CLEANER STATION

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001]The present invention relates to a cleaner station, and more specifically, to a cleaner station capable of automatically opening and closing a dust bin cover of a cleaner to collect dust in a dust bin when coupled to the cleaner.

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 can have a limited cleaning area. Accordingly, 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. Accordingly, it is advantageous in cleaning a wide area 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, since conventional handheld vacuum cleaners and the stick-type vacuum cleaners have a small capacity of dust bins that store collected dust, there is inconvenience that a user needs to empty the dust bin every time.

[0009]In addition, when the dust bin is emptied, there is a problem that dust flies and has a harmful effect on the user's health.

[0010]In addition, there is a problem of lowering a suction force of the cleaner when the remaining dust in the dust bin is not removed.

[0011]In addition, there is a problem that odor caused by residues occurs when the remaining dust in the dust bin is not removed.

[0012]As Patent Document, Korean Laid-Open Patent No. 10-2022-0086482 discloses a cleaner station capable of automatically emptying a dust bin of a cleaner when coupled to the cleaner.

[0013]The cleaner station of Patent Document is configured to open a discharging cover of a dust bin of a cleaner and open a dust through-hole to connect an internal space of the dust bin to a flow path of the cleaner station when the cleaner is coupled to the cleaner station.

[0014]However, the cleaner station has a limitation that an additional component, such as an encoder, which can detect the rotation of a motor shaft is required to precisely rotate links.

[0015]In addition, there is a limitation that two links are fixedly coupled rotatably, causing inconvenience in assembling some of the links to a housing or replacing some of the links due to damage to a component.

[0016]In addition, since the cleaner station has a separate motor and sensor to fix the dust bin and requires the time to operate the motor and the sensor, there are limitations that the overall number of components increases and the total time required for dust collection increases.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

[0017]The present invention has been made in efforts to solve the above problems of a conventional cleaner station and cleaner system, and control method thereof and is directed to providing a cleaner station capable of removing dust in a dust bin without separate manipulation of a user, thereby providing user convenience.

[0018]In addition, the present invention is directed to providing a cleaner station capable of automatically controlling a discharging cover of a dust bin to connect or block an internal space of the dust bin and a flow path of the cleaner station when coupled to a cleaner.

[0019]In addition, the present invention is directed to providing a cleaner station capable of precisely operating a motor to control a discharging cover without using an encoder or the like.

[0020]In addition, the present invention is directed to providing a cleaner station capable of easily assembling or replacing links and preventing the links from being separated during operation.

[0021]In addition, the present invention is directed to providing a cleaner station capable of simplifying a process from when a cleaner is coupled to when a dust collection motor operates, thereby reducing the total dust collection time.

Technical Solution

[0022]To achieve the above objects, a cleaner station according to the present invention includes a housing, a coupling unit which is disposed in the housing and to which at least a portion of a dust bin of a cleaner is coupled, a dust bin cover control unit configured to open and close a discharging cover of the dust bin, a dust collection unit which is accommodated inside the housing, is disposed below the coupling unit, and collects dust inside the dust bin, and a dust collection motor which is accommodated in the housing, is disposed below the dust collection unit, and generates a suction force of suctioning the dust inside the dust bin, wherein the dust bin cover control unit includes a cover control motor, a link that rotates according to an operation of the cover control motor, and a cover control frame that comes into contact with the dust bin cover according to the rotation of the link.

[0023]In this case, the cover control motor may be a synchronous motor.

[0024]In addition, a link stopper that restricts a rotational path of the link may be formed in the housing, and a rotational direction of the link may be changed when coming into contact with the link stopper.

[0025]Accordingly, the link may be moved to an accurate position without an encoder.

[0026]Meanwhile, the link may include a first link connected to a shaft of the cover control motor, and a second link rotatably coupled to the first link and coupled to the cover control frame.

[0027]In this case, the link stopper may be disposed within a rotation radius of the first link. Accordingly, the first link may come into contact with the link stopper to restrict a rotational range of the first link.

[0028]A key hole may be formed in the second link, and a key protrusion coupled to the key hole may be formed in the first link. That is, the key hole of the second link and a key protrusion of the first link may be key-coupled. Accordingly, the first link and the second link may be not separated when not disposed at specific positions.

[0029]Meanwhile, a maximum length of the first link may be smaller than a maximum length of the second link.

[0030]In addition, the cover control may frame include a frame main body, a hinge unit disposed on one side of the frame main body and hinge-coupled to the housing, and a link coupling unit disposed on the other side of the frame main body and relatively, rotatably coupled to the second link, and a length from the hinge unit to the link coupling unit may be smaller than a rotation radius of the second link.

[0031]Accordingly, it is possible to strengthen a force of closing the discharging cover of the dust bin using the low-output cover control motor.

[0032]The first link may include a motor coupling unit in which a shaft of the cover control motor is accommodated, and a sensing protrusion may be formed to protrude from an outer surface of the motor coupling unit. That is, the cam structure may be introduced into the first link to detect the rotation position of the link.

[0033]The dust bin cover control unit may further include a cover control sensor configured to detect the link present at a predetermined position, and when the cover control sensor detects the link, the rotation of the link may be stopped. Accordingly, the link can be precisely controlled.

[0034]The cover control sensor may be a micro switch.

[0035]In addition, when the cover control sensor detects the link, the dust collection motor may be operated.

[0036]Meanwhile, regarding the operation of opening and closing the discharging cover of the dust bin, when the rotation of the link is stopped, the dust collection motor may be operated, and when the operation of the dust collection motor is terminated, the link may be re-rotated. Accordingly, the discharging cover may be closed after the operation of the dust collection motor.

Advantageous Effects

[0037]As described above, according to the cleaner station, cleaner system, and control method thereof according to the present invention, it is possible to eliminate the inconvenience of the user having to empty the dust bin every time.

[0038]In addition, when the cleaner is coupled, the cover control frame can be rotated to control the discharging cover, thereby connecting or blocking the flow path between the internal space of the dust bin and the cleaner station.

[0039]In addition, since the cam-shaped link is provided so that the micro switch can detect the cam and precisely detect the rotational position of the link, the discharging cover can be precisely controlled without using an encoder or the like.

[0040]In addition, through the key combination of the first link and the second link, the link can be easily assembled or replaced and prevented from being separated during operation.

[0041]In addition, when the cleaner is coupled, the cover control frame can be moved to open the discharging cover of the dust bin to operate the dust collection motor, and when the operation of the dust collection motor is terminated, the discharging cover can be closed, thereby reducing the time required for dust collection for the dust bin.

