Patent Description:
In general, a cleaner is a household appliance that sucks air containing foreign substances, such as dust, by using a vacuum pressure generated by a motor mounted in a body of the cleaner, and then filters out the foreign substances inside the body of the cleaner.

The cleaner may include the motor that generates a suction pressure and a suction unit that sucks foreign substances on a surface to be cleaned through a suction pressure generated by the motor. The cleaner may be classified into a canister type cleaner, an upright type cleaner, a handheld type cleaner, and a stick type cleaner.

In recent years, a cordless cleaner that is easy to use has been popular. A cleaning apparatus including the cordless cleaner may include the cleaner and a stand for the cleaner configured to store and charge the cleaner after the cleaner is used.

In order to increase a use time of the cordless cleaner, a battery coupled to a cleaner body may be provided removably from the cleaner body. When the battery is provided removably from the cleaner body, a user may have a plurality of batteries and use the cleaner while replacing the batteries.

Depending on the user preference, a user may charge the battery in a state of being coupled to the cleaner body, or a user may separate the battery from the cleaner body and then charge the battery only.

However, a stand for a cleaner for holding and charging a cleaner body, to which a battery is coupled, and a stand for a cleaner for holding and charging a battery separated from the cleaner body have different structures, and thus it is common that only one stand is enclosed when purchasing the product. Therefore, a user must additionally purchase a stand, which is not enclosed when purchasing the product, in order to use both types of charging methods.

<CIT> discloses a stand for a cleaner according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

It is an aspect of the invention to provide a stand for a cleaner capable of holding and charging selectively a cleaner body or a battery, and a cleaning apparatus having the same.

It is another aspect of the disclosure to provide a stand for a cleaner capable of holding and charging a cleaner body or a battery in various manners, and a cleaning apparatus having the same.

It is another aspect of the invention to provide a stand for a cleaner having improved productivity by reducing the number of components, and a cleaning apparatus having the same.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a stand for a cleaner according to claim <NUM>. Preferred features are set out in the dependent claims.

The stand for a cleaner may include the first charging terminal for charging the cleaner body and the second charging terminal for charging the battery, thereby selectively charging the cleaner body and the battery.

The stand for a cleaner includes the suction unit holding part configured to be rotatable on the holding portion, the holding portion may be used in various ways by changing the direction of the suction unit holding part.

It is possible to reduce the production cost of the stand for a cleaner, and also to improve productivity by reducing the number of components.

Embodiments described in the disclosure and configurations shown in the drawings are merely examples of the embodiments of the disclosure, and may be modified in various different ways at the time of filing of the present application to replace the embodiments and drawings of the invention.

In addition, the same reference numerals or signs shown in the drawings of the invention indicate elements or components performing substantially the same function.

Also, the terms used herein are used to describe the embodiments and are not intended to limit and / or restrict the invention. The singular forms "a," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this disclosure, the terms "including", "having", and the like are used to specify features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more of the features, elements, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, but elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the scope of the invention, a first element may be termed as a second element, and a second element may be termed as a first element. The term of "and / or" includes a plurality of combinations of relevant items or any one item among a plurality of relevant items.

In the following detailed description, the terms of "front end", "rear end", "upper portion", "lower portion", "upper end", "lower end" and the like may be defined by the drawings, but the shape and the location of the component is not limited by the term.

The disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

Referring to <FIG>, a cleaning apparatus <NUM> may include a cleaner <NUM> and a stand for a cleaner <NUM>.

The cleaner <NUM> may include a cleaner body <NUM>, an extension tube 16b removably coupled to the cleaner body <NUM>, a main suction unit <NUM> removably coupled to the extension tube 16b, and a dust collector <NUM> removably coupled to the cleaner body <NUM>.

The cleaner body <NUM> may include a suction motor (not shown) configured to generate a suction force needed to suck foreign substances on a surface to be cleaned, and the dust collector <NUM> in which foreign substances sucked from the surface to be cleaned are accommodated.

The dust collector <NUM> may be arranged upstream of an air flow rather than the suction motor so as to filter out and collect dust or dirt in the air flowing through the main suction unit <NUM>. The dust collector <NUM> may be provided detachably from the cleaner body <NUM>.

The cleaner <NUM> may include a filter housing 13a. The filter housing 13a is provided in a substantially donut shape to accommodate a filter (not shown) therein. There is no limitation in the type of filter, but, for example, a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter may be disposed in the inside of the filter housing 13a. The filter may filter out ultrafine dust that is not filtered out by the dust collector <NUM>. The filter housing 13a may include a plurality of holes 13b to discharge air passing through the filter to the outside of the cleaner <NUM>.

The cleaner body <NUM> may include a handle <NUM> gripped by a user to allow the user to operate the cleaner <NUM>. The user can grip the handle <NUM> and move the cleaner <NUM> in a front and rear direction.

The cleaner body <NUM> may include an operator <NUM>. The user can turn on/off the cleaner <NUM> or adjust suction strength by operating a power button or the like provided on the operator <NUM>.

The main suction unit <NUM> may be configured to be in contact with a surface to be cleaned. The main suction unit <NUM> may be configured to come into contact with the surface to be cleaned to suck foreign substances such as dust placed on the surface to be cleaned.

The main suction unit <NUM> and the cleaner body <NUM> may be connected by the extension tube 16b. One end of the extension tube 16b may be pivotally connected to the main suction unit <NUM> and thus the main suction unit <NUM> may perform a joint motion with respect to the extension tube 16b.

The cleaner body <NUM> may include an extension tube connecting portion 16a. The extension tube connecting portion 16a may be configured to separate the extension tube 16b from the cleaner body <NUM> or configured to couple the extension tube 16b to the cleaner body <NUM>.

The cleaner body <NUM> may include an extension tube separation button 16d. A user can separate the extension tube 16b from the cleaner body <NUM> by pressing the extension tube separation button 16d. After the user separates the extension tube 16b from the cleaner body <NUM>, the user can directly couple the main suction unit <NUM> or an auxiliary suction unit <NUM> to the cleaner body <NUM>.

A suction unit connecting portion 16c may be provided at the other end opposite to one end of the extension tube 16b connected to the cleaner body <NUM>. The suction unit connecting portion 16c may be configured to separate the main suction unit <NUM> from the cleaner body <NUM> or configured to couple the main suction unit <NUM> to the cleaner body <NUM>. The auxiliary suction unit <NUM> may be removably coupled to the suction unit connecting portion 16c.

The cleaner <NUM> may replace the main suction unit <NUM> with the auxiliary suction unit <NUM> according to the condition of the surface to be cleaned. For example, the auxiliary suction unit <NUM> may be an auxiliary suction unit configured to include a brush, or an auxiliary suction unit provided in a shape with a narrow opening for cleaning a narrow gap. There is no limitation in the type of the auxiliary suction unit, and thus the auxiliary suction unit may be provided in various forms.

The auxiliary suction unit <NUM> in a non-use state may be stored by being coupled to a suction unit holding part <NUM> (refer to <FIG>) of the stand for a cleaner <NUM>. Particularly, the auxiliary suction unit <NUM> may be stored by being coupled to a connection port <NUM> (refer to <FIG>) of the suction unit holding part. Because the suction unit holding part <NUM> is rotatably coupled to a holding portion <NUM> (refer to <FIG>), the suction unit holding part <NUM> may be arranged to place the connection port <NUM> facing up or down depending on the use of the stand for cleaner <NUM>.

