VACUUM CLEANER STATION

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a cleaner station, and more specifically, to a cleaner station that is coupled with a cleaner and suctions dust stored in the cleaner into an interior thereof.

BACKGROUND ART

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

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

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

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

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

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

In addition, robot cleaners that perform cleaning by themselves without a user's manipulation have been recently used. A robot cleaner may automatically clean an area to be cleaned by suctioning foreign substances, such as dust, from the floor while autonomously traveling in the area to be cleaned.

To this end, the robot cleaner has a distance sensor that detects a distance to an obstacle such as furniture, office supplies, walls, etc. installed in the cleaning area, and a left wheel and a right wheel for moving the robot cleaner.

Here, the left wheel and the right wheel are configured to be rotated by a left wheel motor and a right wheel motor, respectively, and the robot cleaner changes a direction by itself and performs indoor cleaning according to the operation of the left wheel motor and the right wheel motor.

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

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

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

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

Meanwhile, Patent Document KR2022-0006850A discloses a cleaner station that is coupled with a hand-stick cleaner and/or a robot cleaner to collect dust.

The cleaner station includes a first flow path along which dust of a dust bin of a hand-stick cleaner flows, a second flow path along which dust of a dust bin of a robot cleaner flows, and a flow path switching valve that selectively opens and closes the first flow path and the second flow path.

However, in the case of the cleaner station, a specific structure to which the robot cleaner is coupled is not disclosed, and thus a structure of the second flow path is not disclosed.

In addition, a specific flow path arrangement of the first flow path and the second flow path and a structure for selectively opening and closing the first flow path and the second flow path are not disclosed.

Accordingly, the cleaner station has a limitation in that it does not present a structure that minimizes a volume by both the hand-stick cleaner and the robot cleaner while coupled.

In addition, the cleaner station does not specifically disclose a control unit for controlling the cleaner station through the cleaner station, and there is a limitation in that a method of controlling the cleaner station or the cleaner through the control unit is not disclosed.

Meanwhile, since the robot cleaner generally travels along the floor, the robot cleaner is disposed at a relatively low position compared to when a user stands. Accordingly, in order for the user to directly input a control command to the robot cleaner, there is an inconvenience in that the user needs to bend over to input the control command to the robot cleaner or lift the robot cleaner and then input the control command.

To solve this, it is possible to manipulate a separate remote controller or a terminal such as a cell phone or the like, but there is an inconvenience in that the user needs to move around to find the remote controller or the terminal.

Accordingly, there is a need to develop a device that allows a user to control a robot cleaner with a convenient posture from a certain position.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

The present invention has been intended to solve the above problems of conventional cleaner stations and is directed to providing a clean station capable of eliminating the hassle of a user having to empty a dust bin every time.

In addition, the present invention is directed to provide a cleaner station in which a cleaner can be coupled to a side surface of the station to minimize a horizontal space of the cleaner in a room, thereby increasing space efficiency.

In addition, the present invention is directed to providing a cleaner station that can be coupled to both a hand-stick cleaner and a robot cleaner.

In addition, the present invention is directed to providing a cleaner station that can allow a user to manipulate the cleaner station to control not only the cleaner station but also a cleaner.

In addition, the present invention is directed to providing a cleaner station in which the inconvenience of a user having to bend over or crouch to control a cleaner can be eliminated.

In addition, the present invention is directed to providing a cleaner station in which the inconvenience of a user having to search for a remote controller or a terminal to control the cleaner can be eliminated.

Technical Solution

To achieve the above objects, according to the present invention, there is provided a cleaner station including a housing, a coupling unit which is disposed in the housing and to which at least a part of a cleaner is coupled, a dust collection unit that is disposed in the housing and collects dust of the dust bin of the cleaner, a dust collection motor that is accommodated in the housing, disposed below the dust collection unit, and suctions the dust of the dust bin, a flow path unit in which a flow path that allows an internal space of the dust bin of the cleaner to communicate with an internal space of the dust collection unit is formed, and a manipulation unit disposed in the housing and to which a control command is input.

Here, a control command for the cleaner is inputtable to the manipulation unit. Accordingly, both the cleaner station and the cleaner can be controlled by one manipulation unit.

In this case, the manipulation unit may be disposed above the housing. Accordingly, a user can input a control command to the cleaner station or the cleaner without bending over.

The cleaner may include a first cleaner and a second cleaner different from the first cleaner. Specifically, the first cleaner may be a stick cleaner, and the second cleaner may be a robot cleaner.

In this case, since a control command to drive the second cleaner may be input to the manipulation unit, the second cleaner may operate a driving motor to perform cleaning while moving along a floor.

Alternatively, since a control command to perform dust collection of the cleaner station may be input to the manipulation unit, the cleaner station may operate the dust collection motor to collect dust in the dust bin.

Accordingly, when the control command is input to the manipulation unit, at least one of the dust collection motor or the driving motor may be operated.

Specifically, the manipulation unit may include a first cleaner dust collection manipulation unit that inputs a control command to collect dust of the dust bin of the first cleaner, a second cleaner dust collection manipulation unit that inputs a control command to collect dust of the dust bin of the second cleaner, and a cleaner manipulation unit that inputs a control command to operate the cleaner.

Meanwhile, when the control command is input to the first cleaner dust collection manipulation unit and then the control command is input to the second cleaner dust collection manipulation unit or when the control command is input to the second cleaner dust collection manipulation unit and then the control command is input to the first cleaner dust collection manipulation unit, the flow path switching module that selectively switches a flow path connected to a dust bin of the first cleaner or a dust bin of the second cleaner may be operated.

In addition, while the control command is input to the second cleaner dust collection manipulation unit and the dust collection motor is in operation, when the control command is input to the cleaner manipulation unit, the second cleaner may drive after an operation of the dust collection motor is finished. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent dust from flying due to the driving of the second cleaner during dust collection.

In addition, when the control command is input to the second cleaner dust collection manipulation unit in a state in which the cleaner station and the second cleaner are not coupled, the second cleaner may drive to be coupled with the lower coupling unit. Thereafter, when the second cleaner is coupled to the cleaner station, dust collection may begin.

In addition, while the control command is input to the first cleaner dust collection manipulation unit and the dust collection motor is in operation, when the control command is input to the cleaner manipulation unit, the second cleaner may drive during an operation of the dust collection motor.

Meanwhile, when the control command is input to the first cleaner dust collection manipulation unit or the second cleaner dust collection manipulation unit while the dust collection motor is in operation, an operation of the dust collection motor may be stopped.

Meanwhile, the control command input to the first cleaner dust collection manipulation unit may vary depending on a touch time of a user. Specifically, when the touch time of the user is a predetermined time or longer, the control command may be set to automatically collect dust of the cleaner.

Advantageous Effects

As described above, according to the cleaner station of the present invention, when the user couples the cleaner to the cleaner station, the user can detect the coupling of the cleaner and remove the dust in the dust bin without separate operation of the user, thereby providing user convenience.

In addition, by coupling the stick cleaner to the side surface of the cleaner station and coupling the robot cleaner to the lower side of the cleaner station, it is possible to minimize the horizontal space occupied of the cleaner system in the room, thereby increasing space efficiency.

In addition, by coupling the stick cleaner to the robot cleaner at the same time, it is possible to selectively remove the dust of the dust bin of the stick cleaner and the dust bin of the robot cleaner as needed.

In addition, by arranging the manipulation unit on the upper portion of the housing, the user can comfortably input control commands without bending over or crouching down.

In addition, since the manipulation unit includes the cleaner manipulation unit for controlling the cleaner and the dust collection manipulation unit for collecting dust from the cleaner, the user can control not only the cleaner station but also the cleaner by manipulating the cleaner station.

Accordingly, since the user can input cleaner control at the cleaner station located at the predetermined location, it is possible to eliminate the inconvenience of searching for the remote controller or the terminal.

In addition, since the emptying of the dust bin of the stick cleaner and the cleaning by the robot cleaner can be performed at the same time through a command, it is possible to shorten the total time used for cleaning.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaner system including a cleaner station, a first cleaner, and a second cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a view for describing a first cleaner in the cleaner system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a view for describing weight distribution using a virtual plane passing through the first cleaner in the cleaner system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

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

FIG. 5 is a perspective view for describing a dust bin of the second cleaner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a discharge cover of the second cleaner in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a view for describing weight distribution and an angle of a flow path of the cleaner station using a virtual line in the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a view for describing a coupling unit in the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view for describing a fixing unit in the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a view for describing a state in which a door unit blocks a dust through hole in the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a view for describing a state in which the door unit opens the dust through hole in the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a view for describing a cover open unit in the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a view for describing a flow path switching module in a flow path unit of the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a view for describing an arrangement relationship between a first cleaner flow path and a dust collection flow path in the flow path unit of the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a view for describing an arrangement relationship between a second cleaner flow path and the dust collection flow path in the flow path unit of the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram for describing a control configuration of the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 17A and 17B are views for describing a configuration of a manipulation unit and a display unit in the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram for describing a control configuration in which the cleaner and the cleaner station are controlled according to an input of the manipulation unit in the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

MODE FOR INVENTION

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

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

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

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

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaner system including a cleaner station, a first cleaner, and a second cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a view for describing weight distribution and an angle of a flow path of the cleaner station using a virtual line in the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, a cleaner system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a cleaner station 100 and cleaners 200 and 300. In this case, the cleaners 200 and 300 may include a first cleaner 200 and a second cleaner 300. Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, some components may be excluded and additional components are not precluded.

A dust removal system 10 may include the cleaner station 100. The cleaner station 100 may be coupled to the first cleaner 200 and the second cleaner 300. The first cleaner 200 may be coupled to a side surface of the cleaner station 100. Specifically, a main body of the first cleaner 200 may be coupled to the side surface of the cleaner station 100. The second cleaner 300 may be coupled to a lower portion of the cleaner station 100. The cleaner station 100 may remove dust of a dust bin 220 of the first cleaner 200. The cleaner station 100 may remove dust of a dust bin 310 of the second cleaner 300.

Meanwhile, FIG. 2 is a view for describing a first cleaner in the dust removal system according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a view for describing weight distribution of the first cleaner according to the embodiment of the present invention using a virtual line and a virtual plane, and FIG. 4 is a view for describing a lower surface of a dust bin of the first cleaner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

First, a structure of the first cleaner 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 and FIG. 18 as follows.

The first cleaner 200 may be a cleaner manually manipulated by a user. For example, the first cleaner 200 may be a handheld cleaner or a stick cleaner.

The first cleaner 200 may be caught on the cleaner station 100. The first cleaner 200 may be supported by the cleaner station 100. The first cleaner 200 may be coupled to the cleaner station 100.

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

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

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

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

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

Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a virtual line passing through the suction unit 212 configured in a cylindrical shape may be formed. That is, a virtual suction flow path through line a2 passing through the suction flow path in a longitudinal direction may be formed.

