Cleaner station

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cleaner station and may include a dust bin cover control unit for opening and closing a discharging cover of a cleaner dust bin, wherein the dust bin cover control unit has a cover control gear on which gear teeth and a cam unit are formed so that a cover control sensor detects a cam according to rotation of the cover control gear to precisely detect a rotational position of the cover control gear, thereby precisely controlling the discharging cover without using an encoder or the like.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELDTechnical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaner station, and more specifically, to a cleaner station capable of automatically opening and closing a dust bin cover of a cleaner to collect dust in a dust bin when coupled to the cleaner.Background Art

[0002] In general, a cleaner is a home appliance for suctioning small trash or dust in a manner of suctioning air using electricity and filling the same in a dust bin inside a product and is commonly called a vacuum cleaner.

[0003] The vacuum cleaner may be classified into a manual vacuum cleaner for allowing a user to directly perform cleaning while moving the cleaner, and an automatic vacuum cleaner for performing cleaning while traveling by itself. Depending on the type of the vacuum cleaner, the manual vacuum cleaner may be classified into a canister-type vacuum cleaner, an upright vacuum cleaner, a hand vacuum cleaner, a stick-type vacuum cleaner, etc.

[0004] In the past, the canister-type vacuum cleaner was widely used as the household vacuum cleaner, but recently, the hand vacuum cleaner and the stick-type vacuum cleaner, which provide improved convenience of use by integrally providing a dust bin and a cleaner body, are increasingly being used.

[0005] The canister-type vacuum cleaner has a main body and a suction port connected by a rubber hose or a pipe and in some cases, may be used by inserting a brush into the suction port.

[0006] The hand vacuum cleaner is designed to maximize portability and has lightweight and a short length, and thus can have a limited cleaning area. Accordingly, the hand vacuum cleaner is used to clean localized sites, such as on a desk, a sofa, or a vehicle interior.

[0007] A user may use the stick-type vacuum cleaner while standing to enable cleaning without bending down. Accordingly, it is advantageous in cleaning a wide area while moving. While the hand vacuum cleaner cleans narrow spaces, the stick-type vacuum cleaner may clean wider spaces and clean high places out of reach. Recently, the stick-type vacuum cleaner has been provided in a module type to allow users to actively change a vacuum cleaner type for various purposes.

[0008] However, since conventional handheld vacuum cleaners and the stick-type vacuum cleaners have a small capacity of dust bins that store collected dust, there is inconvenience that a user needs to empty the dust bin every time.

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

[0010] In addition, there is a problem of lowering a suction force of the cleaner when the remaining dust in the dust bin is not removed.

[0011] In addition, there is a problem that odor caused by residues occurs when the remaining dust in the dust bin is not removed.

[0012] As Patent Document, Korean Laid-Open Patent No. 10-2022-0086482 discloses a cleaner station capable of automatically emptying a dust bin of a cleaner when coupled to the cleaner.

[0013] The cleaner station of Patent Document is configured to open a discharging cover of a dust bin of a cleaner and open a dust through-hole to connect an internal space of the dust bin to a flow path of the cleaner station when the cleaner is coupled to the cleaner station.

[0014] However, the cleaner station has a limitation that an additional component, such as an encoder, which can detect the rotation of a motor shaft is required to precisely rotate links.

[0015] In addition, there is a limitation that two links are fixedly coupled rotatably, causing inconvenience in assembling some of the links to a housing or replacing some of the links due to damage to a component.

[0016] In addition, since the cleaner station has a separate motor and sensor to fix the dust bin and requires the time to operate the motor and the sensor, there are limitations that the overall number of components increases and the total time required for dust collection increases.DISCLOSURETechnical Problem

[0017] The present invention has been made in efforts to solve the above problems of a conventional cleaner station and cleaner system, and control method thereof and is directed to providing a cleaner station capable of removing dust in a dust bin without separate manipulation of a user, thereby providing user convenience.

[0018] In addition, the present invention is directed to providing a cleaner station capable of automatically controlling a discharging cover of a dust bin to connect or block an internal space of the dust bin and a flow path of the cleaner station when coupled to a cleaner.

[0019] In addition, the present invention is directed to providing a cleaner station capable of precisely operating a motor to control a discharging cover without using an encoder or the like.

[0020] In addition, the present invention is directed to providing a cleaner station capable of simplifying a process from when a cleaner is coupled to when a dust collection motor operates, thereby reducing the total dust collection time.Technical Solution

[0021] To achieve the above objects, a cleaner station according to the present invention includes a housing, a coupling unit which is disposed in the housing and to which at least a portion of a dust bin of a cleaner is coupled, a dust bin cover control unit configured to open and close a discharging cover of the dust bin, a dust collection unit which is accommodated inside the housing, is disposed below the coupling unit, and collects dust inside the dust bin, and a dust collection motor which is accommodated in the housing, is disposed below the dust collection unit, and generates a suction force of suctioning the dust inside the dust bin, wherein the dust bin cover control unit includes a cover control motor, a cover control gear that rotates according to an operation of the cover control motor, and a cover control frame that has gear teeth engaged with the cover control gear formed thereon and comes into contact with the discharging cover, and a cam is formed on the cover control gear.

[0022] In this case, the cover control gear may include a gear body, a gear unit formed to protrude from an outer surface of the gear body and engaged with gear teeth of the cover control frame, and a cam unit formed to protrude from the outer surface of the gear body at a predetermined angle in a circumferential direction.

[0023] The cover control gear may further include a sensing plate that rotates together with the gear body and formed in a disk shape that has a larger diameter than the gear body.

[0024] The sensing plate may include a plate main body, and a sensing protrusion formed to protrude radially outward from an outer surface of the plate main body and come into contact with the cover control sensor. Accordingly, the cover control sensor may detect a rotational position of the sensing plate according to rotation of the cover control gear.

[0025] The gear unit may be engaged with the cover control frame and rotated after the dust bin is coupled.

[0026] The cam unit may come into contact with the cover control frame while the dust collection motor is operated.

[0027] When the dust bin is coupled, the cover control frame may be engaged with the gear unit and rotated, and then may come into contact with the cam unit. Accordingly, the cover control frame may be supported in contact with the cam unit to maintain an opened state of a dust through-hole. In this case, the dust collection motor may be operated to collect foreign substances in the dust bin.

[0028] Meanwhile, the cover control motor may be operated during the operation of the dust collection motor. Accordingly, the discharging cover of the dust bin may be closed when the operation of the dust collection motor is terminated.

[0029] The dust bin cover control unit may further include a return spring that is coupled with the cover control frame and applies a restoring force to the cover control frame.

[0030] While the cover control gear rotates once, a direction of rotation of the cover control frame may be changed at least once.

[0031] While the cover control motor rotates in one direction, a direction of rotation of the cover control frame may be changed at least once.Advantageous Effects

[0032] As described above, according to the cleaner station, cleaner system, and control method thereof according to the present invention, it is possible to eliminate the inconvenience of the user having to empty the dust bin every time.

[0033] In addition, when the cleaner is coupled, the cover control frame can be rotated to control the discharging cover, thereby connecting or blocking the flow path between the internal space of the dust bin and the cleaner station.

[0034] In addition, since the micro switch can detect the position of the gear to precisely detect the rotational position according to the rotation of the gear by having the gear on which the cam is formed, the discharging cover can be precisely controlled without using an encoder or the like.

[0035] In addition, when the cleaner is coupled, the cover control frame can be moved to open the discharging cover of the dust bin to operate the dust collection motor, and when the operation of the dust collection motor is terminated, the discharging cover can be closed, thereby reducing the time required for dust collection for the dust bin.

[0036] In addition, it is possible to reduce the overall operating time by reducing the time required to fix the cleaner or release the fixation of the cleaner.

[0037] In addition, the cover control frame can be rotated in two directions using the cover control motor that rotates in only one direction.DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0038] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaner system composed of a cleaner station and a cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIGS. 2 and 3 are views for describing the cleaner of the cleaner system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a view for describing a lower surface of a dust bin of the cleaner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a configuration of the cleaner system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 6 is a view for describing a coupling unit in the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view for describing a fixing unit in the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIGS. 8 to 11 are views for describing a relationship between the cleaner and a door unit in the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 12 is a view for describing a relationship between the cleaner and a cover open unit in the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 13 is a block diagram for describing a control configuration of the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 14 is a flowchart for describing a control method of the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 15 is a graph for describing the operation of each motor over time in the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.MODE FOR INVENTION

[0049] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] Since the present invention may have various changes and various embodiments, specific embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings and specifically described in the detail descriptions. This is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments and should be construed to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0051] The terms used in the present application are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0052] Unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. The terms defined in a generally used dictionary can be construed as meanings that match with the meanings of the terms from the context of the related technology and are not construed as an ideal or excessively formal meaning unless clearly defined in the present application.

[0053] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaner system composed of a cleaner station and a cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a configuration of the cleaner system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, a cleaner system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a cleaner station 100 and a cleaner 200.

[0055] The cleaner system 10 may include the cleaner station 100. The cleaner 200 may be coupled to the cleaner station 100. Specifically, the main body of the cleaner 200 may be coupled to the side surface of the cleaner station 100. The cleaner station 100 may remove dust of a dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200.

[0056] Meanwhile, FIGS. 2 and 3 are views for describing the cleaner of the cleaner system according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a view for describing a lower surface of a dust bin of the cleaner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] First, a structure of the cleaner 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0058] The cleaner 200 may be a cleaner which is manually manipulated by a user. For example, the cleaner 200 may be a hand cleaner or a stick cleaner.

[0059] The cleaner 200 may be caught on the cleaner station 100. The cleaner 200 may be supported by the cleaner station 100. The cleaner 200 may be coupled to the cleaner station 100.

[0060] Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present invention, a direction of the cleaner 200 can be defined based on when bottom surfaces (lower surfaces) of the dust bin 220 and a battery housing 230 are placed on the ground.

[0061] In this case, the front may be a direction in which a suction unit 212 is disposed with respect to a suction motor 214, and the rear may be a direction in which a handle 216 is disposed with respect to the suction motor 214. In addition, a direction disposed at the right may be referred to as a right side, and a direction disposed at the left may be referred to as a left side based on when viewing the suction unit 212 from the suction motor 214. In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, top and bottom can be defined in a direction perpendicular to the ground with respect to when the bottom surfaces (lower surfaces) of the dust bin 220 and the battery housing 230 are placed on the ground.