The cleaner <NUM> may include a battery <NUM> configured to provide a driving force to the cleaner <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may be removably mounted to the cleaner body <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may be electrically connected to a second charging terminal <NUM> (refer to <FIG>) provided in the stand for a cleaner <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may be charged by receiving power from the second charging terminal <NUM>.

The cleaner body <NUM> may be electrically connected to a first charging terminal <NUM> provided in the stand for a cleaner <NUM>. When the cleaner body <NUM> is electrically connected to the first charging terminal <NUM>, the battery <NUM> coupled to the cleaner body <NUM> may be charged by receiving electric power from the first charging terminal <NUM>.

The cleaning apparatus <NUM> may include an auxiliary battery (not shown). The auxiliary battery has the same configuration as the battery <NUM>. Therefore, when the battery <NUM> mounted to the cleaner body <NUM> is discharged, a user can replace the discharged battery <NUM> with the auxiliary battery and then continue cleaning. Accordingly, an operating time of the cleaner <NUM> may be increased.

The stand for a cleaner <NUM> may be configured to allow the cleaner <NUM> to be stored or held. The cleaner <NUM> may be charged in the stand for cleaner <NUM>. The stand for a cleaner <NUM> may be supported on a wall surface <NUM> through the holding portion <NUM> (refer to <FIG>) fixed to the wall surface <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a state, in which a cleaner is separated from a stand for a cleaner, in the cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure, invention, and <FIG> is a view of the stand for a cleaner according to an embodiment of the invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the stand for a cleaner <NUM> may include the first charging terminal <NUM> configured to be electrically connected to the cleaner body <NUM> and the second charging terminal <NUM> configured to be electrically connected to the battery <NUM>. In addition, the stand for a cleaner <NUM> may include a battery guide <NUM> configured to guide the battery <NUM>, which is coupled to the cleaner body <NUM>, so as to allow the cleaner body <NUM> to be electrically connected to the first charging terminal <NUM> upon seating of the cleaner <NUM> on the stand for a cleaner <NUM>. Further, the battery guide <NUM> may be configured to guide the battery <NUM> to be electrically connected to the second charging terminal <NUM> when the battery <NUM> is separated from the cleaner body <NUM> and then independently seated on the stand for a cleaner <NUM>.

According to the invention, the stand for a cleaner <NUM> may hold and charge the cleaner <NUM>, and may also hold and charge the battery <NUM> separated from the cleaner body <NUM>. Therefore, the stand for a cleaner <NUM> as one configuration may hold and charge selectively the cleaner <NUM> and the battery <NUM>.

The cleaner body <NUM> may include a battery separation button <NUM> configured to separate the battery <NUM> from the cleaner body <NUM>, and a connection terminal <NUM> configured to receive power from the first charging terminal <NUM> by being in contact with the first charging terminal <NUM>.

The battery <NUM> may be charged when the cleaner body <NUM> to which the battery <NUM> is coupled, that is, the cleaner <NUM> is held on the stand for a cleaner <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may be charged by receiving power through the first charging terminal <NUM> and the connection terminal <NUM>.

The battery <NUM> may include a non-slip portion <NUM> provided to allow a user to easily grip the battery <NUM>, and a residual amount display <NUM> configured to display an remaining amount of the battery <NUM>, and a protrusion <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> may be provided in a shape protruding from one surface of the battery <NUM> and having an area less than one surface of the battery <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, when the battery <NUM> is coupled to the cleaner body <NUM>, the non-slip portion <NUM> may be arranged to face the stand for a cleaner <NUM>. In other words, when the battery <NUM> is coupled to the cleaner body <NUM>, the protrusion <NUM> may be arranged to face the cleaner body <NUM>. Accordingly, when the cleaner <NUM> is held on the stand for a cleaner <NUM> and charged, the battery <NUM> may be arranged to allow the non-slip portion <NUM> to face the stand for a cleaner <NUM>.

The stand for a cleaner <NUM> may include the first charging terminal <NUM> configured to be electrically connected to the connection terminal <NUM> of the cleaner <NUM>, and a first seating portion <NUM> provided to allow the cleaner <NUM> to be seated thereon. A first supporting surface <NUM> and the first charging terminal <NUM> may be provided in the first seating portion <NUM>.

The stand for a cleaner <NUM> may include the second charging terminal <NUM> configured to be electrically connected to the battery <NUM> by being inserted into a terminal groove (not shown) of the battery <NUM>, and a second seating portion <NUM> provided to allow the battery <NUM> to be seated thereon. A second supporting surface <NUM> and the second charging terminal <NUM> may be provided in the second seating portion <NUM>.

When the cleaner <NUM> is held on the stand for a cleaner <NUM>, the first supporting surface <NUM> may support the cleaner <NUM> by being in contact with the cleaner <NUM>. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and the first supporting surface <NUM> may not be in contact with the cleaner <NUM>. In this case, the cleaner <NUM> may be supported by the battery guide <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, when the stand for a cleaner <NUM> is fixed to the wall surface <NUM>, the suction unit holding part <NUM> may be arranged to place the connection port <NUM> facing down. Through this arrangement, the auxiliary suction unit <NUM> coupled to the suction unit holding part <NUM> may be stored more stably.

The battery guide <NUM> may be configured to guide the battery <NUM>, and may be provided in a groove shape corresponding to a side shape of the battery <NUM>. The battery guide <NUM> may be provided in a pair.

The battery guide <NUM> may be configured to guide the battery <NUM> upon seating of the cleaner <NUM> on the stand for a cleaner <NUM> or upon seating of the battery <NUM> on the stand for a cleaner <NUM>. The battery guide <NUM> may guide the battery <NUM> to allow the connection terminal <NUM> to be in contact with the first charging terminal <NUM> upon seating of the cleaner <NUM> on the stand for a cleaner <NUM>. Further, the battery guide <NUM> may guide the battery <NUM> to be electrically connected to the second charging terminal <NUM> upon seating of the battery <NUM> on the stand for a cleaner <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the stand for a cleaner <NUM> may be coupled to be fixed to the wall surface <NUM>. The stand for a cleaner <NUM> may include a hole <NUM> penetrating one surface of the holding portion <NUM> provided to face the wall surface <NUM>. The stand for a cleaner <NUM> may be fixed to the wall surface <NUM> by inserting a fastening member S into the hole <NUM> and by engaging the fastening member S to the wall surface <NUM>. The hole <NUM> may be provided in a pair, and there is no limitation in the number of the hole <NUM>. As described above, when the stand for a cleaner <NUM> is used in a state of being coupled to the wall surface <NUM>, it will be referred to as that the stand for a cleaner <NUM> is used as a wall-mounted type.

