CLEANER STATION

The present disclosure relates to a cleaner station including: a housing; a dust collecting motor configured to generate a suction force for sucking dust in a dust bin of a cleaner; a dust collecting part disposed at an upper side in a gravitational direction of the dust collecting motor; a coupling part including a coupling surface to which the cleaner is coupled; and a cover opening unit disposed on the coupling part and configured to open a discharge cover of the dust bin, such that the cover opening unit may automatically open the discharge cover of the dust bin without a user’s effort.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a cleaner station, and more particularly, to a cleaner station configured to draw dust, stored in a cleaner, into the cleaner station.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, a cleaner refers to an electrical appliance that draws in small garbage or dust by sucking air using electricity and fills a dust bin provided in a product with the garbage or dust. Such a cleaner is generally called a vacuum cleaner.

The cleaners may be classified into a manual cleaner which is moved directly by a user to perform a cleaning operation, and an automatic cleaner which performs a cleaning operation while autonomously traveling. Depending on the shape of the cleaner, the manual cleaners may be classified into a canister cleaner, an upright cleaner, a handy cleaner, a stick cleaner, and the like.

The canister cleaners were widely used in the past as household cleaners. However, recently, there is an increasing tendency to use the handy cleaner and the stick cleaner in which a dust bin and a cleaner main body are integrally provided to improve convenience of use.

In the case of the canister cleaner, a main body and a suction port are connected by a rubber hose or pipe, and in some instances, the canister cleaner may be used in a state in which a brush is fitted into the suction port.

The handy cleaner (hand vacuum cleaner) has maximized portability and is light in weight. However, because the handy cleaner has a short length, there may be a limitation to a cleaning region. Therefore, the handy cleaner is used to clean a local place such as a desk, a sofa, or an interior of a vehicle.

A user may use the stick cleaner while standing and thus may perform a cleaning operation without bending his/her waist. Therefore, the stick cleaner is advantageous for the user to clean a wide region while moving in the region. The handy cleaner may be used to clean a narrow space, whereas the stick cleaner may be used to clean a wide space and also used to a high place that the user’s hand cannot reach. Recently, modularized stick cleaners are provided, such that types of cleaners are actively changed and used to clean various places.

In addition, recently, a robot cleaner, which autonomously performs a cleaning operation without a user’s manipulation, is used. The robot cleaner automatically cleans a zone to be cleaned by sucking foreign substances such as dust from the floor while autonomously traveling in the zone to be cleaned.

To this end, the robot cleaner includes a distance sensor configured to detect a distance from an obstacle such as furniture, office supplies, or walls installed in the zone to be cleaned, and left and right wheels for moving the robot cleaner.

In this case, 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 cleans the room while autonomously changing its direction by operating the left wheel motor and the right wheel motor.

However, because the handy cleaner, the stick cleaner, or the robot cleaner in the related art has a dust bin with a small capacity for storing collected dust, which inconveniences the user because the user needs to empty the dust bin frequently.

In addition, because the dust scatters during the process of emptying the dust bin, there is a problem in that the scattering dust has a harmful effect on the user’s health.

In addition, if residual dust is not removed from the dust bin, there is a problem in that a suction force of the cleaner deteriorates.

In addition, if the residual dust is not removed from the dust bin, there is a problem in that the residual dust causes an offensive odor.

Pat. Document US 2020-0129025 A1 discloses a dust bin to be combined with a stick vacuum cleaner.

In the combination of the dust bin and the vacuum cleaner of Pat. Document US 2020-0129025 A1, the vacuum cleaner is coupled to the dust bin, and a dust cover of the vacuum cleaner is opened by a latch structure.

However, the latch structure opens the dust cover by means of the weight of the vacuum cleaner regardless of whether the dust bin is opened.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

The present disclosure has been made in an effort to solve the above-mentioned problems in the related art, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaner station capable of eliminating inconvenience caused because a user needs to empty a dust bin all the time.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaner station capable of preventing dust from scattering when emptying a dust bin.

Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaner station capable of providing convenience for a user by enabling the user to remove dust in a dust bin without a separate manipulation.

Yet another further object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaner station capable of removing an offensive odor caused by residual dust by preventing the residual dust from remaining in a dust bin.

Still yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaner station, in which a cleaner may be mounted in a state in which an extension tube and a cleaning module are mounted.

A further object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaner station capable of minimizing an occupied space on a horizontal plane even in a state in which a cleaner is mounted.

Another further object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaner station capable of minimizing a loss of flow force for collecting dust.

Still another further object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaner station, in which dust in a dust bin is invisible from the outside in a state in which a cleaner is mounted.

Yet another further object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaner station capable of opening a discharge cover of a dust bin without the user’s effort at the time of coupling a cleaner to the station.

Still yet another further object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaner station capable of automatically detecting a coupled state of a cleaner and opening a discharge cover of a dust bin at the time of coupling the cleaner to the station.

Technical Solution

An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a cleaner station including: a housing; a dust collecting motor accommodated in the housing and configured to generate a suction force for sucking dust in a dust bin of a cleaner; a dust collecting part accommodated in the housing and configured to capture the dust in the dust bin; a coupling part disposed in the housing and including a coupling surface to which the cleaner is coupled; and a cover opening unit disposed on the coupling part and configured to open a discharge cover of the dust bin.

The cover opening unit may include: a push protrusion configured to move when the cleaner is coupled; a cover opening motor configured to provide power for moving the push protrusion; and a cover opening gear coupled to the cover opening motor and configured to move the push protrusion using the power from the cover opening motor.

The cover opening gear may include: an opening driving gear coupled to a shaft of the cover opening motor and configured to transmit the power from the cover opening motor; and an opening driven gear engaging with the opening driving gear, coupled to the push protrusion, and configured to move the push protrusion.

The opening driven gear may include a gear portion provided in the form of a rack gear so as to engage with the opening driving gear.

The cover opening unit may further include a support plate extending from the coupling surface to support the dust bin.

The coupling surface may include a dust passage hole provided in the form of a hole corresponding to a shape of the dust bin so that the dust in the dust bin is introduced into the dust collecting part.

The support plate may protrude from the coupling surface to block a part of the dust passage hole.

The cover opening unit may further include a support protrusion provided on the coupling surface so as to be rectilinearly and reciprocally movable and configured to support the dust bin.

The cover opening unit may further include a support protrusion conveying gear engaging with the cover opening gear and configured to move the support protrusion using the power from the cover opening motor.

The coupling surface may include a dust passage hole provided in the form of a hole corresponding to a shape of the dust bin so that the dust in the dust bin is introduced into the dust collecting part.

The support protrusion may rectilinearly reciprocate to open or close a part of the dust passage hole in conjunction with the movement of the support protrusion conveying gear.

The cover opening unit may further include a support protrusion conveying link configured to link the support protrusion and the support protrusion conveying gear.

The cover opening unit may further include a support plate conveying block disposed on an upper surface of the support protrusion conveying gear and including an inclined surface for guiding a rectilinear movement of the support plate.

The cover opening unit may further include a return spring configured to provide a restoring force to the support protrusion when the support protrusion rectilinearly moves.

The cover opening unit may further include a gear box disposed at a lower side in a gravitational direction of the coupling part and configured to accommodate the cover opening gear therein.

The gear box may be integrated with the first flow path.

The push protrusion may include: a protrusion portion provided in the form of a protrusion so as to press a coupling lever of the dust bin; and a gear coupling block accommodated in the gear box and configured to rectilinearly reciprocate in the gear box by a movement of the cover opening gear.

The push protrusion may further include a protrusion support plate configured to support the protrusion portion and move along an upper surface of the gear box.

The push protrusion may further include a connecting portion configured to connect the protrusion support plate and the gear coupling block and having a smaller width than the protrusion support plate and the gear coupling block.

The push protrusion may further include a guide frame protruding and extending from both lateral surfaces of the gear coupling block and configured to guide a movement of the gear coupling block.

The gear box may include a guide rail configured to support the opening driven gear and guide a movement of the opening driven gear.

The gear box may further include a protrusion through hole provided in the form of a hole that is penetrated by the push protrusion.

The cleaner station according to the present disclosure may further include: a door unit configured to open or close the dust passage hole; and a control unit configured to control the coupling part, the door unit, and the cover opening unit.

The control unit may operate the cover opening motor when the dust passage hole is opened.

The cover opening unit may include a cover opening detecting part disposed in the gear box and configured to detect a position of the push protrusion.

The cover opening detecting part may detect whether the push protrusion is positioned at an initial position.

The opening driven gear may include a contact protrusion provided to be rectilinearly movable by a rotation of the opening driving gear and disposed to come into contact with the cover opening detecting part.

The control unit may end an operation of the cover opening motor when the control unit receives, from the cover opening detecting part, a signal indicating that the push protrusion is returned to the initial position after the cover opening motor is operated.

When the control unit does not receive, for a preset protrusion reciprocation time, from the cover opening detecting part, a signal indicating that the push protrusion is returned to the initial position after the cover opening motor is operated, the control unit may determine that the cover opening unit erroneously operates.

Advantageous Effect

According to the cleaner station according to the present disclosure, it is possible to eliminate the inconvenience caused because the user needs to empty the dust bin all the time.

In addition, since the dust in the dust bin is sucked into the station when emptying the dust bin, it is possible to prevent the dust from scattering.

In addition, it is possible to open the dust passing hole by detecting coupling of the cleaner without the user’s separate manipulation and remove the dust in the dust bin in accordance with the operation of the dust collecting motor, and as a result, it is possible to provide convenience for the user.

In addition, a stick cleaner and a robot cleaner may be coupled to the cleaner station at the same time, and as necessary, the dust in the dust bin of the stick cleaner and the dust in the dust bin of the robot cleaner may be selectively removed.

In addition, when the cleaner station detects the coupling of the dust bin, the lever is pulled to compress the dust bin, such that the residual dust does not remain in the dust bin, and as a result, it is possible to increase the suction force of the cleaner.

Further, it is possible to remove an offensive odor caused by the residual dust by preventing the residual dust from remaining in the dust bin.

In addition, the cleaner may be mounted on the cleaner station in the state in which the extension tube and the cleaning module are mounted.

In addition, it is possible to minimize an occupied space on a horizontal plane even in the state in which the cleaner is mounted on the cleaner station.

In addition, because the flow path, which communicates with the dust bin, is bent downward only once, it is possible to minimize a loss of flow force for collecting the dust.

In addition, the dust in the dust bin is invisible from the outside in the state in which the cleaner is mounted on the cleaner station.

In addition, the cover opening unit may automatically open the discharge cover of the dust bin without the user’s effort at the time of coupling the cleaner to the station.

In addition, when the door of the station is opened at the time of coupling the cleaner to the station, the cover opening unit may automatically open the discharge cover of the dust bin.

MODE FOR INVENTION

The present disclosure may be variously modified and may have various embodiments, and particular embodiments illustrated in the drawings will be specifically described below. The description of the embodiments is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the particular embodiments, but it should be interpreted that the present disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

In the description of the present disclosure, the terms such as “first” and “second” may be used to describe various constituent elements, but the constituent elements may not be limited by the terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one constituent element from another constituent element. For example, a first component may be named a second component, and similarly, the second component may also be named the first component, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The term “and/or” may include any and all combinations of a plurality of the related and listed items.

When one constituent element is described as being “coupled” or “connected” to another constituent element, it should be understood that one constituent element can be coupled or connected directly to another constituent element, and an intervening constituent element can also be present between the constituent elements. When one constituent element is described as being “coupled directly to” or “connected directly to” another constituent element, it should be understood that no intervening constituent element is present between the constituent elements.

The terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Singular expressions may include plural expressions unless clearly described as different meanings in the context.

The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “containing,” “has,” “having” or other variations thereof are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. The terms such as those defined in a commonly used dictionary may be interpreted as having meanings consistent with meanings in the context of related technologies and may not be interpreted as ideal or excessively formal meanings unless explicitly defined in the present application.

Further, the following embodiments are provided to more completely explain the present disclosure to those skilled in the art, and shapes and sizes of elements illustrated in the drawings may be exaggerated for a more apparent description.

FIG.1is a perspective view illustrating a dust removing system that includes a cleaner station, a first cleaner, and a second cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.2is a schematic view illustrating a configuration of the dust removing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.1and2, a dust removing system10according to an embodiment of the present specification may include a cleaner station100and cleaners200and300. In this case, the cleaners200and300may include a first cleaner200and a second cleaner300. Meanwhile, the present embodiment may be carried out without some of the above-mentioned components and does not exclude additional components.

The dust removing system10may include the cleaner station100. The first cleaner200and the second cleaner300may be disposed on the cleaner station100. The first cleaner200may be coupled to a lateral surface of the cleaner station100. Specifically, a main body of the first cleaner200may be coupled to the lateral surface of the cleaner station100. The second cleaner200may be coupled to the lower portion of the cleaner station100. The cleaner station100may remove dust from a dust bin220of the first cleaner200. The cleaner station100may remove dust from a dust bin (not illustrated) of the second cleaner300.

Meanwhile,FIG.3is a view for explaining the first cleaner of the dust removing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure,FIG.4is a view for explaining a center of gravity of the first cleaner according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.11is a view for explaining a lower side of the dust bin of the first cleaner according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

First, in order to assist in understanding the cleaner station100according to the present disclosure, a structure of the first cleaner200will be described below with reference toFIGS.1to4and11.

The first cleaner200may mean a cleaner configured to be manually operated by a user. For example, the first cleaner200may mean a handy cleaner or a stick cleaner.

