Cleaner, cleaner station, and cleaner system comprising same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cleaner, a cleaner station, and a cleaner system including same. The cleaner comprises: a body housing having a suction part in which a suction flow path is formed; a suction motor configured to generate a suction force for drawing air into the suction flow path; a motor housing provided in the body housing and having the suction motor disposed therein; a dust separation part for separating dust from the air introduced through the suction part; and a flow path switching valve for establishing or blocking communication between the inner space of the motor housing and the dust separation part.

Description

Vacuum cleaner, vacuum cleaner station, and vacuum cleaner system including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner, a vacuum cleaner station, and a vacuum cleaner system, and more specifically, to a vacuum cleaner, a vacuum cleaner station, and a vacuum cleaner system capable of collecting dust from a vacuum cleaner's dust bin in a vacuum cleaner station using a suction motor provided in the vacuum cleaner.

[0002] Generally, a vacuum cleaner is a home appliance that uses electricity to suck up air to collect small debris or dust and fill it into a dust bin inside the product, and it is commonly referred to as a vacuum cleaner.

[0003] These vacuum cleaners can be classified into manual vacuum cleaners, which are used for cleaning by moving the vacuum cleaner directly, and automatic vacuum cleaners, which are used for cleaning by driving on their own. Manual vacuum cleaners can be classified into canister-type vacuum cleaners, upright vacuum cleaners, handheld vacuum cleaners, and stick-type vacuum cleaners, depending on the form of the vacuum cleaner.

[0004] In the past, canister-type vacuum cleaners were widely used for household use, but recently, handheld and stick vacuum cleaners, which offer improved convenience by providing the dust bin and the main body as a single unit, are becoming increasingly popular.

[0005] Canister-type vacuum cleaners have the main body and the suction nozzle connected by a rubber hose or pipe, and depending on the situation, a brush can be attached to the nozzle for use.

[0006] Hand vacuum cleaners maximize portability; although lightweight, their short length may limit the cleaning area when sitting. Therefore, they are used to clean localized areas such as desks, sofas, or inside cars.

[0007] Stick vacuums can be used while standing, allowing for cleaning without bending over. This makes them advantageous for cleaning large areas. While handheld vacuums are used for cleaning narrow spaces, stick vacuums can clean larger areas and reach high places that are out of reach. Recently, stick vacuums are also being offered in modular types, allowing users to actively switch between different types of vacuums for various tasks.

[0008] However, conventional handheld vacuum cleaners and stick vacuum cleaners had the inconvenience of requiring users to empty the dust bin every time because the capacity of the dust bin for storing collected dust was small.

[0009] In addition, there was a problem where dust would scatter when the dustbin was emptied, causing harmful effects to the user's health.

[0010] In addition, there was a problem where the vacuum cleaner's suction power was reduced if residual dust in the dustbin was not removed.

[0011] In addition, there was a problem where an unpleasant odor occurred due to residue if the remaining dust in the dustbin was not removed.

[0012] To solve this problem, International Public Patent WO 2023 / 214166A1 discloses a docking station that collects dust stored in the dustbin of a vacuum cleaner.

[0013] The above docking station is equipped with an intermediate chamber that guides dust stored in a dust bin to a dust bag, and a hole is formed on the intermediate chamber.

[0014] Accordingly, when the vacuum cleaner's dust bin is opened, the dust falls downward due to gravity and can be stored in the dust bag.

[0015] On the other hand, multiple holes are formed along the circumference on the outer side of the dust bin, so when the suction motor operates, external air is drawn in and creates cyclone flow inside the dust bin.

[0016] Meanwhile, when the suction motor operates while the dustbin is connected to the docking station, air from the outside of the dust bag is sucked in through the hole in the middle chamber of the docking station and drawn into the vacuum cleaner's dustbin.

[0017] However, in the case of the docking station described above, while dust can be emptied by gravity, the dust collection path through which dust is discharged from the dust bin to the docking station and the exhaust path through which air inside the docking station is discharged to the suction motor by the suction force of the suction motor exist in the same space. Therefore, there is a high possibility of vortices occurring inside the dust bin or chamber, and there is a limitation that dust is scattered to the outside when the dust bin and the docking station are separated.

[0018] In addition, there is a limitation in that dust remaining inside the intermediate chamber between the dust bin and the docking station can flow towards the suction motor, potentially causing it to malfunction.

[0019] The present invention was created to improve upon the problems of conventional vacuum cleaners, vacuum cleaner stations, and vacuum cleaner systems as described above, and aims to provide a vacuum cleaner, a vacuum cleaner station, and a vacuum cleaner system capable of collecting dust in the dust bin of a vacuum cleaner using a suction motor equipped in the vacuum cleaner.

[0020] In addition, the purpose is to provide a vacuum cleaner, a vacuum station, and a vacuum system that can prevent dust from scattering when the dustbin is emptied.

[0021] In addition, the purpose is to provide a vacuum cleaner, a vacuum cleaner station, and a vacuum cleaner system that, when the vacuum cleaner is combined with the vacuum cleaner station, opens the discharge cover of the vacuum cleaner and switches the airflow path inside the vacuum cleaner.

[0022] In addition, the purpose is to provide a vacuum cleaner station and a method for controlling the vacuum cleaner station that can provide user convenience by allowing dust inside the dustbin to be removed without separate operation by the user.

[0023] In addition, the purpose is to provide a vacuum cleaner station and a method for controlling the vacuum cleaner station that can eliminate odors caused by residue by ensuring that no residual dust remains in the dustbin.

[0024] The problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned objectives will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0025] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention may include a main body housing having a suction part having a suction path formed therein, a suction motor that generates a suction force for sucking air into the suction path, a motor housing provided in the main body housing and having the suction motor disposed inside, a dust separation part that separates dust from the air introduced through the suction part, and a path switching valve that communicates or blocks the internal space of the motor housing and the dust separation part.

[0026] It further includes a pre-filter disposed inside the main body housing to filter air passing through the dust separation unit and a HEPA filter disposed inside the motor housing to filter air passing through the suction motor, and the flow path switching valve may be disposed to surround the pre-filter.

[0027] The device further includes a dust bin for storing dust separated through the dust separation unit; wherein the main body housing has the dust bin coupled to one side and the motor housing disposed on the other side, and the flow path switching valve disposed inside.

[0028] The above Euro switching valve may include a valve body having at least one opening that surrounds the outlet of the dust separation unit, and a valve body that opens and closes the opening.

[0029] The above main body housing may be provided with an air intake formed to allow external air to enter, and a flow path switching door for opening and closing the air intake.

[0030] The above-mentioned Euro switching door can operate in conjunction with the Euro switching valve such that the Euro switching valve closes when the above-mentioned Euro switching door is opened and the Euro switching valve opens when the above-mentioned Euro switching door is closed.

[0031] The above-mentioned Euro switching door includes a door body rotatably installed around a hinge portion in the main body housing and a driving portion provided on the inner side of the door body, and the above-mentioned Euro switching valve may include a valve body that surrounds the outlet of the dust separation portion and has at least one opening, a valve body that surrounds the valve body and is rotatably arranged to open and close the opening, and a driven portion provided on the outer side of the valve body and engaged with the driving portion.

[0032] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the vacuum cleaner station according to the present invention may include a mounting portion having a seating portion to which a dust bin of the vacuum cleaner is coupled, a dust collection portion provided in the mounting portion and which collects dust from the dust bin, and an exhaust passage portion disposed within the mounting portion and which connects the dust collection portion to the interior of the vacuum cleaner when the vacuum cleaner is coupled to the mounting portion.

[0033] It may further include a dust collection channel connecting the internal space of the dust bin and the dust collection unit, and a vacuum cleaner station exhaust channel formed in the exhaust channel to guide the air that has passed through the dust collection unit to the suction motor of the vacuum cleaner.

[0034] The above mounting part may be provided with a discharge cover opening part that presses a lever to open the discharge cover of the dust bin when the dust bin is coupled.

[0035] The above vacuum cleaner includes a main body housing having an air intake port into which external air is introduced, and the exhaust passage may have one end connected to the dust collection unit and the other end open or connected to the air intake port.

[0036] The above vacuum cleaner further includes a flow path switching door that opens and closes an air intake port into which external air is introduced; and the mounting part may have a door opening part that opens the flow path switching door by pressing an operating part of the flow path switching door when the dust bin is coupled.

