CLEANER STATION AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME

BACKGROUND
1 Field

The present application relates to a cleaner station and a method of controlling the cleaner station, and more particularly, to a cleaner station configured to remove dust collected and stored in a cleaner, and a method of controlling the cleaner station.

2. Background

In general, a cleaner may refer to an electrical appliance that draws in small garbage or dust by sucking air and fills a dust bin provided in the cleaner with the garbage or dust. Such a cleaner may be 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 and configuration of the cleaner, the manual cleaners may be classified into a canister cleaner, an upright cleaner, a handheld 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 handheld and the stick cleaners, 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 housing a suction motor and a dust bin may be connected by a flexible hose and/or a pipe to a suction port, and in some instances, the canister cleaner may be used while a brush or other cleaning mechanism is fitted into the suction port. In contrast, the handheld cleaner (also referred to as a hand vacuum cleaner) may have maximized portability and may be light in weight. However, because the handheld cleaner tends to have a relatively short length, there may be a limitation as to a cleaning region for the handheld cleaner. For example, the handheld cleaner may be used to clean a local place such as a desk, a sofa, or an interior of a vehicle.

Because a stick cleaner tends to be relatively extended compared to a handheld cleaner, 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 compared to the handheld cleaner. Thus, the handheld cleaner may be used to clean a relatively narrow space, whereas the stick cleaner may extend to be used to clean a relatively wide space and also to be used to clean a high place that the user's hand cannot reach. Recently, modularized stick cleaners have been provided, such that various types of changeable cleaner heads may be used to clean various types of cleaning surfaces.

Robot cleaners, which autonomously perform a cleaning operation without a user's manipulation, are becoming more common. The robot cleaner may automatically clean a zone to be cleaned by sucking in foreign substances, such as dust, from the floor while autonomously traveling in the zone to be cleaned. To this end, the robot cleaner may include a distance sensor configured to detect a distance from an obstacle such as furniture, office supplies, or walls in a zone to be cleaned, and left and right wheels for moving the robot cleaner. In this case, the left wheel and the right wheel may be 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, the handheld cleaner, the stick cleaner, and the robot cleaner tend to have a dust bin with a relatively small capacity for storing collected dust and garbage, which inconveniences the user because the user would need to empty the relatively small dust bin frequently. In addition, the dust may scatter into the air during the process of emptying the dust bin, breathing in the scattering dust may have a harmful effect on the user's health. In addition, if residual dust is not removed from the dust bin, a suction force of the cleaner may deteriorate when a user tries to use a cleaner with a fun dust bin. In addition, if the residual dust is not removed from the dust bin, the residual dust may cause an offensive odor.

In one example, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020-0129025 A1 discloses a dust bin to be combined with a stick vacuum cleaner. In the combination the dust bin and the vacuum cleaner, the vacuum cleaner is coupled to the dust bin. However, there is a problem that the user needs to directly assemble the vacuum cleaner and the dust bin. In addition, this system does not compress dust in the vacuum cleaner to remove the dust remaining in the cleaner.

Meanwhile, U.S. Pat. No. 10,595,692 B2 discloses a discharge station having a debris bin of a robot cleaner. In particular, a station to which the robot cleaner is docked is provided, and the station has a flow path through which dust is sucked in a direction perpendicular to the ground surface. In this system, a sensor is provided to sense docking between the robot cleaner and the station, and a motor operates to suck the dust from the robot cleaner during the docking process. However, in this system, the dust is sucked merely when the robot cleaner is coupled to a connector of the station, but there is no component to recognize whether the cleaner is coupled, fix the cleaner, and open or close the suction port. Furthermore, this system does not compress dust in the cleaner to remove the dust remaining in the cleaner.

In another example, Korean Patent Publication No. KR 2020-0037199 A discloses a cleaner capable of compressing dust in a dust bin and removing the dust. However, the system in this document has a problem in that a user needs to directly push a lever to compress the dust in the dust bin.

The above references are incorporated by reference herein where appropriate for appropriate teachings of additional or alternative details, features and/or technical background.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating a configuration of the dust removing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a view for explaining the first cleaner of the dust removing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a view for explaining a center of gravity of the first cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a view for explaining a coupling part of the cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view for explaining the fixing unit of the cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a view for explaining an arrangement of the first cleaner and the fixing unit in the cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are cross-sectional views for explaining the fixing unit of the cleaner station according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

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

FIG. 11 is a view for explaining a lower side of a dust bin of the first cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a view for explaining a relationship between the first cleaner and the cover opening unit in the cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view for explaining the cover opening unit of the cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are views for explaining a relationship between the first cleaner and the lever pulling unit in the cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a view for explaining an arrangement relationship between the cleaner station and the center of gravity of the first cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a schematic view when viewing FIG. 15 in another direction.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram for explaining a control configuration of the cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining a method of controlling the cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining a second embodiment of the method of controlling the cleaner station according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining a third embodiment of the method of controlling the cleaner station according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining a fourth embodiment of the method of controlling the cleaner station according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 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 components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another component. 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 component is described as being “coupled” or “connected” to another component, it should be understood that one component can be coupled or connected directly to another component, and an intervening component can also be present between the components. When one component is described as being “coupled directly to” or “connected directly to” another component, it should be understood that no intervening component is present between the components.

The terms 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. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a dust removing system 10 for a cleaner that includes a cleaner station 100, a first cleaner 200, and a second cleaner 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating a configuration of the dust removing system 100 for a cleaner according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a dust removing system 10 according to an embodiment of the present specification may include a cleaner station 100 and cleaners 200 and 300. In this case, the cleaners 200 and 300 may include a first cleaner 200 and a second cleaner 300. Meanwhile, various embodiments may be carried out without some of the above-mentioned components and does not exclude additional components.

The dust removing system 10 may include the cleaner station 100. The first cleaner 200 and the second cleaner 300 may be disposed on the cleaner station 100. The first cleaner 200 may be coupled to a lateral surface of the cleaner station 100. For example, a main body of the first cleaner 200 may be coupled to the lateral surface of the cleaner station 100. The second cleaner 300 may be coupled to a lower portion of the cleaner station 100. The cleaner station 100 may remove dust from a dust bin 220 of the first cleaner 200. The cleaner station 100 may remove dust from a dust bin (not illustrated) of the second cleaner 300.

Meanwhile, FIG. 3 is a view for explaining the first cleaner 200 of the dust removing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 4 is a view for explaining a center of gravity of the first cleaner 200 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. First, in order to assist in understanding the cleaner station 100 according to the present disclosure, a structure of the first cleaner 200 will be described below with reference, for example, to FIGS. 1 to 4.

The first cleaner 200 may mean a cleaner configured to be manually operated by a user. For example, the first cleaner 200 may mean a handheld cleaner or a stick cleaner. The first cleaner 200 may be mounted on the cleaner station 100. For example, the first cleaner 200 may be supported by the cleaner station 100, and the first cleaner 200 may be coupled to the cleaner station 100.

The first cleaner 200 may include a main body 210. The main body 210 may include, for example, a main body housing 211, a suction part (or suction port) 212, a dust separating part (or dust separator) 213, a suction motor 214, an air discharge cover 215, a handle 216, an extension part 217, and an operating part 218. The main body housing 211 may define an external appearance of the first cleaner 200. The main body housing 211 may provide a space that may accommodate therein the suction motor 214 and a filter (not illustrated). The main body housing 211 may be formed in a shape similar to a cylindrical shape.

The suction part 212 may protrude outward from the main body housing 211. For example, the suction part 212 may be formed in a cylindrical shape with an opened inside. The suction part 212 may communicate with an extension tube 250. The suction part 212 may provide a flow path (hereinafter, referred to as a ‘suction flow path’) through which air containing dust may flow.

Meanwhile, in one embodiment, an imaginary centerline penetrating a center of the cylindrical suction part 212 may be defined. In this example, an imaginary suction flow path centerline a2 passing through a center of the suction flow path may be defined. In this case, the suction flow path centerline a2 may be an imaginary line that connects centers of gravity on planes made by cutting the suction part 212 in an axial direction and a radial direction.

The dust separating part 213 may communicate with the suction part 212. The dust separating part 213 may separate dust introduced into the dust separating part 213 through the suction part 212. The dust separating part 213 may communicate with the dust bin 220. For example, the dust separating part 213 may be a cyclone part capable of separating dust using a cyclone flow. Further, the dust separating part 213 may communicate with the suction part 212. Therefore, the air and the dust, which are introduced through the suction part 212, spirally flow along an inner circumferential surface of the dust separating part 213. Therefore, the cyclone flow may be generated around a center axis of the dust separating part 213.

Meanwhile, in one embodiment, the center axis of the cyclone part may be an imaginary cyclone center axis a4 extending in a vertical direction. In this case, the cyclone center axis a4 may be an imaginary line that connects centers of gravity on planes made by cutting the dust separating part 213 in the axial direction and the radial direction. For example, the cyclone center axis a4 may be defined coaxially with a motor axis a1 to be described below.

The suction motor 214 may generate a suction force for sucking air. The suction motor 214 may be accommodated in the main body housing 211. The suction motor 214 may generate the suction force by means of a rotation. For example, the suction motor 214 may be formed in a shape similar to a cylindrical shape.

Meanwhile, in one embodiment, the imaginary motor axis a1 may be formed by extending a center axis of the suction motor 214. In this case, the motor axis a1 may be an imaginary line that connects centers of gravity on planes made by cutting the suction motor 214 in the axial direction and the radial direction.

The air discharge cover 215 may be disposed at one side in the axial direction of the main body housing 211. The air discharge cover 215 may accommodate a filter for filtering air. For example, an HEPA filter may be accommodated in the air discharge cover 215. The air discharge cover 215 may have an air discharge port 215a for discharging the air introduced by the suction force of the suction motor 214. A flow guide may be disposed on the air discharge cover 215. The flow guide may guide a flow of the air to be discharged through the air discharge port 215a.

The handle 216 may be configured to be grasped by the user. The handle 216 may be disposed at a rear side of the suction motor 214. For example, the handle 216 may be formed in a shape similar to a cylindrical shape. Alternatively, the handle 216 may be formed in a curved cylindrical shape. The handle 216 may be disposed at a predetermined angle with respect to the main body housing 211, the suction motor 214, or the dust separating part 213.

Meanwhile, in one embodiment, an imaginary handle axis a3 may be formed by extending a center axis of the handle 216. In this case, the handle axis a3 may be an imaginary line that connects centers of gravity on planes made by cutting the handle 216 in the axial direction and the radial direction. A shaft of the suction motor 214 may be disposed between the suction part 212 and the handle 216. In this example, the motor axis a1 may be disposed between the suction part 212 and the handle 216. Further, the handle axis a3 may be disposed at a predetermined angle with respect to the motor axis a1 or the suction flow path centerline a2. Therefore, there may be an intersection point at which the handle axis a3 intersects the motor axis a1 or the suction flow path centerline a2.

Meanwhile, the motor axis a1, the suction flow path centerline a2, and the handle axis a3 may be disposed on the same plane S1. With this configuration, the centers of gravity of the entire first cleaner 200 according to the present disclosure may be disposed symmetrically in a left-right direction 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 part 212 is disposed based on the suction motor 214, and a rear direction may mean a direction in which the handle 216 is disposed.

An upper surface of the handle 216 may define an external appearance of a part of an upper surface of the first cleaner 200. Therefore, a component of the first cleaner 200 may be prevented from coming into contact with the user's arm when the user grasps the handle 216. The extension part (or handle extension) 217 may extend from the handle 216 toward the main body housing 211. At least a part of the extension part 217 may extend in a horizontal direction (e.g., parallel to air discharge cover 215).

The operating part (or input device) 218 may be disposed on the handle 216. The operating part 218 may be disposed on an inclined surface formed in an upper region of the handle 216. The user may input an instruction to operate or stop the first cleaner 200 through the operating part 218.

The first cleaner 200 may include the dust bin 220. The dust bin 220 may communicate with the dust separating part 213. The dust bin 220 may store the dust separated by the dust separating part 213. The dust bin 220 may include a dust bin main body 221, a discharge cover 222, a dust bin compression lever 223, and a compression member (not illustrated) (see FIGS. 10 and 11). The dust bin main body 221 may provide a space capable of storing the dust separated by the dust separating part 213. For example, the dust bin main body 221 may be formed in a shape similar to a cylindrical shape to define the space for receiving dust.

Meanwhile, in one embodiment, an imaginary dust bin axis a5 may be formed by extending a center axis of the dust bin main body 221. In this case, the dust bin axis a5 may be an imaginary line that connects centers of gravity on planes made by cutting the dust bin 220 in the axial direction and the radial direction. For example, the dust bin axis a5 may be defined coaxially with the motor axis a1. Therefore, the dust bin axis a5 may also be disposed on the plane S1 including the motor axis a1, the suction flow path centerline a2, and the handle axis a3.

A part of a lower side of the dust bin main body 221 may be opened, e.g., to provide a path for removing dust from the dust bin 220. In addition, a lower extension portion 221a may be formed at the lower side of the dust bin main body 221. The lower extension portion 221a may be formed to block a part of the lower side of the dust bin main body 221.

The dust bin 220 may include the discharge cover 222. The discharge cover 222 may be disposed at a lower side of the dust bin 220. The discharge cover 222 may selectively open or close the lower side of the dust bin 220 which is opened downward. The discharge cover 222 may include a cover main body 222a and a hinge part 222b. The cover main body 222a may be formed to block a part of the lower side of the dust bin main body 221. The cover main body 222a may be rotated downward about the hinge part 222b. The hinge part 222b may be disposed adjacent to a battery housing 230. The discharge cover 222 may be coupled to the dust bin 220 by a hook engagement. When the discharge cover 222 is closed, the lower side of the dust bin 220 may be blocked (sealed) by the discharge cover 222 and the lower extension portion 221a.

Meanwhile, the dust bin may further include a coupling lever 222c. The discharge cover 222 may be separated from the dust bin 220 by means of the coupling lever 222c. The coupling lever 222c may be disposed at a front side of the dust bin. For example, the coupling lever 222c may be disposed on an outer surface at the front side of the dust bin 220. When external force is applied to the coupling lever 222c, the coupling lever 222c may elastically deform a hook extending from the cover main body 222a in order to release the hook engagement between the cover main body 222a and the dust bin main body 221.

The dust bin 220 may include the dust bin compression lever 223. The dust bin compression lever 223 may be disposed outside the dust bin 220 or the dust separating part 211. The dust bin compression lever 223 may be disposed outside the dust bin 220 or the dust separating part 211 so as to be movable upward and downward. The dust bin compression lever 223 may be connected to a compression member (not illustrated), such as a plate provided in dust bin 220. When the dust bin compression lever 223 is moved downward by an external force, the compression member (not illustrated) may also be moved downward. Therefore, it is possible to provide convenience for the user based on compressing dust in the dust bin 220 to allow the first cleaner 200 to operate for a longer time before the dust bin 220 is full. The compression member (not illustrated) and the dust bin compression lever 223 may return back to original positions by an elastic member (not illustrated). For example, when the external force applied to the dust bin compression lever 223 is eliminated, the elastic member may move the dust bin compression lever 223 and the compression member (not illustrated) upward.

The compression member (not illustrated) may be disposed inside the dust bin main body 221. The compression member may move in the internal space of the dust bin main body 221. For example, the compression member may move upward and downward in the dust bin main body 221. Therefore, the compression member may compress downward the dust in the dust bin main body 221. In addition, when the discharge cover 222 is separated from the dust bin main body 221 and thus the lower side of the dust bin 220 is opened, the compression member may move from an upper side of the dust bin 220 to the lower side of the dust bin 220, thereby removing foreign substances such as residual dust in the dust bin 220. Therefore, it is possible to improve the suction force of the cleaner by preventing the residual dust from remaining in the dust bin 220. Further, it is possible to prevent an offensive odor caused by the residual dust by preventing the residual dust from remaining in the dust bin 220.

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

The first cleaner 200 may include the battery 240 (see FIG. 10). For example, the battery 240 may be separably coupled to the first cleaner 200. For example, the battery 240 may be separably coupled to the battery housing 230. In one example, the battery 240 may be inserted into the battery housing 230 from the lower side of the battery housing 230, and the battery 240 may be attached or detached through the accommodation portion of the battery housing 230.

