DUST COLLECTION DEVICE AND DUST COLLECTION STATION INCLUDING THE SAME

BACKGROUND
Field

Various embodiments of the disclosure relate to a dust collection device and a dust collection station including the same.

Description of Related Art

Cleaning devices, such as vacuum cleaners or dust collection stations, are equipped with a dust collection device to collect dust. The dust collection device may have a sealed structure to collect foreign substances such as dust when the cleaning device is operating, and to prevent the collected foreign substances from escaping to the outside after the operation is completed for hygiene. For example, the dust collection device has a structure to be opened in one direction only when foreign substances enter a dust collecting bag.

The dust collection device may include an opening for introducing dust into the dust collection bag and an opening/closing cover for sealing the opening. The opening/closing cover may be formed of a material that may be deformed and/or restored. The opening may be opened and closed by deforming and/or restoring the opening/closing cover when the cleaning device operates.

However, when the opening/closing cover is used for a long time, the resilience of the opening/closing cover is deteriorated and the opening may not be sufficiently sealed, thereby causing a gap between the opening and the opening/closing cover. In this case, foreign substances or bacteria may exit through the gap between the opening and the opening/closing cover.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments of the disclosure may provide an opening/closing device including a cover rib contacting a protruding rib of a dust collection device from the outside when the dust collection device is sealed.

A dust collection device according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a support plate including an opening through which dust is introducible, a protruding rib extending downward from a circumference of the opening of the support plate, and an opening/closing device couplable to the support plate. The opening/closing device may include an opening/closing cover configured to open and close the opening of the support plate, while the opening/closing device is coupled to the support plate, and a cover rib protruding from an upper surface of the opening/closing cover and configured to contact the protruding rib while the opening of the support plate is closed by the opening/closing cover.

A dust collection device according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a support plate including an opening through which dust is introducible, a protruding rib extending downward from a circumference of the opening of the support plate, and an opening/closing device couplable to the support plate. The opening/closing device may include an opening/closing cover configured to open and close the opening of the support plate, while the opening/closing device is coupled to the support plate, and a rib groove recessed from an upper surface of the opening/closing cover and configured so that the protruding rib is inserted in the rib groove while the opening of the support plate is closed by the opening/closing cover.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the opening/closing device formed of an elastic material to open/close the opening of the dust collection device may include the cover rib. The cover rib may come in surface contact with the protruding rib while surrounding the protruding rib defining the opening when the opening/closing device operates. In this case, even if the resilience of the opening/closing device is reduced due to repeated use of the opening/closing device so that a gap occurs between the opening and the opening/closing cover, the gap may be blocked from the outside through a cover rib, and the sealing force of the dust collection device may be enhanced through the contact force between a protruding rib and the cover rib.

Effects of the present invention are not limited to the foregoing, and other unmentioned effects would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from the following description. In other words, unintended effects in practicing embodiments of the disclosure may also be derived by one of ordinary skill in the art from example embodiments of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used to denote the same or similar elements.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view illustrating a dust collection device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view illustrating a dust collection device from which a dust bag is removed according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view illustrating a support plate according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an opening/closing device of a dust collection device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a side view illustrating an open state of an opening/closing cover of a dust collection device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating a closed state of an opening/closing cover of a dust collection device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a dust collection device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating an opening/closing device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating an opening/closing device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view illustrating an opening/closing device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating an opening/closing device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a dust collection device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating an opening/closing device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating an opening/closing device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an opening/closing device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a side view illustrating a support plate according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating an opening/closing device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating an opening/closing device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a dust collection device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating an opening/closing device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a dust collection device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view illustrating a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 23 is a view illustrating a state in which a dust collection container of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the disclosure is connected to a dust collection station;

FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a dust collection station according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 25 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a dust collection station according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and

FIG. 26 is a view illustrating an inside of a dust collection housing according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein to particular embodiments and include various changes, equivalents, or replacements for a corresponding embodiment.

With regard to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements.

It is to be understood that a singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the things, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

As used herein, each of such phrases as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C,” may include all possible combinations of the items enumerated together in a corresponding one of the phrases.

As used herein, such terms as “1st” and “2nd,” or “first” and “second” may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another, and does not limit the components in other aspect (e.g., importance or order).

It is to be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to, with or without the term “operatively” or “communicatively”, as “coupled with,” “coupled to,” “connected with,” or “connected to” another element (e.g., a second element), it means that the element may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g., wiredly), wirelessly, or via a third element.

It will be further understood that the terms “comprise” and/or “have,” as used herein, 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.

It will be understood that when a component is referred to as “connected to,” “coupled to”, “supported on,” or “contacting” another component, the components may be connected to, coupled to, supported on, or contact each other directly or via a third component.

Throughout the specification, when one component is positioned “on” another component, the first component may be positioned directly on the second component, or other component(s) may be positioned between the first and second component.

The term “and/or” may denote a combination(s) of a plurality of related components as listed or any of the components.

Hereinafter, the working principle and embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view illustrating a dust collection device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view illustrating a dust collection device from which a dust bag is removed according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view illustrating a support plate according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an opening/closing device of a dust collection device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a dust collection device 100 may include a support plate 110, an opening/closing device 120, and a dust bag 130.

According to an embodiment, the support plate 110 may be configured to be detachably fixed in a cleaning device (e.g., a vacuum cleaner, a robotic cleaner, or a dust collection station) for sucking or collecting foreign substances such as dust. For example, the support plate 110 may be fixed to or separated from the cleaning device through various coupling structures such as a hook structure. In an embodiment, the support plate 110 may have a plate shape as a whole.

According to an embodiment, the support plate 110 may include an opening 111 and a protruding rib 112.

According to an embodiment, the opening 111 may be formed through the support plate 110. The opening 111 may be formed in a circular shape illustrated in FIG. 1, but the disclosure is not limited thereto and may be formed in various shapes such as a polygon. The opening 111 may function as an inlet through which foreign substances such as dust pass. For example, the opening 111 may communicate the dust bag 130 with the outside of the dust collection device 100.

