Cleaning apparatus comprising vacuum cleaner and docking station

Abstract

A cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a cleaner and a docking station. The cleaner comprises: an extension tube comprising a first extension tube and a second extension tube encompassing the first extension tube; and a fixed assembly comprising a ring housing arranged around the second extension tube , a guide part which is fixed to the second extension tube and slides along with the second extension tube with respect to the first extension tube, and a protrusion portion that protrudes from the ring housing. The docking station may comprise a seating portion where the fixed assembly is seated when the cleaner is mounted on the docking station. When external force is applied to the fixed assembly in a first length direction of the extension tube with the cleaner mounted on the docking station, the second extension tube slides with respect to the first extension tube so as to change the length of the extension tube.

Description

Cleaning device including vacuum cleaner and docking station

[0001] One embodiment disclosed in this document relates to a cleaning device including a vacuum cleaner and a docking station.

[0002] A vacuum cleaner (hereinafter referred to as a “vacuum cleaner”) is a device that includes a fan motor that generates suction force, sucks in foreign substances such as dust along with the air through the suction force generated by the fan motor, separates the foreign substances contained in the sucked air from the air, and then collects the dust to perform cleaning.

[0003] The vacuum cleaner includes a dust bin that collects foreign substances, and the user is required to periodically separate the foreign substances collected in the dust bin from the vacuum cleaner and discharge them from the dust bin.

[0004] The docking station can provide charging capabilities by supplying power to a wireless vacuum cleaner, and can capture debris collected in the dustbin while the vacuum cleaner is attached to the docking station. The docking station can also provide storage or support for the vacuum cleaner.

[0005] The vacuum cleaner's extension tube can be adjusted in length or detached by the user. Depending on the intended use, the user can detach the extension tube and attach a separate brush or nozzle.

[0006] Meanwhile, users find it difficult to dock the vacuum cleaner onto the docking station using only the extension cord, even when the cord is removed. Furthermore, when docking the vacuum cleaner onto a docking station of a certain height, users must lengthen or shorten the extension cord to match the height of the docking station before docking it onto the station. This can result in inconvenience.

[0007] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0008] A cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can provide a cleaning device in which the length of an extension tube can be easily adjusted while the cleaner is mounted on a docking station.

[0009] A cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a docking station capable of mounting a detachable extension tube.

[0010] A cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cleaner and a docking station to which the cleaner is detachably coupled, the docking station configured to charge the cleaner when the cleaner is coupled to the docking station. The cleaner may include an extension tube including a first extension tube and a second extension tube formed to surround the outside of the first extension tube and slidably arranged in the longitudinal direction of the first extension tube, a ring housing arranged along the circumference of the second extension tube, a guide portion fixed to the second extension tube and configured to slide relative to the first extension tube together with the second extension tube, and a protruding portion protruding from the ring housing. The docking station may include a seating portion on which the fixing assembly is seated when the cleaner is mounted on the docking station. When an external force is applied to the seating assembly in the first longitudinal direction of the extension tube while the cleaner is mounted on the docking station, the second extension tube may be configured to slide relative to the first extension tube, thereby changing the length of the extension tube.

[0011] A cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cleaner and a docking station to which the cleaner is detachably coupled, the docking station configured to charge the cleaner when the cleaner is coupled to the docking station. The cleaner may include an extension tube including a first extension tube and a second extension tube formed to surround the outside of the first extension tube and slidably arranged in the longitudinal direction of the first extension tube, and a fixing assembly including a ring housing arranged along the circumference of the second extension tube, and a guide portion fixed to the second extension tube and configured to slide relative to the first extension tube together with the second extension tube. The docking station may include a mounting portion on which the fixing assembly is mounted when the cleaner is mounted on the docking station. When the cleaner is mounted on the docking station, a coupling protrusion protruding from the fixing assembly may be coupled to a coupling groove located on a lower side of the mounting portion.

[0012] However, the problem to be solved in this disclosure is not limited to the problem mentioned above, and may be determined in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a cleaning device in a state where the cleaner is coupled to a docking station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a docking station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating an extension tube included in a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 6A is an exploded perspective view of a fixed assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 6b is a perspective view of a fixed assembly viewed from the rear, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 7A is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a portion of an extension tube according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 7b is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a portion of an extension tube according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 7c is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a portion of an extension tube according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a mounting portion according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of a mounting portion according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a mounting portion viewed from above according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a second housing of a docking station viewed from the rear, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a fixed assembly viewed from the front, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 12b is a perspective view of a fixed assembly viewed from the rear, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of a fixed assembly when coupled to a mounting portion according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a mounting portion according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of a mounting portion according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 16 is a front view of a portion of a mounting portion viewed from above according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] The embodiments of this document and the terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0034] Hereinafter, in this document, “front-back direction”, “left-right direction”, and “up-down direction” may be used based on the drawings shown, and the shape and position of each component are not limited thereby.

[0035] According to some embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separately disposed in other components.

[0036] The cleaning device (1) described below may be understood as an example to aid understanding of the present disclosure, and may be implemented in various modified forms. Furthermore, some of the attached drawings are not drawn to scale, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated or reduced to aid understanding of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a cleaning device (1) in which a cleaner (2) is coupled to a docking station (3) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a docking station (3) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a cleaning device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] The embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 3 can be combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 4 to 16. The configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 3 may be partially or entirely identical to the configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 4 to 16.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a cleaning device (1) may include a cleaner (2) (e.g., a vacuum cleaner) and a docking station (3) on which the cleaner (2) is mounted. The cleaner (2) may be coupled to the docking station (3) by being mounted on the docking station (3).

[0042] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (2) may include a vacuum cleaner body (14) and a dust bin (10) detachably connected to the vacuum cleaner body (14). The dust bin (10) may be provided to collect foreign substances moved into the interior of the vacuum cleaner (2).

[0043] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner body (14) may include a suction motor (not shown) that generates suction force necessary to suck up foreign substances on a surface to be cleaned, and a dust bin (10) that receives foreign substances sucked up from the surface to be cleaned.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the dust bin (10) may be configured to filter and store dust, dirt, etc. from the air flowing in through the suction nozzle (13). The dust bin (10) may be provided to be detachable from the vacuum cleaner body (14).

[0045] According to one embodiment, the dustbin (10) may include a dustbin door (e.g., dustbin door (11) of FIG. 3) configured to open and close the dustbin (10).

[0046] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner body (14) may include a filter housing. The filter housing is configured in a roughly donut shape and may accommodate a filter (not shown) therein. For example, a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter may be positioned inside the filter housing, but the present invention is not limited thereto and various types of filters may be applied. The filter may filter out fine foreign substances, such as ultrafine dust, that are not filtered out in the dust bin (10).

[0047] According to one embodiment, the cleaner body (14) may include a handle (15) that allows a user to hold and operate the cleaner (2). The user can move the cleaner (2) and clean by holding the handle (15).

[0048] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner body (14) may further include a control unit. The user can turn the vacuum cleaner (2) on / off or adjust the suction strength, etc. by operating a power button, etc. provided on the control unit.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the cleaner (2) may include a suction pipe (18) and a connecting pipe (19). The suction pipe (18) may form a path for foreign substances sucked by the cleaner (2) to be collected in a dust bin (10). The connecting pipe (19) may be arranged at the lower side of the suction pipe (18). The connecting pipe (19) may include a connecting portion (e.g., a connecting portion (193) of FIG. 5) so that cleaning tools (e.g., an extension pipe (20), a suction nozzle (13), or a brush) may be selectively connected thereto.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the fastening tube (19) may be provided with a detachment button (191). When the detachment button (191) is pressed, the cleaning tool coupled to the fastening tube (19) can be detached or separated.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the extension tube (20) can be coupled to the cleaner (2) by being coupled to a coupling tube (19) included in the cleaner body (14). The coupling tube (19) can be connected to a suction tube (18) included in the cleaner body (14).

[0052] According to one embodiment, the extension tube (20) can be coupled to or separated from the fastening tube (19).

[0053] According to one embodiment, the cleaner (2) may further include an extension pipe (20) detachably connected to the connecting pipe (19) and a suction nozzle (13) detachably connected to the extension pipe (20). Although not shown, the suction nozzle (13) may also be directly connected to the connecting pipe (19) without the extension pipe (20). Hereinafter, the cleaner (2) to be described in the present disclosure will be assumed to have the extension pipe (20) connected to the cleaner body (14) and / or the connecting pipe (19).