[0062] The cleaner 200 may include a main body 210. The main body 210 may include a main body housing 211, the suction unit 212, a dust separator 213, the suction motor 214, an air discharging cover 215, the handle 216, and a manipulation unit 218.

[0063] The main body housing 211 may form an exterior of the cleaner 200. The main body housing 211 may provide a space in which the suction motor 214 and a filter (not shown) may be accommodated. The main body housing 211 may be formed in a shape similar to a cylinder.

[0064] The suction unit 212 may protrude outward from the main body housing 211. For example, the suction unit 212 may be formed in a cylindrical shape with an open interior. The suction unit 212 may be coupled to an extension pipe 250. The suction unit 212 may provide a flow path (hereinafter referred to as “suction flow path”) along which air containing dust may flow.

[0065] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a virtual line passing through the suction unit 212 configured in a cylindrical shape may be formed.

[0066] The dust separator 213 may communicate with the suction unit 212. The dust separator 213 may separate dust suctioned therein through the suction unit 212. An internal space of the dust separator 213 may communicate with an internal space of the dust bin 220.

[0067] For example, the dust separator 213 may have at least one cyclone unit capable of separating dust by a cyclonic flow. In addition, the internal space of the dust separator 213 may communicate with the suction flow path. Accordingly, the air and dust suctioned through the suction unit 212 spirally flow along an inner surface of the dust separator 213. Accordingly, the cyclonic flow may occur in the internal space of the dust separator 213.

[0068] The dust separator 213 is a component which communicates with the suction unit 212 and adopts the principle of a dust collector using a centrifugal force to separate dust suctioned into the main body 210 through the suction unit 212.

[0069] The dust separator 213 may further include a secondary cyclone which re-separates dust from the air discharged from the cyclone. In this case, the secondary cyclone may be positioned inside the cyclone to minimize a size of the dust separator. The secondary cyclone may include a plurality of cyclone bodies disposed in parallel. The air discharged from the cyclone may be partitioned into the plurality of cyclone bodies and may pass through the partitioned cyclone bodies.

[0070] In this case, an axis of the cyclonic flow of the secondary cyclone may also extend vertically, and an axis of the cyclonic flow of the cyclone and the axis of the cyclonic flow of the secondary cyclone may be coaxial vertically and may be collectively referred to as an axis of the cyclonic flow of the dust separator 213.

[0071] The suction motor 214 may generate a suction force of suctioning air. The suction motor 214 may be accommodated in the main body housing 211. The suction motor 214 may generate a suction force by rotation. For example, the suction motor 214 may be provided similar to a cylindrical shape.

[0072] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a virtual suction motor axial line extending a rotational axis of the suction motor 214 may be formed.

[0073] The air discharging cover 215 may be disposed at one side of the main body housing 211 in an axial direction. The air discharging cover 215 may accommodate a filter for filtering air. For example, the air discharging cover 215 may accommodate a HEPA filter.

[0074] An air outlet through which the air suctioned by the suction force of the suction motor 214 is discharged may be formed on the air discharging cover 215.

[0075] A flow guide may be disposed on the air discharging cover 215. The flow guide may guide a flow of the air discharged through the air outlet.

[0076] The handle 216 may be gripped by a user. The handle 216 may be disposed behind the suction motor 214. For example, the handle 216 may be formed in a shape similar to a cylindrical shape. Alternatively, the handle 216 may be formed in a curved cylindrical shape. The handle 216 may be disposed at a predetermined angle with the main body housing 211, the suction motor 214, or the dust separator 213.

[0077] The handle 216 may include a grip portion formed in the form of a pillar to allow the user to grip the same, a first extension connected to one end portion in a longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the grip portion and formed to extend toward the suction motor 214, and a second extension connected to the other end portion in the direction (axial direction) of the grip portion and formed to extend toward the dust bin 220.

[0078] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a virtual grip portion through line formed to extend in a longitudinal direction of the grip portion (axial direction of a pillar) and passing through the grip portion may be formed.

[0079] For example, the grip portion through line may be a virtual line formed inside the cylindrical handle 216 and may be a virtual line formed parallel to at least a portion of an outer surface (outer perimetric surface) of the grip portion.

[0080] An upper surface of the handle 216 may form a partial exterior of an upper surface of the cleaner 200. Accordingly, when the user grips the handle 216, one component of the cleaner 200 can be prevented from being in contact with an arm of the user.

[0081] The first extension may extend from the grip portion toward the main body housing 211 or the suction motor 214. At least a portion of the first extension may extend in a horizontal direction.

[0082] The second extension may extend from the grip portion toward the dust bin 220. At least a portion of the second extension may extend in the horizontal direction.

[0083] The manipulation unit 218 may be disposed on the handle 216. The manipulation unit 218 may be disposed on an inclined surface formed in an upper area of the handle 216. The user may input an operation or stop command of the cleaner 200 through the manipulation unit 218.

[0084] The cleaner 200 may include the dust bin 220. The dust bin 220 may communicate with the dust separator 213. The dust bin 220 may store the dust separated by the dust separator 213.

[0085] The dust bin 220 may include a dust bin main body 221, a discharging cover 222, a dust bin compression lever 223, and a compression member (not shown).

[0086] The dust bin main body 221 may provide a space in which the dust separated by the dust separator 213 may be stored. For example, the dust bin main body 221 may be formed in a shape similar to a cylindrical shape.

[0087] Meanwhile, in the present specification, a virtual dust bin penetration line, which penetrates the inside (internal space) of the dust bin main body 221 and formed to extend in the longitudinal direction (which is an axial direction in the cylindrical dust bin main body 221) of the dust bin main body 221, may be formed.

[0088] A portion of a lower surface (bottom surface) of the dust bin main body 221 may be opened. In addition, a lower surface extension 221a may be formed on the lower surface (bottom surface) of the dust bin main body 221. The lower surface extension 221a may be formed to block a portion of the lower surface of the dust bin main body 221.

[0089] The dust bin 220 may include the discharging cover 222. The discharging cover 222 may be disposed on the lower surface of the dust bin 220.

[0090] The discharging cover 222 may be provided to open and close one end portion of the dust bin main body 221 in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the discharging cover 222 may selectively open and close a downward open lower portion of the dust bin 220.

[0091] The discharging cover 222 may include a cover main body 222a and a hinge unit 222b. The cover main body 222a may be formed to block a portion of the lower surface of the dust bin main body 221. The cover main body 222a may rotate downward from the hinge unit 222b. The hinge unit 222b may be disposed adjacent to the battery housing 230. The hinge unit 222b may have a torsion spring 222d. Accordingly, when the discharging cover 222 is separated from the dust bin main body 221, the cover main body 222a may be supported while rotated about the hinge unit 222b at a predetermined angle or more in the dust bin main body 221 by an elastic force of the torsion spring 222d.

[0092] The discharging cover 222 may be coupled to the dust bin 220 through hook coupling. Meanwhile, the discharging cover 222 may be separated from the dust bin 220 through a coupling lever 222c. The coupling lever 222c may be disposed at the front of the dust bin. Specifically, the coupling lever 222c may be disposed on a front outer surface of the dust bin 220. When an external force is applied, the coupling lever 222c may elastically deform a hook formed to extend from the cover main body 222a to release the hook coupling between the cover main body 222a and the dust bin main body 221.

[0093] When the discharging cover 222 is closed, the lower surface of the dust bin 220 may be blocked (sealed) by the discharging cover 222 and the lower surface extension 221a.

[0094] The dust bin 220 may include the dust bin compression lever 223 (see FIG. 3). The dust bin compression lever 223 may be disposed outside the dust bin 220 or the dust separator 213. The dust bin compression lever 223 may be disposed to move upward and downward outside the dust bin 220 or the dust separator 213. The dust bin compression lever 223 may be connected to a compression member (not shown). When the dust bin compression lever 223 is moved downward by an external force, the compression member (not shown) may also move downward. Accordingly, user convenience can be provided. The compression member (not shown) and the dust bin compression lever 223 may be returned to original positions by an elastic member (not shown). Specifically, when the external force applied to the dust bin compression lever 223 is removed, the elastic member may move upward the dust bin compression lever 223 and the compression member (not shown).

[0095] The compression member (not shown) may be disposed inside the dust bin main body 221. The compression member may move in an internal space of the dust bin main body 221. Specifically, the compression member may move upward and downward in the dust bin main body 221. Accordingly, the compression member may compress the dust in the dust bin main body 221 downward. In addition, when the discharging cover 222 is separated from the dust bin main body 221 and the lower portion of the dust bin 220 is opened, the compression member may move from the upper portion to the lower portion of the dust bin 220 to remove foreign substances such as the remaining dust and the like of the dust bin 220. Accordingly, it is possible to increase the suction force of the cleaner by preventing the remaining dust from remaining in the dust bin 220. In addition, bad odors generated by the residue can be removed by preventing the remaining dust from remaining in the dust bin 220.

[0096] The cleaner 200 may include the battery housing 230. A battery 240 may be accommodated in the battery housing 230. The battery housing 230 may be disposed under the handle 216. For example, the battery housing 230 may have a hexahedral shape with an open lower portion. A rear surface of the battery housing 230 may be connected to the handle 216.

[0097] The battery housing 230 may include an accommodation portion which is opened downward. The battery 240 may be detachably attached through the accommodation portion of the battery housing 230.

[0098] The cleaner 200 may include the battery 240.

[0099] For example, the battery 240 may be detachably coupled to the cleaner 200.

[0100] The battery 240 may be detachably coupled to the battery housing 230. For example, the battery 240 may be inserted into the battery housing 230 from the bottom of the battery housing 230. With this configuration, it is possible to improve the portability of the cleaner 200.

[0101] Alternatively, the battery 240 may be provided integrally inside the battery housing 230. In this case, a lower surface of the battery 240 is not exposed to the outside.

[0102] The battery 240 may supply power to the suction motor 214 of the cleaner 200. The battery 240 may be disposed under the handle 216. The battery 240 may be disposed behind the dust bin 220.

[0103] 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. Since the battery 240 may be disposed on the floor when the cleaner 200 is disposed on the floor, the battery 240 may be immediately separated from the battery housing 230. In addition, since the lower surface of the battery 240 is exposed to the outside and comes into direct contact with external air of the battery 240, it is possible to improve cooling performance of the battery 240.

[0104] Meanwhile, when the battery 240 is integrally fixed to the battery housing 230, a structure for detachably attaching the battery 240 to the battery housing 230 can be smaller, thereby reducing the overall size of the cleaner 200 and achieving lightweight.