According to an embodiment, the protruding rib 112 may be formed to extend downward (e.g., in the −z-axis direction) along the circumference of the opening 111. For example, the protruding rib 112 may be configured to surround the opening 111 on a lower side of the support plate 110. The protruding rib 112 may extend, e.g., from the outer circumferential surface of the opening 111 in a direction perpendicular to the support plate 110. The cross section of the protruding rib 112 cut along a plane (e.g., an x-y plane) parallel to the support plate 110 may correspond to the shape of the opening 111. For example, the protruding rib 112 may have an oval shape. For example, at least a portion of the protruding rib 112 may have an arc shape.

According to an embodiment, the protruding rib 112 may be integrally formed with the support plate 110, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the height of the protruding rib 112 may vary along the circumference of the opening 111. For example, the height of the protruding rib 112 may gradually increase along the circumference of the opening 111 from the rear (e.g., the −x-axis direction) toward the front (e.g., the +x-axis direction). The height of the protruding rib 112 may mean the length in the vertical direction (e.g., the −z-axis direction) from the support plate 110 to the lower end of the protruding rib 112. The cross section of the protruding rib 112 when the dust collection device 100 is cut along a plane (e.g., a x-z plane) perpendicular to the support plate 110 may have a shape inclined from the rear to the front. In this case, the angle between the support plate 110 and the lower end of the protruding rib 112 may be an acute angle.

In an embodiment, the angle between the support plate 110 and the lower end of the protruding rib 112 may vary depending on the maximum height of the protruding rib 112. For example, when the maximum height of the protruding rib 112 increases, the angle between the support plate 110 and the lower end of the protruding rib 112 may also increase. The resilience of the opening/closing device 120 to be described below may be adjusted using the maximum height of the protruding rib 112 and/or the angle between the support plate 110 and the lower end of the protruding rib 112 described above. For example, when the maximum height of the protruding rib 112 and/or the angle between the support plate 110 and the lower end of the protruding rib 112 increases, the resilience of the opening/closing device 120 may increase.

As the protruding rib 112 may have an inclined structure in which the height is not constant, resilience against deformation may be given to the opening/closing device 120, and accordingly, the protruding rib 112 and the opening/closing device 120 may come in tight contact with each other.

According to an embodiment, the support plate 110 may include a transparent cover 113 through which light may pass. The transparent cover 113 may be formed of, e.g., a material through which air does not pass. The transparent cover 113 may be provided at a position facing a light source device (not shown) (e.g., UV-LED) irradiating ultraviolet rays. The light source device may emit light to the dust bag 130 through the transparent cover 113 to kill bacteria inside the dust bag 130, thereby preventing bacterial growth in the dust bag 130.

According to an embodiment, the opening/closing device 120 may be configured to open and close the opening 111 of the support plate 110. For example, the opening/closing device 120 may open and close the opening 111 of the support plate 110 as one side of the opening/closing device 120 is coupled to the support plate 110 and the other side rotates about the one side.

According to an embodiment, the opening/closing device 120 may be formed of a material having elasticity such as rubber to be elastically deformable. The opening/closing device 120 may be formed of, e.g., a thermoplastic elastomer (e.g., thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV)) or silicone rubber.

According to an embodiment, the opening/closing device 120 may include a hinge portion 122 or an opening/closing cover 121.

According to an embodiment, the hinge portion 122 may be coupled to the support plate 110. In an embodiment, the hinge portion 122 may be press-fitted into the fitting portion 116 of the support plate 110. For example, an upper portion of the hinge portion 122 may be fitted to the fitting portion 116, and a lower portion thereof may be fixed by the fixing portion 114. In the opening/closing operation of the opening/closing device 120, as the hinge portion 122 is fixed by the fitting portion 116 and the fixing portion 114, the opening/closing device 120 may rotate about the hinge portion 122.

According to an embodiment, the opening/closing cover 121 may be connected to the hinge portion 122 to cover the opening 111. The opening/closing cover 121 may be integrally formed with the hinge portion 122.

According to an embodiment, the opening/closing cover 121 may be provided to cover the opening 111 of the support plate 110 and/or the opening 112a of the protruding rib 112. The opening/closing cover 121 may be provided to have a shape substantially the same as or larger than the opening 112a of the protruding rib 112 when coming in tight contact with the protruding rib 112. The opening/closing cover 121 may be provided such that, e.g., a horizontal projection area of the support plate 110 in a state of being in tight contact with the protruding rib 112 is substantially the same as or larger than that of the opening 111. During the opening/closing operation of the opening/closing device 120, communication between the outside of the dust collection device 100 and the dust bag 130 may be maintained or blocked by the opening/closing cover 121.

According to an embodiment, the dust bag 130 may be provided in the form of a dust collection bag or may be provided in the form of a dust collection container. The dust bag 130 may be detachably coupled to, e.g., the support plate 110. The dust bag 130 may collect foreign substances such as dust introduced from the outside of the dust collection device 100 through the opening 111 and the protruding rib 112. For example, the dust bag 130 may be formed of a material through which air passes but foreign substances do not pass.

FIG. 5 is a side view illustrating an open state of an opening/closing cover of a dust collection device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating a closed state of an opening/closing cover of a dust collection device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5, when a predetermined force or pressure is applied in a direction (e.g., a downward direction or a-z-axis direction) in which the upper surface 121a of the opening/closing cover 121 is pressed, the opening/closing cover 121 may be partially deformed or bent by the force or pressure to be opened, so that the outside and the inside (e.g., the dust bag 130 of FIG. 1) of the dust collection device 100 may communicate with each other. For example, the opening/closing cover 121 may be rotated downward (e.g., inside of the dust bag 130) by the force or pressure, moving away from the protruding rib 112.