[0037] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the vacuum cleaner system according to the present invention may include a vacuum cleaner comprising a main body housing having a suction section having a suction path formed therein, a suction motor generating a suction force for sucking air along the suction section, a dust separation section separating dust from the air introduced through the suction section, a dust bin storing the dust separated through the dust separation section, and a vacuum cleaner exhaust path for discharging air that has passed through the suction motor to the outside of the main body housing, and a mounting section having a seating section to which the dust bin is coupled, a dust collection section for collecting dust from the dust bin, and a vacuum cleaner station including a vacuum cleaner station exhaust path for guiding air that has passed through the dust collection section into the internal space of the main body housing.

[0038] The air passing through the exhaust passage of the vacuum cleaner station can be discharged to the outside by passing through a HEPA filter placed inside the vacuum cleaner.

[0039] The above vacuum cleaner may further include a path switching unit that connects the dust separation unit or the vacuum cleaner station exhaust path to the vacuum cleaner exhaust path.

[0040] The above-described Euro switching unit may include a Euro switching door that opens and closes an air intake formed in the main body housing, and a Euro switching valve that opens and closes the outlet of the dust separation unit in conjunction with the Euro switching door.

[0041] The above-mentioned Euro switching valve can be opened when the above-mentioned Euro switching door is closed to guide air passing through the dust separation unit into the vacuum cleaner exhaust path, and can be closed when the above-mentioned Euro switching door is opened to guide air in the above-mentioned suction path into the vacuum cleaner station.

[0042] The above main body housing may be provided with an air intake formed to connect the internal space and the exhaust path of the vacuum cleaner station when the vacuum cleaner and the vacuum cleaner station are combined.

[0043] The above vacuum cleaner further includes a HEPA filter disposed inside the motor housing to filter air passing through the suction motor, and air passing through the vacuum cleaner station exhaust path can pass through the HEPA filter and be discharged to the outside.

[0044] The above vacuum cleaner may further include a pre-filter disposed inside the main body housing to filter air passing through the dust separation unit, and a flow path switching valve that opens and closes between the main body housing and the pre-filter.

[0045] Other specific details of the present invention are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0046] According to the vacuum cleaner, vacuum cleaner station, and vacuum cleaner system including the same of the present invention as described above, one or more of the following effects are provided.

[0047] According to the present invention, there is an effect of eliminating the inconvenience of the user having to empty the dustbin every time.

[0048] In addition, when the dustbin is emptied, the dust inside is sucked into the vacuum cleaner station, which is effective in preventing dust from scattering.

[0049] In addition, since dust inside the vacuum cleaner's dustbin can be removed by operating the vacuum cleaner's suction motor without requiring a separate motor in the vacuum cleaner station, it offers the effect of providing user convenience.

[0050] In addition, when the vacuum cleaner is placed on the vacuum cleaner station, it has the effect of allowing the dust bin's discharge cover to be opened.

[0051] In addition, when the vacuum cleaner is placed on the vacuum cleaner station, the internal space of the vacuum cleaner's main body housing is connected to the vacuum cleaner station's airflow path.

[0052] In addition, when the vacuum cleaner is placed on the vacuum cleaner station, the airflow path inside the vacuum cleaner is switched, effectively blocking the airflow path connecting the internal space of the vacuum cleaner's main housing to the cyclone, and connecting the airflow path connecting the internal space of the main housing to the vacuum cleaner station.

[0053] In addition, it is effective in eliminating unpleasant odors caused by residue by ensuring that no residual dust remains inside the dustbin.

[0054] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description in the claims.

[0055] FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of a vacuum cleaner system composed of a vacuum cleaner station and a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Fig. 4 is a front view of Fig. 3.

[0058] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 5.

[0060] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the airflow when the suction motor in Figure 6 is operated.

[0061] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a Euro switching unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] FIGS. 9 and FIGS. 10 are cross-sectional perspective views for explaining the operation of a Euro switching unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] FIGS. 11 and FIGS. 12 are cross-sectional views illustrating the operation of a Euro switching unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner system composed of a vacuum cleaner station and a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner system composed of a vacuum cleaner station and a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating the airflow when the suction motor is operated in the cross-sectional perspective view of Figure 14.

[0067] FIGS. 16 and 17 are perspective views of a vacuum cleaner system composed of a vacuum cleaner station and a vacuum cleaner according to another embodiment.

[0068] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0069] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may have various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. This is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, and should be interpreted to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0070] In describing the present invention, terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components may not be limited by said terms. Such terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component.

[0071] The term "and / or" may include a combination of multiple related listed items or any of the multiple related listed items.

[0072] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it can be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it can be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0073] The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. Singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0074] In this application, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not excluding in advance the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0075] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries may be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and may not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0076] In addition, the following embodiments are provided to explain more completely to those with average knowledge in the industry, and the shapes and sizes of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clearer explanation.

[0077]

[0078] FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2 show a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner system composed of a vacuum cleaner station and a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2, a vacuum cleaner system (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is described as follows.

[0080] A vacuum cleaner system (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a vacuum cleaner station (100) and a vacuum cleaner (200).

[0081] At this time, a vacuum cleaner (200) can be mounted on the vacuum cleaner station (100). Specifically, a dust bin (220) of the vacuum cleaner (200) can be attached to the vacuum cleaner station (100). At this time, the internal space of the dust bin (220) can be connected to a passage formed in the vacuum cleaner station (100). In addition, the passage formed in the vacuum cleaner station (100) can be connected to the internal space of the main body mounting part (110) of the vacuum cleaner (200). Accordingly, when the suction motor (216) of the vacuum cleaner (200) is operated, the vacuum cleaner station (100) can collect dust from the dust bin (220).

[0082] Meanwhile, FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 shows a front view of FIG. 3.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a vacuum cleaner station (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention is described as follows.

[0084] A vacuum cleaner (200) can be attached to the vacuum cleaner station (100). Specifically, a dust bin (220) of the vacuum cleaner (200) can be attached to the vacuum cleaner station (100).

[0085] The vacuum cleaner station (100) may include a mounting portion (110). The mounting portion (110) may form the exterior of the vacuum cleaner station (100).

[0086] The mounting portion (110) may be positioned so as to be spaced apart from the floor by a predetermined height and installed at a predetermined height. For example, the mounting portion (110) may be formed in the shape of a rectangular prism, and the surface facing the bottom surface of the mounting portion (110) may be called the lower surface, and the surface positioned on the opposite side of the lower surface may be called the upper surface. Also, the direction in which the main body seating portion (113) is positioned relative to the extension tube insertion portion (114) of the mounting portion (110) may be defined as the left side, and the direction in which the dust bin seating portion (112) is positioned relative to the extension tube insertion portion (114) may be defined as the right side. Additionally, the rear surface of the mounting portion (110) may be a wall fixing portion (118), and a part of the front surface may be formed as a depression to provide the seating portion (112, 113) and the extension tube insertion portion (114).

[0087] The mounting portion (110) is provided with a seating portion (112, 113) on which at least a part of the vacuum cleaner (200) is mounted, and at least one of the main body housing (211), dust bin (220), vacuum cleaner main body (210) including the same, and extension tube (250) of the vacuum cleaner (200) may be mounted.

[0088] These mounting portions (112, 113) are formed by opening a part of the mounting portion (110) forward and upward, and may include a dust bin mounting portion (112) and a main body mounting portion (113).

[0089] The main body mounting portion (113) is provided to allow the main body housing (211) to be mounted and may be formed to surround at least a portion of the main body housing (211). The main body mounting portion (113) may be provided with a vacuum cleaner station exhaust port (113b) connected to the other end of the exhaust flow path portion (117) to be described later. The vacuum cleaner station exhaust port (113b) may be connected to the air intake port (211a) of the vacuum cleaner (200) when the main body housing (211) is mounted on the main body mounting portion (113). A hollow sealer is disposed around the vacuum cleaner station exhaust port (113b) so that the space between it and the main body housing (211) can be sealed when connected to the air intake port (211a).

[0090] Additionally, the main body mounting portion (113) can open the Euro switching door (231), which will be described later, when the main body housing (211) is mounted. The main body mounting portion (113) may be provided with a door opening portion (113a) that presses the Euro switching door (231) when the main body housing (211) is mounted, and the door opening portion (113a) may be positioned adjacent to the vacuum cleaner station exhaust port (113b). Specifically, the door opening portion (113a) may be provided in the form of a protrusion and may be provided at a position spaced forward or backward from the vacuum cleaner station exhaust port (113b) to press the operating portion (231f) of the door body (231a).