[0054] According to one embodiment, the extension tube (20) can be adjusted in length by the user's manipulation. To this end, the extension tube (20) may include a first extension tube (21) and a second extension tube (23) formed to surround the outside of the first extension tube (21). Each of the first extension tube (21) and the second extension tube (23) can be extended to be elongated.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the first extension pipe (21) may be arranged at least partially inside the second extension pipe (23). The second extension pipe (23) may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the first extension pipe (21).

[0056] According to one embodiment, the second extension pipe (23) may be arranged on the first extension pipe (21) and configured to be slidable in the longitudinal direction of the first extension pipe (21). For example, the second extension pipe (23) may be configured to be slidable relative to the first extension pipe (21). Since the second extension pipe (23) is configured to be slidable relative to the first extension pipe (21), the overall length of the extension pipe (20) including the first extension pipe (21) and the second extension pipe (23) may be adjusted based on the relative positions of the first extension pipe (21) and the second extension pipe (23). For example, a user may adjust the relative positions of the first extension pipe (21) and the second extension pipe (23) by sliding the second extension pipe (23) relative to the first extension pipe (21), thereby adjusting the overall length of the extension pipe (20).

[0057] According to one embodiment, the first extension pipe (21) and the second extension pipe (23) of the extension pipe (20) may be formed as a telescopic structure, but are not limited thereto.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the extension tube (20) may include a guide rail (25). The guide rail (25) may be arranged and / or fixed to the first extension tube (21). The guide rail (25) may extend along the longitudinal direction of the first extension tube (21). The second extension tube (23) may be slidable along the guide rail (25). The guide rail (25) may be configured to guide the sliding movement of the second extension tube (23). The guide rail (25) may include a plurality of grooves (e.g., grooves (25a) of FIG. 5) that allow the position of the second extension tube (23) with respect to the first extension tube (21) to be fixed. A detailed description thereof will be provided later.

[0059] According to one embodiment, a guide rail (25) may be placed between the first extension pipe (21) and the second extension pipe (23). The guide rail (25) may have a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction of the extension pipe (20).

[0060] According to one embodiment, the guide rail (25) may be fixed to at least a portion of the outer surface of the first extension pipe (21), but is not limited thereto.

[0061] According to one embodiment, a plurality of grooves (e.g., a plurality of grooves (25a) of FIG. 5) may be formed in the guide rail (25). The plurality of grooves (25a) may be arranged along the extension direction or longitudinal direction of the guide rail (25). The plurality of grooves (25a) may be provided to secure the second extension pipe (23) to the first extension pipe (21).

[0062] According to one embodiment, the cleaner (2) may include a fixing assembly (100) that adjusts the length of the extension tube (20) (e.g., the overall length formed by the relative positions of the first extension tube (21) and the second extension tube (23). The fixing assembly (100) may fix the second extension tube (23) to a predetermined point of the guide rail (25). The structure and operation of the fixing assembly (100) will be described below with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the suction nozzle (13) may be provided to suck external foreign substances into the interior of the cleaner (2). An extension pipe (20) may be provided to connect the cleaner body (14) and the suction nozzle (13) to form a path for the foreign substances to move. The sucked foreign substances may be collected by moving to the dust bin (10) via the cleaner body (14). For example, the extension pipe (20) may be provided to connect the suction nozzle (13) and the dust bin (10).

[0064] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (2) may be provided in a form in which the vacuum cleaner body (14) is mounted at the front of the extension tube (20). In this case, the front may be defined as the front of the user when the user holds the vacuum cleaner (2).

[0065] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (2) may further include a battery (16). The battery (16) may be detachably mounted on the vacuum cleaner (2). The battery (16) may be configured to be electrically connected to a charging terminal (370) provided on the vacuum cleaner holder or docking station (3). The battery (16) may be charged by receiving power from the charging terminal (370) provided on the docking station (3).

[0066] According to one embodiment, the docking station (3) may be configured to allow the cleaner (2) to be stored or placed. The docking station (3) may include a main body (30) and a support (40) that supports the main body (30). The main body (30) may include a housing (301, 302, 303, 304). The main body (30) may include a duct section (310), a collection section (320), a suction section (330), and an exhaust filter section (340) accommodated inside the housing (301, 302, 303, 304). When the cleaner (2) is coupled to the docking station (3), the suction nozzle (13) may be accommodated in a receiving space (410) formed in the docking station (3) or provided by the docking station (3).

[0067] According to one embodiment, the first housing (301) and the second housing (302) of the housings (301, 302, 303, 304) can form the upper exterior of the docking station (3). The first housing (301) and the second housing (302) can be combined with each other to form the upper exterior of the docking station (3). A duct part (310) and a collection part (320) can be accommodated inside the first housing (301) and the second housing (302). A dust bag for storing dust collected inside the dust bin (10) can be detachably mounted in the collection part (320). Dust inside the dust bin (10) can pass through the duct part (310) and be collected in the dust bag arranged inside the collection part (320).

[0068] According to one embodiment, the first housing (301) and the second housing (302) may be provided to have a longitudinal axis extending in one direction. The longitudinal axes of the first housing (301) and the second housing (302) may be provided to extend in the vertical direction. The first housing (301) and the second housing (302) may be formed to have a curved surface (e.g., an outer surface formed to be curved).

[0069] According to one embodiment, the first housing (301) and the second housing (302) can be coupled to each other to form a roughly cylindrical shape.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the third housing (303) and the fourth housing (304) of the housings (301, 302, 303, 304) can form the lower exterior of the docking station (3). The third housing (303) and the fourth housing (304) can be coupled to each other to form the lower exterior of the docking station (3). The third housing (303) can be coupled to the lower portion of the first housing (301), and the fourth housing (304) can be coupled to the lower portion of the second housing (302). An intake portion (330) and an exhaust filter portion (340) can be accommodated inside the third housing (303) and the fourth housing (304).

[0071] According to one embodiment, the suction unit (330) may be positioned below the collection unit (320). The suction unit (330) may be configured to suck up waste from the dustbin (10). For example, the suction unit (330) may include a driving device including a motor and a fan. The driving device of the suction unit (330) may provide power to generate a suction force. The suction unit (330) may form an air flow to suck up waste from the dustbin (10).

[0072] According to one embodiment, the exhaust filter unit (340) may be positioned below the intake unit (330). The exhaust filter unit (340) may include a filter and a filter cover configured to accommodate the filter. The filter may filter foreign substances in the air passing through the exhaust filter unit (340). Air drawn into the interior of the docking station (3) through the suction force generated from the intake unit (330) may pass through the exhaust filter unit (340).

[0073] According to one embodiment, the third housing (303) and the fourth housing (304) may be provided to have a longitudinal axis extending in one direction. The longitudinal axes of the third housing (303) and the fourth housing (304) may be provided to extend in the vertical direction. The third housing (303) may be provided to correspond to the shape of the first housing (301), and the fourth housing (304) may be provided to correspond to the shape of the second housing (302). The third housing (303) and the fourth housing (304) may be coupled to each other to form a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the long axis of the third housing (303) may be provided shorter than the long axis of the first housing (301), and the long axis of the fourth housing (304) may be provided shorter than the long axis of the second housing (302). However, this is not limited thereto, and the long axes of the third housing (303) and the fourth housing (304) may be provided to be equal to or longer than the long axes of the first housing (301) and the second housing (302).

[0075] According to one embodiment, the docking station (3) may include recessed portions (302b, 304b). The recessed portions (302b, 304b) may include a first recessed portion (302b) and a second recessed portion (304b).

[0076] According to one embodiment, the first recessed portion (302b) may be formed in the second housing (302). The first recessed portion (302b) may be configured such that a portion of the second housing (302) is recessed inward. The first recessed portion (302b) may extend along the longitudinal axis of the second housing (302). A portion of an extension tube (20) of the cleaner (2) may be accommodated in the first recessed portion (302b).

[0077] According to one embodiment, the second recessed portion (304b) may be formed in the fourth housing (304). The second recessed portion (304b) may be provided such that a portion of the fourth housing (304) is recessed inward. The second recessed portion (304b) may extend along the longitudinal axis of the fourth housing (304). A portion of the extension tube (20) of the cleaner (2) may be accommodated in the second recessed portion (302b).