[0105] The cleaner 200 may include the extension pipe 250. The extension pipe 250 may communicate with a cleaning module 260. The extension pipe 250 may communicate with the main body 210. The extension pipe 250 may communicate with the suction unit 212 of the main body 210. The extension pipe 250 may be formed in a long cylindrical shape.

[0106] The main body 210 may be connected to the extension pipe 250. The main body 210 may be connected to the cleaning module 260 through the extension pipe 250. The main body 210 may generate the suction force through the suction motor 214 and provide the suction force to the cleaning module 260 through the extension pipe 250. External dust may flow into the main body 210 through the cleaning module 260 and the extension pipe 250.

[0107] The cleaner 200 may include the cleaning module 260. The cleaning module 260 may communicate with the extension pipe 250. Accordingly, external air may pass through the cleaning module 260 and the extension pipe 250 and may be introduced into the main body 210 of the cleaner 200 by the suction force generated from the main body 210 of the cleaner 200.

[0108] Dust in the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200 may be collected in a dust collection unit 170 of the cleaner station 100 by gravity and the suction force of a dust collection motor 191. Accordingly, since the dust of the dust bin can be removed without the user's separate manipulation, user convenience can be provided. In addition, it is possible to eliminate the inconvenience of the user having to empty the dust bin every time. In addition, it is possible to prevent dust from flying when the user empties the dust bin.

[0109] The cleaner 200 may be coupled to a side surface of a housing 110. Specifically, the main body 210 of the cleaner 200 may be caught on a coupling unit 120. More specifically, the dust bin 220 and the battery housing 230 of the cleaner 200 may be disposed to face a coupling surface 121, an outer surface of the dust bin main body 221 may be coupled to a dust bin guide surface 122, and the suction unit 212 may be coupled to a suction unit guide surface 126 of the coupling unit 120. In this case, a center axis of the dust bin 220 may be disposed in a direction parallel to the ground, and the extension pipe 250 may be disposed in a direction perpendicular to the ground.

[0110] The cleaner station 100 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 5 as follows.

[0111] The cleaner 200 may be disposed in the cleaner station 100. The cleaner 200 may be coupled to a side surface of the cleaner station 100. Specifically, the main body of the cleaner 200 may be coupled to the side surface of the cleaner station 100. The cleaner station 100 may remove dust of a dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200.

[0112] The cleaner station 100 may include the housing 110. The housing 110 may form the exterior of the cleaner station 100. Specifically, the housing 110 may be formed in a pillar shape including at least one outer wall surface. For example, the housing 110 may be formed in a shape similar to a quadrangular pillar.

[0113] The housing 110 may have a space in which the dust collection unit 170 for storing dust therein and the dust suction module 190 for generating a flow force to collect dust into the dust collection unit 170 may be accommodated.

[0114] The housing 110 may include a bottom surface 111, an outer wall surface 112, and an upper surface 113.

[0115] The bottom surface 111 may support a lower side of the dust suction module 190 in a direction of gravity. That is, the bottom surface 111 may support the lower side of the dust collection motor 191 of the dust suction module 190.

[0116] In this case, the bottom surface 111 may be disposed toward the ground. The bottom surface 111 may be not only disposed parallel to the ground, but also disposed to be inclined at a predetermined angle with the ground. With this configuration, there is an advantage that the dust collection motor 191 can be stably supported and the overall weight can be balanced even when the cleaner 200 is coupled.

[0117] Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the bottom surface 111 may further include a ground support that increases an area in contact with the ground to prevent the cleaner station 100 from falling and maintain balance. For example, the ground support portion may be in the form of a plate extending from the bottom surface 111, and one or more frames may be formed to protrude and extend from the bottom surface 111 in the direction of the ground.

[0118] The outer wall surface 112 may be a surface formed in the direction of gravity and may be a surface connected to the bottom surface 111. For example, the outer wall surface 112 may be a surface connected perpendicular to the bottom surface 111. In another embodiment, the outer wall surface 112 may be disposed to be inclined at a predetermined angle with the bottom surface 111.

[0119] The outer wall surface 112 may include at least one surface. For example, the outer wall surface 112 may include a first outer wall surface 112a, a second outer wall surface 112b, a third outer wall surface 112c, and a fourth outer wall surface 112d.

[0120] In this case, in the present embodiment, the first outer wall surface 112a may be disposed on a front surface of the cleaner station 100. Here, the front surface may be a surface on which the cleaner 200 is exposed in a state in which the cleaner 200 is coupled to the cleaner station 100. Accordingly, the first outer wall surface 112a may form an exterior of the front surface of the cleaner station 100.

[0121] Meanwhile, for understanding of the present embodiment, directions are defined as follows. In the present embodiment, directions can be defined in a state in which the cleaner 200 is mounted on the cleaner station 100.

[0122] When the cleaner 200 is caught on the cleaner station 100, a direction in which the cleaner 200 is exposed externally from the cleaner station 100 may be referred to as the front.

[0123] From another perspective, when the cleaner 200 is caught on the cleaner station 100, a direction in which the suction motor 214 of the cleaner 200 is disposed may be referred to as the front. In addition, a direction opposite to the direction in which the suction motor 214 is disposed in the cleaner station 100 may be referred to as the rear.

[0124] In addition, a surface in a direction facing the front surface based on the internal space of the housing 110 may be referred to as the rear surface of the cleaner station 100. Accordingly, the rear surface may refer to a direction in which the second outer wall surface 112b is formed.

[0125] In addition, when viewing the front surface with respect to the internal space of the housing 110, a surface of the left may be referred to as a left surface, and a surface of the right may be referred to as a right surface. Accordingly, the left surface may refer to a direction in which the third outer wall surface 112c is formed, and the right surface may refer to the direction in which the fourth outer wall surface 112d is formed.

[0126] The first outer wall surface 112a may be formed not only in a flat surface shape, but also entirely in a curved shape, and a portion thereof is formed to have a curved surface.

[0127] The first outer wall surface 112a may have the appearance corresponding to the shape of the cleaner 200. Specifically, the coupling unit 120 may be disposed on the first outer wall surface 112a. With this configuration, the cleaner 200 may be coupled to the cleaner station 100 and supported by the cleaner station 100. A specific configuration of the coupling unit 120 will be described below.

[0128] Meanwhile, a structure in which various types of cleaning modules 260 used in the cleaner 200 are caught may be added to the first outer wall surface 112a.

[0129] In the present 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. Here, the rear surface may be a surface facing the surface to which the cleaner 200 or a second cleaner 300 is coupled. Accordingly, the second outer wall surface 112b may form an exterior of the rear surface of the cleaner station 100.

[0130] For example, the second outer wall surface 112b may be formed in a flat surface shape. With this configuration, the second outer wall surface 112b can bring the cleaner station 100 into close contact with a wall in a room and stably support the cleaner station 100.

[0131] As another example, a structure for mounting various types of cleaning modules 260 used in the cleaner 200 may be added to the second outer wall surface 112b.

[0132] In the present embodiment, the third outer wall surface 112c and the fourth outer wall surface 112d may be surfaces that connect the first outer wall surface 112a to the second outer wall surface 112b. In this case, the third outer wall surface 112c may be disposed on the left surface of the cleaner station 100, and the fourth outer wall surface 112d may be disposed on the right surface of the cleaner station 100. Alternatively, 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.

[0133] The third outer wall surface 112c or the fourth outer wall surface 112d may be formed not only in a flat surface shape, but also entirely in a curved shape, and a portion thereof may be formed to include a curved surface.

[0134] Meanwhile, a structure in which various types of cleaning modules 260 used in the cleaner 200 are caught may be added to the third outer wall surface 112c or the fourth outer wall surface 112d.

[0135] The upper surface 113 may form an exterior of the upper side of the cleaner station. That is, the upper surface 113 may be a surface that is disposed on an uppermost side of the cleaner station in the direction of gravity and exposed to the outside in the cleaner station.

[0136] For reference, in the present embodiment, an upper side and a lower side may be an upper side and a lower side, respectively, in the direction of gravity (in a direction perpendicular to the ground) in a state in which the cleaner station 100 is installed on the ground.

[0137] In this case, the upper surface 113 may be disposed not only parallel to the ground, but also to be inclined at a predetermined angle with the ground.

[0138] A display unit 410 may be disposed on the upper surface 113. For example, the display unit 410 may display the state of the cleaner station 100 and the state of the cleaner 200 and also display information such as a cleaning progress, a map of a cleaning zone, and the like.

[0139] Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the upper surface 113 may be provided to be separated from the outer wall surface 112. In this case, when the upper surface 113 is separated, a battery separated from the cleaner 200 may be accommodated in an internal space surrounded by the outer wall surface 112 and provided with a terminal (not shown) for charging the separated battery.

[0140] Meanwhile, a link stopper 115 that limits a rotational path of a link 143 to be described below may be formed in the housing 110. Specifically, the housing 110 may form a space (a flow path unit 180) in which air introduced from the dust bin 220 may flow, and the link stopper 115 may be formed to protrude from an inner wall surface of a pipe forming the flow path unit 180.

[0141] In this case, the link stopper 115 may be disposed within a rotational radius of a first link 1431.

[0142] Accordingly, the first link 1431 may come into contact with the link stopper 115 to restrict a rotational range of the first link 1431. Specifically, the link stopper 115 may include a first link stopper 115a that provides a lower rotation limit of the first link 1431 and a second link stopper 115b that provides an upper rotation limit of the first link 1431. With this configuration, the first link 1431 may rotate between the first link stopper 115a and the second link stopper 115b.

[0143] Accordingly, according to the present invention, the link 143 may be moved to an accurate position without using an encoder or the like.

[0144] FIG. 6 is a view for describing a coupling unit in the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view for describing a fixing unit in the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 8 to 11 are views for describing a relationship between the cleaner and a door unit in the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a view for describing a relationship between the cleaner and a cover open unit in the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0145] The coupling unit 120 of the cleaner station 100 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 as follows.

[0146] The cleaner station 100 may include the coupling unit 120 to which the cleaner 200 is coupled. Specifically, the coupling unit 120 may be disposed on the first outer wall surface 112a, and the main body 210, the dust bin 220, and the battery housing 230 of the cleaner 200 may be coupled.