[0091] The dustbin seating portion (112) is provided to allow the dustbin (220) to be seated and may be formed to surround at least a portion of the dustbin (220). The dustbin seating portion (112) may open the discharge cover (222) when the dustbin (220) is seated on the dustbin seating portion (112). The dustbin seating portion (112) may be provided with a discharge cover opening portion (112a) that presses the lever of the dustbin (220) when the dustbin (220) is seated. The discharge cover opening portion (112a) may be provided in the form of a protrusion and may be positioned in the center of the front-rear direction of the dustbin seating portion (112), adjacent to the dustbin connecting portion (111).

[0092] Accordingly, according to the present invention, the discharge cover (222) of the dust bin (220) and the flow path switching door (231) can be automatically opened by simply attaching the vacuum cleaner (200) to the mounting portion (112, 113).

[0093] In particular, there is an advantage that the dust bin (220) and the air intake (211a) can be automatically opened by the physical force with which the user connects the vacuum cleaner (200) without a special driving device.

[0094] As the main body mounting portion (113) and the dust bin mounting portion (112) each have a curved surface corresponding to the outer surface of the main body housing (211) and the dust bin (220), the main body housing (211) and the dust bin (220) can be mounted and positioned.

[0095] Additionally, the mounting portion (110) may be provided with an extension tube insertion portion (114). The extension tube insertion portion (114) is positioned between the main body mounting portion (113) and the dust bin mounting portion (112), and at least a portion of the suction portion (212) and the extension tube (250) may be inserted therein.

[0096] An extension tube insertion part (114) is positioned on the left side of the main body mounting part (113), a dust bin mounting part (112) is positioned on the left side of the extension tube insertion part (114), and a dust bin connection part (111) can be positioned on the left side of the dust bin mounting part (112).

[0097] A dust bin connection part (111) is provided to connect the dust bin (220) and the dust collection part (120), and a dust collection path (116) is arranged inside to connect the internal space of the dust bin (220) and the dust collection part (120). One side of this dust bin connection part (111) adjacent to the dust bin seating part (112) may support at least a portion of the lower surface of the vacuum cleaner (200) and may be a battery support part (111b) that supports at least a portion of the battery (240). The battery support part (111b) refers to the right side of the dust bin connection part (111) and may be a flat plane positioned perpendicular to the floor surface. This battery support (111b) supports at least a portion of the battery (240) when the vacuum cleaner (200) is mounted on the vacuum cleaner station (100), and can close the discharge cover (222) that was open when the vacuum cleaner (200) is detached from the vacuum cleaner station (100).

[0098] The dust bin connection part (111) may be provided with a dust bin hole (111a) connected to the dust bin (220). The dust bin hole (111a) may be formed in a circular shape corresponding to the lower surface of the dust bin (220) so that a discharge cover (222) can be inserted, and the discharge cover (222) can be inserted when the dust bin (220) is opened. Additionally, the dust bin hole (111a) may be connected to a dust collection path (116).

[0099] Additionally, the dustbin connection part (111) can support at least a portion of the battery (240) and can be connected to the dustbin (220) by pressing the discharge cover (222) when the vacuum cleaner (200) is lifted from the vacuum cleaner station (100). That is, when the vacuum cleaner (200) is connected to the vacuum cleaner station (100), the discharge cover (222) is opened and placed in the dustbin hole (111a), and when separated from the vacuum cleaner station (100), the discharge cover (222) can be connected to the dustbin (220) while being supported by the battery support part (111b) of the dustbin connection part (111).

[0100] Accordingly, the vacuum cleaner (200) can be fixed and mounted in the front-rear and left-right directions on the vacuum cleaner station (100) as the extension tube (250) is inserted into the extension tube insertion part (114) and the main body housing (211) and dust bin (220) are mounted on the main body mounting part (113) and dust bin mounting part (112), respectively, according to gravity. Then, when the vacuum cleaner (200) is mounted on the vacuum cleaner station (100), one side of the battery (240) supports the dust bin connection part (111), the dust bin (220) is opened, and the internal space of the dust bin (220) can be connected to the dust passage hole (232ba).

[0101] According to this configuration, the vacuum cleaner (200) can be mounted on the vacuum cleaner station (100) with the suction part (212) facing the floor surface. The vacuum cleaner (200) is coupled to the vacuum cleaner station (100) by having a part of the main body housing (211) and the dust bin (220) mounted on the main body mounting part (113) and the dust bin mounting part (112), respectively, and by inserting the suction part (212) and the extension tube (250) into the extension tube insertion part (114). Additionally, based on the state in which the vacuum cleaner (200) is mounted on the vacuum cleaner station (100), the handle (218) can be positioned on the side opposite to the direction of gravity of the vacuum cleaner main body (210), and the suction part (212) can be positioned in the direction of gravity of the vacuum cleaner main body (210). Additionally, the vacuum cleaner (200) can be positioned such that the motor housing (217) is positioned above the vacuum cleaner body (210) and exposed to the outside of the mounting portion (110), based on the state in which it is mounted on the vacuum cleaner station (100).

[0102] Additionally, the vacuum cleaner station (100) can be combined with the vacuum cleaner (200) when the vacuum cleaner (200) moves downward and lands on the seating portion (112, 113) while the extension tube (250) is partially inserted into the extension tube insertion portion (114).

[0103] Meanwhile, the mounting portion (110) may be provided with a dust collection portion (120), and the dust collection portion (120) may be detachably coupled. The mounting portion (110) may be provided with a dust collection portion coupling portion (115) to which the dust collection portion (120) is detachably coupled.

[0104] The dust collection unit coupling part (115) may be positioned below the dust bin connection part (111) and may be provided with a dust collection unit inlet (115a) connected to the inlet (122) of the dust collection unit (120). Referring to FIG. 15, when the dust collection unit (120) is coupled to the dust collection unit coupling part (115), the inlet (122) may be formed to be open in a shape corresponding to the dust collection unit inlet (115a).

[0105] The dust collection unit connection part (115) provides a space to which a rectangular dust collection unit (120) is connected, and the internal space of the dust bin connection part (111) can be opened through the dust collection unit inlet (115a).

[0106] The dust collection unit (120) is positioned below the dust container connection unit (111) and can collect dust from the dust container (220). Specifically, the dust collection unit (120) can be fitted and connected to the dust collection unit coupling unit (115) of the mounting unit (110), and can be separated from the mounting unit (110) to empty the stored dust.

[0107] The dust collection unit (120) is provided in the form of a closed container housing (121) to provide a dust collection space inside, and may be equipped with an inlet (122) connected to a dust bin (220) and an outlet (123) connected to a vacuum cleaner station exhaust path (117a). Additionally, a dust collection cyclone (124) may be placed in the dust collection space.

[0108] The dust collection section (120) may be configured to include at least a portion of the dust collection path (116). For example, the dust collection path (116) may be configured to pass through the dust container hole (111a) of the dust container connection section (111), the internal space of the dust container connection section (111), the dust collection section inlet (115a), and the inlet (122), then pass through the dust collection cyclone (124), and be connected from the dust collection cyclone (124) to the outlet (123).

[0109] And, dust from the dust bin (220) can be primarily collected in the dust storage space (126) of the dust collection unit (120) by gravity after passing through the internal space of the dust bin connection part (111), the dust collection unit inlet (115a), and the inlet (122), and can be secondarily collected inside the dust collection cyclone (124) by passing through the dust collection cyclone (124). Air that has passed through the dust collection cyclone (124) can be guided to the vacuum cleaner station exhaust path (117a) through the outlet (123). Here, the dust storage space (126) may refer to the space within the internal space of the dust collection unit (120) excluding the space where the dust collection cyclone (124) is placed.

[0110] This dust collection unit (120) may be provided with a dust collection unit handle (125) on the outside to provide convenience to the user. The dust collection unit handle (125) may be placed on one of the remaining surfaces excluding the surface covered by the mounting unit (110) of the dust collection unit (120), and, for example, may be placed on the outer left side of the dust collection unit (120).