[0042]In addition, it is possible to reduce the overall operating time by reducing the time required to fix the cleaner or release the fixation of the cleaner.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0043]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaner system composed of a cleaner station and a cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044]FIGS. 2 and 3 are views for describing the cleaner of the cleaner system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0045]FIG. 4 is a view for describing a lower surface of a dust bin of the cleaner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0046]FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a configuration of the cleaner system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0047]FIG. 6 is a view for describing a coupling unit in the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0048]FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view for describing a fixing unit in the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0049]FIGS. 8 to 10 are views for describing a relationship between the cleaner and a door unit in the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0050]FIG. 11 is a view for describing a relationship between the cleaner and a cover open unit in the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0051]FIG. 12 is a block diagram for describing a control configuration of the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0052]FIG. 13 is a view for describing a control method of the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0053]FIG. 14 is a graph for describing the operation of each motor over time in the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0054]FIG. 15 is a view for describing a relationship between a rotational force of a first link and a force of closing a discharging cover of the dust bin in the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

MODE FOR INVENTION

[0055]Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056]Since the present invention 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 invention to specific embodiments and should be construed to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0057]The terms used in the present application are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0058]Unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. The terms defined in a generally used dictionary can be construed as meanings that match with the meanings of the terms from the context of the related technology and are not construed as an ideal or excessively formal meaning unless clearly defined in the present application.

[0059]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaner system composed of a cleaner station and a cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a configuration of the cleaner system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0060]Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, a cleaner system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a cleaner station 100 and a cleaner 200.

[0061]The cleaner system 10 may include the cleaner station 100. The cleaner 200 may be coupled to the cleaner station 100. Specifically, a main body of the cleaner 200 may be coupled to a side surface of the cleaner station 100. The cleaner station 100 may remove dust of a dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200.

[0062]Meanwhile, FIGS. 2 and 3 are views for describing the cleaner of the cleaner system according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a view for describing a lower surface of a dust bin of the cleaner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0063]First, a structure of the cleaner 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0064]The cleaner 200 may be a cleaner which is manually manipulated by a user. For example, the cleaner 200 may be a hand cleaner or a stick cleaner.

[0065]The cleaner 200 may be caught on the cleaner station 100. The cleaner 200 may be supported by the cleaner station 100. The cleaner 200 may be coupled to the cleaner station 100.

[0066]Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present invention, a direction of the cleaner 200 can be defined based on when bottom surfaces (lower surfaces) of the dust bin 220 and a battery housing 230 are placed on the ground.

[0067]In this case, the front may be a direction in which a suction unit 212 is disposed with respect to a suction motor 214, and the rear may be a direction in which a handle 216 is disposed with respect to the suction motor 214. In addition, a direction disposed at the right may be referred to as a right side, and a direction disposed at the left may be referred to as a left side based on when viewing the suction unit 212 from the suction motor 214. In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, top and bottom can be defined in a direction perpendicular to the ground with respect to when the bottom surfaces (lower surfaces) of the dust bin 220 and the battery housing 230 are placed on the ground.

[0068]The cleaner 200 may include a main body 210. The main body 210 may include a main body housing 211, the suction unit 212, a dust separator 213, the suction motor 214, an air discharging cover 215, the handle 216, and a manipulation unit 218.

[0069]The main body housing 211 may form an exterior of the cleaner 200. The main body housing 211 may provide a space in which the suction motor 214 and a filter (not shown) may be accommodated. The main body housing 211 may be formed in a shape similar to a cylinder.

[0070]The suction unit 212 may protrude outward from the main body housing 211. For example, the suction unit 212 may be formed in a cylindrical shape with an open interior. The suction unit 212 may be coupled to an extension pipe 250. The suction unit 212 may provide a flow path (hereinafter referred to as “suction flow path”) along which air containing dust may flow.

[0071]Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a virtual line passing through the suction unit 212 configured in a cylindrical shape may be formed.

[0072]The dust separator 213 may communicate with the suction unit 212. The dust separator 213 may separate dust suctioned therein through the suction unit 212. An internal space of the dust separator 213 may communicate with an internal space of the dust bin 220.

[0073]For example, the dust separator 213 may have at least one cyclone unit capable of separating dust by a cyclonic flow. In addition, the internal space of the dust separator 213 may communicate with the suction flow path. Accordingly, the air and dust suctioned through the suction unit 212 spirally flow along an inner surface of the dust separator 213. Accordingly, the cyclonic flow may occur in the internal space of the dust separator 213.

[0074]The dust separator 213 is a component which communicates with the suction unit 212 and adopts the principle of a dust collector using a centrifugal force to separate dust suctioned into the main body 210 through the suction unit 212.

[0075]The dust separator 213 may further include a secondary cyclone which re-separates dust from the air discharged from the cyclone. In this case, the secondary cyclone may be positioned inside the cyclone to minimize a size of the dust separator. The secondary cyclone may include a plurality of cyclone bodies disposed in parallel. The air discharged from the cyclone may be partitioned into the plurality of cyclone bodies and may pass through the partitioned cyclone bodies.

[0076]In this case, an axis of the cyclonic flow of the secondary cyclone may also extend vertically, and an axis of the cyclonic flow of the cyclone and the axis of the cyclonic flow of the secondary cyclone may be coaxial vertically and may be collectively referred to as an axis of the cyclonic flow of the dust separator 213.

[0077]The suction motor 214 may generate a suction force of suctioning air. The suction motor 214 may be accommodated in the main body housing 211. The suction motor 214 may generate a suction force by rotation. For example, the suction motor 214 may be provided similar to a cylindrical shape.

[0078]Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a virtual suction motor axial line extending a rotational axis of the suction motor 214 may be formed.

[0079]The air discharging cover 215 may be disposed at one side of the main body housing 211 in an axial direction. The air discharging cover 215 may accommodate a filter for filtering air. For example, the air discharging cover 215 may accommodate a HEPA filter.

[0080]An air outlet through which the air suctioned by the suction force of the suction motor 214 is discharged may be formed on the air discharging cover 215.

[0081]A flow guide may be disposed on the air discharging cover 215. The flow guide may guide a flow of the air discharged through the air outlet.

[0082]The handle 216 may be gripped by a user. The handle 216 may be disposed behind the suction motor 214. For example, the handle 216 may be formed in a shape similar to a cylindrical shape. Alternatively, the handle 216 may be formed in a curved cylindrical shape. The handle 216 may be disposed at a predetermined angle with the main body housing 211, the suction motor 214, or the dust separator 213.

[0083]The handle 216 may include a grip portion formed in the form of a pillar to allow the user to grip the same, a first extension connected to one end portion in a longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the grip portion and formed to extend toward the suction motor 214, and a second extension connected to the other end portion in the direction (axial direction) of the grip portion and formed to extend toward the dust bin 220.

[0084]Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a virtual grip portion through line formed to extend in a longitudinal direction of the grip portion (axial direction of a pillar) and passing through the grip portion may be formed.