The battery 240 may supply power to the suction motor 214 of the first cleaner 200. The battery 240 may be disposed on a lower portion of the handle 216. The battery 240 may be disposed at a rear side of the dust bin 220. In this example, the suction motor 214 and the battery 240 may be disposed so as not to overlap each other in the upward/downward direction and may be disposed at different disposition heights. On the basis of the handle 216, the suction motor 214, which is relatively heavy in weight, may be disposed at a front side of the handle 216, and the battery 240, which is also relatively heavy in weight, may be disposed at the lower side of the handle 216, such that an overall weight of the first cleaner 200 may be uniformly distributed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent stress from being applied to the user's wrist when the user grasps the handle 216 and performs a cleaning operation.

In a case in which the battery 240 is coupled to the battery housing 230 in accordance with the embodiment, the lower surface of the battery 240 may be exposed to the outside. Because the battery 240 may be placed on the floor when the first cleaner 200 is placed on the floor, the battery 240 may be immediately separated from the battery housing 230. In addition, because the lower surface of the battery 240 is exposed to the outside and thus in direct contact with air outside the battery 240, performance of cooling the battery 240 may be improved.

In another example, the battery 240 may be integrally provided in the battery housing 230. In this case, the battery 240 is not removed from battery housing 230, and a lower surface of the battery 240 may not be exposed to the outside. When the battery 240 is fixed integrally to the battery housing 230, the number of structures for attaching or detaching the battery 240 and the battery housing 230 may be reduced, and as a result, it is possible to reduce an overall size of the first cleaner 200 and a weight of the first cleaner 200.

The first cleaner 200 may include the extension tube 250. The extension tube 300 may communicate with a cleaning module (or cleaning head) 260. The extension tube 250 may communicate with the main body 210. In particular, the extension tube 250 may communicate with the suction part 214 of the main body 210. The extension tube 250 may be formed in a long cylindrical shape.

The main body 210 may be connected to the extension tube 250. The main body 210 may be connected to the cleaning module 260 through the extension tube 250. The main body 210 may generate the suction force by means of the suction motor 214 and provide the suction force to the cleaning module 260 through the extension tube 250. The outside dust may be introduced into the main body 210 through the cleaning module 260 and the extension tube 250.

The first cleaner 200 may include the cleaning module 260. The cleaning module 260 may communicate with the extension tube 250. Therefore, the outside air may be introduced into the main body 210 of the first cleaner 200 via the cleaning module 260 and the extension tube 250 by the suction force generated in the main body 210 of the first cleaner 200.

Referring to FIG. 2, the dust in the dust bin 220 of the first cleaner 200 may be captured by a dust collecting part (or dust collecting bin) 170 of the cleaner station 100 by gravity and a suction force of a dust collecting motor 191 of the cleaner station 100. Therefore, it is possible to remove the dust in the dust bin 220 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 frequently. In addition, it is possible to prevent the dust from scattering into the air when emptying the dust bin 220.

The first cleaner 200 may be coupled to a lateral surface of a housing 110 of the cleaner station 100. For example, the main body 210 of the first cleaner 200 may be mounted on a coupling part (or coupling recess) 120. More specifically, the dust bin 220 and the battery housing 230 of the first cleaner 200 may be coupled to a coupling surface 121, an outer circumferential surface of the dust bin main body 221 may be coupled to a dust bin guide surface 122, and the suction part 212 may be coupled to a suction part guide surface 126 of the coupling part 120 (see FIG. 5).

Meanwhile, in one embodiment, an imaginary gravity center plane S1 may be defined and include at least two of the motor axis a1, the suction flow path centerline a2, the handle axis a3, the cyclone center axis a4, and the dust bin axis a5, as previously described with respect to FIGS. 3 and 4. In this example, the gravity center plane S1 may be an imaginary plane made by connecting two imaginary lines and include an imaginary plane by expanding and extending the imaginary plane.

For example, the gravity center plane S1 may include the motor axis a1 and the suction flow path centerline a2. Alternatively or additionally, the gravity center plane S1 may include the motor axis a1 and the handle axis a3. Alternatively or additionally, the gravity center plane S1 may include the cyclone center axis a4 and the suction flow path centerline a2. Alternatively or additionally, the gravity center plane S1 may include the cyclone center axis a4 and the handle axis a3. Alternatively or additionally, the gravity center plane S1 may include the dust bin axis a5 and the suction flow path centerline a2. Alternatively or additionally, the gravity center plane S1 may include the dust bin axis a5 and the handle axis a3. Alternatively or additionally, the gravity center plane S1 may include the suction flow path centerline a2 and the handle axis a3.

Therefore, the suction part 212 may be disposed on an imaginary extension plane of the gravity center plane S1. Alternatively or additionally, the dust separating part 213 may be disposed on an imaginary extension plane of the gravity center plane S1. Alternatively or additionally, the suction motor 214 may be disposed on an imaginary extension plane of the gravity center plane S1. Alternatively or additionally, the handle 216 may be disposed on an imaginary extension plane of the gravity center plane S1. Alternatively or additionally, the dust bin 220 may be disposed on an imaginary extension plane of the gravity center plane S1. With this configuration, the centers of gravity of the entire first cleaner 200 may be disposed symmetrically with respect to the gravity center plane S1.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the dust removing system 10 may include the second cleaner 300. The second cleaner 300 may mean a robot cleaner. The second cleaner 300 may automatically clean a zone to be cleaned, such as sucking foreign substances such as dust from the floor, while autonomously traveling in the zone to be cleaned. The second cleaner 300 (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 cleaner 300 may be coupled to the cleaner station 100. For example, the dust in the second cleaner 300 may be captured into the dust collecting part 170 through a second flow path (not illustrated).

Meanwhile, FIG. 15 is 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, and FIG. 16 is a view illustrating a schematic view when viewing FIG. 15 in another direction. The cleaner station 100 according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference, for example, to FIGS. 1, 2, 15, and 16.

The first cleaner 200 and the second cleaner 300 may be disposed on the cleaner station 100. The first cleaner 200 may be coupled to the lateral surface of the cleaner station 100. For example, a main body of the first cleaner 200 may be coupled to the lateral surface of the cleaner station 100. The second cleaner 200 may be coupled to the lower portion of the cleaner station 100. The cleaner station 100 may remove the dust from the dust bin 220 of the first cleaner 200. Additionally, the cleaner station 100 may remove the dust from the dust bin (not illustrated) of the second cleaner 300.

The cleaner station 100 may include the housing 110. The housing 110 may define an external appearance of the cleaner station 100. For example, the housing 110 may be formed in the form of a column including one or more outer wall surfaces. For example, the housing 110 may be formed in a shape similar to a quadrangular column.

The housing 110 may have a space capable of accommodating the dust collecting part 170 configured to store dust therein, and a dust suction module 190 configured to generate a flow force for collecting the dust from the dust collecting part 170. The housing 110 may include a bottom surface 111 and an outer wall surface 112.

The bottom surface 111 may support a lower side in a gravitational direction of the dust suction module 190. In this example, the bottom surface 111 may support a lower side of the dust collecting motor 191 of the dust suction module 190. In this case, the bottom surface 111 may be disposed toward the ground surface. The bottom surface 111 may 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 motor 191 and maintaining balance of an overall weight even in a case in which the first cleaner 200 is coupled.

Meanwhile, according to the embodiment, the bottom surface 111 may further include ground surface support portions (not illustrated) in order to prevent the cleaner station 100 from 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 surface 111, and one or more frames may protrude and extend from the bottom surface 111 in 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 cleaner 200 is mounted.

The outer wall surface 112 may mean a surface formed in a vertical direction or a surface connected to the bottom surface 111. For example, the outer wall surface 112 may mean a surface connected to the bottom surface 111 so as to be perpendicular to the bottom surface 111. As another embodiment, the outer wall surface 112 may be disposed to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the bottom surface 111.

The outer wall surface 112 may include at least one surface. For example, the outer wall surface 112 may include a first outer wall surface 112a, a second outer wall surface 112b, a third outer wall surface 112c, and a fourth outer wall surface 112d. In this case, in one embodiment, the first outer wall surface 112a may be disposed at the front side of the cleaner station 100. In this case, the front side may mean a side at which the first cleaner 200 or the second cleaner 300 is coupled. Therefore, the first outer wall surface 112a may define an external appearance of the front surface of the cleaner station 100.

Meanwhile, the directions are defined as follows to understand the present disclosure. For example, the directions may be defined in the state in which the first cleaner 200 is mounted on the cleaner station 100.

In this case, a surface including an extension line 212a of the suction part 212 may be referred to as the front surface (see FIG. 1). In this example, in the state in which the first cleaner 200 is mounted on the cleaner station 100, a part of the suction part 212 may be in contact with and coupled to the suction part guide surface 126, and the remaining part of the suction part 212, which is not coupled to the suction part guide surface 126, may be disposed to be exposed to the outside from the first outer wall surface 112a. Therefore, the imaginary extension line 212a of the suction part 212 may be disposed on the first outer wall surface 112a, and the surface including the extension line 212a of the suction part 212 may be referred to as the front surface.

In another point of view, in a state in which a lever pulling arm 161 is coupled to the housing 110, a surface including a side through which the lever pulling arm 161 is exposed to the outside may be referred to as the front surface.

In still another point of view, when the first cleaner 200 is mounted on the cleaner station 100, an outer surface of the cleaner station 100, which is penetrated by the main body 210 of the first cleaner, may be referred to as the front surface. Further, in the state in which the first cleaner 200 is mounted on the cleaner station 100, a direction in which the first cleaner 200 is exposed to the outside of the cleaner station 100 may be referred to as a forward direction.

In addition, in another point of view, in the state in which the first cleaner 200 is mounted on the cleaner station 100, a direction in which the suction motor 214 of the first cleaner 200 is disposed may be referred to as the forward direction. Further, a direction opposite to the direction in which the suction motor 214 is disposed on the cleaner station 100 may be referred to as a rearward direction.

In still another point of view, a direction in which an intersection point of the handle axis a3 and the motor axis a1 is disposed may be referred to as the forward direction on the basis of the cleaner station 100. Alternatively or additionally, a direction in which an intersection point at which the handle axis a3 and the suction flow path center line a2 intersect is disposed may be referred to as the forward direction. Alternatively or additionally, a direction in which an intersection point at which the motor axis a1 and the suction flow path center line a2 intersect 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 station 100.

Further, on the basis of the coupling part 120 and the internal space of the housing 110, a surface facing the front surface may be referred to as a rear surface of the cleaner station 100. Therefore, the rear surface may mean a direction in which the second outer wall surface 112b is formed. Further, on the basis of the internal space of the housing 110, 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 surface 112c is formed, and the right surface may mean a direction in which the fourth outer wall surface 112d is formed.

The first outer wall surface 112a may be formed in the form of a flat surface, or the first outer wall surface 112a may be formed in the form of a curved surface as a whole or formed to partially include a curved surface. The first outer wall surface 112a may have an external appearance corresponding to the shape of the first cleaner 200. In detail, the coupling part 120 may be disposed on the first outer wall surface 112a. With this configuration, the first cleaner 200 may be coupled to the cleaner station 100 and supported by the cleaner station 100. The specific configuration of the coupling part 120 will be described below.

In addition, a lever pulling unit 161 may be disposed on the first outer wall surface 112a. For example, the lever pulling arm 161 of the lever pulling unit 160 may be mounted on the first outer wall surface 112a. For example, the first outer wall surface 112a may have an arm accommodating groove in which the lever pulling arm 161 may be accommodated. In this case, the arm accommodating groove may be formed to correspond to a shape of the lever pulling arm 161. Therefore, when the lever pulling arm 161 is mounted in the arm accommodating groove, the first outer wall surface 112a and an outer surface of the lever pulling arm 161 may define a continuous external shape, and the lever pulling arm 161 may be stroke-moved to protrude from the first outer wall surface 112a by the operation of the lever pulling unit 160.

Meanwhile, a structure for mounting various types of cleaning modules 260 used for the first cleaner 200 may be additionally provided on the first outer wall surface 112a. In addition, a structure to which the second cleaner 300 is coupled may be additionally provided on the first outer wall surface 112a. Therefore, the structure corresponding to the shape of the second cleaner 300 may be additionally provided on the first outer wall surface 112a. Further, a cleaner bottom plate (not illustrated) to which the lower surface of the second cleaner 300 may be coupled may be additionally coupled to the first outer wall surface 112a. Meanwhile, as another embodiment, the cleaner bottom plate (not illustrated) may be shaped to be connected to the bottom surface 111.

In one embodiment, the second outer wall surface 112b may be a surface facing the first outer wall surface 112a. In this example, the second outer wall surface 112b may be disposed on the rear surface of the cleaner station 100. In this case, the rear surface may be a surface facing the surface 112a to which at least one of the first cleaner 200 or the second cleaner 300 is coupled. Therefore, the second outer wall surface 112b may define an external appearance of the rear surface of the cleaner station 100.

For example, the second outer wall surface 112b may be formed in the form of a flat surface. With this configuration, the cleaner station 100 may be in close contact with a wall in a room, and the cleaner station 100 may be stably supported. As another example, the structure for mounting various types of cleaning modules 260 used for the first cleaner 200 may be additionally provided on the second outer wall surface 112b. In addition, the structure to which the second cleaner 300 may be coupled may be additionally provided on the second outer wall surface 112b. Therefore, the structure corresponding to the shape of the second cleaner 300 may be additionally or alternatively provided on the second outer wall surface 112b.

Further, a cleaner bottom plate (not illustrated) to which the lower surface of the second cleaner 300 may be coupled may be additionally coupled to the second outer wall surface 112b. Meanwhile, as another embodiment, the cleaner bottom plate (not illustrated) may be shaped to be connected to the bottom surface 111. With this configuration, when the second cleaner 300 is coupled to the cleaner bottom plate (not illustrated), an overall center of gravity of the cleaner station 100 may be lowered, such that the cleaner station 100 may be stably supported.

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

The third outer wall surface 112c or the fourth outer wall surface 112d may be formed in the form of a flat surface, or the third outer wall surface 112c or the fourth outer wall surface 112d may 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 modules 260 used for the first cleaner 200 may be additionally provided on the third outer wall surface 112c or the fourth outer wall surface 112d.

In addition, the structure to which the second cleaner 300 may be coupled may be additionally provided on the third outer wall surface 112c or the fourth outer wall surface 112d. Therefore, the structure corresponding to the shape of the second cleaner 300 may be additionally provided on the third outer wall surface 112c or the fourth outer wall surface 112d.

Further, a cleaner bottom plate (not illustrated) to which the lower surface of the second cleaner 300 may be coupled may be additionally provided on the third outer wall surface 112c or the fourth outer wall surface 112d. Meanwhile, as another embodiment, the cleaner bottom plate (not illustrated) may be shaped to be connected to the bottom surface 111.

FIG. 5 is a view for explaining the coupling part of the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 6 is 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 part 120 of the cleaner station 100 according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference, for example, to FIGS. 5 and 6. The cleaner station 100 may include the coupling part 120 to which the first cleaner 200 is coupled. For example, the coupling part 120 may be disposed in the first outer wall surface 112a, and the main body 210, the dust bin 220, and the battery housing 230 of the first cleaner 200 may be coupled to the coupling part 120.

The coupling part 120 may include the coupling surface 121. The coupling surface 121 may be disposed on the lateral surface of the housing 110. For example, the coupling surface 121 may mean a surface formed in the form of a groove which is concave toward the inside of the cleaner station 100 from the first outer wall surface 112a. For example, the coupling surface 121 may mean a surface formed to have a stepped portion with respect to the first outer wall surface 112a.

The first cleaner 200 may be coupled to the coupling surface 121. For example, the coupling surface 121 may be brought into contact with the lower surface of the dust bin 220 and the lower surface of the battery housing 230 of the first cleaner 200. In this case, the lower surface may mean a surface directed toward the ground surface when the user uses the first cleaner 200 or places the first cleaner 200 on the ground surface.

In this case, the coupling between the coupling surface 121 and the dust bin 220 of the first cleaner 200 may mean physical coupling by which the first cleaner 200 and the cleaner station 100 are coupled and fixed to each other. This coupling forms a flow path through which the dust bin 220 and a flow path part 180 communicate with each other and a gaseous fluid may flow.