[0147] The coupling unit 120 may include the coupling surface 121. The coupling surface 121 may be disposed on a side surface of the housing 110. For example, the coupling surface 121 may be a surface formed in a groove shape that is concave from the first outer wall surface 112a toward the interior of the cleaner station 100. That is, the coupling surface 121 may be a surface formed by forming a step with the first outer wall surface 112a.

[0148] The cleaner 200 may be accommodated in the coupling surface 121. For example, the coupling surface 121 may face the lower surfaces of the dust bin 220 and the battery housing 230 of the cleaner 200. Here, the lower surface may be a surface toward the ground when the user uses the cleaner 200 or arranges the cleaner 200 on the ground.

[0149] For example, an angle formed by the coupling surface 121 and the ground may be a right angle. Accordingly, when the cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling surface 121, it is possible to minimize a space of the cleaner station 100.

[0150] As another example, the coupling surface 121 may be disposed to be inclined at a predetermined angle with the ground. Accordingly, when the cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling surface 121, the cleaner station 100 can be stably supported.

[0151] A dust through-hole 121a may be formed in the coupling surface 121 so that external air of the housing 110 may flow into the housing 110. The dust through-hole 121a may be formed in a hole shape to correspond to the shape of the dust bin 220 so that the dust of the dust bin 220 flows into the dust collection unit 170. The dust through-hole 121a may be formed to correspond to the shape of the discharging cover 222 of the dust bin 220. The dust through-hole 121a may be formed to communicate with the flow path unit 180 described below.

[0152] The coupling unit 120 may include the dust bin guide surface 122. The dust bin guide surface 122 may be disposed on the first outer wall surface 112a. The dust bin guide surface 122 may be connected to the first outer wall surface 112a. In addition, the dust bin guide surface 122 may be connected to the coupling surface 121.

[0153] The dust bin guide surface 122 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the outer surface of the dust bin 220. The front outer surface of the dust bin 220 may be coupled to the dust bin guide surface 122.

[0154] Meanwhile, a protrusion movement hole 122a may be formed in the dust bin guide surface 122, and a push protrusion 151 described below may move linearly along the protrusion movement hole 122a. In addition, a gear box 155 for accommodating a gear and the like of a cover open unit 150 to be described below may be provided under the dust bin guide surface 122 in the direction of gravity. In this case, a guide space 122b in which the push protrusion 151 may move may be formed between a lower surface of the dust bin guide surface 122 and an upper surface of the gear box 155. In addition, the guide space 122b may communicate with a first flow path 181 through a bypass hole 122c. That is, the protrusion movement hole 122a, the guide space 122b, the bypass hole 122c, and the first flow path 181 may form one bypass flow path (see FIG. 11). With this configuration, when the dust collection motor 191 is operated in a state in which the dust bin 220 is coupled to the coupling unit 120, there is an advantage in that dust, etc. remaining on the dust bin 220 and the dust bin guide surface 122 may be suctioned through the bypass flow path.

[0155] The coupling unit 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 from the coupling surface 121 forward from the cleaner station 100. Two guide protrusions 123 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other. A distance between the two guide protrusions 123 spaced apart from each other may correspond to a width of the battery housing 230 of the cleaner 200. Accordingly, the convenience of coupling the cleaner 200 to the coupling surface 121 can be provided.

[0156] The coupling unit 120 may include sidewalls 124. The sidewalls 124 may be wall surfaces disposed on both side surfaces of the coupling surface 121 and vertically connected to the coupling surface 121. The sidewall 124 may be connected to the first outer wall surface 112a. In addition, the sidewall 124 may form a surface connected to the dust bin guide surface 122. Accordingly, the cleaner 200 can be stably accommodated.

[0157] The coupling unit 120 may include a coupling sensor 125. The coupling sensor 125 may detect whether the cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling unit 120.

[0158] The coupling sensor 125 may include a contact sensor. For example, the coupling sensor 125 may include a micro switch. In this case, the coupling sensor 125 may be disposed on the guide protrusion 123. Accordingly, when the battery housing 230 or the battery 240 of the cleaner 200 is coupled between the pair of guide protrusions 123, the cleaner 200 may come into contact with the coupling sensor 125, and the coupling sensor 125 may detect that the cleaner 200 has been coupled.

[0159] Meanwhile, the coupling sensor 125 may include a non-contact sensor. For example, the coupling sensor 125 may include an infrared (IR) sensor. In this case, the coupling sensor 125 may be disposed on the sidewall 124. Accordingly, when the dust bin 220 or the main body 210 of the cleaner 200 passes through the sidewall 124 and reaches the coupling surface 121, the coupling sensor 125 may detect the presence of the dust bin 220 or the main body 210.

[0160] The coupling sensor 125 may face the dust bin 220 or the battery housing 230 of the cleaner 200.

[0161] The coupling sensor 125 may be a member of determining whether power is applied to the battery 240 of the cleaner 200 and whether the cleaner 200 has been coupled.

[0162] The coupling unit 120 may include a suction unit guide surface 126. The suction unit guide surface 126 may be disposed on the first outer wall surface 112a. The suction unit guide surface 126 may be connected to the dust bin guide surface 122. The suction unit 212 may be coupled to the suction unit guide surface 126. A shape of the suction unit guide surface 126 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the suction unit 212.

[0163] The coupling unit 120 may further include a fixing member entrance hole 127. The fixing member entrance hole 127 may be formed in the form of a long hole along the sidewall 124 to allow a fixing member 131 to enter and exit the same.

[0164] With this configuration, when the user couples the cleaner 200 to the coupling unit 120 of the cleaner station 100, the main body 210 of the cleaner 200 can be stably disposed on the coupling unit 120 by the dust bin guide surface 122, the guide protrusion 123, and the suction unit guide surface 126. Accordingly, the convenience of coupling the dust bin 220 and the battery housing 230 of the cleaner 200 to the coupling surface 121 can be provided.

[0165] A fixing unit 130 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 7, and 13 as follows.

[0166] The cleaner station 100 according to the present invention may include the fixing unit 130. The fixing unit 130 may be disposed on the sidewall 124. The fixing unit 130 may fix the cleaner 200 coupled to the dust bin guide surface 122. Specifically, the fixing unit 130 may fix the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200 coupled to the dust bin guide surface 122.

[0167] The fixing unit 130 may include a fixing member 131 that fixes the dust bin 220 and the battery housing 230 of the cleaner 200.

[0168] The fixing member 131 may be disposed on the sidewall 124 of the coupling unit 120 and provided to reciprocate on the sidewall 124 to fix the dust bin 220. Specifically, the fixing member 131 may be accommodated inside the fixing member entrance hole 127.

[0169] The fixing member 131 may be disposed on each of both sides of the coupling unit 120. For example, a pair of two fixing members 131 may be disposed symmetrically centered on the coupling surface 121.

[0170] The fixing member 131 may be moved toward the dust bin 220 when an external force is applied to fix the dust bin. In addition, the fixing member 131 fixing the dust bin 220 may be moved away from the dust bin 220 when the external force is released.

[0171] For example, the fixing member 131 may be moved by power of a motor. That is, the fixing member 131 may be moved by receiving power through at least one motor and a link connected to the motor.

[0172] As another example, the fixing member 131 may be moved by the suction force of the dust collection motor 191. That is, the fixing member 131 may be moved by receiving the suction force through a flow path such as a hose.

[0173] Meanwhile, the fixing unit 130 may further include a fixing sealer 136. When coupled to the first cleaner 200, a fixing sealer 136 may be disposed on the dust bin guide surface 122 to airtighten the dust bin 220. With this configuration, when the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200 is coupled, the fixing sealer 136 may be pressed by the weight of the cleaner 200, and the dust bin 220 and the dust bin guide surface 122 may be sealed.

[0174] Accordingly, it is possible to increase the suction force of the cleaner by preventing the remaining dust from remaining in the dust bin. In addition, bad odors generated by the residue can be removed by preventing the remaining dust from remaining in the dust bin.

[0175] A dust bin cover control unit 500 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 8 to 11, and 13 as follows.

[0176] The cleaner station 100 of the present invention may include the dust bin cover control unit 500. The dust bin cover control unit 500 may be configured to open and close at least a portion of the dust through-hole 121a.

[0177] Meanwhile, the conventional dust bin cover control unit may change a direction of rotation and an output of the motor according to the control operation of the control unit using a motor that may rotate in two directions.

[0178] However, when the motor that may rotate in two directions is used as described above, since a large output and precise control are needed, there are limitations that additional components such as an encoder or the like are required, the risk of failure also increases, and the overall control time increases.

[0179] To solve this, the dust bin cover control unit 500 according to the present invention may be configured to control the motor to rotate in only one direction.

[0180] Specifically, the dust bin cover control unit 500 may include a cover control gear 510, a cover control motor 520, a cover control frame 530, a cover control sensor 540, and a return spring 550.

[0181] The cover control gear 510 may be coupled with the cover control motor 520 and rotated according to the operation of the cover control motor 520.

[0182] The cover control gear 510 may connect the cover control frame 530 to the cover control motor 520 and rotate the cover control frame 530 while rotating using power generated from the cover control motor 520.

[0183] The cover control gear 510 includes a gear body 511, a gear unit 512, a cam unit 513, and a sensing plate 514.

[0184] The gear body 511 may be coupled with the cover control motor 520 and rotated by receiving a rotational force of the cover control motor 520.

[0185] For example, the gear body 511 may be formed in a circular block shape and may have a center coupled to a shaft of the cover control motor 520. That is, a hole into which the shaft of the cover control motor 520 may be inserted and coupled may be formed in a rotation center of the circular gear body 511. In this case, the gear body 511 may be spline-coupled with the shaft of the cover control motor 520.

[0186] Meanwhile, the gear unit 512 and the cam unit 513 may be formed on an outer surface of the gear body 511.

[0187] The gear unit 512 may be formed to protrude from the outer surface of the gear body 511 and engaged with gear teeth of the cover control frame 530.

[0188] For example, the gear unit 512 may include a plurality of gear teeth. The gear teeth of the gear unit 512 may be formed to protrude from the outer surface of the gear body 511 at a predetermined interval. In this case, the gear teeth of the gear unit 512 may be engaged with gear teeth of the cover control frame 530.

[0189] With this configuration, when the gear body 511 rotates, the gear unit 512 may rotate together and transmit a rotational force to the cover control frame 530.

[0190] The cam unit 513 may be formed to protrude from the outer surface of the gear body 511 at a predetermined angle in a circumferential direction.