When the opening/closing cover 121 is opened, a force (hereinafter, restoring force) may be generated in the opening/closing cover 121 to return to the original state, e.g., the state in which the opening/closing cover 121 and the protruding rib 112 are in tight contact with each other. Accordingly, in order to open the opening/closing cover 121, the force or pressure of pressing the upper surface 121a of the opening/closing cover 121 should be larger than the restoring force of the opening/closing cover 121.

The opening/closing cover 121 may be opened, e.g., when a cleaning device such as a vacuum cleaner or a dust collection station operates.

Referring to FIG. 6, when the force or pressure applied to the upper surface 121a of the opening/closing cover 121 becomes smaller than or equal to a predetermined level, the opening/closing cover 121 may be closed in tight contact with the protruding rib 112 by the restoring force, thereby blocking the outside and the inside (e.g., the dust bag 130 of FIG. 1) of the dust collection device 100. For example, the opening/closing cover 121 may be rotated upward by the restoring force to be close to the protruding rib 112.

The opening/closing cover 121 may be closed when, e.g., a cleaning device such as a vacuum cleaner or a dust collection station stops operating.

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a dust collection device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating an opening/closing device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating an opening/closing device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view illustrating an opening/closing device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a dust collection device showing a movement path (e.g., path (1) or path (2) of pests such as flour mites that reproduce and/or inhabit the dust bag 130.

In the closed state of the opening/closing device 120, the dust bag 130 may be sealed and blocked from the outside, and foreign substances such as dust collected and stored in the dust bag 130 may provide a good environment for pests such as flour mites sucked in during cleaning to reproduce and/or inhabit. Further, the restoring force (or sealing force) of the opening/closing cover 121 may be reduced by repeated opening/closing operations of the opening/closing device 120, resulting in a gap between the protruding rib 112 and the opening/closing cover 121, and pests such as flour mites may exit the dust collection device 100 through the gap between the protruding rib 112 and the opening/closing cover 121.

When the restoring force (or sealing force) of the opening/closing cover 121 is reduced due to the repeated opening/closing operation of the opening/closing device 120 and a gap between the protruding rib 112 and the opening/closing cover 121 is generated, pests such as flour mites may move along the inner surface of the dust bag 130, the lower surface of the support plate 110, and/or the circumferential surface of the protruding rib 112 and then come out to the outside of the dust collection device 100 through the gap between the protruding rib 112 and the opening/closing cover 121, as shown in movement path (1) of FIG. 7. As shown in the movement path (2) of FIG. 7, pests such as flour mites may move along the inner surface of the dust bag 130, the lower surface of the support plate 110, and/or the lower surface 121b of the opening/closing cover 121, and then come to the outside of the dust collection device 100 through the gap between the protruding rib 112 and the opening/closing cover 121.

As described above, the dust collection device 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may further include a trap device (or an obstacle structure) 141, 142, and 143 to prevent, catch, and/or attract pests such as flour mites that reproduce and/or inhabit inside the dust bag 130.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the trap device 141 and 142 according to an embodiment may be disposed on the upper surface 121a of the opening/closing cover 121. However, the placement position of the trap device 141 and 142 is not limited thereto, and the trap device 141 and 142 may be disposed on both the upper surface 121a and the lower surface 121b of the opening/closing cover 121, or may be disposed on any one of the upper surface 121a or the lower surface 121b.

According to an embodiment, the trap device 141 may be formed by applying an adhesive material to the upper surface 121a of the opening/closing cover 121. For example, the trap device 141 may be formed of an attractant such as pheromone, animal or vegetable liquid, or sugar for attracting pests, and an adhesive material such as polybutene and polyisobutylene for catching pests.

According to an embodiment, the trap device 142 may be configured to have a structure for interfering with movement of pests. For example, the trap device 142 may include a plurality of wires crossing each other to have a grid pattern.

Referring to FIG. 10, the trap device 143 according to an embodiment may be formed by applying a fluorescent material or a luminous material along the edge of the lower surface 121b of the opening/closing cover 121. For example, the trap device 143 may be formed of an ultraviolet fluorescent material such as fluorescein or rhodamine B to attract pests. For example, the trap device 143 may be formed of a strontium compound to attract pests.

In this case, the movement of the pests moving along the surface of the opening/closing cover 121 may be stopped by the trap devices 141, 142, and 143, thereby preventing the pests from coming to the outside of the dust collection device 100.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating an opening/closing device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a dust collection device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the dust collection device 120 according to an embodiment may include an opening/closing cover 121, a hinge portion 122, and a cover rib 123.

According to an embodiment, the cover rib 123 may be disposed on the upper surface 121a of the opening/closing cover 121.

According to an embodiment, the cover rib 123 may be provided to surround the protruding rib 112 from the outside and come into contact with the protruding rib 112 when the opening/closing device 120 comes in tight contact with the protruding rib 112 of the support plate 110 (or when the opening/closing device 120 is closed).

According to an embodiment, the cover rib 123 may be integrally formed with the opening/closing cover 121. In an embodiment, the cover rib 123 may protrude vertically from the upper surface 121a of the opening/closing cover 121. In an embodiment, the cover rib 123 may extend along the outer circumferential surface 1121 of the protruding rib 112 to surround the outer side of the protruding rib 112 when the opening device 120 and the protruding rib 112 of the support plate 110 come in tight contact with each other. For example, the cover rib 123 may be formed to extend in a predetermined section along the circumferential direction of a virtual circle C having the center of curvature and/or the radius of curvature substantially identical to the center of curvature and/or the radius of curvature around the lower end portion of the protruding rib 112. For example, the cover rib 123 may have an arc shape when the opening/closing device 120 is viewed from above.

According to an embodiment, the height of the cover rib 123 may vary along the outer circumferential surface 1121 of the protruding rib 112 when the opening device 120 and the protruding rib 112 of the support plate 110 come in tight contact with each other. For example, the height of the cover rib 123 may be changed to correspond to a change in the height of the protruding rib 112. For example, the partial height of the cover rib 123 contacting the protruding rib 112 when the opening/closing device 120 and the protruding rib 112 of the supporting plate 110 come in tight contact with each other may be designed to be substantially equal to or smaller than the partial height of the protruding rib 112. For example, as described above, when the height of the protruding rib 112 increases from the rear to front, the height of the cover rib 123 may also gradually increase along the outer circumferential surface 1121 (or the virtual circle C) of the protruding rib 112 from the rear to front.