Further, the coupling between the coupling surface 121 and the battery housing 230 of the first cleaner 200 may mean a physical coupling by which the first cleaner 200 and the cleaner station 100 are coupled and fixed to each other. This connection may provide an electrical coupling by which the battery 240 and a charging part 128 are electrically connected to each other.

In one example, an angle of the coupling surface 121 with respect to the ground surface may correspond to a right angle. Therefore, it is possible to minimize a space of the cleaner station 100 when the first cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling surface 121. As another example, the coupling surface 121 may be disposed to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the ground surface. Therefore, the cleaner station 100 may be stably supported when the first cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling surface 121.

The coupling surface 121 may have a dust passage hole 121a through which air outside the housing 110 may be introduced into the housing 110. The dust passage hole 121a may be formed in the form of a hole corresponding to the shape of the dust bin 220 so that the dust in the dust bin 220 may be introduced into the dust collecting part 170. The dust passage hole 121a may be formed to correspond to the shape of the discharge cover 222 of the dust bin 220. The dust passage hole 121a may be formed to communicate with a first flow path 181 to be described below.

The coupling part 120 may include the dust bin guide surface 122. The dust bin guide surface 122 may be disposed on the first outer wall surface 112a. The dust bin guide surface 122 may be connected to the first outer wall surface 112a. In addition, the dust bin guide surface 122 may be connected to the coupling surface 121. The dust bin guide surface 122 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the outer surface of the dust bin 220. A front outer surface of the dust bin 220 may be coupled to the dust bin guide surface 122. Therefore, it is possible to provide convenience when coupling the first cleaner 200 to the coupling surface 121.

The coupling part 120 may include guide protrusions 123. The guide protrusions 123 may be disposed on the coupling surface 121. The guide protrusions 123 may protrude upward from the coupling surface 121. Two guide protrusions 123 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other. A distance between the two guide protrusions 123, which are spaced apart from each other, may correspond to a width of the battery housing 230 of the first cleaner 200. Therefore, it is possible to provide convenience when coupling the first cleaner 200 to the coupling surface 121.

The coupling part 120 may include sidewalls 124. The sidewalls 124 may correspond to wall surfaces disposed on two lateral surfaces of the coupling surface 121 and may be perpendicularly connected to the coupling surface 121. The sidewalls 124 may be connected to the first outer wall surface 112a. In addition, the sidewalls 124 may be connected to the dust bin guide surface 122. In this example, the sidewalls 124 may define surfaces connected to the dust bin guide surface 122. Therefore, the first cleaner 200 may be stably accommodated.

The coupling part 120 may include the coupling sensor 125. The coupling sensor 125 may detect whether the first cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling part 120. The coupling sensor 125 may face the dust bin 220 or the battery housing 230 of the first cleaner 200. The coupling sensor 125 may detect whether the first cleaner 200 is coupled and power is applied to the battery 240 of the first cleaner 200.

In one implementation, the coupling sensor 125 may include a contact sensor. For example, the coupling sensor 125 may include a micro-switch. In this case, the coupling sensor 125 may be disposed on the guide protrusion 123. Therefore, when the battery housing 230 or the battery 240 of the first cleaner 200 is coupled between the pair of guide protrusions 123, the battery housing 230 or the battery 240 comes into contact with the coupling sensor 125, such that the coupling sensor 125 may detect that the first cleaner 200 is physically coupled to the cleaner station 100.

Additionally or alternatively, the coupling sensor 125 may include a non-contact sensor. For example, the coupling sensor 125 may include an infrared (IR) sensor. In this case, the coupling sensor 125 may be disposed on the sidewall 124. Therefore, when the dust bin 220 or the main body 210 of the first cleaner 200 passes the sidewall 124 and then reaches the coupling surface 121, the coupling sensor 125 may detect the presence of the dust bin 220 or the main body 210 and detect that the first cleaner 200 is physically coupled to the cleaner station 100.

In another example, the coupling sensor 125 may be disposed on the dust bin guide surface 122. In this case, the coupling sensor 125 may include a contact sensor. Therefore, when the first cleaner is coupled, the dust bin 220 may push the coupling sensor 125 due to the weight of the dust bin 220, and the coupling sensor 125 may detect that the first cleaner 200 is coupled.

The coupling part 120 may include the suction part guide surface 126. The suction part guide surface 126 may be disposed on the first outer wall surface 112a. The suction part guide surface 126 may be connected to the dust bin guide surface 122. The suction part 212 may be coupled to the suction part guide surface 126. The suction part guide surface 126 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the suction part 212. Therefore, it is possible to provide convenience when coupling the main body 210 of the first cleaner 200 to the coupling surface 121.

The coupling part 120 may include fixing member entrance holes 127. The fixing member entrance hole 127 may be formed in the form of a long hole along the sidewall 124 so that a fixing member 131 may enter and exit the fixing member entrance hole 127. For example, the fixing member entrance hole 127 may be a rectangular hole formed along the sidewall 124. The fixing member 131 will be described below in greater detail.

With this configuration, when the user couples the first cleaner 200 to the coupling part 120 of the cleaner station 100, the main body 210 of the first cleaner 200 may be stably disposed on the coupling part 120 by the first to third guide portions 122, 123, and 126. Therefore, it is possible to provide convenience when coupling the dust bin 220 and the battery housing 230 of the first cleaner 200 to the coupling surface 121.

Meanwhile, FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view for explaining a fixing unit 130 of the cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 8 is a view for explaining an arrangement of the first cleaner and the fixing unit 130 in the cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view for explaining for explaining the fixing unit 130 of the cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

A fixing unit (or retainer) 130 according to the present disclosure will be described below and the reference to FIGS. 5 to 9A. The cleaner station 100 according to the present disclosure may include the fixing unit 130. The fixing unit 130 may be disposed on the sidewall 124. In addition or alternatively, the fixing unit 130 may be disposed on a back surface to the coupling surface 121. The fixing unit 130 may fix the first cleaner 200 coupled to the coupling surface 121. For example, the fixing unit 130 may fix the dust bin 220 and the battery housing 230 of the first cleaner 200 coupled to the coupling surface 121. A method of controlling the fixing unit 130 will be described below together with a description of a control unit 400 of the cleaner station 100 according to the present disclosure.

The fixing unit 130 may include the fixing members (or fixing clasps) 131 configured to fix the dust bin 220 and the battery housing 230 of the first cleaner 200, and a fixing part motor 133 configured to operate the fixing members 131. In addition, the fixing unit 130 may further include fixing part gears 134 configured to transmit power from the fixing part motor 133 to the fixing members 131, and fixing part links 135 configured to convert rotational motions of the fixing part gears 134 into reciprocating motions of the fixing members 131. Further, the fixing unit 13 may further include a fixing part housing 132 configured to accommodate the fixing part motor 133 and the fixing part gears 134.

The fixing members 131 may be disposed on the sidewall 124 of the coupling part 120 and provided on the sidewall 124 so as to reciprocate in order to fix the dust bin 220. For example, the fixing members 131 may be accommodated in the fixing member entrance holes 127. The fixing members 131 may be disposed at both sides of the coupling part 120, respectively. For example, a pair of two fixing members 131 may be symmetrically disposed with respect to the coupling surface 121.

For example, the fixing member 131 may include a link coupling portion 131a, a movable panel 131b, and a movable sealer 131c. In this case, the link coupling portion 131a may be disposed at one side of the movable panel 131b, and the movable sealer 131c may be disposed at the other side of the movable panel 131b.

The link coupling portion 131a is disposed at one side of the movable panel 131b and coupled to the fixing part link 135. For example, the link coupling portion 131a may protrude in a cylindrical shape or a circular pin shape from a connection projection 131bb formed by bending and extending one end of the movable panel 131b. Therefore, the link coupling portion 131a may be rotatably inserted and coupled into one end of the fixing part link 135.

The movable panel 131b may be connected to the link coupling portion 131a and provided to be reciprocally movable from the sidewall 124 toward the dust bin 220 by the operation of the fixing part motor 133. For example, the movable panel 131b may be provided to be rectilinearly and reciprocally movable along a guide frame 131d. For example, one side of the movable panel 131b may be disposed to be accommodated in a space in the first outer wall surface 112a, and the other side of the movable panel 131b may be disposed to be exposed from the sidewall 124.

The movable panel 131b may include a panel main body 131ba, the connection projection 131bb, a first pressing portion 131bc, and a second pressing portion 131bd. For example, the panel main body 131ba may be formed in the form of a flat plate. In addition, the connection projection 131bb may be disposed at one end of the panel main body 131ba. Further, the first pressing portion 131bc may be formed at the other end of the panel main body 131ba.

The connection projection 131bb may be formed by bending and extending one end of the panel main body 131ba toward the fixing part motor 131. The link coupling portion 131a may protrude and extend from the tip of the connection projection 131bb. The connection projection 131bb may have a frame through hole that may be penetrated by the guide frame 131d. For example, the frame through hole may be formed in a shape similar to an ‘I’ shape.

The first pressing portion 131bc is formed at the other end of the panel main body 131ba and formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the dust bin 220 in order to seal the dust bin 220. For example, the first pressing portion 131bc may be formed in a shape capable of surrounding a cylindrical shape. In this example, the first pressing portion 131bc may mean an end portion having a concave arc shape and formed at the other side of the panel main body 131ba.

The second pressing portion 131bd may be connected to the first pressing portion 131bc and formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the battery housing 230 in order to seal the battery housing 230. For example, the second pressing portion 131bd may be formed in a shape capable of pressing the battery housing 230. In this example, the second pressing portion 131bd may mean an end portion having a straight shape and formed at the other side of the panel main body 131ba.

The movable sealer (or movable seal) 131c may be disposed on a tip in the reciprocation direction of the movable panel 131b and may seal the dust bin 220. For example, the movable sealer 131c may be coupled to the first pressing portion 131bc and may seal a space between the dust bin 220 and the first pressing portion 131bc when the first pressing portion 131bc surrounds and presses the dust bin 220. In addition, the movable sealer 131c may be coupled to the second pressing portion 131bd and may seal a space between the battery housing 230 and the second pressing portion 131bd when the second pressing portion 131bd surrounds and presses the battery housing 230.

The fixing unit 130 may further include the guide frames 131d coupled to the housing 110 and configured to penetrate the movable panels 131b and guide the movements of the fixing members 131. For example, the guide frame 131d may be a frame having an ‘I’ shape that penetrates the connection projection 131bb. With this configuration, the movable panel 131b may rectilinearly reciprocate along the guide frame 131d.

The fixing part housing 132 may be disposed in the housing 110. For example, the fixing part housing 132 may be disposed on the back surface to the coupling surface 121. The fixing part housing 132 may have therein a space capable of accommodating the fixing part gears 134. Further, the fixing part housing 132 may accommodate the fixing part motor 133.

The fixing part housing 132 may include a first fixing part housing 132a, a second fixing part housing 132b, link guide holes 132c, and a motor accommodation portion 132d. The first fixing part housing 132a and the second fixing part housing 132b may be coupled to each other to define the space capable of accommodating the fixing part gears 134 therein.

For example, the first fixing part housing 132a may be disposed in a direction toward the outside of the cleaner station 100, and the second fixing part housing 132b may be disposed in a direction toward the inside of the cleaner station 100. In this example, the first fixing part housing 132a may be disposed in a direction toward the coupling surface 121, and the second fixing part housing 132b may be disposed in a direction toward the second outer wall surface 112b.

The link guide holes 132c may be formed in the first fixing part housing 132a. The link guide holes 132c may mean holes formed to guide movement routes of the fixing part link 135. For example, the link guide hole 132c may be an arc-shaped hole formed in a circumferential direction about a rotary shaft of the fixing part gear 134. Two link guide holes 132c may be formed to guide the pair of fixing part links 135 for moving the pair of fixing members 132. In addition, the two link guide holes 132c may be symmetrically formed.

The motor accommodation portion (or motor housing) 132d may be provided to accommodate the fixing part motor 133. For example, the motor accommodation portion 132d may protrude in a cylindrical shape from the first fixing part housing 132a in order to accommodate the fixing part motor 133 therein.

The fixing part motor 133 may provide power for moving the fixing members 131. For example, the fixing part motor 133 may rotate the fixing part gears 134 in a forward direction or a reverse direction. In this case, the forward direction may mean a direction in which the fixing member 131 is moved from the sidewall 124 to press the dust bin 220. In addition, the reverse direction may mean a direction in which the fixing member 131 is moved to the inside of the sidewall 124 from a position at which the fixing member 131 presses the dust bin 220. The forward direction may be opposite to the reverse direction.

The fixing part gears 134 may be coupled to the fixing part motor 133 and may move the fixing members 131 using power from the fixing part motor 133. The fixing part gears 134 may include a driving gear 134a, a connection gear 134b, a first link rotating gear 134c, and a second link rotating gear 134d.

A shaft of the fixing part motor 133 may be inserted and coupled into the driving gear 134a. For example, the shaft of the fixing part motor 133 may be inserted and fixedly coupled into the driving gear 134a. As another example, the driving gear 134a may be formed integrally with the shaft of the fixing part motor 133. The connection gear 134b may engage with the driving gear 134a and the first link rotating gear 134c. The other end of the fixing part link 135 may be rotatably coupled to the first link rotating gear 134c, and the first link rotating gear 134c may transmit rotational force transmitted from the driving gear 134a to the fixing part link 135.

The first link rotating gear 134c may include a rotary shaft 134ca, a rotation surface 134cb, gear teeth 134cc, and a link fastening portion 134cd. The rotary shaft 134ca may be coupled to and supported by the first fixing part housing 132a and the second fixing part housing 132b. The rotation surface 134cb may be formed in a circular plate shape having a predetermined thickness about the rotary shaft 134ca. The gear teeth 134cc may be formed on an outer circumferential surface of the rotation surface 134cb and may engage with the connection gear 134b. Further, the gear teeth 134cc may engage with the second link rotating gear 134d. With this configuration, the first link rotating gear 134c may receive power from the fixing part motor 133 through the driving gear 134a and the connection gear 134b and transmit the power to the second link rotating gear 134d.

The link fastening portion 134cd may protrude and extend in a cylindrical shape or a circular pin shape in an axial direction from the rotation surface 134cb. The link fastening portion 134cd may be rotatably coupled to the other end of the fixing part link 135. For example, the link fastening portion 134cd may penetrate the link guide hole 132c and may be coupled to the other end of the fixing part link 135. With this configuration, the first link rotating gear 134c may be rotated by power from the fixing part motor 133, the fixing part link 135 may be rotated and rectilinearly moved by the rotation of the first link rotating gear 134c, and consequently, the fixing member 131 may be moved to fix or release the dust bin 220.

The second link rotating gear 134d may engage with the first link rotating gear 134c and rotate in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the first link rotating gear 134c. The other end of the fixing part link 135 is rotatably coupled to the second link rotating gear 134d, and the second link rotating gear 134d may transmit the rotational force transmitted from the driving gear 134a to the fixing part link 135.

The second link rotating gear 134d may include a rotary shaft 134da, a rotation surface 134db, gear teeth 134dc, and a link fastening portion 134dd. The rotary shaft 134da may be coupled to and supported by the first fixing part housing 132a and the second fixing part housing 132b. The rotation surface 134db may be formed in a circular plate shape having a predetermined thickness about the rotary shaft 134da. The gear teeth 134dc may be formed on an outer circumferential surface of the rotation surface 134db and may engage with the first link rotating gear 134c. With this configuration, the second link rotating gear 134d may receive the power from the fixing part motor 133 through the driving gear 134a, the connection gear 134b, and the first link rotating gear 134c.

The link fastening portion 134dd may protrude and extend in a cylindrical shape or a circular pin shape in an axial direction from the rotation surface 134db. The link fastening portion 134dd may be rotatably coupled to the other end of the fixing part link 135. For example, the link fastening portion 134dd may penetrate the link guide hole 132c and may be coupled to the other end of the fixing part link 135. With this configuration, the second link rotating gear 134d may be rotated by power from the fixing part motor 133, the fixing part link 135 may be rotated and rectilinearly moved by the rotation of the second link rotating gear 134d, and consequently, the fixing member 131 may be moved to fix or release the dust bin 220.

