0231] The fixed part housing 132 may be disposed within the housing 110. The fixed part housing 132 may be disposed, for example, behind the coupling surface 121.

[0232] The stationary part housing 132 may have a space therein capable of accommodating the stationary part gear 134. The stationary part housing 132 may further accommodate the stationary part motor 133.

[0233] The fixed portion housing 132 may include a first fixed portion housing 132a, a second fixed portion housing 132b, a connector guide hole 132c, and a motor accommodating portion 132d.

[0234] The first stator housing 132a and the second stator housing 132b are coupled to each other and define a space capable of housing the stator gear 134 therein.

[0235] The first fixed part housing 132a may be arranged, for example, in a direction toward the outside of the cleaner station 100, and the second fixed part housing 132b may be arranged in a direction toward the inside of the cleaner station 100. That is, the first fixed part housing 132a may be arranged in a direction toward the coupling surface 121, and the second fixed part housing 132b may be arranged in a direction toward the second outer wall surface 112b.

[0236] The connector guide hole 132c may be formed in the first fixed part housing 132a. The connector guide hole 132c may refer to a hole formed to guide the moving path of the fixed part connector 135. The connector guide hole 132c may refer to, for example, an arc-shaped hole formed in the circumferential direction with the rotating shaft of the fixed part gear 134 as the center.

[0237] The two connector guiding holes 132c may be formed to guide a pair of fixing portion connectors 135 that move the pair of fixing members 131. The two connector guiding holes 132c may additionally be formed symmetrically.

[0238] The motor accommodating portion 132d can be provided to accommodate the stationary part motor 133. The motor accommodating portion 132d may, for example, protrude in a cylindrical shape from the first stationary part housing 132a to accommodate the stationary part motor 133 therein.

[0239] The fixed part motor 133 can supply power for moving the fixed member 131. Specifically, the fixed part motor 133 can rotate the fixed part gear 134 in a forward direction or a reverse direction. In this case, the forward direction can mean the direction in which the fixed member 131 moves from the side wall 124 and presses against the dust container 220. In addition, the reverse direction can mean the direction in which the fixed member 131 moves from the position where the fixed member 131 presses against the dust container 220 toward the inside of the side wall 124. The forward direction can be opposite to the reverse direction.

[0240] The fixed part gear 134 can be coupled to a fixed part motor 133 such that power from the fixed part motor 133 can be used to move the fixed member 131 .

[0241] The fixed portion gear 134 may include a drive gear 134a, a connecting gear 134b, a first connector rotation gear 134c, and a second connector rotation gear 134d.

[0242] The shaft of the fixed part motor 133 can be inserted into and coupled to the drive gear 134a. The shaft of the fixed part motor 133 may be inserted into and fixedly coupled to the drive gear 134a, for example. As another example, the drive gear 134a may be integrally formed with the shaft of the fixed part motor 133.

[0243] The connecting gear 134b can mesh with the drive gear 134a and the first coupling rotation gear 134c.

[0244] The other end of the fixed part connecting device 135 is rotatably connected to the first connecting device rotation gear 134c, and the first connecting device rotation gear 134c can transmit the rotational force transmitted from the drive gear 134a to the fixed part connecting device 135.

[0245] The first connector rotation gear 134c can include a rotation shaft 134ca, a rotation face 134cb, gear teeth 134cc, and a connector catch portion 134cd.

[0246] The rotating shaft 134ca may be coupled to and supported by the first fixed part housing 132a and the second fixed part housing 132b. The rotating surface 134cb may be formed in the shape of a circular plate having a predetermined thickness centered on the rotating shaft 134ca. The gear teeth 134cc may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the rotating surface 134cb and may mesh with the connecting gear 134b. The gear teeth 134cc may further mesh with the second coupling rotating gear 134d. With this configuration, the first coupling rotating gear 134c may receive power from the fixed part motor 133 via the driving gear 134a and the connecting gear 134b, and transmit the power to the second coupling rotating gear 134d.

[0247] The connector fastening portion 134cd can be cylindrical or round pin shaped and can protrude and extend from the rotation surface 134cb in the axial direction. The connector fastening portion 134cd can be rotatably coupled to the other end of the fixed part connector 135. The connector fastening portion 134cd can, for example, pass through the connector guide hole 132c and can be coupled to the other end of the fixed part connector 135. With this configuration, the first connector rotating gear 134c can be rotated by the power from the fixed part motor 133, and the fixed part connector 135 can rotate and move linearly by the rotation of the first connector rotating gear 134c, and as a result, the fixing member 131 can move to fix or release the dust container 220.

[0248] The second connector rotation gear 134d meshes with the first connector rotation gear 134c and can rotate in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the first connector rotation gear 134c.

[0249] The other end of the fixed part connecting device 135 is rotatably connected to the second connecting device rotation gear 134d, and the second connecting device rotation gear 134d can transmit the rotational force transmitted from the drive gear 134a to the fixed part connecting device 135.

[0250] The second connector rotation gear 134d can include a rotation shaft 134da, a rotation face 134db, gear teeth 134dc, and a connector catch portion 134dd.

[0251] The rotating shaft 134da can be coupled to and supported by the first fixed part housing 132a and the second fixed part housing 132b. The rotating surface 134db can be formed in the shape of a circular plate having a predetermined thickness centered on the rotating shaft 134da. The gear teeth 134dc can be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the rotating surface 134db and can mesh with the first coupling rotating gear 134c. With this configuration, the second coupling rotating gear 134d can receive power from the fixed part motor 133 via the driving gear 134a, the connecting gear 134b, and the first coupling rotating gear 134c.

[0252] The connector fastening portion 134dd can be cylindrical or round pin shaped and can protrude and extend from the rotation surface 134db in the axial direction. The connector fastening portion 134dd can be rotatably coupled to the other end of the fixed part connector 135. The connector fastening portion 134dd can, for example, pass through the connector guide hole 132c and can be coupled to the other end of the fixed part connector 135. With this configuration, the second connector rotating gear 134d can be rotated by the power from the fixed part motor 133, and the fixed part connector 135 can rotate and move linearly by the rotation of the second connector rotating gear 134d, and as a result, the fixing member 131 can move to fix or release the dust container 220.

[0253] The fixed part connector 135 connects the fixed part gear 134 and the fixed member 131 and can convert the rotation of the fixed part gear 134 into the reciprocating motion of the fixed member 131 .

[0254] One end of the fixed portion connector 135 can be connected to the connector connecting portion 131a of the fixed member 131, and the other end of the fixed portion connector 135 can be connected to the connector fastening portion 134cd or 134dd of the fixed portion gear 134.

[0255] The anchor coupler 135 can include a coupler body 135a, a first coupler connecting portion 135b, and a second coupler connecting portion 135c.

[0256] The connector body 135a may be formed, for example, in the shape of a frame with a bent central portion in order to increase the efficiency of power transmission by changing the angle at which force is transmitted.