For example, the suction flow path through line a2 may be a virtual line connecting the origin of a circle that appears when the cylindrical suction unit 212 is cut radially in the longitudinal direction (an axial direction).

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

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

Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a virtual cyclone line a4 extending in the vertical direction of the dust separator 213 in which the cyclone flow occurs may be formed.

The suction motor 214 may generate a suction force of suctioning air. The suction motor 214 may be accommodated in the main body housing 211. The suction motor 214 may include an impeller that generates a suction force by rotation. For example, the suction motor 214 may be provided in a shape similar to a cylindrical shape.

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

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

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

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

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

The handle 216 may include a grip portion 216a formed in a pillar shape to be gripped by the user, a first extension 216b connected to one end portion of the grip portion 216a in the longitudinal direction (the axial direction) and formed to extend toward the suction motor 214, and a second extension 216c connected to the other end portion of the grip portion 216a in the longitudinal direction (the axial direction) and formed to extend toward the dust bin 220.

Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a virtual grip portion through line a3 formed to extend in the longitudinal direction of the grip portion 216a (axial direction of a pillar) and passing through the grip portion 216a may be formed.

For example, a grip portion through line a3 may be a virtual line formed inside the cylindrical handle 216 and may be a virtual line formed parallel to at least a part of an outer surface (an outer perimetric surface) of the grip portion 216a.

An upper surface of the handle 216 may form a partial exterior of an upper surface of the first cleaner 200. Accordingly, when the user grips the handle 216, one component of the first cleaner 200 can be prevented from coming into contact with an arm of the user.

The first extension 216b may extend from the grip portion 216a toward the main body housing 211 or the suction motor 214. At least a part of the first extension 216b may extend in a horizontal direction.

The second extension 216c may extend from the grip portion 216a toward the dust bin 220. At least a part of the second extension 216c may extend in the horizontal direction.

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

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

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

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

Meanwhile, in the present specification, a virtual dust bin through line a5, which passes through an interior (an internal space) of the dust bin main body 221 and formed to extend in the longitudinal direction (which refers to an axial direction of the cylindrical dust bin main body 221) of the dust bin main body 221, may be formed.

In this case, the dust bin through line a5 may be a virtual line that includes a point on a plane that appears when the dust bin 220 is cut radially in the longitudinal direction (the axial direction of the cylindrical dust bin body 221) and is formed perpendicular to the plane.

For example, the dust bin through line a5 may be a virtual line that passes through the origin of the circle that appears when the dust bin 220 is cut radially in the longitudinal direction and is formed perpendicular to the circle.

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

The dust bin 220 may include the discharging cover 222. The discharging cover 222 may be disposed on the lower surface of the dust bin 220. The discharging cover 222 may selectively open and close a downward opened lower portion of the dust bin 220.

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

The discharging cover 222 may be coupled to the dust bin 220 through hook coupling.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The first cleaner 200 may include the battery 240.

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

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

The battery 240 may supply power to the suction motor 214 of the first cleaner 200. The battery 240 may be disposed under the handle 216. The battery 240 may be disposed behind the dust bin 220. That is, the suction motor 214 and the battery 240 may be disposed not to vertically overlap each other, and their arrangement heights may also be different. With respect to the handle 216, the heavy suction motor 214 may be disposed in front of the handle 216, and the light battery 240 may be disposed behind the handle 216, and thus the weight of the first cleaner 200 may be entirely distributed evenly. Accordingly, when the user performs cleaning using the handle 216, it is possible to prevent strain on the user's wrist.

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

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

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

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

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

The first cleaner 200 may include a controller 270. The controller 270 of the first cleaner 200 may be composed of a printed circuit board and elements mounted on the printed circuit board.

The controller 270 of the first cleaner may drive the suction motor 214 to suction air and control the output of the suction motor 214.

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

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

Meanwhile, FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a dust bin of a second cleaner according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a second cleaner discharging cover in FIG. 5.

The second cleaner 300 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7 and 18 as follows.

The cleaner system 10 may include the second cleaner 300. The second cleaner 300 may be a robot cleaner. The second cleaner 300 may automatically clean an area to be cleaned by suctioning foreign substances, such as dust and the like, from the floor while autonomously traveling in the area to be cleaned. The second cleaner 300 may include a distance sensor for detecting a distance to an obstacle, such as furniture, office supplies, walls, etc., installed in the cleaning area, and a left wheel and a right wheel for moving the robot cleaner. The second cleaner 300 may be coupled to the cleaner station. The dust of the second cleaner 300 may be collected by the dust collection unit 170 through a second cleaner flow path 182.

The second cleaner 300 may include the dust bin 310. The dust bin 310 may collect foreign substances such as dust. For example, the dust bin 310 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. In this case, the bottom surface (the lower surface) of the dust bin 310 may be selectively opened and closed. For example, a dust bin cover 340 may be hinge-coupled to the lower side of the dust bin 310, and when the dust bin cover 340 is opened, the internal space of the dust bin 310 may be opened. With this configuration, the user can directly open the dust bin cover 340 to empty the dust collected in the dust bin 310.

Although not shown, a dust separator may be disposed inside the dust bin 310. For example, the dust separator may have at least two cyclone units that may separate dust by the cyclonic flow. Accordingly, air and dust suctioned into the dust bin may be separated while spirally flowing along an inner surface of the dust separator.

Meanwhile, the second cleaner 300 may be coupled to a lower coupling unit 160 of the cleaner station 100. The dust suctioned into the dust bin 310 of the second cleaner 300 may be collected by the dust collection unit 170 through the second cleaner flow path 182.

The second cleaner 300 may include a dust discharging hole 320. In this case, the dust discharging hole 320 may be disposed on the side surface (the outer surface) of the dust bin 310 of the second cleaner 300, and thus the dust bin 310 of the second cleaner 300 and the second cleaner flow path 182 may communicate with each other. For example, the dust discharging hole 320 may be a quadrangular hole.

The second cleaner 300 may include a second cleaner discharging cover 330. In this case, the second cleaner discharging cover 330 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the dust discharging hole 320 and provided to close the dust discharging hole 320. To this end, the second cleaner discharging cover 330 may be disposed in the dust discharging hole 320.

In addition, the second cleaner discharging cover 330 may be hinge-coupled with the dust bin 310 to open and close the dust discharging hole 320 by rotating about a hinge pin 331. In this case, the hinge pin 331 may have a torsion spring 332 to apply a restoring force when the second cleaner discharging cover 330 is opened.

With this configuration, when the dust collection motor 191 generates a suction force, the second cleaner discharging cover 330 may rotate outward from the dust bin 310 so that the dust discharging hole 320 may be opened.

In addition, when the dust collection motor 191 stops driving, the second cleaner discharging cover 330 may be rotated toward the dust bin 310 by the restoring force of the torsion spring 332 to block the dust discharging hole 320 again. In this way, the second cleaner discharging cover 330 may be rotated by the driving of the dust collection motor 191 to allow the dust bin 310 of the second cleaner 300 and the second cleaner flow path 182 to communicate with each other or close them.

Meanwhile, the dust bin 310 may have a sealer 333. The sealer 333 may be disposed along an outer edge of the dust discharging hole 320. The sealer 333 may come into contact with the discharging cover 330. With this configuration, in a state in which the discharging cover 330 closes the dust discharging hole 320, the sealer 333 may airtighten a space between the dust bin 310 and the discharging cover 330, thereby preventing dust from leaking.

In addition, in a state in which the second cleaner 300 is coupled to the lower coupling unit 160, the sealer 333 may come into contact with a sidewall of the lower coupling unit 160. Accordingly, an outer circumferential surface of the dust bin 310 of the second cleaner 300 and the lower coupling unit 160 may be airtightened by the sealer 333. With this configuration, dust that passes through the dust discharging hole 320 and flows into a dust suction hole 162 can be prevented from flying outward.

When coupled to the lower coupling unit 160, the second cleaner 300 may include a corresponding terminal (not shown) for charging a battery. The corresponding terminal may be positioned at a position at which it may be connected to a charging terminal (not shown) of the lower coupling unit 160 in a state in which the second cleaner 300 is coupled. For example, the corresponding terminal may be disposed as a pair of terminals on an upper surface of the second cleaner 300. When the corresponding terminal and the charging terminal (not shown) of the lower coupling unit 160 are electrically connected, power is supplied to the second cleaner 300 so that the second cleaner 300 may be charged.

The second cleaner 300 may include a suction motor 350. The suction motor 350 may generate a suction force that suctions air. Accordingly, when the suction motor 350 is operated, the second cleaner 300 may suction dust on the floor.

The second cleaner 300 may include a driving motor 360. The driving motor 360 may provide power to rotate a wheel or a rotation plate. Accordingly, when the driving motor 360 is operated, the second cleaner 300 may move along the floor.

The second cleaner 300 may include a controller 370. The controller 370 of the second cleaner may be composed of a printed circuit board and elements mounted on the printed circuit board.

The controller 370 of the second cleaner may drive the driving motor 360 so that the second cleaner may move along the floor.

The controller 370 of the second cleaner may drive the suction motor 350 to suction air and control the output of the suction motor 350.

The controller 370 of the second cleaner may detect obstacles with respect to the area to be cleaned and map them. In addition, the controller 370 may store the mapped information.

The cleaner station 100 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 7 as follows.

The first cleaner 200 and the second cleaner 300 may be disposed in the cleaner station 100. The first cleaner 200 may be coupled to the side surface of the cleaner station 100. Specifically, the main body of the first cleaner 200 may be coupled to the side surface of the cleaner station 100. The second cleaner 300 may be coupled to the lower portion of the cleaner station 100. The cleaner station 100 may remove dust of the dust bin 220 of the first cleaner 200. The cleaner station 100 may remove dust of the dust bin 310 of the second cleaner 300.

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

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

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

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

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

Meanwhile, the lower coupling unit 160 may be coupled to a lower side of the bottom surface 111. The second cleaner 300 may be coupled to the lower coupling unit 160. A slope 161 to which the lower surface of the second cleaner 300 may be coupled may be provided on the lower coupling unit 160. The lower coupling unit 160 will be described below.

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

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

In this case, in the present embodiment, the first outer wall surface 112a may be disposed on a front surface of the cleaner station 100. Here, the front surface may be a surface to which the first cleaner 200 or the second cleaner 300 is coupled. Accordingly, the first outer wall surface 112a may form an exterior of the front surface of the cleaner station 100.

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

When the first cleaner 200 is caught on the cleaner station 100, a direction in which the first cleaner 200 is exposed outward from the cleaner station 100 may be referred to as the front.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meanwhile, a structure of catching various types of the cleaning modules 260 used in the first cleaner 200 may be added to the third outer wall surface 112c or the fourth outer wall surface 112d.

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

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

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

A display unit 410 may be disposed on the upper surface 113. For example, the display unit 410 may display a state of the cleaner station 100, a state of the first cleaner 200, and a state of the second cleaner 300 and also display information such as cleaning progress, a map of a cleaning area, etc.