[0111] The dust collection unit (120) has a dust collection cyclone (124) placed inside, and a dust collection cyclone (124) may be placed at the left rear. The outlet of the dust collection cyclone (124) may be connected to the end of the exhaust flow path unit (117) through the outlet (123).

[0112] The vacuum cleaner station (100) includes an exhaust passage (117). By having the exhaust passage (117), the vacuum cleaner station (100) is connected to the internal space of the vacuum cleaner body (210), and dust can be collected from the dust bin (220) using a suction motor (216).

[0113] This exhaust passage section (117) is formed in the shape of a pipe, and a vacuum cleaner station exhaust passage (117a) may be formed inside. The exhaust passage section (117) is positioned inside the mounting section (110) and can guide air that has passed through the dust collection section (120) into the interior of the vacuum cleaner (200). Specifically, the exhaust passage section (117) provides a vacuum cleaner station exhaust passage (117a) through which air that has passed through the dust collection section (120) flows into the main body housing (211). The vacuum cleaner station exhaust passage (117a) is formed in the exhaust passage section (117) and guides the air that has passed through the dust collection section (120) to the suction motor (216) of the vacuum cleaner (200).

[0114] Referring to FIG. 14, one end of the exhaust passage (117) is connected to the dust collection section (120) and the other end is opened through the vacuum cleaner station exhaust port (113b), and when the vacuum cleaner (200) is mounted on the vacuum cleaner station (100), it can be connected to the air intake port (211a) of the vacuum cleaner (200). The exhaust passage (117) passes behind the extension pipe insertion section (114) and is connected to the vacuum cleaner station exhaust port (113b). Additionally, when the passage switching door (231) is opened, a part of the door body (231a) can be inserted into the other end of the exhaust passage (117).

[0115] In this way, the exhaust flow path (117) can be formed in a shape that is bent at least once. The exhaust flow path (117) is formed in a shape that extends to the right from the outlet (123) of the dust collection section (120) and is then bent forward, and after being bent forward and extended, is bent upward and connected to the vacuum cleaner station exhaust port (113b). Through this, dust collected from the dust bin (220) can be prevented from escaping to the outside.

[0116] Meanwhile, the vacuum cleaner station (100) further includes a base (130) and a support (140).

[0117] The base (130) is positioned at the lowest side of the vacuum cleaner system (1) and can support the vacuum cleaner system (1) as a whole.

[0118] At this time, the base (130) is positioned to face the floor and can support the vacuum cleaner station (100) by contacting the floor. Here, the floor can refer to the ground outside as well as the floor surface of each floor inside a building.

[0119] Meanwhile, the base (130) can be positioned parallel to the floor, or it can be positioned at an angle to the floor. With such a configuration, there is an advantage in that the overall weight can be balanced even when the vacuum cleaner (200) is attached to the vacuum cleaner station (100). For example, the base (130) may be a rectangular or elliptical plate.

[0120] A support member (140) is provided to position the mounting member (110) at a preset height and can be arranged along the vertical direction between the base (130) and the mounting member (110). The upper end of the support member (140) may be connected to the lower surface of the mounting member (110) and the lower end may be connected to the upper surface of the base (130). Additionally, the support member (140) may be provided to be adjustable in length and to adjust the height of the mounting member (110).

[0121] Meanwhile, FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner body according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 shows a diagram illustrating the airflow when the suction motor in FIG. 6 is operated.

[0122] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, a vacuum cleaner (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention is described as follows.

[0123] The vacuum cleaner (200) may refer to a vacuum cleaner that is manually operated by the user. For example, the vacuum cleaner (200) may refer to a handheld vacuum cleaner or a stick vacuum cleaner.

[0124] Meanwhile, in an embodiment of the present invention, the direction of the vacuum cleaner (200) can be defined based on when the bottom surface (lower side) of the battery (240) is placed on the ground.

[0125] At this time, the front refers to the direction in which the suction part (212) is positioned relative to the main body housing (211), and the rear refers to the opposite direction of the front. Also, when looking at the suction part (212) from the main body housing (211), the direction positioned to the right may be called the right, and the direction positioned to the left may be called the left. Furthermore, in an embodiment of the present invention, the upper and lower sides may be defined along a direction perpendicular to the ground based on when the bottom surface (lower side) of the battery (240) is placed on the ground.

[0126] The vacuum cleaner (200) may include a vacuum cleaner body (210). The vacuum cleaner body (210) may include a body housing (211), a suction part (212), a dust separation part (213), a pre-filter (214), a HEPA filter (215), a suction motor (216), a motor housing (217), and a handle (218).

[0127] The main body housing (211) can form the exterior of the vacuum cleaner (200). The main body housing (211) can provide space to accommodate the suction motor (216) and the filter inside. The main body housing (211) can be configured in a shape similar to a cylinder.

[0128] Specifically, a suction motor (216) may be disposed inside the main body housing (211). For example, a motor housing (217) may be disposed inside the main body housing (211), and a suction motor (216) may be disposed inside the motor housing (217).

[0129] An air intake port (211a) may be formed in the main body housing (211). External air may be introduced into the main body housing (211) through the air intake port (211a). The air introduced through the air intake port (211a) may flow through the main body housing (211) and be introduced into the suction motor (216).

[0130] With the vacuum cleaner (200) coupled to the vacuum cleaner station (100), the air intake (211a) may be positioned facing the vacuum cleaner station exhaust (113b). Additionally, with the vacuum cleaner (200) coupled to the vacuum cleaner station (100), a sealer may be positioned between the circumference of the air intake (211a) and the circumference of the vacuum cleaner station exhaust (113b) to provide a sealing function, and the sealer may be installed on the air intake (211a) or the vacuum cleaner station exhaust (113b).

[0131] An exhaust port (217b) may be formed in the main body housing (211). Specifically, an exhaust port (217b) may be formed in the motor housing (217) of the main body housing (211) so that air discharged from the intake motor (216) can be discharged to the outside of the main body housing (211).

[0132] An operating unit (211b) may be disposed in the main body housing (211). The operating unit (211b) may be disposed on the outer surface of the main body housing (211). Specifically, the operating unit (211b) may be disposed on the upper surface of the main body housing (211) or, as shown in the drawing, on the rear surface of the motor housing (217). The operating unit (211b) may be composed of a plurality of buttons, and when a user presses a corresponding button, a command corresponding to that button can be executed. The user can input a command to operate or stop the vacuum cleaner (200) through the operating unit (211b).

[0133] The main body housing (211) is positioned between the main body housing (211) and the main body housing (211) in the closed state of the main body housing (232) to be described later, and can provide a connecting passage (211c) that allows air passing through the air intake (211a) to flow toward the suction motor (216). One end of the connecting passage (211c) is connected to the air intake (211a), and after passing through the space between the main body housing (211) and the main body housing (211) and the main body housing (232) from the air intake (211a), it can be connected to the internal space of the motor housing (217). When the vacuum cleaner (200) is mounted on the vacuum cleaner station (100), the connecting passage (211c) can connect the vacuum cleaner station exhaust passage (117a) to the vacuum cleaner exhaust passage (217a).

[0134] The suction part (212) is positioned at the front of the main body housing (211) and may protrude outward from the main body housing (211) and may be positioned further forward than the dust bin (220). For example, the suction part (212) may be formed in a cylindrical shape with an open interior. The suction part (212) may be coupled with an extension tube (250). The suction part (212) may provide a suction passage (212a) through which air containing dust can flow.

[0135] Meanwhile, in the vacuum cleaner (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention, the suction part (212) may be formed along a virtual line parallel to the rotation axis of the suction motor (216). That is, the arrangement direction of the suction part (212) may be arranged parallel to the rotation axis of the suction motor (216). Also, the arrangement direction of the suction part (212) may be arranged perpendicular to the axial direction of the dust bin (220).

[0136] The dust separation unit (213) may be equipped with one or more cyclones capable of separating dust by cyclone flow.

[0137] The dust separation unit (213) is configured to apply the principle of a dust collector that utilizes centrifugal force to separate dust sucked into the interior of the vacuum cleaner body (210) through the suction unit (212). That is, the dust separation unit (213) refers to a space where a cyclone flow occurs along the inner surface of the dust container (220), and the dust separation unit (213) may refer to a part of the space inside the dust container (220).

[0138] The dust separation section (213) may be in communication with the suction section (212). The dust separation section (213) may provide a dust separation channel (213a) for separating dust sucked into the interior through the suction section (212). The space inside the dust separation section (213) may be in communication with the space inside the dust bin (220).