[0257] The first connector connection portion 135b can be disposed at one end of the connector body 135a, and the second connector connection portion 135c can be disposed at the other end of the connector body 135a. The first connector connection portion 135b can be cylindrical and protrude from one end of the connector body 135a. The first connector connection portion 135b can have a hole into which the connector coupling portion 131a can be inserted and coupled. The second connector connection portion 135c can be cylindrical and protrude from the other end of the connector body 135a. In this case, the protruding height of the second connector connection portion 135c can be higher than the protruding height of the first connector connection portion 135b. This is to allow the coupling fastening portions 134cd and 134dd of the fixed part gear 134 to be accommodated in the coupling guide hole 132c and move along the coupling guide hole 132c, and to support the coupling fastening portions 134cd and 134dd when the coupling fastening portions 134cd and 134dd rotate. The second coupling connection portion 135c can have holes into which the coupling fastening portions 134cd and 134dd can be inserted and coupled.

[0258] The fixed sealing portion 136 can be disposed on the dust receptacle guide surface 122 so as to seal the dust receptacle 220 when the vacuum cleaner 200 is coupled. With this configuration, when the dust receptacle 220 of the vacuum cleaner 200 is coupled, the vacuum cleaner 200 can press the fixed sealing portion 136 by its own weight, thereby sealing the dust receptacle 220 and the dust receptacle guide surface 122.

[0259] The fixed sealing part 136 may be disposed on an imaginary extension line of the movable sealing part 131c. With this configuration, when the fixed part motor 133 operates and the fixed member 131 presses the dust container 220, the periphery of the dust container 220 at the same height can be sealed. That is, the fixed sealing part 136 and the movable sealing part 131c can seal the outer peripheral surface of the dust container 220 that is disposed on a concentric circle.

[0260] According to an embodiment, the stationary seal 136 is disposed on the dust receptacle guiding surface 122 and may be formed in the form of a curved line corresponding to the arrangement of the cover opening unit 150 which will be described below.

[0261] Therefore, when the main body 210 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 is placed on the coupling part 120, the fixing unit 130 can fix the main body 210 of the first vacuum cleaner 200. Specifically, when the coupling sensor 125 detects that the main body 210 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling part 120 of the cleaner station 100, the fixing part motor 133 can move the fixing member 131 to fix the main body 210 of the first vacuum cleaner 200.

[0262] The fixing unit 130 may further include a fixing detection portion 137. The fixing detection portion 137 may be provided in the housing 110, and can detect whether the fixing member 131 has fixed the first vacuum cleaner 200 or not.

[0263] The fixed detection units 137 may be disposed, for example, at both ends of the rotation region of the fixed unit connector 135 .

[0264] Therefore, when the fixing member 131 moves to a predetermined fixing position FP1, the fixation detection unit 137 can detect that the first cleaner 200 is fixed. In addition, when the fixing member 131 moves to a predetermined release position FP2, the fixation detection unit 137 can detect that the first cleaner 200 is released.

[0265] The fixed detection unit 137 may include a contact sensor or, for example, a microswitch.

[0266] On the other hand, the fixed detector 137 may include a non-contact sensor. The fixed detector 137 may include, for example, an infrared (IR) sensor.

[0267] With this configuration, the first vacuum cleaner 200 can automatically detect the docking status of the first vacuum cleaner 200 and fix the dust container 220 of the first vacuum cleaner when the first vacuum cleaner 200 is docked to the vacuum cleaner station 100, thereby allowing the user to seal the first vacuum cleaner 200 without applying any additional force.

[0268] In addition, the first vacuum cleaner 200 can automatically detect the docking status of the first vacuum cleaner 200 and seal the first vacuum cleaner 200 when the first vacuum cleaner 200 is docked to the vacuum cleaner station 100, thereby improving the efficiency of preventing dust from scattering.

[0269] Meanwhile, FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment of a fixed unit of a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0270] Another embodiment of a fixed unit 1130 according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0271] The same structure and effect of the fixed unit 130 may apply, so that in order to avoid redundant description, the description of the fixed unit 130 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may apply, except for the components not specifically described in this embodiment.

[0272] In this embodiment, the fixing member 1131 may include a rotating sealing portion 1131a, a coupling portion 1131b, and a sealing member 1131c.

[0273] The rotating seal 1131a can be formed to correspond to the shape of the dust receptacle 220 and the shape of the battery housing 230. The rotating seal 1131a can be specifically shaped to surround the outer surface of the dust receptacle 220. The rotating seal 1131a can include, for example, an arc-shaped portion having a radius corresponding to the outer diameter of the dust receptacle 220. The rotating seal 1131a can additionally include a straight portion corresponding to the shape of the battery housing 230.

[0274] The coupling portion 1131b can be rotatably coupled to the coupling portion 120. Specifically, the coupling portion 1131b can protrude from a surface of the rotary sealing portion 1131a facing the side wall 1124. A portion of the coupling portion 1131b can be accommodated in the fixing member entrance hole 1127. The coupling portion 1131b can include a hole that can be penetrated by a sealing portion rotation shaft (not shown) that functions as a rotation axis of the rotary sealing portion 1131a. The sealing portion rotation shaft (not shown) can be provided in the housing 110.

[0275] The position of the coupling portion 1131b can be disposed lower in the direction of gravity than the midpoint of the rotary sealing portion 1131a. This configuration can minimize the resistance of the rotary sealing portion 1131a when coupling the first vacuum cleaner 200, and maximize the force with which the rotary sealing portion 1131a surrounds the first vacuum cleaner 200.

[0276] The rotating sealing part 1131a may be configured to surround the second vacuum cleaner 200 when the first vacuum cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling part 120. Specifically, when the first vacuum cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling part 120, the front outer surface of the dust container 220 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 is coupled to the first induction unit 1122, so that the front outer surface of the dust container 220 can press the lower end of the rotating sealing part 1131a in the direction of gravity. In this case, the rotating sealing part 1131a can rotate around the coupling part 1131b while being pressed by the first vacuum cleaner 200. As a result, the upper end of the rotating sealing part 1131a in the direction of gravity can surround the rear outer surfaces of the battery housing 230 and the dust container 220 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 while rotating. That is, the rotary sealing portion 1131a can fix the first cleaner 200 by the weight of the first cleaner 200 or by the force with which the first cleaner 200 is coupled while moving.

[0277] Meanwhile, FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the first cleaner and the door unit in the cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0278] A door unit 140 according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0279] The cleaner station 100 according to the present disclosure may include a door unit 140. The door unit 140 may be configured to open and close the dust passage hole 121a.

[0280] The door unit 140 may include a door 141 , a door motor 142 , and a door arm 143 .

[0281] The door 141 can be hinged to the connecting surface 121 to open and close the dust passage hole 121a. The door 141 can include a door body 141a, a door portion 141b, and an arm connecting portion 141c.