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

FIG. 8 is a view for describing a coupling unit in the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a view for describing arrangement of the coupling unit and a fixing unit in the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

The coupling unit 120 of the cleaner station 100 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 as follows.

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

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

The first cleaner 200 may be coupled to the coupling surface 121. For example, the coupling surface 121 may be disposed to face the lower surfaces of the dust bin 220 and the battery housing 230 of the first cleaner 200. Here, the lower surface may be a surface toward the ground when the user uses the first cleaner 200 or arranges the first cleaner 200 on the ground.

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

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

A dust through hole 121a may be formed in the coupling surface 121 so that external air of the housing 110 may flow into the housing 110. The dust through hole 121a may be formed in a hole shape to correspond to the shape of the dust bin 220 so that the dust of the dust bin 220 flows into the dust collection unit 170. The dust through hole 121a may be formed to correspond to the shape of the discharging cover 222 of the dust bin 220.

The dust through hole 121a may be formed to communicate with a first cleaner flow path 181 to be described below. In addition, in a state in which the first cleaner 200 and the cleaner station 100 are coupled and the discharging cover 222 is opened, the dust through hole 121a may be formed to communicate with the internal space of the dust bin 220.

Meanwhile, a door 141 may be rotated on the dust through hole 121a. The door 141 may be a rotating body that is hinge-coupled to the housing 110 and rotates. Accordingly, the dust through hole 121a may be selectively opened and closed according to the rotation of the door 141. In addition, in a state in which the first cleaner 200 and the cleaner station 100 are coupled, the discharging cover 222 may be rotated on the dust through hole 121a. In the state in which the first cleaner 200 and the cleaner station 100 are coupled, the discharging cover 222 may also be rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the door 141. Accordingly, the dust through hole 121a may be selectively opened and closed according to the rotation of the discharging cover 222.

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

The dust bin guide surface 122 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the outer surface of the dust bin 220. The front outer surface of the dust bin 220 may be coupled to the dust bin guide surface 122. Accordingly, the dust bin guide surface 122 may be coupled to the dust bin 220 of the first cleaner to support the dust bin 220.

The coupling unit 120 may include a guide protrusion 123. The guide protrusion 123 may be disposed on the coupling surface 121. The guide protrusion 123 may protrude from the coupling surface 121. Two guide protrusions 123 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other. A distance between the two guide protrusions 123 spaced apart from each other may correspond to a width of the battery housing 230 of the first cleaner 200. Accordingly, the guide protrusion 123 may guide a coupling direction of the first cleaner 200. In addition, the battery housing 230 and the battery 240 of the first cleaner 200 may be accommodated between the pair of guide protrusions 123.

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

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

The coupling sensor 125 may include a contact sensor. For example, the coupling sensor 125 may include a micro-switch (see FIG. 16). In this case, the coupling sensor 125 may be disposed on the guide protrusion 123. Accordingly, when the battery housing 230 or the battery 240 of the first cleaner 200 is coupled between the pair of guide protrusions 123, the first cleaner 200 may come into contact with the coupling sensor 125, and the coupling sensor 125 may detect that the first cleaner 200 has been coupled.

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

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

The coupling sensor 125 may be a member that determines whether power is applied to the battery 240 of the first cleaner 200 and whether the first cleaner 200 has been coupled thereto.

The coupling unit 120 may include the suction unit guide surface 126. The suction unit guide surface 126 may be disposed on the first outer wall surface 112a. The suction unit guide surface 126 may be connected to the dust bin guide surface 122. The suction unit 212 may be coupled to the suction unit guide surface 126. A shape of the suction unit guide surface 126 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the suction unit 212. Accordingly, the convenience of coupling the main body 210 of the first cleaner 200 to the coupling surface 121 can be provided.

The coupling unit 120 may include a fixing member entrance hole 127. The fixing member entrance hole 127 may be formed in the form of a long hole along the sidewall 124 to allow a fixing member 131 to enter and exit the same. For example, the fixing member entrance hole 127 may be a rectangular hole formed along the sidewall 124. The detailed description of the fixing member 131 will be described below.

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

A fixing unit 130 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 9 as follows.

The cleaner station 100 according to the present invention may include the fixing unit 130. The fixing unit 130 may be disposed on the sidewall 124. In addition, at least a part of the fixing unit 130 may be disposed on a rear surface of the coupling surface 121. The fixing unit 130 may fix the cleaner 200 coupled to the coupling surface 121. Specifically, the fixing unit 130 may fix the dust bin 220 and the battery housing 230 of the cleaner 200 coupled to the coupling surface 121.

The fixing unit 130 may include the fixing member 131 for fixing the dust bin 220 and the battery housing 230 of the cleaner 200, and a fixing unit motor 133 for driving the fixing member 131. In addition, the fixing unit 130 may further include a fixing unit link 135 for transmitting power of the fixing unit motor 133 to the fixing member 131.

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

The fixing member 131 may be disposed on each of both sides of the coupling unit 120. For example, a pair of two fixing members 131 may be disposed symmetrically with respect to the coupling surface 121.

The fixing unit motor 133 may provide power for moving the fixing member 131 (see FIG. 16).

The fixing unit link 135 may convert a rotational force of the fixing unit motor 133 into reciprocating movement of the fixing unit member 131.

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

The fixing sealer 136 may be disposed on a virtual extension line of the fixing member 131. With this configuration, when the fixing unit motor 133 is operated so that the fixing member 131 presses the dust bin 220, a perimeter of the dust bin 220 at the same height may be sealed.

According to an embodiment, the fixing sealer 136 may be disposed on the dust bin guide surface 122 in a bent line shape corresponding to the arrangement of a cover open unit 150 to be described below.

Accordingly, when the main body 210 of the cleaner 200 is disposed on the coupling unit 120, the fixing unit 130 may fix the main body 210 of the cleaner 200. Specifically, when the coupling sensor 125 detects that the main body 210 of the cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling unit 120 of the cleaner station 100, the fixing unit motor 133 may fix the main body 210 of the cleaner 200 by moving the fixing member 131.

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

FIGS. 10 and 11 are views for describing the operation of a door unit opening and closing a door in the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

A door unit 140 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 11 as follows.

The cleaner station 100 of the present invention may include the door unit 140. The door unit 140 may be formed to open and close the dust through hole 121a.

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

The door 141 may be hinge-coupled to the coupling surface 121 to selectively open and close the dust through hole 121a. The door 141 may include a door main body 141a.

The door main body 141a may be formed in a shape that may block the dust through hole 121a. For example, the door main body 141a may be formed in a shape similar to a disk shape.

Based on a state in which the door main body 141a blocks the dust through hole 121a, a hinge unit may be disposed above the door body 141a, and an arm coupling portion 141b may be disposed below the door main body 141a.

The door main body 141a may be formed in a shape that may airtighten the dust through hole 121a. For example, an outer surface of the door main body 141a exposed outward from the cleaner station 100 is formed to have a diameter corresponding to a diameter of the dust through hole 121a, and an inner surface of the door main body 141a disposed inside the cleaner station 100 is formed to have a diameter larger than the diameter of the dust through hole 121a. In addition, a step may occur between the outer surface and the inner surface. Meanwhile, at least one reinforcing rib for connecting the hinge unit to the arm coupling portion 141b and reinforcing a support strength of the door main body 141a may be formed to protrude from the inner surface of the door main body 141a.

The hinge unit may be a means for hinge-coupling the door 141 to the coupling surface 121. The hinge unit may be disposed on an upper end portion of the door main body 141a and coupled to the coupling surface 121.

The arm coupling portion 141b may be a means to which the door arm 143 is rotatably coupled. The arm coupling portion 141b may be disposed below the door main body 141a, rotatably coupled to the door main body 141a, and rotatably coupled to the door arm 143.

With this configuration, in a state in which the door 141 closes the dust through hole 121a, when the door arm 143 pulls the door main body 141a, the door main body 141a may move while rotating about the hinge unit inward from the cleaner station 100 to open the dust through hole 121a. Meanwhile, in a state in which the dust through hole 121a is opened, when the door arm 143 pushes the door main body 141a, the door main body 141a may move while rotating about the hinge unit outward from the cleaner station 100 to block the dust through hole 121a.

Meanwhile, in a state in which the cleaner 200 is coupled to the cleaner station 100 and the discharging cover 222 is separated from the dust bin main body 221, the door 141 may come into contact with the discharging cover 222. In addition, as the door 141 rotates, the discharging cover 222 may be rotated in conjunction with the door 141.

The door motor 142 may provide power for rotating the door 141. Specifically, the door motor 142 may rotate the door arm 143 in a forward or reverse direction. Here, the forward direction may be a direction in which the door arm 143 pulls the door 141. Accordingly, when the door arm 143 rotates in the forward direction, the dust through hole 121a may be opened. In addition, the reverse direction may be a direction in which the door arm 143 pushes the door 141. Accordingly, when the door arm 143 rotates in the reverse direction, at least a part of the dust through hole 121a may be closed. The forward direction may be a direction opposite to the reverse direction.

The door arm 143 may connect the door 141 to the door motor 142 and open and close the door 141 using the power generated by the door motor 142.

For example, the door arm 143 may include a first door arm 143a and a second door arm 143b. One end portion of the first door arm 143a may be coupled to the door motor 142. The first door arm 143a may be rotated by the power of the door motor 142. The other end portion of the first door arm 143a may be rotatably coupled to the second door arm 143b. The first door arm 143a may transmit a force received from the door motor 142 to the second door arm 143b. One end portion of the second door arm 143b may be coupled to the first door arm 143a. The other end portion of the second door arm 143b may be coupled to the door 141. The second door arm 143b may open and close the dust through hole 121a by pushing or pulling the door 141.

The door unit 140 may further include a door opening and closing detection unit 144. The door opening and closing detection unit 144 may be provided inside the housing 110 to detect whether the door 141 is opened (see FIG. 16).

For example, the door opening and closing detection unit 144 may be disposed on each of both end portions of a rotational movement region of the door arm 143. As another example, the door opening and closing detection unit 144 may be disposed on each of both end portions of a movement region of the door 141.

Accordingly, when the door arm 143 moves to a preset door open position DP1 or the door 141 is opened to a predetermined position, the door opening and closing detection unit 144 may detect that the door has been opened. In addition, when the door arm 143 moves to a preset door closed position DP2 or the door 141 is opened to a predetermined position, the door opening and closing detection unit 144 may detect that the door has been opened.

The door opening and closing detection unit 144 may include a contact sensor. For example, the door opening and closing detection unit 144 may include a micro-switch.

Meanwhile, the door opening and closing detection unit 144 may include a non-contact sensor. For example, the door opening and closing detection unit 144 may include an IR sensor.

With this configuration, the door unit 140 may selectively open and close at least a part of the coupling surface 121 so that the outside of the first outer wall surface 112a communicates with a flow path unit 180 and/or the dust collection unit 170.