[0191] The cam unit 513 may be formed to protrude from the outer surface of the gear body 511 by a predetermined length in the circumferential direction. That is, the cam unit 513 may be formed to have a radius larger than a radius of the gear body 511 with respect to the center of rotation of the cover control gear 510.

[0192] Meanwhile, a length from the center of rotation of the cover control gear 510 to the cam unit 513 may be the same as a length from the center of rotation of the cover control gear 510 to an outer end of the gear unit 512. That is, a length of the cam unit 513 protruding from the outer surface of the gear body 511 may be the same as a length of the gear unit 512 protruding from the outer surface of the gear body 511. With this configuration, the cover control frame 530 may be engaged with the gear unit 512 and rotated, and then may come into contact with the cam unit 513 to maintain its position.

[0193] The sensing plate 514 may be rotated together with the gear body 511 and detect the position of the gear body 511 through the cover control sensor 540.

[0194] The sensing plate 514 may be coupled to one side of the gear body 511 in an axial direction and rotated together with the gear body 511. That is, the sensing plate 514 may be rotated coaxially with the gear body 511.

[0195] A position of the sensing plate 514 may be detected by the cover control sensor 540 according to the rotation.

[0196] For example, the sensing plate 514 includes a plate body 514a and a sensing protrusion 514b.

[0197] The plate body 514a may be formed in a disk shape. In this case, the plate body 514a may be formed in a shape with a larger radius than the gear body 511. With this configuration, the plate body 514a can reinforce the gear body 511, thereby improving the durability of the gear body 511.

[0198] The sensing protrusion 514b may be formed to protrude radially outward from an outer surface of the plate body 514a and may come into contact with the cover control sensor 540.

[0199] The sensing protrusion 514b includes a first sensing protrusion 514ba, a second sensing protrusion 514bb, and a third sensing protrusion 514bc. In this case, the first sensing protrusion 514ba, the second sensing protrusion 514bb, and the third sensing protrusion 514bc may be disposed to correspond to the positions of the gear unit 512 and the cam unit 513.

[0200] For example, when the gear teeth of the gear unit 512 are engaged with the gear teeth of the driven gear 532, the first sensing protrusion 514ba may be disposed to come into contact with the cover control sensor 540. In addition, when contact between the cam unit 513 and the gear teeth of the driven gear 532 starts, the second sensing protrusion 514bb may be disposed to come into contact with the cover control sensor 540. In addition, while the contact between the cam unit 513 and the gear teeth of the driven gear 532 is maintained, the third sensing protrusion 514bc may be disposed to come into contact with the cover control sensor 540.

[0201] With this configuration, when the cover control gear 510 rotates and transmits power to the driven gear 532, the cover control sensor 540 may detect the sensing protrusion 514b, and the control unit 400 may detect a position of the cover control frame 530.

[0202] The cover control motor 520 may provide power to rotate the cover control frame 530.

[0203] The cover control motor 520 may convert electrical energy into rotational energy.

[0204] That is, when power is applied to the cover control motor 520, the shaft of the cover control motor 520 may be rotated. In this case, the shaft of the cover control motor 520 may be coupled with the cover control gear 510 and may transmit a rotational force to the cover control gear 510.

[0205] For example, the cover control motor 520 may be a synchronous motor, but is not limited thereto. In the case of the synchronous motor, there is an advantage that a stable rotational speed can be maintained while rotating in synchronization with a power frequency.

[0206] For example, the cover control motor 520 of the present invention may also rotate in only one direction. With this configuration, additional components for changing the direction of rotation can be reduced.

[0207] The cover control frame 530 is hinge-coupled to the housing 110 to open and close the dust through-hole 121a.

[0208] Specifically, in a state in which the cleaner 200 is coupled to the cleaner station 100 and the discharging cover 222 is separated from the dust bin main body 210, the cover control frame 530 may come into contact with the discharging cover 222. In addition, according to the rotation of the cover control frame 530, the discharging cover 222 may be rotated in conjunction with the cover control frame 530.

[0209] The cover control frame 530 may include a frame main body 531, a driven gear 532, and a return lever 533.

[0210] The frame main body 531 may be formed in a shape that may block at least a portion of the dust through-hole 121a. For example, the frame main body 531 may be formed similar to a disk shape. As another example, the frame main body 531 may be formed in a shape similar to a quadrangular bar.

[0211] Meanwhile, in a state in which the cleaner 200 is coupled to the cleaner station 100, the frame main body 531 may come into contact with the discharging cover 222. In this case, according to an embodiment, a lower end portion of the frame main body 531 may be formed in a shape bent at a predetermined angle toward the discharging cover 222.

[0212] With this configuration, the discharging cover 222 may be coupled to the dust bin main body 221 as the frame main body 531 rotates. In particular, in the case of the lower end portion of the frame main body 531 being bent, when the discharging cover 222 is closed, the discharging cover 222 may be pressed with a stronger force, and a force with which the discharging cover 222 is coupled to the dust bin main body 221 can be increased.

[0213] Based on the state in which the frame main body 531 blocks the dust through-hole 121a, a hinge unit may be disposed on an upper side of the frame main body 531, and the driven gear 532 may be disposed on a lower side of the frame main body 531.

[0214] The hinge unit of the frame main body 531 may be disposed on an upper end of the frame main body 531 and hinge-coupled to the housing 110.

[0215] The driven gear 532 may be connected to the frame main body 531 and rotated together about the hinge unit.

[0216] For example, based on the state in which the frame main body 531 blocks the dust through-hole 121a, the driven gear 532 may be formed to extend upward and rearward from the frame main body 531. That is, a lower end portion of the driven gear 532 may be connected to the frame main body 531.

[0217] In addition, an upper portion of the driven gear 532 may be formed to have a plurality of gear teeth so as to be engaged with the cover control gear 510. Accordingly, the driven gear 532 may be rotated according to the rotation of the cover control gear 510 and may transmit a rotational force to the frame main body 531.

[0218] The return lever 533 may be connected to the frame main body 531 and rotated together about the hinge unit.

[0219] For example, based on the state in which the frame main body 531 blocks the dust through-hole 121a, the return lever 533 may have a frame shape formed to extend upward and rearward from the frame main body 531. That is, a lower end portion of the return lever 533 may be connected to the frame main body 531.

[0220] Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the return lever 533 may be formed in a shape that is bent at least once. With this configuration, when a force is applied momentarily through the cover control gear 510 or the return spring 550, the return lever 533 may be bent, thereby reducing impact. As a result, the return lever 533 of the present invention can prevent damage to the cover control frame 530.

[0221] In addition, an upper portion of the return lever 533 may be coupled with the return spring 550. For example, a hole in which one end of the return spring 550 is coupled may be formed in the upper portion of the return lever 533. Accordingly, when an external force is not applied to the driven gear 532 through the cover control gear 510, a restoring force of the return spring 550 may be applied to the return lever 533 to rotate the frame main body 531.

[0222] With this configuration, when the cover control motor 520 is operated, the cover control gear 510 is rotated, and the cover control frame 530 may periodically open and close at least a portion of the dust through-hole 121a.

[0223] When the cover control gear 510 is rotated by the operation of the cover control motor 520, the frame main body 531 rotates and moves outward from the cleaner station 100 with the hinge unit as the axis, and at least a portion of the dust through-hole 121a may be blocked.

[0224] Then, when the cover control gear 510 is further rotated, the frame main body 531 rotates and moves inward from the cleaner station 100 with the hinge unit as the axis, and the dust through-hole 121a may be opened. Accordingly, an internal space of the dust bin 220 may communicate with the flow path unit 180.

[0225] The cover control sensor 540 may be provided inside the housing 110 and may detect the position of the cover control frame 530.

[0226] For example, the cover control sensor 540 may be disposed at a position where it may come into contact with the sensing protrusion 514b. Accordingly, when coming into contact with the sensing protrusion 514b according to the rotation of the cover control gear 510, the cover control sensor 540 may detect the sensing protrusion 514b.

[0227] Accordingly, when the cover control gear 510 is rotated and the first sensing protrusion 514ba comes into contact with the cover control sensor 540, the cover control sensor 540 may detect the cover control frame 530 starting to open. For example, while the first sensing protrusion 514ba comes into contact with the cover control sensor 540, the control unit 400 may detect the discharging cover 222 being opened as the cover control frame 530 is rotated after maintaining its position for a predetermined time.

[0228] In addition, when the cover control gear 510 rotates and the second sensing protrusion 514bb comes into contact with the cover control sensor 540, the cover control sensor 540 may detect that the cover control frame 530 has been opened. That is, when the second sensing protrusion 514bb comes into contact with the cover control sensor 540, the control unit 400 may detect that the discharging cover 222 is opened and that the internal space of the dust bin 220 communicates with the flow path unit 180.

[0229] In addition, when the cover control gear 510 rotates and the third sensing protrusion 514bc comes into contact with the cover control sensor 540, the cover control sensor 540 may detect that the opened state of the cover control frame 530 is being maintained. That is, when the third sensing protrusion 514bc comes into contact with the cover control sensor 540, the control unit 400 may detect that the state in which the internal space of the dust bin 220 communicates with the flow path unit 180 is being maintained.

[0230] The cover control sensor 540 may include a contact sensor. For example, the cover control sensor 540 may include a micro switch.

[0231] The return spring 550 may be coupled with the cover control frame 530 and may apply a restoring force to the cover control frame 530.

[0232] For example, the return spring 550 may be a coil spring, and one end in a longitudinal direction may be coupled to the return lever 533 of the cover control frame 530, and the other end in the longitudinal direction may be coupled to the housing 110.

[0233] Accordingly, when the cover control frame 530 is rotated, the return spring 550 may apply the restoring force to return the cover control frame 530 to its original position.

[0234] Meanwhile, the operation process of the dust bin cover control unit 500 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11 as follows.

[0235] First, before the cover control frame 530 is opened, the gear teeth of the driven gear 532 do not come into contact with the gear unit 512 or the cam unit 513. Accordingly, the return lever 533 is in a state of being pulled downward by the elastic support force of the return spring 550, and the frame main body 531 is in a state of blocking at least a portion of the dust through-hole 121a (see FIG. 9).

[0236] That is, in a state in which the cleaner 200 is coupled to the cleaner station 100, since the frame main body 531 presses the discharging cover 222 toward the dust bin main body 221, the internal space of the dust bin 220 and the first flow path 181 are blocked by the discharging cover 222.

[0237] In this case, the cover control sensor 540 may detect the first sensing protrusion 514ba.