<FIG> is a side cross-sectional view of the stand for a cleaner <NUM>, to which the cleaner is coupled, in the cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

Referring to <FIG>, when the cleaner <NUM> is coupled to the stand for a cleaner <NUM>, the cleaner <NUM> may be seated on the first seating portion <NUM> (refer to <FIG> ). In addition, when the cleaner <NUM> is coupled to the stand for a cleaner <NUM>, the connection terminal <NUM> may be arranged to be in contact with the first charging terminal <NUM>. As described above, when the connection terminal <NUM> is in contact with the first charging terminal <NUM>, the connection terminal <NUM> and the first charging terminal <NUM> may be electrically connected to each other. Further, when the cleaner <NUM> is coupled to the stand for cleaner <NUM>, the battery <NUM> may be arranged to allow the terminal groove (not shown), to which the second charging terminal <NUM> is inserted, to face the cleaner body <NUM>. In other words, the protrusion <NUM> of the battery <NUM> may be arranged to face the cleaner body <NUM> and the non-slip portion <NUM> of the battery <NUM> may be arranged to face the stand for a cleaner <NUM>. Hereinafter this arrangement will be referred to as that the battery <NUM> is arranged in a first direction with respect to the stand for cleaner <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view of the stand for a cleaner, to which a battery is coupled, in the cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention, and <FIG> is a side cross-sectional view of the stand for a cleaner, to which the battery is coupled, in the cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

Unlike the description in <FIG>, the stand for a cleaner <NUM> according to an embodiment of the invention may be arranged on a floor with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. As described above, when the stand for a cleaner <NUM> is arranged on the floor, it will be referred to as that the stand for cleaner <NUM> is used as a battery charging type.

When the stand for a cleaner <NUM> is arranged on the floor, the suction unit holding part <NUM> may be arranged to place the connection port <NUM> facing up. This is because when the suction unit holding part <NUM> is arranged to place the connection port <NUM> facing down, the holding portion <NUM> may not be in contact with the floor and the stand for cleaner <NUM> may be difficult to be stably supported by the floor. According to an embodiment of the invention, the suction unit holding part <NUM> may be provided in a pair. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and thus one or three or more suction unit holding parts <NUM> may be provided.

When the suction unit holding part <NUM> is provided in plural, each of the plurality of suction unit holding parts may be rotatable independently of each other. For example, the suction unit holding part arranged on the left side of the holding portion <NUM> (see <FIG>) may be arranged to face upward, and the suction unit holding part arranged on the right side of the holding portion <NUM> may be arranged to face downward.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the suction unit holding part <NUM> is rotatably coupled to opposite sides of the holding portion <NUM>, but is not limited thereto. For example, the suction unit holding part <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to an extension (not shown) extending rearward from the holding portion <NUM>. The suction unit holding part <NUM> may be arranged adjacent to the holding portion <NUM>, and configured to be rotatable and further placed at any position.

In addition, the suction unit holding part may be provided in plural, and the plurality of suction unit holding parts may be provided to be rotatable with respect to the holding portion.

According to the invention, the suction unit holding part may be provided in plural, and each of the plurality of suction unit holding parts may be provided to be rotatable independently of each other, or alternatively, the plurality of suction unit holding parts may be provided to be simultaneously rotatable.

When the stand for a cleaner <NUM> is used as the battery charging type, the battery <NUM> may be separated from the cleaner body <NUM> and held on the stand for a cleaner <NUM>. At this time, the battery <NUM> may be disposed in such a way that the protrusion <NUM> faces the stand for a cleaner <NUM>. Hereinafter this arrangement will be referred to as that the battery <NUM> is arranged in a second direction with respect to the stand for cleaner <NUM>.

The battery guide <NUM> may be configured to guide the battery <NUM> when the battery <NUM> is arranged in the first and second direction with respect to the stand for cleaner <NUM>. When the battery <NUM> is coupled to the cleaner body <NUM> and arranged in the first direction, the battery guide <NUM> may guide the battery <NUM> to allow the cleaner <NUM> to be seated on the first seating portion <NUM>. When the battery <NUM> is separated from the cleaner body <NUM> and arranged in the second direction, the battery guide <NUM> may guide the battery <NUM> to be seated on the second seating portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, when the cleaner body <NUM> is seated on the first seating portion <NUM>, the battery <NUM> may be provided to come into contact with a lower end of the battery guide <NUM>. In addition, when the battery <NUM> is seated on the second seating portion <NUM>, the battery <NUM> may be arranged to be spaced a predetermined distance from the lower end of the battery guide <NUM>. That is, the second seating portion <NUM> may be positioned on an upper side of the first seating portion <NUM>.

When the battery <NUM> is seated on the second seating portion <NUM> and then electrically connected to the second charging terminal <NUM>, the second supporting surface <NUM> may be in contact with a lower surface of the battery <NUM> and support the battery <NUM>. Because the second supporting surface <NUM> supports the battery <NUM>, the battery <NUM> may be fixed to an upper side of the first seating portion <NUM> without moving to the first seating portion <NUM>. Particularly, the second supporting surface <NUM> may support a lower surface of the protrusion <NUM> of the battery <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> of the battery <NUM> may be located in the second seating portion <NUM>.

In addition, an auxiliary guide <NUM> (refer to <FIG>), which is provided on the holding portion <NUM>, may guide the protrusion <NUM> of the battery <NUM> when the battery <NUM> is seated on the second seating portion <NUM>. The auxiliary guide <NUM> may be in contact with opposite sides of the protrusion <NUM> to guide the battery <NUM> to be seated on the second seating portion <NUM>. A distance between the pair of auxiliary guides <NUM> may be less than a distance between the pair of battery guides <NUM>. The second supporting surface <NUM> may be arranged between the pair of auxiliary guides <NUM>.

The second seating portion <NUM> may be located above the first seating portion <NUM>. In addition, the second seating portion <NUM> may be located in an inner side or in a rear side of the first seating portion <NUM>. Interference may not occur between the first charging terminal <NUM> in the first seating portion <NUM> and the second charging terminal <NUM> in the second seating portion <NUM> because the first seating portion <NUM> and the second seating portion <NUM> are located at different positions. When the cleaner <NUM> is seated on the first seating portion <NUM>, the second charging terminal <NUM> may not be electrically connected to the battery <NUM>, and when the battery <NUM> is seated on the second seating portion <NUM>, the first charging terminal <NUM> may not be electrically connected to the battery <NUM>. Accordingly, the first charging terminal <NUM> and the second charging terminal <NUM> may be selectively electrically connected to the connection terminal <NUM> or the battery <NUM>.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the stand for a cleaner according to an embodiment of the invention. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the stand for a cleaner of <FIG> when viewed from another angle.

Hereinafter a structure of the stand for a cleaner according to an embodiment of the invention will be described in detail with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the stand for a cleaner <NUM> may include the holding portion <NUM> on which the cleaner <NUM> or the battery <NUM> is seated, a first charging terminal accommodating member <NUM> coupled to the holding portion <NUM> and configured to accommodate the first charging terminal <NUM>, a second charging terminal accommodating member <NUM> coupled to the holding portion <NUM> and configured to accommodate the second charging terminal <NUM>, a power connection member <NUM> coupled to a power adapter (not shown), and a lower cover <NUM> configured to cover a lower surface of the holding portion <NUM>. In addition, the stand for a cleaner <NUM> may include a support protrusion <NUM> provided on one side of the holding portion <NUM> so as to rotatably support the suction unit holding part <NUM> and the suction unit holding part <NUM> coupled to the support protrusion <NUM>.

The holding portion <NUM> may have a concave shape to form the first seating portion <NUM> and the second seating portion <NUM>. The holding portion <NUM> may include the battery guide <NUM>, and the auxiliary guide <NUM> shorter in a vertical direction than the battery guide <NUM> and disposed in the inner side of the battery guide <NUM>. In addition, the holding portion <NUM> may include a first insertion hole <NUM> to which the first charging terminal accommodating member <NUM> is inserted, and a second insertion hole <NUM> to which the second charging terminal accommodating member <NUM> is inserted.