The door unit 140 may also be opened when the discharging cover 222 of the cleaner 200 is opened. In addition, when the door unit 140 is closed, the discharging cover 222 of the cleaner 200 may also be closed in conjunction with the door unit 140.

When the dust of the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200 is removed, the door motor 142 may rotate the door 141 to couple the discharging cover 222 to the dust bin main body 221. Specifically, the door motor 142 may rotate the door 141, and the rotating door 141 may push the discharging cover 222 toward the dust bin main body 221.

The cover open unit 150 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 12 as follows.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Referring to FIG. 7, the cleaner station 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the lower coupling unit 160. The cleaners 200 and 300 may be coupled to the lower coupling unit 160. Specifically, the second cleaner 300 may be coupled to the lower coupling unit 160. Dust stored inside the second cleaner 300 coupled to the lower coupling unit 160 may be collected by the cleaner station 100.

The lower coupling unit 160 may include the slope 161 along which the second cleaner 300 moves upward so as to be coupled thereto. The slope 161 may be formed of a plurality of sloped surfaces having different gradients, and each of the plurality of sloped surfaces may have a gradient determined depending on an outer shape of a bottom surface of the second cleaner 300.

The lower coupling unit 160 may include the dust suction hole 162 provided at a position corresponding to a position at which the dust bin 310 of the second cleaner 300 is disposed based on a state in which the second cleaner 300 is coupled. More specifically, the dust suction hole 162 may be formed in the sidewall of the lower coupling unit 160. In this case, the sidewall may be formed in a direction perpendicular to the ground and disposed to face the dust bin 310 of the second cleaner 300. Accordingly, the dust suction hole 162 may be disposed at a position facing the dust discharging hole 320 based on the state in which the second cleaner 300 is coupled. For example, the dust suction hole 162 may be disposed farther from the ground than the slope 161.

The dust suction hole 162 may be provided to be formed in a shape corresponding to the dust discharging hole 320. For example, the dust suction hole 162 may be in the formed of a quadrangular hole. In this case, the dust suction hole 162 may accommodate at least a part of the second cleaner discharging cover 330 when the second cleaner discharging cover 330 is opened. With this configuration, even when the dust collection motor 191 is operated and the second cleaner discharging cover 330 is opened, the dust discharging hole 320 and the dust suction hole 162 may be disposed close to each other to communicate with each other.

In addition, the lower coupling unit 160 may include a charging terminal (not shown) that is electrically connected to the second cleaner 300 and supplies power so that the second cleaner 300 is charged. When the second cleaner 300 is coupled, a corresponding terminal of the second cleaner 300 and the charging terminal (not shown) of the lower coupling unit 160 may be electrically connected, and power may be supplied to the second cleaner 300 from the lower coupling unit 160 so that the second cleaner 300 may be charged.

Meanwhile, the second cleaner flow path 182 may be formed on the lower coupling unit 160. The second cleaner flow path 182 may be formed to communicate with the dust suction hole 162.

Meanwhile, the dust collection unit 170 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 16 as follows.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meanwhile, the cleaner station 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention may further include a sterilization module (not shown).

The sterilization module (not shown) may be provided on the flow path unit 180 or at least one sterilization module may be provided around the dust collection unit 170.

The sterilization module (not shown) is a component that is provided to sterilize dust collected by the dust collection unit 170. The sterilization module (not shown) may include a light source that emits sterilization light and a protective panel that is disposed below the light source to protect the light source.

Here, the light source may include at least one light emitting diode (LED) capable of emitting sterilization light having sterilization power capable of removing bacteria. The sterilization light emitted by the light source may have a wavelength that varies depending on the type of the LED.

For example, the light source may be an LED that emits ultraviolet light having a UV-C wavelength range. Alternatively, as another example, the light source may be an LED that emits visible light having a wavelength of 405 nm.

The protective panel may be disposed to be spaced a predetermined distance from the light source below the light source to prevent damage to the light source. In this case, the protective panel may be formed of a material that maximizes the transmittance of the light source. For example, the protective panel may be formed of a quartz.

The cleaner station 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the sterilization module (not shown) that sterilizes the dust collection unit 170 to prevent bacteria from multiplying, thereby hygienically managing the dust collection unit 170 that stores the suctioned dust for a long time.

FIG. 13 is a view for describing a flow path switching module in a flow path unit of the cleaner station according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 14 is a view for describing an arrangement relationship between a first cleaner flow path and a dust collection flow path in the flow path unit of the cleaner station according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 15 is a view for describing an arrangement relationship between a second cleaner flow path and a dust collection flow path in the flow path unit of the cleaner station according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The flow path unit 180 of the cleaner station according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 15 as follows.

The cleaner station 100 may include the flow path unit 180. The flow path unit 180 may connect the dust bins 220 and 310 of the cleaners 200 and 300 to the dust collection unit 170. That is, the flow path unit 180 may connect the dust bin 220 of the first cleaner 200 or the dust bin 310 of the second cleaner 300 to the dust collection unit 170.

The flow path unit 180 may include the first cleaner flow path 181, the second cleaner flow path 182, a flow path switching module 183, and a dust collection flow path 184.

The first cleaner flow path 181 is disposed inside the housing 110 and connected to the dust bin 220 of the first cleaner 200 in a flow path manner.

The first cleaner flow path 181 may connect the dust bin 220 of the first cleaner 200 to the dust collection unit 170. The first cleaner flow path 181 may be disposed behind the coupling unit 120. The first cleaner flow path 181 may be a space between the dust bin 220 of the first cleaner 200 and the dust collection unit 170.

The first cleaner flow path 181 may be formed to extend rearward from the coupling unit 120 and extend downward after bent.

Specifically, the first cleaner flow path 181 includes the first flow path 181a. The first flow path 181a may communicate with the dust through hole 121a and may be formed behind the coupling unit 120 in a front-rear direction of the cleaner station 100.

In a state in which the first cleaner 200 is coupled to the cleaner station 100 and the door 141 and the discharging cover 222 are opened, the internal space of the dust bin 220, the dust through hole 121a, and the first flow path 181a may communicate with each other.

Since the first flow path 181a is formed in the front-rear direction of the cleaner station 100, a sufficient space in which air and foreign substances inside the dust bin 220 flow into the cleaner station 100 during the operation of the dust collection motor 191.

In addition, the first cleaner flow path 181 includes the second flow path 181b. The second flow path 181b may communicate with the first flow path 181a and may be formed in a vertical direction of the cleaner station 100.

In this case, a length of the second flow path 181b in the vertical direction may be formed to be larger than a length of the first flow path 181a in the front-rear direction. With this configuration, a loss of the flow path can be minimized.

An upper diameter of the second flow path 181b may be formed to be larger than a lower diameter thereof. That is, the second flow path 181b may be formed to have a narrower diameter from the top to the bottom. With this configuration, the introduced air and foreign substances can be collected inside the dust bin 220 and suctioned into the dust collection unit 170, and the suction power can be increased by increasing a flow rate downward from the second flow path 181b.

Meanwhile, in the cleaner station 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the second flow path 181b may be formed perpendicular to the ground or formed at a predetermined angle with the ground.

Specifically, in the present embodiment, a virtual line passing through the second flow path 181b may be formed. That is, the cleaner station 100 of the present invention may include a virtual first cleaner flow path through line P1 passing through the second flow path 181b in a longitudinal direction.

The first cleaner flow path through line P1 is formed in the longitudinal direction (the axial direction) of the second flow path 181b and formed to pass through the second flow path 181b.

Meanwhile, a lower portion of the first cleaner flow path 181 may be connected to the flow path switching module 183. Specifically, the lower portion of the first cleaner flow path 181 may be connected to a connection hose 1832 provided in the flow path switching module 183. That is, the lower portion of the first cleaner flow path 181 may communicate with a flow path formed inside the connection hose 1832 (hereinafter referred to as a “connection flow path”).

With this configuration, the dust of the dust bin 220 of the first cleaner 200 may pass through the connection flow path and the dust collection flow path 184 through the first cleaner flow path 181 and move to the dust collection unit 170.

The second cleaner flow path 182 is disposed inside the housing 110 and connected to the dust bin 310 of the second cleaner 300.

The second cleaner flow path 182 may connect the dust bin 310 of the second cleaner 300 to the dust collection unit 170.

The second cleaner flow path 182 may be formed rearward from the lower coupling unit 160 and formed upward after bent.

Specifically, the second cleaner flow path 182 includes a third flow path 182a. The third flow path 182a may communicate with the dust suction hole 162 and may be formed rearward from the dust suction hole 162 in the front-rear direction of the cleaner station 100. For example, the third flow path 182a may be formed rearward from the dust suction hole 162 in a direction parallel to the ground.

An internal space of the dust bin 310 of the second cleaner 300, the dust suction hole 162, and the third flow path 182a may communicate with each other. That is, when the dust collection motor 191 is operated, the second cleaner discharging cover 330 may be opened by the suction force of the dust collection motor 191. At this time, the internal space of the dust bin 310 of the second cleaner 300, the dust suction hole 162, and the third flow path 182a may communicate with each other, and the dust stored inside the dust bin 310 may pass through the dust suction hole 162 and the third flow path 182a.

In addition, the second cleaner flow path 182 includes a fourth flow path 182b. The fourth flow path 182b may communicate with the third flow path 182a and may be formed in the vertical direction of the cleaner station 100. That is, the fourth flow path 182b may be formed to be bent upward from the third flow path 182a and formed in a direction perpendicular to the ground. When the dust collection motor 191 is operated, the dust stored inside the dust bin 310 may flow upward against gravity by the suction force of the dust collection motor 191.

In addition, the second cleaner flow path 182 includes a fifth flow path 182c. The fifth flow path 182c may be formed to communicate with the fourth flow path 182b and form a predetermined angle with the ground.

The fifth flow path 182c may be disposed between the first flow path 181a and the dust collection flow path 184.

The fifth flow path 182c may be disposed farther from the ground than the dust collection flow path 184, thereby preventing foreign substances (dust) flowing into the dust collection flow path 184 from flowing back into the second cleaner flow path 181. In addition, the fifth flow path 182c may be disposed closer to the ground than the first flow path 181a, thereby minimizing a distance that foreign substances of the dust bin 310 of the second cleaner 300 flow upward against gravity by the operation of the dust collection motor 191.

The fifth flow path 182c may be a flow path formed to be bent at a predetermined angle from the fourth flow path 182b.

One axial end portion of the fifth flow path 182c is connected to the fourth flow path 182b. In addition, the other axial end portion of the fifth flow path 182c may be connected to the connection hose 1832 provided in the flow path switching module 183.

In this case, at least a part of the one end portion of the fifth flow path 182c may be disposed to be higher than the other end portion. With this configuration, the air and foreign substances that have passed through the fourth flow path 182b may be moved to the dust collection flow path 184 by gravity.

Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a virtual line passing through the fifth flow path 182c may be formed. That is, the cleaner station 100 of the present invention may include a virtual second cleaner flow path through line P2 passing through the fifth flow path 182c in the longitudinal direction.

The second cleaner flow path through line P2 is formed in the longitudinal direction (the axial direction) of the fifth flow path 182c and formed to pass through the fifth flow path 182c.

Meanwhile, a diameter of the fourth flow path 182b may be formed to be smaller than a diameter of the fifth flow path 182c. In this case, flow rates of the air and foreign substances flowing through the fourth flow path 182b may be faster than flow rates of the air and foreign substances flowing through the fifth flow path 182c. Accordingly, the dust stored in the dust bin 310 of the second cleaner 300 may flow upward along the fourth flow path 182b against gravity and then flow downward along the fifth flow path 182c.

With this configuration, the second cleaner flow path 182 may collect the dust stored in the second cleaner 300 that is positioned closer to the ground than the dust collection unit 170.

The fifth flow path 182c may communicate with the fourth flow path 182b and the dust collection flow path 184.

Meanwhile, a lower portion of the fifth flow path 182c may be connected to the flow path switching module 183. Specifically, the lower portion of the fifth flow path 182c may communicate with the connection hose 1832 provided in the flow path switching module 183. That is, the lower portion of the fifth flow path 181 may communicate with the flow path (the connection flow path) formed inside the connection hose 1832.

With this configuration, the dust of the dust bin 310 of the second cleaner 300 may pass through the connection flow path and the dust collection flow path 184 through the second cleaner flow path 182 and move to the dust collection unit 170.

The flow path switching module 183 is a component that selectively connects the dust collection flow path 184 to the first cleaner flow path 181 or the second cleaner flow path 182.

The flow path switching module 183 connects the dust collection unit 170 disposed in the housing 110 to the first cleaner flow path 181 or the second cleaner flow path 182.

The flow path switching module 183 may be disposed between the dust collection unit 170 and the first cleaner flow path 181 and the second cleaner flow path 182. The flow path switching module 183 may selectively open and close the first cleaner flow path 181 or the second cleaner flow path 182. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the suction power caused by the plurality of flow paths 181 and 182 being opened simultaneously.

For example, when only the first cleaner 200 is coupled to the cleaner station 100, the flow path switching module 183 may connect the first cleaner flow path 181 to the dust collection unit 170 and block the connection between the second cleaner flow path 182 and the dust collection unit 170.

In addition, when only the second cleaner 300 is coupled to the cleaner station 100, the flow path switching module 183 may connect the second cleaner flow path 182 to the dust collection unit 170 and block the connection between the first cleaner flow path 181 and the dust collection unit 170.

To help understanding, a direction of the flow path switching module 183 is defined as follows. A direction in which the second cleaner flow path 182 is positioned with respect to a case 1831 can be defined as a rearward. A direction in which a driving cam 1836 is positioned with respect to the case 1831 can be defined as a forward. A direction in which the first cleaner flow path 181 is positioned with respect to the case 1831 can be defined as an upward. A direction in which the dust collection unit 170 is positioned with respect to the case 1831 can be defined as a downward.

The flow path switching module 183 is disposed inside the housing 110.

The flow path switching module 183 includes the case 1831, the connection hose 1832, a first link 1833, a second link 1834, a switching motor 1835, and the driving cam 1836.

The flow path switching module 183 includes the case 1831. The case 1831 is a component that forms an exterior and forms a frame to which other components may be coupled or supported.

The case 1831 is formed in a cylinder shape with an internal space and has a first cleaner flow path connection portion 1831b connected to the first cleaner flow path 181 and a second cleaner flow path connection portion 1831c connected to the second cleaner flow path 182. In addition, the case 1831 has a dust collection flow path connection portion 1831d connected to the dust collection flow path 184.

The case 1831 may form an arc on an inner circumferential surface thereof. The inner circumferential surface of the case 1831 constitutes a part of a virtual circle centered on a center axis. Referring to FIG. 11, a center axis 1831a of the case is disposed in a left-right direction of the cleaner station 100.

The first cleaner flow path connection portion 1831b may be formed to protrude radially outward from the case 1831. The first cleaner flow path connection portion 1831b may be formed to protrude upward. A flange may be formed on an end portion of the first cleaner flow path connection portion 1831b, and the flange may be connected to the first cleaner flow path 181 by being inserted into a groove formed in the first cleaner flow path 181.

The second cleaner flow path connection portion 1831c may be formed to protrude radially outward from the case 1831. The second cleaner flow path connection portion 1831c may be formed to protrude rearward from the case 1831. A flange may be formed on an end portion of the second cleaner flow path connection portion 1831c, and the flange may be connected to the second cleaner flow path 182 by being inserted into a groove formed in the second cleaner flow path 182.

The dust collection flow path connection portion 1831d may be formed to protrude radially outward from the case 1831. The dust collection flow path connection portion 1831d may be formed to protrude downward. A flange may be formed on an end portion of the dust collection flow path connection portion 1831d, and the flange may be connected to the dust collection flow path 184 by being inserted into a groove formed in the dust collection flow path 184.

The case 1831 may be detachably coupled to the housing 110. The case 1831 is inserted into the housing 110, and the flanges formed on the first cleaner flow path connection portion 1831b, the second cleaner flow path connection portion 1831c, and the dust collection flow path connection portion 1831d are fixedly inserted into the grooves of the first cleaner flow path 181, the second cleaner path 182, and the dust collection flow path 184. Thereafter, the case 1831 may be screw-coupled to the housing 110 by at least one screw.

The flow path switching module 183 includes the connection hose 1832. The connection hose 1832 is a component that allows the dust collection flow path 184 to selectively communicate with the first cleaner flow path 181 or the second cleaner flow path 182.

The connection hose 1832 has an inlet 1832a that moves along the inner circumferential surface of the case 1831 and is selectively coupled to one of the first cleaner flow path connection portion 1831b or the second cleaner flow path connection portion 1831c. An outlet 1832b of the connection hose is connected to the dust collection flow path connection portion 1831d.

That is, the connection hose 1832 may be disposed inside the flow path switching module 183, one end portion of the connection hose 1832 may be connected to the first cleaner flow path 181 or the second cleaner flow path 182, and the other end portion of the connection hose 1832 may be connected to the dust collection flow path 184.

The connection hose 1832 may have the inlet 1832a disposed above the outlet 1832b. That is, the one end portion of the connection hose 1832 may be disposed farther from the ground than the other end portion of the connection hose 1832.

With this configuration, the air and dust flowing into the inlet 1832a of the connection hose 1832 may be accelerated by gravity and discharged through the outlet 1832b of the connection hose 1832. Accordingly, even when the connection hose 1832 is bent at a predetermined angle, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a loss of the flow path.

The connection hose 1832 may be formed of an elastic material. For example, the connection hose 1832 may be formed of a rubber or resin material. Accordingly, the connection hose 1832 may be deformed in shape during movement.

Alternatively, at least a part of the connection hose 1832 may have wrinkles. Accordingly, the connection hose 1832 may be structurally deformed.

The inlet 1832a of the connection hose 1832 is selectively coupled to one of the first cleaner flow path connection portion 1831b or the second cleaner flow path connection portion 1831c. The connection hose 1832 may be coupled to the first cleaner flow path connection portion 1831b so that the first cleaner flow path 181 may communicate with the dust collection unit 170. Alternatively, the connection hose 1832 may be coupled to the second cleaner flow path connection portion 1831c so that the second cleaner flow path 182 may communicate with the dust collection unit 170.

The inlet 1832a of the connection hose 1832 moves along the inner circumferential surface of the case 1831. Specifically, the inlet 1832a of the connection hose 1832 moves along the inner circumferential surface of the case 1831 while spaced a predetermined distance or more from the case 1831. Accordingly, while the connection hose 1832 moves along the inner circumferential surface of the case 1831, the sealer 1832c disposed at the inlet 1832a of the connection hose 1832 cannot be damaged.

The outlet 1832b of the connection hose 1832 is coupled to the dust collection flow path connection portion 1831d. The outlet 1832b of the connection hose 1832 is fixedly coupled to the dust collection flow path connection portion 1831d and always communicates with the dust collection portion 170.

The flow path switching module 183 includes the first link 1833. The first link 1833 is a component that transmits the power of the motor to the connection hose 1832 to move the connection hose 1832.

The first link 1833 has one side rotatably coupled to the case 1831 and the other side coupled to the connection hose 1832.

The first link 1833 rotates about a rotational axis 1833a disposed at one side thereof. The first link 1833 is rotatably coupled to the case 1831 through the rotational axis 1833a of the first link 1833. The first link 1833 is rotatably coupled to the case 1831.

The rotational axis 1833a of the first link is a rotational center about which the first link 1833 rotates. The rotational axis 1833a of the first link is rotatably coupled to the case 1831.

A connection portion 1833b of the first link 1833 extends from the rotational axis 1833a of the first link in one direction, is connected to the connection hose 1832, and disposed on the end portion of the first link 1833.

The connection portion 1833b of the first link is hinge-coupled to the inlet 1832a of the connection hose 1832. The first link 1833 is connected to the connection hose 1832 through the connection portion 1833b of the first link. Accordingly, when the first link 1833 rotates, the connection hose 1832 may move.

The first link 1833 extends from the rotational axis 1833a. The connection portion 1833b of the first link is disposed on a rear end portion of the first link 1833. The connection portion 1833b of the first link may be connected to the rear of the inlet 1832a of the connection hose 1832.

The first link 1833 includes a gear portion 1833c.

The gear portion 1833c of the first link 1833 may extend from the rotational axis 1833a of the first link in a direction opposite to the connection portion 1833b. The first link 1833 may extend forward from the rotational axis 1833a of the first link, and the gear portion 1833c of the first link is disposed on a front end portion of the first link 1833.

The gear portion 1833c of the first link has gear teeth formed on an end portion thereof. The gear portion 1833c of the first link 1833 is connected to a gear portion 1836c of the driving cam 1836. Specifically, the gear portion 1833c of the first link is engaged with the gear portion 1836c of the driving cam.

The first link includes a partition 1833d.

The partition 1833d of the first link is a component that prevents the flow path switching module 183 from being separated when the connection hose 1832 is positioned at a specific position. Specifically, when the connection hose 1832 is not coupled to the first cleaner flow path connection portion 1831b and the connection hose 1832 is being coupled to the second cleaner flow path portion 1831c or when the connection hose 1832 is positioned between the first cleaner flow path portion 1831b and the second cleaner flow path portion 1831c, the flow path switching module 183 can be prevented from being separated.

The partition 1833d of the first link extends radially outward from the gear portion 1833c of the first link.