[0282] The door body 141a may be formed in a shape capable of blocking the dust passage hole 121a. The door body 141a may be formed in a shape similar to that of a circular plate, for example. Based on the state in which the door body 141a blocks the dust passage hole 121a, the hinge portion 141b may be disposed on the upper side of the door body 141a, and the arm connection portion 141c may be disposed on the lower side of the door body 141a.

[0283] The door body 141a may be formed in a shape capable of sealing the dust passage hole 121a. For example, the outer surface of the door body 141a exposed to the outside of the vacuum cleaner station 100 is formed to have a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the dust passage hole 121a, and the inner surface of the door body 141a disposed in the vacuum cleaner station 100 is formed to have a diameter larger than the diameter of the dust passage hole 121a. In addition, a step may be defined between the outer surface and the inner surface. Meanwhile, one or more reinforcing ribs may protrude from the inner surface to connect the hinge portion 141b and the arm coupling portion 141c and reinforce the force supported by the door body 141a.

[0284] The hinge portion 141b may be a means for hinge-connecting the door 141 to the connecting surface 121. The hinge portion 141b may be disposed at an upper end of the door body 141a and connected to the connecting surface 121.

[0285] The arm coupling portion 141c may be a means to which the door arm 143 is rotatably coupled. The arm coupling portion 141c may be disposed on the underside of the inner surface, and the door arm 143 may be rotatably coupled to the arm coupling portion 141c.

[0286] With this configuration, when the door arm 143 pulls the door body 141a with the door 141 closing the dust passage hole 121a, the door body 141a rotates about the hinge portion 141b toward the inside of the vacuum cleaner station 100, thereby opening the dust passage hole 121a. On the other hand, when the door arm 143 presses the door body 141a with the dust passage hole 121a open, the door body 141a rotates about the hinge portion 141b toward the outside of the vacuum cleaner station 100, thereby closing the dust passage hole 121a.

[0287] The door motor 142 can supply power to rotate the door 141. Specifically, the door motor 142 can rotate the door arm 143 in a forward direction or a reverse direction. In this case, the forward direction can mean the direction in which the door arm 143 pulls the door 141. Therefore, when the door arm 143 rotates in the forward direction, the dust passage hole 121a can be opened. In addition, the reverse direction can mean the direction in which the door arm 143 presses the door 141. Therefore, when the door arm 143 rotates in the reverse direction, at least a part of the dust passage hole 121a can be closed. The forward direction can be opposite to the reverse direction.

[0288] The door arm 143 connects the door 141 and the door motor 142, and can open and close the door 141 using the power generated by the door motor 142.

[0289] For example, the door arm 143 may include a first door arm 143a and a second door arm 143b. One end of the first door arm 143a may be coupled to the door motor 142. The first door arm 143a may be rotated by the power of the door motor 142. The other end of the first door arm 143a may be rotatably coupled to the second door arm 143b. The first door arm 143a may transmit the power transmitted from the door motor 142 to the second door arm 143b. One end of the second door arm 143b may be coupled to the first door motor 143a. The other end of the second door arm 143b may be coupled to the door 141. The second door arm 143b may open and close the dust passage hole 121a by pushing and pulling the door 141.

[0290] The door unit 140 may further include a door open / close detector 144. The door open / close detector 144 may be provided in the housing 110, and can detect whether the door 141 is open or not.

[0291] The door opening / closing detector 144 may be disposed, for example, at both ends of the rotation area of ​​the door arm 143. As another example, the door opening / closing detector 144 may be disposed at both ends of the movement area of ​​the door 141.

[0292] Therefore, when the door arm 143 moves to a predetermined open position DP1 or when the door 141 opens to a predetermined position, the door opening / closing detection unit 144 can detect that the door is open. In addition, when the door arm 143 moves to a predetermined closed position DP2 or when the door 141 opens to a predetermined position, the door opening / closing detection unit 144 can detect that the door is open.

[0293] The door opening / closing detection unit 144 may include a contact sensor or a microswitch, for example.

[0294] On the other hand, the door opening / closing detection unit 144 may also include a non-contact sensor. The door opening / closing detection unit 144 may include, for example, an infrared (IR) sensor.

[0295] With this configuration, the door unit 140 can selectively open and close at least a portion of the connecting surface 121, thereby connecting the outside of the first outer wall surface 112a to the first flow path 181 and / or the dust collection section 170.

[0296] The door unit 140 may be opened when the discharge cover 222 of the first cleaner 200 is opened. In addition, when the door unit 140 is closed, the discharge cover 222 of the first cleaner 200 may also be closed.

[0297] When the dust inside the dust container 220 of the first cleaner 200 is removed, the door motor 142 rotates the door 141, thereby connecting the discharge cover 222 to the dust container body 221. Specifically, the door motor 142 rotates the door 141, and can rotate the door 141 about the hinge portion 141b, and the door 141 rotating about the hinge portion 141b can press the discharge cover 222 toward the dust container body 221.

[0298] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the underside of the dust container of the first vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the first vacuum cleaner and a cover opening unit in a vacuum cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 15 is a perspective view illustrating the cover opening unit of the vacuum cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0299] A cover opening unit 150 according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to Figures 6, 7 and 13 to 15.

[0300] The cleaner station 100 according to the present disclosure may comprise a cover opening unit 150. The cover opening unit 150 may be arranged in the coupling portion 120 and is capable of opening the discharge cover 222 of the first cleaner 200.

[0301] The cover opening unit 150 may include a pressing protrusion 151 , a cover opening motor 152 , a cover opening gear 153 , a support plate 154 , and a gear box 155 .

[0302] The pressing protrusion 151 can move to press the coupling lever 222c when the first cleaner 200 is coupled.

[0303] The pressing protrusion 151 may be disposed on the dust container guide surface 122. Specifically, a protrusion movement hole may be formed in the dust container guide surface 122, and the pressing protrusion 151 may be exposed to the outside through the protrusion movement hole.

[0304] The pressing protrusion 151 may be disposed at a position where the pressing protrusion 151 can press the connecting lever 222c when the first cleaner 200 is connected. That is, the connecting lever 222c may be disposed above the protrusion movement hole. The connecting lever 222c may additionally be disposed in the movement area of ​​the pressing protrusion 151.

[0305] The pressing protrusion 151 can linearly reciprocate to press the connecting lever 222c. Specifically, the pressing protrusion 151 can be coupled to a gear box 155 so that the linear movement of the pressing protrusion 151 can be guided. The pressing protrusion 151 is coupled to a cover opening gear 153 and can move together with the cover opening gear 153 due to the movement of the cover opening gear 153.

[0306] The pressing protrusion 151 may include, for example, a protrusion portion 151a, a protrusion support plate 151b, a connecting portion 151c, a gear coupling block 151d, and a guide frame 151e.