The first cleaner200may be mounted on the cleaner station100. The first cleaner200may be supported by the cleaner station100. The first cleaner200may be coupled to the cleaner station100.

The first cleaner200may include a main body210. The main body210may include a main body housing211, a suction part212, a dust separating part213, a suction motor214, an air discharge cover215, a handle216, an extension part217, and an operating part218.

The main body housing211may define an external appearance of the first cleaner200. The main body housing211may provide a space that may accommodate therein the suction motor214and a filter (not illustrated). The main body housing211may be formed in a shape similar to a cylindrical shape.

The suction part212may protrude outward from the main body housing211. For example, the suction part212may be formed in a cylindrical shape with an opened inside. The suction part212may communicate with an extension tube250. The suction part212may be referred to as a flow path (hereinafter, referred to as a ‘suction flow path’) through which air containing dust may flow.

Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, an imaginary centerline may be defined to penetrate a center of the cylindrical suction part212. That is, an imaginary suction flow path centerlinea2may be formed to pass through the center of the suction flow path.

The dust separating part213may communicate with the suction part212. The dust separating part213may separate dust introduced into the dust separating part213through the suction part212. The dust separating part213may communicate with the dust bin220.

For example, the dust separating part213may be a cyclone part capable of separating dust using a cyclone flow. Further, the dust separating part213may communicate with the suction part212. Therefore, the air and the dust, which are introduced through the suction part212, spirally flow along an inner circumferential surface of the dust separating part213. Therefore, the cyclone flow may be generated about a central axis of the dust separating part213.

Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the center axis of the cyclone part may be an imaginary cyclone center axis a4 extending in a vertical direction.

The suction motor214may generate a suction force for sucking air. The suction motor214may be accommodated in the main body housing211. The suction motor214may generate the suction force by means of a rotation. For example, the suction motor214may be formed in a shape similar to a cylindrical shape.

Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the imaginary motor axisa1may be formed by extending a center axis of the suction motor214.

The air discharge cover215may be disposed at one side in an axial direction of the main body housing211. The air discharge cover215may accommodate a filter for filtering air. For example, an HEPA filter may be accommodated in the air discharge cover215.

The air discharge cover215may have an air discharge port215afor discharging the air introduced by the suction force of the suction motor214.

A flow guide may be disposed on the air discharge cover215. The flow guide may guide a flow of the air to be discharged through the air discharge port215a.

The handle216may be grasped by the user. The handle216may be disposed at a rear side of the suction motor214. For example, the handle216may be formed in a shape similar to a cylindrical shape. Alternatively, the handle216may be formed in a curved cylindrical shape. The handle216may be disposed at a predetermined angle with respect to the main body housing211, the suction motor214, or the dust separating part213.

Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, an imaginary handle axisa3may be formed by extending a center axis of the handle216.

A shaft of the suction motor214may be disposed between the suction part212and the handle216.

That is, the motor axisa1may be disposed between the suction part212and the handle216.

Further, the handle axisa3may be disposed at a predetermined angle with respect to the motor axisa1or the suction flow path centerlinea2. Therefore, there may be an intersection point at which the handle axisa3intersects the motor axisa1or the suction flow path centerlinea2.

Meanwhile, the motor axisa1, the suction flow path centerlinea2, and the handle axisa3may be disposed on the same plane S1.

With this configuration, the centers of gravity of the entire first cleaner200according to the present disclosure may be disposed symmetrically with respect to the plane S1.

Meanwhile, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, a forward direction may mean a direction in which the suction part212is disposed based on the suction motor214, and a rear direction may mean a direction in which the handle216is disposed.

An upper surface of the handle216may define an external appearance of a part of an upper surface of the first cleaner200. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a component of the first cleaner200from coming into contact with the user’s arm when the user grasps the handle216.

The extension part217may extend from the handle216toward the main body housing211. At least a part of the extension part217may extend in a horizontal direction.

The operating part218may be disposed on the handle216. The operating part218may be disposed on an inclined surface formed in an upper region of the handle216. The user may input an instruction to operate or stop the first cleaner200through the operating part218.

The first cleaner200may include the dust bin220. The dust bin220may communicate with the dust separating part213. The dust bin220may store the dust separated by the dust separating part213.

The dust bin220may include a dust bin main body221, a discharge cover222, a dust bin compression lever223, and a compression member (not illustrated).

The dust bin main body221may provide a space capable of storing the dust separated from the dust separating part213. For example, the dust bin main body221may be formed in a shape similar to a cylindrical shape.

Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, an imaginary dust bin axisa5may be formed by extending a center axis of the dust bin main body221. For example, the dust bin axisa5may be disposed coaxially with the motor axisa1. Therefore, the dust bin axisa5may also be disposed on the plane S1including the motor axisa1, the suction flow path centerlinea2, and the handle axisa3.

A part of a lower side of the dust bin main body221may be opened. In addition, a lower extension portion221amay be formed at the lower side of the dust bin main body221. The lower extension portion221amay be formed to block a part of the lower side of the dust bin main body221.

The dust bin220may include a discharge cover222. The discharge cover222may be disposed at a lower side of the dust bin220. The discharge cover222may selectively open or close the lower side of the dust bin220which is opened downward.

The discharge cover222may include a cover main body222aand a hinge part222b. The cover main body222amay be formed to block a part of the lower side of the dust bin main body221. The cover main body222amay be rotated downward about the hinge part222b. The hinge part222bmay be disposed adjacent to a battery housing230.

Meanwhile, the hinge part222bmay have a torsion spring222d. For example, the torsion spring222dmay be provided to surround a shaft of the hinge part222b. One end of the torsion spring222dmay be supported on the dust bin main body221, and the other end of the torsion spring222dmay be supported on the cover main body222a.

Therefore, the torsion spring222dmay be compressed when the discharge cover222is coupled to the dust bin main body221. When the discharge cover222is separated from the dust bin main body221, the cover main body222amay be supported by an elastic force (restoring force) of the torsion spring222din a state in which the cover main body222ais rotated by a predetermined angle or more about the hinge part222bwith respect to the dust bin main body221.

The discharge cover222may be coupled to the dust bin220by a hook engagement.

Meanwhile, the dust bin may further include a coupling lever222c. The discharge cover222may be separated from the dust bin220by means of the coupling lever222c. The coupling lever222cmay be disposed at a front side of the dust bin. Specifically, the coupling lever222cmay be disposed on an outer surface at the front side of the dust bin220. When external force is applied to the coupling lever222c, the coupling lever222cmay elastically deform a hook extending from the cover main body222ain order to release the hook engagement between the cover main body222aand the dust bin main body221.

When the discharge cover222is closed, the lower side of the dust bin220may be blocked (sealed) by the discharge cover222and the lower extension portion221a.

The dust bin220may include the dust bin compression lever223. The dust bin compression lever223may be disposed outside the dust bin220or the dust separating part213. The dust bin compression lever223may be disposed outside the dust bin220or the dust separating part213so as to be movable upward and downward. The dust bin compression lever223may be connected to the compression member (not illustrated). When the dust bin compression lever223is moved downward by external force, the compression member (not illustrated) may also be moved downward. Therefore, it is possible to provide convenience for the user. The compression member (not illustrated) and the dust bin compression lever223may return back to original positions by an elastic member (not illustrated). Specifically, when the external force applied to the dust bin compression lever223is eliminated, the elastic member may move the dust bin compression lever223and the compression member (not illustrated) upward.

The compression member (not illustrated) may be disposed in the dust bin main body221. The compression member may move in the internal space of the dust bin main body221. Specifically, the compression member may move upward and downward in the dust bin main body221. Therefore, the compression member may compress the dust in the dust bin main body221. In addition, when the discharge cover222is separated from the dust bin main body221and thus the lower side of the dust bin220is opened, the compression member may move from an upper side of the dust bin220to the lower side of the of the dust bin220, thereby removing foreign substances such as residual dust in the dust bin220. Therefore, it is possible to improve the suction force of the cleaner by preventing the residual dust from remaining in the dust bin220. Further, it is possible to remove an offensive odor caused by the residual dust by preventing the residual dust from remaining in the dust bin220.

The first cleaner200may include the battery housing230. A battery240may be accommodated in the battery housing230. The battery housing230may be disposed at a lower side of the handle216. For example, the battery housing230may have a hexahedral shape opened at a lower side thereof. A rear surface of the battery housing230may be connected to the handle216.

The battery housing230may include an accommodation portion opened at a lower side thereof. The battery240may be attached or detached through the accommodation portion of the battery housing230.

The first cleaner200may include the battery240.

For example, the battery240may be separably coupled to the first cleaner200. The battery240may be separably coupled to the battery housing230. For example, the battery240may be inserted into the battery housing230from the lower side of the battery housing230.

Otherwise, the battery240may be integrally provided in the battery housing230. In this case, a lower surface of the battery240is not exposed to the outside.

The battery240may supply power to the suction motor214of the first cleaner200.

The battery240may be disposed on a lower portion of the handle216. The battery240may be disposed at a rear side of the dust bin220. That is, the suction motor214and the battery240may be disposed so as not to overlap each other in the upward/downward direction and disposed at different disposition heights. On the basis of the handle216, the suction motor214, which is heavy in weight, is disposed at a front side of the handle216, and the battery240, which is heavy in weight, is disposed at the lower side of the handle216, such that an overall weight of the first cleaner200may be uniformly distributed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent stress from being applied to the user’s wrist when the user grasps the handle216and performs a cleaning operation.

In a case in which the battery240is coupled to the battery housing230in accordance with the embodiment, the lower surface of the battery240may be exposed to the outside. Because the battery240may be placed on the floor when the first cleaner200is placed on the floor, the battery240may be immediately separated from the battery housing230. In addition, because the lower surface of the battery240is exposed to the outside and thus in direct contact with air outside the battery240, performance of cooling the battery240may be improved.

Meanwhile, in a case in which the battery240is fixed integrally to the battery housing230, the number of structures for attaching or detaching the battery240and the battery housing230may be reduced, and as a result, it is possible to reduce an overall size of the first cleaner200and a weight of the first cleaner200.

The first cleaner200may include the extension tube250. The extension tube250may communicate with the cleaning module260. The extension tube250may communicate with the main body210. The extension tube250may communicate with the suction part211of the main body210. The extension tube250may be formed in a long cylindrical shape.

The main body210may be connected to the extension tube250. The main body210may be connected to the cleaning module260through the extension tube250. The main body210may generate the suction force by means of the suction motor214and provide the suction force to the cleaning module260through the extension tube250. The outside dust may be introduced into the main body210through the cleaning module260and the extension tube250.

The first cleaner200may include the cleaning module260. The cleaning module260may communicate with the extension tube250. Therefore, the outside air may be introduced into the main body210of the first cleaner200via the cleaning module260and the extension tube250by the suction force in the main body210of the first cleaner200.

The first cleaner200may be coupled to a lateral surface of a housing110. Specifically, the main body210of the first cleaner200may be mounted on a coupling part120. More specifically, the dust bin220and the battery housing230of the first cleaner200may be coupled to a coupling surface121, an outer circumferential surface of the dust bin main body221may be coupled to a dust bin guide surface122, and the suction part212may be coupled to a suction part guide surface126of the coupling part120. In this case, a central axis of the dust bin220may be disposed in a direction parallel to the ground surface, and the extension tube250may be disposed in a direction perpendicular to the ground surface (seeFIG.2).

The dust in the dust bin220of the first cleaner200may be captured by a dust collecting part170of the cleaner station100by gravity and a suction force of a dust collecting motor191. Therefore, it is possible to remove the dust in the dust bin without the user’s separate manipulation, thereby providing convenience for the user. In addition, it is possible to eliminate the inconvenience caused because the user needs to empty the dust bin all the time. In addition, it is possible to prevent the dust from scattering when emptying the dust bin.

Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, an imaginary gravity center plane S1may be defined and include at least two of the motor axisa1, the suction flow path centerlinea2, the handle axisa3, the cyclone center axis a4, and the dust bin axisa5.

Therefore, the suction part212may be disposed on an imaginary extension surface of the gravity center plane S1. Alternatively, the dust separating part213may be disposed on the imaginary extension surface of the gravity center plane S1. Alternatively, the suction motor214may be disposed on the imaginary extension surface of the gravity center plane S1. Alternatively, the handle216may be disposed on the imaginary extension surface of the gravity center plane S1. Alternatively, the dust bin220may be disposed on the imaginary extension surface of the gravity center plane S1.

The centers of gravity of the entire first cleaner200may be disposed symmetrically with respect to the gravity center plane S1.

The dust removing system10may include the second cleaner300. The second cleaner300may mean a robot cleaner. The second cleaner300may automatically clean a zone to be cleaned by sucking foreign substances such as dust from the floor while autonomously traveling in the zone to be cleaned. The second cleaner300, that is, the robot cleaner may include a distance sensor configured to detect a distance from an obstacle such as furniture, office supplies, or walls installed in the zone to be cleaned, and left and right wheels for moving the robot cleaner. The second cleaner300may be coupled to the cleaner station100. The dust in the second cleaner300may be captured into the dust collecting part170through a second flow path182.

Meanwhile,FIG.17is a view for explaining an arrangement relationship between the cleaner station and the center of gravity of the first cleaner according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.18is a view illustrating a schematic view when viewingFIG.17in another direction.

The cleaner station100according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference toFIGS.1,2,17, and18.

