VACUUM CLEANER STATION

Abstract

 The present disclosure relates to a cleaner station for suctioning dust stored in a dust bin of a cleaner to an inside thereof and the cleaner station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a suction flow path which is connected to the dust bin and through which air including dust flows by a suction operation of a dust collection motor, a chamber housing disposed under the suction flow path and having an accommodation space provided therein, and a dust chamber configured to separately store dust suctioned from the cleaner and detachably coupled to the chamber housing, wherein the dust chamber may be inserted into the chamber housing in a first direction and withdrawn in a second direction that is a direction opposite to the first direction, and a coupling member having a shape that is coupled by being fitted in a sliding manner may be provided on an inner surface of the chamber housing and an outer surface of the dust chamber.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cleaner station for suctioning dust stored in a cleaner into an inside thereof, and more specifically, to a cleaner station with reinforced sealing on a flow path of dust.

[Background Art]

[0002] In general, a cleaner is a home appliance for suctioning small trash or dust in a manner of suctioning air using electricity and filling the same in a dust bin inside a product and is commonly called a vacuum cleaner.

[0003] The vacuum cleaner may be classified into a manual vacuum cleaner for allowing a user to directly perform cleaning while moving the cleaner, and an automatic vacuum cleaner for performing cleaning while traveling by itself. Depending on the type of the vacuum cleaner, the manual vacuum cleaner may be classified into a canister-type vacuum cleaner, an upright vacuum cleaner, a hand vacuum cleaner, a stick-type vacuum cleaner, etc.

[0004] In the past, the canister-type vacuum cleaner was widely used as the household vacuum cleaner, but recently, the hand vacuum cleaner and the stick-type vacuum cleaner, which provide improved convenience of use by integrally providing a dust bin and a cleaner body, are increasingly being used.

[0005] The canister-type vacuum cleaner has a main body and a suction port connected by a rubber hose or a pipe and in some cases, may be used by inserting a brush into the suction port.

[0006] The hand vacuum cleaner is designed to maximize portability and has lightweight and a short length, and thus may have a limited cleaning area. Therefore, the hand vacuum cleaner is used to clean localized sites, such as on a desk, a sofa, or a vehicle interior.

[0007] A user may use the stick-type vacuum cleaner while standing to enable cleaning without bending down. Therefore, it is advantageous for cleaning a wide region while moving. While the hand vacuum cleaner cleans narrow spaces, the stick-type vacuum cleaner may clean wider spaces and clean high places out of reach. Recently, the stick-type vacuum cleaner has been provided in a module type to allow users to actively change a vacuum cleaner type for various purposes.

[0008] However, the stick-type vacuum cleaner has a small capacity of a dust bin for storing the collected dust, thereby causing the user's inconvenience having to empty the dust bin frequently. In general, a cleaner is a home appliance for suctioning small trash or dust in a manner of suctioning air using electricity and filling the same in a dust bin inside a product and is commonly called a vacuum cleaner.

[0009] The vacuum cleaner may be classified into a manual vacuum cleaner for allowing a user to directly perform cleaning while moving the cleaner, and an automatic vacuum cleaner for performing cleaning while traveling by itself. Depending on the type of the vacuum cleaner, the manual vacuum cleaner may be classified into a canister-type vacuum cleaner, an upright vacuum cleaner, a hand vacuum cleaner, a stick-type vacuum cleaner, etc.

[0010] In the past, the canister-type vacuum cleaner was widely used as the household vacuum cleaner, but recently, the hand vacuum cleaner and the stick-type vacuum cleaner, which provide improved convenience of use by providing a dust bin and a cleaner body, are increasingly being used.

[0011] The canister-type vacuum cleaner has a main body and a suction port connected by a rubber hose or a pipe and in some cases, may be used by inserting a brush into the suction port.

[0012] The hand vacuum cleaner is designed to maximize portability and has lightweight and a short length, and thus may have a limited cleaning area. Therefore, the hand vacuum cleaner is used to clean localized sites, such as on a desk, a sofa, or a vehicle interior.

[0013] A user may use the stick-type vacuum cleaner while standing to enable cleaning without bending down. Therefore, it is advantageous for cleaning a wide region while moving. While the hand vacuum cleaner cleans narrow spaces, the stick-type vacuum cleaner may clean wider spaces and clean high places out of reach. Recently, the stick-type vacuum cleaner has been provided in a module type to allow users to actively change a vacuum cleaner type for various purposes.

[0014] However, the stick-type vacuum cleaner has a small capacity of a dust bin for storing the collected dust, thereby causing the user's inconvenience having to empty the dust bin frequently.

[0015] As Patent Document 1, Korean Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-0074001 discloses a cleaning device including a vacuum cleaner and a docking station.

[0016] Patent Document 1 includes a vacuum cleaner including a dust collection bin for collecting a foreign substance, and a docking station connected to the dust collection bin to remove the foreign substance collected in the dust collection bin, in which the dust collection bin is provided to be docked to the docking station, and the docking station includes a suction device for suctioning the foreign substance and internal air in the docked dust collection bin.

[0017] In addition, the docking station of Patent Document 1 may further include a collecting unit for collecting a foreign substance, and the collecting unit is a component that may be separated from the docking station and when the foreign substance fully fills the collecting unit, a user may separate a dust bag disposed in the collecting unit from a flow path (first connection part) of air and replace the same.

[0018] In addition, the docking station of Patent Document 1 may further include an additional dust collection bin, and the additional dust collection bin may be disposed on the dust collection unit instead of the dust bag and separably coupled to the flow path (the first connection part and the second connection part).

[0019] However, in the docking station of Patent Document 1, both the dust bag and the additional dust collection bin are only described as being connected to the flow path, and sealing of the dust bag, the additional dust collection bin, and the flow path is not disclosed.