[0238] Then, when the cover control motor 520 is operated and the cover control gear 510 is rotated, the gear teeth of the gear unit 512 and the gear teeth of the driven gear 532 may be engaged to rotate. Accordingly, the frame main body 531 may be rotated together with the driven gear 532, and the frame main body 531 may be rotated inward from the cleaner station 100 with the hinge unit as the axis.

[0239] In this case, when the coupling lever 222c of the dust bin 220 is pressed by an external force, the discharging cover 222 may be separated from the dust bin main body 221, and the discharging cover 222 may be rotated together with the frame main body 531 by the elastic force of the torsion spring 222d. In addition, the discharging cover 222 may be rotated in conjunction with the frame main body 531.

[0240] Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, a stopper that may restrict the rotational position of the frame main body 531 may be formed inside the cleaner station 100. In this case, after the frame main body 531 is rotated to a predetermined position, the position may be maintained.

[0241] In this case, the cover control sensor 540 may detect the second sensing protrusion 514bb.

[0242] In addition, when the cover control motor 520 is operated and the cover control gear 510 is further rotated, the cam unit 513 and the gear teeth of the driven gear 532 may come into contact with each other. In this case, the cam unit 513 may continuously rotate, while the driven gear 532 may maintain its position while in contact with the cam unit 513. Accordingly, the position of the frame main body 531 may be maintained.

[0243] In this state, the discharging cover 222 remains open, and the internal space of the dust bin 220 may continuously communicate with the first flow path 181 (see FIG. 10).

[0244] In addition, the cover control sensor 540 may detect the third sensing protrusion 514bc.

[0245] Meanwhile, in a state in which the internal space of the dust bin 220 communicates with the first flow path 181, the dust collection motor 191 may be operated. With this configuration, foreign substances stored inside the dust bin 220 may flow along the flow path unit 180 and may be collected by the dust collection unit 170.

[0246] Then, when the cover control motor 520 is operated and the cover control gear 510 is further rotated, the contact between the cam unit 513 and the gear teeth of the driven gear 532 may be released.

[0247] In this case, the return lever 533 may be pulled downward by the restoring force of the return spring 550, and the frame main body 531 may be rotated about the hinge unit toward the dust through-hole 121a inside the cleaner station 100.

[0248] As a result, as the frame main body 531 and the discharging cover 222 rotate together, the discharging cover 222 may be coupled to the dust bin main body 221. Accordingly, the communication between the internal space of the dust bin 220 and the flow path unit 180 may be blocked.

[0249] Accordingly, according to the present invention, the cover control frame 530 may be periodically rotated by the operation of the cover control motor 520.

[0250] Accordingly, according to the cleaner station 100 of the present invention, when the cleaner 200 is coupled, the cover control frame 530 is rotated to control the discharging cover 222, thereby enabling communication or blocking between the internal space of the dust bin 220 and the flow path unit 180 of the cleaner station.

[0251] In addition, since the cover control gear 510 in the form of a cam may be provided and the cover control sensor 540 may detect the cam to precisely detect the rotational position of the cover control gear 510, the discharging cover 222 can be precisely controlled without using an encoder or the like.

[0252] The cover open unit 150 according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 12, and 13 as follows.

[0253] The cleaner station 100 of the present invention may include the cover open unit 150. The cover open unit 150 may be disposed on the coupling unit 120 to open the discharging cover 222 of the cleaner 200.

[0254] The cover open unit 150 may include a push protrusion 151, a cover open motor 152, a cover open gear 153, a support plate 154, and a gear box 155.

[0255] The push protrusion 151 may move to press the coupling lever 222c when the cleaner 200 is coupled.

[0256] The push protrusion 151 may be disposed on the dust bin guide surface 122. Specifically, a protrusion movement hole may be formed in the dust bin guide surface 122, and the push protrusion 151 may be exposed to the outside after passing through the protrusion movement hole.

[0257] The push protrusion 151 may be disposed at a position at which it may push the coupling lever 222c when the cleaner 200 is coupled. That is, the coupling lever 222c may be disposed on the protrusion movement hole. In addition, the coupling lever 222c may be disposed on a movement region of the push protrusion 151.

[0258] The push protrusion 151 may linearly reciprocate to press the coupling lever 222c. Specifically, the push protrusion 151 may be coupled to the gear box 155 to guide linear movement. The push protrusion 151 may be coupled to the cover open gear 153 and moved together by the movement of the cover open gear 153.

[0259] The cover open motor 152 may provide power for moving the push protrusion 151. Specifically, the cover open motor 152 may rotate a motor shaft (not shown) in the forward or reverse direction. Here, the forward direction may be a direction in which the push protrusion 151 presses the coupling lever 222c. In addition, the reverse direction may be a direction in which the push protrusion 151 pressing the coupling lever 222c is returned to an original position. The forward direction may be a direction opposite to the reverse direction.

[0260] The cover open gear 153 may be coupled to the cover open motor 152 to move the push protrusion 151 using the power of the cover open motor 152. Specifically, the cover open gear 153 may be accommodated inside the gear box 155. A driving gear 153a of the cover open gear 153 may be coupled to the motor shaft of the cover open motor 152 to receive power. A driven gear 153b of the cover open gear 153 may be coupled to the push protrusion 151 to move the push protrusion 151. For example, the driven gear 153b may be provided in the form of a rack gear, engaged with the driving gear 153a, and may receive power from the driving gear 153a.

[0261] In this case, the discharging cover 222 may have the torsion spring 222d. The discharging cover 222 may be rotated at a predetermined angle or more by an elastic force of the torsion spring 222d and supported at the rotated position. Accordingly, the discharging cover 222 may be opened so that the dust through-hole 121a may communicate with the interior of the dust bin 220.

[0262] The gear box 155 may be provided inside the housing 110, disposed under the coupling unit 120 in the direction of gravity, and may accommodate the cover open gear 153 therein.

[0263] The gear box 155 may have a cover open detection unit 155f. In this case, the cover open detection unit 155f may include a contact sensor. For example, the cover open detection unit 155f may include a micro-switch. Meanwhile, the cover open detection unit 155f may also include a non-contact sensor. For example, the cover open detection unit 155f may include an IR sensor.

[0264] At least one cover open detection unit 155f may be disposed on an inner or outer surface of the gear box 155. For example, one cover open detection unit 155f may be disposed on the inner surface of the gear box 155. In this case, the cover open detection unit 155f may detect the push protrusion 151 positioned at an initial position.

[0265] As another example, two cover open detection units 155f may be disposed on the outer surface of the gear box 155. In this case, the cover open detection unit 155f may detect the initial position of the push protrusion 151 and the cover open position.

[0266] Accordingly, according to the present invention, the dust bin 220 may be opened by the cover open unit 150 without the user separately opening the discharging cover 222 of the first cleaner, thereby improving convenience.

[0267] In addition, since the discharging cover 222 is opened in a state in which the cleaner 200 is coupled to the cleaner station 100, it is possible to prevent dust from flying.

[0268] Meanwhile, the dust collection unit 170 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 13 as follows.

[0269] The cleaner station 100 may include the dust collection unit 170. The dust collection unit 170 may be disposed inside the housing 110. The dust collection unit 170 may be disposed below the coupling unit 120 in the direction of gravity.

[0270] For example, the dust collection unit 170 may be a dust bag for collecting dust suctioned from the inside of the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200 by the dust collection motor 191.

[0271] The dust collection unit 170 may be detachably coupled to the housing 110.

[0272] Accordingly, the dust collection unit 170 may be separated from the housing 110 and discarded, and a new dust collection unit 170 may be coupled to the housing 110. That is, the dust collection unit 170 can be defined as a consumable component.

[0273] The dust bag may be provided so that, when a suction force is generated by the dust collection motor 191, a volume increases so that dust is accommodated therein.

[0274] To this end, the dust bag may be formed of a material that transmits air but does not transmit foreign substances such as dust. For example, the dust bag may be formed of a non-woven material and may have a hexahedral shape based on when the volume increases.

[0275] Accordingly, since the user does not need to separately tie a bag or the like in which dust has been collected, user convenience can be improved.

[0276] Alternatively, the dust bag may include roll vinyl (not shown). With this configuration, when the dust bag is sealed or bonded, it is possible to prevent dust or odor collected inside the dust bag from leaking out of the dust bag. In this case, the dust bag may be mounted on the housing 110 through a dust bag cartridge (not shown). If necessary, the dust bag may be replaced through the dust bag cartridge.

[0277] Meanwhile, the flow path part 180 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 13 as follows.

[0278] The cleaner station 100 may include the flow path unit 180.

[0279] The flow path unit 180 may connect the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200 to the dust collection unit 170. The flow path unit 180 may be disposed behind the coupling surface 121. The flow path unit 180 may refer to a space between the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200 and the dust collection unit 170. The flow path unit 180 may be a space formed behind the dust through-hole 121a and may be a flow path formed to be bent downward from the dust through-hole 121a to flow dust and air.

[0280] Specifically, when the cleaner 200 is coupled to the cleaner station 100 to open the dust through-hole 121a, the flow path unit 180 may include the first flow path 181 connected the internal space of the dust bin 220, and a second flow path 182 connecting the first suction flow path 181 to an internal space of the dust collection unit 170.

[0281] For example, the first flow path 181 may be disposed substantially parallel to an axial line of the suction motor 214 or a virtual through line passing through the dust bin 220. In this case, the axial line of the suction motor 214 or the through line of the dust bin 220 may pass through the first flow path 181.

[0282] In this case, the second flow path 182 may form a predetermined angle with the first flow path 181. For example, the first flow path 181 and the second flow path 182 may be formed at a right angle. With this configuration, it is possible to minimize the overall volume of the cleaner station 100.

[0283] The second flow path 182 may be formed to extend downward from the first flow path 181 and connected to the first flow path 181 to guide the air that has passed through the first flow path 181 to the dust collection unit 170.

[0284] The second flow path 182 may be disposed in a direction parallel to an axial line C of the dust collection motor 191. With this configuration, it is possible to minimize a decrease in the suction force of the dust collection motor 191 in the first flow path 181 and the second flow path 182.

[0285] The dust in the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200 may be moved to the dust collection unit 170 through the flow path unit 180.

[0286] Meanwhile, the dust suction module 190 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 13 as follows.

[0287] The cleaner station 100 may include the dust suction module 190. The dust suction module 190 may include the dust collection motor 191, a first filter (not shown), and a second filter (not shown).