The first charging terminal accommodating member <NUM> may accommodate the first charging terminal <NUM>. The first charging terminal <NUM> may include a first positive terminal 121a and a first negative terminal 121b. The positions of the first positive terminal and the first negative terminal may be switched with respect to each other.

The second charging terminal accommodating member <NUM> may accommodate the second charging terminal <NUM>. The second charging terminal <NUM> may include a second positive terminal 131a and a second negative terminal 131b. Between the second positive terminal 131a and the second negative terminal 131b, a positioning protrusion 131c configured to be inserted into a terminal groove (not shown) of the battery <NUM> may be provided. The positioning protrusion 131c is not a component that is electrically connected to the battery <NUM>, but is a component configured to stably support the battery <NUM> when the battery <NUM> is seated on the second seating portion <NUM>. The positions of the second positive terminal and the second negative terminal may be switched with respect to each other.

The first charging terminal <NUM> may be connected to a first wire <NUM>. The first wire <NUM> may connect the power connection member <NUM> to the first charging terminal <NUM>. Particularly, the first wire <NUM> may include a first positive wire 122a and a first negative wire 122b. The first positive wire 122a may connect the positive terminal (not shown) of the power connection member <NUM> to the first positive terminal 121a, and the first negative wire 122b may connect a negative terminal (not shown) of the power connection member <NUM> to the first negative terminal 121b.

The second charging terminal <NUM> may be connected to a second wire <NUM>. The second wire <NUM> may connect the first wire <NUM> to the second charging terminal <NUM>. Particularly, the second wire <NUM> may include a second positive wire 133a and a second negative wire 133b. The second positive wire 133a may connect the first positive wire 122a to the second positive terminal 133a, and the second negative wire 133b may connect the first negative wire 122b to the second negative terminal 133b. Therefore, the first wire <NUM> and the second wire <NUM> may be connected in parallel with the power connection member <NUM>.

The lower cover <NUM> may include an accommodating portion <NUM> configured to accommodate the power connection member <NUM>, and the lower cover <NUM> may be coupled to the lower surface of the holding portion <NUM> to cover the open lower surface (not shown) of the holding portion <NUM>.

The stand for a cleaner <NUM> may include the support protrusion <NUM> protruding from opposite sides of the holding portion <NUM>. The position of the support protrusion <NUM> may be provided in various ways, and according to an embodiment of the invention, the support protrusion <NUM> may be formed to protrude outwardly from opposite sides of the holding portion <NUM>, respectively.

The support protrusion <NUM> may be provided in a substantially cylindrical shape. The support protrusion <NUM> may include an elastic protrusion <NUM> and a rotation guide groove <NUM>.

The stand for a cleaner <NUM> may include the suction unit holding part <NUM> configured to hold and store the auxiliary suction unit <NUM>. The suction unit holding part <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the support protrusion <NUM>. The suction unit holding part <NUM> may include an insertion groove <NUM> to which the support protrusion <NUM> is inserted, a protrusion groove <NUM> to which the elastic protrusion <NUM> is inserted, and a guide groove accommodating portion <NUM> in which the rotation guide groove <NUM> is arranged. In addition, the suction unit holding part <NUM> may include an open one surface <NUM>, and the connection port <NUM> extending in an opposite direction of the open one surface <NUM>. The open one surface <NUM> may be provided to be covered by a cover member <NUM>.

The cover member <NUM> may include a rotation guide <NUM> inserted into the rotation guide groove <NUM> and the rotation guide <NUM> is one of components configured to rotatably couple the suction unit holding part <NUM> to the support protrusion <NUM>.

The elastic protrusion <NUM> may be provided to be inserted into the protrusion groove <NUM> when the connection port <NUM> is arranged to face upward or downward. As the elastic protrusion <NUM> is inserted into the protrusion groove <NUM>, the suction unit holding part <NUM> may be fixed without rotation. However, when an external force greater than the elastic force of the elastic protrusion <NUM> is applied, the elastic protrusion <NUM> may be withdrawn from the protrusion groove <NUM> and the suction unit holding part <NUM> may be rotated.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the suction unit holding part <NUM> may pivot with respect to the support protrusion <NUM> as a rotation center. In other words, the rotation center of the suction unit holding part <NUM> may be provided on the support protrusion <NUM>. Because the support protrusion <NUM> is inserted into the insertion groove <NUM> of the suction unit holding part <NUM>, the rotation center of the suction unit holding part <NUM> may be provided at a point on the suction unit holding part <NUM>. The rotation center of the suction unit holding part <NUM> may be disposed under the first supporting surface <NUM>. One point of the suction unit holding part <NUM>, in which the rotation center is provided, may be provided on the connection port <NUM>. Accordingly, according to an embodiment of the invention, the suction unit holding part <NUM> may be rotated relative to the holding portion <NUM> with respect to a point on the connection port <NUM> as a rotation center.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the suction unit holding part <NUM> may be located on a lateral side of the holding portion <NUM> regardless of the arrangement of the connection port <NUM>. The suction unit holding part <NUM> may be located on the lateral side of the holding portion <NUM> when the connection port <NUM> is arranged to face upward. Further, the suction unit holding part <NUM> may be located on the lateral side of the holding portion <NUM> when the connection port <NUM> is arranged to face downward. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the suction unit holding part <NUM> may be provided in a pair. In addition, each of the pair of suction unit holding parts <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to a pair of support protrusions <NUM> provided on opposite side walls of the holding portion <NUM>. Each suction unit holding part <NUM> may be provided to be coupled to the cover member <NUM> provided separately from the suction unit holding part <NUM>. In addition, the suction unit holding part <NUM> and the cover member <NUM> may be coupled to each other by a fastening member (not shown).

<FIG> is a perspective view of a cleaning apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention.

Referring to <FIG>, a stand for a cleaner <NUM> according to another embodiment of the invention may be used as the stand type.

The stand for a cleaner <NUM> may be connected to a stanchion <NUM> and a base <NUM>. The base <NUM> may include a weight balancer (not shown) provided to increase the weight of the base <NUM> therein. The stanchion <NUM> may extend in the vertical direction, and may be configured to connect the stand for a cleaner <NUM> to the base <NUM>.

When the stand for a cleaner <NUM> is used as the stand type, the stand for a cleaner <NUM> may stably hold and charge a cleaner <NUM> without perforation work on a wall.

According to the invention, a user can select any one of the wall-mounted type, the battery charging type, and the stand type according to preference and use of the stand for a cleaner <NUM> in the selected type.

<FIG> is a view of a stand for cleaner according to another embodiment of the invention, illustrating a state in which a connection port is arranged to face downward. <FIG> is a view illustrating state in which the connection port is arranged to face upward in the stand for cleaner of <FIG>.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a stand for a cleaner <NUM> may be configured to allow the cleaner <NUM> (refer to <FIG>) to be stored or held. The cleaner <NUM> may be charged by being held on the stand for a cleaner <NUM>.

The stand for a cleaner <NUM> may include a first charging terminal <NUM> configured to be electrically connected to the connection terminal <NUM> (refer to <FIG>) of the cleaner <NUM>, and a first seating portion <NUM> on which the cleaner <NUM> is seated. In the first seating portion <NUM>, the first charging terminal <NUM> and a first supporting surface <NUM> may be provided.