[0085]For example, the grip portion through line may be a virtual line formed inside the cylindrical handle 216 and may be a virtual line formed parallel to at least a portion of an outer surface (outer perimetric surface) of the grip portion.

[0086]An upper surface of the handle 216 may form a partial exterior of an upper surface of the cleaner 200. Accordingly, when the user grips the handle 216, one component of the cleaner 200 can be prevented from being in contact with an arm of the user.

[0087]The first extension may extend from the grip portion toward the main body housing 211 or the suction motor 214. At least a portion of the first extension may extend in a horizontal direction.

[0088]The second extension may extend from the grip portion toward the dust bin 220. At least a portion of the second extension may extend in the horizontal direction.

[0089]The manipulation unit 218 may be disposed on the handle 216. The manipulation unit 218 may be disposed on an inclined surface formed in an upper area of the handle 216. The user may input an operation or stop command of the cleaner 200 through the manipulation unit 218.

[0090]The cleaner 200 may include the dust bin 220. The dust bin 220 may communicate with the dust separator 213. The dust bin 220 may store the dust separated by the dust separator 213.

[0091]The dust bin 220 may include a dust bin main body 221, a discharging cover 222, a dust bin compression lever 223, and a compression member (not shown).

[0092]The dust bin main body 221 may provide a space in which the dust separated by the dust separator 213 may be stored. For example, the dust bin main body 221 may be formed in a shape similar to a cylindrical shape.

[0093]Meanwhile, in the present specification, a virtual dust bin penetration line, which penetrates the inside (internal space) of the dust bin main body 221 and formed to extend in the longitudinal direction (which is an axial direction in the cylindrical dust bin main body 221) of the dust bin main body 221, may be formed.

[0094]A portion of a lower surface (bottom surface) of the dust bin main body 221 may be opened. In addition, a lower surface extension 221a may be formed on the lower surface (bottom surface) of the dust bin main body 221. The lower surface extension 221a may be formed to block a portion of the lower surface of the dust bin main body 221.

[0095]The dust bin 220 may include the discharging cover 222. The discharging cover 222 may be disposed on the lower surface of the dust bin 220.

[0096]The discharging cover 222 may be provided to open and close one end portion of the dust bin main body 221 in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the discharging cover 222 may selectively open and close a downward open lower portion of the dust bin 220.

[0097]The discharging cover 222 may include a cover main body 222a and a hinge unit 222b. The cover main body 222a may be formed to block a portion of the lower surface of the dust bin main body 221. The cover main body 222a may rotate downward with respect to the hinge unit 222b. The hinge unit 222b may be disposed adjacent to the battery housing 230. The hinge unit 222b may have a torsion spring 222d. Accordingly, when the discharging cover 222 is separated from the dust bin main body 221, the cover main body 222a may be supported while rotated about the hinge unit 222b at a predetermined angle or more in the dust bin main body 221 by an elastic force of the torsion spring 222d.

[0098]The discharging cover 222 may be coupled to the dust bin 220 through hook coupling. Meanwhile, the discharging cover 222 may be separated from the dust bin 220 through a coupling lever 222c. The coupling lever 222c may be disposed at the front of the dust bin. Specifically, the coupling lever 222c may be disposed on a front outer surface of the dust bin 220. When an external force is applied, the coupling lever 222c may elastically deform a hook formed to extend from the cover main body 222a to release the hook coupling between the cover main body 222a and the dust bin main body 221.

[0099]When the discharging cover 222 is closed, the lower surface of the dust bin 220 may be blocked (sealed) by the discharging cover 222 and the lower surface extension 221a.

[0100]The dust bin 220 may include the dust bin compression lever 223 (see FIG. 3). The dust bin compression lever 223 may be disposed outside the dust bin 220 or the dust separator 213. The dust bin compression lever 223 may be disposed to move upward and downward outside the dust bin 220 or the dust separator 213. The dust bin compression lever 223 may be connected to a compression member (not shown). When the dust bin compression lever 223 is moved downward by an external force, the compression member (not shown) may also move downward. Accordingly, user convenience can be provided. The compression member (not shown) and the dust bin compression lever 223 may be returned to original positions by an elastic member (not shown). Specifically, when the external force applied to the dust bin compression lever 223 is removed, the elastic member may move upward the dust bin compression lever 223 and the compression member (not shown).

[0101]The compression member (not shown) may be disposed inside the dust bin main body 221. The compression member may move in an internal space of the dust bin main body 221. Specifically, the compression member may move upward and downward in the dust bin main body 221. Accordingly, the compression member may compress the dust in the dust bin main body 221 downward. In addition, when the discharging cover 222 is separated from the dust bin main body 221 and the lower portion of the dust bin 220 is opened, the compression member may move from the upper portion to the lower portion of the dust bin 220 to remove foreign substances such as the remaining dust and the like of the dust bin 220. Accordingly, it is possible to increase the suction force of the cleaner by preventing the remaining dust from remaining in the dust bin 220. In addition, bad odors generated by the residue can be removed by preventing the remaining dust from remaining in the dust bin 220.

[0102]The cleaner 200 may include the battery housing 230. A battery 240 may be accommodated in the battery housing 230. The battery housing 230 may be disposed under the handle 216. For example, the battery housing 230 may have a hexahedral shape with an open lower portion. A rear surface of the battery housing 230 may be connected to the handle 216.

[0103]The battery housing 230 may include an accommodation portion which is opened downward. The battery 240 may be detachably attached through the accommodation portion of the battery housing 230.

[0104]The cleaner 200 may include the battery 240.

[0105]For example, the battery 240 may be detachably coupled to the cleaner 200. The battery 240 may be detachably coupled to the battery housing 230. For example, the battery 240 may be inserted into the battery housing 230 from the bottom of the battery housing 230. With this configuration, it is possible to improve the portability of the cleaner 200.

[0106]Alternatively, the battery 240 may be provided integrally inside the battery housing 230. In this case, a lower surface of the battery 240 is not exposed to the outside.

[0107]The battery 240 may supply power to the suction motor 214 of the cleaner 200. The battery 240 may be disposed under the handle 216. The battery 240 may be disposed behind the dust bin 220.

[0108]According to the embodiment, when the battery 240 is coupled to the battery housing 230, the lower surface of the battery 240 may be exposed to the outside. Since the battery 240 may be disposed on the floor when the cleaner 200 is disposed on the floor, the battery 240 may be immediately separated from the battery housing 230. In addition, since the lower surface of the battery 240 is exposed to the outside and comes into direct contact with external air of the battery 240, it is possible to improve cooling performance of the battery 240.

[0109]Meanwhile, when the battery 240 is integrally fixed to the battery housing 230, a structure for detachably attaching the battery 240 to the battery housing 230 can be smaller, thereby reducing the overall size of the cleaner 200 and achieving lightweight.