[0078] According to one embodiment, the first recessed portion (302b) and the second recessed portion (304b) can be connected in the vertical direction as the second housing (302) and the fourth housing (304) are arranged vertically. The upper part of the extension pipe (20) of the cleaner (2) can be accommodated in the first recessed portion (302b), and the lower part of the extension pipe (20) of the cleaner (2) can be accommodated in the second recessed portion (304b).

[0079] According to one embodiment, the third housing (303) may include a first exhaust hole (303a). The fourth housing (304) may include a second exhaust hole (304a). Since the third housing (303) and the fourth housing (304) have an intake portion (330) accommodated therein, air sucked into the interior of the housings (301, 302, 303, 304) may be required to be discharged to the outside. Since the third housing (303) and the fourth housing (304) include the first exhaust hole (303a) and the second exhaust hole (304a), air sucked through the intake portion (330) may be discharged to the outside of the third housing (303) and the fourth housing (304) through the exhaust filter portion (340).

[0080] According to one embodiment, the docking station (3) may include a support (40). The support (40) may be coupled with the housings (301, 302, 303, 304) of the main body (30). Specifically, the support (40) may be coupled with the third housing (303) and the fourth housing (304). The support (40) may be coupled to the lower portion of the main body (30). The support (40) may be coupled to the main body (30) to form a receiving space (410) in which a suction nozzle (13) of the cleaner (2) is accommodated.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the support (40) may be provided to be rotatable relative to the ground. The support (40) may include a fixed portion fixed to the ground and a rotating portion provided to be rotatable relative to the fixed portion. The rotating portion may be coupled to a housing (301, 302, 303, 304). As the rotating portion rotates relative to the fixed portion, the housing (301, 302, 303, 304) coupled to the rotating portion may rotate relative to the fixed portion. Accordingly, the housing (301, 302, 303, 304) may rotate relative to the ground.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the docking station (3) may include a mounting portion (200). When the cleaner (2) is mounted on the docking station (3), the fixed assembly (100) may be mounted in a space formed by the mounting portion (200) or a space defined by the mounting portion (200). The mounting portion (200) may be formed on at least a portion of an upper housing (e.g., a first housing (301) and / or a second housing (302)) of the docking station (3), but is not limited thereto.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the fixing member (200) may include a catch (e.g., the first catch (220) or the second catch (240) of FIG. 8). The fixing assembly (100) may be manipulated by an external force while the fixing assembly (100) is mounted on the fixing member (200). For example, in response to the upward or downward movement of the fixing assembly (100), a fixing projection (e.g., the fixing projection (120) of FIG. 6a) inserted or fixed into one of the plurality of grooves (25a) of the guide rail may be withdrawn or separated from the groove (25a), so that the length of the extension pipe (20) (e.g., the overall length of the extension pipe (20) depending on the relative positions of the first extension pipe (21) and the second extension pipe (23)) may be adjusted.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the mounting portion (200) may provide a space for mounting only the extension tube (20) removed from the cleaner (2). When the user uses the cleaner (2) in combination with another cleaning tool, the user may mount the extension tube (20) removed or separated from the cleaner (2) on the mounting portion (200).

[0085] According to one embodiment, when a user places the cleaner (2) on the docking station (3), by applying an additional external force to the cleaner (2) while the fixing assembly (100) is placed on the mounting portion (200), the length of the extension tube (20) can be adjusted to correspond to the height of the docking station (3). For example, when the fixing assembly (100) is placed on the mounting portion (200) and its position is fixed by the mounting portion (200), and the user presses the cleaner (2) downward while holding a part of the cleaner (2) (e.g., the handle portion (15)), the second extension tube (23) slides downward with respect to the first extension tube (21), and the overall length of the extension tube (20) can be shortened, but is not limited thereto. For example, when the fixed assembly (100) is mounted on the mounting portion (200) and its position is fixed by the mounting portion (200), and the user pulls the cleaner (2) upward while holding a part of the cleaner (2) (e.g., the handle portion (15)), the second extension tube (23) slides upward with respect to the first extension tube (21), and the overall length of the extension tube (20) may be lengthened, but is not limited thereto. The mounting portion (200) included in the docking station (3) can provide user convenience by allowing the user to easily adjust the length of the extension tube (20) with one hand. The structure and operation function of the mounting portion (200) will be described below with reference to FIGS. 7 to 11.

[0086] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a vacuum cleaner (2) (e.g., vacuum cleaner (2) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. It can be understood that the vacuum cleaner (2) illustrated in FIG. 4 has a portion of an extension tube (20) (e.g., extension tube (20) of FIG. 1) and a suction nozzle (e.g., suction nozzle (13) of FIG. 1) omitted.

[0087] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating an extension tube (20) included in a vacuum cleaner (2) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0088] The embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5 may correspond at least in part to the embodiments of FIG. 1 or FIG. 3, and therefore, overlapping descriptions will be omitted and the differences will be mainly described.

[0089] The embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5 may optionally be combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 3, or the embodiments of FIGS. 6A to 16. The configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5 may be partially or entirely identical to the configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 3, or the embodiments of FIGS. 6A to 16.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the vacuum cleaner (2) may include a button (17) configured to open and close the dust bin door (11). When the button (17) is pressed, the dust bin door (11) can rotate downward to open the dust bin (10).

[0091] According to one embodiment, the cleaner (2) may include a fixed assembly (100). The fixed assembly (100) may be configured to adjust the length of the extension tube (20). The fixed assembly (100) may be disposed on the extension tube (20).

[0092] According to one embodiment, the fixed assembly (100) may include a ring housing (101, 102) (e.g., the ring housing (101, 102) of FIGS. 6A and 6B), a sliding cover (103), and a protruding portion (105, 106) (e.g., the protruding portion (105, 106) of FIGS. 6A and 6B). The ring housing (101, 102) may be formed in a ring shape to surround a portion of the extension tube (20) (e.g., a portion of the outer surface of the second extension tube (23)). The ring housing (101, 102) may include a first ring housing (101) that surrounds a rear portion of a portion of the extension tube (20) and a second ring housing (102) that surrounds a front portion of a portion of the extension tube (20). The first ring housing (101) and the second ring housing (102) can be combined to form a ring housing (101, 102).

[0093] According to one embodiment, the sliding cover (103) may be disposed at the rear of the first ring housing (101). The sliding cover (103) may be disposed to face the rear of the extension tube (20). The sliding cover (103) may cover a guide portion (e.g., a guide portion (110) of FIG. 6A) to be described later. The sliding cover (103) may be configured to be slidable relative to the second extension tube (20). For example, the sliding cover (103) may be movable in the longitudinal direction (e.g., downward or upward) of the extension tube (20) (e.g., the second extension tube (23)).

[0094] According to one embodiment, the protruding portions (105, 106) may be formed to protrude from a predetermined point of the second ring housing (102). The protruding portions (105, 106) may be positioned at the front of the second ring housing (102). The protruding portions (105, 106) may include a first protruding portion (105) and a second protruding portion (106) spaced apart from the first protruding portion (105).

[0095] Although not shown, the fixed assembly (100) may include a guide portion (e.g., the guide portion (110) of FIG. 6A). A portion of the guide portion (110) (e.g., the housing (111) of the guide portion (110) of FIG. 6A) may be fixed to a second extension tube (e.g., the second extension tube (23) of FIG. 3). The guide portion (110) may be configured to adjust the length of the extension tube (20) by fixing the second extension tube (e.g., the second extension tube (23) of FIG. 3) to a guide rail (e.g., the guide rail (25) of FIG. 3) or releasing the fixing from the guide rail. The detailed structure and operating mechanism of the fixed assembly (100) will be described below with reference to FIGS. 6A and 7A to 7C.

[0096] FIG. 6A is an exploded perspective view of a fixed assembly (100) (e.g., the fixed assembly (100) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6A may be understood as an exploded perspective view of the fixed assembly (100) when viewed from the front. With respect to the directions “front” and “rear” to be used hereinafter, when a cleaner (e.g., the cleaner (1) of FIG. 1) is mounted on a docking station (3), “front” may be defined as a direction opposite to the docking station (3) (e.g., a direction in which the docking station (3) faces the cleaner (2)), and “rear” may be defined as a direction in which the cleaner (2) faces the docking station (3), which may be opposite to “front”.