[0307] The protruding portion 151a may be provided to press the connecting lever 222c. The protruding portion 151a may be formed in a shape similar to a hook shape, a right-angled triangle shape, or a trapezoid shape. The protruding support plate 151b may be formed in the form of a flat plate that is connected to the protruding portion 151a and supports the protruding portion 151a.

[0308] The protrusion support plate 151b may be provided to be movable along the upper surface of the gear box 155. The connection portion 151c may connect the protrusion support plate 151b and the gear coupling block 151d. The connection portion 151c may be formed to have a narrower width than the protrusion support plate 151b and the gear coupling block 151d.

[0309] The connecting portion 151c can be disposed to pass through a protruding through-hole 155b formed in the gear box 155. The gear coupling block 151d can be coupled to the cover opening gear 153. The gear coupling block 151d can be fixedly coupled to the cover opening gear 153 using members such as screws or parts.

[0310] The gear coupling block 151d can be accommodated in a gear box 155, and can move linearly back and forth within the gear box 155 by the movement of the cover opening gear 153. The guide frame 151e can protrude and extend from two side surfaces of the gear coupling block 151d. The guide frame 151e has a rectangular prism shape and can protrude and extend from the gear coupling block 151d.

[0311] The guide frame 151e may be disposed to pass through a guide hole 155c formed in the gear box 155. Therefore, when the gear coupling block 151d moves linearly, the guide frame 151e may reciprocate linearly along the guide hole 155c.

[0312] The cover opening motor 152 can supply power for moving the pressing protrusion 151. Specifically, the cover opening motor 152 can rotate the motor shaft 152a in a forward or reverse direction. In this case, the forward direction can mean the direction in which the pressing protrusion 151 presses the connecting lever 222c. In addition, the reverse direction can mean the direction in which the pressing protrusion 151, having pressed the connecting lever 222c, returns to its original position. The forward direction can be opposite to the reverse direction.

[0313] The cover opening motor 152 can be disposed outside the gear box 155. A motor shaft 152a of the cover opening motor 152 can pass through a motor through-hole 155e of the gear box 155 and can be coupled to the cover opening gear 153. The motor shaft 152a can be coupled to, for example, the opening drive gear 153a and can rotate together with the opening drive gear 153a.

[0314] The cover opening gear 153 can be coupled to the cover opening motor 152, and can move the pressing protrusion 151 using power from the cover opening motor 152. The cover opening gear 153 can be specifically housed in a gear box 155. The cover opening gear 153 can be coupled to and powered by the cover opening motor 152. The cover opening gear 153 can be coupled to the pressing protrusion 151, and can move the pressing protrusion 151.

[0315] The cover opening gear 153 may include an opening drive gear 153a and an opening driven gear 153b. Specifically, the shaft 152a of the cover opening motor 152 is inserted into and coupled with the opening drive gear 153a, so that the opening drive gear 153a can receive rotational power from the cover opening motor 152.

[0316] The release driven gear 153b can mesh with the release drive gear 153a and is coupled to the gear coupling block 151d of the pressing protrusion 151, thereby moving the pressing protrusion 151. The release driven gear 153b can be formed, for example, in the form of a rack gear so as to mesh with the release drive gear 153a formed in the form of a pinion gear. The release driven gear 153b can include a body portion 153ba coupled to the gear coupling block 151d. The release driven gear 153b can additionally include a gear portion 153bb formed on the lower side of the body portion 153ba and configured to mesh with the release drive gear 153a. The release driven gear 153b can further include an induction shaft 153bc protruding from two side surfaces of the body portion 153ba. The open driven gear 153b may additionally include a gear 153bd into which the guide shaft 153bc is inserted and coupled, and the gear 153bd may be rotatably movable along a guide rail 155d formed on the inner surface of the gear box 155.

[0317] The support plate 154 may be provided to support one side of the dust container 220. Specifically, the support plate 154 may extend from the coupling surface 121. The support plate 154 may protrude and extend from the coupling surface 121 toward the center of the dust passing hole 121a.

[0318] The support plate 154 may extend symmetrically from the coupling surface 121, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the support plate 154 may have various shapes capable of supporting the lower extension portion 221a of the first vacuum cleaner 200 or the lower surface of the dust container 220.

[0319] When the first cleaner 200 is coupled to the cleaner station 100, the lower surface of the dust container 220 can be disposed in the dust passage hole 121a, and the support plate 154 can support the lower surface of the dust container 220. The discharge cover 222 can be provided on the lower side of the dust container 220 in an openable and closable manner, and the dust container 220 can include a cylindrical dust container body 221 and an extending lower extension part 221a. In this case, the support plate 154 can contact the lower extension part 221a and can support the lower extension part 221a.

[0320] With this configuration, while the support plate 154 supports the lower extension portion 221a, the pressing protrusion 151 can press the coupling lever 222c of the discharge cover 222. This allows the discharge cover 222 to be opened, and the dust passage hole 121a and the inside of the dust container 220 can communicate with each other. That is, when the discharge cover 222 is opened, the flow path portion 180 and the inside of the dust container 220 can communicate with each other, and the cleaner station 100 and the first cleaner 200 can be coupled with each other to enable the flow of fluid (coupling of the flow paths).

[0321] The gear box 155 is coupled to the inner surface of the housing 110 and can be disposed below the coupling portion 120 in the direction of gravity, and the cover opening gear 153 can be accommodated in the gear box 155. Specifically, the box body 155a has a space capable of accommodating the cover opening gear 153, and a protrusion through hole 155b through which the connection portion 151c of the pressing protrusion 151 penetrates is formed on the upper surface of the box body 155a. In addition, a guide hole 155c is formed in the form of a long hole on the left / right side surface of the box body 155a so that the guide frame 151e of the pressing protrusion 151 penetrates the guide hole 155c.

[0322] Meanwhile, the guide rails 155d may be formed on the inner surfaces of the left / right sides of the box body 155a. The guide rails 155d may support the release driven gear 153b and guide the movement of the release driven gear 153b.

[0323] The motor through-hole 155e may be formed on one surface of the gear box 155, and the shaft 152a of the cover opening motor 152 may pass through the motor through-hole 155e. In addition, a cover opening detection unit 155f may be disposed on a side surface of the gear box 155.

[0324] The cover opening detection unit 155f may include a contact sensor. The cover opening detection unit 155f may include, for example, a microswitch. On the other hand, the cover opening detection unit 155f may also include a non-contact sensor. The cover opening detection unit 155f may include, for example, an infrared (IR) sensor. This allows the cover opening detection unit 155f to detect the position of the guide frame 151e, and thereby the position of the pressing protrusion 151.

[0325] The cover opening detection unit 155f can be disposed at both ends of the guide hole 155c formed in the shape of a long hole. Therefore, when the pressing protrusion 151 moves to a position where the pressing protrusion 151 can press the connecting lever 222c to open the discharge cover 222, the guide frame 151e can be positioned at a predetermined cover opening point CP1, and the cover opening detection unit 155f can detect that the discharge cover has been opened. In addition, when the pressing protrusion 151 returns to its original position, the guide frame 151e can be positioned at a predetermined cover non-opening point CP2, and the cover opening detection unit 155f can detect that the pressing protrusion 151 has returned to its original position.