[0110]The cleaner 200 may include the extension pipe 250. The extension pipe 250 may communicate with a cleaning module 260. The extension pipe 250 may communicate with the main body 210. The extension pipe 250 may communicate with the suction unit 212 of the main body 210. The extension pipe 250 may be formed in a long cylindrical shape.

[0111]The main body 210 may be connected to the extension pipe 250. The main body 210 may be connected to the cleaning module 260 through the extension pipe 250. The main body 210 may generate the suction force through the suction motor 214 and provide the suction force to the cleaning module 260 through the extension pipe 250. External dust may flow into the main body 210 through the cleaning module 260 and the extension pipe 250.

[0112]The cleaner 200 may include the cleaning module 260. The cleaning module 260 may communicate with the extension pipe 250. Accordingly, external air may pass through the cleaning module 260 and the extension pipe 250 and may be introduced into the main body 210 of the cleaner 200 by the suction force generated from the main body 210 of the cleaner 200.

[0113]Dust in the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200 may be collected in a dust collection unit 170 of the cleaner station 100 by gravity and the suction force of a dust collection motor 191. Accordingly, since the dust of the dust bin can be removed without the user's separate manipulation, user convenience can be provided. In addition, it is possible to eliminate the inconvenience of the user having to empty the dust bin every time. In addition, it is possible to prevent dust from flying when the user empties the dust bin.

[0114]The cleaner 200 may be coupled to a side surface of a housing 110. Specifically, the main body 210 of the cleaner 200 may be caught on a coupling unit 120. More specifically, the dust bin 220 and the battery housing 230 of the cleaner 200 may be disposed to face a coupling surface 121, an outer surface of the dust bin main body 221 may be coupled to a dust bin guide surface 122, and the suction unit 212 may be coupled to a suction unit guide surface 126 of the coupling unit 120. In this case, a center axis of the dust bin 220 may be disposed in a direction parallel to the ground, and the extension pipe 250 may be disposed in a direction perpendicular to the ground.

[0115]The cleaner station 100 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 5 as follows.

[0116]The cleaner 200 may be disposed in the cleaner station 100. The cleaner 200 may be coupled to a side surface of the cleaner station 100. Specifically, the main body of the cleaner 200 may be coupled to the side surface of the cleaner station 100. The cleaner station 100 may remove dust of a dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200.

[0117]The cleaner station 100 may include the housing 110. The housing 110 may form the exterior of the cleaner station 100. Specifically, the housing 110 may be formed in a pillar shape including at least one outer wall surface. For example, the housing 110 may be formed in a shape similar to a quadrangular pillar.

[0118]The housing 110 may have a space in which the dust collection unit 170 for storing dust therein and the dust suction module 190 for generating a flow force to collect dust into the dust collection unit 170 may be accommodated.

[0119]The housing 110 may include a bottom surface 111, an outer wall surface 112, and an upper surface 113.

[0120]The bottom surface 111 may support a lower side of the dust suction module 190 in a direction of gravity. That is, the bottom surface 111 may support the lower side of the dust collection motor 191 of the dust suction module 190.

[0121]In this case, the bottom surface 111 may be disposed toward the ground. The bottom surface 111 may be not only disposed parallel to the ground, but also disposed to be inclined at a predetermined angle with the ground. With this configuration, there is an advantage that the dust collection motor 191 can be stably supported and the overall weight can be balanced even when the cleaner 200 is coupled.

[0122]Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the bottom surface 111 may further include a ground support that increases an area in contact with the ground to prevent the cleaner station 100 from falling and maintain balance. For example, the ground support portion may be in the form of a plate extending from the bottom surface 111, and one or more frames may be formed to protrude and extend from the bottom surface 111 in the direction of the ground.

[0123]The outer wall surface 112 may be a surface formed in the direction of gravity and may be a surface connected to the bottom surface 111. For example, the outer wall surface 112 may be a surface connected perpendicular to the bottom surface 111. In another embodiment, the outer wall surface 112 may be disposed to be inclined at a predetermined angle with the bottom surface 111.

[0124]The outer wall surface 112 may include at least one surface. For example, the outer wall surface 112 may include a first outer wall surface 112a, a second outer wall surface 112b, a third outer wall surface 112c, and a fourth outer wall surface 112d.

[0125]In this case, in the present embodiment, the first outer wall surface 112a may be disposed on a front surface of the cleaner station 100. Here, the front surface may be a surface on which the cleaner 200 is exposed in a state in which the cleaner 200 is coupled to the cleaner station 100. Accordingly, the first outer wall surface 112a may form an exterior of the front surface of the cleaner station 100.

[0126]Meanwhile, for understanding of the present embodiment, directions are defined as follows. In the present embodiment, directions can be defined in a state in which the first cleaner 200 is mounted on the cleaner station 100.

[0127]When the cleaner 200 is caught on the cleaner station 100, a direction in which the cleaner 200 is exposed externally from the cleaner station 100 may be referred to as the front.

[0128]From another perspective, when the cleaner 200 is caught on the cleaner station 100, a direction in which the suction motor 214 of the cleaner 200 is disposed may be referred to as the front. In addition, a direction opposite to the direction in which the suction motor 214 is disposed in the cleaner station 100 may be referred to as the rear.

[0129]In addition, a surface in a direction facing the front surface based on the internal space of the housing 110 may be referred to as the rear surface of the cleaner station 100. Accordingly, the rear surface may refer to a direction in which the second outer wall surface 112b is formed.

[0130]In addition, when viewing the front surface with respect to the internal space of the housing 110, a surface of the left may be referred to as a left surface, and a surface of the right may be referred to as a right surface. Accordingly, the left surface may refer to a direction in which the third outer wall surface 112c is formed, and the right surface may refer to the direction in which the fourth outer wall surface 112d is formed.

[0131]The first outer wall surface 112a may be formed not only in a flat surface shape, but also entirely in a curved shape, and a portion thereof is formed to have a curved surface.

[0132]The first outer wall surface 112a may have the appearance corresponding to the shape of the cleaner 200. Specifically, the coupling unit 120 may be disposed on the first outer wall surface 112a. With this configuration, the cleaner 200 may be coupled to the cleaner station 100 and supported by the cleaner station 100. A specific configuration of the coupling unit 120 will be described below.

[0133]Meanwhile, a structure in which various types of cleaning modules 260 used in the cleaner 200 are caught may be added to the first outer wall surface 112a.

[0134]In the present embodiment, the second outer wall surface 112b may be a surface facing the first outer wall surface 112a. That is, the second outer wall surface 112b may be disposed on the rear surface of the cleaner station 100. Here, the rear surface may be a surface facing the surface to which the cleaner 200 or a second cleaner 300 is coupled. Accordingly, the second outer wall surface 112b may form an exterior of the rear surface of the cleaner station 100.