[0020] When the sealing is not sufficiently made for the flow path that is the flow path of air, dust may fly after leaking to a space between the storage parts (the dust bag, the dust collection bin, etc.) for storing dust and a housing for accommodating the storage part. This causes a user to clean the space therebetween for hygiene, resulting in inconvenience in use. In addition, when the flying dust enters other parts (e.g., motors with various functions) other than the storage parts, it causes a failure of the other parts.

[Disclosure]

[Technical Problem]

[0021] The present disclosure is directed to providing a cleaner station with reinforced sealing for a flow path of air.

[0022] In addition, the present disclosure is directed to providing a cleaner station, which allows a user to select various types of dust storage structures.

[Technical Solution]

[0023] To achieve the object, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaner station connected to a dust bin of a cleaner to suction dust from the dust bin, which may include a suction flow path which is connected to the dust bin and through which air including dust flows by a suction operation of a dust collection motor, a chamber housing disposed under the suction flow path and having an accommodation space provided therein, and a dust chamber configured to separately store dust suctioned from the cleaner and detachably coupled to the chamber housing.

[0024] In this case, the dust chamber may be inserted into the chamber housing in a first direction and withdrawn in a second direction that is a direction opposite to the first direction, and a coupling member having a shape that is coupled by being fitted in a sliding manner may be provided on an inner surface of the chamber housing and an outer surface of the dust chamber.

[0025] The coupling member may include a coupling rail disposed on each of left and right outer surfaces of the dust chamber, and a guide rail disposed at each of locations facing the coupling rail and provided in a shape that protrudes from left and right inner surfaces of the chamber housing to guide the movement of the coupling rail.

[0026] According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the chamber housing and the dust chamber may be constrained in directions of two or more axes orthogonal to each other by coupling the coupling rail to the guide rail.

[0027] In addition, the coupling rail may have a U shape with an open rear when viewed from a left surface or right surface of the dust chamber, and may be formed with an insertion part having a shape corresponding to the guide rail so that the guide rail is fitted.

[0028] According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the guide rail may have a larger area as it extends in a sliding insertion direction of the dust chamber based on a state when viewed from a side surface.

[0029] In addition, the guide rail may include one or more inclined surfaces formed in a sliding insertion direction of the dust chamber.

[0030] According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the chamber housing may further include an air hole through which air is introduced into an internal space of the chamber housing by a negative pressure.

[0031] According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, in a state in which the dust chamber has been coupled to the chamber housing, a first space, which is an internal space of the dust chamber, and a second space, which is a space between the outer surface of the dust chamber and the inner surface of the chamber housing, may be defined, and when the dust of the cleaner is suctioned, the air hole may form a pressure difference by which the dust chamber is moved in a sliding insertion direction between the first space and the second space.

[0032] According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the chamber housing may further include a connection flow path which is disposed in a sliding insertion direction of the dust chamber and through which air discharged from the chamber housing flows toward the dust collection motor.

[0033] According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the dust chamber may be selected from a first dust chamber and a second dust, which include different types of dust separation means, by a user.

[0034] In this case, a dust bag, which is made of a material through which air passes but dust does not pass as the dust separation means, may be detachably coupled to the first dust chamber.

[0035] In this case, the second dust chamber may include a mesh net configured to separate dust using a plurality of holes formed in an air flow path as the dust separation means.

[0036] In this case, the second dust chamber may include a cyclone part configured to separate dust using a cyclone flow as the dust separation means.

[Advantageous Effects]

[0037] According to the present disclosure, as the dust chamber moves along the coupling rail when sliding-coupled to the chamber housing, the dust chamber is constrained in the directions of the two or more axes orthogonal to each other. Therefore, it is possible to secure that the dust chamber is coupled to the correct location inside the chamber housing, thereby preventing dust from flying to the space other than the storage space.

[0038] In addition, according to the present disclosure, the air hole formed in the chamber housing forms the pressure difference between the first space that is the space inside the dust chamber and the second space that is the space between the dust chamber and the chamber housing, and the dust chamber is moved by the pressure difference in the direction in which the sealing between the dust chamber and the chamber housing is reinforced. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the dust from flying to the space other than the storage space.

[0039] In addition, according to the present disclosure, since various compatible dust chambers are separably provided, there is an advantage that the user can select the preferred dust collection method.

[0040] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described effects, and other effects that are not described will be able to be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the above detailed description.

[Description of Drawings]

[0041] 

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a dust removal system including a cleaner station and a cleaner according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a shape in which the cleaner is coupled to the cleaner station and an inside of a side surface of the cleaner station according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a dust bin opening/closing structure of the cleaner according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a cover opening unit according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a door unit according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing dust chambers having different dust separation structures and a chamber housing to which the dust chamber is detachably coupled together according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a state viewed from the rear of the chamber housing according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a state viewed from the rear of a second dust chamber according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a state viewed from the rear of a first dust chamber according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a coupling rail that is a coupling member of the dust chamber according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a guide rail that is a coupling member of the chamber housing according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are schematic views showing a state in which a location of the dust chamber is constrained by the coupling member to slide when the dust chamber is inserted into the chamber housing according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a view showing a flow path of air of the first dust chamber.

FIG. 15 is a view showing a flow path of air of the second dust chamber.

FIG. 16 is a schematic view showing a state in which the dust chamber is moved by a pressure difference formed by an air hole.

[Mode for Invention]

[0042] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] Since the present disclosure may have various changes and various embodiments, specific embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings and specifically described in the detail descriptions. This is not intended to limit the present disclosure to specific embodiments and should be construed to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the core idea and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a dust removal system including a cleaner station and a cleaner according to the present disclosure, FIG. 2 is a view showing a shape in which the cleaner is coupled to the cleaner station and an inside of a side surface of the cleaner station according to the present disclosure, FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a dust bin opening/closing structure of the cleaner according to the present disclosure, FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a cover opening unit according to the present disclosure, and FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a door unit according to the present disclosure.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a dust removal system 1 may include a cleaner station 10 and a cleaner 20.