[0326] Therefore, according to the present disclosure, the cover opening unit 150 allows the user to open the dust container even if the user opens the discharge cover 222 of the first cleaner separately, thereby improving convenience.

[0327] In addition, since the discharge cover 222 is opened while the first cleaner 200 is coupled to the cleaner station 100, it is possible to prevent dust from scattering.

[0328] Meanwhile, FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the first cleaner and the lever pulling unit in the cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0329] A lever puller unit 160 according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0330] The vacuum cleaner station 100 according to the present disclosure may include a lever pulling unit 160. The lever pulling unit 160 may be disposed on the first outer wall surface 112a of the housing 110. The lever pulling unit 160 may press the dust bin compression lever 223 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 to compress the dust in the dust bin 220.

[0331] The lever pulling unit 160 may include a lever pulling arm 161 , an arm gear 162 , a stroke drive motor 163 , a rotary drive motor 164 , and an arm movement detector 165 .

[0332] The lever pull arm 161 is accommodated in the housing 110 and may be provided so as to be capable of stroke movement and rotation. The lever pull arm 161 may be accommodated, for example, in an arm accommodation small hole formed in the first outer wall surface 112a. In this case, when an imaginary cylindrical shape is defined at the lower end of the arm accommodation small hole, the dust bin compression lever 223 may be disposed within the imaginary cylindrical shape.

[0333] A lever pull arm 161 may be provided to press the dust bin compression lever 223. The lever pull arm 161 may be shaped to correspond to the shape of the arm receiving eyelet. The lever pull arm 161 may be shaped, for example, similar to an elongated bar.

[0334] One surface of the lever puller arm 161 may be formed to define a continuous surface with the first exterior wall surface 112a when the lever puller arm 161 is received in the arm receiving eyelet. The arm gear 162 may be coupled to one side of the other surface of the lever puller arm 161.

[0335] The arm gear 162 can be coupled to the lever pull arm 161, the stroke drive motor 163, and the rotary drive motor 164. The arm gear 162 can be formed, for example, to resemble a kind of shaft. One end of the shaft of the arm gear 162 can be fixedly coupled to the lever pull arm 161. The other end of the shaft of the arm gear 162 can be provided in the form of a worm wheel. Thus, the other end of the shaft of the arm gear 162 can be formed in the form of a worm gear and can mesh with the rotary drive motor 164. The shaft of the arm gear 162 can be formed in the form of a cylindrical worm. The shaft of the arm gear 162 can be formed in the form of a worm gear and can mesh with the stroke drive motor 163.

[0336] The stroke drive motor 163 can provide power to stroke the lever pull arm 161. The stroke drive motor 163 can rotate in a forward or reverse direction. In this case, the forward direction can mean the direction in which the lever pull arm 161 moves away from the housing 110 of the cleaner station 100. Additionally, the reverse direction can mean the direction in which the lever pull arm 161 is pulled towards the cleaner station 100. The forward direction can be the opposite of the reverse direction.

[0337] The rotary drive motor 164 can provide power to rotate the lever pull arm 161. The rotary drive motor 164 can rotate in a forward or reverse direction. In this case, the forward direction can mean the direction in which the lever pull arm 161 rotates to a position where the lever pull arm 161 can press the dust bin compression lever 223. In addition, the reverse direction can be the direction opposite to the forward direction.

[0338] The arm movement detection unit 165 can be disposed inside the housing 110. The arm movement detection unit 165 can be disposed on a movement path of the shaft of the arm gear 162. The arm movement detection units 165 can be disposed at an initial position LP1 of the shaft of the arm gear 162, a maximum stroke movement position LP2, and a position LP3 when the compression lever 223 is retracted.

[0339] The arm movement detection unit 165 may include a contact sensor. The arm movement detection unit 165 may include, for example, a microswitch. On the other hand, the arm movement detection unit 165 may also include a non-contact sensor. The arm movement detection unit 165 may include, for example, an infrared (IR) sensor. With this configuration, the arm movement detection unit 165 can detect the stroke position of the arm gear 162.

[0340] In addition, the arm movement detection unit 165 can be disposed at the other end of the shaft of the arm gear 162. The arm movement detection unit 165 can be disposed at the other end of the arm gear 162, provided in the form of a worm wheel, and can detect the rotation position. The arm movement detection unit 165 may include a contact sensor. The arm movement detection unit 165 may include, for example, a microswitch. On the other hand, the arm movement detection unit 165 may also include a non-contact sensor. The arm movement detection unit 165 may include, for example, an infrared (IR) sensor or a Hall sensor.

[0341] Therefore, the arm movement detection unit 165 can detect that the lever pulling arm 161 is located at the initial position. The arm movement detection unit 165 can additionally detect that the lever pulling arm 161 has moved to the maximum distance from the housing 110. The arm movement detection unit 165 can additionally detect that the lever pulling arm 161 has rotated to pull the compression lever 223. The arm movement detection unit 165 can additionally detect that the lever pulling arm 161 has pulled the compression lever 223. The arm movement detection unit 165 can additionally detect that the lever pulling arm 161 has rotated to the original position after pulling the compression lever 223.

[0342] Therefore, when the first vacuum cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling part 120, the lever pulling arm 161 strokes, and the compression member 224 moves downward, thereby compressing the dust in the dust container 220. In one embodiment of the present specification, when the discharge cover 222 is separated from the dust container 220, the dust in the dust container 220 can be primarily captured in the dust collection part 170 by gravity, and then the dust remaining in the dust container 220 can be secondarily captured in the dust collection part 170 by the compression member (not shown). Otherwise, with the discharge cover 222 coupled to the dust container 220, the compression member (not shown) can compress the dust in the dust container 220 downward, and then the discharge cover 222 can be separated from the dust container 220, thereby capturing the dust in the dust container 220 in the dust collection part 170.

[0343] Meanwhile, the dust collection section 170 will be described below with reference to FIG. 2 and FIGS. 17 to 19.

[0344] The vacuum cleaner station 100 may include a dust collecting unit 170. The dust collecting unit 170 may be disposed within the housing 110. The dust collecting unit 170 may be disposed below the coupling unit 120 in the direction of gravity.

[0345] The dust collection section 170 may include a roll of vinyl film (not shown) that is fixed to the housing 110 and can be spread downward by the load of dust falling from the dust container 220.

[0346] The vacuum cleaner station 100 may include a joint (not shown). The joint may be disposed in the housing 110. The joint may be disposed in an upper region of the dust collecting unit 170. The joint may cut and join the upper region of the rolled vinyl film in which dust is captured. Specifically, the joint may move the rolled vinyl film back to the central region and join the upper region of the rolled vinyl film using a heating wire. The joint may include a first joint member (not shown) and a second joint member (not shown). The first joint member (not shown) may be moved in a first direction by a first joint driving unit 174, and the second joint member (not shown) may be moved in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction by a second joint driving unit 175.