According to an embodiment, the cover rib 123 may include an inner surface 123a facing and contacting the outer circumferential surface 1121 of the protruding rib 112 when the opening device 120 and the protruding rib 112 of the support plate 110 come in tight contact with each other, and an outer surface 123b opposite to the inner surface 123a.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, when the opening/closing device 120 and the protruding rib 112 of the support plate 110 come in tight contact with each other, the protruding rib 112 and the cover rib 123 may come in surface contact with each other, thereby enhancing the sealing force between the opening/closing device 120 and the support plate 110, and compensating for the decrease in the sealing force when a decrease in restoring force occurs due to the repeated opening/closing operation of the opening/closing device 120.

FIGS. 13, 14, and 17 illustrate the opening/closing devices 220, 320, and 420 including the cover rib 223, 323, and 423 having a teeth shape and structure. Through the structure of the cover rib 223, 323, and 423, interference between the cover rib 223, 323, and 423 and foreign substances caused during the suction operation of the dust collection station 1000 may be reduced.

Hereinafter, a detailed structure of the cover rib 223, 323, and 423 is described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 17.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating an opening/closing device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 13, the opening/closing device 220 according to an embodiment may include an opening/closing cover 121, a hinge portion 122, and a cover rib 223.

According to an embodiment, the cover rib 223 may be provided to surround the protruding rib 112 from the outside and come into contact with the protruding rib 112 when the opening/closing device 220 comes in tight contact with the protruding rib 112 of the support plate 110 (or when the opening/closing device 220 is closed).

According to an embodiment, the cover rib 223 may include a plurality of teeth portions 2231 and a plurality of recess portions 2232 disposed between the plurality of teeth portions 2231.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of teeth portions 2231 may protrude vertically from the upper surface 121a of the opening/closing cover 121. In an embodiment, the plurality of teeth portions 2231 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other along the outer circumferential surface 1121 of the protruding rib 112 to surround the outer side of the protruding rib 112 when the opening/closing device 220 and the protruding rib 112 of the support plate 110 come in tight contact with each other. For example, the plurality of teeth portions 2231 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of a virtual circle having substantially the same center of curvature and/or radius of curvature as the center of curvature and/or radius of curvature around the lower end portion of the protruding rib 112.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of recess portions 2232 may be recessed between the plurality of teeth portions 2231. For example, each of the plurality of recess portions 2232 may be recessed from the upper surface of the cover rib 223 to a predetermined depth between the plurality of teeth portions 2231. In an embodiment, when the opening/closing device 220 and the protruding rib 112 of the support plate 110 come in tight contact with each other, the plurality of recess portions 2232 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other along the outer circumferential surface 1121 of the protruding rib 112 to surround the outer side of the protruding rib 112 in a manner substantially identical or similar to the plurality of teeth 2231.

Comparing the cover rib 123 of the opening/closing device 120 illustrated in FIG. 11 with the cover rib 223 of FIG. 13, when the opening/closing device 220 and the protruding rib 112 of the support plate 110 come in tight contact with each other, the contact area between the cover rib 223 and the protruding rib 112 is reduced as the plurality of recesses 2232 are formed, thereby solving the problem that the opening/closing device 220 malfunctions due to excessive sealing force (e.g., the problem that the opening/closing device 220 may not be opened when the dust collection station 1000 of FIG. 22 to be described below operates). As a result, the sealing force of the opening/closing device 220 may be adjusted by adjusting the contact area between the cover rib 223 and the protruding rib 112. For example, the contact area between the cover rib 223 and the protruding rib 112 may be adjusted by the circumferential length of the cover rib 223 (or the curvature of the cover rib 223), the interval between the teeth portions 2231, the widths of the teeth portions 2231, the recessed depths of the recess portions 2232, the heights of the teeth portions 2231, and/or the thicknesses of the teeth portions 2231.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating an opening/closing device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an opening/closing device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a side view illustrating a support plate according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the opening/closing device 320 according to an embodiment may include an opening/closing cover 121, a hinge portion 122, and a cover rib 323.

According to an embodiment, the cover rib 323 may be provided to surround the protruding rib 112 from the outside and come into contact with the protruding rib 112 when the opening/closing device 320 comes in tight contact with the protruding rib 112 of the support plate 110 (or when the opening/closing device 320 is closed).

According to an embodiment, the cover rib 323 may include a plurality of teeth portions 3231, a plurality of stop portions 3232 respectively extending from the plurality of teeth portions 3231, and a plurality of recess portions 3233 disposed between the plurality of teeth portions 3231.

The plurality of teeth portions 3231 and the plurality of recess portions 3233 according to an embodiment may be configured to be substantially the same in structure, shape, and/or function as the plurality of teeth portions 2231 and the plurality of recesses 2232 of the cover rib 223 described above with reference to FIG. 13, and thus a detailed description of the plurality of teeth portions 3231 and the plurality of recess portions 3233 is omitted.

According to an embodiment, each of the plurality of stop portions 3232 may vertically extend inwardly from each of the plurality of teeth portions 3231. In an embodiment, the plurality of stop portions 3232 may come in contact with the protruding rib 112 when the opening/closing device 320 and the protruding rib 112 of the support plate 110 come in tight contact with each other. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of stop portions 3232 may include a vertical surface 3232a contacting the outer circumferential surface 1121 of the protruding rib 112 when the opening/closing device 320 and the protruding rib 112 of the support plate 110 come in tight contact with each other, and an inclined surface 3232b connected to the vertical surface 3232a. The vertical surface 3232a and the inclined surface 3232b of the stop portion 3232 may constitute an inner surface of the stop portion 3232 facing the protruding rib 112 when the opening/closing device 320 and the protruding rib 112 of the support plate 110 come in tight contact with each other.

As illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, when the cover rib 323 includes the plurality of stop portions 3232, as illustrated in FIG. 16, the protruding rib 112 according to an embodiment may include a stop groove 115 in which the plurality of stop portions 3232 are received when the opening/closing device 320 and the protruding rib 112 of the support plate 110 come in tight contact with each other. However, unlike that illustrated in FIG. 16, the protruding rib 112 according to an embodiment may not include the stop groove 115.

According to an embodiment, the stop groove 115 may be formed at a position facing the plurality of stop portions 3232. In an embodiment, the stop groove 115 may extend from the front to the rear along the outer circumferential surface 1121 of the protruding rib 112 to be recessed.

When the opening/closing cover 121 returns to its original position according to the opening operation of the opening/closing device 320, the plurality of stop portions 3232 and the stop groove 115 may be engaged with each other to guide the opening/closing cover 121 to its original position and stably support sealing of the opening/closing device 320.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating an opening/closing device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 17, the opening/closing device 420 according to an embodiment may include an opening/closing cover 121, a hinge portion 122, and a cover rib 423.

According to an embodiment, the cover rib 423 may be provided to surround the protruding rib 112 from the outside and come into contact with the protruding rib 112 when the opening/closing device 420 comes in tight contact with the protruding rib 112 of the support plate 110 (or when the opening/closing device 420 is closed).

According to an embodiment, the cover rib 423 may include a plurality of teeth portions 4231 disposed to be spaced apart from each other along the edge of the upper surface 121a of the opening/closing cover 121.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of teeth portions 4231 may protrude vertically from the upper surface 121a of the opening/closing cover 121. In an embodiment, the plurality of teeth portions 4231 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other along the outer circumferential surface 1121 of the protruding rib 112 to surround the outer side of the protruding rib 112 when the opening/closing device 420 and the protruding rib 112 of the support plate 110 come in tight contact with each other. For example, the plurality of teeth portions 4231 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of a virtual circle having substantially the same center of curvature and/or radius of curvature as the center of curvature and/or radius of curvature around the lower end portion of the protruding rib 112.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating an opening/closing device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a dust collection device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, the opening/closing device 520 according to an embodiment may include an opening/closing cover 521, a hinge portion 522, and a rib groove 523.

In an embodiment, the opening/closing cover 521 and the hinge portion 522 may be configured to be substantially the same in structure, shape, and/or function as the opening/closing cover 121 and the hinge portion 122 of the opening/closing device 120 illustrated in FIG. 4, and thus a detailed description of the opening/closing cover 521 and the hinge portion 522 is omitted.

According to an embodiment, the rib groove 523 may be formed to be recessed in the upper surface 521a of the opening/closing cover 521. In an embodiment, the rib groove 523 may be formed at a position facing the protruding rib 112 when the opening/closing device 520 and the protruding rib 112 of the support plate 110 come in tight contact with each other. In an embodiment, the rib groove 523 may be formed to extend from the front to the rear in a circular arc so that the lower end portion of the protruding rib 112 is received when the opening/closing device 520 and the protruding rib 112 of the support plate 110 come in tight contact with each other. For example, the rib groove 523 may have an arc shape when the opening/closing device 520 is viewed from above.

When the opening/closing device 520 and the protruding rib 112 of the support plate 110 come in tight contact with each other, at least a portion of the protruding rib 112, e.g., a lower end thereof, is fitted into or received in the rib groove 523, thereby enhancing the sealing force of the opening/closing cover 521 with respect to the protruding rib 112.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating an opening/closing device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a dust collection device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, the opening/closing device 620 according to an embodiment may include an opening/closing cover 521, a hinge portion 522, a rib groove 523, and a stopper (or obstacle structure) 524.

According to an embodiment, the stopper 524 may be provided to surround the rib groove 523. In an embodiment, the stopper 524 may extend along the circumference of the rib groove 523. In an embodiment, the stopper 524 may protrude to a predetermined height from the upper surface 521a of the opening/closing cover 521 to surround the rib groove 523 and have a step from the opening/closing cover 521.

When the opening/closing device 620 and the protruding rib 112 of the support plate 110 come in tight contact with each other, at least a portion of the protruding rib 112, e.g., a lower end thereof, is fitted into or received in the rib groove 523, and at the same time, the inner circumferential surface of the stopper 524 and the protruding rib 112 come in contact with each other, so that the sealing force of the opening/closing cover 521 with respect to the protruding rib 112 may be further enhanced.

Further, as described above with reference to FIG. 7, the movement of the pests moving along the surface of the opening/closing cover 521 may be stopped by the stopper 524, thereby preventing the pests from exiting the dust collection device 100.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view illustrating a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Here, the dust collection station 1000 may be a device that automatically discharges foreign substances collected in the dust collection container 15 of the vacuum cleaner 10.

Referring to FIG. 22, the cleaning device may include a vacuum cleaner 10 or a dust collection station 1000. The vacuum cleaner 10 may suck foreign substances on the surface to be cleaned and receive the foreign substances in the dust collection container 15. The dust collection station 1000 may remove the foreign substances from the dust collection container 15 and collect the foreign substances in a dust collection device (e.g., the dust collection device 1910 of FIG. 25).

According to an embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 10 may include a main body 11, an extension pipe (not shown), a suction unit (not shown), a filter housing 12, and a dust collection container 15.

According to an embodiment, the main body 11 may include a handle 14 to be gripped by the user to operate the vacuum cleaner 10. The user may grip the handle 14 to move the vacuum cleaner 10 in the front, rear, left, and right directions. A receiving space may be formed inside the main body 11.

According to an embodiment, the battery 16 may be provided inside the main body 11. The battery 16 may be provided to provide a power supply to, e.g., the vacuum cleaner 10. The battery 16 may be detachably mounted on, e.g., the main body 11.