[0046] The cleaner 20 may be coupled to a front of the cleaner station 10. More specifically, a cleaner body 2100 of the cleaner 20 may be coupled to the front of the cleaner station 10.

[0047] In this case, the front of the cleaner station 10 can be defined as a direction in which a coupling part 115, which is formed by recessing a main housing part 100 to be described below into a shape corresponding to the cleaner body 2100 of the cleaner 20, faces. A direction in which an opposite surface of the main housing part 100 faces with respect to the coupling part 115 can be defined as a rear.

[0048] First, a configuration of the cleaner body 2100 of the cleaner 20 according to the present disclosure will be briefly described.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 2, the cleaner body 2100 may include a suction part 2110 for providing a flow path through which air including dust may flow, a dust separation part 2120 communicating with the suction part 2110 to separate dust suctioned into an inside thereof through the suction part 2110, a suction motor 2130 for generating a suction force of suctioning the air, a handle 2140 gripped by a user, and a battery housing 2150 for accommodating a battery therein.

[0050] In addition, the cleaner body 2100 may further include a dust bin 2160.

[0051] Here, the dust bin 2160 may communicate with the dust separation part 2120 and store dust separated from the dust separation part 2120.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 3, the dust bin 2160 may include a discharge cover 2161. The discharge cover 2161 may include a cover body 2161a and a hinge part 2161b. The cover body 2161a may rotate about the hinge part 2161b to open and close the dust bin 2160. The hinge part 2161b may be disposed adjacent to the battery housing 2150. The discharge cover 2161 may be coupled to the dust bin 2160 through hook coupling.

[0053] Meanwhile, the dust bin 2160 may further include a coupling lever 2161c. The discharge cover 2161 may be separated from the dust bin 2160 through the coupling lever 2161c. The coupling lever 2161c may be disposed downward based on a state in which the cleaner 20 is coupled to the cleaner station 10. The coupling lever 2161c may elastically deform a hook formed to extend from the cover body 2161a to release the hook coupling between the cover body 2161a and the dust bin 2160 when an external force is applied.

[0054] Next, the cleaner station 10 according to the present disclosure will be described.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 2, the cleaner station 10 may include a main housing 100.

[0056] The main housing 100 is a component to which the cleaner 20 is coupled and may form an exterior of the cleaner station 10. Specifically, the main housing 100 may be formed in a pillar shape including at least one outer wall surface. As an example, the main housing 100 may be formed in a shape similar to a quadrangular pillar.

[0057] The main housing 100 may have a space formed therein to accommodate various parts.

[0058] The main housing 100 may include a ground support part 150. In this case, the ground support part 150 may be disposed toward the ground. A bottom surface of the ground support part 150 in contact with the ground may be not only disposed parallel to the ground, but also disposed to be inclined with respect to the ground at a predetermined angle. With this configuration, there is an advantage that a dust collection motor 200 accommodated inside the main housing 100 can be stably supported and the overall weight can be balanced even when the cleaner 20 is coupled.

[0059] In addition, the ground support part 150 may be in the form of a plate formed to extend from a bottom surface of the main housing 100 to increase an area in contact with the ground in order to prevent the cleaner station 10 from falling over and maintain balance.

[0060] The main housing 100 may include at least one outer wall surface as described above. As an example, the main housing 100 may include a first outer wall surface 110 on which the coupling part 115 is formed and further include a second outer wall surface 120, a third outer wall surface (not shown), and a fourth outer wall surface (not shown) sequentially disposed counterclockwise in a state of facing the first outer wall surface 110.

[0061] The coupling part 115 formed on the first outer wall surface 110 may be provided by recessing the first outer wall surface 110 to correspond to a shape of a portion in a direction in which the dust bin 2160 of the cleaner 20 is disposed. With this configuration, the portion of the cleaner 20 may be coupled to the cleaner station 10 and supported by the cleaner station 10.

[0062] The main housing 100 may be provided to be opened so that some of the parts accommodated therein are exposed. As an example, when viewing the cleaner station 10 from the front, a portion of the left of the first outer wall surface 110 may be opened toward the fourth outer wall surface 140, and a portion of the right of the first outer wall surface 110 may be opened toward the second outer wall surface 120.

[0063] Alternatively, as another example, a portion of the first outer wall surface 110 and a portion of the second outer wall surface 120 may be formed integrally and opened together toward the second outer wall surface 120, and a portion of the first outer wall surface 110 and a portion of the fourth outer wall surface 140 may be formed integrally and opened together toward the fourth outer wall surface 140.

[0064] The cleaner station 10 according to the present disclosure may further include a cover opening unit 500.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 4, the cover opening unit 500 is provided to open the discharge cover 2161 of the cleaner 20.

[0066] The cover opening unit 500 may include a push protrusion 510, a cover opening gear 520, and a cover opening motor (not shown).

[0067] The push protrusion 510 may be disposed at a location at which the coupling lever 2161c may be pressed when coupled to the cleaner 20. The push protrusion 510 may linearly reciprocate to press the coupling lever 2161c. Specifically, the push protrusion 510 may be coupled to the cover opening gear 520 and moved together by the movement of the cover opening gear 520.

[0068] The cover opening motor may provide power for moving the push protrusion 510 to the cover opening gear 520.

[0069] The cover opening gear 520 may be coupled to the cover opening motor and may move the push protrusion 510 using the power of the cover opening motor. More specifically, the cover opening gear 520 may include a first cover opening gear 521 for receiving rotational power from a shaft of the cover opening motor, and a second cover opening gear 522 engaged with the first cover opening gear 521 and transmitting the linear reciprocating movement to the push protrusion 510.

[0070] In this case, the first cover opening gear 521 may be configured as a pinion gear, and the second cover opening gear 522 may be configured as a rack gear.

[0071] That is, when the body 2100 of the cleaner 20 is fixed to the coupling part 115, the cover opening motor may separate the discharge cover 2161 from the dust bin 2160 by moving the push protrusion 510 through the cover opening gear 520.