[0347] With this configuration, dust captured by the first vacuum cleaner 200 or the second vacuum cleaner 200 can be collected on the rolled vinyl film, and the rolled vinyl film can be automatically joined. Therefore, the user does not need to tie up the bag that captured the dust separately, and as a result, it is possible to improve the convenience for the user.

[0348] Meanwhile, the flow path portion 180 will be described below with reference to FIG. 2 and FIGS. 17 to 19.

[0349] The cleaner station 100 may include a flow path unit 180. The flow path unit 180 may connect the first cleaner 200 or the second cleaner 300 to the dust collection unit 170.

[0350] The flow path section 180 can include a first flow path 181, a second flow path 182, and a flow path switching valve 183.

[0351] The first flow path 181 may connect the dust container 220 of the first cleaner 200 to the dust collecting unit 170. The first flow path 181 may be disposed on the rear side of the coupling surface 121. The first flow path 181 may mean a space between the dust container 220 of the first cleaner 200 and the dust collecting unit 170. The first flow path 181 may be a space formed on the rear side of the dust passing hole 121a. The first flow path 181 may be a flow path bent downward from the dust passing hole 121a, and dust and air may flow through the first flow path 181. Dust in the dust container 220 of the first cleaner 200 may move to the dust collecting unit 170 through the first flow path 181.

[0352] The second flow path 182 can connect the second vacuum cleaner 300 to the dust collection unit 170. Dust in the second vacuum cleaner 300 can move to the dust collection unit 170 through the second flow path 182.

[0353] The flow path switching valve 183 can be disposed between the dust collection unit 170, the first flow path 181, and the second flow path 182. The flow path switching valve 183 can selectively open and close the first flow path 181 and the second flow path 182 connected to the dust collection unit 170. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in suction force that occurs when the multiple flow paths 181 and 182 are open.

[0354] For example, when only the first cleaner 200 is coupled to the cleaner station 100 , the flow path switching valve 183 can connect the first flow path 181 to the dust collection section 170 and block the second flow path 182 from the dust collection section 170 .

[0355] As another example, when only the second vacuum cleaner 300 is coupled to the vacuum cleaner station 100, the flow path switching valve 183 can block the first flow path 181 from the dust collection section 170 and connect the second flow path 182 to the dust collection section 170.

[0356] As yet another example, when both the first vacuum cleaner 200 and the second vacuum cleaner 300 are coupled to the vacuum cleaner station 100, the flow path switching valve 183 can connect the first flow path 181 to the dust collection unit 170 and block the second flow path 182 from the dust collection unit 170 to first remove dust in the dust container 220 of the first vacuum cleaner 200. The flow path switching valve 183 can then block the first flow path 181 from the dust collection unit 170 and connect the second flow path 182 to the dust collection unit 170 to remove dust from the second vacuum cleaner 300. This can improve the convenience of the first vacuum cleaner 200 compared to the usage in which the user manually operates the first vacuum cleaner 200.

[0357] Meanwhile, the dirt collection module 190 will be described below with reference to FIG. 2 and FIGS. 17 to 19.

[0358] The vacuum cleaner station 100 may include a dust suction module 190. The dust suction module 190 may include a dust collection motor 191, a first filter 192, and a second filter (not shown).

[0359] The dust collection motor 191 can be disposed under the dust collection unit 170. The dust collection motor 191 can generate a suction force in the first flow path 181 and the second flow path 182. Therefore, the dust collection motor 191 can supply a suction force capable of sucking in the dust container 220 of the first cleaner 200 and the dust in the second cleaner 300.

[0360] The dust collection motor 191 can generate a suction force by rotation. The dust collection motor 191 may be formed in a shape similar to a cylinder, for example.

[0361] The first filter 192 can be disposed between the dust collection unit 170 and the dust collection motor 191. The first filter 192 can be a pre-filter.

[0362] The second filter 193 can be disposed between the dust collection motor 191 and the outer wall surface 112. The second filter 193 can be a HEPA filter.

[0363] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the virtual balance maintaining space R1 can extend vertically from the ground and pass through the dust collecting unit 170 and the dust suction module 190. The balance maintaining space R1 may be, for example, a virtual space extending vertically from the ground, and at least the dust collecting motor 191 may be accommodated in the balance maintaining space R1. That is, the balance maintaining space R1 may be a virtual cylindrical space that accommodates the dust collecting motor 191 therein.

[0364] In this case, in the present disclosure, a virtual extension plane of the center of gravity plane S1 passes through the balance maintaining space R1. With this configuration, the cleaner station 100 can stably maintain balance in a state in which the first cleaner 200 is attached to the cleaner station 100 according to the present disclosure.

[0365] Meanwhile, the arrangement of the first vacuum cleaner 200, the first flow path 181, the dust collection section 170, and the dust suction module 190 when the first vacuum cleaner 200 is connected to the vacuum cleaner station 100 will be described below with reference to FIG. 2.

[0366] When the first cleaner 200 is mounted on the cleaner station 100, the axis of the cylindrical dust container 220 can be arranged parallel to the ground. Furthermore, the dust container 220 can be arranged so as to be perpendicular to the first outer wall surface 112a and the coupling surface 121. That is, the axis a5 of the dust container can be arranged so as to be perpendicular to the first outer wall surface 112a and the coupling surface 121, and can be arranged so as to be parallel to the ground. The axis a5 of the dust container can also be arranged so as to be perpendicular to the axis of the balance maintaining space R1.

[0367] Furthermore, when the first cleaner 200 is mounted on the cleaner station 100, the extension tube 250 can be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the ground. The extension tube 250 can also be arranged parallel to the first outer wall surface 112a. That is, the center line a2 of the suction flow path can be arranged parallel to the first outer wall surface 112a and perpendicular to the ground. The center line a2 of the suction flow path can additionally be arranged parallel to the axis of the balance maintaining space R1.

[0368] Meanwhile, when the first cleaner 200 is attached to the cleaner station 100, the dust container guide surface 122 may surround at least a part of the outer circumferential surface of the dust container 220. The first flow path 181 may be disposed at the rear side of the dust container 220 and may communicate with the first flow path 181 when the dust container 220 is opened. The first flow path 181 may further be bent downward from the dust container 220. In addition, the dust collecting unit 170 may be disposed below the first flow path 181. Furthermore, the dust suction module 190 may be disposed below the dust collecting unit 170.

[0369] Therefore, according to the present disclosure, the first cleaner 200 can be mounted to the cleaner station 100 with the extension tube 250 and the cleaning module 260 attached. Furthermore, even when the first cleaner 200 is mounted to the cleaner station 100, the space occupied in the horizontal plane can be minimized.