The fixing part links 135 may link the fixing part gears 134 and the fixing members 131 and convert the rotations of the fixing part gears 134 into the reciprocation movements of the fixing members 131. One end of the fixing part link 135 may be coupled to the link coupling portion 131a of the fixing member 131, and the other end of the fixing part link 135 may be coupled to the link fastening portion 134cd or 134dd of the fixing part gear 134.

The fixing part link 135 may include a link main body 135a, a first link connecting portion 135b, and a second link connecting portion 135c. For example, the link main body 135a may 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 portion 135b may be disposed at one end of the link main body 135a, and the second link connecting portion 135c may be disposed at the other end of the link main body 135a. The first link connecting portion 135b may be protrude in a cylindrical shape from one end of the link main body 135a. The first link connecting portion 135b may have a hole into which the link coupling portion 131a may be inserted and coupled. The second link connecting portion 135c may protrude in a cylindrical shape from the other end of the link main body 135a. In this case, a height by which the second link connecting portion 135c protrudes may be greater than a height by which the first link connecting portion 135b protrudes. This is to enable the link fastening portions 134cd and 134dd of the fixing part gears 134 to be accommodated in the link guide holes 132c and move along the link guide holes 132c, and to support the link fastening portions 134cd and 134dd when the link fastening portions 134cd and 134dd rotate. The second link connecting portion 135c may have a hole into which the link fastening portion 134cd or 134dd may be inserted and coupled.

A stationary sealer (or stationary seal) 136 may be disposed on the dust bin guide surface 122 so as to seal the dust bin 220 when the cleaner 200 is coupled. With this configuration, when the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200 is coupled, the cleaner 200 may press the stationary sealer 136 by its own weight, such that the dust bin 220 and the dust bin guide surface 122 may be sealed.

The stationary sealer 136 may be disposed in an imaginary extension line of the movable sealer 131c. With this configuration, when the fixing part motor 133 operates and the fixing members 131 press the dust bin 220, a circumference of the dust bin 220 at the same height may be sealed. In this example, the stationary sealer 136 and the movable sealers 131c may seal outer circumferential surfaces of the dust bin 220 disposed on concentric circles.

According to this example, the stationary sealer 136 may be disposed on the dust bin guide surface 122 and formed in the form of a bent line corresponding to an arrangement of a cover opening unit 150 to be described below. Therefore, when the main body 210 of the first cleaner 200 is disposed on the coupling part 120, the fixing unit 130 may fix the main body 210 of the first cleaner 200. For example, when the coupling sensor 125 detects that the main body 210 of the first cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling part 120 of the cleaner station 100, the fixing part motor 133 may move the fixing members 131 to fix the main body 210 of the first cleaner 200.

The fixing unit 130 may further include fixing detecting parts (or sensors) 137 capable of detecting the movements of the fixing members 131. The fixing detecting parts 137 may be provided in the housing 100 and may detect whether the dust bin 220 is fixed.

For example, the fixing detecting parts 137 may be disposed at both ends in a rotational region of the fixing part links 135, respectively. In this example, in the rotational region of the fixing part links 135, a first fixing detecting part 137a may be disposed at an end portion in a direction in which the fixing members 131 are pushed toward the dust bin 220. In addition, in the rotational region of the fixing part links 135, a second fixing detecting part 137b may be disposed at an end portion in a direction in which the fixing members 131 are moved away from the dust bin 220. Otherwise, as another example, the fixing detecting parts 137 may be disposed at both ends of a rectilinear movement region of the fixing members 131, respectively.

Therefore, when the fixing part link 135 is moved to a predetermined position (hereinafter, also referred to as a ‘dust bin fixing position FP1’) at which the first fixing detecting part 137a is disposed or when the fixing member 131 is rectilinearly moved to a predetermined position, the fixing detecting part 137 may detect the movement and transmit a signal indicating that the dust bin 220 is fixed. In addition, when the fixing part link 135 is moved to a predetermined position (hereinafter, also referred to as a ‘dust bin releasing position FP2’) at which the second fixing detecting part 137b is disposed or when the fixing member 131 is rectilinearly moved to a predetermined position, the fixing detecting part 137 may detect the movement and transmit a signal indicating that the dust bin 220 is released.

The fixing detecting part 137 may include a contact sensor. For example, the fixing detecting part 137 may include a micro-switch. In another example, the fixing detecting part 137 may include a non-contact sensor. For example, the fixing detecting part 137 may include an infrared (IR) sensor.

Meanwhile, FIG. 9B illustrates a fixing unit 1130 of the cleaner station according to another example of the present disclosure. In order to avoid a repeated description, the contents related to the fixing unit 130 may also be used to describe corresponding components of fixing unit 1130 except for the components particularly mentioned in the present disclosure.

In one example, a fixing member (or fixing clasp) 1131 may fix the dust bin 220 and the battery housing 230 by an upward/downward rectilinear movement of a fixing part frame 1135. For example, when the fixing part frame 1135 is rectilinearly moved upward by an operation of a fixing part motor 1133, the fixing member 1131 is moved in the sidewall 124 toward the dust bin 220 by being guided by the fixing part frame 1135.

In this case, fixing detecting parts (or sensors) 1137 may be disposed at both ends in a movement region of the fixing part frame 1135, respectively. For example, a first fixing detecting part 1137a may be disposed at an upper end in the movement region of the fixing part frame 1135. In addition, a second fixing detecting part 1137b may be disposed at a lower end in the movement region of the fixing part frame 1135.

Therefore, when the fixing part frame 1135 is moved to a predetermined position (hereinafter, also referred to as the ‘dust bin fixing position FP1’) at which the first fixing detecting part 1137a is disposed, a sensor touch bar 1135a protruding from the fixing part frame 1135 pushes the first fixing detecting part 1137a, and the first fixing detecting part 1137a may transmit a signal indicating that the dust bin 220 is fixed. In addition, when the fixing part frame 1135 is moved to a predetermined position (hereinafter, also referred to as the ‘dust bin releasing position FP2’) at which the second fixing detecting part 1137b is disposed, the sensor touch bar 1135a pushes the second fixing detecting part 1137b, and the second fixing detecting part 1137b may transmit a signal indicating that the dust bin 220 is released.

Therefore, the amount of vibration and impact, which occur when the discharge cover 222 of the main body 210 of the fixed first cleaner 200 is separated from the dust bin 220, is increased, and as a result, it is possible to improve efficiency in moving the dust stored in the dust bin 220 to the dust collecting part 170 of the cleaner station 100. For example, 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. 10 is a view for explaining a relationship between the first cleaner 200 and a door unit 140 in the cleaner station 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A door unit 140 according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference, for example, to FIGS. 5, 6, and 10. The cleaner station 100 according to the present disclosure may include the door unit 140. The door unit 140 may be configured to open or close a dust passage hole 121a. The door unit 140 may include a door 141, a door motor 142 (see FIG. 17), and a door arm 143.

The door 141 may be hingedly coupled to the coupling surface 121 and may open or close the dust passage hole 121a. The door 141 may include a door main body 141a, a hinge part (or door hinge) 141b, and an arm coupling part (or door arm) 141c. The door main body 141a may be formed in a shape capable of blocking the dust passage hole 121a. For example, the door main body 141a may be formed in a shape similar to a circular plate shape. On the basis of a state in which the door main body 141a blocks the dust passage hole 121a, the hinge part 141b may be disposed at an upper side of the door main body 141a, and the arm coupling part 141c may be disposed at a lower side of the door main body 141a.

The door main body 141a may be formed in a shape capable of sealing the dust passage hole 121a. For example, an outer surface of the door main body 141a, which is exposed to the outside of the cleaner station 100, is formed to have a diameter corresponding to a diameter of the dust passage hole 121a, and an inner surface of the door main body 141a, which is disposed in the cleaner station 100, is formed to have a diameter greater than the diameter of the dust passage hole 121a. 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 part 141b and the arm coupling part 141c and reinforce a supporting force of the door main body 141a.

The hinge part 141b may hingedly couple the door 141 to the coupling surface 121. The hinge part 141b may be disposed at an upper end of the door main body 141a and may be coupled to the coupling surface 121. The arm coupling part 141c may be a mechanism to which the door arm 143 is rotatably coupled. The arm coupling part 141c may be disposed at a lower side of the inner surface, and the door arm 143 may be rotatably coupled to the arm coupling part 141c.

With this configuration, when the door arm 143 pulls the door main body 141a in the state in which the door 141 closes the dust passage hole 121a, the door main body 141a is rotated about the hinge part 141b toward the inside of the cleaner station 100, such that the dust passage hole 121a may be opened. Meanwhile, when the door arm 143 pushes the door main body 141a in the state in which the dust passage hole 121a is opened, the door main body 141a is rotated about the hinge part 141b toward the outside of the cleaner station 100, such that the dust passage hole 121a may be closed.

The door motor 142 may provide power for rotating the door 141. For example, the door motor 142 may rotate the door arm 143 in a forward direction or a reverse direction. In this case, the forward direction may mean a direction in which the door arm 143 pulls the door 141. Therefore, when the door arm 143 is rotated in the forward direction, the dust passage hole 121a may be opened. In addition, the reverse direction may mean a direction in which the door arm 143 pushes the door 141. Therefore, when the door arm 143 is rotated in the reverse direction, at least a part of the dust passage hole 121a may be closed. The forward direction may be opposite to the reverse direction.

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

The door unit 140 may further include one or more door opening/closing detecting parts (or sensors) 144. The door opening/closing detecting parts 144 may be provided in the housing 100 and may detect whether the door 141 is in an opened state. For example, the door opening/closing detecting parts 144 may be disposed at both ends in a rotational region of the door arm 143, respectively. In this example, in the rotational region of the door arm 143, a first door opening/closing detecting part 144a may be disposed at an end in a direction in which the door 141 is opened. In addition, in the rotational region of the door arm 143, a second door opening/closing detecting part 144b may be disposed at an end in a direction in which the door 141 is closed.

Therefore, when the door arm 143 is moved to a predetermined position (hereinafter, referred to as an ‘opened position DP1’) at which the first door opening/closing detecting part 144a is disposed, the door opening/closing detecting part 144 may detect that the door is opened. In addition, when the door arm 143 is moved to a predetermined position (hereinafter, referred to as a ‘closed position DP2’), the door opening/closing detecting part 144 may detect that the door is closed. The door opening/closing detecting parts 144 may transmit a signal indicating that the door is opened and transmit a signal indicating that the door is closed.

The door opening/closing detecting part 144 may include a contact sensor. For example, the door opening/closing detecting part 144 may include a micro-switch. Additionally or alternatively, the door opening/closing detecting part 144 may also include a non-contact sensor. For example, the door opening/closing detecting part 144 may include an infrared (IR) sensor.

With this configuration, the door unit 140 may selectively open or close at least a part of the coupling surface 121, thereby allowing the outside of the first outer wall surface 112a to communicate with the first flow path 181 and/or the dust collecting part 170 of the cleaner station.

The door unit 140 may be opened when the discharge cover 222 of the first cleaner 200 is opened. In addition, when the door unit 140 is closed, the discharge cover 222 of the first cleaner 200 may also be closed. When the dust in the dust bin 220 of the first cleaner 200 is removed, the door motor 142 may rotate the door 141, thereby coupling the discharge cover 222 to the dust bin main body 221. For example, the door motor 142 may rotate the door 141 to rotate the door 142 about the hinge part 141b, and the door 142 rotated about the hinge part 141b may push the discharge cover 222 toward the dust bin main body 221.

FIG. 11 is a view for explaining the lower surface of the dust bin 220 of the first cleaner according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 12 is a view for explaining a relationship between the first cleaner and the cover opening unit 150 in the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 13 is a perspective view for explaining the cover opening unit 150 of the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. The cover opening unit 150 according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference, for example, to FIGS. 5, 6, and 11 to 13.

The cleaner station 100 according to the present disclosure may include the cover opening unit (or cover opener) 150. The cover opening unit 150 may be disposed on the coupling part 120 and may open the discharge cover 222 of the first cleaner 200. The cover opening unit 150 may include a push protrusion 151, a cover opening motor 152, cover opening gears 153, a support plate 154, and a gear box 155.

The push protrusion 151 may move to press the coupling lever 222c when the first cleaner 200 is coupled. The push protrusion 151 may be disposed on the dust bin guide surface 122. For example, a protrusion moving hole may be formed in the dust bin guide surface 122, and the push protrusion 151 may be exposed to the outside by passing through the protrusion moving hole.

When the first cleaner 100 is coupled, the push protrusion 151 may be disposed at a position at which the push protrusion 151 may push the coupling lever 222c. In this example, the coupling lever 222c may be disposed on the protrusion moving hole. In addition, the coupling lever 222c may be disposed in a movement region of the push protrusion 151.

The push protrusion 151 may rectilinearly reciprocate to press the coupling lever 222c. For example, the push protrusion 151 may be coupled to the gear box 155, such that the rectilinear movement of the push protrusion 151 may be guided. The push protrusion 151 may be coupled to the cover opening gears 153 and moved together with the cover opening gears 153 by the movements of the cover opening gears 153.

For example, the push protrusion 151 may include a protrusion portion 151a, a protrusion support plate 151b, a connection portion 151c, a gear coupling block 151d, and guide frames 151e. The protrusion portion 151a may be provided to push the coupling lever 222c. The protrusion portion 151a may be formed in a protrusion shape similar to a hook shape, a right-angled triangular shape, or a trapezoidal shape. The protrusion support plate 151b may be connected to the protrusion portion 151a and formed in the form of a flat plate for supporting the protrusion portion 151a.

The protrusion support plate 151b may be provided to be movable along an upper surface of the gear box 155. The connection portion 151c may connect the protrusion support plate 151b and the gear coupling block 151d. The connection portion 151c may be formed to have a narrower width than the protrusion support plate 151b and the gear coupling block 151d.

The connection portion 151c may be disposed to penetrate a protrusion through hole 155b formed in the gear box 155. The gear coupling block 151d may be coupled to the cover opening gears 153. The gear coupling block 151d may be fixedly coupled to the cover opening gears 153 using a fixing member such as a screw or other piece.

The gear coupling block 151d may be accommodated in the gear box 155 and may be rectilinearly reciprocated in the gear box 155 by the movement of the cover opening gears 153. The guide frames 151e may protrude and extend from two lateral surfaces of the gear coupling block 151d, respectively. The guide frames 151e may be protrude and extend in a quadrangular column shape from the gear coupling block 151d. The guide frame 151e may be disposed to penetrate a guide hole 155c formed in the gear box 155. Therefore, when the gear coupling block 151d rectilinearly moves, the guide frame 151e may rectilinearly reciprocate along the guide hole 155c.

The cover opening motor 152 may provide power for moving the push protrusion 151. For example, the cover opening motor 152 may rotate a motor shaft 152a in a forward direction or a reverse direction. In this case, the forward direction may mean a direction in which the push protrusion 151 pushes the coupling lever 222c. In addition, the reverse direction may mean a direction in which the push protrusion 151, which has pushed the coupling lever 222c, returns back to an original position. The forward direction may be opposite to the reverse direction.

The cover opening motor 152 may be disposed outside the gear box 155. The motor shaft 152a of the cover opening motor 152 may penetrate a motor through hole 155e of the gear box 155 and may be coupled to the cover opening gears 153. For example, the motor shaft 152a may be coupled to an opening driving gear 153a and rotated together with the opening driving gear 153a.

The cover opening gears 153 may be coupled to the cover opening motor 152 and may move the push protrusion 151 using the power from the cover opening motor 152. For example, the cover opening gears 153 may be accommodated in the gear box 155. The cover opening gears 153 may be coupled to the cover opening motor 152 and supplied with the power. The cover opening gears 153 may be coupled to the push protrusion 151 to move the push protrusion 151.

The cover opening gears 153 may include the opening driving gear 153a and an opening driven gear 153b. For example, the shaft 152a of the cover opening motor 152 is inserted and coupled into the opening driving gear 153a, such that the opening driving gear 153a may receive rotational power from the cover opening motor 152.