[0135]For example, the second outer wall surface 112b may be formed in a flat surface shape. With this configuration, the second outer wall surface 112b can bring the cleaner station 100 into close contact with a wall in a room and stably support the cleaner station 100.

[0136]As another example, a structure for mounting various types of cleaning modules 260 used in the cleaner 200 may be added to the second outer wall surface 112b.

[0137]In the present embodiment, the third outer wall surface 112c and the fourth outer wall surface 112d may be surfaces that connect the first outer wall surface 112a to the second outer wall surface 112b. In this case, the third outer wall surface 112c may be disposed on the left surface of the cleaner station 100, and the fourth outer wall surface 112d may be disposed on the right surface of the cleaner station 100. Alternatively, the third outer wall surface 112c may be disposed on the right surface of the cleaner station 100, and the fourth outer wall surface 112d may be disposed on the left surface of the cleaner station 100.

[0138]The third outer wall surface 112c or the fourth outer wall surface 112d may be formed not only in a flat surface shape, but also entirely in a curved shape, and a portion thereof may be formed to include a curved surface.

[0139]Meanwhile, a structure in which various types of cleaning modules 260 used in the cleaner 200 are caught may be added to the third outer wall surface 112c or the fourth outer wall surface 112d.

[0140]The upper surface 113 may form an exterior of the upper side of the cleaner station. That is, the upper surface 113 may be a surface that is disposed on an uppermost side of the cleaner station in the direction of gravity and exposed to the outside in the cleaner station.

[0141]For reference, in the present embodiment, an upper side and a lower side may be an upper side and a lower side, respectively, in the direction of gravity (in a direction perpendicular to the ground) in a state in which the cleaner station 100 is installed on the ground.

[0142]In this case, the upper surface 113 may be disposed not only parallel to the ground, but also to be inclined at a predetermined angle with the ground.

[0143]A display unit 410 may be disposed on the upper surface 113. For example, the display unit 410 may display the state of the cleaner station 100 and the state of the cleaner 200 and also display information such as a cleaning progress, a map of a cleaning zone, and the like.

[0144]Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the upper surface 113 may be provided to be separated from the outer wall surface 112. In this case, when the upper surface 113 is separated, a battery separated from the cleaner 200 may be accommodated in an internal space surrounded by the outer wall surface 112 and provided with a terminal (not shown) for charging the separated battery.

[0145]Meanwhile, a link stopper 115 that limits a rotational path of a link 143 to be described below may be formed in the housing 110. Specifically, the housing 110 may form a space (a flow path unit 180) in which air introduced from the dust bin 220 may flow, and the link stopper 115 may be formed to protrude from an inner wall surface of a pipe forming the flow path unit 180.

[0146]In this case, the link stopper 115 may be disposed within a rotational radius of a first link 1431.

[0147]Accordingly, the first link 1431 may come into contact with the link stopper 115 to restrict a rotational range of the first link 1431. Specifically, the link stopper 115 may include a first link stopper 115a that provides a lower rotation limit of the first link 1431 and a second link stopper 115b that provides an upper rotation limit of the first link 1431. With this configuration, the first link 1431 may rotate between the first link stopper 115a and the second link stopper 115b.

[0148]Accordingly, according to the present invention, the link 143 may be moved to an accurate position without using an encoder or the like.

[0149]FIG. 6 is a view for describing a coupling unit in the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view for describing a fixing unit in the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 8 and 9 are views for describing a relationship between the cleaner and a door unit in the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a view for describing a relationship between the cleaner and a cover open unit in the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0150]The coupling unit 120 of the cleaner station 100 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 as follows.

[0151]The cleaner station 100 may include the coupling unit 120 to which the cleaner 200 is coupled. Specifically, the coupling unit 120 may be disposed on the first outer wall surface 112a, and the main body 210, the dust bin 220, and the battery housing 230 of the cleaner 200 may be coupled.

[0152]The coupling unit 120 may include the coupling surface 121. The coupling surface 121 may be disposed on a side surface of the housing 110. For example, the coupling surface 121 may be a surface formed in a groove shape that is concave from the first outer wall surface 112a toward the interior of the cleaner station 100. That is, the coupling surface 121 may be a surface formed by forming a step with the first outer wall surface 112a.

[0153]The cleaner 200 may be accommodated in the coupling surface 121. For example, the coupling surface 121 may face the lower surfaces of the dust bin 220 and the battery housing 230 of the cleaner 200. Here, the lower surface may be a surface toward the ground when the user uses the cleaner 200 or arranges the cleaner 200 on the ground.

[0154]For example, an angle formed by the coupling surface 121 and the ground may be a right angle. Accordingly, when the cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling surface 121, it is possible to minimize a space of the cleaner station 100.

[0155]As another example, the coupling surface 121 may be disposed to be inclined at a predetermined angle with the ground. Accordingly, when the cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling surface 121, the cleaner station 100 can be stably supported.

[0156]A dust through-hole 121a may be formed in the coupling surface 121 so that external air of the housing 110 may flow into the housing 110. The dust through-hole 121a may be formed in a hole shape to correspond to the shape of the dust bin 220 so that the dust of the dust bin 220 flows into the dust collection unit 170. The dust through-hole 121a may be formed to correspond to the shape of the discharging cover 222 of the dust bin 220. The dust through-hole 121a may be formed to communicate with the flow path unit 180 described below.

[0157]The coupling unit 120 may include the dust bin guide surface 122. The dust bin guide surface 122 may be disposed on the first outer wall surface 112a. The dust bin guide surface 122 may be connected to the first outer wall surface 112a. In addition, the dust bin guide surface 122 may be connected to the coupling surface 121.

[0158]The dust bin guide surface 122 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the outer surface of the dust bin 220. The front outer surface of the dust bin 220 may be coupled to the dust bin guide surface 122.

[0159]Meanwhile, a protrusion movement hole 122a may be formed in the dust bin guide surface 122, and a push protrusion 151 described below may move linearly along the protrusion movement hole 122a. In addition, a gear box 155 for accommodating a gear and the like of a cover open unit 150 to be described below may be provided under the dust bin guide surface 122 in the direction of gravity. In this case, a guide space 122b in which the push protrusion 151 may move may be formed between a lower surface of the dust bin guide surface 122 and an upper surface of the gear box 155. In addition, the guide space 122b may communicate with a first flow path 181 through a bypass hole 122c. That is, the protrusion movement hole 122a, the guide space 122b, the bypass hole 122c, and the first flow path 181 may form one bypass flow path (see FIG. 11). With this configuration, when the dust collection motor 191 is operated in a state in which the dust bin 220 is coupled to the coupling unit 120, there is an advantage in that dust, etc. remaining on the dust bin 220 and the dust bin guide surface 122 may be suctioned through the bypass flow path.