[0288] The dust collection motor 191 may be disposed below the dust collection unit 170. The dust collection motor 191 may generate a suction force in the flow path unit 180. Accordingly, the dust collection motor 191 may provide a suction force capable of suctioning the dust of the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200.

[0289] The dust collection motor 191 may generate the suction force by rotation. For example, the dust collection motor 191 may be formed in a shape similar to a cylinder.

[0290] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a virtual dust collection motor axial line C extending a rotational axis of the dust collection motor 191 may be formed.

[0291] The first filter (not shown) may be disposed between the dust collection unit 170 and the dust collection motor 191. The first filter may be a pre-filter.

[0292] The second filter (not shown) may be disposed between the dust collection motor 191 and the outer wall surface 112. The second filter (not shown) may be a HEPA filter.

[0293] Meanwhile, the cleaner station 100 may further include a charging unit 128. The charging unit may be disposed on the coupling unit 120. The charging unit 128 may be electrically connected to the cleaner 200 coupled to the coupling unit 120. The charging unit 128 may supply power to the battery of the cleaner 200 coupled to the coupling unit 120.

[0294] In addition, the cleaner station 100 may further include a side door (not shown). The side door may be disposed in the housing 110. The side door may selectively expose the dust collection unit 170 to the outside. Accordingly, the user can easily remove the dust collection unit 170 from the cleaner station 100.

[0295] Meanwhile, FIG. 13 shows a block diagram for describing a control configuration of the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0296] The control configuration of the cleaner station 100 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 13 as follows.

[0297] The cleaner station 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention may further include the control unit 400 for controlling the coupling unit 120, the fixing unit 130, the dust bin cover control unit 500, the cover open unit 150, the dust collection unit 170, the flow path unit 180, and the dust suction module 190.

[0298] The control unit 400 may be composed of a printed circuit board and elements mounted on the printed circuit board.

[0299] When the coupling sensor 125 detects the coupling of the cleaner 200, the coupling sensor 125 may transmit a signal indicating that the cleaner 200 has been coupled to the coupling unit 120. In this case, the control unit 400 may receive the signal of the coupling sensor 125 and determine that the cleaner 200 has been coupled to the coupling unit 120.

[0300] In addition, when the charging unit 128 supplies power to the battery 240 of the cleaner 200, the control unit 400 may determine that the cleaner 200 has been coupled to the coupling unit 120.

[0301] When it is determined that the cleaner 200 has been fixed to the coupling unit 120, the control unit 400 may open the cover control frame 530 of the cleaner station 100 by operating the cover control motor 520.

[0302] The control unit 400 may receive a signal that has detected the first sensing protrusion 514ba from the cover control sensor 540 and determine that the cover control frame 530 starts to open. In this case, according to an embodiment, it may be determined that the discharging cover 222 is opened as the cover control frame 530 is rotated after maintaining its position for a predetermined time.

[0303] The control unit 400 may receive a signal that has detected the second sensing protrusion 514bb from the cover control sensor 540 and determine that the discharging cover 222 is opened. Thereafter, the control unit 400 may operate the dust collection motor 191.

[0304] The control unit 400 may receive a signal that has detected the third sensing protrusion 514bc from the cover control sensor 540 and determine that the state in which the internal space of the dust bin 220 communicates with the flow path unit 180 is being maintained. In this case, the control unit 400 may operate the dust collection motor 191.

[0305] The cover open detector 155f may transmit a signal indicating that the discharging cover 222 has been opened when a guide frame 151e reaches a predetermined open position CP1. The control unit 400 may receive the signal indicating that the discharging cover 222 has been opened from the cover open detection unit 155f and determine that the discharging cover 222 has been opened. When it is determined that the discharging cover 222 has been opened, the control unit 400 may stop the operation of the cover open motor 152.

[0306] The control unit 400 may suction the dust inside the dust bin 220 by driving the dust collection motor 191.

[0307] The control unit 400 may display a dust bin emptying situation and charging situation of the cleaner 200 by operating a display unit 410.

[0308] Meanwhile, the cleaner station 100 according to the present invention may include the display unit 410.

[0309] The display unit 410 may be disposed not only in the housing 110, but also in a separate display device and provided in a terminal such as a mobile phone.

[0310] The display unit 410 may include at least one of a display panel capable of outputting text and / or graphics, and a speaker capable of outputting voice signals and sounds. A user can easily understand a situation, remaining time, and the like of a current ongoing stroke through the information output through the display unit.

[0311] Meanwhile, the cleaner station 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a memory 430. The memory 430 may include various data for driving and operating the cleaner station 100.

[0312] Meanwhile, the cleaner station 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention may include an input unit 440. The input unit 440 generates key input data input by the user to control the operation of the cleaner station 100. To this end, the input unit 440 may be composed of a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (static pressure / electrostatic), etc. In particular, when the touch pad forms a layered structure with the display unit 410, the touch pad may be referred to as a touch screen.

[0313] FIG. 14 is a view for describing a control method of the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 15 is a graph for describing the operation of each motor over time in the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0314] A control method of a cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 15 as follows.

[0315] The control method of a cleaner station of the present invention includes a coupling checking operation S10, a cover opening operation S20, a dust collecting operation S30, and a cover closing operation S40.

[0316] The coupling checking operation S10 may include confirm whether the cleaner 200 has been coupled to the coupling unit 120 of the cleaner station 100.

[0317] Specifically, in the coupling checking operation S10, when the cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling unit 120, the coupling sensor 125 disposed on the guide protrusion 123 may come into contact with the battery housing 230, and the coupling sensor 125 may transmit a signal indicating that the cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling unit 120. Alternatively, according to an embodiment, a non-contact sensor type coupling sensor 125 disposed on the sidewall 124 may detect the presence of the dust bin 220, and the coupling sensor 125 may transmit a signal indicating that the cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling unit 120.

[0318] Accordingly, in the coupling checking operation S10, the control unit 400 may receive a signal generated from the coupling sensor 125 to determine that the cleaner 200 has been coupled to the coupling unit 120.

[0319] Alternatively, in the coupling checking operation S10 of the present invention, the control unit 400 may determine whether the charging unit 128 supplies power to the battery 240 of the cleaner 200 and detect whether the cleaner 200 has been coupled to the correct position.

[0320] In the cover opening operation S20, the control unit 400 may open the discharging cover 222 of the cleaner 200 when the dust bin 220 is coupled to the cleaner station 100.

[0321] When the control unit 400 receives a signal indicating that the dust bin 220 has been fixed from a fixation detection unit 137, the control unit 400 may operate the cover opening motor 152 in the forward direction to open the discharging cover 222.

[0322] Specifically, the control unit 400 may drive the cover opening motor 152 in the forward direction. As a result, the push protrusion 151 may move away from the initial position to a position at which it presses the coupling lever 222c. Accordingly, the hook-coupling between the discharging cover 222 and the dust bin main body 221 may be released by the movement of the coupling lever 222c, and the discharging cover 222 may be separated by rotating in a direction away from the dust bin main body 221 by the restoring force of the torsion spring 222d.

[0323] Meanwhile, before the push protrusion 151 presses the coupling lever 222c, the cover open detection unit 155f may transmit a signal indicating that the push protrusion 151 is in the initial position.

[0324] When the cover open motor 152 is driven and the push protrusion 151 starts to move to press the coupling lever 222c, the cover open detection unit 155f may transmit a signal indicating that the push protrusion 151 has moved away from the initial position.

[0325] In addition, the control unit 400 may receive such a signal and determine that the cover open unit 150 has been operated normally.

[0326] In this case, the control unit 400 may measure the time after the cover open motor 152 is driven in the forward direction through a timer (not shown) or measure the time after the push protrusion 151 moves away from the initial position.

[0327] In this case, the control unit 400 may preset and store the time required for the push protrusion 151 to start from the initial position and press the coupling lever 222c based on the rotational speed of the cover open motor 152 and a movement distance of the push protrusion 151. Accordingly, the control unit 400 may drive the cover open motor 152 in the forward direction for a cover open time tc1 longer than the time required to press the coupling lever 222c. For example, the control unit 400 may drive the cover open motor 152 in the forward direction for 4 seconds or more and 5 seconds or less.

[0328] In addition, the control unit 400 may change the rotational direction of the cover open motor 152 during a preset rotational direction change time tc2 after the cover open time tc1 has elapsed.

[0329] In addition, the control unit 400 may drive the cover open motor 152 in the reverse direction after the rotational direction change time tc2 has elapsed. As a result, the push protrusion 151 may return to the initial position.

[0330] The control unit 400 may drive the cover open motor 152 until the cover open detection unit 155f detects that the push protrusion 151 has returned to the initial position. In this case, the control unit 400 may preset and store a protrusion return time tc3 required until the push protrusion 151 returns to the initial position after pressing the coupling lever 222c. Accordingly, the control unit 400 may drive the cover open motor 152 in the reverse direction during the protrusion return time tc3. For example, the control unit 400 may drive the cover open motor 152 in the reverse direction for 4 seconds or more and 5 seconds or less.

[0331] Meanwhile, when the control unit 400 receives a signal indicating that the push protrusion 151 has returned to the initial position from the cover open detection unit 155f, the control unit 400 may terminate the operation of the cover open motor 152.

[0332] Meanwhile, in the cover opening operation S20, the control unit 400 may open the cover control frame 530.

[0333] Specifically, when the control unit 400 receives a signal indicating that the dust bin 220 has been coupled, the control unit 400 may operate the cover control motor 520 to rotate the cover control gear 510, and the gear unit 512 and the driven gear 532 may be engaged and rotated to rotate the frame main body 531. In this case, the driven gear 532 may be engaged with the gear unit 512 after a preset time has elapsed since the cover control motor 520 was operated.

[0334] As a result, the cover control frame 530 may rotate to open the dust through-hole 121a. That is, in the cover opening operation S20, the control unit 400 may rotate the cover control frame 530 to open at least a portion of the dust through-hole 121a.

[0335] In this case, the control unit 400 may receive a signal indicating that the second sensing protrusion 514bb has been detected from the cover control sensor 540. Accordingly, the control unit 400 may determine that the cover control frame 530 is sufficiently opened.

[0336] Thereafter, the control unit 400 may continuously operate the cover control motor 520 for a preset time.

[0337] Specifically, the control unit 400 may operate the cover control motor 520 until receiving a signal indicating that the third sensing protrusion 514bc has been detected from the cover control sensor 540.