According to an embodiment, an operation module 17 may be provided inside the main body 11. For example, at least a portion of the operation module 17 may protrude to the outside of the main body 11, and the user may operate a power button provided on the protruding portion to turn on/off the vacuum cleaner 10 or adjust the suction strength.

According to an embodiment, the main body 11 may include a dust collection guide 30 for guiding foreign substances sucked from the surface to be cleaned by the suction unit to the dust collection container 15. The dust collection guide 30 may be coupled to, e.g., an extension tube. As another example, the dust collection guide 30 may be directly coupled to the suction unit or may be coupled to other components such as an auxiliary suction unit.

According to an embodiment, the filter housing 12 may be provided in a substantially donut shape to receive a filter (not shown) therein. A HEPA filter may be disposed inside the filter housing 12, but is not limited thereto. The filter (e.g., a HEPA filter) may filter ultrafine dust or the like that is not filtered by the dust collection container 15. The filter housing 12 may include, e.g., a discharge port 13 to discharge air passing through the filter to the outside of the vacuum cleaner 10.

According to an embodiment, the dust collection container 15 may be detachably coupled to the main body 11. The dust collection container 15 may be disposed upstream of the air flow as compared with the suction motor provided inside the main body 11 to filter out and collect dust or dirt in the air introduced through the suction unit.

According to an embodiment, a portion of the dust collection container 15 of the vacuum cleaner 10 may be docked to the dust collection station 1000. When the dust collection container 15 is docked to the dust collection station 1000, the dust collection container 15 may be opened to discharge foreign substances therein.

FIG. 23 is a view illustrating a state in which a dust collection container of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the disclosure is connected to a dust collection station.

FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a dust collection station according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, the dust collection station 1000 may include a main body housing 1010, a dust collection housing 1900, a seating portion (e.g., the seating portion 1810 of FIG. 25), a suction device 1500, and a dust collection device (e.g., the dust collection device 1910 of FIG. 25). The dust collection device (e.g., the dust collection device 1910 of FIG. 25) included in the illustrated dust collection station 1000 may be identical in whole or part to the dust collection device 100 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 21. The dust collection device 100 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 21 may be included not only in the dust collection station 1000, but also in devices requiring a configuration for collecting and sealing and storing external foreign substances, such as the vacuum cleaner 10. Further, the illustrated dust collection housing 1900 may be provided in various cleaning devices to collect and seal foreign substances such as dust, as well as the dust collection station 1000. Hereinafter, an example in which the dust collection device 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 21 is included in the dust collection station 1000 is described.

According to an embodiment, the main body housing 1010 may include a receiving space therein and may form an outer appearance of the dust collection station 1000. The main housing 1010 may be configured to protect, e.g., components disposed therein from an external impact. The main housing 1010 may have, e.g., a columnar shape having a bottom surface of a specific shape. The main housing 1010 may have, e.g., a columnar shape long enough to allow the user to easily insert the dust collection container 15 into the seating portion (e.g., the seating portion 1810 of FIG. 25) without lowering the posture or bending the waist.

According to an embodiment, an input device 1200 capable of receiving an input from the user may be provided outside the main housing 1010. The input device 1200 may be disposed on, e.g., the main body housing 1010, but is not limited thereto. For example, the input device 1200 may be configured to turn on/off electronic devices in the dust collection station 1000 by a user input.

According to an embodiment, the main body housing 1010 may include a panel 1040 detachably provided on the front surface thereof. The panel 1040 may be disposed not only on the front surface but also on the side surface or the rear surface of the main housing 1010 to be detachable from the main housing 1010. The panel 1040 may be separated from, e.g., the main body housing 1010 to open the dust collection housing 1900 or the dust collection device (e.g., the dust collection device 1910 of FIG. 25), which is described below, and may easily replace the dust bag 1913 of the dust collection device (e.g., the dust collection device 1910 of FIG. 25).

According to an embodiment, a display device 1700 for displaying the operating state of the dust collection station 1000 may be provided in the main body housing 1010. The display device 1700 may correspond to, e.g., a light emitting diode (LED) panel for radiating light. The position and type of the display device 1700 are not limited to those described above.

FIG. 25 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a dust collection station according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 26 is a view illustrating an inside of a dust collection housing according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, a dust collection station 1000 may include a main body housing 1010, a dust collection housing 1900, a seating portion 1810, a suction device 1500, and a dust collection device 1910. The body housing 1010, the dust collection housing 1900, or the suction device 1500 illustrated may be identical in whole or part to the body housing 1010, the dust collection housing 1900, or the suction device 1500 of FIG. 23.

According to an embodiment, the seating portion 1810 may be a portion formed to seat the dust collection container 15 of the vacuum cleaner 10. The seating portion 1810 may be provided so that the dust collection container 15 of the vacuum cleaner 10 is inserted into a space that is open upward in the main housing 1010 to be seated on the seating portion 1810. The seating portion 1810 may be formed so that the dust collection container 15 is seated in a direction perpendicular to the ground, but is not limited thereto. The dust collection container 15 may be seated so that the dust collection container door 19 faces the seating portion 1810. When the dust collection container 15 is seated on the seating portion 1810, docking between the dust collection container 15 and the dust collection station 1000 may be completed. After the dust collection container 15 is docked to the dust collection station 1000, the dust collection container door 19 may be opened. Inside the seating portion 1810, e.g., a sensor for detecting whether the dust collection container 15 of the vacuum cleaner 10 is seated may be provided. Accordingly, when the dust collection container 15 is seated on the seating portion 1810, the dust collection station 1000 may identify the state in which the dust collection container 15 and the dust collection station 1000 are docked through the output value of the sensor. When the user seats the dust collection container 15 on the seating portion 1810, the user may seat the dust collection container 15 after separating the dust collection container 15 from the vacuum cleaner 10, or may seat the entire vacuum cleaner 10 without separating the dust collection container 15. When the dust collection container 15 is seated on the seating portion 1810, the dust collection container door 19 may be opened.