[0139] The cyclone flow generated in the dust separation unit (213) may be due to the suction force of the suction motor (216).

[0140] The cyclone flow generated in the dust separation unit (213) can be formed in a spiral shape along the inner circumference of the dust container (220). That is, the air sucked in through the suction unit (212) flows spirally along the inner circumference of the dust container (220), thereby generating a cyclone flow in the internal space of the dust separation unit (213).

[0141] The dust separation unit (213) may include a second cyclone unit that separates dust again from the incoming air after it flows around the inner circumference of the dust container (220). That is, the second cyclone unit can filter out small dust. The dust separation flow path (213a) is a path through which air passes through the dust separation unit (213), and may include a cyclone flow flowing around the inner circumference of the dust container (220) and a flow path of the second cyclone unit generated inside the dust separation unit (213). Then, the air that has passed through the dust separation unit (213) can move upward through the outlet (213b).

[0142] At this time, the dust separation unit (213) may be located inside the dust bin (220). The dust separation unit (213) may be positioned in front of the suction motor (216).

[0143] The second cyclone section may include a plurality of cyclone bodies arranged in parallel. Accordingly, that is, the cyclone flow generated in the second cyclone section may be formed inside the cyclone bodies.

[0144] The axis of the cyclone flow generated in the dust separation unit (213) can be positioned on the central axis of the main body housing (211).

[0145] The dust separation unit (213) is fixed to the main body housing (211) and positioned so that its lower end supports the discharge cover (222) when the discharge cover (222) is closed, and its upper end can be fixed to the main body housing (211). Specifically, the dust separation unit (213) can have its upper end fixed to the lower end of the pre-filter (214) via a connecting member (219). Here, the outlet (213b) of the dust separation unit (213) may be the upper end surface of the dust separation unit (213), and may be at least a part of the upper end surface.

[0146] The connecting member (219) may be positioned between the dust separation unit (213) and the pre-filter (214). That is, the connecting member (219) may be provided on the upper side of the dust separation unit (213), and the pre-filter (214) may be provided on the upper side of the connecting member (219). Furthermore, the connecting member (219) may be formed in a hollow cylindrical shape, and its lower end may be combined with or integrally formed with the dust separation unit (213), and its upper end may be combined with or integrally formed with the pre-filter (214). Accordingly, air passing through the outlet of the dust separation unit (213) can be guided into the interior of the pre-filter (214).

[0147] Additionally, the connecting member (219) may have its upper end protrude outward in the radial direction and protrude along the circumference, and may be coupled to or integrally provided with a hollow flange formed inside the main body housing (211).

[0148] The pre-filter (214) is formed in a hollow shape, and its upper end is connected to or supported on the upper surface of the main body housing (211) so that the upper end is closed. Additionally, the lower end of the pre-filter (214) is connected to a connecting member (219) so that the internal space can be connected to the dust separation unit (213). A filter mesh is arranged along the outer circumference of the pre-filter (214) so ​​that air in the internal space can flow to the outside of the pre-filter (214) and be separated from dust.

[0149] The pre-filter (214) separates dust or foreign substances from the air passing through the dust separation unit (213) and can filter the air intended to flow into the suction motor (216). By doing so, it is possible to prevent foreign substances from entering the suction motor (216) and causing damage to the suction motor (216).

[0150] A HEPA filter (215) may be positioned adjacent to the vacuum cleaner exhaust passage (217a). Specifically, the HEPA filter (215) may be positioned inside the motor housing (217) and radially outside the suction motor (216). This HEPA filter (215) can filter the air intended to be discharged to the outside by separating foreign substances from the air passing through the suction motor (216). That is, the HEPA filter (215) is positioned on the vacuum cleaner exhaust passage (217a).

[0151] The suction motor (216) can generate a suction force to draw in air. The suction motor (216) can be housed within the motor housing (217) of the main body housing (211). The suction motor (216) can generate a suction force by rotation. For example, the suction motor (216) can be provided in a shape similar to a cylinder.

[0152] At this time, cyclone flow can be generated by the suction force of the suction motor (216).

[0153] Specifically, when the suction motor (216) is operated, the air sucked in through the suction section (212) by the suction force of the suction motor (216) can generate a cyclone flow in the dust separation section (213).

[0154] This suction motor (216) is positioned at the rear of the main body housing (211), and the drive shaft may be positioned along the front-rear direction. That is, the suction motor (216) may be positioned perpendicular to the cyclone flow axis of the dust separation unit (213).

[0155] The motor housing (217) is provided in the main body housing (211), is positioned at the rear of the main body housing (211), and may have an intake motor (216) positioned inside. Additionally, an exhaust port (217b) may be formed in the motor housing (217). An exhaust port (217b) may be formed on the outer surface of the motor housing (217). Air discharged from the intake motor (216) may be discharged to the outside of the motor housing (217) through the exhaust port (217b).

[0156] The motor housing (217) may have an operating part (211b) positioned on the rear side.

[0157] The handle (218) can be grasped by the user. For example, the handle (218) may be formed in a shape similar to a cylinder. Alternatively, the handle (218) may be formed in a curved cylinder shape. The handle (218) may be positioned at a predetermined angle with respect to the main body housing (211), the suction motor (216), or the dust separator (213).

[0158] The handle (218) is formed in a pillar shape so that a user can grasp it and may be positioned behind the main body housing (211). The upper end of the handle (218) may be connected to the motor housing (217), and the lower end of the handle (218) may be connected to the battery connection part to which the battery (240) is connected.

[0159] The vacuum cleaner (200) may include a dust bin (220). The dust bin (220) may be connected to a suction part (212). A dust separation part (213) may be disposed inside the dust bin (220). The dust bin (220) may store dust separated by the dust separation part (213).

[0160] The dustbin (220) may include a dustbin body (221), a discharge cover (222), a dustbin compression lever, and a compressor.

[0161] The dustbin body (221) can provide a space for storing dust separated from the dust separation unit (213). For example, the dustbin body (221) can be formed in a shape similar to a cylinder.

[0162] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the dustbin body (221) may be positioned perpendicular to the rotation axis of the suction motor (216). Additionally, the longitudinal direction of the dustbin body (221) may be positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the suction part (212).

[0163] The lower surface of the dustbin body (221) may be opened. A hinge portion and a lever for opening the cover may be provided on the dustbin body (221). The hinge portion may be provided at the lower rear of the dustbin body (221). Through the hinge portion, the dustbin body (221) and the discharge cover (222) may be rotatably connected. The hinge portion may provide a rotation axis for the discharge cover (222) relative to the dustbin body (221).

[0164] The lever is provided to lock or unlock the discharge cover (222) when it is closed on the lower surface of the dustbin body (221), and the discharge cover (222) can be unlocked by pressing the discharge cover opening (112a) when the vacuum cleaner (200) is mounted on the vacuum cleaner station (100). Then, the discharge cover (222) can rotate around the rotation axis of the hinge part and open the dustbin body (221). At this time, the discharge cover (222) has a spring installed in the hinge part, and when the lever is pressed, the front of the discharge cover (222) moves away from the dustbin body (221) due to the elastic force of the spring, and the dustbin body (221) can be opened.

[0165] The dustbin (220) may include a discharge cover (222). The discharge cover (222) may be positioned at the lower end of the dustbin (220).

[0166] The discharge cover (222) may be provided to open and close one end in the longitudinal direction of the dust bin body (221). Specifically, the discharge cover (222) may selectively open and close the lower end of the dust bin (220) that opens downward.

[0167] The discharge cover (222) can be formed to block the lower surface of the dustbin body (221). The discharge cover (222) can rotate forward relative to the hinge portion.

[0168] The discharge cover (222) can be connected to the dustbin body (221) via a hook connection. Meanwhile, the discharge cover (222) can be detached from the dustbin body (221) via a lever. The lever can be positioned at the lower front of the dustbin body (221). When an external force is applied, the lever can release the hook connection between the discharge cover (222) and the dustbin body (221).

[0169] The dustbin (220) may include a dustbin compression lever. The dustbin compression lever may be positioned on the outside of the dustbin (220). The dustbin compression lever may be positioned to move back and forth on the outside of the dustbin (220). The dustbin compression lever may be connected to a compressor. When the dustbin compression lever moves downward due to an external force, the compressor may also move downward together. This provides convenience for the user. The compressor and the dustbin compression lever may return to their original positions by means of an elastic member (not shown). Specifically, when the external force applied to the dustbin compression lever is removed, the elastic member may move the dustbin compression lever and the compressor backward.