The first cleaner200and the second cleaner300may be disposed on the cleaner station100. The first cleaner200may be coupled to a lateral surface of the cleaner station100. Specifically, a main body of the first cleaner200may be coupled to the lateral surface of the cleaner station100. The second cleaner200may be coupled to the lower portion of the cleaner station100. The cleaner station100may remove dust from a dust bin220of the first cleaner200. The cleaner station100may remove dust from a dust bin (not illustrated) of the second cleaner300.

The cleaner station100may include the housing110. The housing110may define an external appearance of the cleaner station100. Specifically, the housing110may be formed in the form of a column including one or more outer wall surfaces. For example, the housing110may be formed in a shape similar to a quadrangular column.

The housing110may have a space capable of accommodating the dust collecting part170configured to store dust therein, and a dust suction module190configured to generate a flow force for collecting the dust from the dust collecting part170.

The housing110may include a bottom surface111and an outer wall surface112.

The bottom surface111may support a lower side in a gravitational direction of the dust suction module190. That is, the bottom surface111may support a lower side of the dust collecting motor191of the dust suction module190.

In this case, the bottom surface111may be disposed toward the ground surface. The bottom surface111may also be disposed in parallel with the ground surface or disposed to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the ground surface. The above-mentioned configuration may be advantageous in stably supporting the dust collecting motor191and maintaining balance of an overall weight even in a case in which the first cleaner200is coupled.

Meanwhile, according to the embodiment, the bottom surface111may further include ground surface support portions (not illustrated) in order to prevent the cleaner station100from falling down and increase an area being in contact with the ground surface to maintain the balance. For example, the ground surface support portion may have a plate shape extending from the bottom surface111, and one or more frames may protrude and extend from the bottom surface111in a direction of the ground surface. In this case, the ground surface support portions may be disposed to be linearly symmetrical in order to maintain the left and right balance and the front and rear balance on the basis of a front surface on which the first cleaner200is mounted.

The outer wall surface112may mean a surface formed in the gravitational direction or a surface connected to the bottom surface111. For example, the outer wall surface112may mean a surface connected to the bottom surface111so as to be perpendicular to the bottom surface111. As another embodiment, the outer wall surface112may be disposed to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the bottom surface111.

The outer wall surface112may include at least one surface. For example, the outer wall surface112may include a first outer wall surface112a, a second outer wall surface112b, a third outer wall surface112c, and a fourth outer wall surface112d.

In this case, in the present embodiment, the first outer wall surface112amay be disposed at the front side of the cleaner station100. In this case, the front side may mean a side at which the first cleaner200or the second cleaner300is coupled. Therefore, the first outer wall surface112amay define an external appearance of the front surface of the cleaner station100.

Meanwhile, the directions are defined as follows to understand the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the directions may be defined in the state in which the first cleaner200is mounted on the cleaner station100.

In this case, a surface including an extension line212aof the suction part212may be referred to as the front surface (seeFIG.1). That is, in the state in which the first cleaner200is mounted on the cleaner station100, a part of the suction part212may be in contact with and coupled to the suction part guide surface126, and the remaining part of the suction part212, which is not coupled to the suction part guide surface126, may be disposed to be exposed to the outside from the first outer wall surface112a. Therefore, the imaginary extension line212aof the suction part212may be disposed on the first outer wall surface112a, and the surface including the extension line212aof the suction part212may be referred to as the front surface.

In another point of view, in a state in which a lever pulling arm161is coupled to the housing110, a surface including a side through which the lever pulling arm161is exposed to the outside may be referred to as the front surface.

In still another point of view, in the state in which the first cleaner200is mounted on the cleaner station100, an outer surface of the cleaner station100, which is penetrated by the main body210of the first cleaner, may be referred to as the front surface.

Further, in the state in which the first cleaner200is mounted on the cleaner station100, a direction in which the first cleaner200is exposed to the outside of the cleaner station100may be referred to as a forward direction.

In addition, in another point of view, in the state in which the first cleaner200is mounted on the cleaner station100, a direction in which the suction motor214of the first cleaner200is disposed may be referred to as the forward direction. Further, a direction opposite to the direction in which the suction motor214is disposed on the cleaner station100may be referred to as a rearward direction.

In still another point of view, a direction in which an intersection point at which the handle axisa3and the motor axisa1intersect is disposed may be referred to as the forward direction on the basis of the cleaner station100. Alternatively, a direction in which an intersection point at which the handle axisa3and the suction flow path centerlinea2intersect is disposed may be referred to as the forward direction. Alternatively, a direction in which an intersection point at which the motor axisa1and the suction flow path centerlinea2intersect is disposed may be referred to as the forward direction. Further, a direction opposite to the direction in which the intersection point is disposed may be referred to as the rearward direction on the basis of the cleaner station100.

Further, on the basis of the internal space of the housing110, a surface facing the front surface may be referred to as a rear surface of the cleaner station100. Therefore, the rear surface may mean a direction in which the second outer wall surface112bis formed.

Further, on the basis of the internal space of the housing110, a left surface when viewing the front surface may be referred to as a left surface, and a right surface when viewing the front surface may be referred to as a right surface. Therefore, the left surface may mean a direction in which the third outer wall surface112cis formed, and the right surface may mean a direction in which the fourth outer wall surface112dis formed.

The first outer wall surface112amay be formed in the form of a flat surface, or the first outer wall surface112amay be formed in the form of a curved surface as a whole or formed to partially include a curved surface.

The first outer wall surface112amay have an external appearance corresponding to the shape of the first cleaner200. In detail, the coupling part120may be disposed on the first outer wall surface112a. With this configuration, the first cleaner200may be coupled to the cleaner station100and supported by the cleaner station100. The specific configuration of the coupling part120will be described below.

In addition, a lever pulling unit160may be disposed on the first outer wall surface112a. Specifically, the lever pulling arm161of the lever pulling unit160may be mounted on the first outer wall surface112a. For example, the first outer wall surface112amay have an arm accommodating groove in which the lever pulling arm161may be accommodated. In this case, the arm accommodating groove may be formed to correspond to a shape of the lever pulling arm161. Therefore, when the lever pulling arm161is mounted in the arm accommodating groove, the first outer wall surface112aand an outer surface of the lever pulling arm161may define a continuous external shape, and the lever pulling arm161may be stroke-moved to protrude from the first outer wall surface112aby the operation of the lever pulling unit160.

Meanwhile, a structure for mounting various types of cleaning modules260used for the first cleaner200may be additionally provided on the first outer wall surface112a.

In addition, a structure to which the second cleaner300may be coupled may be additionally provided on the first outer wall surface112a. Therefore, the structure corresponding to the shape of the second cleaner300may be additionally provided on the first outer wall surface112a.

Further, a cleaner bottom plate (not illustrated) to which the lower surface of the second cleaner300may be coupled may be additionally coupled to the first outer wall surface112a. Meanwhile, as another embodiment, the cleaner bottom plate (not illustrated) may be shaped to be connected to the bottom surface111.

In the present embodiment, the second outer wall surface112bmay be a surface facing the first outer wall surface112a. That is, the second outer wall surface112bmay be disposed on the rear surface of the cleaner station100. In this case, the rear surface may be a surface facing the surface to which the first cleaner200or the second cleaner300is coupled. Therefore, the second outer wall surface112bmay define an external appearance of the rear surface of the cleaner station100.

For example, the second outer wall surface112bmay be formed in the form of a flat surface. With this configuration, the cleaner station100may be in close contact with a wall in a room, and the cleaner station100may be stably supported.

As another example, the structure for mounting various types of cleaning modules260used for the first cleaner200may be additionally provided on the second outer wall surface112b.

In addition, the structure to which the second cleaner300may be coupled may be additionally provided on the second outer wall surface112b. Therefore, the structure corresponding to the shape of the second cleaner300may be additionally provided on the second outer wall surface112b.

Further, a cleaner bottom plate (not illustrated) to which the lower surface of the second cleaner300may be coupled may be additionally coupled to the second outer wall surface112b. Meanwhile, as another embodiment, the cleaner bottom plate (not illustrated) may be shaped to be connected to the bottom surface111. With this configuration, when the second cleaner300is coupled to the cleaner bottom plate (not illustrated), an overall center of gravity of the cleaner station100may be lowered, such that the cleaner station100may be stably supported.

In the present embodiment, the third outer wall surface112cand the fourth outer wall surface112dmay mean surfaces that connect the first outer wall surface112aand the second outer wall surface112b. In this case, the third outer wall surface112cmay be disposed on the left surface of the station100, and the fourth outer wall surface112dmay be disposed on the right surface of the cleaner station100. Otherwise, the third outer wall surface112cmay be disposed on the right surface of the cleaner station100, and the fourth outer wall surface112dmay be disposed on the left surface of the cleaner station100.

The third outer wall surface112cor the fourth outer wall surface112dmay be formed in the form of a flat surface, or the third outer wall surface112cor the fourth outer wall surface112dmay be formed in the form of a curved surface as a whole or formed to partially include a curved surface.

Meanwhile, the structure for mounting various types of cleaning modules260used for the first cleaner200may be additionally provided on the third outer wall surface112cor the fourth outer wall surface112d.

In addition, the structure to which the second cleaner300may be coupled may be additionally provided on the third outer wall surface112cor the fourth outer wall surface112d. Therefore, the structure corresponding to the shape of the second cleaner300may be additionally provided on the third outer wall surface112cor the fourth outer wall surface112d.

Further, a cleaner bottom plate (not illustrated) to which the lower surface of the second cleaner300may be coupled may be additionally provided on the third outer wall surface112cor the fourth outer wall surface112d. Meanwhile, as another embodiment, the cleaner bottom plate (not illustrated) may be shaped to be connected to the bottom surface111.

FIG.5is a view for explaining the coupling part of the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.6is a view for explaining the arrangement of a fixing unit, a door unit, a cover opening unit, and the lever pulling unit in the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

The coupling part120of the cleaner station100according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference toFIGS.5and6.

The cleaner station100may include the coupling part120to which the first cleaner200is coupled. Specifically, the coupling part120may be disposed in the first outer wall surface112a, and the main body210, the dust bin220, and the battery housing230of the first cleaner200may be coupled to the coupling part120.

The coupling part120may include the coupling surface121. The coupling surface121may be disposed on the lateral surface of the housing110. For example, the coupling surface121may mean a surface formed in the form of a groove which is concave toward the inside of the cleaner station100from the first outer wall surface112a. That is, the coupling surface121may mean a surface formed to have a stepped portion with respect to the first outer wall surface112a.

The first cleaner200may be coupled to the coupling surface121. For example, the coupling surface121may be in contact with the lower surface of the dust bin220and the lower surface of the battery housing230of the first cleaner200. In this case, the lower surface may mean a surface directed toward the ground surface when the user uses the first cleaner200or places the first cleaner200on the ground surface.

In this case, the coupling between the coupling surface121and the dust bin220of the first cleaner200may mean physical coupling by which the first cleaner200and the cleaner station100are coupled and fixed to each other. This may be a premise of coupling of a flow path through which the dust bin220and a flow path part180communicate with each other and a fluid may flow.

Further, the coupling between the coupling surface121and the battery housing230of the first cleaner200may mean physical coupling by which the first cleaner200and the cleaner station100are coupled and fixed to each other. This may be a premise of electrical coupling by which the battery240and a charging part128are electrically connected to each other.

For example, an angle of the coupling surface121with respect to the ground surface may be a right angle. Therefore, it is possible to minimize a space of the cleaner station100when the first cleaner200is coupled to the coupling surface121.

As another example, the coupling surface121may be disposed to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the ground surface. Therefore, the cleaner station100may be stably supported when the first cleaner200is coupled to the coupling surface121.

The coupling surface121may have a dust passage hole121athrough which air outside the housing110may be introduced into the housing110. The dust passage hole121amay be formed in the form of a hole corresponding to the shape of the dust bin220so that the dust in the dust bin220may be introduced into the dust collecting part170. The dust passage hole121amay be formed to correspond to the shape of the discharge cover222of the dust bin220. The dust passage hole121amay be formed to communicate with a first flow path181to be described below.

The coupling part120may include the dust bin guide surface122. The dust bin guide surface122may be disposed on the first outer wall surface112a. The dust bin guide surface122may be connected to the first outer wall surface112a. In addition, the dust bin guide surface122may be connected to the coupling surface121.

The dust bin guide surface122may be formed in a shape corresponding to the outer surface of the dust bin220. A front outer surface of the dust bin220may be coupled to the dust bin guide surface122. Therefore, it is possible to provide convenience when coupling the first cleaner200to the coupling surface121.

The coupling part120may include guide protrusions123. The guide protrusions123may be disposed on the coupling surface121. The guide protrusions123may protrude upward from the coupling surface121. Two guide protrusions123may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other. A distance between the two guide protrusions123, which are spaced apart from each other, may correspond to a width of the battery housing230of the first cleaner200. Therefore, it is possible to provide convenience when coupling the first cleaner200to the coupling surface121.

The coupling part120may include sidewalls124. The sidewalls124may mean wall surfaces disposed on two lateral surfaces of the coupling surface121and may be perpendicularly connected to the coupling surface121. The sidewalls124may be connected to the first outer wall surface112a. In addition, the sidewalls124may be connected to the dust bin guide surface122. That is, the sidewalls124may define surfaces connected to the dust bin guide surface122. Therefore, the first cleaner200may be stably accommodated.

The coupling part120may include the coupling sensor125. The coupling sensor125may detect whether the first cleaner200is coupled to the coupling part120.