According to an embodiment, a cover 1030 for opening and closing an upper portion of the main housing 1010 may be provided on an upper portion of the seating portion 1810. For example, when the dust collection station 1000 does not operate, the cover 1030 may seal the inside of the dust collection housing 1900 to prevent dust from leaking out. For example, the cover 1030 may be opened and closed manually by the user's physical force, or may be opened and closed by a user input or may be automatically opened and closed.

According to an embodiment, the suction device 1500 may be disposed in the main body housing 1010 to generate airflow. The suction device 1500 may be disposed, e.g., under the main housing 1010. The airflow generated by operating the suction device 1500 may be transferred to the dust collection container 15 of the vacuum cleaner 10 through a suction flow path 1800. In other words, the suction airflow generated by the suction device 1500 may be transferred to the inside of the dust collection container 15 of the vacuum cleaner 10 along the dust collection device 1910 and the seating portion 1810 through the suction flow path 1800. The internal foreign substances may be discharged to the seating portion 1810 according to the airflow by the suction airflow transferred to the dust collection container 15 of the vacuum cleaner 10 and then collected in the dust collection device 1910 through the suction flow path 1800. Here, the suction flow path 1800 may be a space for forming an airflow between the suction device 1500 and the seating portion 1810.

According to an embodiment, the suction device 1500 may include a suction housing 1520, a suction fan 1530, and a suction motor 1510. The suction housing 1520 may be provided with a receiving space for receiving the suction fan 1530 or the suction motor 1510 therein. The suction housing 1520 may be disposed at a lower portion in the main body housing 1010. According to an embodiment, the suction housing 1520 may include a suction device cover 1540 that opens and closes the inside of the suction device 1500. The suction device cover 1540 may be provided to discharge, e.g., air sucked by the suction fan 1530. The suction fan 1530 may move air by, e.g., rotating. The shaft of the suction fan 1530 may be connected to, e.g., the suction motor 1510 and may be rotated by the operation of the suction motor 1510. The suction airflow formed by the suction fan 1530 may be supplied to the dust collection container 15 through the dust collection housing 1900 through the suction flow path 1800 in the inner space of the suction housing 1520. As such, the suction device 1500 may supply the suction airflow to the dust collection container 15 by rotating the suction fan 1530, and the air flowed by the suction fan 1530 may move from the dust collection container 15 to the outside through the dust collection housing 1900.

According to an embodiment, the dust collection housing 1900 may be disposed between the seating portion 1810 and the suction device 1500. The dust collection housing 1900 may be provided with, e.g., a dust collection door 1920 that may be opened or closed on one surface thereof. The dust collection door 1920 may be disposed on the same surface as the panel 1040 of the main body housing 1010. The user may easily replace the dust bag 1913 of the dust collection device 1910 by opening and closing the dust collection door 1920. An upper surface of the dust collection housing 1900 may be connected to the seating portion 1810, and a lower surface of the dust collection housing 1900 may be connected to the suction device 1500. The dust collection device 1910 may be provided on the upper surface of the dust collection housing 1900. The dust collection device 1910 may be fastened to the upper surface of the dust collection housing 1900 by, e.g., screwing.

According to an embodiment, the dust collection device 1910 may include a support plate 1911, an opening/closing device 1912, or a dust bag 1913. The support plate 1911, the opening/closing device 1912, or the dust bag 1913 of the dust collection device 1910 illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 26 may be identical in whole or part to the support plate 110, the opening/closing devices 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, and 620, or the dust bag 130 of the dust collection device 100 of FIGS. 1 to 21. Hereinafter, no duplicate description is given of the opening/closing device 1910.

The dust collection device 1910 may be provided, e.g., between the seating portion 1810 and the suction device 1500. The dust collection device 1910 may be disposed upstream of the air flow as compared with the suction device 1500. For example, when the dust collection station 1000 is operated, the opening 1911b of the dust collection device 1910 is opened, and when the operation of the dust collection station 1000 is stopped, the opening 1911b of the dust collection device 1910 is closed. In the dust collection device 1910, e.g., when the dust collection station 1000 does not operate, the opening 1911b stays closed.

The support plate 1911 may be fixedly disposed, e.g., in the main housing 1010. The opening 1911b formed in the support plate 1911 may form, e.g., a portion of the suction flow path 1800. In other words, foreign substances in the dust collection container 15 of the vacuum cleaner 10 may pass through the opening 1911b by the airflow generated by the suction device 1500. The opening 1911b may be, e.g., circular, but is not limited thereto. The support plate 1911 may be integrally formed with, e.g., the main body housing 1010, or may be separately manufactured and fastened to the main body housing 1010. The support plate 1911 may be slidably fitted to be simply replaceable from, e.g., the main housing 1010.

For example, a protruding rib 1911a having an inclined end portion may be formed in the opening 1911b. When the opening/closing device 1912 is closed, the opening/closing device 1912 may contact the end portion of the protruding rib 1911a, sealing the dust bag 1913.

The dust bag 1913 may be disposed, e.g., on the suction flow path 1800. When the suction device 1500 is operated, foreign substances discharged from the dust collection container 15 may be sucked into the dust bag 1913 through the suction flow path 1800.

According to an embodiment, the dust collection device 1910 may include a plurality of fastening grooves 1911c for coupling with the dust collection housing 1900.

According to an embodiment, the dust collection station 1000 may further include a flow adjusting device 1600. The flow adjusting device 1600 may be provided to selectively change, e.g., the suction airflow amount supplied to the dust collection container 15.

According to an embodiment, the flow adjusting device 1600 may include a flow path valve 1630 or a flow adjusting motor 1610. The flow path valve 1630 may be provided to open or close, e.g., the suction flow path 1800. The flow adjusting motor 1610 may be provided to transfer power to, e.g., the flow path valve 1630.