The stand for a cleaner <NUM> may include a second charging terminal <NUM> inserted into a terminal groove (not shown) of the battery <NUM> (refer to <FIG>) so as to be electrically connected to the battery <NUM>, and a second seating portion <NUM> on which the battery <NUM> is seated. In the second seating portion <NUM>, the second charging terminal <NUM> and a second supporting surface <NUM> may be provided.

The first supporting surface <NUM> may come into contact with the cleaner <NUM> and support the cleaner <NUM> when the cleaner <NUM> is held on the stand for a cleaner <NUM>. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and the first supporting surface <NUM> may not be in contact with the cleaner <NUM> even when the cleaner <NUM> is held on the stand for cleaner <NUM>. At this time, the cleaner <NUM> may be supported by a battery guide <NUM>.

The stand for a cleaner <NUM> may include the battery guide <NUM> configured to guide the battery <NUM>. The battery guide <NUM> may be provided in a groove shape corresponding to a side shape of the battery <NUM>. The battery guide <NUM> may be provided in a pair.

The battery guide <NUM> may be configured to guide the battery <NUM> upon seating of the cleaner <NUM> on the stand for cleaner <NUM> or upon seating of the battery <NUM> on the stand for a cleaner <NUM>. The battery guide <NUM> may guide the battery <NUM> to allow the connection terminal <NUM> to be in contact with the first charging terminal <NUM> upon seating of the cleaner <NUM> on the stand for cleaner <NUM>. Further, the battery guide <NUM> may guide the battery <NUM> to be electrically connected to the second charging terminal <NUM> upon seating of the battery <NUM> on the stand for cleaner <NUM>.

The stand for a cleaner <NUM> may include an auxiliary guide <NUM> configured to guide the protrusion <NUM> (refer to <FIG>) of the battery <NUM> when the battery <NUM> is seated on the second seating portion <NUM>. The auxiliary guide <NUM> may be in contact with opposite sides of the protrusion <NUM> to guide the battery <NUM> to be seated on the second seating portion <NUM>. The auxiliary guide <NUM> may be provided in a pair. A distance between the pair of auxiliary guides <NUM> may be less than a distance between the pair of battery guides <NUM>. The second supporting surface <NUM> may be arranged between the pair of auxiliary guides <NUM>.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the stand for a cleaner <NUM> may include a holding portion <NUM> including the above-described first seating portion <NUM>, second seating portion <NUM>, first charging terminal <NUM>, second charging terminal <NUM>, battery guide <NUM>, auxiliary guide <NUM>, first supporting surface <NUM> and second supporting surface <NUM>.

The stand for a cleaner <NUM> may include a suction unit holding part <NUM> rotatably coupled to the holding portion <NUM> and configured to hold and store the auxiliary suction unit <NUM> (refer to <FIG>).

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the stand for a cleaner <NUM> may be fixed to the wall surface <NUM> (refer to <FIG>) or arranged on the floor. In addition, the holding portion <NUM> may be connected to the stanchion <NUM> (refer to <FIG>) and the base <NUM> (refer to <FIG>). Because the holding portion <NUM> is connected to the stanchion <NUM> and the base <NUM>, the stand for a cleaner <NUM> may be used as the stand type.

The suction unit holding part <NUM> may include a connection port <NUM> provided to be coupled to the auxiliary suction unit <NUM> (refer to <FIG>). The connection port <NUM> may be provided in a pair. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and the number of connection ports may be changed.

Referring to <FIG>, when the connection port <NUM> is disposed to face downward, the suction unit holding part <NUM> may be located below the holding portion <NUM>. When the connection port <NUM> is disposed to face downward, the stand for a cleaner <NUM> may be used as the stand type or may be used by being coupled to the wall surface.

Referring to <FIG>, when the connection port <NUM> is disposed to face upward, the suction unit holding part <NUM> may be located at the rear of the holding portion <NUM>. When the connection port <NUM> is disposed to face upward, the stand for cleaner <NUM> may be arranged on the floor and used by standing thereon. At this time, the suction unit holding part <NUM> may be provided to prevent the holding portion <NUM> from falling. The suction unit holding part <NUM> may increase an area of contact between the stand for a cleaner <NUM> and the floor and thus the stand for a cleaner <NUM> may stably hold the battery <NUM>.

<FIG> is an exploded view of the stand for a cleaner of <FIG>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating the stand for a cleaner of <FIG> when viewed from another angle. <FIG> is a side view of the stand for a cleaner of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the stand for a cleaner <NUM> according to another embodiment of the invention may further include a case <NUM> provided to be coupled to the holding portion <NUM>. The suction unit holding part <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the case <NUM>.

The case <NUM> may be provided in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with open upper and front surfaces based on the drawing. The holding portion <NUM> may be accommodated in an accommodation space <NUM> formed by the open front surface and upper surface of the case <NUM>. The case <NUM> may be coupled to the holding portion <NUM> to form side and rear surfaces of the stand for cleaner <NUM>. The case <NUM> may include a fixing hole <NUM> to which a first fixing protrusion <NUM> of the suction unit holding part <NUM> is inserted. The fixing hole <NUM> may be provided to correspond to the number of the first fixing protrusions <NUM>.

The suction unit holding part <NUM> may include the pair of the connection ports <NUM>, a connection plate <NUM> connecting the pair of connection ports <NUM>, a rib <NUM> formed by being bent from the connection plate <NUM>, and the first fixing protrusion <NUM> and a rotation protrusion <NUM> provided on one side of the rib <NUM>.

The rotation protrusion <NUM> may form a rotation center of the suction unit holding part <NUM>. The rotation protrusion <NUM> may be provided in a pair. The rotation protrusion <NUM> may be formed at one end of the suction unit holding part <NUM>.

The first fixing protrusion <NUM> may be formed at the other end of the suction unit holding part <NUM>. The first fixing protrusion <NUM> may be configured to be inserted into the fixing hole <NUM> or withdrawn from the fixing hole <NUM>. The first fixing protrusion <NUM> may be provided to be movable within a predetermined range by elastic deformation. The first fixing protrusion <NUM> may be provided in a pair, but the number of the first fixing protrusion <NUM> may be changed.

The connection port <NUM> may be provided to be coupled to the auxiliary suction unit <NUM>, as described above. The connection port <NUM> may be provided in a pair, and the number of the connection port <NUM> may be changed.

The connection plate <NUM> may be configured to connect a plurality of connection ports <NUM> when the connection port <NUM> is provided in plural.

The rib <NUM> may be formed by bending an edge of the connection plate <NUM>. The rib <NUM> may be provided to be inserted into a rib groove <NUM> to be described later or withdrawn from the rib groove <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the case <NUM> may include a rotation protrusion groove <NUM> to which the above-described rotation protrusion <NUM> is inserted, a second fixing protrusion <NUM>, the rib groove <NUM> to which the rib <NUM> is inserted, and a support <NUM> configured to support the case <NUM> when the case <NUM> is arranged on the floor. In addition, the case <NUM> may include a first lower surface <NUM> and a second lower surface <NUM>.