That is, the partition 1833d of the first link is disposed on a part of the gear portion 1833c of the first link. The partition 1833d of the first link covers a part of the gear portion 1833c. That is, a part of the gear portion 1833c of the first link overlaps the partition 1833d, and the remaining portion does not overlap the partition 1833d. In addition, a part of the gear portion 1836 of the driving cam engaged with the gear portion 1833c of the first link may overlap the partition 1833d depending on the rotation of the driving cam 1836.

Accordingly, during a process in which an assembly including the case 1831 and the first link 1833 moves to the side surface of the cleaner station 100, the gear portion 1836c of the driving cam and the partition 1833d of the first link may be caught on each other depending on the rotation of the driving cam 1836 to restrict the separation of the assembly.

Specifically, when the gear portion 1836c of the driving cam and the partition 1833d are disposed at positions at which they overlap each other depending on the rotation of the driving cam 1836, the partition 1833d is caught on the gear portion 1836c of the driving cam, and thus the assembly cannot be separated. On the other hand, when the partition 1833d of the first link and the gear portion 1836c of the driving cam are disposed at positions at which they do not overlap each other depending on the rotation of the driving cam, the flow path switching module 183 can be easily separated.

More specifically, when the connection hose 1832 is coupled to the first cleaner flow path 181, the partition 1833d of the first link and the driving cam 1836 are not disposed to overlap each other in the front-rear direction. In addition, when the connection hose 1832 is coupled to the second cleaner flow path 182, the partition 1833d of the first link and the driving cam 1836 are disposed to overlap each other in the front-rear direction. In addition, when the connection hose 1832 is disposed between the first cleaner flow path 181 and the second cleaner flow path 182, the partition 1833d of the first link and the driving cam 1836 are disposed to overlap each other in the front-rear direction. Accordingly, since the flow path switching module 183 may be separated only when the connection hose 1832 is connected to the first cleaner flow path 181, it is possible to prevent dust falling through the first cleaner flow path 181 from flying during coupling or separation.

The flow path switching module 183 includes the second link 1834. The second link 1834 is a component that moves the connection hose 1832 along with the first link 1833.

The second link 1834 has one side rotatably coupled to the case 1831 and the other side coupled to the connection hose 1832.

The second link 1834 rotates about the rotational axis 1834a disposed at one side thereof. The second link 1834 has one side rotatably coupled to the case 1831. The second link 1834 rotates about the rotational axis 1834a disposed at one side thereof. The rotational axis 1834a of the second link may be disposed at an end portion of the second link 1834. The second link 1834 is rotatably coupled to the case 1831.

The rotational axis 1834a of the second link is a rotational center about which the second link 1834 rotates. The rotational axis 1834a of the second link extends from the second link 1834 toward the case 1831. The rotational shaft 1834a of the second link is rotatably coupled to the case 1831.

The second link 1834 extends from the rotational axis 1834a of the second link in one direction, and the connection portion 1834b connected to the connection hose 1832 is disposed on the end portion of the second link 1834.

The connection portion 1834b of the second link is hinge-coupled to the inlet of the connection hose 1832. The second link 1834 is connected to the connection hose 1832 through the connection portion 1834b of the second link. Accordingly, when the second link 1834 rotates, the connection hose 1832 may move.

The second link 1834 has one side coupled to the case 1831 and the other side coupled to the connection hose 1832. Specifically, one end of the second link 1834 becomes the rotational axis 1834a and is connected to the case 1831. The other end of the second link 1834 becomes the connection portion 1834b and is hinge-coupled to the inlet 1832a of the connection hose 1832.

The rotational axis 1834a of the second link is disposed at a lower portion of the second link 1834 and rotatably coupled to the case 1831. The second link 1834 is formed to extend upward from the rotational axis 1834a of the second link. The connection portion 1834b of the second link is disposed on an upper end of the second link 1834. The connection portion 1834b of the second link may be connected to the inlet of the connection hose 1832.

Accordingly, while the inlet of the connection hose 1832 moves, the inlet of the connection hose 1832 may move while spaced a predetermined distance from the case 1831.

At least one of the rotational axis 1833a of the first link or the rotational axis 1834a of the second link is disposed to be spaced apart from the center axis 1831a of the case 1831.

The rotational axis 1833a of the first link may be disposed in front of the center axis 1831a of the case 1831. The rotational axis 1834a of the second link may be disposed below the center axis 1831a of the case 1831. The rotational axis 1833a of the first link may be disposed to be spaced apart from the rotational axis 1834a of the second link.

With this arrangement, the rotational axis 1833a of the first link and the rotational axis 1834a of the second link become two focal points, and the connection hose 1832 may move along an elliptical orbit. That is, a trajectory along which the connection portion 1833b of the first link moves and a trajectory along which the connection portion 1834b of the second link moves are misaligned, and the inlet 1832a of the connection hose moves along an elliptical orbit.

Accordingly, the inlet 1832a of the connection hose may be spaced a predetermined distance or more from the inner circumferential surface of the case 1831 while moving.

The connection hose 1832 comes into close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the case 1831 when coupled to one of the first cleaner flow path 181 or the second cleaner flow path 182 and is spaced apart from the inner circumferential surface of the case 1831 when moving from one of the first cleaner flow path 181 or the second cleaner flow path 182 to the other.

Accordingly, the sealer 1832c of the connection hose 1832 cannot be damaged by friction or the like while moving between the first cleaner flow path connection portion 1831b and the second cleaner flow path connection portion 1831c.

The flow path switching module 183 may be formed so that a radius of curvature of the inner circumferential surface of the case 1831 is smaller than a radius of curvature formed by the trajectory of the inlet 1832a of the connection hose 1832. The trajectory along which the inlet 1832a of the connection hose 1832 moves is formed in a shape similar to an ellipse, and a radius of curvature of the ellipse may be larger than the radius of curvature of the inner circumferential surface of the case 1831.

The trajectory of the inlet of the connection hose 1832 is an ellipse with the rotational axis 1833a of the first link and the rotational axis 1833b of the second link as focal points, and the radius of curvature formed by the trajectory of the inlet 1832a of the connection hose 1832 is obviously larger than the radius of curvature of the inner circumferential surface of the case 1831.

Since the radius of curvature of the ellipse is formed to be larger than the radius of curvature of the inner circumferential surface of the case 1831, the inlet 1832a of the connection hose 1832 may be spaced apart from the inner circumferential surface of the case 1831 when moving along the inner circumferential surface of the case 1831.

The flow path switching module 183 includes a plurality of links, each of which has one side rotatably coupled to the case 1831 and the other side coupled to the connection hose 1832. The links may be the first link 1833 and the second link 1834.

At least one of the plurality of links may have a radius of curvature of a trajectory along which an end portion connected to the case 1831 moves that is larger than the radius of curvature of the inner circumferential surface of the case 1831. A radius of curvature R2 of a second trajectory may be larger than the curvature radius of the inner circumferential surface of the case 1831, and a radius of curvature R1 of a first trajectory may be larger than the radius of curvature R2 of the second trajectory and the radius of curvature of the inner circumferential surface of the case 1831.

A length of the first link 1833 may be formed to be larger than a length of the second link 1834.

When the flow path switching module 183 is viewed from one side, the first link 1833 may intersect the second link 1834.

Since the length of the first link 1833 is formed differently from the length of the second link 1834 and the first link 1833 and the second link 1834 are disposed to intersect each other, the inlet 1832a of the connection hose 1832 may be separated from the inner circumferential surface of the case 1831 while moving between the first cleaner flow path connection portion 1831b and the second cleaner flow path connection portion 1831c.

The flow path switching module 183 includes the switching motor 1835 and the driving cam 1836.

The switching motor 1835 is disposed at one side of the case 1831 and generates power to move the connection hose 1832.

The switching motor 1835 may be a bidirectional motor that may rotate in both directions. That is, the switching motor 1835 may rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. For example, when the switching motor 1835 rotates clockwise, the connection hose 1832 is connected to the second cleaner flow path 182. Conversely, when the switching motor 1835 rotates counterclockwise, the connection hose 1832 is connected to the first cleaner flow path 181.

The driving cam 1836 is coupled to the switching motor 1835 and transmits the power of the switching motor 1835 to the first link 1833.

The driving cam 1836 is coupled to the switching motor 1835, includes a sensing portion 1836b protruding to one side, and transmits the power of the switching motor 1835 to the connection hose 1832.

The driving cam 1836 is coupled to a shaft of the switching motor 1835. Accordingly, the driving cam 1836 rotates integrally with the shaft of the switching motor 1835.

The driving cam 1836 includes the gear portion 1836c. The gear portion 1836c of the driving cam may be formed to protrude radially outward from the driving cam.

The gear portion 1836c of the driving cam is connected to the gear portion 1833c of the first link. That is, the gear portion 1836c of the driving cam and the gear portion 1833c of the first link are gear-connected. Accordingly, when the driving cam 1836 rotates clockwise, the first link 1833 rotates counterclockwise, and when the driving cam 1836 rotates counterclockwise, the first link 1833 rotates clockwise.

The flow path switching module 183 may include the sensing portion 1836b and the position sensor 1837 and determine the position of the connection hose 1832.

The sensing portion 1836b is formed on the driving cam 1836 and protrudes radially outward from the shaft of the switching motor 1835.

The position sensor 1837 is disposed at one side of the sensing portion 1836b and is turned on and off by the sensing portion 1836b to detect the position of the connection hose 1832.

For example, the position sensor 1837 includes a micro-switch. The micro-switch is disposed at the one side of the sensing portion 1836b. Accordingly, when the micro-switch is pressed by the sensing portion 1836b (ON), the micro-switch generates a signal. Conversely, when the micro-switch is not pressed by the sensing portion 1836b (OFF), the micro-switch does not generate the signal.

The signal is transmitted to a controller 400, and the controller 400 may determine the position of the connection hose 1832 based on the presence or absence of the signal and a transmission time of the signal.

The sensing portion 1836b may be formed of a plurality of surfaces. The plurality of surfaces may be outer surfaces formed radially outward with respect to the rotational axis 1836a of the driving cam 1836, and each of the plurality of surfaces may have a different radius with respect to the rotational axis of the driving cam 1836.

Specifically, when a surface with a relatively large radius of the sensing portion 1836b comes into contact with a switch of the position sensor 1837, the switch of the position sensor 1837 is pressed to turn on the position sensor 1837, and the position sensor 1837 transmits an on signal to the controller 400. Conversely, when a surface with a relatively small radius of the sensing portion 1836b faces the switch of the position sensor 1837, the switch of the position sensor 1837 is not pressed to turn off the position sensor 1837, and the position sensor 1837 transmits an off signal to the controller 400 or does not transmit the signal to the controller 400.

The flow path switching module 183 may further include an elastic member 1838. The elastic member 1838 is a component that helps the movement of the inlet of the connection hose 1832.

The elastic member 1838 has one side connected to the case 1831 and the other side connected to the second link 1834.

The elastic member 1838 may be a torsion spring.