[0097] FIG. 6b is a perspective view of a fixed assembly (100) viewed from the rear according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0098] The embodiments of FIGS. 6A and 6B may optionally be combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 5, or the embodiments of FIGS. 7A to 16. The configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 6A and 6B may be partially or entirely identical to the configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 5, or the configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 7A to 16.

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 6a and 6b, the fixed assembly (100) may include a ring housing (101, 102), a sliding cover (103), a protruding portion (105, 106), and a guide portion (110).

[0100] According to one embodiment, the ring housing (101, 102) may include a first ring housing (101) and a second ring housing (102). The first ring housing (101) and the second ring housing (102) may be combined to form a ring-shaped ring housing (101, 102).

[0101] According to one embodiment, the first ring housing (101) and the second ring housing (102) included in the ring housing (101, 102) may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the second extension tube (e.g., the second extension tube (23) of FIG. 3) of the extension tube (20).

[0102] According to one embodiment, the sliding cover (103) may be positioned at the front of the ring housings (101, 102). The sliding cover (103) may be positioned at the front of the first ring housing (101). For example, the sliding cover (103) may be formed integrally with the first ring housing (101). The sliding cover (103) may be fixed to the first ring housing (101).

[0103] According to one embodiment, the ring housing (101, 102) and the sliding cover (103) may be configured to be slidable relative to the second extension tube (23).

[0104] According to one embodiment, the sliding cover (103) can move within a specified range in the longitudinal direction of the extension tube (20). The sliding cover (103) can be moved relative to the second extension tube (23) by pushing or pulling in the longitudinal direction. For example, a user can grasp the sliding cover (103) and push or pull it in the longitudinal direction.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the guide portion (110) may be configured to adjust the length of the extension tube (20). The guide portion (110) may be configured to secure the second extension tube (e.g., the second extension tube (23) of FIG. 4) to the guide rail (e.g., the guide rail (25) of FIG. 4), or to release the second extension tube (23) from the guide rail, thereby securing the second extension tube (23) to the first extension tube (e.g., the first extension tube (31) of FIG. 4), or to slide relative to the first extension tube.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the guide portion (110) may include a housing (111), a spring housing (112, 113), a fixing projection (120), or a spring (131, 133). The housing (111) may form the overall appearance of the guide portion (110) and provide a space in which components included in the guide portion (110) can be accommodated. The housing (111) of the guide portion (110) may be secured to at least a portion of the second extension tube (23) of the extension tube (20), but is not limited thereto. The spring housings (112, 113) may provide a space in which the springs (131, 133) are accommodated, respectively. The spring housings (112, 113) may support or secure the springs (131, 133) so as not to detach from the springs (131, 133). The spring housing (112, 113) may include a first spring housing (112) located on one side (e.g., upper side) of the fixed protrusion (120) and a second spring housing (113) located on the other side (e.g., lower side) of the fixed protrusion (120). The first spring housing (112) may accommodate a first spring (131) located on the upper side of the fixed protrusion (120). The second spring housing (113) may accommodate a second spring (133) located on the lower side of the fixed protrusion (120).

[0107] According to one embodiment, the springs (131, 133) can support the movement of the sliding cover (103). The springs (131, 133) can support the movement of the sliding cover (103) by extending or contracting in the longitudinal direction of the extension tube (20). The springs (131, 133) can be configured to return the sliding cover (103) to a predetermined position when no external force is applied to the sliding cover (103).

[0108] According to one embodiment, the sliding cover (103) may include a fixing member (e.g., the fixing member (103a) of FIG. 7a) configured to press the fixing projection (120) so that the fixing projection (120) is fixed to one of a plurality of grooves (e.g., the plurality of grooves (25a) of FIGS. 3 and 4). The fixing member (103a) may be disposed on the inside of the sliding cover (103). For example, the fixing member (103a) may be a portion that protrudes from at least a portion of the inner surface of the sliding cover (103), but is not limited thereto. When the second extension pipe (23) is fixed to the guide rail (25), the fixing member (103a) may come into contact with the fixing projection (120) and press the fixing projection (120) so that the fixing projection (120) is fixed while being inserted into one of the plurality of grooves (25a). In the above fixed state, when an external force is applied to the sliding cover (103) in the longitudinal direction, the fixing projection (120) is detached from the fixing member (103a) as it is misaligned with the fixing member (103a), and the fixing projection (120) can be pulled out from the groove (25a) as the force applied from the fixing member (103a) is released. As a result, the second extension pipe (23) can freely move in the longitudinal direction along the guide rail (25). The second extension pipe (23) can slide with respect to the first extension pipe (21) on which the guide rail (25) is arranged.

[0109] Regarding the operation of the guide portion (110), it is specifically described below in FIGS. 7a to 7c.

[0110] According to one embodiment, when the cleaner (2) is mounted on the docking station (3), the protruding portions (105, 106) can be mounted on a mounting portion (e.g., the mounting portion (200) of FIG. 2). The protruding portions (105, 106) can protrude from the second ring housing (102). The protruding portions (105, 106) can be positioned at the rear of the second ring housing (102). For example, the protruding portions (105, 106) can be formed integrally with the second housing (102). The protruding portions (105, 106) can include a first protruding portion (105) and a second protruding portion (106) spaced apart from the first protruding portion (105).

[0111] According to one embodiment, the protruding portions (105, 106) can move together with the ring housings (101, 102). For example, when an external force is applied in a predetermined direction (e.g., downward or upward) with respect to the cleaner (2) after the protruding portions (105, 106) are seated on the mounting portion (200), the protruding portions (105, 106), the ring housings (101, 102), and the sliding cover (103) can move relative to the second extension pipe (23) and the housing (111) of the guide portion (110). As the protruding portions (105, 106), the ring housings (101, 102), and the sliding cover (103) move relative to the second extension pipe (23) and the housing (111) of the guide portion (110), the fixing protrusions (120) can be pulled out from the grooves (25a). Due to this, the user can easily adjust the length of the extension tube (20) by applying downward or upward pressure while the protruding portion (105, 106) is placed on the mounting portion (200).

[0112] According to one embodiment, a metal member (105a) made of a metal material may be arranged on one surface of the protruding portion (105, 106). The metal member (105a) may be made of a magnetic metal material such as, for example, iron, nickel, or cobalt. The metal member (105a) may be attached to the surface of the first protruding portion (105) and / or the surface of the second protruding portion (106). The metal member (105a) may include a first metal member (105a) positioned on one surface of the first protruding portion (105) and a second metal member (not shown) positioned on one surface of the second protruding portion (106). For example, the metal member (105a) may have a smaller area than the surface of the protruding portion (105, 106).

[0113] According to one embodiment, the metal member (105a) can be attached to a magnet member (e.g., the magnet member (261, 263) of FIG. 11) to be described later. The magnet member (261, 263) disposed on the rear surface of the mounting portion (200) can provide a bonding force with the fixed assembly (100) when the cleaner (2) is mounted on the docking station (3). For example, due to the magnetic force formed between the metal member (105a) and the magnet member (261, 263), the fixed assembly (100) can be maintained in a state of being fixed to the mounting portion (200). As a result, the cleaning device (1) can secure support stability when the cleaner (2) is mounted on the docking station (3).

[0114] FIG. 7a is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a portion of an extension pipe (e.g., extension pipe (20) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0115] FIG. 7b is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a portion of an extension pipe (20) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0116] FIG. 7c is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a portion of an extension pipe (20) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0117] FIGS. 7A to 7C may be understood as cross-sectional side views for explaining the operation of a fixed assembly (100) configured to adjust the length of an extension pipe (20) (e.g., the fixed assembly (100) of FIG. 1). FIG. 7A illustrates a state in which a second extension pipe (23) (e.g., the second extension pipe (23) of FIG. 4) is fixed to a guide rail (25) (e.g., the guide rail (25) of FIG. 4), and FIGS. 7B and 7C illustrate a state in which the second extension pipe (23) is released from the guide rail (25). FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional side view illustrating a case in which an external force is applied in a downward direction to a sliding cover (103) (e.g., a sliding cover (103) of FIG. 4), and FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional side view illustrating a case in which an external force is applied in an upward direction to a sliding cover (103).