[0370] In addition, according to the present disclosure, the first flow path 181 communicating with the dust container 220 only bends downward once, so that loss of flow force for collecting dust can be minimized.

[0371] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, when the first cleaner 200 is attached to the cleaner station 100, the outer circumferential surface of the dust container 220 is surrounded by the dust container guide surface 122, and the dust container 220 is housed in the coupling portion 120. As a result, the dust in the dust container cannot be seen from the outside.

[0372] The vacuum cleaner station 100 may include a charging unit 128. The charging unit 128 may be disposed in the coupling unit 120. Specifically, the charging unit 128 may be disposed in the coupling surface 121. In this case, the charging unit 128 may be located at a position facing a charging terminal provided on the battery 240 of the first vacuum cleaner 200. The charging unit 128 may be electrically connected to the first vacuum cleaner 200 coupled to the coupling unit 120. The charging unit 128 may supply power to the battery 240 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 coupled to the coupling unit 120. That is, when the first vacuum cleaner 200 is physically coupled to the coupling surface 121, the charging unit 128 may be electrically coupled to the first vacuum cleaner 200.

[0373] The charging section 128 may additionally include a lower charging section (not shown) disposed in a lower region of the housing 110. The lower charging section may be electrically connected to a second vacuum cleaner 300 coupled to the lower region of the housing 110. The second charger may supply power to a battery of the second vacuum cleaner 300 coupled to the lower region of the housing 110.

[0374] The vacuum cleaner station 100 may include a side door (not shown). The side door may be disposed on the housing 110. The side door may selectively expose the dust collecting unit 170 to the outside. Thus, a user may easily remove the dust collecting unit 170 from the vacuum cleaner station 100.

[0375] Meanwhile, FIG. 19 is a configuration diagram for explaining the configuration of a control unit of a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0376] The configuration of the control unit according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0377] The vacuum cleaner station 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a control unit 400 configured to control the coupling portion 120, the fixing unit 130, the door unit 140, the cover opening unit 150, the lever pulling unit 160, the dust collection portion 170, the flow path portion 180, and the dust suction module 190.

[0378] The control unit 400 may include a printed circuit board and components mounted on the printed circuit board.

[0379] When the coupling sensor 125 detects coupling of the first vacuum cleaner 200, the coupling sensor 125 may transmit a signal indicating that the first vacuum cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling portion 120. In this case, the control unit 400 may receive the signal from the coupling sensor 125 and determine that the first vacuum cleaner 200 has been physically coupled to the coupling portion 120.

[0380] In addition, when the charging portion 128 supplies power to the battery 240 of the first vacuum cleaner 200 , the control unit 400 can determine that the first vacuum cleaner 200 is electrically coupled to the coupling portion 120 .

[0381] Thus, when the control unit 400 determines that the first vacuum cleaner 200 is both physically and electrically coupled to the coupling portion 120, the control unit 400 can determine that the first vacuum cleaner 200 is coupled to the vacuum cleaner station 100.

[0382] When the control unit 400 determines that the first cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling part 120, the control unit 400 can operate the fixing part motor 133 to fix the first cleaner 200.

[0383] When the fixing member 131 or the fixing part connector 135 moves to a predetermined fixing point FP1, the fixing detection part 137 can transmit a signal indicating that the first vacuum cleaner 200 has been fixed. The control part 400 can receive the signal indicating that the first vacuum cleaner 200 has been fixed from the fixing detection part 137 and determine that the first vacuum cleaner 200 has been fixed. When the control unit 400 determines that the first vacuum cleaner 200 has been fixed, the control unit 400 can stop the operation of the fixing part motor 133.

[0384] On the other hand, when the operation of emptying the dust container 220 is completed, the control unit 400 can rotate the fixed part motor 133 in the reverse direction to release the first cleaner 200 .

[0385] Once the control unit 400 has determined that the first cleaner 200 is secured to the docking portion 120 , the control unit 400 may operate the door motor 142 to open the door 141 of the cleaner station 100 .

[0386] When the door 141 or the door arm 143 reaches a predetermined open position DP1, the door opening / closing detection unit 144 can transmit a signal indicating that the door 141 is open. The control unit 400 can receive the signal indicating that the door 141 is open from the door opening / closing detection unit 137 and determine that the door 141 is open. When the control unit 400 determines that the door 141 is open, the control unit 400 can stop the operation of the door motor 142.

[0387] On the other hand, when the operation of emptying the dust container 220 is completed, the control unit 400 can rotate the door motor 142 in the reverse direction to close the door 141 .

[0388] When the control unit 400 determines that the door 141 is opened, the control unit 400 can operate the cover opening motor 152 to open the discharge cover 222 of the first cleaner 200. As a result, the dust passing hole 121a can communicate with the inside of the dust container 220. Thus, the cleaner station 100 and the second cleaner 200 can be coupled to each other (flow path coupling) to allow a fluid flow.

[0389] When the guide frame 151e reaches a predetermined open position CP1, the cover opening detection unit 155f can transmit a signal indicating that the discharge cover 222 is open. The control unit 400 can receive the signal indicating that the discharge cover 222 is open from the cover opening detection unit 155f and determine that the discharge cover 222 is open. When the control unit 400 determines that the discharge cover 222 is open, the control unit 400 can stop the operation of the cover opening motor 152.

[0390] The control unit 400 can operate the stroke drive motor 163 and the rotary drive motor 164 to control the lever pulling arm 161 , which can then pull the dust bin compression lever 223 .

[0391] When the arm movement detection unit 165 detects that the arm gear 162 has reached the maximum stroke movement position LP2, the arm movement detection unit 165 can transmit a signal, and the control unit 400 can receive the signal from the arm movement detection unit 165 and stop the operation of the stroke drive motor 163.

[0392] When the arm movement detection unit 165 detects that the arm gear 162 has rotated to a position where the arm gear 162 can pull the compression lever 223, the arm movement detection unit 165 can send a signal, and the control unit 400 can receive the signal from the arm movement detection unit 165 and stop the operation of the rotary drive motor 164.

[0393] The control unit 400 can additionally operate the stroke drive motor 163 in the reverse direction to pull the lever pull arm 161 .

[0394] In this case, when the arm movement detection unit 165 detects that the arm gear 162 has reached position LP3 while the compression lever 223 is being pulled, the arm movement detection unit 165 can send a signal, and the control unit 400 can receive the signal from the arm movement detection unit 165 and stop the operation of the stroke drive motor 163.

[0395] On the other hand, when the operation of emptying the dust container 220 is completed, the control unit 400 can rotate the stroke drive motor 163 and the rotary drive motor 164 in the reverse direction to return the lever pulling arm 161 to its original position.

[0396] The control unit 400 can operate the first splicing drive unit 174 and the second splicing drive unit 175 to splice a rolled vinyl film (not shown).

[0397] The control unit 400 can control the flow path switching valve 183 of the flow path section 180. The control unit 400 can selectively open and close the first flow path 181 and the second flow path 182, for example.