[0170] The compressor can be positioned inside the dustbin body (221). The compressor can move within the internal space of the dustbin body (221). Specifically, the compressor can move back and forth within the dustbin body (221). Through this, the compressor can compress the dust inside the dustbin body (221) downwards. Additionally, when the discharge cover (222) is separated from the dustbin body (221) and the bottom of the dustbin (220) is opened, the compressor can move from the top to the bottom of the dustbin (220) to remove foreign substances, such as residual dust, inside the dustbin (220). Through this, the suction power of the vacuum cleaner can be improved by ensuring that no residual dust remains inside the dustbin (220). Furthermore, by ensuring that no residual dust remains inside the dustbin (220), the unpleasant odor caused by the residue can be removed.

[0171] The vacuum cleaner (200) may include a battery connection part. A battery (240) may be connected to the battery connection part. The battery connection part may be positioned on the lower side of the handle (218).

[0172] The battery (240) can be detached through the battery connection part.

[0173] Meanwhile, FIG. 8 shows an exploded perspective view of a flow path switching unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 show cross-sectional perspective views for explaining the operation of a flow path switching unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 show cross-sectional views for explaining the operation of a flow path switching unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner system composed of a vacuum cleaner station and a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner system composed of a vacuum cleaner station and a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 15 shows a diagram illustrating the airflow when the suction motor is operated in the cross-sectional perspective view of FIG. 14.

[0174] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 15, a vacuum cleaner (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a flow path switching unit (230). The flow path switching unit (230) can switch the path of air flowing into the suction motor (216) as the vacuum cleaner (200) is coupled to the vacuum cleaner station (100).

[0175] The Euro switching unit (230) can provide a cleaning path or a dust bin dust collection path when the suction motor (216) is operated. The Euro switching unit (230) is configured to provide a dust bin dust collection path when the vacuum cleaner (200) is mounted on the vacuum cleaner station (100) and to provide a cleaning path when the vacuum cleaner (200) is detached from the vacuum cleaner station (100).

[0176] The cleaning performance path may include a suction path (212a), a dust separation path (213a), and a vacuum cleaner exhaust path (217a), which are connected in sequence to separate dust from the air sucked in through the suction part (212) and then discharge the air to the outside. The dust bin dust collection path may include a suction path (212a), a dust collection path (116), a vacuum cleaner station exhaust path (117a), a connection path (211c), and a vacuum cleaner exhaust path (217a), which are connected in sequence to discharge the air sucked in through the suction part (212) through the exhaust port (217b) of the vacuum cleaner (200) without passing through the dust separation part (213).

[0177] This Euro switching unit (230) may include a Euro switching door (231) and a Euro switching valve (232).

[0178] The Euro switching door (231) can open and close the air intake (211a). The Euro switching door (231) can be positioned on the main body housing (211). The Euro switching door (231) can be positioned to cover the air intake (211a). That is, when the Euro switching door (231) is closed, it can block the air intake (211a) to form an exterior connected to the main body housing (211). Meanwhile, when the Euro switching door (231) is opened, the Euro switching door (231) can be moved outward from the main body housing (211) to expose the air intake (211a) to the outside.

[0179] With the vacuum cleaner (200) connected to the vacuum cleaner station (100), the Euro switching door (231) can be positioned facing the vacuum cleaner station exhaust port (113b).

[0180] An air intake port (211a) is provided in the main body housing (211) and can be formed to allow external air to be introduced. This air intake port (211a) can be provided in the part of the main body housing (211) that contacts the vacuum cleaner station (100) when the vacuum cleaner (200) is mounted on the vacuum cleaner station (100). Specifically, the air intake port (211a) can be provided at the front of the main body housing (211) and can be positioned above the suction part (212).

[0181] Additionally, a sealer (231e) may be installed in the air intake (211a) to ensure airtightness between the air intake (211a) and the air intake (231) when the air intake (231) is closed. The sealer (231e) is positioned along the perimeter of the air intake (211a) and is inserted between the air intake (211a) and the air intake (231) when the air intake (231) is closed, thereby preventing a gap from forming.

[0182] Meanwhile, the Euro switching door (231) can be opened when the vacuum cleaner (200) is connected to the vacuum cleaner station (100).

[0183] Accordingly, when the vacuum cleaner (200) is coupled to the vacuum cleaner station (100), the Euro switching door (231) can be moved toward the vacuum cleaner station exhaust port (113b) of the vacuum cleaner station (100). And, the vacuum cleaner station exhaust port (113b) and the air intake port (211a) can be connected. As a result, the vacuum cleaner station exhaust airway (117a) can be connected to the internal space of the main body housing (211) through the vacuum cleaner station exhaust port (113b) and the air intake port (211a).

[0184] This Euro switching door (231) may be configured to include a door body (231a), a hinge part (231b), a driving part (231c), and an operating part (231f).

[0185] The door body (231a) is provided to be rotatable about a hinge axis through a hinge portion (231b) on the main body housing (211) so as to be able to open and close the air intake (211a). The outer surface of the door body (231a) may form part of the exterior of the vacuum cleaner (200). Additionally, the door body (231a) may be positioned to cover at least a part of the main body housing (211), and may be provided with an insertion portion (231g) that protrudes from a part of the inner surface and is inserted into the air intake (211a) to close the air intake (211a).

[0186] The hinge portion (231b) can be installed in a hinge installation portion formed by recessing a part of the outer surface of the main body housing (211). The hinge installation portion (211d) is positioned so that the hinge portion (231b) is inserted therein, and a part of the operating portion (231f) can be inserted therein when the flow switching door (231) is opened. In particular, the flow switching door (231) is connected to the main body housing (211) via a spring hinge through the hinge portion (231b), so that it opens when an external force is applied and closes the air intake (211a) according to elastic restoration when the applied external force is removed.

[0187] The driving unit (231c) is provided on the inner side of the door body (231a) and is configured to operate the flow switching valve (232) to be described later. Specifically, the door body (231a) is formed with a protruding portion of the insertion part (231g) and is provided with a valve connection part (231c) positioned adjacent to the flow switching valve (232), and the driving unit (231c) is formed at the protruding end of the valve connection part (231c). The driving unit (231c) may be provided in the form of a gear and is configured to engage with a driven part (232bd) provided in the flow switching valve (232).

[0188] The driving part (231c) may be a part of a gear centered on the hinge axis of the hinge part (231b), and is formed at the end of the valve connecting part (231c) and arranged to engage with the driven part (232bd).

[0189] The operating part (231f) is positioned on the opposite side of the insertion part (231g) with respect to the hinge part (231b) on the door body (231a), and is configured so that the door body (231a) rotates around the hinge part (231b) when an external force is applied. That is, the hinge part (231b) can be positioned between the insertion part (231g) and the operating part (231f). Additionally, the operating part (231f) is positioned at a location corresponding to the hinge installation part (211d), so that when the vacuum cleaner (200) is mounted on the vacuum cleaner station (100) and pressed against the door opening part (113a), a part of it is inserted into the inside of the hinge installation part (211d), allowing the door body (231a) to rotate.

[0190] The flow switching valve (232) may be configured to open or close the outlet (213b) of the dust separation unit (213). Accordingly, the flow switching valve (232) may operate to connect or block the internal space of the motor housing (217) and the dust separation unit (213). Additionally, the flow switching valve (232) may operate to connect or block the outlet (213b) of the dust separation unit (213) with the internal space of the main body housing (211), and may operate to connect or block the space between the main body housing (211) and the pre-filter (214) with the internal space of the pre-filter (214).

[0191] This Euro switching valve (232) is positioned inside the main body housing (211), and the main body housing (211) may have a dust bin (220) attached to one side and a motor housing (217) positioned on the other side. That is, the Euro switching valve (232) can operate to connect or block the internal space of the dust bin (220) and the internal space of the motor housing (217).

[0192] The Euro switching valve (232) may be positioned inside the main body housing (211) to surround the pre-filter (214) and may be positioned above the dust separation section (213). Additionally, the Euro switching valve (232) may operate in conjunction with the Euro switching door (231) and may be configured to include a valve body (232a) and a valve body (232b).