[0072] The cleaner station 10 according to the present disclosure may further include a door unit 600.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 5, the door unit 600 may include a door 610, a door arm 620, and a door motor 630.

[0074] The door 610 may be coupled to the coupling part 115 by a hinge 605 and may rotate about the hinge 605 to open and close an inside and outside of the main housing 100.

[0075] More specifically, in a state in which the door 610 closes the inside of the main housing 100, when the door arm 620 pulls the door 610, the door 610 may be moved by rotating toward the inside of the main housing 100 of the cleaner station 10. Meanwhile, when the door arm 620 pushes the door, the door 610 may be moved by rotating toward an outside of the cleaner station 10.

[0076] The door motor 630 may provide power for rotating the door 610 to the door arm 620. Specifically, the door motor 630 may rotate the door arm 620 in a forward or reverse direction. Here, the forward direction may be a direction in which the door arm 620 pulls the door 610 toward the inside of the main housing 100. In addition, the reverse direction may be a direction in which the door arm 620 pushes the door 610 toward the outside of the main housing 100.

[0077] The door arm 620 may connect the door 610 to the door motor 630 and open and close the door 610 using the power generated from the door motor 630.

[0078] As an example, the door arm 620 may include a first door arm 621 and a second door arm 622. One end portion of the first door arm 621 may be coupled to the door motor 630. The first door arm 621 may be rotated by the power of the door motor 630. The other end portion of the first door arm 621 may be rotatably coupled to the second door arm 622. The first door arm 621 may transmit a force transmitted from the door motor 630 to the second door arm 622. One end portion of the second door arm 622 may be coupled to the first door arm 621. The other end portion of the second door arm 622 may be coupled to the door 610. The second door arm 622 may push or pull the door 610.

[0079] The cleaner station 10 according to the present disclosure may further include a suction flow path 700.

[0080] Here, the suction flow path 700 is a passage through which air including dust may flow. Therefore, when the discharge cover 2161 is separated from the dust bin 2160, the dust inside the dust bin 2160 may be collected into a dust chamber 300 to be described below through the suction flow path 700.

[0081] Meanwhile, the dust collection motor 200 may be accommodated inside the main housing 100 and disposed under the dust chamber 300. The dust collection motor 200 may be driven to generate a suction force in the suction flow path 700. Therefore, the dust collection motor 200 may suction dust inside the dust bin 2160 of the cleaner 20.

[0082] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing dust chambers having different dust separation structures and a chamber housing to which the dust chamber is detachably coupled together according to the present disclosure, FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a state viewed from the rear of the chamber housing according to the present disclosure, FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a state viewed from the rear of a second dust chamber according to the present disclosure, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a state viewed from the rear of a first dust chamber according to the present disclosure.

[0083] The cleaner station 10 according to the present disclosure may further include the dust chamber 300 and the chamber housing 800.

[0084] The dust chamber 300 will be described first. Before the description, axial directions for the dust chamber 300 and the chamber housing 800 are set with reference to FIG. 6 as follows.

[0085] First, a direction in which the dust chamber 300 slides (is inserted into or withdrawn from) with respect to the chamber housing 800 is defined as a y-axis. Hereinafter, a sliding insertion direction (direction d1) at the y-axis is set to a rear and a sliding withdrawal direction (direction d2) is set to a front, which may be referred to as a front-rear direction.

[0086] Next, one of the two axes orthogonal to the y-axis is defined as a z-axis. The z-axis is defined as a direction in which the suction flow path 700 is disposed in one direction and the dust collection motor 200 is disposed in the other direction. Hereinafter, a direction in which the suction flow path 700 is disposed in the z-axis direction is set to a top, and a direction in which the dust collecting motor 200 is disposed is set to a bottom, which may be referred to as a vertical direction.

[0087] Finally, the remaining axis orthogonal to both the y-axis and the z-axis is defined as an x-axis. Hereinafter, one direction of the x-axis is set to a left and the other direction is set to a right, which may be referred to as a left-right direction.

[0088] The dust chamber 300 is a component for storing dust suctioned from the inside of the dust bin 2160 of the cleaner 20 by the dust collection motor 200. The dust chamber 300 includes at least one dust separation structure capable of separating dust from the suctioned air.

[0089] The dust chamber 300 is accommodated inside the main housing 100. The dust chamber 300 is detachably coupled to the main housing 100. The dust chamber 300 is detachably coupled to the chamber housing 800 to be described below. When the main housing 100 or the chamber housing 800 is opened, the dust chamber 300 may be detached from the main housing 100 or the chamber housing 800.

[0090] The dust chamber 300 may be one selected by the user among a plurality of dust chambers 300 having different types of dust separation structures. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, one dust chamber selected from a first dust chamber 310 and a second dust chamber 330, which have different dust separation structures, by the user may be accommodated in the main housing 100 or the chamber housing 800.

[0091] In a possible embodiment, the dust chamber 300 may be provided with a dust bag as a dust separation means. The dust bag may be made of a material that allows air to pass therethrough but does not allow dust to pass therethrough. The dust bag may be detachably coupled to an internal space of the dust chamber 300.

[0092] In a possible embodiment, the dust chamber 300 may include a mesh net as a dust separation means. The mesh net is a component in which a plurality of holes are formed and may be provided on an air flow path to separate dust based on a principle in which the dust may not pass through the hole when the air passes through the mesh net. The mesh net may be made of a metal material.

[0093] In a possible embodiment, the dust chamber 300 may include a cyclone part as a dust separation means. The cyclone part is a component including one or more cyclone bodies and may separate dust using cyclone movement occurring along an inner surface of the cyclone body. The cyclone body may have a cylindrical shape or cone shape.

[0094] The dust separation means that may be provided in the dust chamber 300 is not limited to the above-described examples. For example, the dust separation means may be a filter for adsorbing fine dust using electrostatic attraction.

[0095] Two or more dust separation means of the above-described examples may be included in one dust chamber 300.