[0160]The coupling unit 120 may include a guide protrusion 123. The guide protrusion 123 may be disposed on the coupling surface 121. The guide protrusion 123 may protrude from the coupling surface 121 forward from the cleaner station 100. Two guide protrusions 123 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other. A distance between the two guide protrusions 123 spaced apart from each other may correspond to a width of the battery housing 230 of the cleaner 200. Accordingly, the convenience of coupling the cleaner 200 to the coupling surface 121 can be provided.

[0161]The coupling unit 120 may include sidewalls 124. The sidewalls 124 may be wall surfaces disposed on both side surfaces of the coupling surface 121 and vertically connected to the coupling surface 121. The sidewall 124 may be connected to the first outer wall surface 112a. In addition, the side wall 124 may form a surface connected to the dust bin guide surface 122. Accordingly, the cleaner 200 can be stably accommodated.

[0162]The coupling unit 120 may include a coupling sensor 125. The coupling sensor 125 may detect whether the cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling unit 120.

[0163]The coupling sensor 125 may include a contact sensor. For example, the coupling sensor 125 may include a micro switch. In this case, the coupling sensor 125 may be disposed on the guide protrusion 123. Therefore, when the battery housing 230 or the battery 240 of the cleaner 200 is coupled between the pair of guide protrusions 123, the cleaner 200 may come into contact with the coupling sensor 125, and the coupling sensor 125 may detect that the cleaner 200 has been coupled.

[0164]Meanwhile, the coupling sensor 125 may include a non-contact sensor. For example, the coupling sensor 125 may include an infrared (IR) sensor. In this case, the coupling sensor 125 may be disposed on the sidewall 124. Therefore, when the dust bin 220 or the main body 210 of the cleaner 200 passes through the side wall 124 and reaches the coupling surface 121, the coupling sensor 125 may detect the presence of the dust bin 220 or the main body 210.

[0165]The coupling sensor 125 may face the dust bin 220 or the battery housing 230 of the cleaner 200.

[0166]The coupling sensor 125 may be a member of determining whether power is applied to the battery 240 of the cleaner 200 and whether the cleaner 200 has been coupled.

[0167]The coupling unit 120 may include a suction unit guide surface 126. The suction unit guide surface 126 may be disposed on the first outer wall surface 112a. The suction unit guide surface 126 may be connected to the dust bin guide surface 122. The suction unit 212 may be coupled to the suction unit guide surface 126. A shape of the suction unit guide surface 126 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the suction unit 212.

[0168]The coupling unit 120 may further include a fixing member entrance hole 127. The fixing member entrance hole 127 may be formed in the form of a long hole along the sidewall 124 to allow a fixing member 131 to enter and exit the same.

[0169]With this configuration, when the user couples the cleaner 200 to the coupling unit 120 of the cleaner station 100, the main body 210 of the cleaner 200 can be stably disposed on the coupling unit 120 by the dust bin guide surface 122, the guide protrusion 123, and the suction unit guide surface 126. Accordingly, the convenience of coupling the dust bin 220 and the battery housing 230 of the cleaner 200 to the coupling surface 121 can be provided.

[0170]A fixing unit 130 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 7, and 12 as follows.

[0171]The cleaner station 100 according to the present invention may include the fixing unit 130. The fixing unit 130 may be disposed on the sidewall 124. The fixing unit 130 may fix the cleaner 200 coupled to the dust bin guide surface 122. Specifically, the fixing unit 130 may fix the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200 coupled to the dust bin guide surface 122.

[0172]The fixing unit 130 may include a fixing member 131 that fixes the dust bin 220 and the battery housing 230 of the cleaner 200.

[0173]The fixing member 131 may be disposed on the sidewall 124 of the coupling unit 120 and provided to reciprocate on the sidewall 124 to fix the dust bin 220. Specifically, the fixing member 131 may be accommodated inside the fixing member entrance hole 127.

[0174]The fixing member 131 may be disposed on each of both sides of the coupling unit 120. For example, a pair of two fixing members 131 may be disposed symmetrically with respect to the coupling surface 121.

[0175]The fixing member 131 may be moved toward the dust bin 220 when an external force is applied to fix the dust bin. In addition, the fixing member 131 fixing the dust bin 220 may be moved away from the dust bin 220 when the external force is released.

[0176]For example, the fixing member 131 may be moved by power of a motor. That is, the fixing member 131 may be moved by receiving power through at least one motor and a link connected to the motor.

[0177]As another example, the fixing member 131 may be moved by the suction force of the dust collection motor 191. That is, the fixing member 131 may be moved by receiving the suction force through a flow path such as a hose.

[0178]Meanwhile, the fixing unit 130 may further include a fixing sealer 136. When coupled to the first cleaner 200, a fixing sealer 136 may be disposed on the dust bin guide surface 122 to air tighten the dust bin 220. With this configuration, when the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200 is coupled, the fixing sealer 136 may be pressed by the weight of the cleaner 200, and the dust bin 220 and the dust bin guide surface 122 may be sealed.

[0179]Accordingly, it is possible to increase the suction force of the cleaner by preventing the remaining dust from remaining in the dust bin. In addition, bad odors generated by the residue can be removed by preventing the remaining dust from remaining in the dust bin.

[0180]A dust bin cover control unit 140 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 8 to 10, and 12 as follows.

[0181]The cleaner station 100 of the present invention may include the dust bin cover control unit 140. The dust bin cover control unit 140 may be configured to open and close the dust through-hole 121a.

[0182]The dust bin cover control unit 140 may include a cover control frame 141, a cover control motor 142, and a link 143.

[0183]The cover control frame 141 is hinge-coupled to the housing 110 to open and close the dust through-hole 121a. The cover control frame 141 may include a frame main body 141a.

[0184]The frame main body 141a may be formed in a shape that may block the dust through-hole 121a. For example, the frame main body 141a may be formed similar to a disk shape. As another example, the frame main body 141a may be formed in a quadrangular plate shape.

[0185]Based on a state in which the frame main body 141a blocks the dust through-hole 121a, a hinge unit 141b may be disposed above the frame main body 141a, and a link coupling unit 141c may be disposed below the frame main body 141a.

[0186]The hinge unit 141b may be disposed on an upper end portion of the frame main body 141a and hinge-coupled to the housing 110.

[0187]The link coupling unit 141c may be a unit to which the link 143 is rotatably coupled. The link coupling unit 141c may be disposed on a lower side of the frame main body 141a and rotatably coupled to the link 143.