The coupling sensor125may include a contact sensor. For example, the coupling sensor125may include a micro-switch. In this case, the coupling sensor125may be disposed on the guide protrusion123. Therefore, when the battery housing230or the battery240of the first cleaner200is coupled between the pair of guide protrusions123, the battery housing230or the battery240comes into contact with the coupling sensor125, such that the coupling sensor125may detect that the first cleaner200is physically coupled to the cleaner station100.

Meanwhile, the coupling sensor125may include a non-contact sensor. For example, the coupling sensor125may include an infrared ray (IR) sensor. In this case, the coupling sensor125may be disposed on the sidewall124. Therefore, when the dust bin220or the main body210of the first cleaner200passes the sidewall124and then reaches the coupling surface121, the coupling sensor125may detect the presence of the dust bin220or the main body210and detect that the first cleaner200is physically coupled to the cleaner station100.

The coupling sensor125may face the dust bin220or the battery housing230of the first cleaner200.

The coupling sensor125may be a mean for determining whether the first cleaner200is coupled and power is applied to the battery240of the first cleaner200.

The coupling part120may include the suction part guide surface126. The suction part guide surface126may be disposed on the first outer wall surface112a. The suction part guide surface126may be connected to the dust bin guide surface122. The suction part212may be coupled to the suction part guide surface126. The suction part guide surface126may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the suction part212. Therefore, it is possible to provide convenience when coupling the main body210of the first cleaner200to the coupling surface121.

The coupling part120may include fixing member entrance holes127. The fixing member entrance hole127may be formed in the form of a long hole along the sidewall124so that a fixing member131may enter and exit the fixing member entrance hole127. For example, the fixing member entrance hole127may be a rectangular hole formed along the sidewall124. The fixing member131will be described below in detail.

With this configuration, when the user couples the first cleaner200to the coupling part120of the cleaner station100, the main body210of the first cleaner200may be stably disposed on the coupling part120by the dust bin guide surface122, the guide protrusions123, and the suction part guide surface126. Therefore, it is possible to provide convenience when coupling the dust bin220and the battery housing230of the first cleaner200to the coupling surface121.

Meanwhile,FIG.7is an exploded perspective view for explaining a fixing unit of the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present disclosure,FIG.8is a view for explaining an arrangement of the first cleaner and the fixing unit in the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.9is a cross-sectional view for explaining for explaining the fixing unit of the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

A fixing unit130according to the present disclosure will be described below and the reference toFIGS.5to9.

The cleaner station100according to the present disclosure may include the fixing unit130. The fixing unit130may be disposed on the sidewall124. In addition, the fixing unit130may be disposed on a back surface to the coupling surface121. The fixing unit130may fix the first cleaner200coupled to the coupling surface121. Specifically, the fixing unit130may fix the dust bin220and the battery housing230of the first cleaner200coupled to the coupling surface121.

The fixing unit130may include the fixing members131configured to fix the dust bin220and the battery housing230of the first cleaner200, and a fixing part133configured to operate the fixing members131. In addition, the fixing unit130may further include fixing part gears134configured to transmit power from the fixing part motor133to the fixing members131, and fixing part links135configured to convert rotational motions of the fixing part gears134into reciprocating motions of the fixing members131. Further, the fixing unit13may further include a fixing part housing132configured to accommodate the fixing part motor133and the fixing part gears134.

The fixing members131may be disposed on the sidewall124of the coupling part120and provided on the sidewall124so as to reciprocate in order to fix the dust bin220. Specifically, the fixing members131may be accommodated in the fixing member entrance holes127.

The fixing members131may be disposed at both sides of the coupling part120, respectively. For example, a pair of two fixing members131may be symmetrically disposed with respect to the coupling surface121.

Specifically, the fixing member131may include a link coupling portion131a, a movable panel131b, and a movable sealer131c. In this case, the link coupling portion131amay be disposed at one side of the movable panel131b, and the movable sealer131cmay be disposed at the other side of the movable panel131b.

The link coupling portion131ais disposed at one side of the movable panel131band coupled to the fixing part link135. For example, the link coupling portion131amay protrude in a cylindrical shape or a circular pin shape from a connection projection131bbformed by bending and extending one end of the movable panel131b. Therefore, the link coupling portion131amay be rotatably inserted and coupled into one end of the fixing part link135.

The movable panel131bmay be connected to the link coupling portion131aand provided to be reciprocally movable from the sidewall124toward the dust bin220by the operation of the fixing part motor133. For example, the movable panel131bmay be provided to be rectilinearly and reciprocally movable along a guide frame131d.

Specifically, one side of the movable panel131bmay be disposed to be accommodated in a space in the first outer wall surface112a, and the other side of the movable panel131bmay be disposed to be exposed from the sidewall124.

The movable panel131bmay include a panel main body131ba, the connection projection131bb, a first pressing portion131bc, and a second pressing portion131bd. For example, the panel main body131bamay be formed in the form of a flat plate. In addition, the connection projection131bbmay be disposed at one end of the panel main body131ba. Further, the first pressing portion131bcmay be formed at the other end of the panel main body131ba.

The connection projection131bbmay be formed by bending and extending one end of the panel main body131batoward the fixing part motor133. The link coupling portion131amay protrude and extend from the tip of the connection projection131bb.

The connection projection131bbmay have a frame through hole that may be penetrated by the guide frame131d. For example, the frame through hole may be formed in a shape similar to an ‘I’ shape.

The first pressing portion131bcis formed at the other end of the panel main body131baand formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the dust bin220in order to seal the dust bin220. For example, the first pressing portion131bcmay be formed in a shape capable of surrounding a cylindrical shape. That is, the first pressing portion131bcmay mean an end portion having a concave arc shape and formed at the other side of the panel main body131ba.

The second pressing portion131bdmay be connected to the first pressing portion131bcand formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the battery housing230in order to seal the battery housing230. For example, the second pressing portion131bdmay be formed in a shape capable of pressing the battery housing230. That is, the second pressing portion131bdmay mean an end portion having a straight shape and formed at the other side of the panel main body131ba.

The movable sealer131cmay be disposed on a tip in the reciprocation direction of the movable panel131band may seal the dust bin220. Specifically, the movable sealer131cmay be coupled to the first pressing portion131bcand may seal a space between the dust bin220and the first pressing portion131bcwhen the first pressing portion131bcsurrounds and presses the dust bin220. In addition, the movable sealer131cmay be coupled to the second pressing portion131bdand may seal a space between the battery housing230and the second pressing portion131bdwhen the second pressing portion131bdsurrounds and presses the battery housing230.

The fixing unit130may further include the guide frames131dcoupled to the housing110and configured to penetrate the movable panels131band guide the movements of the fixing members131. For example, the guide frame131dmay be a frame having an ‘I’ shape that penetrates the connection projection131bb. With this configuration, the movable panel131bmay rectilinearly reciprocate along the guide frame131d.

The fixing part housing132may be disposed in the housing110. For example, the fixing part housing132may be disposed on the back surface to the coupling surface121.

The fixing part housing132may have therein a space capable of accommodating the fixing part gears134. Further, the fixing part housing132may accommodate the fixing part motor133.

The fixing part housing132may include a first fixing part housing132a, a second fixing part housing132b, link guide holes132c, and a motor accommodation portion132d.

The first fixing part housing132aand the second fixing part housing132bare coupled to each other to define the space capable of accommodating the fixing part gears134therein.

For example, the first fixing part housing132amay be disposed in a direction toward the outside of the cleaner station100, and the second fixing part housing132bmay be disposed in a direction toward the inside of the cleaner station100. That is, the first fixing part housing132amay be disposed in a direction toward the coupling surface121, and the second fixing part housing132bmay be disposed in a direction toward the second outer wall surface112b.

The link guide holes132cmay be formed in the first fixing part housing132a. The link guide holes132cmay mean holes formed to guide movement routes of the fixing part link135. For example, the link guide hole132cmay mean an arc-shaped hole formed in a circumferential direction about a rotary shaft of the fixing part gear134.

Two link guide holes132cmay be formed to guide the pair of fixing part links135for moving the pair of fixing members131. In addition, the two link guide holes132cmay be symmetrically formed.

The motor accommodation portion132dmay be provided to accommodate the fixing part motor133. For example, the motor accommodation portion132dmay protrude in a cylindrical shape from the first fixing part housing132ain order to accommodate the fixing part motor133therein.

The fixing part motor133may provide power for moving the fixing members131. Specifically, the fixing part motor133may rotate the fixing part gears134in a forward direction or a reverse direction. In this case, the forward direction may mean a direction in which the fixing member131is moved from the sidewall124to press the dust bin220. In addition, the reverse direction may mean a direction in which the fixing member131is moved to the inside of the sidewall124from a position at which the fixing member131presses the dust bin220. The forward direction may be opposite to the reverse direction.

The fixing part gears134may be coupled to the fixing part motor133and may move the fixing members131using power from the fixing part motor133.

The fixing part gears134may include a driving gear134a, a connection gear134b, a first link rotating gear134c, and a second link rotating gear134d.

A shaft of the fixing part motor133may be inserted and coupled into the driving gear134a. For example, the shaft of the fixing part motor133may be inserted and fixedly coupled into the driving gear134a. As another example, the driving gear134amay be formed integrally with the shaft of the fixing part motor133.

The connection gear134bmay engage with the driving gear134aand the first link rotating gear134c.

The other end of the fixing part link135is rotatably coupled to the first link rotating gear134c, and the first link rotating gear134cmay transmit rotational force transmitted from the driving gear134ato the fixing part link135.

The first link rotating gear134cmay include a rotary shaft134ca, a rotation surface134cb, gear teeth134cc, and a link fastening portion134cd.

The rotary shaft134camay be coupled to and supported by the first fixing part housing132aand the second fixing part housing132b. The rotation surface134cbmay be formed in a circular plate shape having a predetermined thickness about the rotary shaft134ca. The gear teeth134ccmay be formed on an outer circumferential surface of the rotation surface134cband may engage with the connection gear134b. Further, the gear teeth134ccmay engage with the second link rotating gear134d. With this configuration, the first link rotating gear134cmay receive power from the fixing part motor133through the driving gear134aand the connection gear134band transmit the power to the second link rotating gear134d.

The link fastening portion134cdmay protrude and extend in a cylindrical shape or a circular pin shape in an axial direction from the rotation surface134cb. The link fastening portion134cdmay be rotatably coupled to the other end of the fixing part link135. For example, the link fastening portion134cdmay penetrate the link guide hole132cand may be coupled to the other end of the fixing part link135. With this configuration, the first link rotating gear134cmay be rotated by power from the fixing part motor133, the fixing part link135may be rotated and rectilinearly moved by the rotation of the first link rotating gear134c, and consequently, the fixing member131may be moved to fix or release the dust bin220.

The second link rotating gear134dmay engage with the first link rotating gear134cand rotate in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the first link rotating gear134c.

The other end of the fixing part link135is rotatably coupled to the second link rotating gear134d, and the second link rotating gear134dmay transmit the rotational force transmitted from the driving gear134ato the fixing part link135.

The second link rotating gear134dmay include a rotary shaft134da, a rotation surface134db, gear teeth134dc, and a link fastening portion134dd.

The rotary shaft134damay be coupled to and supported by the first fixing part housing132aand the second fixing part housing132b. The rotation surface134dbmay be formed in a circular plate shape having a predetermined thickness about the rotary shaft134da. The gear teeth134dcmay be formed on an outer circumferential surface of the rotation surface134dband may engage with the first link rotating gear134c. With this configuration, the second link rotating gear134dmay receive the power from the fixing part motor133through the driving gear134a, the connection gear134b, and the first link rotating gear134c.

The link fastening portion134ddmay protrude and extend in a cylindrical shape or a circular pin shape in an axial direction from the rotation surface134db. The link fastening portion134ddmay be rotatably coupled to the other end of the fixing part link135. For example, the link fastening portion134ddmay penetrate the link guide hole132cand may be coupled to the other end of the fixing part link135. With this configuration, the second link rotating gear134dmay be rotated by power from the fixing part motor133, the fixing part link135may be rotated and rectilinearly moved by the rotation of the second link rotating gear134d, and consequently, the fixing member131may be moved to fix or release the dust bin220.

The fixing part links135may link the fixing part gears134and the fixing members131and convert the rotations of the fixing part gears134into the reciprocation movements of the fixing members131.

One end of the fixing part link135may be coupled to the link coupling portion131aof the fixing member131, and the other end of the fixing part link135may be coupled to the link fastening portion134cdor134ddof the fixing part gear134.

The fixing part link135may include a link main body135a, a first link connecting portion135b, and a second link connecting portion135c.

For example, the link main body135amay be formed in the form of a frame with a bent central portion. This is to improve efficiency in transmitting power by changing an angle at which a force is transmitted.

The first link connecting portion135bmay be disposed at one end of the link main body135a, and the second link connecting portion135cmay be disposed at the other end of the link main body135a. The first link connecting portion135bmay be protrude in a cylindrical shape from one end of the link main body135a. The first link connecting portion135bmay have a hole into which the link coupling portion131amay be inserted and coupled. The second link connecting portion135cmay protrude in a cylindrical shape from the other end of the link main body135a. In this case, a height by which the second link connecting portion135cprotrudes may be greater than a height by which the first link connecting portion135bprotrudes. This is to enable the link fastening portions134cdand134ddof the fixing part gears134to be accommodated in the link guide holes132cand move along the link guide holes132c, and to support the link fastening portions134cdand134ddwhen the link fastening portions134cdand134ddrotate. The second link connecting portion135cmay have a hole into which the link fastening portion134cdor134ddmay be inserted and coupled.