[0118] The embodiments of FIGS. 7A to 7C can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 6, or the embodiments of FIGS. 8 to 16. The configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 7A to 7C may be partially or entirely identical to the configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 6, or the configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 8 to 16.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 7a, the fixed assembly (100) can fix the second extension pipe (23) to the guide rail (25) or release it from the guide rail (25). The fixed projection (120) included in the fixed assembly (100) can be configured to be fixed to one of a plurality of grooves (e.g., a plurality of grooves (25a) of FIG. 4) formed in the guide rail (25) or to be detached from one of the above.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the fixing projection (120) may be positioned to contact the fixing member (103a) included in the sliding cover (103) (e.g., the sliding cover (103) of FIG. 4) and be pressed by the fixing member (103a) or to be staggered from the fixing member (103a). The fixing projection (120) may be arranged or positioned on the inside of the sliding cover (103). The fixing member (103a) may be provided to protrude from at least a portion of the inner surface or inner surface of the sliding cover (103).

[0121] According to one embodiment, a first space (103b) and a second space (103c) may be formed on the upper and lower sides of the fixing member (103a), respectively. The first space (103b) and the second space (103c) may be formed by partitioning a space formed on the inner side of the sliding cover (103) by the fixing member (103a).

[0122] According to one embodiment, the sliding cover (103) can move relative to the second extension pipe (23) in the longitudinal direction of the extension pipe (20) (e.g., the longitudinal direction of the first extension pipe (21) or the longitudinal direction of the second extension pipe (23)). For example, the sliding cover (103) can move downward (e.g., the first longitudinal direction of the extension pipe (20), the first extension pipe (21) or the second extension pipe (23)) or upward (e.g., the second longitudinal direction of the extension pipe (20), the first extension pipe (21) or the second extension pipe (23)). The first longitudinal direction of the extension pipe (20), the first extension pipe (21) or the second extension pipe (23) may be defined as a direction from a certain point of the extension pipe (20) toward the suction nozzle (13) (e.g., a direction toward the ground), but is not limited thereto. The second longitudinal direction of the above extension pipe (20), the first extension pipe (21), or the second extension pipe (23) may be opposite to the first longitudinal direction. The sliding cover (103) can be moved by the user's pressure. By the movement of the sliding cover (103), the fixing protrusion (120) can be positioned to be offset from the fixing member (103a) or can be detached from the fixing member (103a). In response to the fixing protrusion (120) being detached from the fixing member (103a) and relatively moving to either the first space (103b) or the second space (103c), the fixing protrusion (120) fixed to the groove (25a) can be pulled outward (e.g., in the direction of the arrow shown on the fixing protrusion (120) in FIG. 7b or FIG. 7c).

[0123] According to one embodiment, the fixing member (103a) may have a chamfer shape such that an edge or at least one surface of the fixing member (103a) located on one side is inclined. For example, an edge or at least one surface of the fixing member (103a) adjacent to the fixing protrusion (120) may have a chamfer shape such that an edge or at least one surface of the fixing member (103a) is inclined.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the fixing protrusion (120) may have a chamfer shape such that an edge or at least one surface of the fixing protrusion (120) located on one side is inclined. For example, an edge or at least one surface of the fixing protrusion (120) adjacent to the fixing member (103a) may have a chamfer shape such that an edge or at least one surface of the fixing protrusion (120) is inclined.

[0125] According to one embodiment, one edge of the fixing member (103a) and one edge of the fixing protrusion (120) that comes into contact with the fixing member (103a) are formed to be inclined, so that relative movement of the fixing member (103a) and the fixing protrusion (120) can be facilitated by movement of the sliding cover (103).

[0126] According to one embodiment, the fixing protrusion (120) may have a chamfered shape such that one edge or at least one side of the fixing protrusion (120) adjacent to the groove (25a) is inclined. By having the inclined shape of the edge on one side, the fixing protrusion (120) can be moved and easily inserted into or withdrawn from a plurality of grooves (25a).

[0127] Referring to FIGS. 7b and 7c, as the sliding cover (103) moves relative to the second extension pipe (23) in a downward direction (e.g., a first longitudinal direction) or an upward direction (e.g., a second longitudinal direction), the fixing projection (120) can be withdrawn from the groove (25a). The sliding cover (103) can be pressed upward or downward by manipulation, or the fixing assembly (100) can be withdrawn from the groove (25a) by an additional external force applied upward or downward while being fixed to the mounting portion (200).

[0128] Referring to one embodiment (e.g., FIG. 7b), when the sliding cover (103) is pressed in the first longitudinal direction (e.g., downward direction), the sliding cover (103) can slide relatively in the first longitudinal direction with respect to the second extension tube (23). As the housing (e.g., the housing (111) of FIG. 6) of the guide portion (e.g., the guide portion (110) of FIG. 6) is fixed to the second extension tube (23), the sliding cover (103) can slide relatively in the first longitudinal direction with respect to the housing of the guide portion. In this case, as the sliding cover (103) moves relatively in the first longitudinal direction with respect to the housing and spring housing (112, 113) of the guide portion, the sliding cover (103) may press the first spring (131) so that the first spring (131) may be compressed, and as the sliding cover (103) pulls the second spring (133), the second spring (133) may be tensioned. In addition, the first space (103b) may become smaller, and the second space (103c) may become larger. In this case, as the fixing member (103a) of the sliding cover (103) is misaligned with the fixing protrusion (120), the fixing protrusion (120) may not be pressed by the fixing member (103a). In this case, the fixing protrusion (120) may be detached from the groove (25a). In this case, the second extension pipe (23) fixed to the guide portion (110) including the fixing protrusion (120) can be released from its fixation to the guide rail (25) as the fixing protrusion (120) is removed from the groove (25a). In this case, the second extension pipe (23) can slide relative to the guide rail (25) and the first extension pipe (21) fixed to the guide rail (25).

[0129] Referring to one embodiment (e.g., FIG. 7c), when the sliding cover (103) is pressed in the first longitudinal direction (e.g., upward direction), the sliding cover (103) can slide relatively in the second longitudinal direction with respect to the second extension tube (23). As the housing (e.g., the housing (111) of FIG. 6) of the guide portion (e.g., the guide portion (110) of FIG. 6) is fixed to the second extension tube (23), the sliding cover (103) can slide relatively in the second longitudinal direction with respect to the housing of the guide portion. In this case, as the sliding cover (103) moves relatively in the second longitudinal direction with respect to the housing and spring housing (112, 113) of the guide portion, the sliding cover (103) may press the second spring (133) so that the second spring (133) may be compressed, and as the sliding cover (103) pulls the first spring (131), the first spring (131) may be tensioned. In addition, the first space (103b) may become larger, and the second space (103c) may become smaller. In this case, as the fixing member (103a) of the sliding cover (103) is misaligned with the fixing protrusion (120), the fixing protrusion (120) may not be pressed by the fixing member (103a). In this case, the fixing protrusion (120) may be detached from the groove (25a). In this case, the second extension pipe (23) fixed to the guide portion (110) including the fixing protrusion (120) can be released from its fixation to the guide rail (25) as the fixing protrusion (120) is removed from the groove (25a). In this case, the second extension pipe (23) can slide relative to the guide rail (25) and the first extension pipe (21) fixed to the guide rail (25).

[0130] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a mounting portion (200) (e.g., mounting portion (200) of FIG. 2) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0131] FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of a mounting portion (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0132] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a mounting portion according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from above. Fig. 10 may be understood as a cross-sectional view taken along the cut line A-A' of Fig. 9.

[0133] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a docking station (e.g., a second housing (e.g., a second housing (302) of FIG. 2) of the docking station (e.g., a docking station (3) of FIG. 1)) viewed from the rear according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0134] FIGS. 8 to 11 illustrate a mounting portion (200) for mounting a fixed assembly (e.g., fixed assembly (100) of FIG. 1) when a vacuum cleaner (2) (e.g., vacuum cleaner (2) of FIG. 1) is mounted on a docking station (3).

[0135] The embodiments of FIGS. 8 to 11 may optionally be combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 7C, or the embodiments of FIGS. 12A to 16. The configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 8 to 11 may be partially or entirely identical to the configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 7C, or the configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 12A to 16.

[0136] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 11, the mounting portion (200) may be provided in a second housing (e.g., the second housing (302) of FIG. 2) of a docking station (e.g., the docking station (3) of FIG. 2), but is not limited thereto. The mounting portion (200) may be formed by a portion of a first recessed portion (302b) formed in the second housing (302) being recessed inward. The mounting portion (200) may provide a space in which the fixed assembly (100) is mounted when the cleaner (2) is mounted on the docking station (3).