[0096] In the present disclosure, an embodiment of the first dust chamber 310 coupled to a dust bag 3130 and the second dust chamber 330 including a mesh net 3320 and a cyclone part 3360 will be described. Detailed internal structures of the first dust chamber 310 and the second dust chamber 330 and air flow paths inside the dust chambers 310 and 330 will be described below.

[0097] In conclusion, a plurality of dust chambers 300 including different types of dust separation structures are detachably attached to the cleaner station 10. Therefore, there is an advantage that a user can select his or her preferred type of a dust storage structure.

[0098] For example, a user who prefers a periodically replaceable bag type as a dust separation structure can select the first dust chamber 310 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, a user who prefers a washable bin type as a dust separation structure can select the second dust chamber 330 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] Various types of the dust chamber 300 and the chamber housing 800 are provided with a coupling member that enables coupling therebetween. Various types of dust chambers 300 may be coupled by being inserted into the chamber housing 800 through the fitting-coupling using the coupling member so that the user's choice is wider.

[0100] The dust chamber 300 is coupled to the chamber housing 800 in a sliding manner. More specifically, the dust chamber 300 may be accommodated in the internal space of the chamber housing 800 by sliding along the first direction d1. The dust chamber 300 may be withdrawn outward from the internal space of the chamber housing 800 by sliding along the second direction d2 opposite to the first direction d1. The first direction d1 and the second direction d2 are directions parallel to the y-axis.

[0101] The dust chamber 300 is provided with introduction holes 3140 and 3340. Air including dust flows into the dust chamber 300 through the introduction holes 3140 and 3340. In the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9, shapes of the introduction holes 3140 and 3340 are shown as a circle, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0102] The introduction holes 3140 and 3340 are provided in an upper surface of the dust chamber 300. The upper surface of the dust chamber 300 is a surface disposed to face the suction flow path 700.

[0103] The dust chamber 300 is provided with discharge holes 3150 and 3350. The air from which dust has been separated is discharged outward from the dust chamber 300 through the discharge holes 3150 and 3350. In the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9, shapes of the discharge holes 3150 and 3350 are shown as a quadrangle, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0104] The discharge holes 3150 and 3350 are provided on a rear surface of the dust chamber 300. The rear surface of the dust chamber 300 is a surface disposed in the first direction d1.

[0105] Next, the chamber housing 800 will be described.

[0106] The chamber housing 800 has an accommodation space provided therein. The dust chamber 300 is coupled by being inserted into the accommodation space. In this case, the chamber housing 800 is accommodated in an internal space of the main housing 100. That is, the chamber housing 800 is accommodated inside the main housing 100, and the dust chamber 300 is accommodated inside the chamber housing 800. In this case, as described above, the dust chamber 300 may be provided to be detached from the chamber housing 800.

[0107] The chamber housing 800 may be provided to be detached from the main housing 100. As another example, the chamber housing 800 may be formed integrally with the main housing 100 and may not be detachably attached.

[0108] The chamber housing 800 may be disposed under the suction flow path 700. The chamber housing 800 may be disposed above the dust collection motor 200. That is, the suction flow path 700, the chamber housing 800, and the dust collection motor 200 are components that are all accommodated in the main housing 100 and may be sequentially disposed along the z-axis.

[0109] The chamber housing 800 may partition a space between the suction flow path 700 and the dust collection motor 200 of the internal space of the main housing 100 into a space for storing dust. The air including dust flowing through the suction flow path 700 flows into the dust chamber 300 accommodated in the chamber housing 800, and the air from which dust has been separated in the dust chamber 300 is discharged outward from the chamber housing 800 to flow toward the dust collection motor 200. The dust separated from the air is stored in the dust chamber 300.

[0110] An introduction hole 8300 is provided in the chamber housing 800.

[0111] The introduction hole 8300 is provided in an upper surface of the chamber housing 800. The upper surface of the chamber housing 800 is a surface disposed to face the suction flow path 700. In the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7, a shape of the introduction hole 8300 are shown as a circle, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0112] When the dust chamber 300 is inserted into the chamber housing 800, the introduction hole 8300 of the chamber housing 800 and the introduction holes 3140 and 3340 of the dust chamber 300 are connected vertically so that the suction flow path 700 communicates with the dust chamber 300. Therefore, when the dust collection motor 200 is driven, air may move from the suction flow path 700 to the inside of the dust chamber 300.

[0113] A discharge hole 8400 is provided in the chamber housing 800 (see FIGS. 14 and 15).

[0114] The discharge hole 8400 is provided in a rear surface of the chamber housing 800. The rear surface of the chamber housing 800 is a surface disposed in the sliding insertion direction of the dust chamber 300. The discharge hole 8400 may be provided at one end of a connection flow path 8600 to be described below.

[0115] When the dust chamber 300 is inserted into the chamber housing 800, the discharge hole 8400 of the chamber housing 800 and the discharge holes 3150 and 3350 of the dust chamber 300 are connected in the front-rear direction so that the dust chamber 300 communicates with the connection flow path 8600. Therefore, when the dust collection motor 200 is driven, the air discharged from the dust chamber 300 may move to the dust collection motor 200 through the connection flow path 8600.

[0116] The connection flow path 8600 is provided in the chamber housing 800. The connection flow path 8600 is a passage through which the air discharged from the dust chamber 300 flows. The connection flow path 8600 has one end coupled to the discharge hole 8400 of the chamber housing 800 and the other end opened toward the dust collection motor 200.

[0117] An air hole 8500 is provided in the chamber housing 800.

[0118] The air hole 8500 is a component for allowing external air to flow into the internal space of the chamber housing 800 when a negative pressure is generated in the internal space of the chamber housing 800. At least one air hole 8500 may be provided to pass through the chamber housing 800. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, two air holes 8500 are shown as being formed, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The air holes 8500 may be provided at an upper rear edge of the chamber housing 800.

[0119] The dust chamber 300 may be coupled to the chamber housing 800 in the sliding manner. To this end, a coupling member in the form of fitting-coupling may be provided on an inner surface of the chamber housing 800 and an outer surface of the dust chamber 300.