[0193] The valve body (232a) is fixedly installed in the main body housing (211) and is formed in a hollow shape that surrounds the pre-filter (214), so that the upper end is fixed to the main body housing (211) and closed, and the lower end can be fixed to the connecting member (219).

[0194] The valve body (232a) may have at least one opening (232aa) formed by penetrating the outer surface and the inner surface. For example, as shown in the drawing, the opening (232aa) may be arranged along the axial direction and provided in multiple numbers, which may be spaced at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the valve body (232a).

[0195] Additionally, the valve body (232b) is provided to open and close the opening (232aa). The valve body (232b) operates in conjunction with the flow path switching door (231) and can open and close the opening (232aa) according to the operation. Specifically, the valve body (232b) is formed in a hollow shape that surrounds the valve body (232a), and a through hole (232ba) formed in a shape corresponding to the opening (232aa) may be provided at a position corresponding to the opening (232aa). As the valve body (232b) rotates, the through hole (232ba) aligns with the opening (232aa) to open the flow path switching valve (232), and the part where the through hole (232ba) is not formed covers the opening (232aa) to close the flow path switching valve (232).

[0196] The valve body (232b) may be provided with a stopper (232bb) so that it can rotate only at an angle that opens or closes the opening (232aa). The valve body (232b) may limit the angle of rotation by providing a stopper (232bb). The stopper (232bb) is provided in the part of the valve body (232b) where the through hole (232ba) is not formed, and is formed with a portion protruding radially inward and can be inserted into the opening (232aa). Accordingly, the valve body (232b) is arranged to rotate until the stopper (232bb) is supported on one side or the other side in the circumferential direction of the opening (232aa).

[0197] Additionally, the Euro switching valve (232) may be provided with a support structure that supports the space between the valve body (232a) and the valve body (232b) when closed to prevent air leakage. Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the valve body (232a) may be provided with a first sealing part (232ab) and a second sealing part (232ac) that support the stopper (232bb) when opened and closed, respectively, and the valve body (232b) may be provided with a sealing projection (232bc) that supports the second sealing part (232ac) when closed.

[0198] FIG. 12 shows the closed state of the Euro switching valve (232). Referring to the enlarged view, the valve body (232a) may be provided with a stopper (232bb) formed by protruding radially inward on one side adjacent to the opening (232aa) in the circumferential direction, and a sealing projection (232bc) formed by protruding radially inward on the other side.

[0199] Additionally, the valve body (232a) may be provided with a first sealing portion (232ab) that surrounds the end of the stopper (232bb) on one side adjacent to the through hole (232ba) in the circumferential direction. The first sealing portion (232ab) may be formed by stepping out from the valve body (232a), protruding inward in the radial direction, and then protruding in the circumferential direction. The first sealing portion (232ab) may seal the space between the valve body (232b) and the stopper (232bb) by supporting the stopper (232bb) in the circumferential direction and supporting the radially inner end of the stopper (232bb).

[0200] Additionally, the valve body (232a) may be provided with a second sealing part (232ac) that supports a sealing projection (232bc) on the other side adjacent to the through hole (232ba) in the circumferential direction. The second sealing part (232ac) is provided to protrude radially outward from the valve body (232a) to support the inner surface of the valve body (232b) and to support the sealing projection (232bc) in the circumferential direction, thereby sealing the space between it and the sealing projection (232bc).

[0201] With this configuration, air can be prevented from leaking out while the valve body (232b) closes the valve body (232a).

[0202] And, as shown in FIG. 11, when the valve body (232b) rotates, the stopper (232bb) moves to the opposite side of the circumferential direction of the opening (232aa) and is supported in the circumferential direction, and can limit the rotation angle of the valve body (232b).

[0203] Additionally, the Euro switching valve (232) may be provided with a driven part (232bd) on the valve body (232b) to operate in conjunction with the Euro switching door (231). The driven part (232bd) may be formed by protruding a part of the outer surface of the valve body (232b) and may be formed in a gear shape that engages with the driving part (231c).

[0204] Meanwhile, FIGS. 9 and 11 show a state in which the Euro switching unit (230) provides a cleaning Euro, and the Euro switching door (231) closes the air intake (211a) and the Euro switching valve (232) can be opened.

[0205] As the Euro switching door (231) closes the air intake (211a), the interior of the main body housing (211) is sealed, and air sucked in through the intake path (212a) according to the operation of the suction motor (216) can pass through the dust separation section (213) and be connected to the vacuum cleaner exhaust path (217a).

[0206] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the airflow flowing through the vacuum cleaner system (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. When the vacuum cleaner (200) is not connected to the vacuum cleaner station (100), a cleaning path is provided, and the cleaning path may refer to an internal path of the main body housing (211) when the vacuum cleaner (200) is operated.

[0207] In this case, external air can be drawn into the interior of the dust bin (220) through the vacuum cleaner nozzle (260), the extension tube (250), and the suction part (212) according to the operation of the suction motor (216). The air sucked in through the suction part (212) passes through the dust separation part (213) and the dust can be separated. The air passing through the dust separation part (213) passes through the connecting member (219), the pre-filter (214), and the flow path switching valve (232) and is guided to the motor housing (217). Then, it passes through the HEPA filter (215) along the vacuum cleaner exhaust path (217a) and is discharged to the outside through the exhaust port (217b).

[0208] Meanwhile, FIGS. 10 and 12 show the state in which the Euro switching unit (230) provides a dust bin dust collection path. When the vacuum cleaner (200) is placed on the vacuum cleaner station (100) and the door opening (113a) applies an external force to the Euro switching door (231), the Euro switching door (231) can open the air intake (211a) and the Euro switching valve (232) can be closed.

[0209] Specifically, when the door opening (113a) presses the operating part (231f), the operating part (231f) is inserted into the hinge installation part (211d), and the door body (231a) rotates, and a part of it is separated from the main body housing (211) and the air intake (211a) is opened. At the same time, the driving part (231c) and the driven part (232bd) engage to rotate the valve body (232b), and the valve body (232b) rotates until the stopper (232bb) moves from one side of the opening (232aa) to the opposite side, thereby closing the opening (232aa).

[0210] Each stopper (232bb) and sealing projection (232bc) supports the first sealing portion (232ab) and the second sealing portion (232ac), sealing the space between the valve body (232a) and the valve body (232b), and the flow path switching valve (232) can be closed. Additionally, the flow path switching unit (230) can provide a connecting flow path (211c) that allows air introduced through the air intake (211a) to flow into the motor housing (217) when the flow path switching valve (232) is closed. That is, according to the connecting flow path (211c), air introduced through the air intake (211a) can pass through the space between the main body housing (211) and the flow path switching valve (232) and pass through the intake motor (216).

[0211] Accordingly, the Euro conversion unit (230) can provide a dust collection path for the dust bin.

[0212] With reference to FIGS. 13 to 15, the airflow flowing through the vacuum cleaner system (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0213] When the vacuum cleaner (200) is placed on the vacuum cleaner station (100), the dust bin (220) and the main body housing (211) are placed on the dust bin seating portion (112) and the main body seating portion (113), respectively, and the discharge cover opening portion (112a) presses the lever, and the door opening portion (113a) presses the operating portion (231f) of the flow path switching door (231). Accordingly, the dust bin (220) is opened and the air intake (211a) is opened, and the flow path switching valve (232) is closed.

[0214] In this case, when the suction motor (216) is operated, external air can be introduced into the interior of the dust bin (220) through the vacuum cleaner nozzle (260), the extension tube (250), and the suction part (212), and the air introduced through the suction part (212) flows toward the vacuum cleaner station (100) through the opening of the dust bin (220) without passing through the dust separation part (213). The suction power of the suction motor (216) can be applied to the vacuum cleaner station exhaust path (117a) and the dust collection path (116) of the vacuum cleaner station (100). Accordingly, the air introduced through the suction path (212a) passes through the dust collection part (120) via the dust collection path (116) and is then guided to the vacuum cleaner station exhaust path (117a). And, the vacuum cleaner station exhaust passage (117a) is connected to the connecting passage (211c) through the vacuum cleaner station exhaust port (113b) and the air intake port (211a), and the connecting passage (211c) is connected to the vacuum cleaner exhaust passage (217a) so that air can be discharged to the outside.