[0188]With this configuration, in a state in which the cover control frame 141 blocks at least a portion of the dust through-hole 121a, when the link 143 pulls the frame main body 141a, the frame main body 141a may rotate inward from the cleaner station 100 with the hinge unit 141b as an axis, and the dust through-hole 121a may be opened. Meanwhile, in a state in which the dust through-hole 121a is opened, when the link 143 pushes the frame main body 141a, the frame main body 141a rotates outward from the cleaner station 100 with the hinge unit 141b as an axis, and at least a portion of the dust through-hole 121a may be blocked.

[0189]Meanwhile, in a state in which the cleaner 200 is coupled to the cleaner station 100 and the discharging cover 222 is separated from the dust bin main body 221, the cover control frame 141 may come into contact with the discharging cover 222. In addition, according to the rotation of the cover control frame 141, the discharging cover 222 may be rotated in conjunction with the cover control frame 141.

[0190]The cover control motor 142 may provide power to rotate the cover control frame 141. Specifically, the cover control motor 142 may rotate the link 143 in a forward or reverse direction.

[0191]Here, the forward direction may be a direction in which the link 143 pulls the cover control frame 141. Accordingly, when the link 143 rotates in the forward direction, the discharging cover 222 may be opened. In addition, when the link 143 rotates in the forward direction, the internal space of the dust bin 220 and the flow path unit 180 may be connected.

[0192]In addition, the reverse direction may be a direction in which the link 143 pushes the cover control frame 141. Accordingly, when the link 143 rotates in the reverse direction, the discharging cover 222 may be closed. In addition, when the link 143 rotates in the reverse direction, the connection between the internal space of the dust bin 220 and the flow path unit 180 may be blocked. The forward direction may be a direction opposite to the reverse direction.

[0193]The link 143 may connect the cover control frame 141 to the cover control motor 142 and open and close the cover control frame 141 using the power generated from the cover control motor 142.

[0194]For example, the link 143 may include the first link 1431 and a second link 1432. One end portion of the first link 1431 may be coupled to the cover control motor 142. The first link 1431 may be rotated by the power of the cover control motor 142. The other end portion of the first link 1431 may be rotatably coupled to the second link 1432. The first link 1431 may transmit the force transmitted from the cover control motor 142 to the second link 1432. One end portion of the second link 1432 may be coupled to the first link 1431. The other end portion of the second link 1432 may be coupled to the cover control frame 141. The second link 1432 may open and close the discharging cover 222 by pushing or pulling the cover control frame 141.

[0195]The first link 1431 may include a first link body 1431a, a motor coupling portion 1431b, a sensing protrusion 1431c, and a key protrusion 1431d.

[0196]The first link body 1431a may transmit the power of the cover control motor 142 to the second link 1432. For example, the first link body 1431a may be formed in a frame shape, and the motor coupling portion 1431b may be disposed on one longitudinal side of the first link body 1431a, and the key protrusion 1431d may be formed on the other longitudinal side. Accordingly, the first link body 1431a may be a rotating body that rotates about the motor coupling portion 1431b.

[0197]The motor coupling portion 1431b may be disposed on the one longitudinal side of the first link body 1431a.

[0198]The motor coupling portion 1431b may be coupled to the cover control motor 142. For example, the motor coupling portion 1431b may be directly coupled to the shaft of the cover control motor 142 or coupled through one or more gears (not shown). In this case, the motor coupling portion 1431b may be a rotational axis of the first link 1431.

[0199]Meanwhile, the motor coupling portion 1431b may accommodate at least a portion of the cover control motor 142. For example, the motor coupling portion 1431b may be formed in a cylindrical shape with one closed surface so as to accommodate the shaft or gear of the cover control motor 142. With this configuration, when the cover control motor 142 operates, the motor coupling portion 1431b may rotate.

[0200]Meanwhile, the sensing protrusion 1431c may be formed to protrude from an outer surface of the motor coupling portion 1431b. The sensing protrusion 1431c may be formed as two sensing protrusions at a predetermined distance along the outer surface of the motor coupling portion 1431b. That is, the sensing protrusion 1431c may be formed such that a first sensing protrusion 1431 ca and a second sensing protrusion 1431cb are formed to protrude along the outer surface of the motor coupling portion 1431b at a predetermined distance. Accordingly, based on the center of rotation of the motor coupling portion 1431b, a diameter to the portion in which the sensing protrusion 1431c is positioned may be larger than a diameter to the outer surface of the motor coupling portion 1431b. With this configuration, the motor coupling portion 1431b and the sensing protrusion 1431c may serve as a kind of cam.

[0201]Meanwhile, the sensing protrusion 1431c may be rotated integrally with the motor coupling portion 1431b. That is, the sensing protrusion 1431c may be rotated together with the rotation of the first link 1431.

[0202]The sensing protrusion 1431c may come into contact with a cover control sensor 144 according to the rotation of the first link 1431. With this configuration, the sensing protrusion 1431c may be configured to detect the rotational position (angle) of the first link 1431 through contact with the cover control sensor 144.

[0203]The first sensing protrusion 1431ca may be disposed to detect a position at which the cover control frame 141 closes the discharging cover 222. In addition, the second sensing protrusion 1431cb may be disposed to detect a position at which the cover control frame 141 opens the discharging cover 222. For example, based on when the cover control frame 141 closes the discharging cover 222, the first sensing protrusion 1431ca may be disposed rearward from the cleaner station more than the second sensing protrusion 1431cb. In addition, based on when the discharging cover 222 is opened, the first sensing protrusion 1431ca may be disposed below the second sensing protrusion 1431cb.

[0204]Meanwhile, the rotation of the link 143 may be restricted by the link stopper 115. That is, the rotation of the first link 1431 may be restricted by being caught on the first link stopper 115a and the second link stopper 115b. That is, the rotation of the first link 1431 may be stopped when it comes into contact with the first link stopper 115a or the second link stopper 115b.

[0205]In addition, at a position at which the first link 1431 is caught on the first link stopper 115a, the first sensing protrusion 1431ca may come into contact with the cover control sensor 144. In addition, at a position at which the first link 1431 is caught on the second link stopper 115b, the second sensing protrusion 1431cb may come into contact with the cover control sensor 144.

[0206]With this configuration, when the first link 1431 is rotated to a preset position, the rotation of the first link 1431 may be restricted by physical contact with the link stopper 115, and at the same time, a controller 400 may detect the position of the first link 1431 and stop the operation of the cover control motor 142 so that the first link 1431 may be rotated to a correct position.

[0207]Meanwhile, the key protrusion 1431d may be coupled to a key hole 1432b formed in the second link 1432. The key protrusion 1431d may be formed on the other side of the first link body 1431a in the longitudinal direction.