The opening driven gear 153b may engage with the opening driving gear 153a and may be coupled to the gear coupling block 151d of the push protrusion 151, thereby moving the push protrusion 151. For example, the opening driven gear 153b may be formed in the form of a rack gear so as to engage with the opening driving gear 153a formed in the form of a pinion gear. The opening driven gear 153b may include a body portion 153ba coupled to the gear coupling block 151d. In addition, the opening driven gear 153b may include a gear portion 153bb formed at a lower side of the body portion 153ba and configured to engage with the opening driving gear 153a. Further, the opening driven gear 153b may include guide shafts 153bc protruding from the two lateral surfaces of the body portion 153ba. In addition, the opening driven gear 153b may include gear wheels 153bd into which the guide shafts 153bc are inserted and coupled, and the gear wheels 153bd may rollably move along guide rails 155d formed in an inner surface of the gear box 155.

The support plate 154 may be provided to support one surface of the dust bin 220. For example, the support plate 154 may extend from the coupling surface 121. The support plate 154 may protrude and extend toward a center of the dust passage hole 121a from the coupling surface 121. The support plate 154 may protrude and extend symmetrically from the coupling surface 121, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the support plate 154 may have various shapes capable of supporting the lower extension portion 221a of the first cleaner 200 or the lower surface of the dust bin 220.

When the first cleaner 200 is coupled to the cleaner station 100, the lower surface of the dust bin 220 may be disposed in the dust passage hole 121a, and the support plate 154 may support the lower surface of the dust bin 220. The discharge cover 222 may be openably and closably provided at the lower side of the dust bin 220, and the dust bin 220 may include the cylindrical dust bin main body 221 and the extending lower extension portion 221a. In this case, the support plate 154 may be in contact with the lower extension portion 221a and may support the lower extension portion 221a.

With this configuration, the push protrusion 151 may push the coupling lever 222c of the discharge cover 222 in the state in which the support plate 154 supports the lower extension portion 221a. Therefore, the discharge cover 222 may be opened, and the dust passage hole 121a and the inside of the dust bin 220 may communicate with each other. In this example, as the discharge cover 222 is opened, the flow path part 180 and the inside of the dust bin 220 may communicate with each other, and the cleaner station 100 and the first cleaner 200 may be coupled to each other to enable a flow of a fluid (coupling of the flow path).

The gear box 155 may be coupled to the inner surface of the housing 110 and disposed at the lower side of the coupling part 120 in the gravitational direction, and the cover opening gears 153 may be accommodated in the gear box 155. For example, the box main body 155a has a space capable of accommodating the cover opening gears 153, and the protrusion through hole 155b, which is penetrated by the connection portion 151c of the push protrusion 151, is formed in an upper surface of the box main body 155a. In addition, the guide hole 155c is formed in the form of a long hole in the lateral surface in a leftward/rightward direction of the box main body 155a, such that the guide frame 151e of the push protrusion 151 penetrates the guide hole 155c.

Meanwhile, the guide rails 155d may be formed on the inner surfaces at the lateral sides in the leftward/rightward direction of the box main body 155a. The guide rails 155d may support the opening driven gear 153b and guide the movement of the opening driven gear 153b. The motor through hole 155e may be formed in one surface of the gear box 155, and the shaft 152a of the cover opening motor 152 may penetrate the motor through hole 155e.

Cover opening detecting parts (or sensors) 155f may be disposed on the lateral surface of the gear box 155. The cover opening detecting part 155f may include a contact sensor. For example, the cover opening detecting part 155f may include a micro-switch. Meanwhile, the cover opening detecting part 155f may also include a non-contact sensor. For example, the cover opening detecting part 155f may include an infrared (IR) sensor. Therefore, the cover opening detecting part 155f may detect a position of the guide frame 151e, thereby detecting a position of the push protrusion 151.

The cover opening detecting parts 155f may be disposed at both ends of the guide hole 155c formed in the form of a long hole, respectively. In this example, in a movement region of the guide frame 151e, the first cover opening detecting part 155fa may be disposed at an end in a direction in which the discharge cover 222 is opened. In addition, in the movement region of the guide frame 151e, the second cover opening detecting part 155fb may be disposed at an end in a direction in which the push protrusion 151 returns to the original position.

Therefore, when the push protrusion 151 is moved to a position at which the push protrusion 151 may push the coupling lever 222c to open the discharge cover 222, the guide frame 151e may be positioned at a predetermined position (hereinafter, referred to as a ‘cover opened position CP1’), and the cover opening detecting part 155f may transmit a signal indicating that the discharge cover 222 is opened. In addition, when the push protrusion 151 returns back to the original position, the guide frame 151e may be positioned at a predetermined position (hereinafter, referred to as a ‘cover non-opened position CP2’), and the cover opening detecting part 155f may transmit a signal indicating that the push protrusion 151 has returned back to the original position.

With this configuration, the cover opening unit 150 may selectively open or close the lower portion of the dust bin 220 by separating the coupling lever 222c from the dust bin 220. In this case, the dust in the dust bin 220 may be captured into the dust collecting part 170 by the impact that occurs when the discharge cover 222 is separated from the dust bin 220. Therefore, in the case in which the main body 210 of the first cleaner 200 is fixed to the coupling part 120, the cover opening motor 152 may move the push protrusion 151 to separate the discharge cover 222 from the dust bin 220. When the discharge cover 222 is separated from the dust bin 220, the dust in the dust bin 220 may be captured into the dust collecting part 170.

Accordingly, the cover opening unit 150 may open the dust bin 220 even though the user separately opens the discharge cover 222 of the first cleaner, and as a result, it is possible to improve convenience. In addition, since the discharge cover 222 is opened in the state in which the first cleaner 200 is coupled to the cleaner station 100, it is possible to prevent the dust from scattering.

Meanwhile, FIG. 14A is a view for explaining a relationship between the first cleaner 200 and the lever pulling unit (or lever puller) 160 in the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. The lever pulling unit 160 according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference, for example, to FIGS. 5, 6, and 14A.

The cleaner station 100 according to the present disclosure may include the lever pulling unit 160. The lever pulling unit 160 may be disposed on the first outer wall surface 112a of the housing 110. The lever pulling unit 160 may push the dust bin compression lever 223 of the first cleaner 200 to compress the dust in the dust bin 220. The lever pulling unit 160 may include a lever pulling arm 161, an arm gear 162, a stroke drive motor 163, a rotation drive motor 164, and arm movement detecting parts 165.

The lever pulling arm 161 is accommodated in the housing 110 and may be provided to be stroke-movable and rotatable. For example, the lever pulling arm 161 may be accommodated in an arm accommodating groove formed in the first outer wall surface 112a. 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 lever 223 may be disposed in the imaginary cylindrical shape.

The lever pulling arm 161 may be provided to push the dust bin compression lever 223. The lever pulling arm 161 may be formed to correspond to a shape of the arm accommodating groove. For example, the lever pulling arm 161 may be formed in a shape similar to an elongated bar.

One surface of the lever pulling arm 161 may be formed to define a continuous surface together with the first outer wall surface 112a in the state in which the lever pulling arm 161 is accommodated in the arm accommodating groove. The arm gear 162 may be coupled to one side of the other surface of the lever pulling arm 161.

The arm gear 162 may be coupled to the lever pulling arm 161, the stroke drive motor 163, and the rotation drive motor 164. For example, the arm gear 162 may be formed to be similar to a kind of shaft. One end of the shaft of the arm gear 162 may be fixedly coupled to the lever pulling arm 161. The other end of the shaft of the arm gear 162 may be provided in the form of a worm wheel. Therefore, the other end of the shaft of the arm gear 162 is formed in the form of a worm gear and may engage with the rotation drive motor 164. The shaft of the arm gear 162 may be formed in the form of a cylindrical worm. The shaft of the arm gear 162 may be formed in the form of a worm gear and may engage with the stroke drive motor 163.

The stroke drive motor 163 may provide power for stroke-moving the lever pulling arm 161. The stroke drive motor 163 may rotate in a forward direction or a reverse direction. In this case, the forward direction may mean a direction in which the lever pulling arm 161 is moved away from the housing 110 of the cleaner station 100. In addition, the reverse direction may mean a direction in which the lever pulling arm 161 is pulled toward the cleaner station 100. The forward direction may be opposite to the reverse direction.

The rotation drive motor 164 may provide power for rotating the lever pulling arm 161. The rotation drive motor 164 may rotate in a forward direction or a reverse direction. In this case, the forward direction may mean a direction in which the lever pulling arm 161 rotates to a position at which the lever pulling arm 161 may push the dust bin compression lever 223. In addition, the reverse direction may be a direction opposite to the forward direction. The stroke drive motor 163 and the rotation drive motor 164 may be disposed in the housing 110.

The arm movement detecting parts (or sensors) 165 may be disposed in the housing 110. The arm movement detecting parts 165 may be disposed on a movement route of the shaft of the arm gear 162. The arm movement detecting parts 165 may be disposed at an initial position LP1 of the shaft of the arm gear 162, a maximum stroke movement position LP2, and a position LP3 when the compression lever 223 is pulled, respectively.

The arm movement detecting part 165 may include a contact sensor. For example, the arm movement detecting part 165 may include a micro-switch. Meanwhile, the arm movement detecting part 165 may also include a non-contact sensor. For example, the arm movement detecting part 165 may include an infrared (IR) sensor. With this configuration, the arm movement detecting parts 165 may detect a stroke position of the arm gear 162.

In addition, the arm movement detecting parts 165 may be disposed at the other end of the shaft of the arm gear 162. The arm movement detecting parts 165 may be disposed at the other end of the arm gear 162 provided in the form of a worm wheel and may detect a rotation position. The arm movement detecting part 165 may include a contact sensor. For example, the arm movement detecting part 165 may include a micro-switch. Meanwhile, the arm movement detecting part 165 may also include a non-contact sensor. For example, the arm movement detecting part 165 may include an infrared (IR) sensor or a Hall sensor.

Therefore, the arm movement detecting part 165 may detect that the lever pulling arm 161 is positioned at the initial position LP1. In addition, the arm movement detecting part 165 may detect that the lever pulling arm 161 has been moved maximally away from the housing 110 (LP2). In addition, the arm movement detecting part 165 may detect that the lever pulling arm 161 rotates to pull the compression lever 223. In addition, the arm movement detecting part 165 may detect that the lever pulling arm 161 has pulled the compression lever 223. In addition, the arm movement detecting part 165 may detect that the lever pulling arm 161 rotates to the original position after pulling the compression lever 223.

Therefore, when the first cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling part 120, the compression member (not illustrated) may move downward as the lever pulling arm 161 stroke-moves, thereby compressing the dust in the dust bin 220. In one embodiment of the present specification, the dust in the dust bin 220 may be captured primarily into the dust separating part 130 by gravity as the discharge cover 222 is separated from the dust bin 220, and then the residual dust in the dust bin 125 may be captured secondarily into the dust separating part 130 by a compression part 250. Otherwise, the compression member (not illustrated) may compress the dust in the dust bin 220 downward in the state in which the discharge cover 222 is coupled to the dust bin 220, and then the discharge cover 222 may be separated from the dust bin 220, such that the dust in the dust bin 220 may be captured into the dust separating part 130.

Meanwhile, FIG. 14B illustrates the lever pulling unit 160 in another example according to the present disclosure. In order to avoid a repeated description, the description of components included the lever pulling unit 160 in FIG. 14A may be used to also describe corresponding components of lever pulling unit 160 in FIG. 14B except for the separate components particularly mentioned the following discussion.

In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 14B, an arm gear 2162 and a shaft 2166 may be separately provided, and the arm gear 2162 and the shaft 2166 may be provided in parallel with each other. In addition, the shaft 2166 may be coupled to be stroke movable relative to the arm gear 2162. In this example, in order to connect the shaft 2166 to the arm gear 2162, an internal screw thread may be formed on an inner surface of a connection portion of the shaft 2166. Therefore, when the arm gear 2162 is rotated by an operation of a stroke drive motor 2163, the shaft 2166 may stroke-move along a screw thread of the arm gear 2162.

Meanwhile, a lever pulling arm 2161 may be provided at one end of the shaft 2166, a worm wheel 2166a may be provided at the other end of the shaft 2166, and a rotation drive motor 2164 may engage with the worm wheel 2166a. Therefore, when the rotation drive motor 2164 operates, the shaft 2166 may be rotated, and the lever pulling arm 2161 may be rotated.

Arm movement detecting parts (or sensor) 2165 may be disposed adjacent to the arm gear 2162 and arranged on a movement route of the shaft 2166. The arm movement detecting parts 2165 may be disposed at an initial position LP1 of the shaft 2166, a maximum stroke movement position LP2, and a position LP3 when the compression lever 223 is pulled, respectively. In this example, a first arm movement detecting part 2165a may be disposed at the initial position LP1 of the shaft. In addition, a second arm movement detecting part 2165b may be disposed at the maximum stroke movement position LP2. In addition, a third arm movement detecting part 2165c may be disposed at the position LP3 when the compression lever 223 is pulled.

The arm movement detecting part 2165 may include a contact sensor. For example, the arm movement detecting part 2165 may include a micro-switch. Meanwhile, the arm movement detecting part 2165 may also include a non-contact sensor. For example, the arm movement detecting part 2165 may include an infrared (IR) sensor. With this configuration, the arm movement detecting parts 2165 may detect a stroke position of the shaft 2166.

In addition, the arm movement detecting parts 2165 may include a fourth arm movement detecting part 2165d disposed at the other end 2166a of the shaft. The fourth arm movement detecting part 2165d may detect a rotation position of the shaft 2166. The fourth arm movement detecting part 2165d may include a contact sensor. For example, the fourth arm movement detecting part 2165d may include a micro-switch. Meanwhile, the fourth arm movement detecting part 2165d may also include a non-contact sensor. For example, the fourth arm movement detecting part 2165d may include an infrared (IR) sensor or a Hall sensor.

Therefore, the first arm movement detecting part 2165a may detect that the lever pulling arm 2161 is positioned at the initial position LP1. In addition, the second arm movement detecting part 2165b may detect that the lever pulling arm 2161 has been moved maximally away from the housing 2110 (LP2). In addition, the fourth arm movement detecting part 2165d may detect that the lever pulling arm 2161 rotates to pull the compression lever 223. In addition, the third arm movement detecting part 2165d may detect that the lever pulling arm 2161 has pulled the compression lever 223. In addition, the fourth arm movement detecting part 2165d may detect that the lever pulling arm 2161 rotates to the original position after pulling the compression lever 223.

Meanwhile, the dust collecting part (or dust collector) 170 will be described below with reference, for example, to FIGS. 2 and 15 to 17. The cleaner station 100 may include the dust collecting part 170. The dust collecting part 170 may be disposed in the housing 110. The dust collecting part 170 may be disposed at a lower side in the gravitational direction of the coupling part 120.

The dust collecting part 170 may include a roll of vinyl film (not illustrated). The roll of vinyl film may be fixed to the housing 110 and spread downward by a load of the dust falling from the dust bin 220. The cleaner station 100 may include a joint part (not illustrated). The joint part may be disposed in the housing 110. The joint part may be disposed in an upper region of the dust collecting part 170. The joint part may cut and join an upper region of the roll vinyl film in which the dust is captured. For example, 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 part (or first joint drive) 174, and the second joint member (not illustrated) may be moved in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction by a second joint drive part (or second joint drive) 175. With this configuration, the dust captured from the first cleaner 200 or the second cleaner 200 may 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 part (or flow path) 180 will be described below with reference, for example, to FIGS. 2 and 15 to 17. The cleaner station 100 may include the flow path part 180. The flow path part 180 may connect the first cleaner 200 or the second cleaner 300 to the dust collecting part 170. The flow path part 180 may include the first flow path 181, a second flow path 182, and a flow path switching valve 183.

The first flow path 181 may connect the dust bin 220 of the first cleaner 200 to the dust collecting part 170. The first flow path 181 may be disposed at a rear side of the coupling surface 121. The first flow path 181 may correspond to a space between the dust bin 220 of the first cleaner 200 and the dust collecting part 170. The first flow path 181 may be a space formed at a rear side of the dust passage hole 121a. The first flow path 181 may be a flow path bent downward from the dust passage hole 121a, and the dust and the air may flow through the first flow path 181. The dust in the dust bin 220 of the first cleaner 200 may move to the dust collecting part 170 through the first flow path 181.