The rotation protrusion <NUM> may be inserted into the rotation protrusion groove <NUM>. When the rotation protrusion <NUM> is inserted into the rotation protrusion groove <NUM>, the rotation protrusion <NUM> may be rotated relative to the rotation protrusion groove <NUM>. Accordingly, the suction unit holding part <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the case <NUM>.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the rotation protrusion <NUM> may be inserted into the rotation protrusion groove <NUM> by elastic deformation without a separate fastening member. The rotation protrusion groove <NUM> may include an insertion guide portion (not shown) extending in the vertical direction, which is based on the drawing, to guide the insertion of the rotation protrusion <NUM>. Because the suction unit holding part <NUM> is coupled to the case <NUM> without a separate fastening member, it is possible to reduce the number of components, improve the productivity of the stand for a cleaner <NUM> and reduce the cost of the material.

The case <NUM> may include the rib groove <NUM> to which the rib <NUM> is inserted. The rib groove <NUM> may be provided in a shape corresponding to the rib <NUM>. When the connection port <NUM> is arranged to face downward, the rib <NUM> may be inserted into the rib groove <NUM>. When the rib <NUM> is inserted into the rib groove <NUM>, the above-described first fixing protrusion <NUM> may be inserted into the fixing hole <NUM>. The first fixing protrusion <NUM> may be inserted into the fixing hole <NUM> by elastic deformation. As the first fixing protrusion <NUM> is inserted into the fixing hole <NUM>, the connection port <NUM> may be maintained in a state of being arranged to face downward. However, when a force that is equal or greater a predetermined magnitude is applied, the first fixing protrusion <NUM> may be elastically deformed and withdrawn from the fixing hole <NUM>, thereby changing the position of the suction unit holding part <NUM>.

The case <NUM> may include the second fixing protrusion <NUM>. The suction unit holding part <NUM> may include a fixing protrusion groove <NUM> to which the second fixing protrusion <NUM> is inserted. When the connection port <NUM> is arranged to face upward, the second fixing protrusion <NUM> may be inserted into the fixing protrusion groove <NUM>. The second fixing protrusion <NUM> may be fitted to the fixing protrusion groove <NUM>. Because the second fixing protrusion <NUM> is fitted to the fixing protrusion groove <NUM>, the connection port <NUM> may be maintained in a state of being arranged to face upward. However, when a force that is equal or greater a predetermined magnitude is applied, the second fixing protrusion <NUM> may be withdrawn from the fixing protrusion groove <NUM>, thereby changing the position of the suction unit holding part <NUM>.

The case <NUM> may include the first lower surface <NUM> and the second lower surface <NUM>, and when the holding portion <NUM> is arranged to stand thereon, the first lower surface <NUM> may be spaced a predetermined distance from the floor and the second lower surface <NUM> may be in contact with the floor.

Referring to <FIG>, when the stand for a cleaner <NUM> according to another embodiment of the invention is disposed on the floor to allow the holding portion <NUM> to stand, the lower surface of the holding portion <NUM> may be provided at a predetermined angle with respect to the floor. In addition, a rotating shaft R of the suction unit holding part <NUM> may correspond to one end of the suction unit holding part <NUM>, and may be located on the outside of the connection port <NUM>.

When the holding portion <NUM> is arranged on the floor, the first lower surface <NUM> of the case <NUM> may be disposed to be inclined at a predetermined angle α with respect to the floor. At this time, the first lower surface <NUM> of the case <NUM> may be arranged in such a way that a front end of the first lower surface <NUM> is spaced apart from the floor by a first distance and a rear end of the first lower surface <NUM> is spaced apart from the floor by a second distance less than the first distance. The rear end of the first lower surface <NUM> may come into contact with the floor. The predetermined angle α may be set to <NUM>° or less.

The case <NUM> may include the support <NUM> provided at the front end of the first lower surface <NUM> of the case <NUM>. The support <NUM> may come into contact with the floor to separate the first lower surface <NUM> of the stand for a cleaner <NUM> from the floor by the predetermined distance.

The case <NUM> may further include the second lower surface <NUM> provided to be in contact with the floor when the holding portion <NUM> is arranged on the floor. The second lower surface <NUM> may protrude downward than the first lower surface <NUM>. The second lower surface <NUM> may be provided to be inclined at a predetermined angle α with respect to the first lower surface <NUM>.

As described above, according to another embodiment of the invention, the holding portion <NUM> may be provided to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the floor. By this arrangement, it is possible to prevent the holding portion <NUM> from falling. The stand for cleaner <NUM> may hold and charge the battery <NUM> more stably.

When the suction unit holding part <NUM> is disposed at the rear of the holding portion <NUM> to place the connection port <NUM> facing up, the rib <NUM> may come into contact with the floor. Because the rib <NUM> is in contact with the floor, an area of contact between the stand for a cleaner <NUM> and the floor may be increased. Accordingly, the stand for a cleaner <NUM> may stand on the floor more stably. Further, without failing, the stand for a cleaner <NUM> may stably hold the battery <NUM> and the auxiliary suction unit <NUM>.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the rotating shaft R corresponding to the rotation center of the suction unit holding part <NUM> may be located on the outside of the connection port <NUM>. The rotating shaft R may be disposed adjacent to the rear end and the lower end of the holding portion <NUM>. In addition, the rotating shaft R may be provided at one end of the suction unit holding part <NUM>. Because the rotation protrusion <NUM> forms the rotating shaft R, the rotation protrusion <NUM> and the rotating shaft R may be provided at the same position.

As described above, because the rotating shaft R is located on the outside the of connection port <NUM>, the position of the connection port <NUM> may be changed according to the rotation of the suction unit holding part <NUM>. According to an embodiment of the invention, when the suction unit holding part <NUM> is rotated, the connection port <NUM> may be rotated while maintaining its position, but according to another embodiment of the invention, when the suction unit holding part <NUM> is rotated, the connection port <NUM> may be not only rotated but also change its position. For the example, when the suction unit holding part <NUM> is rotated, the connection port <NUM> may be moved from the rear side of the holding portion <NUM> to the lower side of the holding portion <NUM>, or alternatively, the connection port <NUM> may be moved from the lower side of the holding portion <NUM> to the rear side of the holding portion <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a cleaning apparatus according to still another embodiment of the invention. <FIG> is a perspective view of the cleaning apparatus of <FIG>, illustrating a state in which the cleaner is mounted at an angle.

Hereinafter a cleaning apparatus according to still another embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

According to still another embodiment of the invention, a stand for a cleaner <NUM> may be used in a type different from the above-described embodiment. The stand for a cleaner <NUM> may be used as a fixed type rather than the wall-mounted type, the battery charging type, or the stand type. The fixed type, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, may refer to a method in which the stand for a cleaner <NUM> is fixed to an edge of a desk, a table, a shelf, or the like without a perforation on a wall or a stand.

The stand for a cleaner <NUM> may be used as the fixed type. The stand for a cleaner <NUM> may be installed in a structure protruding in a direction parallel to the ground. The stand for a cleaner <NUM> may be installed in a structure that protrudes in the direction parallel to the ground, and has a thickness within a movable range of a fixer <NUM> to be described later. For example, the stand for a cleaner <NUM> may be installed at an edge of a desk, a table, a shelf, or the like. Hereinafter a structure in which the stand for a cleaner <NUM> is installed is referred to as a supporting portion S.

According to still another embodiment of the invention, the stand for a cleaner <NUM> may be easily installed or removed without a separate fastening tool. In addition, the stand for a cleaner <NUM> may have a simple configuration, and thus the cost of the material may be reduced. In addition, the stand for a cleaner <NUM> may be installed without limitation in the height of the supporting portion S.