[0137] According to one embodiment, the mounting portion (200) may include a mounting surface (210). The mounting surface (210) may include a first region (211), and a second region (212) and a third region (213) located on both sides of the first region (211), respectively. At least a portion of the second region (212) and the third region (213) may correspond to a protruding portion (e.g., a protruding portion (105, 106) of FIG. 6B) included in the fixed assembly (100) when the cleaner (2) is mounted on the docking station (3). For example, when the cleaner (2) is mounted on the docking station (3), the second region (212) may be in contact with the first protruding portion (105), and the third region (213) may be in contact with the second protruding portion (106).

[0138] According to one embodiment, when the cleaner (2) is mounted on the docking station (3), the mounting portion (200) may be arranged to surround a portion of the fixed assembly (100). To this end, the second area (212) and the third area (213) of the mounting surface (210) may be formed into a curved surface.

[0139] According to one embodiment, a first catch (220) may be positioned on the lower side of the mounting portion (200). The first catch (220) may support the fixed assembly (100) in the direction of gravity (or downward direction) when the cleaner (2) is mounted on the docking station (3). The first catch (220) may correspond to the lower side of the fixed assembly (100) when the cleaner (2) is mounted on the docking station (3).

[0140] According to one embodiment, when an external force is applied to the fixed assembly (100) in a predetermined direction (e.g., upward direction) while the cleaner (2) is mounted on the docking station (3), the fixed assembly (100) can release the second extension pipe (e.g., the second extension pipe (23) of FIG. 4) from the guide rail (e.g., the guide rail (35) of FIG. 4). For example, when a user mounts the cleaner (2) on the docking station (3) and additionally applies downward pressure, an external force is applied to the protruding portion (e.g., the protruding portions (105, 106) of FIG. 6b) included in the fixed assembly (100) in an upward direction (e.g., the first longitudinal direction), so that the fixed assembly (100) can operate in the state of FIG. 7c. As a result, the user can easily adjust the length of the extension pipe (20) in accordance with the height of the docking station (3).

[0141] According to one embodiment, a second catch (240) may be positioned on the upper side of the mounting portion (200). The second catch (240) may support the fixing assembly (100) in the upward direction when a user detaches the cleaner (2) from the docking station (3). The second catch (240) may correspond to the upper side of the fixing assembly (100) when the cleaner (2) is detached from the docking station (3).

[0142] According to one embodiment, when the cleaner (2) is removed from the docking station (3), if an external force is applied in a predetermined direction (e.g., downward direction) while the fixed assembly (100) is caught on the second catch (240), the fixed assembly (100) can release the second extension pipe (23) from the guide rail (35). For example, if a user removes the cleaner (2) from the docking station (3) and additionally applies upward pressure, an external force is applied to the protruding portions (105, 106) included in the fixed assembly (100) in a downward direction (e.g., in the second longitudinal direction), so that the fixed assembly can operate in the state of FIG. 7b. As a result, the user can easily adjust the length of the extension pipe (20).

[0143] According to one embodiment, the mounting portion (200) may include a first support member (232) and a second support member (233) arranged on both sides of a first catch (220). The mounting portion (200) may include a third support member (252) and a fourth support member (253) arranged on both sides of a second catch (240). The first support member (232) and the second support member (233) may support the fixing assembly (100) so that it does not come off when the fixing assembly (100) is mounted on the mounting portion (200).

[0144] According to one embodiment, the first support member (232) and the second support member (233) may be spaced apart from each other and may be arranged so that the width between the support members (232, 233) increases as they extend upward from the first catch (220). The first support member (232) and the second support member (233) may be made of a material having a predetermined elasticity, thereby providing a space in which the fixing assembly (100) can be easily accommodated when a user places the cleaner (2) on the docking station (3).

[0145] According to one embodiment, each of the first support member (232) and the second support member (233) may have a predetermined height. The height of the first support member (232) may be substantially the same as the height of the second support member (233), and the heights of each of the first support member (232) and the second support member (233) may be relatively low with respect to the height of the protruding portions (105, 106).

[0146] According to one embodiment, the third support member (252) and the fourth support member (253) can support the fixing assembly (100) so that it does not come off when the fixing assembly (100) is fixed to the upper side of the mounting portion (200). The third support member (252) and the third support member (253) can be spaced apart from each other, and can be arranged so that the width between the support members (252, 253) increases as they extend downward from the second catch (240). Each of the third support member (252) and the fourth support member (253) can be formed of a material having a predetermined elasticity.

[0147] Referring to FIG. 11, the mounting portion (200) may include a magnet member (261, 263). The magnet member (261, 263) may be disposed on the back surface of the mounting portion (200). The magnet member (261, 263) may be disposed on the inside of the second housing (302).

[0148] According to one embodiment, the magnet members (261, 263) can provide a fixing force with the protruding portions (105, 106) when the fixed assembly (100) is mounted on the mounting portion (200). The magnet members (261, 263) can include a first magnet member (261) arranged in an area corresponding to the first protruding portion (105) and a second magnet member (262) arranged in an area corresponding to the second protruding portion (106) when the fixed assembly (100) is mounted on the mounting portion (200). The magnet members (261, 263) can stably fix the fixed assembly (100) to the mounting portion.

[0149] According to one embodiment, in addition to being coupled by the magnetic members (261, 263), the fixed assembly (100) and the mounting portion (200) may also be coupled in a physical manner, such as a hook coupling. For example, they may be coupled by coupling between a coupling protrusion (e.g., a coupling protrusion (105-1) of FIG. 13) provided on the fixed assembly (e.g., the fixed assembly (100-1) of FIG. 12a) and a coupling groove provided on the mounting portion (e.g., the mounting portion (200-1) of FIG. 14). This will be described below with reference to FIG. 12a.

[0150] FIG. 12a is a perspective view of a fixed assembly (100-1) viewed from the front according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0151] FIG. 12b is a perspective view of a fixed assembly (100-1) viewed from the rear, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0152] The fixed assembly (100-1) illustrated in FIGS. 12a and 12b may be understood as an expanded embodiment of the fixed assembly (100) disclosed in FIGS. 1 to 11. The fixed assembly (100-1) may be physically coupled to a mounting portion (e.g., mounting portion (200-1) of FIG. 14) to be described below in FIG. 14, and in addition, the mechanism by which the fixed assembly (100-1) adjusts the length of an extension tube (e.g., extension tube (20) of FIG. 1) may operate substantially the same. Therefore, overlapping descriptions will be omitted, and the differences will be primarily described.

[0153] The embodiments of FIGS. 12A and 12B can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 11, or the embodiments of FIGS. 13 to 16. The configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 12A and 12B may be partially or entirely identical to the configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 11, or the configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 13 to 16.

[0154] Referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B, the fixed assembly (100-1) may include a ring housing (101-1, 102-1), a sliding cover (103-1), and a coupling protrusion (105-1). The ring housing (101-1, 102-1) may be formed to surround a portion of the second extension pipe (23). The ring housing (101-1, 102-1) may include a first ring housing (101-1) that surrounds the front of the second extension pipe (23) and a second ring housing (102-1) that surrounds the rear of the second extension pipe (23). The first ring housing (101-1) and the second ring housing (102-1) may be combined to form a ring housing (101-1, 102-1), or the first ring housing (101-1) and the second ring housing (102-1) may be integrally formed to form a ring housing (101-1, 102-1).

[0155] According to one embodiment, the sliding cover (103-1) may be positioned in front of the second extension pipe (23). The sliding cover (103-1) may be formed integrally with the first ring housing (101-1). As the sliding cover (103-1) moves in a predetermined direction, a guide portion (e.g., a guide portion (110-1) of FIG. 13) included in the fixed assembly (100-1) may release the second extension pipe (23) from the guide rail (e.g., a guide rail (25) of FIG. 4).

[0156] According to one embodiment, the fixed assembly (100-1) may include a guide portion (e.g., the guide portion (110-1) of FIG. 13). The guide portion (110-1) may have substantially the same structure as the guide portion (110) of FIG. 6A and may be configured to operate substantially the same.

[0157] According to one embodiment, the fixed assembly (100-1) may include a coupling protrusion (105-1). The coupling protrusion (105-1) may be coupled to the second ring housing (102-1) and may be provided to protrude downward from the second ring housing (102-1). The coupling protrusion (105-1) may be formed integrally with the second ring housing (102-1), but is not limited thereto. The coupling protrusion (105-1) may fix the fixed assembly (100-1) to a mounting portion (e.g., the mounting portion (200-1) of FIG. 13) when the cleaner (2) is mounted on the docking station (3).