The elastic member 1838 is tensioned when the connection hose 1832 is connected to the first cleaner flow path 181. In addition, the elastic member 1838 is compressed when the connection hose 1832 is connected to the second cleaner flow path 182.

The elastic member 1838 helps the connection hose 1832 to move to the first cleaner flow path 181 while connected to the second cleaner flow path 182. The first link 1833 may pull the connection hose 1832 connected to the first cleaner flow path 181 rearward to easily guide the connection hose 1832 to the second cleaner flow path 182. Alternatively, the first link 1833 may push the connection hose 1832 connected to the second cleaner flow path 182 forward and upward to guide the connection hose 1832 to the first cleaner flow path 181, but a problem that a part of the connection hose 1832 is caught on the path along which the connection hose 1832 moves may occur. In this case, an elastic force of the elastic member 1838 may pull the connection portion 1834b of the second link 1834 so that the connection hose 1832 can be easily separated from the second cleaner flow path 182.

The flow path switching module 183 can block the connection hose 1832 from moving beyond a limit position by including a stop sensor 1839 and a stopper 1836d.

The stopper 1836d is disposed on one side of the driving cam 1836. The stopper 1836d protrudes radially outward from the driving cam 1835.

The stop sensor 1839 may be disposed adjacent to the driving cam 1836.

The stop sensor 1839 may be an infrared sensor or a contact sensor. The stop sensor 1839 may detect the position of the stopper 1836d and transmit a signal when the stopper 1836d is disposed close to the stop sensor 1839. In addition, the signal transmitted by the stop sensor 1839 is transmitted to the controller 400.

When receiving the signal from the stop sensor 1839, the controller 400 determines that the connection hose 1832 has been completely coupled to the first cleaner flow path 181 and stops the operation of the switching motor 1835.

The flow path switching module 183 according to the present invention may be detachably coupled to the housing 110. A chamber in which the flow path switching module 183 may be disposed is formed in the housing 110, and the flow path switching module 183 is disposed in the chamber and connected to the first cleaner flow path 181, the second cleaner flow path 182, and the dust collection flow path 184.

Since dust along with air flows in the flow path switching module 183, there is a risk that the flow path switching module 183 may become dirty by dust or malfunction due to stuck dust. Accordingly, there is a need for easy separation and cleaning. According to the present invention, since the flow path switching module 183 can be easily coupled or separated from the housing 110, separation and cleaning can be easy.

The connection hose 1832 and the first link 1833 may be coupled to the case 1831 to constitute one assembly, and the assembly may be integrally coupled with or separated from the housing 110. The case 1831, the connection hose 1832, the first link 1833, and the second link 1834 may constitute one assembly. The assembly may be assembled before coupled to the housing 110, and regarded as one component and coupled to or separated from the housing 110.

The assembly may be coupled to the housing 110 while the flanges are slidably inserted into the flange grooves, respectively. After the assembly is coupled to the housing 110, the assembly can be more firmly fixed thereto by a screw or the like.

The flow path switching module 183 is detachably coupled to the housing 110 and is separated when connected to one of the first cleaner flow path 181 or the second cleaner flow path 182. For example, the flow path switching module 183 may be separated when the connection hose 1832 is connected to the first cleaner flow path 181, and when the connection hose 1832 is connected to the second cleaner flow path 182, separation can be restricted by the partition 1833d being caught on the gear portion 1836c of the driving cam.

The dust collection flow path 184 has one side selectively connected to one of the first cleaner flow path 181 or the second cleaner flow path 182 and the other side connected to the dust collection unit 170. For example, the dust collection flow path 184 has an upper end portion selectively connected to one of the first cleaner flow path 181 or the second cleaner flow path 182 and a lower end portion connected to the dust collection unit 170.

Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a virtual line passing through the duct collection flow path 184 may be formed. That is, the cleaner station 100 of the present invention may include a virtual dust collection flow path through line P3 passing through the dust collection flow path 184 in the longitudinal direction.

The dust collection flow path through line P3 is formed in the longitudinal direction (the axial direction) of the dust collection flow path 184 and formed to pass through the dust collection flow path 184. The dust collection flow path through line P3 may be disposed parallel to a vertical line V.

An inlet of the dust collection flow path 184 is coupled to the case 1831 and communicates with the connection hose 1832 coupled to the case 1831.

As shown in FIG. 14, when the connection hose 1832 is connected to the first cleaner flow path 181, the dust collection flow path 184 is connected to the first cleaner flow path 181 so that air may flow. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 15, when the connection hose 1832 is connected to the second cleaner flow path 182, the dust collection flow path 184 is connected to the second cleaner flow path 182 so that air may flow.

Meanwhile, the dust suction module 190 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 16 as follows.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meanwhile, FIG. 16 shows a block diagram for describing a control configuration of the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

The control configuration of the cleaner station 100 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 16 as follows.

The cleaner station 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention may further include the controller 400 for controlling the coupling unit 120, the fixing unit 130, the door unit 140, the cover open unit 150, the lower coupling unit 160, the dust collection unit 170, the flow path unit 180, and the dust suction module 190.

The controller 400 may be composed of a printed circuit board and elements mounted on the printed circuit board.

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

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

When determining that the first cleaner 200 has been coupled to the coupling unit 120, the controller 400 may fix the first cleaner 200 by operating the fixing unit motor 133.

When the fixing member 131 or the fixing unit link 135 moves to a predetermined fixing point FP1, a fixing detection unit 137 may transmit a signal indicating that the first cleaner 200 has been fixed. The station controller 400 may receive the signal indicating that the first cleaner 200 has been fixed from the fixing detection unit 137 and determine that the first cleaner 200 has been fixed. When it is determined that the first cleaner 200 has been fixed, the station controller 400 may stop the operation of the fixing unit motor 133.

Meanwhile, when the emptying of the dust bin 220 is finished, the controller 400 may release the fixing of the first cleaner 200 by rotating the fixing unit motor 133 in a reverse direction.

When it is determined that the first cleaner 200 has been fixed to the coupling unit 120, the controller 400 may open the door 141 of the cleaner station 100 by operating the door motor 142.

The door opening and closing detection unit 144 may transmit a signal indicating that the door 141 has been opened when the door 141 or the door arm 143 reaches the predetermined open position DP1. The controller 400 may receive the signal indicating that the door 141 has been opened from the door opening and closing detection unit 137 and determine that the door 141 has been opened. When it is determined that the door 141 has been opened, the controller 400 may stop the operation of the door motor 142.

Meanwhile, when the emptying of the dust bin 220 is finished, the controller 400 may close the door 141 by rotating the door motor 142 in the reverse direction.

When it is determined that the door 141 has been opened, the controller 400 may open the discharging cover 222 of the first cleaner 200 by operating the cover open motor 152.

The controller 400 may receive the signal indicating that the discharging cover 222 has been opened from the cover open detection unit 155f and determine that the discharging cover 222 has been opened. When it is determined that the discharging cover 222 has been opened, the controller 400 may stop the operation of the cover open motor 152.

When the second cleaner 300 is coupled to the lower coupling unit 160, power may be supplied to the second cleaner 300 through the charging terminal (not shown), and thus the controller 400 may determine that the second cleaner 300 has been coupled to the lower coupling unit 160.

The controller 400 may control a sterilization module 175. For example, the controller 400 may operate the sterilization module 175 after dust is collected in the dust collection unit 170 or at predetermined time intervals to sterilize viruses, microorganisms, etc. existing inside or outside the dust collection unit 170.

The controller 400 may control the flow path switching module 183 of the flow path unit 180. For example, the controller 400 may control the switching motor 1835 to move the connection hose 1832. The connection hose 1832 may be selectively connected to the first cleaner flow path 181 or the second cleaner flow path 182. Accordingly, the controller 400 may selectively open and close the first cleaner flow path 181 or the second cleaner flow path 182 by moving the connection hose 1832.

The controller 400 may suction the dust inside the dust bin 220 by driving the dust collection motor 191.

The controller 400 may display a dust bin emptying situation and charging situation of the first cleaner 200 or the second cleaner 300 by operating the display unit 410.

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

The display unit 410 may include at least one of a display means capable of outputting text and/or graphics, and a speaker capable of outputting voice signals and sounds. A user can easily identify a current operation, a charging state of the first cleaner 20 and/or the second cleaner 30, a degree to which the dust bag is filled, and drawing information of a room being cleaned through information output through the display unit 410.

Here, the display means may be formed as one of a light-emitting diode (LED), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display panel, and an organic light-emitting diode (OLED).

The display unit 410 may be disposed on the upper surface 113. With this configuration, the user may check the information at a position looking down at the display unit 410 disposed on the upper surface 113, and since the information may be displayed on a wider area, visibility can be secured.

The communication unit 420 may include at least one module that enables wireless communication between the cleaner station 100 and an external device. As described above, the external device may be one or more home appliances, the cleaners 200 and 300, or external servers.

At least one communication unit 420 may be disposed outside or inside the housing 110. For example, the communication unit 420 may be disposed on the lower coupling unit 160 to communicate with the second cleaner 300. In addition, the communication unit 420 may be disposed on the coupling unit 120 to communicate with the first cleaner 200. In addition, the communication unit 420 may be disposed inside the housing 110 to communicate with a remote controller, a terminal, etc.

For example, the at least one module may include at least one of an IR module for infrared communication, an ultrasonic module for ultrasonic communication, or a short-distance communication module such as a Wi-Fi module or a Bluetooth module. Alternatively, the above module may include a wireless Internet module to transmit and receive data with a preset device through various wireless technologies such as wireless LAN (WLAN), Wi-Fi, etc. Alternatively, the communication unit 420 may be electrically connected to the cleaners 200 and 300 to transmit and receive data through an electric signal.

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

The memory 430 may include various pieces of information for operating the cleaner station 100. The memory 430 may include application programs for operating the cleaner station 100 and various pieces of related information. In addition, each information transmitted from an external device may be stored and may include setting information about various settings (e.g., brightness of a display unit and the like) selected or input by a user.

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

The manipulation unit 440 may be disposed on the upper surface 113. From another perspective, the manipulation unit 440 may be disposed on the upper surface of the housing 110 in the longitudinal direction.

With this configuration, since a user does not need to lower his/her posture such as bending over when pressing or touching the manipulation unit 440 disposed on the upper surface of the housing 110, convenience can be provided to the use of the cleaner station 100. In addition, when the manipulation unit 440 is disposed on the upper surface 113, the user may manipulate the manipulation unit 440 while looking down the manipulation unit 440, thereby securing visibility.

In addition, with this configuration, the cleaner station 100 can be structurally stably supported without falling over when the user applies pressure such as pressing or touching the manipulation unit 440.

The controller 400 may generate a control signal corresponding to a command input by the user through the manipulation unit 440 to operate each component. For example, when the user applies pressure to a power button included in the manipulation unit 440 and touches or presses the power button, the controller 400 may control power to be supplied to the cleaner station 100.