The second flow path 182 may connect the second cleaner 300 to the dust collecting part 170. The dust in the second cleaner 300 may move to the dust collecting part 170 through the second flow path 182.

The flow path switching valve 183 may be disposed between the dust collecting part 170, the first flow path 181, and the second flow path 182. The flow path switching valve 183 may selectively open or close the first flow path 181 and the second flow path 182 connected to the dust collecting part 170. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in suction force caused when both of flow paths 181 and 182 are opened.

For example, in a case in which only the first cleaner 200 is coupled to the cleaner station 100, the flow path switching valve 183 may connect the first flow path 181 to the dust collecting part 170 and disconnect the second flow path 182 from the dust collecting part 170. As another example, in a case in which only the second cleaner 300 is coupled to the cleaner station 100, the flow path switching valve 183 may disconnect the first flow path 181 from the dust collecting part 170 and connect the second flow path 182 to the dust collecting part 170.

As still another example, in a case in which both the first cleaner 200 and the second cleaner 300 are coupled to the cleaner station 100, the flow path switching valve 183 may connect the first flow path 181 to the dust collecting part 170 and disconnect the second flow path 182 from the dust collecting part 170 to remove the dust in the dust bin 220 of the first cleaner 200 first. Thereafter, the flow path switching valve 183 may disconnect the first flow path 181 from the dust collecting part 170 and connect the second flow path 182 to the dust collecting part 170 to remove the dust from the second cleaner 300. Therefore, it is possible to improve convenience in respect to the use of the first cleaner 200 manually manipulated by the user.

Meanwhile, the dust suction module 190 will be described below with reference, for example, to FIGS. 2 and 15 to 17. The cleaner station 100 may include the dust suction module 190. The dust suction module 190 may include the dust collecting motor 191, a first filter 192, and a second filter (not illustrated).

The dust collecting motor 191 may be disposed below the dust collecting part 170. The dust collecting motor 191 may generate the suction force in at least one of the first flow path 181 and the second flow path 182. Therefore, the dust collecting motor 191 may provide the suction force capable of sucking the dust in the dust bin 220 of the first cleaner 200 and the dust in the second cleaner 300. The dust collecting motor 191 may generate the suction force by means of the rotation. For example, the dust collecting motor 191 may be formed in a shape similar to a cylindrical shape.

The first filter 192 may be disposed between the dust collecting part 170 and the dust collecting motor 191. The first filter 192 may be a prefilter. The second filter (not illustrated) may be disposed between the dust collecting motor 191 and the outer wall surface 112. The second filter (not illustrated) may be an HEPA filter.

Meanwhile, in one embodiment, an imaginary balance maintaining space R1 (see FIG. 16) may perpendicularly extend from the ground surface and penetrate the dust collecting part 170 and the dust suction module 190. For example, the balance maintaining space R1 may be an imaginary space perpendicularly extending from the ground surface, and the dust collecting motor 191 at least may be accommodated in the balance maintaining space R1. In this example, the balance maintaining space R1 may be an imaginary cylindrical shape space that accommodates the dust collecting motor 191 therein.

Therefore, the centers of gravity of all the components disposed in the balance maintaining space R1 may be concentrated on the dust suction module 190. In this case, since the dust suction module 190 is disposed to be close to the ground surface, the cleaner station 100 may stably maintain the balance, like a roly-poly toy. With this configuration, in the present disclosure, the cleaner station 100 may stably maintain the balance in the state in which the first cleaner 200 is mounted on the cleaner station 100.

The cleaner station 100 may include the charging part (or charger) 128. The charging part 128 may be disposed on the coupling part 120. For example, the charging part 128 may be disposed on the coupling surface 121. In this case, the charging part 128 may be positioned at a position facing a charging terminal provided on the battery 240 of the first cleaner 200. The charging part 128 may be electrically connected to the first cleaner 200 coupled to the coupling part 120. The charging part 128 may supply power to the battery of the first cleaner 200 coupled to the coupling part 120. In this example, when the first cleaner 200 is physically coupled to the coupling surface 121, the charging part 128 may be electrically coupled to the first cleaner 200.

In addition, the charging part 128 may include a lower charging part (not illustrated) disposed in a lower region of the housing 110. The lower charging part may be electrically connected to the second cleaner 300 coupled to the lower region of the housing 110. A second charger may supply power to the battery of the second cleaner 300 coupled to the lower region of the housing 110.

The cleaner station 100 may include a lateral door (not illustrated). The lateral door may be disposed in the housing 110. The lateral door may selectively expose the dust collecting part 170 to the outside. Therefore, the user may easily remove the dust collecting part 170 from the cleaner station 100.

Meanwhile, FIG. 17 is 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, for example, to FIG. 17.

The cleaner station 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a control unit (or controller) 400 configured to control the coupling part 120, the fixing unit 130, the door unit 140, the cover opening unit 150, the lever pulling unit 160, the dust collecting part 170, the flow path part 180, and the dust suction module 190. The control unit 400 may be accommodated in the housing 110. The control unit 400 may include a printed circuit board, and elements mounted on the printed circuit board.

In one example, the control unit 400 may be disposed at the upper side in the housing 110. For example, the control unit 400 may be disposed on the coupling part 120. With this arrangement, the control unit 400, the fixing unit 130, the door unit 140, the cover opening unit 150, and the lever pulling unit 160 are disposed adjacent to one another, and as a result, response performance may be improved.

In another example, the control unit 400 may be disposed at the lower side in the housing 110. For example, the control unit 400 may be disposed in the dust suction module 190. With this arrangement, the control unit 400 may be disposed adjacent to the relatively heavy dust collecting motor 191 and disposed adjacent to the ground surface, such that the control unit 400 may be stably supported. As a result, it is possible to prevent damage to the control unit 400 even though external impact is applied to the control unit 400.

The control unit 400 may determine whether the first cleaner 200 is coupled to the cleaner station 100. When the first cleaner 200 is moved to the coupling part 120 by the user, the dust bin 220 or the battery housing 230 of the first cleaner 200 passes through a predetermined region in which the coupling sensor 125 may detect the first cleaner 200. For example, during the process of coupling the first cleaner 200 to the cleaner station 100, the battery housing 230 may come into contact with the coupling sensor 125, and the coupling sensor 125 may detect the first cleaner 200.

When the coupling sensor 125 detects the coupling of the first cleaner 200, the coupling sensor 125 may transmit a signal indicating that the first cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling part 120. In this case, the control unit 400 may receive the signal from the coupling sensor 125 and determine that the first cleaner 200 is physically coupled to the coupling part 120.

Further, when the first cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling part 120, the lower surface of the dust bin 220 and the lower surface of the battery housing 230 may come into contact with the coupling surface 121, and the charging terminal of the charging part 128 and the charging terminal of the first cleaner 200 may come into contact with each other. In this case, power may be supplied to the battery 240 of the first cleaner 200 through the charging part 128. Therefore, when the charging part 128 supplies power to the battery 240 of the first cleaner 200, the control unit 400 may determine that the first cleaner 200 is electrically coupled to the coupling part 120. Further, the control unit 400 may determine whether the charging part 128 supplies power to the battery 240 of the first cleaner 200 and check whether the cleaner 200 is coupled at a correct position based on the determination result.

When the first cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling part 120, the control unit 400 may generate a pulse signal by turning on or off a supply of charging voltage to the first cleaner 200 from the cleaner station 100. Therefore, the control unit 400 may transmit information to the first cleaner 200. For example, the control unit 400 may provide the first cleaner 200 with the information indicating that the first cleaner 200 is coupled to the cleaner station 100.

When the control unit 400 determines that the first cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling part 120, the control unit 400 may operate the fixing part motor 133 to fix the first cleaner 200. When the fixing members 131 or the fixing part links 135 are moved to the predetermined fixing point FP1, the fixing detecting part 137 may transmit a signal indicating that the first cleaner 200 is fixed. The control unit 400 may receive the signal indicating that the first cleaner 200 is fixed from the fixing detecting part 137 and determine that the first cleaner 200 is fixed. When the control unit 400 determines that the first cleaner 200 is fixed, the control unit 400 may stop the operation of the fixing part motor 133. Similarly, when the operation of emptying the dust bin 200 is ended, the control unit 400 may rotate the fixing part motor 133 in the reverse direction to release the first cleaner 200.

When the control unit 400 determines that the first cleaner 200 is fixed to the coupling part 120, the control unit 400 may operate the door motor 142 to open the door 141 of the cleaner station 100. When the door 141 or the door arm 143 reaches the predetermined opened position DP1, the door opening/closing detecting part 144 may transmit a signal indicating that the door 141 is opened. The control unit 400 may receive the signal indicating that the door 141 is opened from the door opening/closing detecting part 137 and determine that the door 141 is opened. When the control unit 400 determines that the door 141 is opened, the control unit 400 may stop the operation of the door motor 142. Similarly, when the operation of emptying the dust bin 200 is ended, the control unit 400 may rotate the door motor 142 in the reverse direction to close the door 141.

When the control unit 400 determines that the door 141 is opened, the control unit 400 may operate the cover opening motor 152 to open the discharge cover 222 of the first cleaner 200. As a result, the dust passage hole 121a may communicate with the inside of the dust bin 220. Therefore, the cleaner station 100 and the first cleaner 200 may be coupled to each other to enable a flow of a fluid of air and dust (e.g., coupling of the flow path).

When the guide frame 151e reaches the predetermined opened position CP1, the cover opening detecting part 155f may transmit a signal indicating that the discharge cover 222 is opened. The control unit 400 may receive the signal indicating that the discharge cover 222 is opened from the cover opening detecting part 155f and determine that the discharge cover 222 is opened. When the control unit 400 determines that the discharge cover 222 is opened, the control unit 400 may stop the operation of the cover opening motor 152.

The control unit 400 may operate the stroke drive motor 163 and the rotation drive motor 164 to control the lever pulling arm 161 so that the lever pulling arm 161 may pull the dust bin compression lever 223. When the arm movement detecting part 165 detects that the arm gear 162 reaches the maximum stroke movement position LP2, the arm movement detecting part 165 may transmit a signal, and the control unit 400 may receive the signal from the arm movement detecting part 165 and stop the operation of the stroke drive motor 163. When the arm movement detecting part 165 detects that the arm gear 162 is rotated to the position at which the arm gear 162 may pull the compression lever 223, the arm movement detecting part 165 may transmit a signal, and the control unit 400 may receive the signal from the arm movement detecting part 165 and stop the operation of the rotation drive motor 164.

In addition, the control unit 400 may operate the stroke drive motor 163 in the reverse direction to pull the lever pulling arm 161. In this case, when the arm movement detecting part 165 detects that the arm gear 162 reaches the position LP3 when the compression lever 223 is pulled, the arm movement detecting part 165 may transmit a signal, and the control unit 400 may receive the signal from the arm movement detecting part 165 and stop the operation of the stroke drive motor 163. Additionally, when the operation of emptying the dust bin 200 is ended, the control unit 400 may rotate the stroke drive motor 163 and the rotation drive motor 164 in the reverse direction to return the lever pulling arm 161 to the original position.

The control unit 400 may further control other components of the cleaning station 100. For example, the control unit 400 may operate the first joint drive part 174 and the second joint drive part 175 to join the roll vinyl film (not illustrated). Additionally, the control unit 400 may control the flow path switching valve 183 of the flow path part 180, such as to selectively open or close one or more of the first flow path 181 or the second flow path 182. Furthermore, the control unit 400 may selectively operate the dust collecting motor 191 to suck the dust in the dust bin 220. Furthermore, the control unit 400 may operate a display unit 500 to display a dust bin emptied situation and a charged situation of the first cleaner 200 or the second cleaner 300. A specific control process of the control unit 400 over time will be described below.

In certain examples, the cleaner station 100 according to the present disclosure may include the display unit (or display) 500. The display unit 500 may be disposed on the housing 110, disposed on a separate display device, or disposed on a terminal such as a mobile phone. The display unit 500 may include a display panel capable of outputting letters and/or figures. Furthermore, the display unit 500 may be coupled to a speaker capable of outputting voice signals and other sounds. 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 unit 500 and an associated audio speaker.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining a method of controlling the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. The method of controlling the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference, for example, to FIGS. 5 to 18.

The method of controlling the cleaner station according to the present disclosure may include one or more of a coupling checking step S10, a dust bin fixing step S20, a door opening step S30, a cover opening step S40, a dust bin compressing step S50, a dust collecting step S60, an additional dust bin compressing step S70, a dust collection ending step S80, a door closing step S90, a compression ending step S100, and a release step S110.

In the coupling checking step S10, whether the first cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling part 120 of the cleaner station 100 may be checked. For example, in the coupling checking step S10, when the first cleaner 200 is coupled to the cleaner station 100, the coupling sensor 125 disposed on the guide protrusion 123 may come into contact with the battery housing 230, and the coupling sensor 125 may transmit a signal indicating that the first cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling part 120. Alternatively or additionally, the coupling sensor 125 of a non-contact sensor type disposed on the sidewall 124 may detect the presence of the dust bin 220, and the coupling sensor 125 may transmit a signal indicating that the first cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling part 120. Furthermore, in the case in which the coupling sensor 125 is disposed on the dust bin guide surface 122, the dust bin 220 may push the coupling sensor 125 due to the weight of the dust bin 220, the coupling sensor 125 may detect that the first cleaner 200 is coupled to the cleaner station 100, and the coupling sensor 125 may transmit a signal indicating that the first cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling part 120. Therefore, in the coupling checking step S10, the control unit 400 may receive the signal generated by the coupling sensor 125 and determine that the first cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling part 120.

Additionally or alternatively, in the coupling checking step S10 according to the present disclosure, the control unit 400 may determine whether the first cleaner 200 is coupled to the cleaner station 100 on the basis of whether the charging part 128 supplies power to the battery 240 of the first cleaner 200. For example, in the coupling checking step S10, the control unit 400 may receive the signal indicating that the first cleaner 200 is coupled from the coupling sensor 125, and check whether the charging part 128 supplies power to the battery 240, thereby checking whether the first cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling part 120 of the cleaner station 100.

In the dust bin fixing step S20, when the first cleaner 200 is coupled to the cleaner station 100, the fixing member 130 may hold and fix the dust bin 220. For example, when the control unit 400 receives the signal which indicates that the first cleaner 200 is coupled, from the coupling sensor 125, the control unit 400 may operate the fixing part motor 133 in the forward direction so that the fixing member 131 fixes the dust bin 220. In this case, when the fixing member 131 or the fixing part link 135 is moved to the dust bin fixing position FP1, the first fixing detecting part 137a may transmit a signal indicating that the first cleaner 200 is fixed.

Therefore, the control unit 400 may receive the signal indicating that the first cleaner 200 is fixed from the first fixing detecting part 137a and determine that the first cleaner 200 is fixed. When the control unit 400 determines that the first cleaner 200 is sufficiently fixed, the control unit 400 may stop the operation of the fixing part motor 133.

In the door opening step S30, after the control unit 400 determines that the dust bin 220 is fixed, the door 141 may be opened. For example, when the control unit 400 receives the signal which indicates that the dust bin 220 is fixed from the first fixing detecting part 137a, the control unit 400 may operate the door motor 142 in the forward direction to open the dust passage hole 121a.

When the door arm 143 is moved by the door motor 142 to the opened position DP1 at which the first door opening/closing detecting part 144a is disposed, the first door opening/closing detecting part 144a may transmit a signal indicating that the door 141 is opened. Therefore, the control unit 400 may receive the signal indicating that the door 141 is opened from the first door opening/closing detecting part 144a and determine that the door 141 is opened. When the control unit 400 determines that the door 141 is sufficiently opened, the control unit 400 may stop the operation of the door motor 142.

In the cover opening step S40, when the door 141 is opened, the discharge cover 222 may be opened. For example, when the control unit 400 receives the signal indicating that the door 141 is sufficiently opened from the first door opening/closing detecting part 144a, the control unit 400 may operate the cover opening motor 152 in the forward direction to open the discharge cover 222. In this example, the discharge cover 222 may be opened from the dust bin main body 221.