[0158] FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of a fixed assembly (100-1) (e.g., the fixed assembly (100-1) of FIGS. 12a and 12b) when coupled to a mounting portion (200-1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0159] The embodiment of FIG. 13 can optionally be combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 12b, or the embodiments of FIGS. 14 to 16.

[0160] Referring to FIG. 13, the fixed assembly (100-1) may include a guide portion (110-1). The guide portion (110-1) may include a fixing projection (120-1) configured to fix the second extension tube (23) to one of a plurality of grooves formed in the guide rail (25) (e.g., a plurality of grooves (25a) of FIG. 4). The guide portion (110-1) may include a spring (131-1, 133-1) and a spring housing (112-1, 113-1) that accommodates the spring (131-1, 133-1).

[0161] According to one embodiment, the fixing projection (120-1) can be displaced or detached from the fixing member (103a-1) disposed on the inside of the sliding cover (103-1) by the movement of the sliding cover (103-1). The fixing projection (120-1) can be detached from the fixing member (103a-1) and moved toward the first space (103b-1) or the second space (103c-1) formed on the inside of the sliding cover (103-1) and can be pulled out from the groove (25a).

[0162] According to one embodiment, the coupling protrusion (105-1) may protrude downward from the second ring housing (102-1). When the cleaner (2) is mounted on the docking station (3), the coupling protrusion (105-1) may be inserted into the coupling groove (220a-1) formed in the mounting portion (200-1), thereby coupling the fixed assembly (100-1) to the mounting portion (200-1). For example, the coupling protrusion (105-1) and the coupling groove (220a-1) may be coupled in a hook-coupling manner. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the coupling protrusion (105-1) and the coupling groove (220a-1) may also be coupled in a fitting-coupling manner or a force-coupling manner.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the fixed assembly (100-1) and the mounting portion (200-1) are joined by the joining between the joining projection (105-1) and the joining groove (220a-1), thereby strengthening the supporting force of the fixed assembly (100-1).

[0164] FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a mounting portion (200-1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0165] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional side view of a mounting portion (200-1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0166] Fig. 16 is a front view of a portion of a mounting portion (200-1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from above. Fig. 16 may be understood as a cross-sectional view taken along the cut line B-B' of Fig. 15.

[0167] The mounting portion (200-1) illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 16 illustrates a mounting portion (200-1) formed in a docking station (e.g., docking station (3) of FIG. 1), and can be understood as an expanded embodiment of the mounting portion (200) illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 11.

[0168] The embodiments of FIGS. 14 to 16 may be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 13. The configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 14 to 16 may be partially or entirely identical to the configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 13.

[0169] Referring to FIGS. 14 to 16, the mounting portion (200-1) may include a mounting surface (210-1), a first catch (220-1) located on the lower side of the mounting surface (210-1), and a second catch (240-1) located on the upper side of the mounting surface (210-1). The mounting surface (210-1) may be formed into a curved surface to correspond to the second ring housing (e.g., the second ring housing (102-1) of FIG. 12b). When the cleaner (2) is mounted on the docking station (3), a portion of the mounting surface (210-1) and the second housing (102-1) may come into contact with each other.

[0170] According to one embodiment, the first catch (220-1) may be formed with a catch groove (220a-1) to receive a catch protrusion (e.g., catch protrusion (105-1) of FIG. 12b) located on the lower side of the second ring housing (102-1) when the cleaner (2) is mounted on the docking station (3). The catch groove (220a-1) may be formed by recessing or removing a portion of the first catch (220-1). When the cleaner (2) is mounted on the docking station (3), the catch protrusion (105-1) may be coupled to the catch groove (220a-1). The catch protrusion (105-1) and the catch groove (220a-1) may be coupled by a hook coupling method. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the catch may be coupled by a fitting coupling or a force-fit coupling method.

[0171] According to one embodiment, when an additional external force is applied to the fixed assembly (100-1) while the cleaner (2) is mounted on the docking station (3), the sliding cover (e.g., the sliding cover (103-1) of FIG. 12a) that operates integrally with the ring housing (101-1, 102-1) moves, thereby allowing the second extension pipe (23) to be released from the guide rail (25). When the user mounts the cleaner (2) on the docking station (3), the user can easily adjust the length of the extension pipe (20).

[0172] According to one embodiment, the fixing member (200-1) may include support members (252-1, 253-1) arranged on both sides of the second catch (240-1). The support members (252-1, 253-1) may support the fixing assembly (100-1) so that it does not come off when the fixing assembly (100-1) is fixed to the upper side of the fixing member (200-1). The support members (252-1, 253-1) may be arranged so that the width between the support members (252-1, 253-1) increases as they extend downward from the second catch (240-1). The support members (252-1, 253-1) may be formed of a material having a predetermined elasticity.

[0173] A cleaning device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a fixed assembly (100, 100-1) configured to adjust the length of an extension tube included in a cleaner (2), and a mounting portion (200, 200-1) for mounting the fixed assembly (100, 100-1) when the cleaner (2) is mounted on a docking station (3).

[0174] A cleaning device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a fixing assembly (100, 100-1) and a mounting portion (200, 200-1) for easily adjusting the length of an extension tube (20) when a user places the cleaner (2) on a docking station (3) or removes the cleaner (2) from the docking station (3).

[0175] A cleaning device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a mounting portion (200, 200-1) for mounting a removed extension pipe (20) or an extension pipe (20) coupled to a cleaner (2).

[0176] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0177] A cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., the cleaning device (1) of FIG. 1) may include a cleaner (2) and a docking station (3) to which the cleaner (2) is detachably coupled, and the docking station (3) is configured to charge the cleaner (2) when the cleaner (2) is coupled to the docking station (3). The above cleaner (2) may include a fixed assembly (100) including a first extension pipe (21), a second extension pipe (23) formed to surround the outside of the first extension pipe (21) and arranged to be slidable in the longitudinal direction of the first extension pipe (21), a ring housing (101, 102) arranged along the circumference of the second extension pipe (23), a guide portion (110) fixed to the second extension pipe (23) and configured to slide with respect to the first extension pipe (21) together with the second extension pipe (23), and a protruding portion (105, 106) protruding from the ring housing (101, 102). The docking station (3) may include a mounting portion (200) on which the fixed assembly (100) is mounted when the cleaner (2) is mounted on the docking station (3). When the above cleaner (2) is mounted on the docking station (3) and an external force is applied to the fixed assembly (100) in the first longitudinal direction of the extension pipe (20), the second extension pipe (23) may be configured to slide relative to the first extension pipe (21) so that the length of the extension pipe (20) changes.

[0178] In a cleaning device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the mounting portion (200) may include a mounting surface (210) that the fixed assembly (100) comes into contact with when the cleaner (2) is mounted, and a first catch (220) located on the lower side of the mounting surface (210).

[0179] In a cleaning device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the cleaner (2) is mounted on the docking station (3), and an external force is applied to the fixed assembly (100) in the first longitudinal direction, the fixed assembly (100) is pressed in the first longitudinal direction by the first catch (220), so that the second extension pipe (23) can slide relative to the first extension pipe (21).

[0180] In the cleaning device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the mounting surface (210) may include a first region (211) and a second region (212) and a third region (213) which are respectively disposed on both sides of the first region (211) and which are in contact with the protruding portions (105, 106) included in the fixed assembly (100).

[0181] In a cleaning device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the mounting portion (200) may include a first support member (232) and a second support member (233) which are respectively positioned on both sides of the catch (220) and each have a predetermined height.

[0182] In the cleaning device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heights of the first support member (232) and the second support member (233) may be relatively lower than the heights of the protruding portions (105, 106).

[0183] In a cleaning device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the mounting portion (200) may include magnet members (261, 263) arranged on the back surfaces of the second region (212) and the third region (213), respectively.

[0184] In a cleaning device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fixed assembly (100) may include a metal member (105a) disposed in a portion of the protruding portion (105, 106).

[0185] When the fixed assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is mounted on the mounting portion (200), the metal member (105a) can be attached to the mounting portion (200) by magnetic force with the magnetic member (261, 263) included in the mounting portion (200).