Referring to <FIG>, the stand for a cleaner <NUM> may be installed at the supporting portion S having a sufficiently high position to allow the cleaner <NUM> to be vertically arranged. The sufficiently high position may represent a position in which, even when the cleaner body <NUM>, to which the extension tube 16b and the main suction unit <NUM> are coupled, is held on the stand for cleaner <NUM>, the extension tube 16b is maintained in a state of being vertically arranged. In other words, the sufficiently high position may represent a position in which a distance between a holding portion <NUM> of the stand for a cleaner <NUM> and the ground is greater than the length of the cleaner <NUM>.

When the stand for a cleaner <NUM> is installed to be fixed to the supporting portion S at the sufficiently high position, the cleaner <NUM> may be vertically arranged. This is because the main suction unit <NUM> or the extension tube 16b does not interfere with the ground even when the cleaner <NUM> is vertically arranged.

Referring to <FIG>, the stand for a cleaner <NUM> may be installed in the supporting portion S at a low position to arrange the cleaner <NUM> at an angle. The low position may represent a position in which even when the cleaner body <NUM>, to which the extension tube 16b and the main suction unit <NUM> are coupled, is held on the stand for cleaner <NUM>, the extension tube 16b is arranged at an angle. In other words, the low position may represent a position in which a distance between the holding portion <NUM> of the stand for a cleaner <NUM> and the ground is less than the length of the cleaner <NUM>.

When the stand for a cleaner <NUM> is installed to be fixed to the supporting portion S at the low position, the cleaner <NUM> may be arranged at an angle. This is because when the cleaner <NUM> is vertically arranged, the main suction unit <NUM> and the extension tube 16b interfere with the ground.

As described above, according to still another embodiment of the invention, the stand for a cleaner <NUM> may be installed in the supporting portion S (refer to <FIG>) at the low position as well as the supporting portion S (refer to <FIG>) at the sufficiently high position. That is, the stand for a cleaner <NUM> may be installed without limitation in the height of the supporting portion S. Therefore, the utilization of the stand for a cleaner <NUM> may be improved.

<FIG> is a view of the stand for a cleaner separated from the cleaning apparatus of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the stand for a cleaner <NUM> according to still another embodiment of the invention may include the holding portion <NUM> and a fixer <NUM>. The holding portion <NUM> may be provided in substantially the same structure as the holding portion <NUM> and <NUM> described above. The holding portion <NUM> may include a battery guide <NUM> and an auxiliary guide <NUM>. In addition, the holding portion <NUM> may include a first charging terminal <NUM> and a second charging terminal <NUM>. In addition, the holding portion <NUM> may include a first seating portion <NUM> and a second seating portion <NUM>.

The battery guide <NUM> and the auxiliary guide <NUM> may have the same structure and function as the battery guides <NUM> and <NUM> and the auxiliary guides <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. In addition, the first charging terminal <NUM> and the second charging terminal <NUM> may have the same structure and function as the first charging terminals <NUM> and <NUM> and the second charging terminals <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. In addition, the first seating portion <NUM> and the second seating portion <NUM> may have the same structure and function as the first seating portions <NUM> and <NUM> and the second seating portions <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively.

According to still another embodiment of the invention, the stand for a cleaner <NUM> may include the fixer <NUM>. The fixer <NUM> may be coupled under the holding portion <NUM>. The fixer <NUM> may be rotatable with respect to the holding portion <NUM>. The fixer <NUM> may be provided to grasp the supporting portion S (<FIG>). The stand for a cleaner <NUM> may be installed on the supporting portion S because the fixer <NUM> grasps the supporting portion S.

The holding portion <NUM> may be configured to be rotatable with respect to the fixer <NUM>. The stand for a cleaner <NUM> may be installed without limitation in the height of the supporting portion S because the holding portion <NUM> is rotated with respect to the fixer <NUM>. This is because when the stand for a cleaner <NUM> is coupled to the supporting portion S at the low position, the holding portion <NUM> may be rotated and thus the cleaner <NUM> may be arranged at an angle.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the stand for cleaner of <FIG>.

Hereinafter a detailed configuration of the stand for cleaner <NUM> will be described in detail with reference to <FIG>.

The stand for a cleaner <NUM> may include the holding portion <NUM> and the fixer <NUM>. Because the holding portion <NUM> has substantially the same structure as the above-described holding portions <NUM> and <NUM>, a description thereof will be omitted.

The fixer <NUM> may include an upper holder <NUM> and a lower holder <NUM>. In addition, the fixer <NUM> may further include a lever <NUM> configured to adjust a distance between the upper holder <NUM> and the lower holder <NUM>.

The upper holder <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the holding portion <NUM>. The upper holder <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the holding portion <NUM> in various ways. For example, as shown in <FIG>, a shaft portion <NUM> may be provided at a lower end of opposite sides of the holding portion <NUM>, and the upper holder <NUM> may include a shaft hole <NUM> into which the shaft portion <NUM> is inserted. As the shaft portion <NUM> is inserted into the shaft hole <NUM>, the holding portion <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the upper holder <NUM>. Alternatively, a shaft hole may be provided at a lower end of opposite sides of the holding portion <NUM>, and a shaft portion may be provided on the upper holder <NUM>.

The stand for a cleaner <NUM> may further include a cover <NUM> configured to prevent the shaft portion <NUM> inserted into the shaft hole <NUM> from being exposed to the outside of the stand for cleaner <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may improve the aesthetic aspect of the stand for cleaner <NUM>.

The upper holder <NUM> may include an upper pad <NUM> provided to be in contact with an upper surface S1 of the supporting portion S. The upper pad <NUM> may increase friction between the upper holder <NUM> and the upper surface S1 of the supporting portion S. The upper pad <NUM> may increase the frictional force with the supporting portion S so as to allow the fixer <NUM> to be coupled to the supporting portion S more stably.

The upper holder <NUM> may include a lever engaging portion <NUM> to which the lever <NUM> is coupled. The lever <NUM> may be inserted into the lever engaging portion <NUM>. The lever engaging portion <NUM> may include a female threaded portion to be screwed with the lever <NUM>. Although not specifically shown in the drawings, the female threaded portion may be formed on an inner side of the lever engaging portion <NUM>.

The upper holder <NUM> may further include a boss engaging portion <NUM> into which a boss portion <NUM> of the lower holder <NUM> is inserted. The boss portion <NUM> may be inserted into the boss engaging portion <NUM>.

The lower holder <NUM> may be coupled to the upper holder <NUM>. The lower holder <NUM> may be provided to be movable relative to the upper holder <NUM>. The lower holder <NUM> may be provided to be movable upward or downward with respect to the upper holder <NUM>. Accordingly, the distance between the upper holder <NUM> and the lower holder <NUM> may be changed.

The lower holder <NUM> may include a lower pad <NUM> provided to be in contact the lower surface S2 of the supporting portion S. The lower pad <NUM> may increase the friction between the lower holder <NUM> and the lower surface S2 of the supporting portion S. The lower pad <NUM> increases the frictional force with the supporting portion S to allow the fixer <NUM> to be coupled to the supporting portion S more stably.