[0398] The control unit 400 can operate the dust collection motor 191 to suck up the dust inside the dust container 220 .

[0399] The control unit 400 can operate the display unit 500 to display the dust bin emptying status and charging status of the first cleaner 200 or the second cleaner 300.

[0400] Meanwhile, the vacuum cleaner station 100 according to the present disclosure may be equipped with a display unit 500 .

[0401] The display unit 500 may be disposed in the housing 110, in a separate display device, or in a terminal such as a mobile phone.

[0402] The display unit 500 can 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. Based on the information output via the display unit 500, the user can easily grasp the status of the currently running process, the remaining time, and the like.

[0403] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments, the specific embodiments are merely for the purpose of specifically illustrating the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments. It is apparent that the present disclosure may be modified or changed by those skilled in the art without departing from the technical spirit of the present disclosure.

[0404] All simple modifications or variations to the present disclosure are within the scope of the present disclosure, and the specific scope of protection of the present disclosure will be defined by the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0405] 10 Vacuum Cleaner System 100 Vacuum Cleaner Station 110 Housing 120 Joint 121 Bonding surface 121a Dust passage hole 130 Fixed Unit 131 Fixing member 133 Fixed section motor 134 Fixed gear 135 Fixed part connector 140 Door unit 141 Door 142 Door motor 143 Door Arm 150 Cover opening unit 151 Pressing protrusion 152 Cover opening motor 153 Cover opening gear 154 Gearbox 160 Lever Pulling Unit 161 Lever Pull Arm 162 Arm Gear 163 Stroke drive motor 164 Rotary Drive Motor 170 Dust collection section 180 Flow passage 181 First Channel 182 Second Stream 183 Flow path switching valve 190 Dust Collection Module 191 Dust collection motor 200 The first vacuum cleaner 210 Main unit 212 Suction part 213 Dust separation section 214 Suction motor 216 Handle 220 Dust container 222 Discharge Cover 222c coupling lever 223 Dust container compression lever 230 Battery Housing 240 batteries 250 extension tube 260 Cleaning Module 300 Second Vacuum Cleaner 400 Control Unit

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner station, comprising: housing; a dust collection motor received in the housing and configured to generate a suction force for sucking dust in a dust receptacle of the vacuum cleaner; a dust collection unit accommodated in the housing and configured to capture the dust in the dust container; a coupling portion disposed within the housing and having a coupling surface to which the vacuum cleaner is coupled; a fixing unit configured to fix the vacuum cleaner by contacting the dust container when the vacuum cleaner is connected to the connecting part; the fixing unit includes a fixing member configured to move from an outside of the dust receptacle toward the dust receptacle and fix the dust receptacle when the vacuum cleaner is connected to the connecting portion, The stationary unit comprises a movable sealing part configured to seal the dust receptacle.

2. The fixed unit is a stationary part motor configured to provide power to move the stationary part; a base gear coupled to the base motor and configured to rotate using the power from the base motor; The cleaning station of claim 1 , further comprising a stator coupler connecting the stator gear and the stationary member and configured to convert rotation of the stator gear into reciprocating motion of the stationary member.

3. The fixing member is A connector coupling portion to which one end of the fixed portion connector is rotatably coupled; 3. The vacuum cleaner station of claim 2, further comprising: a movable panel connected to the connector coupling portion and adapted to be reciprocated from a side wall of the coupling portion toward the dust receptacle by operation of the stationary portion motor.

4. The movable panel is A panel body formed in the shape of a flat plate; A connection protrusion that is bent and extends from one end of the panel body and is connected to the connector connection portion; The vacuum cleaner station according to claim 3 , further comprising: a first pressing portion formed at the other end of the panel body and formed to correspond to a shape of the dust container to seal the dust container.

5. 5. The vacuum cleaner station of claim 4, wherein the movable panel further comprises a second pressing portion connected to the first pressing portion and shaped to correspond to a shape of a battery housing.

6. The fixed part gear is a drive gear into which the shaft of the fixed motor is inserted and coupled; The vacuum cleaner station of claim 2 , further comprising: a first connector rotation gear to which the other end of the stationary connector is rotatably coupled.

7. The cleaning station of claim 6 , wherein the stator gear further comprises a connecting gear configured to mesh with the drive gear and the first link rotation gear.

8. 7. The vacuum cleaner station of claim 6, wherein the stator gear further comprises a second coupling rotation gear configured to mesh with the first coupling rotation gear and rotate in a direction opposite to a direction of rotation of the first coupling rotation gear.

9. The vacuum cleaner station of claim 2 , wherein the stationary unit further comprises a stationary housing configured to house the stationary gear therein.

10. The fixed portion housing includes: A first stationary portion housing; 10. The vacuum cleaner station of claim 9, comprising: a second stator housing coupled to the first stator housing and configured to define a space for receiving the stator gear therein.

11. The vacuum cleaner station of claim 10, wherein the fixture housing further comprises a connector guide hole formed in a circumferential arc shape and configured to guide movement of the fixture connector.

12. The vacuum cleaner station of claim 10, wherein the stationary part housing further comprises a motor accommodating portion that protrudes in a cylindrical shape and accommodates the stationary part motor.

13. The coupling portion is a first induction unit configured to support an outer surface of the dust receptacle when the vacuum cleaner is coupled thereto; and The fixed unit is 3. The vacuum cleaner station of claim 2, further comprising a stationary sealing portion disposed on the first induction unit and configured to seal a gravity-direction lower surface of the dust container by gravity when the vacuum cleaner is coupled to the coupling portion.

14. The vacuum cleaner station according to claim 2 , wherein the coupling portion includes a fastener entrance hole formed in an elongated shape along a side wall, and the fastener enters and exits from the fastener entrance hole.

15. The cleaning station of claim 3 , wherein the fixed unit further comprises a guide frame coupled to the housing, passing through the movable panel and configured to guide movement of the fixed member.

16. a control unit configured to control the coupling portion and the fixing unit; the coupling portion further comprises a coupling sensor configured to detect whether the vacuum cleaner is coupled to the coupling portion; and The cleaning station of claim 2, wherein the control unit operates the stationary part motor when the control unit receives a signal from the docking sensor indicative of a docking status of the cleaner.

17. a charging unit configured to supply power to the vacuum cleaner; A control unit configured to control the coupling unit, the charging unit, and the fixing unit, The vacuum cleaner station of claim 2 , wherein the control unit operates the stationary part motor when power is applied to a battery of the vacuum cleaner via the charging part.

18. 2. The vacuum cleaner station of claim 1, wherein the fixing member comprises a rotating seal adapted to be pressed by the vacuum cleaner and to surround the vacuum cleaner when the vacuum cleaner is coupled to the coupling portion.

19. 20. The cleaning station of claim 18, wherein the rotary sealing portion comprises a coupling portion rotatably coupled to the coupling portion.

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