[0120] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a coupling rail that is a coupling member of the dust chamber according to the present disclosure, and FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a guide rail that is a coupling member of the chamber housing according to the present disclosure.

[0121] The coupling member includes coupling rails 3110 and 3310 provided in the dust chamber 300 and a guide rail 8100 provided in the chamber housing 800.

[0122] A shape of each of the coupling rails 3110 and 3310 and the guide rail 8100 is configured to be coupled by being fitted into each other. By coupling the coupling rails 3110 and 3310 to the guide rail 8100, the chamber housing 800 and the dust chamber 300 are constrained in two or more orthogonal axial directions.

[0123] Referring to FIGS. 6, 8, and 9, the coupling rails 3110 and 3310 may be disposed on left and right outer surfaces of the dust chamber 300, respectively.

[0124] A shape of the coupling rail 3110 of the first chamber 310 will be described with reference to FIG. 10 as follows.

[0125] The coupling rail 3110 may be formed in a U-shape with an open rear side when viewed from a left or right surface of the dust chamber 310. More specifically, the coupling rail 3110 may include a coupling rib 3111 formed by allowing the outer surface of the dust chamber 310 to protrude. The protruding shape of the coupling rib 3111 may be formed in a U-shape with an open rear side to surround the guide rail 8100 to be described below from the outside.

[0126] An insertion part 3112 surrounded by the coupling rib 3111 is formed on the coupling rail 3110. Since the guide rail 8100 needs to be fitted into the insertion part 3112, a shape of the insertion part 3112 corresponds to a shape of the guide rail 8100.

[0127] When the guide rail 8100 is fitted into open rear end portions of the left and right coupling ribs 3111, the dust chamber 300 slides in the first direction d1 while the coupling rib 3111 surrounds the guide rail 8100. Therefore, the dust chamber 300 may be inserted into the chamber housing 800.

[0128] The coupling member may further include an auxiliary rail provided on a lower portion of the coupling rail 3110. The auxiliary rail includes an auxiliary rib 3113 that is formed by the protruding outer surface of the dust chamber and connected to the coupling rib 3111. The auxiliary rail may be provided with an auxiliary insertion part 3114 surrounded by a portion of the lower side of the coupling rib 3111 and the auxiliary rib 3113.

[0129] Here, although the coupling rail 3110 provided in the first dust chamber 310 has been described, it goes without saying that the coupling rail 3310 of the second dust chamber 330 is also provided in substantially the same shape for coupling compatibility with the guide rail 800.

[0130] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 11, the guide rail 8100 may be disposed at each of locations facing the coupling rails 3110 and 3310. That is, the guide rail 8100 may be disposed on each of left and right inner surfaces of the chamber housing 800.

[0131] Referring to FIG. 11, the guide rail 8100 may be provided in a shape that protrudes from the left and right inner surfaces of the chamber housing 800. More specifically, the guide rail 8100 may be formed in a U-shape with the inside filled based on a state when viewing the chamber housing 800 from the left or right side surface. Therefore, the guide rails 8100 may be coupled by being fitted into the coupling rails 3110 and 3310 that are a U-shape in which only edges protrude.

[0132] The guide rail 8100 may have a larger area as it extends in the sliding insertion direction of the dust chamber 300. The area is an area when viewing the chamber housing 800 from the side surface. More specifically, based on when viewing the chamber housing 800 from the side surface, the guide rail 8100 may be formed to have an area in the first direction d1 larger than an area in the second direction d2.

[0133] Therefore, since a vertical width of the insertion part 3112 is greater than the vertical width of the guide rail 800 at the early stage the dust chamber 300 is inserted, even when a user does not insert the dust chamber 300 into a correct location, the coupling rail 3110 may be easily coupled to the guide rail 800.

[0134] The guide rail 8100 may include at least one inclined surface 8111. The inclined surface 8111 may be a surface that is in contact with the coupling rails 3110 and 3310 when the dust chamber 300 is inserted. The inclined surface 8111 may be formed in the sliding direction d1 of the dust chamber 300.

[0135] For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the inclined surface 8111 may be an upper surface of the guide rail 8100. When the upper surface of the guide rail 8100 forms the inclined surface 8111, an inclined direction is preferably rearward and upward. Therefore, when the dust chamber 300 is inserted, the sliding movement of the coupling rails 3110 and 3310 may be easily guided even with the user's small force.

[0136] As a shown embodiment, the inclined surface may be, for example, a lower surface of the guide rail 8100. When the lower surface of the guide rail 8100 forms the inclined surface, an inclined direction is preferably rearward and downward.

[0137] The coupling member may further include an auxiliary guide rail 8200 provided under the guide rail 8100 and formed by the protruding inner surface of the chamber housing 800. The auxiliary guide rail 8200 may be fitted into the auxiliary insertion part 3114.

[0138] FIGS. 12 and 13 are schematic views showing a state in which a location of the dust chamber is constrained by the coupling member to slide when the dust chamber is inserted into the chamber housing according to the present disclosure.

[0139] FIGS. 12 and 13 show the first dust chamber 310, and the second dust chamber 330 also operates in the same manner.

[0140] When the dust chamber 310 is inserted, a location of the dust chamber 310 in the z-axis direction is constrained by being aligned as the coupling rail 3110 is fitted into the guide rail 8100. When the location of the dust chamber 310 in the z-axis direction is aligned or constrained, it means that the introduction hole 3140 and the discharge hole 3150 of the dust chamber 310 are disposed at correct locations in the z-axis with the introduction hole 8300 and the discharge hole 8400 of the chamber housing 800.

[0141] When the dust chamber 310 is inserted, the guide rail 810 provided at each of the left and right sides is coupled by being fitted into the coupling rail 3110, and thus a location of the dust chamber 310 in the x-axis direction is constrained by being aligned. When the location of the dust chamber 310 in the x-axis direction is aligned or constrained, it means that the introduction hole 3140 and the discharge hole 3150 of the dust chamber 310 are disposed at correct locations in the x-axis with the introduction hole 8300 and the discharge hole 8400 of the chamber housing 800.