A stationary sealer136may be disposed on the dust bin guide surface122so as to seal the dust bin220when the cleaner200is coupled. With this configuration, when the dust bin220of the cleaner200is coupled, the cleaner200may press the stationary sealer136by its own weight, such that the dust bin220and the dust bin guide surface122may be sealed.

The stationary sealer136may be disposed in an imaginary extension line of the movable sealer131c. With this configuration, when the fixing part motor133operates and the fixing members131press the dust bin220, a circumference of the dust bin220at the same height may be sealed. That is, the stationary sealer136and the movable sealers131cmay seal outer circumferential surfaces of the dust bin220disposed on concentric circles.

According to the embodiment, the stationary sealer136may be disposed on the dust bin guide surface122and formed in the form of a bent line corresponding to an arrangement of a cover opening unit150to be described below.

Therefore, when the main body210of the first cleaner200is disposed on the coupling part120, the fixing unit130may fix the main body210of the first cleaner200. Specifically, when the coupling sensor125detects that the main body210of the first cleaner200is coupled to the coupling part120of the cleaner station100, the fixing part motor133may move the fixing members131to fix the main body210of the first cleaner200.

A method of controlling the fixing unit130will be described below together with a description of a control unit400of the cleaner station100according to the present disclosure.

Therefore, the amount of vibration and impact, which occur when the discharge cover222of the main body210of the fixed first cleaner200is separated from the dust bin220, is increased, and as a result, it is possible to improve efficiency in moving the dust stored in the dust bin220to the dust collecting part170of the cleaner station100. That is, it is possible to improve the suction force of the cleaner by preventing the residual dust from remaining in the dust bin. Further, it is possible to remove an offensive odor caused by the residual dust by preventing the residual dust from remaining in the dust bin.

Meanwhile,FIG.10is a view for explaining a relationship between the first cleaner and the door unit in the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

A door unit140according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference toFIGS.5,6, and10.

The cleaner station100according to the present disclosure may include the door unit140. The door unit140may be configured to open or close the dust passage hole121a.

The door unit140may include a door141, a door motor142, and a door arm143.

The door141may be hingedly coupled to the coupling surface121and may open or close the dust passage hole121a. The door141may include a door main body141a, a hinge part141b, and an arm coupling part141c.

The door main body141amay be formed in a shape capable of blocking the dust passage hole121a. For example, the door main body141amay be formed in a shape similar to a circular plate shape. On the basis of a state in which the door main body141ablocks the dust passage hole121a, the hinge part141bmay be disposed at an upper side of the door main body141a, and the arm coupling part141cmay be disposed at a lower side of the door main body141a.

The door main body141amay be formed in a shape capable of sealing the dust passage hole121a. For example, an outer surface of the door main body141a, which is exposed to the outside of the cleaner station100, is formed to have a diameter corresponding to a diameter of the dust passage hole121a, and an inner surface of the door main body141a, which is disposed in the cleaner station100, is formed to have a diameter greater than the diameter of the dust passage hole121a. In addition, a level difference may be defined between the outer surface and the inner surface. Meanwhile, one or more reinforcing ribs may protrude from the inner surface in order to connect the hinge part141band the arm coupling part141cand reinforce a supporting force of the door main body141a.

The hinge part141bmay be a means by which the door141is hingedly coupled to the coupling surface121. The hinge part141bmay be disposed at an upper end of the door main body141aand coupled to the coupling surface121.

The arm coupling part141cmay be a means to which the door arm143is rotatably coupled. The arm coupling part141cmay be disposed at a lower side of the inner surface, and the door arm143may be rotatably coupled to the arm coupling part141c.

With this configuration, when the door arm143pulls the door main body141ain the state in which the door141closes the dust passage hole121a, the door main body141ais rotated about the hinge part141btoward the inside of the cleaner station100, such that the dust passage hole121amay be opened. Meanwhile, when the door arm143pushes the door main body141ain the state in which the dust passage hole121ais opened, the door main body141ais rotated about the hinge part141btoward the outside of the cleaner station100, such that the dust passage hole121amay be closed.

The door motor142may provide power for rotating the door141. Specifically, the door motor142may rotate the door arm143in a forward direction or a reverse direction. In this case, the forward direction may mean a direction in which the door arm143pulls the door141. Therefore, when the door arm143is rotated in the forward direction, the dust passage hole121amay be opened. In addition, the reverse direction may mean a direction in which the door arm143pushes the door141. Therefore, when the door arm143is rotated in the reverse direction, at least a part of the dust passage hole121amay be closed. The forward direction may be opposite to the reverse direction.

The door arm143may connect the door141and the door motor142and open or close the door141using the power generated from the door motor142.

For example, the door arm143may include a first door arm143aand a second door arm143b. One end of the first door arm143amay be coupled to the door motor142. The first door arm143amay be rotated by the power of the door motor142. The other end of the first door arm143amay be rotatably coupled to the second door arm143b. The first door arm143amay transmit a force transmitted from the door motor142to the second door arm143b. One end of the second door arm143bmay be coupled to the first door arm143a. The other end of the second door arm143bmay be coupled to the door141. The second door arm143bmay open or close the dust passage hole121aby pushing or pulling the door141.

The door unit140may further include door opening/closing detecting parts144. The door opening/closing detecting parts144may be provided in the housing110and may detect whether the door141is in an opened state.

For example, the door opening/closing detecting parts144may be disposed at both ends in a rotational region of the door arm143, respectively. As another example, the door opening/closing detecting parts144may be disposed at both ends in a movement region of the door141, respectively.

Therefore, when the door arm143is moved to a predetermined opened position DP1 or when the door141is opened to a predetermined position, the door opening/closing detecting parts144may detect that the door is opened. In addition, when the door arm143is moved to a predetermined closed position DP2 or when the door141is opened to a predetermined position, the door opening/closing detecting parts144may detect that the door is opened.

The door opening/closing detecting part144may include a contact sensor. For example, the door opening/closing detecting part144may include a micro-switch.

Meanwhile, the door opening/closing detecting part144may also include a non-contact sensor. For example, the door opening/closing detecting part144may include an infrared ray (IR) sensor.

With this configuration, the door unit140may selectively open or close at least a part of the coupling surface121, thereby allowing the outside of the first outer wall surface112ato communicate with the first flow path181and/or the dust collecting part170.

The door unit140may be opened when the discharge cover222of the first cleaner200is opened. In addition, when the door unit140is closed, the discharge cover222of the first cleaner200may also be closed.

When the dust in the dust bin220of the first cleaner200is removed, the door motor142may rotate the door141, thereby coupling the discharge cover222to the dust bin main body221. Specifically, the door motor142may rotate the door141to rotate the door141about the hinge part141b, and the door141rotated about the hinge part141bmay push the discharge cover222toward the dust bin main body221.

FIG.11is a view for explaining the lower surface of the dust bin of the first cleaner according to the embodiment of the present disclosure,FIG.12is a view for explaining a relationship between the first cleaner and the cover opening unit in the cleaner station according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.13is a perspective view for explaining the cover opening unit of the cleaner station according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

The cover opening unit150according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference toFIGS.5,6, and11to13.

The cleaner station100according to the present disclosure may include the cover opening unit150. The cover opening unit150may be disposed at a lower side in a gravitational direction of the coupling part120and may open the discharge cover222of the first cleaner200.

The cover opening unit150may include a push protrusion151, a cover opening motor152, cover opening gears153, a support plate154, and a gear box155.

The push protrusion151may move to press the coupling lever222cwhen the first cleaner200is coupled.

The push protrusion151may be disposed on the dust bin guide surface122. Specifically, a protrusion moving hole may be formed in the dust bin guide surface122, and the push protrusion151may be exposed to the outside by passing through the protrusion moving hole.

When the first cleaner200is coupled, the push protrusion151may be disposed at a position at which the push protrusion151may push the coupling lever222c. That is, the coupling lever222cmay be disposed on the protrusion moving hole. In addition, the coupling lever222cmay be disposed in a movement region of the push protrusion151.

The push protrusion151may rectilinearly reciprocate to press the coupling lever222c. Specifically, the push protrusion151may be coupled to the gear box155, such that the rectilinear movement of the push protrusion151may be guided. The push protrusion151may be coupled to the cover opening gears153and moved together with the cover opening gears153by the movements of the cover opening gears153.

For example, the push protrusion151may include a protrusion portion151a, a protrusion support plate151b, a connection portion151c, a gear coupling block151d, and guide frames151e.

The protrusion portion151amay be provided to push the coupling lever222c. The protrusion portion151amay be formed in a protrusion shape similar to a hook shape, a right-angled triangular shape, or a trapezoidal shape. The protrusion support plate151bmay be connected to the protrusion portion151aand formed in the form of a flat plate for supporting the protrusion portion151a.

The protrusion support plate151bmay be provided to be movable along an upper surface of the gear box155. The connection portion151cmay connect the protrusion support plate151band the gear coupling block151d. The connection portion151cmay be formed to have a narrower width than the protrusion support plate151band the gear coupling block151d.

The connection portion151cmay be disposed to penetrate a protrusion through hole155bformed in the gear box155. The gear coupling block151dmay be coupled to the cover opening gears153. The gear coupling block151dmay be fixedly coupled to the cover opening gears153using a member such as a screw or a piece.

The gear coupling block151dmay be accommodated in the gear box155and may be rectilinearly reciprocated in the gear box155by the movement of the cover opening gears153. The guide frames151emay protrude and extend from two lateral surfaces of the gear coupling block151d, respectively. The guide frames151emay be protrude and extend in a quadrangular column shape from the gear coupling block151d.

The guide frame151emay be disposed to penetrate a guide hole155cformed in the gear box155. Therefore, when the gear coupling block151drectilinearly moves, the guide frame151emay rectilinearly reciprocate along the guide hole155c.

The cover opening motor152may provide power for moving the push protrusion151. Specifically, the cover opening motor152may rotate a motor shaft152ain a forward direction or a reverse direction. In this case, the forward direction may mean a direction in which the push protrusion151pushes the coupling lever222c. In addition, the reverse direction may mean a direction in which the push protrusion151, which has pushed the coupling lever222c, returns back to an original position. The forward direction may be opposite to the reverse direction.

The cover opening motor152may be disposed outside the gear box155. The motor shaft152aof the cover opening motor152may penetrate a motor through hole155eof the gear box155and may be coupled to the cover opening gears153. For example, the motor shaft152amay be coupled to an opening driving gear153aand rotated together with the opening driving gear153a.

The cover opening gears153may be coupled to the cover opening motor152and may move the push protrusion151using the power from the cover opening motor152. Specifically, the cover opening gears153may be accommodated in the gear box155. The cover opening gears153may be coupled to the cover opening motor152and supplied with the power. The cover opening gears153may be coupled to the push protrusion151to move the push protrusion151.

The cover opening gears153may include the opening driving gear153aand an opening driven gear153b. Specifically, the shaft152aof the cover opening motor152is inserted and coupled into the opening driving gear153a, such that the opening driving gear153amay receive rotational power from the cover opening motor152.

The opening driven gear153bmay engage with the opening driving gear153aand may be coupled to the gear coupling block151dof the push protrusion151, thereby moving the push protrusion151. For example, the opening driven gear153bmay be formed in the form of a rack gear so as to engage with the opening driving gear153aformed in the form of a pinion gear. The opening driven gear153bmay include a body portion153bacoupled to the gear coupling block151d. In addition, the opening driven gear153bmay include a gear portion153bbformed at a lower side of the body portion153baand configured to engage with the opening driving gear153a. Further, the opening driven gear153bmay include guide shafts153bcprotruding from the two lateral surfaces of the body portion153ba. In addition, the opening driven gear153bmay include gear wheels153bdinto which the guide shafts153bcare inserted and coupled, and the gear wheels153bdmay rollably move along guide rails155dformed in an inner surface of the gear box155.

The support plate154may be provided to support one surface of the dust bin220. Specifically, the support plate154may extend from the coupling surface121. The support plate154may protrude and extend toward a center of the dust passage hole121afrom the coupling surface121.

The support plate154may protrude and extend symmetrically from the coupling surface121, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the support plate154may have various shapes capable of supporting the lower extension portion221aof the first cleaner200or the lower surface of the dust bin220.

When the first cleaner200is coupled to the cleaner station100, the lower surface of the dust bin220may be disposed in the dust passage hole121a, and the support plate154may support the lower surface of the dust bin220. The discharge cover222may be openably and closably provided at the lower side of the dust bin220, and the dust bin220may include the cylindrical dust bin main body221and the extending lower extension portion221a. In this case, the support plate154may be in contact with the lower extension portion221aand may support the lower extension portion221a.

With this configuration, the push protrusion151may push the coupling lever222cof the discharge cover222in the state in which the support plate154supports the lower extension portion221a. In this case, the discharge cover222may have the torsion spring222d. The discharge cover222may be rotated by a predetermined angle or more and supported in the rotated position by an elastic force of the torsion spring222d. Therefore, the discharge cover222may be opened, and the dust passage hole121aand the inside of the dust bin220may communicate with each other. That is, as the discharge cover222is opened, the flow path part180and the inside of the dust bin220may communicate with each other, and the cleaner station100and the first cleaner200may be coupled to each other to enable a flow of a fluid (coupling of the flow path).