When the guide frame 151e reaches the predetermined cover opened position CP1 at which the first cover opening detecting part 155fa is disposed, the cover opening detecting part 155f may transmit a signal indicating that the discharge cover 222 is sufficiently opened. For example, the control unit 400 may receive the signal indicating that the discharge cover 222 is sufficiently opened from the first cover opening detecting part 155fa and determine that the discharge cover 222 is sufficiently opened based on reeiveling the signal. When the control unit 400 determines that the discharge cover 222 is sufficiently opened, the control unit 400 may stop the operation of the cover opening motor 152.

In the dust bin compressing step S50, when the discharge cover 222 is sufficiently opened, the content inside the dust bin 220 may be compressed. In the dust bin compressing step S50, the dust in the dust bin 220 is compressed in advance before the dust collecting motor 191 operates, and as a result, there is an effect of preventing residual dust remaining in the dust bin 220 and improving efficiency in collecting the dust in the dust collecting motor 191. The dust bin compressing step S50 may include a first compression preparing step S51, a second compression preparing step S52, and a lever pulling step S53.

In the first compression preparing step S51, the lever pulling arm 161 or 2161 may be moved to the height at which the lever pulling arm 161 or 2161 may push the dust bin compression lever 223. For example, when the control unit 400 receives the signal indicating that the discharge cover 222 is sufficiently opened from the first cover opening detecting part 155fa, the control unit 400 may operate the stroke drive motor 163 or 2163 to move the lever pulling arm 161 or 2161 to a height equal to or higher than the height of the dust bin compression lever 223.

When the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 detects that the lever pulling arm 163 or 2163 is moved to the height equal to or higher than the height of the dust bin compression lever 223, the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 may transmit a signal indicating that the lever pulling arm 163 or 2163 is moved to the target position. In this example, the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 may transmit the signal when the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 detects that the arm gear 162 or the shaft 2166 reaches the maximum stroke movement position LP2. The control unit 400 may receive the signal from the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 and stop the operation of the stroke drive motor 163 or 2163.

In the second compression preparing step S52, the lever pulling arm 161 or 2161 may be rotated to the position at which the lever pulling arm 161 or 2161 may push the dust bin compression lever 223. For example, when the control unit 400 receives the signal indicating that the lever pulling arm 163 or 2163 is moved to the height equal to or higher than the height of the dust bin compression lever 223, from the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165, the control unit 400 may operate the rotation drive motor 164 or 2164 to move the lever pulling arm 161 or 2161 to the position at which the lever pulling arm 161 or 2161 may push the dust bin compression lever 223.

When the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 detects that the arm gear 162 or the shaft 2166 is rotated to the position at which the arm gear 162 or the shaft 2166 may pull the compression lever 223, the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 may transmit a signal indicating that the lever pulling arm 163 or 2163 is rotated to the target position. The control unit 400 may receive the signal from the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 and stop the operation of the rotation drive motor 164 or 2164.

In the lever pulling step S53, the lever pulling arm 161 or 2161 may pull the dust bin compression lever 223 at least once. For example, after the second compression preparing step S52, the control unit 400 may operate the stroke drive motor 163 or 2163 in the reverse direction to pull the lever pulling arm 161 or 2161. When the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 detects that the arm gear 162 or the shaft 2166 reaches the position LP3 when the compression lever 223 is pulled, the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 may transmit a signal indicating that the compression lever 223 is pulled. The control unit 400 may receive the signal from the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 and stop the operation of the stroke drive motor 163 or 2163.

In the dust collecting step S60, when the discharge cover 222 is opened and the inside of the dust bin 220 is optionally compressed, the dust collecting motor 191 may operate to collect the compressed dust from the dust bin 220. For example, when the control unit 400 receives a first signal indicating that the discharge cover 222 is opened from the first cover opening detecting part 155fa, and receives a second signal indicating that the compression lever 223 is pulled from the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165, the control unit 400 may operate the dust collecting motor 191. In the dust collecting step S60, the dust in the dust bin 220 may pass through the dust passage hole 121a and the first flow path 181 and then be collected in the dust collecting part 170. Therefore, the user may remove the dust in the dust bin 220 without a separate manipulation, and as a result, it is possible to provide improved convenience for the user.

In the additional dust bin compressing step S70, the inside of the dust bin 220 may be compressed during the operation of the dust collecting motor 191. For example, after the lever pulling step S53, the control unit 400 may operate the stroke drive motor 163 or 2163 in the forward direction to move the lever pulling arm 161 or 2161 to the height LP2 before the dust bin compression lever 223 is pulled. In this case, the dust bin compression lever 223 is also returned to the original position by the elastic member (not illustrated).

In this example, the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 may transmit the signal when the arm gear 162 or the shaft 2166 reaches the maximum stroke movement position LP2 again. The control unit 400 may receive the signal from the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 and stop the forward operation of the stroke drive motor 163 or 2163. Thereafter, immediately after the dust collecting motor 191 operates or when a predetermined time has elapsed after the operation of the dust collecting motor 191, the control unit 400 may operate the stroke drive motor 163 or 2163 in the reverse direction to pull the dust bin compression lever 223.

The additional dust bin compressing step S70 may be performed at least once. In this case, the number of times the additional dust bin compressing step S70 is performed may be preset, or the user may input the number of times through an input part (not illustrated). Alternatively, the control unit 400 may automatically set the number of times by detecting the amount of dust in the dust bin 220 using a sensor or the like. In the additional dust bin compressing step S70, since the dust in the dust bin 220 is compressed during the operation of the dust collecting motor 191, there is an effect of removing the dust remaining even during the operation of the dust collecting motor 191.

In the dust collection ending step S80, the operation of the dust collecting motor 191 may be ended when the dust collecting motor 191 operates for a predetermined time. For example, the control unit 400 may be embedded with a timer (not illustrated), and the operation of the dust collecting motor 191 may be ended when the control unit 400 determines that a predetermined time has elapsed. The operating time of the dust collecting motor 191 may be preset, or the user may input the operating time through an input part (not illustrated). Alternatively, the control unit 400 may automatically set the operating time by detecting the amount of dust in the dust bin 220 using a sensor or the like.

In the door closing step S90, the door 141 may be closed after the dust collection ending step S80. For example, after the control unit 400 stops the operation of the dust collecting motor 191, the control unit 400 may operate the door motor 142 in the reverse direction to close at least a part of the dust passage hole 121a. In this example of the door closing step S90, the operation of collecting dust from the dust bin 220 is ended, and then the door 141 may rotate to close the dust passage hole 121a. In this case, the discharge cover 222 supported by the door 141 may be rotated by the door 141 and fastened to the dust bin main body 221, such that the lower side of the dust bin main body 221 may be closed.

In certain examples, when the door arm 143 is moved to the closed position DP2 at which the second door opening/closing detecting part 144b is disposed, the second door opening/closing detecting part 144b may transmit a signal indicating that the door 141 is closed. Therefore, the control unit 400 may receive the signal indicating that the door 141 is closed from the second door opening/closing detecting part 144b and determine that the door 141 is closed.

When the control unit 400 determines that the door 141 is closed, the control unit 400 may stop the operation of the door motor 142. With this configuration, after ending the operation of collecting dust from the dust bin 220, the cleaner station 100 may automatically close the door 141 of the cleaner station 100 and simultaneously close the discharge cover 222 of the dust bin 220 of the first cleaner 200. As a result, the cleaner station 100 may block the flow path connection between the flow path part 180 of the cleaner station 100 and the internal space of the dust bin 220.

In the compression ending step S100, the lever pulling arm may be returned back to the original position after the door closing step S90. The compression ending step S100 may include a first returning step S101 and a second returning step S102. In the first returning step S101, the lever pulling arm 163 or 2163 may be rotated to the original position. For example, when the control unit 400 receives the signal indicating that the door 141 is closed from the second door opening/closing detecting part 144b, the control unit 400 may operate the rotation drive motor 164 or 2164 in the reverse direction to move the lever pulling arm 161 or 2161 to the original position.

When the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 detects that the arm gear 162 or the shaft 2166 rotates the compression lever 223 to the original position, the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 may transmit a signal indicating that the lever pulling arm 163 or 2163 is rotated to the target position. The control unit 400 may receive the signal from the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 and stop the operation of the rotation drive motor 164 or 2164.

In the second returning step S102, the lever pulling arm 163 or 2163 may be moved to the original position. For example, when the control unit 400 receives the signal indicating that the lever pulling arm 163 or 2163 is rotated to the target position, the control unit 400 may operate the stroke drive motor 163 or 2163 in the reverse direction to move the lever pulling arm 161 or 2161 to the original position (e.g., the position LP1 at which the lever pulling arm 161 or 2161 is coupled to the housing 110).

When the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 detects that the lever pulling arm 163 or 2163 is moved to the original position, the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 may transmit a signal indicating that the lever pulling arm 163 or 2163 is stroke-moved to the target position. In this example, the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 may transmit the signal when the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 detects that the arm gear 162 or the shaft 2166 reaches the initial position LP1. The control unit 400 may receive the signal from the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 and stop the operation of the stroke drive motor 163 or 2163.

In the release step S110, when the door 141 is closed, the fixing part motor 133 may be operated, such that the fixing member 131 may release the dust bin 220. For example, when the control unit 400 receives the signal indicating that the arm gear reaches the initial position LP1 from the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165, the control unit 400 may operate the fixing part motor 133 in the reverse direction to release the dust bin 220.

In this case, when the fixing member 131 or the fixing part link 135 is moved to the dust bin releasing position FP2, the second fixing detecting part 137b may transmit a signal indicating that the first cleaner 200 is released. Therefore, the control unit 400 may receive the signal indicating that the first cleaner 200 is released from the second fixing detecting part 137b and determine that the first cleaner 200 is released.

When the control unit 400 determines that the first cleaner 200 is released, the control unit 400 may stop the operation of the fixing part motor 133. With this configuration, when the dust passage hole 121a are closed by the door 141 of the cleaner station 100 and the discharge cover 222 of the dust bin 220 is closed, the flow path connection between the flow path part 180 of the cleaner station 100 and the internal space of the dust bin 220 are blocked, such that the dust bin 220 may be released, and the user may separate the first cleaner 200 from the cleaner station 100.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining the method of controlling the cleaner station according to the present disclosure in another example. The method of controlling the cleaner station will be described below with reference, for example, to FIGS. 5 to 19.

The method of controlling the cleaner station according to one embodiment includes the coupling checking step S10, the dust bin fixing step S20, the door opening step S30, the cover opening step S40, the dust collecting step S60, a dust bin compressing step S70′, the dust collection ending step S80, the door closing step S90, the compression ending step S100, and the release step S110.

In order to avoid a repeated description, the above-description related to the method of controlling the cleaner station according to different examples may be used to describe the coupling checking step S10, the dust bin fixing step S20, the door opening step S30, the cover opening step S40, the dust collection ending step S80, the door closing step S90, the compression ending step S100, and the release step S110.

In one example, the dust collecting step S60 may be performed after the cover opening step S40 (e.g., without dust bin compressing step S50). For example, in the dust collecting step S60, when the discharge cover 222 is opened, the dust collecting motor 191 may operate to collect the dust from the dust bin 220. For example, when the control unit 400 receives the signal indicating that the discharge cover 222 is opened from the first cover opening detecting part 155fa, the control unit 400 may activate the dust collecting motor 191 to generate a suction force.

In the dust collecting step S60, the dust in the dust bin 220 may pass through the dust passage hole 121a and the first flow path 181 and then be collected in the dust collecting part 170. Therefore, the user may remove the dust in the dust bin 220 without a separate manipulation, and as a result, it is possible to provide convenience for the user.

In addition, in the dust bin compressing step S70′ according to one embodiment, the dust bin 220 may be compressed during the operation of the dust collecting motor 191. The dust bin compressing step S70′ may include a first compression preparing step S71′, a second compression preparing step S72′, a lever pulling step S73′, and an additional pulling step S74′. For example, the first compression preparing step S71′ and the second compression preparing step S72′ may be performed after the operation of the dust collecting motor 191 or performed before the operation of the dust collecting motor 191.

In the first compression preparing step S71′, the lever pulling arm 161 or 2161 may be moved to the height at which the lever pulling arm 161 or 2161 may push the dust bin compression lever 223. For example, the control unit 400 may operate the stroke drive motor 163 or 2163 to move the lever pulling arm 161 or 2161 to a height equal to or higher than the height of the dust bin compression lever 223.

When the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 detects that the lever pulling arm 163 or 2163 is moved to the height equal to or higher than the height of the dust bin compression lever 223, the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 may transmit a signal indicating that the lever pulling arm 163 or 2163 is stroke-moved to the target position. In this example, the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 may transmit the signal when the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 detects that the arm gear 162 or the shaft 2166 reaches the maximum stroke movement position LP2. The control unit 400 may receive the signal from the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 and stop the operation of the stroke drive motor 163 or 2163 in response to the signal.

In the second compression preparing step S72′, the lever pulling arm 161 or 2161 may be rotated to the position at which the lever pulling arm 161 or 2161 may push the dust bin compression lever 223. For example, when the control unit 400 receives the signal indicating that the lever pulling arm 163 or 2163 is moved to the height equal to or higher than the height of the dust bin compression lever 223 from the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165, the control unit 400 may operate the rotation drive motor 164 or 2164 to move the lever pulling arm 161 or 2161 to the position at which the lever pulling arm 161 or 2161 may push the dust bin compression lever 223.

In the lever pulling step S73′, the lever pulling arm 161 or 2161 may pull the dust bin compression lever 223 at least once. For example, after the second compression preparing step S72′, the control unit 400 may operate the stroke drive motor 163 or 2163 in the reverse direction to pull the lever pulling arm 161 or 2161. In this case, when the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 detects that the arm gear 162 or the shaft 2166 reaches the position LP3 when the compression lever 223 is pulled, the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 may transmit a signal indicating that the compression lever 223 is pulled. The control unit 400 may receive the signal from the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 and stop the operation of the stroke drive motor 163 or 2163.

In the additional pulling step S74′, the lever pulling arm 161 or 2161 may additionally pull the dust bin compression lever 223. In this case, whether to perform the additional pulling step S74′ and the number of times the additional pulling step S54′ is performed may be preset, or the user may input, through an input part (not illustrated), whether to perform the additional pulling step S54′ and the number of times the additional pulling step S54′ is performed. Alternatively, the control unit 400 may detect the amount of dust in the dust bin 220 using a sensor or the like and automatically set whether to perform the additional pulling step S54′ and the number of times the additional pulling step S54′ is performed.

After the lever pulling step S73′, the control unit 400 may operate the stroke drive motor 163 or 2163 in the forward direction to move the lever pulling arm 161 or 2161 to the height LP2 before the dust bin compression lever 223 is pulled. In this case, the dust bin compression lever 223 may be also returned to the original position by the elastic member (not illustrated). In this example, the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 may transmit the signal when the arm gear 162 or the shaft 2166 reaches the maximum stroke movement position LP2 again. The control unit 400 may receive the signal from the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 and stop the forward operation of the stroke drive motor 163 or 2163.

Thereafter, after the dust collecting motor 191 operates or when a predetermined time has elapsed after the operation of the dust collecting motor 191, the control unit 400 may operate the stroke drive motor 163 or 2163 in the reverse direction to pull the dust bin compression lever 223. According to an example, since the dust bin compression lever 223 is pulled an appropriate number of times during the operation of the dust collecting motor 191, there is an effect of reducing the time it takes to empty the dust bin 220.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining a third embodiment of the method of controlling the cleaner station according to the present disclosure. This method of controlling the cleaner station according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference, for example, to FIGS. 5 to 20.

The depicted method of controlling the cleaner station according to an embodiment includes the coupling checking step S10, the dust bin fixing step S20, the door opening step S30, the cover opening step S40, a dust bin compressing step S50′, the dust collecting step S60, the dust collection ending step S80, the door closing step S90, the compression ending step S100, and the release step S110. In order to avoid a repeated description, the contents related to the coupling checking step S10, the dust bin fixing step S20, the door opening step S30, the cover opening step S40, the dust collection ending step S80, the door closing step S90, the compression ending step S100, and the release step S110 from the control method discussed with respect to FIGS. 18 and 19 will not be repeated and can be applied to the method depicted in FIG. 20.