[0142] That is, the locations of the introduction hole 8300 of the chamber housing 800 and the introduction hole 3140 of the dust chamber 310, and the discharge hole 8300 of the chamber housing 800 and the discharge hole 3150 of the dust chamber 310 are constrained in two axial directions that are orthogonal to each other by the coupling members 8100 and 3110. Therefore, it is possible to prevent dust from flying out of the air flow path, thereby reinforcing sealing.

[0143] FIG. 14 is a view showing a flow path of air of the first dust chamber.

[0144] An internal structure of the first dust chamber 310 and a dust suction operation when the first dust chamber 310 is coupled to the chamber housing 800 will be described with reference to FIG. 14 as follows.

[0145] As described above, the dust bag 3130 is detachably coupled to the first dust chamber 310 (see FIG. 6).

[0146] The dust bag 3130 is a component for accommodating the dust suctioned from the cleaner 20 and storing the same therein. The dust bag 3130 may be slidably inserted into the fixed holder 3120 provided in the first dust chamber 310.

[0147] The dust bag 3130 may be provided so that dust is accommodated therein as a volume is increased when a suction force is generated by the dust collection motor 200. To this end, the dust bag 3130 may be made of a material that allows air to permeate but does not allow a foreign substance such as dust to permeate. As an example, the dust bag 3130 may be made of a nonwoven material and may have a hexahedral shape based on when the volume is increased.

[0148] Although not shown, an introduction hole is provided in the dust bag 3130 so that dust and air may be introduced together, and the introduction hole is connected to the introduction hole 8300 of the chamber housing 800 and the introduction hole 3140 of the dust chamber 310. Therefore, when an airflow is formed by the suction force of the dust collection motor 200, air containing dust may be suctioned through the suction flow path 700 and moved to the inside of the dust bag 3130. Then, only air escapes from the dust bag 3130 to the outside, and dust remains and is stored inside the dust bag.

[0149] The air that escapes from the dust bag 3130 is suctioned into the dust collection motor 200 through the connection flow path 8600.

[0150] FIG. 15 is a view showing a flow path of air of the second dust chamber.

[0151] An internal structure of the second dust chamber 330 and a dust suction operation when the second dust chamber 330 is coupled to the chamber housing 800 will be described with reference to FIG. 15 as follows.

[0152] The internal space of the second dust chamber 330 may be partitioned into a first flow part 3370, a second flow part 3380, and a third flow part 3390.

[0153] The mesh net 3320 and a dust cleaning part 3330 are disposed in the first flow part 3370, and dust with large particles is separated primarily.

[0154] The cyclone part 3360 is disposed in the second flow part 3380, and fine dust is separated secondarily.

[0155] The third flow part 3390 is a space in which air from which fine dust has been separated flows, and air flowing through the third flow part 3390 escapes the second dust chamber 330 and is suctioned into the dust collection motor 200 through the connection flow path 8600.

[0156] The second dust chamber 330 may include the mesh net 3320.

[0157] The mesh net 3320 is disposed on one surface of the first flow part 3370. The mesh net 3320 is a member having a plurality of holes formed therein and may be made of a metal material, but is not limited thereto. The mesh net 3320 serves to primarily remove dust with large particles. The large dust not passing through the mesh net 3320 is collected and stored at a lower side of the first flow part 3370.

[0158] The second dust chamber 330 may include the dust cleaning part 3330.

[0159] The dust cleaning part 3330 is disposed in the first flow part 3370. The dust cleaning part 3330 may include a rotational shaft 3331 disposed vertically and a cleaning plate 3333 connected to an outer circumferential surface of the rotational shaft 3331 to clean the mesh net 3320 while rotating. The cleaning plate 3333 may scrape the mesh net 3320 while rotating. Therefore, dust stuck to the mesh net 3320 can be removed, and dust filtration efficiency can be maintained.

[0160] The second dust chamber 330 may include the cyclone part 3360.

[0161] The cyclone part 3360 is disposed in the second flow part 3380. The second flow part 3380 communicates with the first flow part 3370 through the plurality of holes formed in the mesh net 3320. When air escaping from the first flow part 3370 through the mesh net 3320 flows into the cyclone part 3360, a cyclone flow occurs along an inner circumferential surface of a cyclone body, and fine dust is removed secondarily. The removed fine dust is collected and stored at a lower side of the second flow part 3380.

[0162] A plurality of cyclone bodies may be provided and disposed in parallel. Alternatively, the cyclone body may be provided as a single body. Meanwhile, since the principle of generation of the cyclone flow and the shape of the cyclone part 3360 shown in the present disclosure are not only well-known techniques but also are not related to the core idea of the present disclosure, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted herein.

[0163] FIG. 16 is a schematic view showing a state in which the dust chamber is moved by a pressure difference formed by an air hole.

[0164] Based on a state in which the dust chamber 310 and the chamber housing 800 have been coupled, an internal space of the dust chamber 310 is defined as a first space s1, and a space between an outer surface of the dust chamber 310 and an inner surface of the chamber housing 800 is defined as a second space s2.

[0165] A pressure difference occurs between the first space s1 and the second space s2 due to the suction force generated by the driving of the dust collection motor 200 and the presence of the air hole 8500.

[0166] More specifically, a pressure of the first space s1 is lowered due to the suction force generated by the dust collection motor 200. In contrast, since outside air is continuously introduced into the second space s2 by the air hole 8500 even when a negative pressure is generated, an atmosphere pressure is maintained. Therefore, when the dust collection motor 200 is driven, the second space s2 is always in a higher pressure state than the first space s1, and a pressure difference occurs between the first space s1 and the second space s2.