The gear box155may be coupled to the inner surface of the housing110and disposed at the lower side of the coupling part120in the gravitational direction, and the cover opening gears153may be accommodated in the gear box155. Specifically, the box main body155ahas a space capable of accommodating the cover opening gears153, and the protrusion through hole155b, which is penetrated by the connection portion151cof the push protrusion151, is formed in an upper surface of the box main body155a. In addition, the guide hole155cis formed in the form of a long hole in the lateral surface in a leftward/rightward direction of the box main body155a, such that the guide frame151eof the push protrusion151penetrates the guide hole155c.

Meanwhile, the guide rails155dmay be formed on the inner surfaces at the lateral sides in the leftward/rightward direction of the box main body155a. The guide rails155dmay support the opening driven gear153band guide the movement of the opening driven gear153b.

The motor through hole155emay be formed in one surface of the gear box155, and the shaft152aof the cover opening motor152may penetrate the motor through hole155e. In addition, cover opening detecting parts155fmay be disposed on the lateral surface of the gear box155.

The cover opening detecting part155fmay include a contact sensor. For example, the cover opening detecting part155fmay include a micro-switch. Meanwhile, the cover opening detecting part155fmay also include a non-contact sensor. For example, the cover opening detecting part155fmay include an infrared (IR) sensor. Therefore, the cover opening detecting part155fmay detect a position of the guide frame151e, thereby detecting a position of the push protrusion151.

The cover opening detecting parts155fmay be disposed at both ends of the guide hole155cformed in the form of a long hole, respectively. Therefore, when the push protrusion151is moved to a position at which the push protrusion151may push the coupling lever222cto open the discharge cover222, the guide frame151emay be positioned at a predetermined cover opened point CP1, and the cover opening detecting part155fmay detect that the discharge cover222is opened. In addition, when the push protrusion151returns back to an original position, the guide frame151emay be positioned at a predetermined cover non-opened point CP2, and the cover opening detecting part155fmay detect that the push protrusion151has returned back to the original position.

Meanwhile,FIG.14is a cross-sectional view for explaining a second embodiment of the cover opening unit of the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

To avoid the repeated description, the description of the cover opening unit150according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied, except for the components that have not been particularly described in the present embodiment, because the same structure and effect of the cover opening unit150according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied.

Meanwhile, the cover opening unit1150according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a support protrusion1156, a support protrusion conveying gear1157, and a support protrusion conveying link1158.

The support protrusion1156may rectilinearly reciprocate to open or close a part of the dust passage hole121ain conjunction with the movement of the support protrusion conveying gear1157.

The support protrusion1156may be configured to support one surface of the dust bin220. Specifically, the support protrusion1156is rectilinearly moved on the coupling surface121and brought into contact with the lower extension portion221aby the operation of the cover opening motor1152. That is, the push protrusion1151may be moved to push the discharge cover222, and at the same time, the support protrusion1156may be moved upward from the coupling surface121toward the center of the dust passage hole121ato support the lower extension portion221a.

The support protrusion conveying gear1157may engage with a cover opening gear1153and move the support protrusion1156with power from the cover opening motor1152. For example, the support protrusion conveying gear1157may be provided in the form of a rack gear so as to engage with an opening driving gear1153a.

The support protrusion conveying link1158may link the support protrusion1156and the support protrusion conveying gear1157. Specifically, one end of the support protrusion conveying link1158may be rotatably coupled to the support protrusion conveying gear1157, and the other end of the support protrusion conveying link1158may be coupled to the support protrusion1156. With this configuration, when the cover opening motor1152operates in a cover opening direction, the support protrusion conveying gear1157may be moved toward the outside of the cleaner station100, and the support protrusion conveying link1158may push the support protrusion1156upward in the gravitational direction while rotating. Therefore, the support protrusion1156may move upward from the coupling surface121toward the center of the dust passage hole121a. In contrast, when the cover opening motor1152operates in a returning direction, the support protrusion conveying gear1157may be moved toward the inside of the cleaner station100, and the support protrusion conveying link1158may move the support protrusion1156downward in the gravitational direction while rotating.

Meanwhile,FIG.15is a cross-sectional view for explaining a third embodiment of the cover opening unit of the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

To avoid the repeated description, the description of the cover opening unit150according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied, except for the components that have not been particularly described in the present embodiment, because the same structure and effect of the cover opening unit150according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied.

Meanwhile, a cover opening unit2150according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a support protrusion2156, a support protrusion conveying gear2157, a support protrusion conveying block2158, and a return spring2159.

Meanwhile, because the support protrusion2156and the support protrusion conveying gear2157according to the present embodiment may be identical to the support protrusion1156and the support protrusion conveying gear1157according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the description of the support protrusion1156and the support protrusion conveying gear1157may be applied.

The support protrusion conveying block2158may be disposed on an upper surface of the support protrusion conveying gear2157and may include an inclined surface for guiding a rectilinear movement of the support protrusion2156. With this configuration, when the cover opening motor2152operates in a cover opening direction, the support protrusion conveying gear2157may be moved toward the outside of the cleaner station100, and the support protrusion conveying link2158may push the support protrusion2156upward in the gravitational direction while rotating.

The return spring2159may provide a restoring force to the support protrusion2156when the support protrusion2156rectilinearly moves. Specifically, the return spring2159may be a coil spring. One end of the return spring2159may be coupled to the upper surface of the support protrusion conveying gear2157. The other end of the return spring2159may be coupled to a lower portion of the support protrusion2156. With this configuration, when the cover opening motor2152operates in a returning direction, the support protrusion conveying gear2157may be moved toward the inside of the cleaner station100, and the restoring force of the return spring2159may move the support protrusion2156downward in the gravitational direction.

Meanwhile,FIG.20is a view for explaining a fourth embodiment of the cover opening unit of the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.21is a view when viewingFIG.20at another angle.

A cover opening unit3150according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference toFIGS.5,6,11,20, and21.

The cleaner station100according to the present disclosure may include a cover opening unit3150. The cover opening unit3150may be disposed on the coupling part120and may open the discharge cover222of the first cleaner200.

The cover opening unit3150may include a push protrusion3151, a cover opening motor3152, a cover opening gear3153, a support plate3154, a gear box3155, and a cover opening detecting part3156.

Meanwhile, because the cover opening motor3152and the support plate3154according to the present embodiment are identical in structure and effect to the cover opening motor152and the support plate154according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the description of the cover opening motor152and the support plate154may be applied.

The push protrusion3151may move to press the coupling lever222cwhen the first cleaner200is coupled.

The push protrusion3151may be disposed on the dust bin guide surface122. Specifically, a protrusion moving hole may be formed in the dust bin guide surface122, and the push protrusion3151may be exposed to the outside by passing through the protrusion moving hole.

When the first cleaner200is coupled, the push protrusion3151may be disposed at a position at which the push protrusion3151may push the coupling lever222c. That is, the coupling lever222cmay be disposed on the protrusion moving hole. In addition, the coupling lever222cmay be disposed in a movement region of the push protrusion3151.

The push protrusion3151may rectilinearly reciprocate to press the coupling lever222c. Specifically, the push protrusion3151may be coupled to the gear box3155, such that the rectilinear movement of the push protrusion3151may be guided. The push protrusion3151may be coupled to the cover opening gears3153and moved together with the cover opening gears3153by the movements of the cover opening gears3153.

For example, the push protrusion3151may include a protrusion portion3151a, a protrusion support plate3151b, a connection portion3151c, and a gear coupling block3151d.

The protrusion portion3151amay be provided to push the coupling lever222c. The protrusion portion3151amay be formed in a protrusion shape similar to a hook shape, a right-angled triangular shape, or a trapezoidal shape.

The protrusion support plate3151bmay be connected to the protrusion portion3151aand formed in the form of a flat plate for supporting the protrusion portion3151a. The protrusion support plate3151bmay be provided to be movable along an upper surface of the gear box3155.

The connection portion3151cmay connect the protrusion support plate3151band the gear coupling block3151d. The connection portion3151cmay be formed to have a narrower width than the protrusion support plate3151band the gear coupling block3151d. The connection portion3151cmay be disposed to penetrate a protrusion through hole3155cformed in the gear box3155.

The gear coupling block3151dmay be coupled to the cover opening gears3153. The gear coupling block3151dmay be fixedly coupled to the cover opening gears3153using a member such as a screw or a piece. The gear coupling block3151dmay be accommodated in the gear box3155and may be rectilinearly reciprocated in the gear box3155by the movement of the cover opening gears3153.

The cover opening gears3153may be coupled to the cover opening motor3152and may move the push protrusion3151using the power from the cover opening motor3152. Specifically, the cover opening gears3153may be accommodated in the gear box3155. The cover opening gears3153may be coupled to the cover opening motor3152and supplied with the power. The cover opening gears3153may be coupled to the push protrusion3151to move the push protrusion3151.

The cover opening gears3153may include the opening driving gear3153aand an opening driven gear3153b. Specifically, the shaft3152aof the cover opening motor3152is inserted and coupled into the opening driving gear3153a, such that the opening driving gear3153amay receive rotational power from the cover opening motor3152.

The opening driven gear3153bmay engage with the opening driving gear3153aand may be coupled to the gear coupling block3151dof the push protrusion3151, thereby moving the push protrusion3151.

For example, the opening driven gear3153bmay be formed in the form of a rack gear so as to engage with the opening driving gear3153aformed in the form of a pinion gear. The opening driven gear3153bmay include a body portion3153bacoupled to the gear coupling block3151d. In addition, the opening driven gear3153bmay include a gear portion3153bbformed at a lower side of the body portion3153baand configured to engage with the opening driving gear3153a. In addition, the opening driven gear3153bmay include gear wheels3153bccoupled to both lateral surfaces of the body portion3153baand configured to rollably move along guide rails3155bprovided on an inner surface of the gear box3155. Further, the opening driven gear3153bmay include a contact protrusion3153bdprotruding from one surface of the body portion3153baand protruding by a length that enables the contact protrusion3153bdto come into contact with the cover opening detecting part3156.

The contact protrusion3153bdmay rectilinearly move together with the body portion3153bain conjunction with the rotation of the opening driving gear3153a. The contact protrusion3153bdmay come into contact with the cover opening detecting part3156. For example, the contact protrusion3153bdmay be disposed at a lower side in the gravitational direction of the body portion3153baand disposed to be distant from the gear portion3153bbbased on an outer circumferential surface181aof the first flow path181. With this configuration, when the cover opening motor3152operates, the opening driving gear3153arotates, and the rotational motion is converted into the rectilinear motion as power is transmitted to the gear portion3153bbengaging with the opening driving gear3153a. In this case, the gear wheels3153bcguide the rectilinear reciprocating motion of the body portion3155bawhile rolling along the guide rails3155b. Meanwhile, when the body portion3155barectilinearly moves, the contact protrusion3153bdmay come into contact with the cover opening detecting part3156and inform the cover opening detecting part3156and the control unit400of a position of the opening driven gear3153band a position of the push protrusion3151.

The gear box3155may be disposed in the housing110and disposed at a lower side in the gravitational direction of the coupling part120. The gear box3155may be disposed on the outer circumferential surface181aof the first flow path181. For example, the gear box3155may be integrated with the tube of the first flow path181and protrude and extend radially outward from the outer circumferential surface181aof the tube of the first flow path181. The gear box3155may have a space that may accommodate the cover opening gears3153therein.

Meanwhile, unlike the first embodiment of the present disclosure in which the gear box155has the guide hole155c, a lateral surface in a leftward/rightward direction of the gear box3155according to the present embodiment does not have a hole for guiding the rectilinear movement of the push protrusion3151.

With this configuration, the gear box3155may have a minimized space (gap) through which air may leaks. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a loss of suction force when the dust collecting motor191operates.

The cover opening gears3153may be accommodated in the gear box3155. Specifically, the space capable of accommodating the cover opening gear153may be defined in the gear box3155, and a protrusion through hole3155c, which is penetrated by the connecting portion3151cof the push protrusion3151, may be formed in an upper surface of the gear box3155.

Meanwhile, a driving gear support portion3155aand the guide rails3155bmay be provided on an inner surface of the lateral surface in the leftward/rightward direction of the gear box3155.

The driving gear support portion3155amay protrude from an inner surface at one side of the gear box3155and support the opening driving gear3153a. For example, the driving gear support portion3155amay have a cylindrical shape partially opened at an upper side in the gravitational direction thereof. In this case, an axis of the driving gear support portion3155ahaving a cylindrical shape may be disposed to be perpendicular to one side of the gear box3155. In addition, at least a part of one end in an axial direction of the driving gear support portion3155amay be closed, and a hole may be formed at a center of the driving gear support portion3155aso that a shaft of the opening driving gear3153ais inserted into the hole. Meanwhile, the other end in the axial direction of the driving gear support portion3155ais opened, which may mean a hole formed at one side of the gear box3155. The other end in the axial direction of the driving gear support portion3155amay provide a space through which the shaft of the cover opening motor3152penetrates and is coupled to the opening driving gear3153a.

With this configuration, the cover opening motor3152may be disposed outside one side of the gear box3155, and the opening driving gear3153amay be rotatably accommodated in the driving gear support portion3155ato stably support the cover opening unit3150.

The guide rails3155bmay protrude from inner surfaces of both lateral surfaces of the gear box3155to support the opening driven gear3153band guide the movement of the opening driven gear3153b.

The cover opening detecting part3156may be accommodated in the gear box3155and disposed at the position at which the cover opening detecting part3156may come into contact with the contact protrusion3153bdof the opening driven gear3153b.