Meanwhile, the controller 400 may be connected to an external device through the communication unit 420 in a wireless communication manner. In this case, the controller 400 may transmit various pieces of information to the connected external device. In addition, the information may be received from the connected external device through the communication unit 420 and stored in the memory 430.

Meanwhile, FIGS. 17A and 17B are views for describing the configuration of the manipulation unit and the display unit in the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 18 is a block diagram for describing the control configuration in which the cleaner and the cleaner station are controlled according to the input of the manipulation unit in the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

A method of controlling the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 18 as follows.

First, the configuration of the display unit 410 and the manipulation unit 440 that are disposed on the upper surface 113 will be described as follows.

The display unit 410 may display a current state of the cleaner station 100. For example, the display unit 410 may include a bag replacement display unit 411, an auxiliary battery charging display unit 412, a sterilization display unit 413, and an automatic dust collection display unit 414. In addition, although not shown, it is possible to add a display unit that displays whether the first cleaner 200 and/or the second cleaner 300 are coupled and charging states of the first cleaner 200 and/or the second cleaner 300.

In this case, the bag replacement display unit 411 may display whether the dust collection unit 170 needs to be replaced. Specifically, the bag replacement display unit 411 may be displayed when dust exceeding a predetermined reference dust amount is stored in the dust collection unit 170. For example, when the dust exceeding the predetermined reference dust amount is stored in the dust collection unit 170, the bag replacement display unit 411 may be turned on.

The auxiliary battery charging display unit 412 may display a charging level of an auxiliary battery (not shown). Specifically, when the auxiliary battery is coupled to the inside of the housing 110 and is being charged, the auxiliary battery charging display unit 412 may display the charging level of the auxiliary battery. For example, the auxiliary battery charging display unit 412 may display the charging level of the auxiliary battery as a percentage.

The sterilization display unit 413 may display whether sterilization is performed on the dust collection unit 170 or the flow path unit 180. For example, the sterilization display unit 413 may be turned on when the sterilization module 175 is in operation.

The automatic dust collection display unit 414 may display whether automatic dust collection is performed on the cleaners 200 and 300. For example, the automatic dust collection display unit 414 may be turned on when the cleaner station 100 is set to detect this and automatically operate the duct collection motor 191 when the cleaners 200 and 300 are coupled to the cleaner station 100.

Meanwhile, the manipulation unit 440 is provided so that a control command may be input. For example, the manipulation unit 440 includes dust collection manipulation units 441 and 442 and a cleaner manipulation unit 443. In addition, although not shown, it is possible to add a manipulation unit that may reserve the operating time of the dust collection motor 191 or control the output of the dust collection motor 191.

The dust collection manipulation units 441 and 442 include a first cleaner dust collection manipulation unit 441 and a second cleaner collection manipulation unit 442.

The first cleaner dust collection manipulation unit 441 may receive a control command to collect dust from the dust bin 220 of the first cleaner 200. That is, the user may touch the first cleaner dust collection manipulation unit 441 to input the control command to collect the dust from the dust bin 220 of the first cleaner 200.

The second cleaner dust collection manipulation unit 442 may receive a control command to collect dust from the dust bin 310 of the second cleaner 300. That is, the user may touch the second cleaner dust collection manipulation unit 442 to input the control command to collect the dust from the dust bin 310 of the second cleaner 300.

The cleaner manipulation unit 443 may input a control command to operate the cleaners 200 and 300. That is, the user may input the control command to operate the cleaners 200 and 300 by touching the cleaner manipulation unit 443.

Accordingly, the user may control both the cleaner station 100 and the cleaners 200 and 300 by touching one manipulation unit 440.

Hereinafter, a process of operating the cleaner station 100 and the cleaners 200 and 300 as the control command is input to each manipulation unit 440 will be described.

When a control command is input to the first cleaner dust collection manipulation unit 441 by the user's touch or the like, dust collection may be performed on the first cleaner 200. That is, when the control command is input to the first cleaner dust collection manipulation unit 441, the controller 400 may operate the dust collection motor 191.

At this time, a process necessary before dust collection may be performed on the first cleaner 200. For example, when the control command is input to the first cleaner dust collection manipulation unit 441, the fixing unit 130 may fix the dust bin 220, the door unit 140 may open the dust through hole 121a to allow the internal space of the dust bin 220 to communicate with the first cleaner flow path 181, and the cover open unit 150 may open the discharging cover 222. Thereafter, the dust collection motor 191 may be operated.

Meanwhile, the control command input to the first cleaner dust collection manipulation unit 441 may vary depending on a touch time of the user. Specifically, when the time that the user touches the first cleaner dust collection manipulation unit 441 is longer than a preset input change time, the dust bins 220 and 310 of the cleaners 200 and 300 may be set to automatically collect dust when the cleaners 200 and 300 are coupled to the cleaner station. For example, when the time that the user touches the first cleaner dust collection manipulation unit 441 is 3 seconds or longer, the cleaner station 100 may be set to detect this and operate the dust collection motor 191 when the cleaners 200 and 300 are coupled to the cleaner station.

Meanwhile, when the control command is input to the first cleaner dust collection manipulation unit 441 in a state in which the first cleaner 200 is not coupled to the coupling unit 120, the operation of the dust collection motor 191 can be restricted.

When the control command is input to the second cleaner dust collection manipulation unit 442 by the user's touch or the like, dust collection may be performed on the second cleaner 300. That is, when the control command is input to the second cleaner dust collection manipulation unit 442, the controller 400 may operate the dust collection motor 191.

Meanwhile, when the control command is input to the second cleaner dust collection manipulation unit 442 in a state in which the cleaner station 100 and the second cleaner 300 are not coupled, the second cleaner 300 may drive so as to be coupled to the lower coupling unit 160.

Specifically, when the control command is input to the second cleaner dust collection manipulation unit 442 in a state in which the cleaner station 100 and the second cleaner 300 are not coupled, the controller 400 may wait until the second cleaner 300 is coupled to the lower coupling unit 160 without starting the operation of the dust collection motor 191. In addition, the controller 400 may transmit the control command to move to the cleaner station 100 to the second cleaner 300 through the communication unit 420 and may be coupled to the cleaner station 100. In addition, the controller 370 of the second cleaner 300 that receives the control command may control the driving motor 360 to couple the second cleaner 300 to the cleaner station 100. In addition, when the second cleaner 300 is coupled to the cleaner station 100, the controller 400 may start the operation of the dust collection motor 191.

When the control command is input to the cleaner manipulation unit 443 by the user's touch or the like, the cleaners 200 and 300 may be operated.

Specifically, when the control command is input to the cleaner manipulation unit 443, the second cleaner 300 may perform cleaning while driving. More specifically, when the control command is input to the cleaner manipulation unit 443, the second cleaner 300 may drive along the floor while the driving motor 360 operates and suction dust on the floor while the suction motor 350 operates.

Meanwhile, when the control command is input to the cleaner manipulation unit 443, the suction motor 214 of the first cleaner 200 may also be operated. By operating the suction motor 214, foreign substances remaining in the first cleaner 200 can be removed. That is, when the control command is input to the cleaner manipulation unit 443, the control command may be transmitted to the controller 270 of the first cleaner through the communication unit 420, and the controller 270 of the first cleaner may operate the suction motor 214.

Accordingly, according to the present invention, when the control command is input to the manipulation unit 440 in a state in which the cleaners 200 and 300 are coupled to the cleaner station 100, one of the cleaner station 100, the first cleaner 200, and the second cleaner 300 may be operated. That is, when the control command is input to the manipulation unit 440 in the state in which the cleaners 200 and 300 are coupled to the cleaner station 100, at least one of the dust collection motor 191, the suction motor 214, or the driving motor 360 may be operated.

Hereinafter, a process of operating the cleaner station 100 and the cleaners 200 and 300 as a plurality of control commands are input to the manipulation unit 440 will be described.

When the control command is input to the first cleaner dust collection manipulation unit 441 by the user's touch or the like, dust collection is performed, and then the control command is input to the second cleaner dust collection manipulation unit 442, the controller 400 may operate the flow path switching module 183. Accordingly, the communication between the first cleaner flow path 181 and the dust collection flow path 184 may be switched to communication between the second cleaner flow path 182 and the dust collection flow path 184.

In addition, when the control command is input to the second cleaner dust collection manipulation unit 442, dust collection is performed, and then the control command is input to the first cleaner dust collection manipulation unit 441, the controller 400 may operate the flow path switching module 183. Accordingly, the communication between the second cleaner flow path 182 and the dust collection flow path 184 may be switched to communication between the first cleaner flow path 181 and the dust collection flow path 184.

In the above case, after the switching of the flow path by the flow path switching module 183 is performed, the dust collection motor 191 may be operated.

Meanwhile, while the control command is input to the second cleaner dust collection manipulation unit 442 by the user's touch or the like and the dust collection motor 191 is in operation, when the control command is input to the cleaner manipulation unit 443, the second cleaner 300 may drive after the operation of the dust collection motor 191 is finished.

That is, while the control command is input to the second cleaner dust collection manipulation unit 442 and the dust collection motor 191 is in operation, the controller 370 of the second cleaner 300 may control the driving motor 360 and/or the suction motor 350 not to be operated.

Accordingly, it is possible to prevent dust of the dust bin 310 from flying to the outside while the second cleaner 300 drives during dust collection.

Alternatively, while the control command is input to the first cleaner dust collection manipulation unit 441 and the dust collection motor 191 is in operation, when the control command is input to the cleaner manipulation unit 443, the second cleaner 300 may drive regardless of the operation of the dust collection motor 191. This is because, during dust collection for the first cleaner 200, the second cleaner 300 and the dust collection flow path 184 do not communicate with each other, and thus the dust of the dust bin of the second cleaner 300 does not fly due to the suction power of the dust collection motor 191.

With this configuration, since the dust collection for the first cleaner 200 and cleaning by the second cleaner 300 may be performed at the same time, it is possible to shorten the overall time used for cleaning.

Meanwhile, while the control command is input to the first cleaner dust collection manipulation unit 441 or the second cleaner dust collection manipulation unit 442 and the dust collection motor 191 is in operation, when the control command is input to the first cleaner dust collection manipulation unit 441 or the second cleaner dust collection manipulation unit 442, the controller 400 may stop the operation of the dust collection motor 191.

At this time, the operation of the dust collection motor 191 may be stopped not only when the control command is input consecutively to each of the first cleaner dust collection manipulation unit 441 and the second cleaner dust collection manipulation unit 442, but also when the control command is input alternately to the first cleaner dust collection manipulation unit 441 and the second cleaner dust collection manipulation unit 442. This is because it may be difficult for the user to determine which cleaner 200 or 300 performs duct collection just by hearing the operating sound of the dust collection motor 191.

With this configuration, when the user needs to urgently stop dust collection for the cleaners 200 and 300 or wants to urgently change an object to be collected, it is possible to stop the operation of the dust collection motor 191.

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

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