[0167] Due to the pressure difference, when the dust of the cleaner 20 is suctioned into the dust chamber 300, a force F is applied to the dust chamber 310 in a direction in which the suction force is applied. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, since the discharge hole 3150 and the connection flow path 700 are disposed in the sliding insertion direction d1, the force F also acts in the sliding insertion direction d1 of the dust chamber 310.

[0168] That is, the dust chamber 310 moves in the direction in which the force F acts, that is, in the sliding insertion direction d1.

[0169] The relationship between the movement of the dust chamber 310 and the sealing of the air flow path will be described as follows.

[0170] The driving of the dust collection motor 200 may cause vibrations in the dust chamber 310. In this case, the dust chamber 310, which is in a state of being not constrained in the y-axis direction, may move in the sliding withdrawal direction d2, thereby causing a sealing gap on the air flow path. When dust leaks and flies through the sealing gap, it may cause a hygiene problem and a component failure problem.

[0171] However, in a case where the air hole 8500 is formed in the chamber housing 800 as in the embodiment of the present disclosure, as described above, the pressure difference between the first space s1 and the second space s2 moves the dust chamber 310 in the sliding insertion direction d1, thereby removing the sealing gap. In this case, a pressure proportional to an area of a sealing face surrounding the discharge hole 3150 may be applied to the sealing face, thereby reinforcing the sealing between the dust chamber 310 and the chamber housing 800. When the sealing gap is removed, dust is prevented from flying out of the flow path, and thus the cleaner station 10 can be hygienically managed and component failure can be prevented.

[0172] Meanwhile, a separate sealing member may be disposed on the sealing face surrounding the introduction hole 3140 and the discharge hole 3150. However, since the provision of a sealing member, such as a gasket or an O-ring, on the sealing face is not only a well-known and publicly known technology but also is not related to the key technical idea of the present disclosure, it is not separately shown or described herein.

[0173] As described above, according to the present disclosure, as the dust chamber moves along the coupling rail when sliding-coupled to the chamber housing, the dust chamber is constrained in the directions of two or more axes orthogonal to each other. Therefore, it is possible to secure that the dust chamber is coupled to the correct location inside the chamber housing, thereby preventing dust from flying to the space other than the storage space.

[0174] In addition, according to the present disclosure, the air hole formed in the chamber housing forms the pressure difference between the first space that is the space inside the dust chamber and the second space that is the space between the dust chamber and the chamber housing, and the dust chamber is moved by the pressure difference in the direction in which the sealing between the dust chamber and the chamber housing is reinforced. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the dust from flying to the space other than the storage space.

[0175] In addition, according to the present disclosure, since various compatible dust chambers are separably provided, there is an advantage that the user can select the preferred dust collection method.

[0176] Although the specific embodiment of the present disclosure has been described and shown above, the present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, and those skilled in the art can change and modify the present disclosure to other specific embodiments in various ways without departing from the core idea and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should not be determined by the described embodiments but should be determined by the technical idea stated in the claims.

Claims

1. A cleaner station connected to a dust bin of a cleaner to suction dust from the dust bin, the cleaner station comprising:

a suction flow path which is connected to the dust bin and through which air including dust flows by a suction operation of a dust collection motor;

a chamber housing disposed under the suction flow path and having an accommodation space provided therein; and

a dust chamber configured to separately store dust suctioned from the cleaner and detachably coupled to the chamber housing,

wherein the dust chamber is inserted into the chamber housing in a first direction and withdrawn in a second direction that is a direction opposite to the first direction, and

a coupling member having a shape that is coupled by being fitted in a sliding manner is provided on an inner surface of the chamber housing and an outer surface of the dust chamber.

2. The cleaner station of claim 1, wherein the coupling member includes:

a coupling rail disposed on each of left and right outer surfaces of the dust chamber; and

a guide rail disposed at each of locations facing the coupling rail and provided in a shape that protrudes from left and right inner surfaces of the chamber housing to guide the movement of the coupling rail.

3. The cleaner station of claim 2, wherein the chamber housing and the dust chamber are constrained in directions of two or more axes orthogonal to each other by coupling the coupling rail to the guide rail.

4. The cleaner station of claim 2, wherein the coupling rail has a U shape with an open rear when viewed from a left surface or right surface of the dust chamber, and
is formed with an insertion part having a shape corresponding to the guide rail so that the guide rail is fitted.

5. The cleaner station of claim 2, wherein the guide rail has a greater vertical width as it extends in a sliding insertion direction of the dust chamber based on a state when viewed from a side surface.

6. The cleaner station of claim 2, wherein the guide rail includes one or more inclined surfaces formed in a sliding insertion direction of the dust chamber.

7. The cleaner station of claim 1, wherein the chamber housing further includes an air hole through which air is introduced into an internal space of the chamber housing by a negative pressure.

8. The cleaner station of claim 7, wherein in a state in which the dust chamber has been coupled to the chamber housing,

a first space, which is an internal space of the dust chamber, and a second space, which is a space between the outer surface of the dust chamber and the inner surface of the chamber housing, are defined, and

when the dust of the cleaner is suctioned, the air hole forms a pressure difference by which the dust chamber is moved in a sliding insertion direction between the first space and the second space.

9. The cleaner station of claim 1, wherein the chamber housing further includes a connection flow path which is disposed in a sliding insertion direction of the dust chamber and through which air discharged from the chamber housing flows toward the dust collection motor.

10. The cleaner station of claim 1, wherein the dust chamber is selected from a first dust chamber and a second dust chamber, which include different types of dust separation means, by a user.

11. The cleaner station of claim 10, wherein a dust bag, which is made of a material through which air passes but dust does not pass as the dust separation means, is detachably coupled to the first dust chamber.

12. The cleaner station of claim 10, wherein the second dust chamber includes a mesh net configured to separate dust using a plurality of holes formed in an air flow path as the dust separation means.

13. The cleaner station of claim 10, wherein the second dust chamber includes a cyclone part configured to separate dust using a cyclone flow as the dust separation means.

Drawing