The flow adjusting device 1600 may be disposed, e.g., inside the main body housing 1010. The flow adjusting device 1600 may be provided between the dust collection device 1910 and the suction device 1500. The flow adjusting device 1600 may connect the dust collection device 1910 and the suction device 1500. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the flow adjusting device 1600 may be disposed between the dust collection device 1910 and a portion where the seating portion 1810 is connected. The flow adjusting device 1600 may open or close the suction flow path 1800 by adjusting the flow path valve 1630 by the power of the flow adjusting motor 1610.

According to an embodiment, the dust collection container 15 of the vacuum cleaner 10 may include a multi-cyclone 18, a first portion 15a, or a second portion 15b. The dust collection container 15 may include, e.g., a first portion 15a that collects relatively large foreign substances primarily captured, and a second portion 15b that collects relatively small foreign substances captured by the multi-cyclone 18. Spaces of the first portion 15a and the second portion 15b may be physically divided. The first portion 15a and the second portion 15b may be provided to be opened to the outside when the dust collection container door 19 is opened. Accordingly, foreign substances of the first portion 15a and the second portion 15b may be easily discharged to the seating portion 1810.

A dust collection device 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may comprise a support plate 110 including an opening 111 through which dust is introducible. The dust collection device 100 may comprise a protruding rib 112 extending downward from a circumference of the opening 111 of the support plate 110. The dust collection device 100 may comprise an opening/closing device 120, 220, 320, or 420 couplable to the support plate 110. The opening/closing device 120, 220, 320, or 420 may include an opening/closing cover 121 configured to open and close the opening 111 of the support plate 110, while the opening/closing device 120, 220, 320, or 420 is coupled to the support plate 110, and a cover rib 123, 223, 323, or 423 protruding from an upper surface 121a of the opening/closing cover 121 and configured to contact the protruding rib 112 while the opening 111 of the support plate 110 is closed by the opening/closing cover 121.

According to an embodiment, while the opening/closing device 120, 220, 320, or 420 is coupled to the support plate 110 and the opening 111 of the support plate 110 is closed by the opening/closing cover 121, the cover rib 123, 223, 323, or 423 may surround an outer circumferential surface 1121 of the protruding rib 112.

According to an embodiment, a height of the cover rib 123, 223, 323, or 423 may vary along a circumference of the cover rib 123, 223, 323, or 423.

According to an embodiment, the cover rib 223 or 323 may include a plurality of teeth portions 2231 or 3231 that protrude from the upper surface 121a of the opening/closing cover 121 and a plurality of recess portions 2232 or 3233 each disposed between the plurality of teeth portions 2231 or 3231.

According to an embodiment, the cover rib 423 may include a plurality of teeth portions 4231 protruding from the upper surface 121a of the opening/closing cover 121. Each of the plurality of teeth portions 4231 may be spaced apart from each other.

According to an embodiment, the cover rib 423 may further include a plurality of stop portions 3232 extending inward of a circumference of the cover rib 323 from an inner circumferential surface of the plurality of teeth portions 3231, respectively.

According to an embodiment, the protruding rib 112 may include a stop groove 115 recessed inward of a circumference of the protruding rib 112 from an outer circumferential surface 1121 of the protruding rib 112. The stop groove 115 may be configured to engage the plurality of stop portions 3232 while the opening/closing device 320 is coupled to the support plate and the opening 111 of the support plate 110 is closed by the opening/closing cover 121.

According to an embodiment, the protruding rib 112 may have an elliptical shape or an arc shape. The cover rib 123, 223, 323 or 423 may have an arc shape.

According to an embodiment, the opening/closing cover 121 may be an elastic material including at least one of thermoplastic vulcanizate or silicon rubber.

According to an embodiment, the opening/closing device 120, 220, 320, or 420 may further include a trap device 141 on the upper surface 121a of the opening/closing cover 121 and that includes an attractant or an adhesive material.

According to an embodiment, the opening/closing device 120, 220, 320, or 420 may further include a trap device 142 on the upper surface 121a of the opening/closing cover 121 that includes a plurality of wires which cross each other in a grid pattern.

According to an embodiment, the trap device 141 or 142 may be positioned inward of a circumference of the cover rib 223, 323, or 423.

According to an embodiment, the opening/closing device 120, 220, 320, or 420 may further include a trap device 143 on a lower surface 122a of the opening/closing cover 121 that includes a fluorescent material or a luminous material.

According to an embodiment, the trap device 143 may extend along an edge of the lower surface 122a of the opening/closing cover 121.

A dust collection device according to an embodiment of the disclosure may comprise a support plate 110 including an opening 111 through which dust is introducible. The dust collection device may comprise a protruding rib 112 extending downward from a circumference of the opening 111 of the support plate 110. The dust collection device may comprise an opening/closing device 520 or 620 couplable to the support plate 110. The dust collection device may include an opening/closing cover 121 configured to open and close the opening 111 of the support plate 110, while the opening/closing device 520 or 620 is coupled to the support plate 110. The opening/closing device 520 or 620 may include a rib groove 523 recessed from an upper surface 121a of the opening/closing cover 121 and configured so that the protruding rib 112 is inserted in the rib groove 523 while the opening 111 of the support plate 110 is closed by the opening/closing cover 121.

According to an embodiment, the opening/closing device 620 may include a stopper 524 surrounding the rib groove 523.

According to an embodiment, the rib groove 523 may have an arc shape.

According to an embodiment, the opening/closing cover 121 may be an elastic material including at least one of thermoplastic vulcanizate or silicon rubber.

According to an embodiment, the opening/closing device 520 or 620 may further include a trap device 141 on the upper surface 121a of the opening/closing cover 121 and that includes an attractant or an adhesive material.

According to an embodiment, the opening/closing device 520 or 620 may further include a trap device 142 on the upper surface 121a of the opening/closing cover 121 and that includes a plurality of wires which cross each other in a grid pattern.

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	PCT/KR2024/014091	Sep 2024	WO
Child	18921130		US

DUST COLLECTION DEVICE AND DUST COLLECTION STATION INCLUDING THE SAME

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CPC

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Abstract

Description

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Priority Claims (1)

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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