The cover opening detecting part3156may include a contact sensor. For example, the cover opening detecting part3156may include a micro-switch. Meanwhile, the cover opening detecting part3156may also include a non-contact sensor. For example, the cover opening detecting part3156may include an infrared (IR) sensor. Therefore, the cover opening detecting part3156may detect a position of the contact protrusion3153bd, thereby detecting a position of the push protrusion3151.

The cover opening detecting part3156may be disposed so as to detect that the push protrusion3151is positioned at the initial position (the position at which the push protrusion3151is positioned before pressing the coupling lever222c).

For example, the cover opening detecting part3156may be disposed at a position distant from the first flow path181in the gear box3155. That is, when a maximum length of the gear box3155from the outer circumferential surface181aof the tube of the first flow path181is L, a shortest distance between the cover opening detecting part3156and the outer circumferential surface181aof the tube of the first flow path181may be more than 0.5 L. In addition, the cover opening detecting part3156may be disposed to be distant from the rotation axis of the opening driving gear3153abased on the outer circumferential surface181aof the tube of the first flow path181.

Therefore, the cover opening detecting part3156may detect the contact with the contact protrusion3153bdbefore the push protrusion3151presses the coupling lever222cor when the push protrusion3151is returned to the initial position after opening the discharge cover222. In this case, the cover opening detecting part3156may transmit, to the control unit400, a signal in relation to the contact with the contact protrusion3153bd, and the control unit400may receive the signal and determine that the push protrusion3151is positioned at the initial position.

Meanwhile, when the cover opening motor3152operates and the push protrusion3151begins to move to press the coupling lever222c, the cover opening detecting part3156may detect that the contact with the contact protrusion3153bdis released, and the cover opening detecting part3156may transmit, to the control unit400, a signal indicating that the contact with the contact protrusion3153bdis released.

The control unit400may receive the signal and operate a timer to calculate the time after the contact with the contact protrusion3153bdis released. When the control unit400does not receive a signal in relation to the contact with the contact protrusion3153bdfrom the cover opening detecting part3156until a predetermined protrusion reciprocation time t is elapsed after the contact with the contact protrusion3153bdis released, the control unit400may determine that the cover opening unit150erroneously operates. Further, the control unit400may operate the cover opening motor3152again to return the contact protrusion3153bdto the initial position. In addition, the control unit400may instruct the display unit500to display contents indicating that an error occurs or an inspection is required.

With this configuration, unlike the first embodiment in which the two cover opening detecting parts155fare used, the present embodiment may determine the position of the push protrusion3151with the single cover opening detecting part3156and determine the erroneous operation of the cover opening unit3150.

The cover opening unit3150may further include a support tube3157. The support tube3157includes a first support tube3157aand a second support tube3157b.

The first support tube3157aand the second support tube3157bmay be coupled to the inner surface of the gear box3155and support the cover opening detecting part3156to maintain the position of the cover opening detecting part3156. For example, the first support tube3157amay be disposed at a lower side in the gravitational direction of the cover opening detecting part3156and may come into contact with and support the lower surface of the cover opening detecting part3156. In addition, the second support tube3157bmay be disposed at a rear side (in the direction of the first flow path181) of the cover opening detecting part3156and may come into contact with and support the cover opening detecting part3156.

With this configuration, the support tube3157may maintain the position of the cover opening detecting part3156and stably detect the position of the push protrusion151.

Meanwhile, the first support tube3157aand the second support tube3157bmay each accommodate an electric wire therein. For example, the first support tube3157aand the second support tube3157bmay each be provided in the form of a quadrangular tube and accommodate the electric wire therein.

Therefore, the electric wire connected to the cover opening detecting part3156may be disposed in the gear box3155through the first support tube3157aand the second support tube3157b.

With this configuration, even though the opening driving gear3153arotates and the opening driven gear153breciprocates in the gear box3155, damage to the electric wire may be prevented because the first support tube3157aand the second support tube3157bprotect the electric wire. Therefore, the cover opening detecting part3156may be stably supplied with power and transmit the electrical signal to the control unit400.

With this configuration, the cover opening unit150,1150,2150, or3150may selectively open or close the lower portion of the dust bin220by separating the coupling lever222cfrom the dust bin220. In this case, the dust in the dust bin220may be captured into the dust collecting part170by the impact that occurs when the discharge cover222is separated from the dust bin220.

Therefore, in the case in which the main body210of the first cleaner200is fixed to the coupling part120, the cover opening motor152may move the push protrusion151,1151,2151, or3151to separate the discharge cover222from the dust bin220. When the discharge cover222is separated from the dust bin220, the dust in the dust bin220may be captured into the dust collecting part170.

Accordingly, according to the present disclosure, the cover opening unit150may open the dust bin220even though the user separately opens the discharge cover222of the first cleaner, and as a result, it is possible to improve convenience.

In addition, since the discharge cover222is opened in the state in which the first cleaner200is coupled to the cleaner station100, it is possible to prevent the dust from scattering.

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

The lever pulling unit160according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference toFIGS.5,6, and16.

The cleaner station100according to the present disclosure may include the lever pulling unit160. The lever pulling unit160may be disposed on the first outer wall surface112aof the housing110. The lever pulling unit160may push the dust bin compression lever223of the first cleaner200to compress the dust in the dust bin220.

The lever pulling unit160may include a lever pulling arm161, an arm gear162, a stroke drive motor163, a rotation drive motor164, and arm movement detecting parts165.

The lever pulling arm161is accommodated in the housing110and may be provided to be stroke-movable and rotatable. For example, the lever pulling arm161may be accommodated in an arm accommodating groove formed in the first outer wall surface112a. In this case, when an imaginary cylindrical shape is defined with respect to a lower end of the arm accommodating groove, the dust bin compression lever223may be disposed in the imaginary cylindrical shape.

The lever pulling arm161may be provided to push the dust bin compression lever223. The lever pulling arm161may be formed to correspond to a shape of the arm accommodating groove. For example, the lever pulling arm161may be formed in a shape similar to an elongated bar.

One surface of the lever pulling arm161may be formed to define a continuous surface together with the first outer wall surface112ain the state in which the lever pulling arm161is accommodated in the arm accommodating groove. The arm gear162may be coupled to one side of the other surface of the lever pulling arm161.

The arm gear162may be coupled to the lever pulling arm161, the stroke drive motor163, and the rotation drive motor164. For example, the arm gear162may be formed to be similar to a kind of shaft. One end of the shaft of the arm gear162may be fixedly coupled to the lever pulling arm161. The other end of the shaft of the arm gear162may be provided in the form of a worm wheel. Therefore, the other end of the shaft of the arm gear162is formed in the form of a worm gear and may engage with the rotation drive motor164. The shaft of the arm gear162may be formed in the form of a cylindrical worm. The shaft of the arm gear162may be formed in the form of a worm gear and may engage with the stroke drive motor163.

The stroke drive motor163may provide power for stroke-moving the lever pulling arm161. The stroke drive motor163may rotate in a forward direction or a reverse direction. In this case, the forward direction may mean a direction in which the lever pulling arm161is moved away from the housing110of the cleaner station100. In addition, the reverse direction may mean a direction in which the lever pulling arm161is pulled toward the cleaner station100. The forward direction may be opposite to the reverse direction.

The rotation drive motor164may provide power for rotating the lever pulling arm161. The rotation drive motor164may rotate in a forward direction or a reverse direction. In this case, the forward direction may mean a direction in which the lever pulling arm161rotates to a position at which the lever pulling arm161may push the dust bin compression lever223. In addition, the reverse direction may be a direction opposite to the forward direction.

The arm movement detecting parts165may be disposed in the housing110. The arm movement detecting parts165may be disposed on a movement route of the shaft of the arm gear162. The arm movement detecting parts165may be disposed at an initial position LP1 of the shaft of the arm gear162, a maximum stroke movement position LP2, and a position LP3 when the compression lever223is pulled, respectively.

The arm movement detecting part165may include a contact sensor. For example, the arm movement detecting part165may include a micro-switch. Meanwhile, the arm movement detecting part165may also include a non-contact sensor. For example, the arm movement detecting part165may include an infrared (IR) sensor. With this configuration, the arm movement detecting parts165may detect a stroke position of the arm gear162.

In addition, the arm movement detecting parts165may be disposed at the other end of the shaft of the arm gear162. The arm movement detecting parts165may be disposed at the other end of the arm gear162provided in the form of a worm wheel and may detect a rotation position. The arm movement detecting part165may include a contact sensor. For example, the arm movement detecting part165may include a micro-switch. Meanwhile, the arm movement detecting part165may also include a non-contact sensor. For example, the arm movement detecting part165may include an infrared (IR) sensor or a Hall sensor.

Therefore, the arm movement detecting part165may detect that the lever pulling arm161is positioned at the initial position. In addition, the arm movement detecting part165may detect that the lever pulling arm161has been moved maximally away from the housing110. In addition, the arm movement detecting part165may detect that the lever pulling arm161rotates to pull the compression lever223. In addition, the arm movement detecting part165may detect that the lever pulling arm161has pulled the compression lever223. In addition, the arm movement detecting part165may detect that the lever pulling arm161rotates to the original position after pulling the compression lever223.

Therefore, when the first cleaner200is coupled to the coupling part120, the compression member224may move downward as the lever pulling arm161stroke-moves, thereby compressing the dust in the dust bin220. In one embodiment of the present specification, the dust in the dust bin220may be captured primarily into the dust collecting part170by gravity as the discharge cover222is separated from the dust bin220, and then the residual dust in the dust bin220may be captured secondarily into dust collecting part170by the compression member (not illustrated). Otherwise, the compression member (not illustrated) may compress the dust in the dust bin220downward in the state in which the discharge cover222is coupled to the dust bin220, and then the discharge cover222may be separated from the dust bin220, such that the dust in the dust bin220may be captured into dust collecting part170.

Meanwhile, the dust collecting part170will be described below with reference toFIGS.2and17to19.

The cleaner station100may include the dust collecting part170. The dust collecting part170may be disposed in the housing110. The dust collecting part170may be disposed at a lower side in the gravitational direction of the coupling part120.

The dust collecting part170may include a roll vinyl film (not illustrated). The roll vinyl film may be fixed to the housing110and spread downward by a load of the dust falling from the dust bin220.

The cleaner station100may include a joint part (not illustrated). The joint part may be disposed in the housing110. The joint part may be disposed in an upper region of the dust collecting part170. The joint part may cut and join an upper region of the roll vinyl film in which the dust is captured. Specifically, the joint part may retract the roll vinyl film to a central region and join the upper region of the roll vinyl film using a heating wire. The joint part may include a first joint member (not illustrated) and a second joint member (not illustrated). The first joint member (not illustrated) may be moved in a first direction by a first joint drive part174, and the second joint member (not illustrated) may be moved in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction by a second joint drive part175.

With this configuration, the dust captured from the first cleaner200or the second cleaner200may be collected in the roll vinyl film, and the roll vinyl film may be automatically joined. Therefore, it is not necessary for the user to separately bind a bag in which the dust is captured, and as a result, it is possible to improve convenience for the user.

Meanwhile, the flow path part180will be described below with reference toFIGS.2and17to19.

The cleaner station100may include the flow path part180. The flow path part180may connect the first cleaner200or the second cleaner300to the dust collecting part170.

The flow path part180may include the first flow path181, a second flow path182, and a flow path switching valve183.

The first flow path181may connect the dust bin220of the first cleaner200to the dust collecting part170. The first flow path181may be disposed at a rear side of the coupling surface121. The first flow path181may mean a space between the dust bin220of the first cleaner200and the dust collecting part170. The first flow path181may be a space formed at a rear side of the dust passage hole121a. The first flow path181may be a flow path bent downward from the dust passage hole121a, and the dust and the air may flow through the first flow path181. The dust in the dust bin220of the first cleaner200may move to the dust collecting part170through the first flow path181.

The second flow path182may connect the second cleaner300to the dust collecting part170. The dust in the second cleaner300may move to the dust collecting part170through the second flow path182.

The flow path switching valve183may be disposed between the dust collecting part170, the first flow path181, and the second flow path182. The flow path switching valve183may selectively open or close the first flow path181and the second flow path182connected to the dust collecting part170. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in suction force caused when the plurality of flow paths181and182is opened.

For example, in a case in which only the first cleaner200is coupled to the cleaner station100, the flow path switching valve183may connect the first flow path181to the dust collecting part170and disconnect the second flow path182from the dust collecting part170.

As another example, in a case in which only the second cleaner300is coupled to the cleaner station100, the flow path switching valve183may disconnect the first flow path181from the dust collecting part170and connect the second flow path182to the dust collecting part170.

As still another example, in a case in which both the first cleaner200and the second cleaner300are coupled to the cleaner station100, the flow path switching valve183may connect the first flow path181to the dust collecting part170and disconnect the second flow path182from the dust collecting part170to remove the dust in the dust bin220of the first cleaner200first. Thereafter, the flow path switching valve183may disconnect the first flow path181from the dust collecting part170and connect the second flow path182to the dust collecting part170to remove the dust from the second cleaner300. Therefore, it is possible to improve convenience in respect to the use of the first cleaner200manually manipulated by the user.

Meanwhile, the dust suction module190will be described below with reference toFIGS.2and17to19.

The cleaner station100may include the dust suction module190. The dust suction module190may include the dust collecting motor191, a first filter192, and a second filter (not illustrated).

The dust collecting motor191may be disposed below the dust collecting part170. The dust collecting motor191may generate the suction force in the first flow path181and the second flow path182. Therefore, the dust collecting motor191may provide the suction force capable of sucking the dust in the dust bin220of the first cleaner200and the dust in the second cleaner300.