The lower holder <NUM> may include a lever hole <NUM> through which the lever <NUM> passes. The lever <NUM> may be inserted into the lever hole <NUM>. The lever <NUM> may pass through the lever hole <NUM> and be coupled to the lever engaging portion <NUM> described above.

The lower holder <NUM> may further include the boss portion <NUM> provided to be inserted into the boss engaging portion <NUM> of the upper holder <NUM>.

The boss portion <NUM> may be formed to protrude upward from the lower holder <NUM>.

The boss portion <NUM> may be inserted into the boss engaging portion <NUM> to allow the lower holder <NUM> and the upper holder <NUM> to be stably coupled to each other. In addition, the boss portion <NUM> may guide a vertical movement of the lower holder <NUM> with respect to the upper holder <NUM>.

The lever <NUM> may be coupled to the upper holder <NUM> and the lower holder <NUM>. The lever <NUM> may be configured to move a position of the lower holder <NUM>. As the lever <NUM> is rotated, a distance between the lower holder <NUM> and the upper holder <NUM> may be changed. Particularly, the distance between the lower holder <NUM> and the upper holder <NUM> may be reduced or increased depending on the rotation direction of the lever <NUM>.

The lever <NUM> may include a head <NUM> configured to allow a user to rotate the lever <NUM>. The head <NUM> may include a protrusion <NUM> to allow a user to easily grip the head <NUM>.

The lever <NUM> may include a body <NUM> provided to be screwed with the lever engaging portion <NUM>. The body <NUM> may include a male threaded portion. In other words, a thread may be formed on an outer side of the body <NUM>. The body <NUM> may be screwed with the female threaded portion of the lever engaging portion <NUM>. The body <NUM> may penetrate the lever hole <NUM>. A diameter of the lever hole <NUM> may be greater than an outer diameter of the body <NUM>.

The lever <NUM> may be coupled to the lower holder <NUM> and the upper holder <NUM> from the lower side of the lower holder <NUM>. The body <NUM> may be screwed with the female threaded portion of the lever engaging portion <NUM> through the lever hole <NUM> of the lower holder <NUM>. An outer diameter of the head <NUM> may be greater than the diameter of the lever hole <NUM>. Therefore, the head <NUM> may not penetrate the lever hole <NUM>. The body <NUM> may be coupled to the lever engaging portion <NUM>, and the head <NUM> may be located on the outside of the lower holder <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view of the stand for a cleaner separated from the cleaning apparatus of <FIG>, illustrating before the stand for a cleaner is fixed to a supporting portion.

Referring to <FIG>, the stand for a cleaner <NUM> may be coupled to a supporting portion S having a thickness less than a distance at which the upper holder <NUM> and the lower holder <NUM> are farthest away from each other.

The upper holder <NUM> may be disposed to be in contact with the upper surface S1 of the supporting portion S. Particularly, the upper pad <NUM> may be in contact with the upper surface S1 of the supporting portion S.

The supporting portion S may be positioned between the lower holder <NUM> and the upper holder <NUM>. At this time, because the lower holder <NUM> is not in contact with the supporting portion S, the fixer <NUM> is not fixed to the supporting portion S. Because the distance between the lower holder <NUM> and the upper holder <NUM> is greater than the thickness of the supporting portion S, the fixer <NUM> may be freely separated from the supporting portion S, and conversely, the supporting portion S may be located between the upper holder <NUM> and the lower holder <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view of the stand for a cleaner separated from the cleaning apparatus of <FIG>, illustrating after the stand for a cleaner is fixed to the supporting portion.

The stand for a cleaner <NUM> may be installed on the supporting portion S by rotating the lever <NUM>. By rotating the lever <NUM> after placing the supporting portion S between the upper holder <NUM> and the lower holder <NUM>, it is possible to move the lower holder <NUM>. By rotating the lever <NUM> to a direction in which the lower holder <NUM> is moved upward and a distance with the upper holder <NUM> is reduced, the fixer <NUM> may be installed on the supporting portion S. The lower holder <NUM> may be moved upward and thus the lower pad <NUM> may come into contact with the lower surface S2 of the supporting portion S. When the upper pad <NUM> is in close contact with the upper surface S1 of the supporting portion S, and the lower pad <NUM> is in close contact with the lower surface S2 of the supporting portion S, the fixer <NUM> may be fixed to the supporting portion S. When the fixer <NUM> is fixed to the supporting portion S, it is possible to stably maintain the state in which the cleaner <NUM> is coupled to the holding portion <NUM>.

On the other hand, the fixer may be provided with a structure that is different from the structure shown in <FIG>. For example, the fixer may include an upper holder, a lower holder, and an elastic member. As described above, the lower holder may be configured to be movable relative to the upper holder. The elastic member may provide an elastic force to allow the lower holder to move in a direction closer to the upper holder. A user can separate the lower holder from the upper holder by applying a force greater than the elastic force, and place the supporting portion between the upper holder and the lower holder. When the user removes the force after placing the supporting portion between the upper holder and the lower holder, the fixer may be maintained in a state of being fixed to the support by the elastic force of the elastic member. Further, the supporting portion may be maintained in a state of being arranged between the upper holder and the lower holder. As described above, although not specifically illustrated in the drawings, the fixer may be provided in various structures. The fixer may be fixed to an edge of a desk, a table, or a shelf and the fixer may be configured to be rotatable with respect to the holding portion.

<FIG> is a view of a stand for a cleaner according to still another embodiment of the invention. Hereinafter a stand for cleaner <NUM> according to still another embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to <FIG>.

According to still another embodiment of the invention, the stand for a cleaner <NUM> may include a holding portion <NUM> and a fixer <NUM>. Because the holding portion <NUM> may have the same structure and function as the holding portion <NUM> described above, a description thereof will be omitted. Basically, the fixer <NUM> may have the same structure as the fixer <NUM> described above. However, the fixer <NUM> may further include a suction unit holding part <NUM>.

The suction unit holding part <NUM> may be provided in an upper holder <NUM> of the fixer <NUM>. The suction unit holding part <NUM> may include a connection port <NUM> configured to be coupled to the auxiliary suction unit <NUM> (refer to <FIG>). The connection port <NUM> may be provided in a pair. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the number of the connection ports may be changed.

According to still another embodiment of the invention, the connection port <NUM> may be provided in a pair. The pair of connection ports <NUM> may be provided in the upper holder <NUM>. The pair of connection ports <NUM> may be respectively disposed on opposite sides of the holding portion <NUM>. Even when the holding portion <NUM> is rotated relative to the fixer <NUM>, interference with the connection port <NUM> may not occur because the connection port <NUM> is disposed on the lateral side of the holding portion <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A stand (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>,) configured to hold a cleaner (<NUM>) having a cleaner body (<NUM>) configured to receive a battery (<NUM>),comprising:
a first charging terminal (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) configured to be electrically connected to the cleaner body (<NUM>) when the cleaner body is held by the stand;
a first seating portion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) on which the cleaner body is to be seated to be electrically connected to the first charging terminal;
a second charging terminal (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) configured to be electrically connected to the battery (<NUM>) when the battery is separated from the cleaner body and held by the stand;
a second seating portion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) on which the battery is to be seated to be electrically connected to the second charging terminal; characterized by
a battery guide (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) configured to guide the battery when attached to the cleaner body to guide the cleaner body to be connected to the first charging terminal, and configured to guide the battery to be connected to the second charging terminal when the battery is separated from the cleaner body.