[0338] In addition, when receiving the signal indicating that the third sensing protrusion 514bc has been detected from the cover control sensor 540, the control unit 400 may stop the operation of the cover control motor 520. In this case, the driven gear 532 may be stopped while in contact with the cam unit 513 and supported mutually. With this configuration, the cover control frame 530 may maintain the dust through-hole 121a in the opened state.

[0339] In this case, the control unit 400 may enter the dust collecting operation S30.

[0340] In the dust collecting operation S30, when the discharging cover 222 is opened and the cover control frame 530 rotates to open the dust through-hole 121a, the dust collection motor 191 may be operated to collect dust inside the dust bin 220.

[0341] For example, when the control unit 400 receives the signal indicating that the third sensing protrusion 514bc has been detected from the cover control sensor 540, the dust collection motor 191 may be operated.

[0342] As another example, the control unit 400 may start the operation of the dust collection motor 191 when 4 seconds or more and 6 seconds or less has elapsed since the dust bin was coupled or the user's action was input.

[0343] In the dust collecting operation S30, the control unit 400 may operate the dust collection motor 191 to rotate at a preset dust collection speed Ws for a preset dust collection time ts. For example, in the dust collecting operation S30, the control unit 400 may operate the dust collection motor 191 to rotate at the dust collection speed Ws for 5 seconds or more and 9 seconds or less, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the dust collection time may be changed and set according to the output of the dust collection motor 191 and the amount of dust stored inside the dust bin 220.

[0344] Meanwhile, in the dust collecting operation S30, the control unit may receive the signal that the third sensing protrusion 514bc has been detected from the cover control sensor 540 for a predetermined time after the dust collecting operation S30 starts. This is because the rotation of the cover control gear 510 is stopped as soon as the cover control sensor 540 detects the third sensing protrusion 514bc, thereby maintaining the position of the third sensing protrusion 514bc.

[0345] According to the dust collecting operation S30, the dust inside the dust bin 220 may pass through the dust through-hole 121a and the flow path unit 180 and may be collected by the dust collection unit 170. Accordingly, since the user may remove the dust inside the dust bin 220 without separate manipulation, it is possible to provide user convenience.

[0346] Meanwhile, in the present invention, according to an embodiment, the fixation of the dust bin 220 may be performed simultaneously in the dust collecting operation S30. Specifically, in the dust collecting operation S30, the fixing unit 130 may be operated by the suction force of the dust collection motor 191 generated by the operation of the dust collection motor 191. That is, in the dust collecting operation S30, the fixed member 131 may be moved in a direction of pressing the dust bin 220 by the suction force of the dust collection motor 191.

[0347] With this configuration, even when the cleaner station 100 vibrates due to the operation of the dust collection motor 191, the dust bin 220 can be stably fixed.

[0348] Accordingly, according to the present invention, the time required to fix the cleaner 200 or release the fixation of the cleaner 200 may be reduced, thereby reducing the overall operation time.

[0349] Meanwhile, the control method of the cleaner station according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a cover closing operation S40 of rotating the cover control frame 530 to block the dust through-hole 121a.

[0350] In this case, in the cover closing operation S40, the operation of the cover control motor 520 may start during the operation of the dust collection motor 191.

[0351] In the cover opening operation S20 and the dust collecting operation S30, since the cam unit 513 and the driven gear 532 are supported in contact with each other, it is necessary to release the contact between the cam unit 513 and the driven gear 532 according to the termination of the operation of the dust collection motor 191.

[0352] Accordingly, the operation of the cover control motor 520 may be started before the operation of the dust collection motor 191 is terminated. For example, in the cover closing operation S40, the control unit 400 may start the operation of the cover control motor 520 when 3 seconds or more and 5 seconds or less has elapsed since the dust collection motor 191 started operating. Accordingly, the dust collection motor 191 and the cover control motor 520 may be operated together for 2 seconds or more and 4 seconds or less.

[0353] Accordingly, a time point at which the operation of the dust collection motor 191 is terminated and a time point at which the discharging cover 222 may be controlled to be the same.

[0354] Meanwhile, in the cover closing operation S40 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 400 may operate the cover control motor 520 in a predetermined direction.

[0355] That is, in the cover closing operation S40, the control unit 400 may maintain the direction of rotation of the shaft of the cover control motor 520 to be the same as in the cover opening operation S20 and the dust collecting operation S30.

[0356] Specifically, the control unit 400 may continuously operate the dust collection motor 191 in the same direction to release the contact between the cam unit 513 and the driven gear 532. In this case, the return lever 533 may be pulled downward by the restoring force of the return spring 550, and the frame main body 531 may be rotated about the hinge unit toward the dust through-hole 121a inside the cleaner station 100.

[0357] As a result, as the frame main body 531 and the discharging cover 222 rotate together, the discharging cover 222 may be coupled to the dust bin main body 221. Accordingly, the communication between the internal space of the dust bin 220 and the flow path unit 180 may be blocked.

[0358] In this way, in the process of performing the cover opening operation S20, the dust collecting operation S30, and the cover closing operation S40, the cover control gear 510 may be rotated once by the operation of the cover control motor 520. In addition, during the process of the cover control gear 510 rotating once, the cover control frame 530 may change the direction of rotation at least once. For example, the cover control frame 530 may be rotated inward from the cleaner station 100 in the cover opening operation S20 and rotated outward from the cleaner station 100 in the cover closing operation S40.

[0359] That is, in the present invention, while the cover control motor 520 rotates in one direction, the direction of rotation of the cover control frame 530 may be changed at least once.

[0360] Meanwhile, in the cover closing operation S40, the control unit may re-receive a signal after the reception of the signal from the cover control sensor 540 is completed. Specifically, the control unit may terminate the reception of the signal indicating that the first sensing protrusion 514ba has been detected from the cover control sensor 540 and receive the signal indicating that the third sensing protrusion 514bc has been detected after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0361] Accordingly, the control unit 400 may determine that one dust emptying cycle of the dust bin 220 has been completed and next dust emptying cycle of the dust bin 220 has been ready.

[0362] Accordingly, when the control unit 400 receives the signal indicating that the first sensing protrusion 514ba has been detected, the control unit 400 may terminate the operation of the cover control motor 520.

[0363] Accordingly, according to the present invention, the control unit 400 may control the discharging cover 222 by precisely controlling the movement of the cover control frame 530 without using an encoder or the like and changing the operating direction of the cover control motor 520.

[0364] In addition, according to the present invention, by moving the cover control frame 530 to open the discharging cover 222 of the dust bin, the dust collection motor 191 may be operated, and when the operation of the dust collection motor 191 is terminated, the discharging cover 222 may be closed, thereby reducing the time required for dust collection for the dust bin 220.

[0365] Although the present invention has been described in detail through specific embodiments, this is intended to specifically describe the present invention, and it is apparent that the present invention is not limited thereto, and the present invention can be modified or improved by those skilled in the art without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0366] All simple modifications or changes of the present invention fall within the scope of the present invention, and the specific scope of the present invention will be made clear by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cleaner station comprising:a housing;a coupling unit which is disposed in the housing and to which at least a portion of a dust bin of a cleaner is coupled;a dust bin cover control unit configured to open and close a discharging cover of the dust bin;a dust collection unit which is accommodated inside the housing, is disposed below the coupling unit, and collects dust inside the dust bin; anda dust collection motor which is accommodated in the housing, is disposed below the dust collection unit, and generates a suction force of suctioning the dust inside the dust bin,wherein the dust bin cover control unit includes:a cover control motor;a cover control gear that rotates according to an operation of the cover control motor; anda cover control frame that has gear teeth engaged with the cover control gear formed thereon and comes into contact with the discharging cover,and wherein a cam is formed on the cover control gear.

2. The cleaner station of claim 1, wherein the cover control gear includes:a gear body;a gear unit formed to protrude from an outer surface of the gear body and engaged with gear teeth of the cover control frame; anda cam unit formed to protrude from the outer surface of the gear body at a predetermined angle in a circumferential direction.

3. The cleaner station of claim 2, wherein the cover control gear further includes a sensing plate that rotates together with the gear body and formed in a disk shape that has a larger diameter than the gear body.

4. The cleaner station of claim 3, wherein the sensing plate includes:a plate main body; anda sensing protrusion formed to protrude radially outward from an outer surface of the plate main body and come into contact with the cover control sensor.

5. The cleaner station of claim 2, wherein the gear unit is rotated by engaging with the cover control frame after the dust bin is coupled.

6. The cleaner station of claim 2, wherein the cam unit comes into contact with the cover control frame while the dust collection motor is operated.

7. The cleaner station of claim 2, wherein, when the dust bin is coupled, the cover control frame is engaged with the gear unit and rotated, and then comes into contact with the cam unit.

8. The cleaner station of claim 1, wherein the dust bin cover control unit further includes a return spring that is coupled with the cover control frame and applies a restoring force to the cover control frame.

9. A cleaner station comprising:a housing;a coupling unit which is disposed in the housing and to which at least a portion of a dust bin of a cleaner is coupled;a dust bin cover control unit configured to open and close a discharging cover of the dust bin;a dust collection unit which is accommodated inside the housing, is disposed below the coupling unit, and collects dust inside the dust bin; anda dust collection motor which is accommodated in the housing, is disposed below the dust collection unit, and generates a suction force of suctioning the dust inside the dust bin,wherein the dust bin cover control unit includes:a cover control motor;a cover control gear that rotates according to an operation of the cover control motor; anda cover control frame coupled with the cover control gear and coming into contact with the discharging cover, andwhile the cover control gear rotates once, a direction of rotation of the cover control frame is changed at least once.

10. A cleaner station comprising:a housing;a coupling unit which is disposed in the housing and to which at least a portion of a dust bin of a cleaner is coupled;a dust bin cover control unit configured to open and close a discharging cover of the dust bin;a dust collection unit which is accommodated inside the housing, is disposed below the coupling unit, and collects dust inside the dust bin; anda dust collection motor which is accommodated in the housing, is disposed below the dust collection unit, and generates a suction force of suctioning the dust inside the dust bin,wherein the dust bin cover control unit includes:a cover control motor;a cover control gear that rotates according to an operation of the cover control motor;a cover control frame coupled with the cover control gear and coming into contact with the discharging cover; anda return spring that is coupled with the cover control frame and applies a restoring force to the cover control frame, andwhile the cover control motor rotates in one direction, a direction of rotation of the cover control frame is changed at least once.

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