[0186] In the cleaning device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the mounting portion (200) may include a second catch (240) located on the upper side of the mounting surface (210). When the cleaner (2) is mounted on the docking station (3), when an external force is applied to the fixing assembly (100) in a second longitudinal direction opposite to the first longitudinal direction, the fixing assembly (100) is pressed in the second longitudinal direction by the second catch (240), so that the second extension pipe (23) can slide relative to the first extension pipe (21).

[0187] A cleaning device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cleaner (2) and a docking station (3) to which the cleaner (2) is detachably coupled, and configured to charge the cleaner (2) when the cleaner (2) is coupled to the docking station (3). The cleaner (2) may include an extension pipe (20) including a first extension pipe (21) and a second extension pipe (23) formed to surround the outside of the first extension pipe (21) and arranged to be slidable in the longitudinal direction of the first extension pipe (21), and a fixing assembly (100-1) including a ring housing (101-1, 102-1) arranged along the periphery of the second extension pipe (23), and a guide portion (110-1) fixed to the second extension pipe (23) and configured to slide with respect to the first extension pipe (21) together with the second extension pipe (23). The above docking station (3) may include a mounting portion (200-1) on which the fixed assembly (100-1) is mounted when the cleaner (2) is mounted on the docking station (3). When the cleaner (2) is mounted on the docking station (3), a coupling protrusion (105-1) protruding from the fixed assembly (100-1) may be coupled to a coupling groove (220a-1) located on the lower side of the mounting portion (200-1).

[0188] In a cleaning device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the mounting portion (200-1) may include a mounting surface (210-1) that the fixed assembly (100-1) comes into contact with when the cleaner (2) is mounted on the docking station (3), and a catch (220-1) located on the lower side of the mounting surface (210-1). The coupling groove (220a-1) may be formed by a portion of the catch (220-1) being sunken.

[0189] In a cleaning device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when an external force is applied to the fixed assembly (100-1) in the first longitudinal direction of the extension pipe (20) while the cleaner (2) is mounted on the docking station (3), the fixed assembly (100-1) is pressed in the first longitudinal direction by the catch (220-1), so that the second extension pipe (23) can slide relative to the first extension pipe (21).

[0190] When the cleaner (2) is mounted on the docking station (3) in the cleaning device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the coupling protrusion (105-1) and the coupling groove (220a-1) can be coupled by a hook coupling method.

[0191] When the cleaner (2) is mounted on the docking station (3) in the cleaning device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the coupling protrusion (105-1) and the coupling groove (220a-1) can be coupled by a fitting coupling method.

[0192] Although the detailed description of this document has described specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of this document.

Claims

1. In the cleaning device (1), Vacuum cleaner (2); and A docking station (3) to which the above cleaner (2) is detachably coupled, comprising a docking station (3) configured to charge the cleaner (2) when the cleaner (2) is coupled to the docking station (3), The above vacuum cleaner (2) is, An extension pipe (20) including a first extension pipe (21) and a second extension pipe (23) formed to surround the outside of the first extension pipe (21) and arranged to be slidable in the longitudinal direction of the first extension pipe (21); and A fixed assembly (100) comprising a ring housing (101, 102) arranged along the circumference of the second extension pipe (23), a guide portion (110) fixed to the second extension pipe (23) and configured to slide with respect to the first extension pipe (21) together with the second extension pipe (23), and a protruding portion (105, 106) protruding from the ring housing (101, 102), The above docking station (3) is When the above cleaner (2) is mounted on the above docking station (3), it includes a mounting portion (200) on which the above fixed assembly (100) is mounted, A cleaning device (1) configured such that when an external force is applied to the fixed assembly (100) in the first longitudinal direction of the extension pipe (20) while the cleaner (2) is mounted on the docking station (3), the second extension pipe (23) slides relative to the first extension pipe (21) so that the length of the extension pipe (20) changes.

2. In paragraph 1, The above-mentioned fixing part (200) is a cleaning device (1) including a fixing surface (210) that the fixed assembly (100) comes into contact with when the cleaner (2) is mounted, and a first catch (220) located on the lower side of the fixing surface (210).

3. In paragraph 2, A cleaning device (1), wherein when an external force is applied to the fixed assembly (100) in the first longitudinal direction while the cleaner (2) is mounted on the docking station (3), the fixed assembly (100) is pressed in the first longitudinal direction by the first catch (220), and the second extension pipe (23) slides relative to the first extension pipe (21).

4. In paragraph 2 or 3, The above-mentioned settling surface (210) includes a first region (211) and a second region (212) and a third region (213) which are respectively arranged on both sides of the first region (211) and which are in contact with the protruding portions (105, 106) included in the fixed assembly (100), respectively, in a cleaning device (1).

5. In paragraph 2, The above-mentioned fixing member (200) is a cleaning device (1) including a first support member (232) and a second support member (233) which are respectively positioned on both sides of the catch (220) and each have a predetermined height.

6. In paragraph 5, The cleaning device (1) wherein the height of the first support member (232) and the second support member (233) is relatively lower than the height of the protruding portion (105, 106).

7. In paragraph 4, The above-mentioned fixing part (200) is a cleaning device (1) including a magnetic member (261, 263) arranged on the back surface of the second region (212) and the third region (213), respectively.

8. In paragraph 1, The above fixed assembly (100) is a cleaning device (1) including a metal member (105a) placed in a part of the protruding portion (105, 106).

9. In paragraph 8, When the above fixed assembly (100) is mounted on the mounting portion (200), the metal member (105a) is attached to the mounting portion (200) by magnetic force with the magnetic member (261, 263) included in the mounting portion (200), a cleaning device (1).

10. In paragraph 2, The above-mentioned mounting portion (200) includes a second catch (240) located on the upper side of the above-mentioned mounting surface (210), A cleaning device (1), wherein when an external force is applied to the fixed assembly (100) in a second longitudinal direction opposite to the first longitudinal direction while the cleaner (2) is mounted on the docking station (3), the fixed assembly (100) is pressed in the second longitudinal direction by the second catch (240), and the second extension pipe (23) slides relative to the first extension pipe (21).

11. In the cleaning device (1), A cleaner (2) and a docking station (3) to which the cleaner (2) is detachably coupled, comprising a docking station (3) configured to charge the cleaner (2) when the cleaner (2) is coupled to the docking station (3), The above vacuum cleaner (2) is, An extension pipe (20) including a first extension pipe (21) and a second extension pipe (23) formed to surround the outside of the first extension pipe (21) and arranged to be slidable in the longitudinal direction of the first extension pipe (21); and It includes a fixed assembly (100-1) including a ring housing (101-1, 102-1) arranged along the circumference of the second extension pipe (23) and a guide part (110-1) fixed to the second extension pipe (23) and configured to slide with respect to the first extension pipe (21) together with the second extension pipe (23). The above docking station (3) is When the above cleaner (2) is mounted on the above docking station (3), it includes a mounting portion (200-1) on which the above fixed assembly (100-1) is mounted, A cleaning device (1), in which, when the above cleaner (2) is mounted on the above docking station (3), a coupling protrusion (105-1) protruding from the above fixed assembly (100-1) is coupled to a coupling groove (220a-1) located on the lower side of the above mounting portion (200-1).

12. In paragraph 11, The above-mentioned mounting portion (200-1) includes a mounting surface (210-1) that the fixed assembly (100-1) comes into contact with when the cleaner (2) is mounted on the docking station (3), and a catch (220-1) located on the lower side of the mounting surface (210-1). The above-mentioned joining groove (220a-1) is formed by a part of the above-mentioned catch (220-1) being sunken, and is a cleaning device (1).

13. In paragraph 12, A cleaning device (1), wherein when an external force is applied to the fixed assembly (100-1) in the first longitudinal direction of the extension pipe (20) while the cleaner (2) is mounted on the docking station (3), the fixed assembly (100-1) is pressed in the first longitudinal direction by the catch (220-1), and the second extension pipe (23) slides relative to the first extension pipe (21).

14. In paragraph 11, A cleaning device (1) in which, when the above cleaner (2) is mounted on the above docking station (3), the above coupling protrusion (105-1) and the above coupling groove (220a-1) are coupled by a hook coupling method.

15. In paragraph 11, A cleaning device (1) in which, when the above cleaner (2) is mounted on the above docking station (3), the above coupling protrusion (105-1) and the above coupling groove (220a-1) are coupled by a fitting coupling method.

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