[0215] With this configuration, the vacuum cleaner station (100) does not need to be separately equipped with a HEPA filter to filter the air discharged to the outside, and the dust collection path of the dust bin can also pass through the HEPA filter (215) installed in the vacuum cleaner (200).

[0216] The vacuum cleaner (200) may include a battery (240).

[0217] For example, the battery (240) can be detachably connected to the vacuum cleaner connection part.

[0218] The battery (240) stores electrical energy and can supply power to each component, including the suction motor (216) of the vacuum cleaner (200). The battery (240) can be placed at the bottom of the handle (218).

[0219] The vacuum cleaner (200) may include an extension tube (250). The extension tube (250) may be in communication with the vacuum cleaner nozzle (260). The extension tube (250) may be in communication with the vacuum cleaner body (210). The extension tube (250) may be in communication with the suction part (212) of the vacuum cleaner body (210). The extension tube (250) may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0220] The vacuum cleaner body (210) can generate suction power through a suction motor (216) and provide suction power to the vacuum cleaner nozzle (260) through an extension tube (250). External dust can be introduced into the vacuum cleaner body (210) through the vacuum cleaner nozzle (260) and the extension tube (250).

[0221] The vacuum cleaner (200) may include a vacuum cleaner nozzle (260). The vacuum cleaner nozzle (260) may be connected to an extension tube (250). Accordingly, external air may be drawn into the vacuum cleaner body (210) by passing through the vacuum cleaner nozzle (260) and the extension tube (250) by the suction force generated in the vacuum cleaner body (210).

[0222] Meanwhile, the vacuum cleaner station (100) may be provided in a freestanding state on the floor or installed on a wall and positioned at a certain height from the floor.

[0223] FIGS. 16 and 17 show a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner system composed of a vacuum cleaner station and a vacuum cleaner according to another embodiment.

[0224] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the vacuum cleaner station (100) may be composed only of a mounting portion (110), and a wall fixing portion (118), which is the rear side of the mounting portion (110), may be installed by fixing it to a wall. At this time, the height of the mounting portion (110) may be adjusted according to the user's convenience. However, since the vacuum cleaner (200) must be placed on the seating portions (112, 113) according to the gravity of the vacuum cleaner (200) when mounted on the vacuum cleaner station (100), the vacuum cleaner station (100) may be installed at a height such that the lowest part of the vacuum cleaner (200) is spaced apart from the floor surface.

[0225] Accordingly, the vacuum cleaner body (210) can be combined with the vacuum cleaner station (100) as it is seated on the seating portion (112, 113).

[0226] Although the present invention has been described in detail through specific embodiments, this is for the purpose of specifically explaining the invention and is not limited thereto. It is evident that modifications or improvements can be made by those skilled in the art within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0227] All simple variations or modifications of the present invention fall within the scope of the present invention, and the specific scope of protection of the present invention will be clarified by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A main body housing having a suction portion in which a suction path is formed; A suction motor that generates a suction force to draw air into the above-mentioned suction path; A motor housing provided in the above-mentioned main body housing and having the suction motor disposed therein; A dust separation unit for separating dust from the air introduced through the above-mentioned intake unit; and A flow path switching valve that connects or blocks the internal space of the motor housing and the dust separation unit; A vacuum cleaner including 2. In Paragraph 1, A pre-filter disposed inside the main body housing to filter the air passing through the dust separation unit; and It further includes a HEPA filter disposed inside the motor housing to filter the air passing through the intake motor; The above Euro switching valve is, A vacuum cleaner characterized by being positioned to surround the above-mentioned pre-filter.

3. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a dust bin for storing dust separated through the dust separation unit above, and The above main body housing is, A vacuum cleaner characterized by having the dust bin coupled to one side and the motor housing disposed on the other side, and the flow switching valve disposed inside.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above Euro switching valve is, A valve body surrounding the outlet of the dust separation unit and having at least one opening; and A vacuum cleaner characterized by including a valve body that opens and closes the above-mentioned opening.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above main body housing is, An air intake formed to allow external air to enter; and A vacuum cleaner characterized by having a Euro switching door that opens and closes the air intake port.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above Euro conversion door is, A vacuum cleaner characterized by being linked with a flow switching valve such that the flow switching valve closes when the flow switching door is opened and opens when the flow switching door is closed.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above Euro conversion door is, A door body rotatably installed around a hinge portion in the main body housing; and A driving unit provided on the inner side of the door body; including The above Euro switching valve is, A valve body that surrounds the outlet of the dust separation unit and has at least one opening; A valve body rotatably arranged to surround the valve body and open and close the opening; and A vacuum cleaner characterized by including a driven member provided on the outer side of the valve body and engaging with the driving member.

8. A mounting part equipped with a seating portion to which the dustbin of the vacuum cleaner is coupled; A dust collection unit provided on the above mounting part and collecting dust from the dust bin; and An exhaust passage that is disposed within the above-mentioned mounting portion and, when the vacuum cleaner is coupled to the above-mentioned mounting portion, connects the dust collection portion to the interior of the vacuum cleaner; A vacuum cleaner station including 9. In Paragraph 8, A dust collection channel connecting the internal space of the dust bin and the dust collection unit; and A vacuum cleaner station further comprising: a vacuum cleaner station exhaust passage formed in the exhaust passage section above and guiding the air that has passed through the dust collection section to the suction motor of the vacuum cleaner.

10. In Paragraph 8, The above mounting part is, A discharge cover opening part that presses a lever to open the discharge cover of the dust bin when the dust bin is coupled; A vacuum cleaner station characterized by having [ ] 11. In Paragraph 8, The above vacuum cleaner is, It includes a main body housing having an air intake formed therein for external air to be introduced, The above exhaust passage section is, A vacuum cleaner station characterized by having one end connected to the dust collection unit and the other end open or connected to the air intake.

12. In Paragraph 8, The above vacuum cleaner is, It further includes a Euro switching door that opens and closes an air intake for external air to enter, The above mounting part is, A vacuum cleaner station characterized by having a door opening part that opens the Euro switching door by pressing the operating part of the Euro switching door when the dust bin is coupled.

13. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a main body housing having a suction section having a suction passage formed therein; a suction motor generating a suction force for sucking air along the suction section; a dust separation section separating dust from the air introduced through the suction section; a dust bin storing the dust separated through the dust separation section; and a vacuum cleaner exhaust passage for discharging air that has passed through the suction motor to the outside of the main body housing; and A vacuum cleaner system comprising: a mounting portion having a seating portion to which the dust bin is coupled; a dust collection portion in which dust from the dust bin is collected; and a vacuum cleaner station exhaust passage that guides air passing through the dust collection portion into the internal space of the main body housing.

14. In Paragraph 13, A vacuum cleaner system characterized by air passing through the exhaust passage of the vacuum cleaner station and then passing through a HEPA filter placed inside the vacuum cleaner to be discharged to the outside.

15. In Paragraph 13, The above vacuum cleaner is, A vacuum cleaner system further comprising a path switching unit that connects the dust separator or the vacuum cleaner station exhaust path to the vacuum cleaner exhaust path.

16. In Paragraph 15, The above Euro conversion unit is, A flow path switching door for opening and closing an air intake formed in the main body housing; and A vacuum cleaner system characterized by including a flow switching valve that opens and closes the outlet of the dust separation unit in conjunction with the above-mentioned flow switching door.

17. In Paragraph 16, The above Euro switching valve is, A vacuum cleaner system characterized by opening the above-mentioned Euro switching door when closed to guide air passing through the dust separation unit to the vacuum cleaner exhaust path, and closing the above-mentioned Euro switching door when opened to guide air in the above-mentioned suction path to the vacuum cleaner station.

18. In Paragraph 13, The above main body housing is, A vacuum cleaner system characterized by having an air intake formed to connect the internal space and the exhaust path of the vacuum cleaner station when the vacuum cleaner and the vacuum cleaner station are combined.

19. In Paragraph 13, The above vacuum cleaner is, It further includes a HEPA filter disposed inside the motor housing to filter the air passing through the intake motor, and A vacuum cleaner system characterized in that air passing through the exhaust passage of the vacuum cleaner station passes through the HEPA filter and is discharged to the outside.

20. In Paragraph 19, The above vacuum cleaner is, A pre-filter disposed inside the main body housing to filter the air passing through the dust separation unit; and A vacuum cleaner system characterized by further including a flow switching valve that opens and closes the space between the main body housing and the pre-filter.

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