The dust collecting motor191may generate the suction force by means of the rotation. For example, the dust collecting motor191may be formed in a shape similar to a cylindrical shape.

The first filter192may be disposed between the dust collecting part170and the dust collecting motor191. The first filter192may be a prefilter.

The second filter may be disposed between the dust collecting motor191and the outer wall surface112. The second filter may be an HEPA filter.

Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, an imaginary balance maintaining space R1may perpendicularly extend from the ground surface and penetrate the dust collecting part170and the dust suction module190. For example, the balance maintaining space R1may be an imaginary space perpendicularly extending from the ground surface, and the dust collecting motor191at least may be accommodated in the balance maintaining space R1. That is, the balance maintaining space R1may be an imaginary cylindrical shape space that accommodates the dust collecting motor191therein.

In this case, in the present disclosure, the imaginary extension surface of the gravity center plane S1penetrates the balance maintaining space R1. With this configuration, the cleaner station100may stably maintain the balance in the state in which the first cleaner200is mounted on the cleaner station100according to the present disclosure.

Meanwhile, the arrangement of the first cleaner200, the first flow path181, the dust collecting part170, and the dust suction module190in the state in which the first cleaner200is coupled to the cleaner station100will be described below with reference toFIG.2.

When the first cleaner200is mounted on the cleaner station100, the axis of the dust bin220having a cylindrical shape may be disposed in parallel with the ground surface. Further, the dust bin220may be disposed to be perpendicular to the first outer wall surface112aand the coupling surface121. That is, the dust bin axisa5may be disposed to be perpendicular to the first outer wall surface112aand the coupling surface121and disposed in parallel with the ground surface. In addition, the dust bin axisa5may be disposed to be perpendicular to the axis of the balance maintaining space R1.

Further, when the first cleaner200is mounted on the cleaner station100, the extension tube250may be disposed in the direction perpendicular to the ground surface. Further, the extension tube250may be disposed in parallel with the first outer wall surface112a. That is, the suction flow path centerlinea2may be disposed in parallel with the first outer wall surface112aand disposed to be perpendicular to the ground surface. In addition, the suction flow path centerlinea2may be disposed in parallel with the axis of the balance maintaining space R1.

Meanwhile, when the first cleaner200is mounted on the cleaner station100, at least a part of the outer circumferential surface of the dust bin220may be surrounded by the dust bin guide surface122. The first flow path181may be disposed at the rear side of the dust bin220and communicate with the first flow path181when the dust bin220is opened. Further, the first flow path181may be bent downward from the dust bin220. In addition, the dust collecting part170may be disposed at the lower side of the first flow path181. Further, the dust suction module190may be disposed at the lower side of the dust collecting part170.

Therefore, according to the present disclosure, the first cleaner200may be mounted on the cleaner station100in the state in which the extension tube250and the cleaning module260are mounted. Further, it is possible to minimize an occupied space on the horizontal plane even in the state in which the first cleaner200is mounted on the cleaner station100.

In addition, according to the present disclosure, since the first flow path181, which communicates with the dust bin220, is bent downward only once, it is possible to minimize a loss of flow force for collecting the dust.

Further, according to the present disclosure, in the state in which the first cleaner200is mounted on the cleaner station100, the outer circumferential surface of the dust bin220is surrounded by the dust bin guide surface122, and the dust bin220is accommodated in the coupling part120. As a result, the dust in the dust bin is invisible from the outside.

The cleaner station100may include the charging part128. The charging part128may be disposed on the coupling part120. Specifically, the charging part128may be disposed on the coupling surface121. In this case, the charging part128may be positioned at a position facing a charging terminal provided on the battery240of the first cleaner200. The charging part128may be electrically connected to the first cleaner200coupled to the coupling part120. The charging part128may supply power to the battery of the first cleaner200coupled to the coupling part120. That is, when the first cleaner200is physically coupled to the coupling surface121, the charging part128may be electrically coupled to the first cleaner200.

In addition, the charging part128may include a lower charging part (not illustrated) disposed in a lower region of the housing110. The lower charging part may be electrically connected to the second cleaner300coupled to the lower region of the housing110. A second charger may supply power to the battery of the second cleaner300coupled to the lower region of the housing110.

The cleaner station100may include a lateral door (not illustrated). The lateral door may be disposed in the housing110. The lateral door may selectively expose the dust collecting part170to the outside. Therefore, the user may easily remove the dust collecting part170from the cleaner station100.

Meanwhile,FIG.19is a block diagram for explaining a control configuration of the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

The control configuration according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference toFIG.19.

The cleaner station100according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a control unit400configured to control the coupling part120, the fixing unit130, the door unit140, the cover opening unit150, the lever pulling unit160, the dust collecting part170, the flow path part180, and the dust suction module190.

The control unit400may include a printed circuit board and elements mounted on the printed circuit board.

When the coupling sensor125detects the coupling of the first cleaner200, the coupling sensor125may transmit a signal indicating that the first cleaner200is coupled to the coupling part120. In this case, the control unit400may receive the signal from the coupling sensor125and determine that the first cleaner200is physically coupled to the coupling part120.

In addition, when the charging part128supplies power to the battery240of the first cleaner200, the control unit400may determine that the first cleaner200is electrically coupled to the coupling part120.

Therefore, when the control unit400determines that the first cleaner200is physically and electrically coupled to the coupling part120, the control unit400may determine that the first cleaner200is coupled to the cleaner station100.

When the control unit400determines that the first cleaner200is coupled to the coupling part120, the control unit400may operate the fixing part motor133to fix the first cleaner200.

When the fixing members131or the fixing part links135are moved to the predetermined fixing point FP1, the fixing detecting part137may transmit a signal indicating that the first cleaner200is fixed. The control unit400may receive the signal, which indicates that the first cleaner200is fixed, from the fixing detecting part137, and determine that the first cleaner200is fixed. When the control unit400determines that the first cleaner200is fixed, the control unit400may stop the operation of the fixing part motor133.

Meanwhile, when the operation of emptying the dust bin220is ended, the control unit400may rotate the fixing part motor133in the reverse direction to release the first cleaner200.

When the control unit400determines that the first cleaner200is fixed to the coupling part120, the control unit400may operate the door motor142to open the door141of the cleaner station100.

When the door141or the door arm143reaches the predetermined opened position DP1, the door opening/closing detecting part144may transmit a signal indicating that the door141is opened. The control unit400may receive the signal, which indicates that the door141is opened, from the door opening/closing detecting part137and determine that the door141is opened. When the control unit400determines that the door141is opened, the control unit400may stop the operation of the door motor142.

Meanwhile, when the operation of emptying the dust bin220is ended, the control unit400may rotate the door motor142in the reverse direction to close the door141.

When the control unit400determines that the door141is opened, the control unit400may operate the cover opening motor152,1152,2152, or3152to open the discharge cover222of the first cleaner200. As a result, the dust passage hole121amay communicate with the inside of the dust bin220. Therefore, the cleaner station100and the first cleaner200may be coupled to each other to enable a flow of a fluid (coupling of the flow path).

In the case in which the two cover opening detecting parts155fare provided like the cover opening unit150according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit400may open the discharge cover222in the following order and detect the position of the push protrusion151.

The cover opening detecting parts155fmay detect the contact with the guide frame151ebefore the push protrusion151presses the coupling lever222c. In this case, the cover opening detecting parts155fmay transmit, to the control unit400, the signal in relation to the contact with the guide frame151e, and the control unit400may receive the signal and determine that the push protrusion151is positioned at the initial position.

When the guide frame151ereaches the predetermined opened position CP1, the cover opening detecting parts155fmay detect the contact with the guide frame151e. In this case, the cover opening detecting parts155fmay transmit, to the control unit400, the signal in relation to the contact with the guide frame151e, and the control unit400may receive the signal and determine that the discharge cover222is opened. When the control unit400determines that the discharge cover222is opened, the control unit400may stop the operation of the cover opening motor152.

In addition, when the cover opening motor152operates in the reverse direction and the push protrusion151returns back to the original position, the guide frame151emay be positioned at a predetermined cover non-opened point CP2, and the cover opening detecting parts155fmay detect that the push protrusion151has returned back to the original position (initial position).

In contrast, in the case in which the single cover opening detecting part3156is provided like the cover opening unit3150according to the fourth embodiment, the control unit400may open the discharge cover222in the following order and detect the erroneous operation.

The cover opening detecting part3156may detect the contact with the contact protrusion3153bdbefore the push protrusion3151presses the coupling lever222cor when the push protrusion3151is returned to the initial position after opening the discharge cover222. In this case, the cover opening detecting part3156may transmit, to the control unit400, a signal in relation to the contact with the contact protrusion3153bd, and the control unit400may receive the signal and determine that the push protrusion3151is positioned at the initial position.

Meanwhile, the control unit400may operate the cover opening motor3152in the forward direction. As a result, the push protrusion3151may depart from the initial position and move to the position at which the push protrusion3151presses the coupling lever222c.

When the cover opening motor3152operates and the push protrusion3151begins to move to press the coupling lever222c, the cover opening detecting part3156may detect that the contact with the contact protrusion3153bdis released, and the cover opening detecting part3156may transmit, to the control unit400, a signal indicating that the contact with the contact protrusion3153bdis released. Further, the control unit400may receive the signal and determine that the push protrusion3151departs from the initial position and the cover opening unit3150normally operates.

The control unit400may use the timer (not illustrated) to measure the time taken after the cover opening motor3152is operated in the forward direction or measure the time taken after the push protrusion3151departs from the initial position.

In this case, the control unit400may set and store in advance the time taken until the push protrusion3151presses the coupling lever222cafter departing from the initial position, based on a rotational speed of the cover opening motor3152and a movement distance of the push protrusion3151. Therefore, the control unit400may operate the cover opening motor3152in the forward direction for a cover opened timet1which is equal to or longer than the time taken until the coupling lever222cis pressed.

Further, when the cover opened timet1has elapsed, the control unit400may operate the cover opening motor3152in the reverse direction. As a result, the push protrusion3151may return to the initial position again.

The control unit400may operate the cover opening motor3152until the cover opening detecting part3156detects the contact with the contact protrusion3153bd.

In this case, the control unit400may set and store in advance a protrusion reciprocation timet2taken until the push protrusion3151returns back to the initial position after the push protrusion3151departs from the initial position and pushes the coupling lever222c.

Therefore, when the control unit400does not receive the signal in relation to the contact with the contact protrusion3153bd(the signal indicating that the push protrusion3151is returned to the initial position) from the cover opening detecting part3156until the protrusion reciprocation timet2elapses, the control unit400may determine that the cover opening unit150operates erroneously. In this case, the control unit400may operate the cover opening motor3152again to return the contact protrusion3153bdto the initial position. In addition, the control unit400may instruct the display unit500to display contents indicating that an error occurs or an inspection is required.

Meanwhile, when the control unit400receives, from the cover opening detecting part3156, the signal indicating that the push protrusion3151is returned to the initial position, the control unit400may end the operation of the cover opening motor3152.

The control unit400may operate the stroke drive motor163and the rotation drive motor164to control the lever pulling arm161so that the lever pulling arm161may pull the dust bin compression lever223.

When the arm movement detecting part165detects that the arm gear162reaches the maximum stroke movement position LP2, the arm movement detecting part165may transmit a signal, and the control unit400may receive the signal from the arm movement detecting part165and stop the operation of the stroke drive motor163.

When the arm movement detecting part165detects that the arm gear162is rotated to the position at which the arm gear162may pull the compression lever223, the arm movement detecting part165may transmit a signal, and the control unit400may receive the signal from the arm movement detecting part165and stop the operation of the rotation drive motor164.

In addition, the control unit400may operate the stroke drive motor163in the reverse direction to pull the lever pulling arm161.

In this case, when the arm movement detecting part165detects that the arm gear162reaches the position LP3 when the compression lever223is pulled, the arm movement detecting part165may transmit a signal, and the control unit400may receive the signal from the arm movement detecting part165and stop the operation of the stroke drive motor163.

Meanwhile, when the operation of emptying the dust bin220is ended, the control unit400may rotate the stroke drive motor163and the rotation drive motor164in the reverse direction to return the lever pulling arm161to the original position.

The control unit400may operate the first joint drive part174and the second joint drive part175to join the roll vinyl film (not illustrated).

The control unit400may control the flow path switching valve183of the flow path part180. For example, the control unit400may selectively open or close the first flow path181and the second flow path182.

The control unit400may operate the dust collecting motor191to suck the dust in the dust bin220.

The control unit400may operate a display unit500to display a dust bin emptied situation and a charged situation of the first cleaner200or the second cleaner300.

Meanwhile, the cleaner station100according to the present disclosure may include the display unit500.

The display unit500may be disposed on the housing110, disposed on a separate display device, or disposed on a terminal such as a mobile phone.

The display unit500may be configured to include at least any one of a display panel capable of outputting letters and/or figures and a speaker capable of outputting voice signals and sound. The user may easily ascertain a situation of a currently performed process, a residual time, and the like on the basis of information outputted through the display unit500.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to the specific embodiments, the specific embodiments are only for specifically explaining the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments. It is apparent that the present disclosure may be modified or altered by those skilled in the art without departing from the technical spirit of the present disclosure.

All the simple modifications or alterations to the present disclosure fall within the scope of the present disclosure, and the specific protection scope of the present disclosure will be defined by the appended claims.