In the control method of FIG. 20, the dust bin compressing step S50′ may include a first compression preparing step S51′, a second compression preparing step S52′, a lever pulling step S53′, and an additional pulling step S54′. In the first compression preparing step S51′, when the control unit 400 receives a signal indicating that the discharge cover 222 is opened from the first cover opening detecting part 155fa, the control unit 400 may move the lever pulling arm 161 or 2161 to the height at which the lever pulling arm 161 or 2161 may push the dust bin compression lever 223. For example, the control unit 400 may operate the stroke drive motor 163 or 2163 to move the lever pulling arm 161 or 2161 to a height equal to or higher than the height of the dust bin compression lever 223.

When a sensor (e.g., the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165) detects that the lever pulling arm 163 or 2163 is moved to the height equal to or higher than the height of the dust bin compression lever 223, the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 may transmit a signal indicating that the lever pulling arm 163 or 2163 is stroke-moved to the target position. In this example, the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 may transmit the signal when the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 detects that the arm gear 162 or the shaft 2166 reaches the maximum stroke movement position LP2. The control unit 400 may receive the signal from the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 and stop the operation of the stroke drive motor 163 or 2163.

In the second compression preparing step S52′, the lever pulling arm 161 or 2161 may be rotated to the position at which the lever pulling arm 161 or 2161 may push the dust bin compression lever 223. For example, when the control unit 400 receives the signal indicating that the lever pulling arm 163 or 2163 is moved to the height equal to or higher than the height of the dust bin compression lever 223 from the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165, the control unit 400 may operate the rotation drive motor 164 or 2164 to move the lever pulling arm 161 or 2161 to the position at which the lever pulling arm 161 or 2161 may push the dust bin compression lever 223.

When a sensor, such as the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165, detects that the arm gear 162 or the shaft 2166 is rotated to the position at which the arm gear 162 or the shaft 2166 may pull the compression lever 223, the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 may transmit a signal indicating that the lever pulling arm 163 or 2163 is rotated to the target position. The control unit 400 may receive the signal from the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 and stop the operation of the rotation drive motor 164 or 2164.

In the lever pulling step S53′, the lever pulling arm 161 or 2161 may pull the dust bin compression lever 223 at least once. For example, after the second compression preparing step S52′, the control unit 400 may operate the stroke drive motor 163 or 2163 in the reverse direction to pull the lever pulling arm 161 or 2161.

For example, when a sensor, such as the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165, detects that the arm gear 162 or the shaft 2166 reaches the position LP3 when the compression lever 223 is pulled, the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 may transmit a signal indicating that the compression lever 223 is pulled. The control unit 400 may receive the signal from the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 and stop the operation of the stroke drive motor 163 or 2163.

In the additional pulling step S54′, the lever pulling arm 161 or 2161 may additionally pull the dust bin compression lever 223. For example, a determination of whether to perform the additional pulling step S54′ and the number of times the additional pulling step S54′ is performed may be preset, or the user may input, through an input part (not illustrated), whether to perform the additional pulling step S54′ and the number of times the additional pulling step S54′ is performed. Alternatively, the control unit 400 may detect the amount of dust in the dust bin 220 using a sensor or the like and automatically set whether to perform the additional pulling step S54′ and the number of times the additional pulling step S54′ is performed.

After the lever pulling step S53′, the control unit 400 may operate the stroke drive motor 163 or 2163 in the forward direction to move the lever pulling arm 161 or 2161 to the height LP2 before the dust bin compression lever 223 is pulled. For example, the dust bin compression lever 223 may be returned to the original position by the elastic member (not illustrated). In this example, the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 may transmit the signal when the arm gear 162 or the shaft 2166 reaches the maximum stroke movement position LP2 again. The control unit 400 may receive the signal from the arm movement detecting part 165 or 2165 and stop the forward operation of the stroke drive motor 163 or 2163. Thereafter, after the dust collecting motor 191 operates or when a predetermined time has elapsed after the operation of the dust collecting motor 191, the control unit 400 may operate the stroke drive motor 163 or 2163 in the reverse direction to pull the dust bin compression lever 223.

In one embodiment, the dust collecting step S60 is performed after the dust bin compressing step S50′. Therefore, in the dust collecting step S60, when the discharge cover 222 is opened and the inside of the dust bin 220 is compressed a preset number of times, the dust collecting motor 191 may operate to collect the dust from the dust bin 220. According to one embodiment, since the dust collecting motor 191 may operate after the dust bin compression lever 223 is pulled an appropriate number of times, there is an effect of reducing the time it takes to empty the dust bin 220.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining a method of controlling the cleaner station according to another example of the present disclosure. The method of controlling the cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference, for example, to FIGS. 5 to 21. The method of controlling the cleaner station according to an embodiment includes the coupling checking step S10, the dust bin fixing step S20, the door opening step S30, the cover opening step S40, the dust collecting step S60, the dust collection ending step S80, the door closing step S90, the compression ending step S100, and the release step S110.

This method of controlling the cleaner station may be applied, for example, when the first cleaner having no dust bin compression lever 223 is coupled to the cleaner station 100 or when the dust bin needs to be quickly emptied. Whether to apply the method of controlling the cleaner station according to FIG. 21 may be set in advance or inputted by the user through an input part (not illustrated). Alternatively, whether to apply the method of controlling the cleaner station may be automatically set by the control unit 400 on the basis of whether the dust bin compression lever 223 is present which is detected by a sensor or the like. In this example of the method of controlling the cleaner station, the step of compressing the dust bin 220 is excluded, which makes it possible to most quickly empty the dust bin 220.

Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaner station and a method of controlling the cleaner station, which are capable of eliminating inconvenience caused because a user needs to empty a dust bin all the time. Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaner station and a method of controlling the cleaner station, which are capable of preventing dust from scattering when emptying a dust bin. Still another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaner station and a method of controlling the cleaner station, in which when a cleaner is coupled to the cleaner station, the coupling of the cleaner may be detected, the cleaner may be automatically fixed, a suction port (door) of the cleaner station may be opened, and a cover of a dust bin of the cleaner may be opened. Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaner station and a method of controlling the cleaner station, which are capable of providing convenience for a user by enabling the user to remove dust in a dust bin without a separate manipulation. Still yet another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaner station and a method of controlling the cleaner station, which are capable of removing an offensive odor caused by residual dust by preventing the residual dust from remaining in a dust bin.

Technical Solution

In order to achieve the above-mentioned and other aspects, a cleaner station according to the present disclosure may include: a housing; a coupling part disposed in the housing and including a coupling surface to which a first cleaner is coupled; a dust collecting part accommodated in the housing, disposed below the coupling part, and configured to capture dust in a dust bin of the first cleaner; a dust collecting motor accommodated in the housing, disposed below the dust collecting part, and configured to generate a suction force for sucking the dust in the dust bin; a fixing unit disposed on the coupling part and configured to fix the first cleaner; and a control unit configured to control the coupling part, the fixing unit, the door unit, the cover opening unit, the lever pulling unit, and the dust collecting motor.

In this case, the coupling part may further include a guide protrusion protruding from the coupling surface; and a coupling sensor disposed on the guide protrusion and configured to detect whether the first cleaner is coupled at an exact position. When the first cleaner is coupled at the exact position, the coupling sensor may transmit a signal indicating that the first cleaner is coupled. The fixing unit may include: a fixing member configured to move from the outside of the dust bin toward the dust bin in order to fix the dust bin when the first cleaner is coupled to the coupling part; and a fixing part motor configured to provide power for moving the fixing member.

The control unit may receive the signal, which indicates that the first cleaner is coupled, from the coupling sensor. When the control unit receives the signal, which indicates that the cleaner is coupled, from the coupling sensor, the control unit may operate the fixing part motor so that the fixing member fixes the dust bin.

The fixing unit may further include a fixing detecting part capable of detecting a movement of the fixing member. When the fixing detecting part detects that the fixing member is moved to the position at which the fixing member fixes the dust bin, the fixing detecting part may transmit a signal indicating that the dust bin is fixed. The control unit may receive the signal, which indicates that the dust bin is fixed, from the fixing detecting part and stop the operation of the fixing part motor. When at least a part of the cleaner is coupled at the exact position on the coupling part, the fixing part motor may operate to move the fixing member.

The cleaner station according to the present disclosure may further include a door unit including a door coupled to the coupling surface and configured to open or close a dust passage hole formed in the coupling surface so that outside air may be introduced into the housing. The door unit may include: the door hingedly coupled to the coupling surface and configured to open or close the dust passage hole; and a door motor configured to provide power for rotating the door. In this case, when the dust bin is fixed, the control unit may operate the door motor to open the dust passage hole. When the dust bin is fixed, the door motor may operate to rotate the door and open the dust passage hole.

The door unit may further include a door opening/closing detecting part configured to detect whether the door is opened or closed. When the door opening/closing detecting part detects that the door is opened, the door opening/closing detecting part may transmit a signal indicating that the door is opened. On the basis of whether power is supplied to the battery of the first cleaner, the control unit may check whether the first cleaner is coupled. The control unit may receive the signal, which indicates that the door is opened, and stop the operation of the door motor.

The cleaner station according to the present disclosure may further include 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 first cleaner is coupled; and a cover opening motor configured to provide power for moving the push protrusion. In this case, when the door is opened, the control unit may operate the cover opening motor to open the discharge cover.

The cover opening unit may further include a cover opening detecting part configured to detect whether the discharge cover is opened. When the cover opening detecting part detects that the discharge cover is opened, the cover opening detecting part may transmit a signal indicating that the discharge cover is opened. The control unit may receive the signal, which indicates that the discharge cover is opened, and stop the operation of the cover opening motor.

The cleaner station according to the present disclosure may further include a lever pulling unit accommodated in the housing and configured to stroke-move and rotate to pull a dust bin compression lever of the first cleaner. The lever pulling unit may include a stroke drive motor disposed in the housing and configured to provide power for stroke-moving the lever pulling arm. In this case, the control unit may operate the stroke drive motor to move the lever pulling arm to a height equal to or higher than a height of the dust bin compression lever. The lever pulling unit may further include an arm movement detecting part configured to detect a movement of the lever pulling arm.

When the arm movement detecting part detects that the lever pulling arm is moved to the height equal to or higher than the height of the dust bin compression lever, the arm movement detecting part may transmit a signal indicating that the lever pulling arm is stroke-moved to a target position. The control unit may receive the signal, which indicates that the lever pulling arm is moved to the target position, and stop the operation of the stroke drive motor.

Meanwhile, the lever pulling unit may further include a rotation drive motor configured to provide power for rotating the lever pulling arm. In this case, when the lever pulling arm is moved to the height equal to or higher than the height of the dust bin compression lever, the control unit may operate the rotation drive motor to rotate the lever pulling arm to a position at which an end of the lever pulling arm may push the dust bin compression lever.

When the lever pulling arm is moved to the height equal to or higher than the height of the dust bin compression lever, the rotation drive motor may operate. When the arm movement detecting part detects that the lever pulling arm is rotated to the position at which the lever pulling arm may push the dust bin compression lever, the arm movement detecting part may transmit a signal indicating that the lever pulling arm is rotated to a target position. The control unit may receive the signal, which indicates that the lever pulling arm is rotated to the target position, and stop the operation of the rotation drive motor.

Meanwhile, when the lever pulling arm is moved to the position at which the end of the lever pulling arm may push the dust bin compression lever, the control unit may operate the stroke drive motor in a direction in which the lever pulling arm pulls the dust bin compression lever. When the lever pulling arm is moved to the position at which the end of the lever pulling arm may push the dust bin compression lever, the stroke drive motor may operate.

When the arm movement detecting part detects that the lever pulling arm is moved to the target position when the compression lever is pulled, the arm movement detecting part may transmit a signal indicating that the lever pulling arm is pulled. The control unit may receive the signal, which indicates that the lever pulling arm is pulled, and stop the operation of the stroke drive motor. The control unit may operate the dust collecting motor and operate the stroke drive motor during the operation of the dust collecting motor so that the lever pulling arm pulls the dust bin compression lever at least once. The stroke drive motor may be operated at least once during the operation of the dust collecting motor.

After the operation of the dust collecting motor is ended, the control unit may operate the door motor in a direction in which the door is closed. The door motor may be operated after the operation of the dust collecting motor is ended.

After the operation of the dust collecting motor is ended, the control unit may operate the rotation drive motor to rotate and return the end of the lever pulling arm to the original position, and the control unit may operate the stroke drive motor to return the height of the lever pulling arm to the original position. When the door is closed, the control unit may operate the fixing part motor so that the fixing member may release the dust bin. The fixing part motor may operate when the door closes the dust passage hole.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned aspects, a method of controlling a cleaner station according to the present disclosure may include: a dust bin fixing step of holding and fixing, by a fixing member of the cleaner station, a dust bin of a first cleaner when the first cleaner is coupled to the cleaner station; a door opening step of opening a door of the cleaner station when the dust bin is fixed; a cover opening step of opening a discharge cover configured to open or close the dust bin when the door is opened; and a dust collecting step of collecting dust in the dust bin by operating a dust collecting motor of the cleaner station when the discharge cover is opened.

The method of controlling the cleaner station according to the present disclosure may further include a dust bin compressing step of compressing an inside of the dust bin when the discharge cover is opened. The dust bin compressing step may include: a first compression preparing step of stroke-moving a lever pulling arm of the cleaner station to a height at which the lever pulling arm may push a dust bin compression lever of the first cleaner; a second compression preparing step of rotating the lever pulling arm to a position at which the lever pulling arm may push the dust bin compression lever; and a lever pulling step of pulling, by the lever pulling arm, the dust bin compression lever at least once after the second compression preparing step.

The method of controlling the cleaner station according to the present disclosure may further include a compression ending step of returning the lever pulling arm to an original position after the dust bin compressing step. The compression ending step may include: a first returning step of rotating the lever pulling arm to the original position; and a second returning step of stroke-moving the lever pulling arm to the original position.

The method of controlling the cleaner station according to the present disclosure may further include a coupling checking step of checking whether the first cleaner is coupled to a coupling part of the cleaner station. The dust bin compressing step may be performed during the operation of the dust collecting motor. The dust collecting step may be performed after the dust bin compressing step.

The method of controlling the cleaner station according to the present disclosure may further include a door closing step of closing the door after the dust collecting step. The method of controlling the cleaner station according to the present disclosure may further include a release step of releasing the dust bin after the door closing step.

According to the cleaner station and the method of controlling 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 is coupled to the cleaner station, the coupling of the cleaner may be detected, the cleaner may be automatically fixed, a suction port (door) of the cleaner station may be opened, and the cover of the dust bin of the cleaner may be opened. 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.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on” another element or layer, the element or layer can be directly on another element or layer or intervening elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

Spatially relative terms, such as “lower”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “lower” relative to other elements or features would then be oriented “upper” relative to the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “lower” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, 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.

Embodiments of the disclosure are described herein with reference to cross-section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the disclosure. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments of the disclosure should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Any reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” etc., means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of such phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the purview of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other ones of the embodiments.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

- 10: Cleaner system
- 100: Cleaner station
- 110: Housing
- 120: Coupling part
- 121: Coupling surface
- 121
  a: Dust passage hole
- 130: Fixing unit
- 131: Fixing member
- 133: Fixing part motor
- 134: Fixing part gear
- 135: Fixing part link
- 140: Door unit
- 141: Door
- 142: Door motor
- 143: Door arm
- 150: Cover opening unit
- 151: Push protrusion
- 152: Cover opening motor
- 153: Cover opening gear
- 154: Gear box
- 160: Lever pulling unit
- 161: Lever pulling arm
- 162: Arm gear
- 163: Stroke drive motor
- 164: Rotation drive motor
- 170: Dust collecting part
- 180: Flow path part
- 181: First flow path
- 182: Second flow path
- 183: Flow path switching valve
- 190: Dust suction module
- 191: Dust collecting motor
- 200: First cleaner
- 210: Main body
- 212: Suction part
- 213: Dust separating part
- 214: Suction motor
- 216: Handle
- 220: Dust bin
- 222: Discharge cover
- 222
  c: Coupling lever
- 223: Dust bin compression lever
- 230: Battery housing
- 240: Battery
- 250: Extension tube
- 260: Cleaning module
- 300: Second cleaner
- 400: Control unit

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	18010029	Jul 2023	US
Child	18396341		US

CLEANER STATION AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME

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Abstract

Description

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Priority Claims (1)

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

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