[0208]The key protrusion 1431d may be formed to protrude from a surface of the first link body 1431a facing the second link 1432. In this case, the key protrusion 1431d may be formed to be key-coupled to the second link 1432. For example, the key protrusion 1431d may be formed to protrude in a cylindrical shape, and at least one protrusion may be formed to protrude radially outward from the outer surface.

[0209]The second link 1432 may include the second link body 1432a, the key hole 1432b, and a frame connection portion 1432c.

[0210]The second link body 1432a may transmit power transmitted from the first link 1431 to the cover control frame 141. For example, the second link body 1432a may be formed in a frame shape, may have the key hole 1432b formed on one side in the longitudinal direction, and have the frame connection portion 1432c disposed on the other side in the longitudinal direction. Accordingly, the second link body 1432a may be a rotating body that rotates about the key protrusion 1431d.

[0211]The key hole 1432b may be formed in one side of the second link body 1432a. The key hole 1432b may be formed to correspond to the shape of the key protrusion 1431d. For example, the key hole 1432b may be formed in a circular hole shape and may have a quadrangular hole connected radially outward. With this configuration, the key protrusion 1431d may be inserted and coupled according to the shape of the key hole 1432b, and the first link 1431 and the second link 1432 can be prevented from being separated during rotation.

[0212]Accordingly, according to the present invention, the key protrusion 1431d of the first link 1431 and the key hole 1432b of the second link 1432 may be key-coupled, thereby facilitating the assembly or replacement between the first link 1431 and the second link 1432 and preventing the first link 1431 and the second link 1432 from being separated during operation.

[0213]The frame connection portion 1432c may be disposed on the other side of the second link body 1432a in the longitudinal direction.

[0214]The frame connection portion 1432c may be coupled to the cover control frame 141. The frame connection portion 1432c may be hinge-coupled to the link coupling unit 141c. In this case, the hinge connecting the frame connection portion 1432c to the cover control frame 141 may be a rotational axis of the second link 1432.

[0215]Meanwhile, in the present invention, the maximum length of the first link 1431 may be smaller than the maximum length of the second link 1432. In addition, the maximum length of the first link 1431 may be smaller than the length from the hinge unit 141b to the link coupling unit 141c of the cover control frame 141. In addition, a length from the hinge unit 141b to the link coupling unit 141c of the cover control frame 141 may be smaller than a rotation radius of the second link 1432 (more specifically, a length from the center of rotation of the key hole 1432b to the frame connection portion 1432c of the second link 1432).

[0216]With this configuration, in a situation in which the first link 1431 rotates about the motor connection portion 1431b and the cover control frame 141 rotates about the hinge unit 141b, the second link 1431 connecting the first link 1431 to the cover control frame 141 may apply a large force during the process of closing the discharging cover 222.

[0217]That is, during the process of closing the discharging cover 222, a change in rotation angle of the cover control frame 141 according to the rotation of the first link 1431 gradually increases. Accordingly, the discharging cover 222 can be strongly closed by increasing a rotational speed of the cover control frame 141.

[0218]More specifically, referring to FIG. 15, when the first link 1431 having a predetermined length x is rotated with a predetermined torque T₁, a force F₁ is transmitted to the second link 1432 in a tangent direction of a rotational trajectory of the first link 1431, and the force F₁ is transmitted in the longitudinal direction of the second link 1432.

[0219]During this process, the force F₁ applied by the first link 1431 may be converted into a force F₂ exerted by the second link 1432 to press the cover control frame 141 based on an angle θ₁ between the force F₁ applied by the first link 1431 and the longitudinal direction of the second link 1432.

[0220]In addition, the force F₂ exerted by the second link 1432 to press the cover control frame 141 may be transmitted to the cover control frame 141 in the longitudinal direction of the second link 1432 (F₂=F₃).

[0221]In this way, the force F₃ transmitted to the cover control frame 141 may be converted into a force F_c exerted by the cover control frame 141 to re-close the discharging cover 222 based on an angle θ₂ between the second link 1432 and the cover control frame 141.

[0222]As a result, the force Fe exerted by the cover control frame 141 to close the discharging cover 222 may be amplified more than the force transmitted by the first link 1431 to the second link 1432. Accordingly, even when applying a low-output torque to the first link 1431, the cover control motor 142 can generate a force sufficient to close the discharging cover 222.

[0223]Accordingly, according to the present invention, since the discharging cover 222 may be closed using a low output of the motor, the size of the motor may be decreased, thereby reducing the volume and weight and also reducing noise.

[0224]Meanwhile, the dust bin cover control unit 140 may further include the cover control sensor 144. The cover control sensor 144 may be provided inside the housing 110 and may detect whether the cover control frame 141 is in an open state.

[0225]For example, the cover control sensor 144 may be disposed at a position where it may come into contact with the sensing protrusion 1431c. In addition, the cover control sensor 144 may be disposed at a position at which it does not come into contact with the outer surface of the motor coupling portion 1431b. Accordingly, when coming into contact with the sensing protrusion 1431c according to the rotation of the first link 1431, the cover control sensor 144 may detect this.

[0226]Accordingly, when the first link 1431 rotates and the first sensing protrusion 1431ca comes into contact with the cover control sensor 144, the cover control sensor 144 may detect that the cover control frame 141 has closed the dust bin 220. In addition, when the first link 1431 rotates and the second sensing protrusion 1431cb comes into contact with the cover control sensor 144, the cover control sensor 144 may detect that the cover control frame 141 has opened the discharging cover 222.

[0227]The cover control sensor 144 may include a contact sensor. For example, the cover control sensor 144 may include a micro switch.

[0228]The cover control frame 141 may be opened together when the discharging cover 222 of the cleaner 200 is opened. In addition, when the cover control frame 141 is closed, the discharging cover 222 of the cleaner 200 is closed in conjunction therewith.

[0229]When the dust of the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200 is removed, the cover control motor 142 may couple the discharging cover 222 to the dust bin main body 221 by rotating the cover control frame 141. Specifically, the cover control motor 142 may rotate the cover control frame 141 by rotating the first link 143, and the rotating cover control frame 141 may push the discharging cover 222 toward the dust bin main body 221.

[0230]The cover open unit 150 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 11, and 12 as follows.

[0231]The cleaner station 100 of the present invention may include the cover open unit 150. The cover open unit 150 may be disposed on the coupling unit 120 to open the discharging cover 222 of the cleaner 200.

[0232]The cover open unit 150 may include a push protrusion 151, a cover open motor 152, a cover open gear 153, a support plate 154, and a gear box 155.

[0233]The push protrusion 151 may move to press the coupling lever 222c when the cleaner 200 is coupled.

[0234]The push protrusion 151 may be disposed on the dust bin guide surface 122. Specifically, a protrusion movement hole may be formed in the dust bin guide surface 122, and the push protrusion 151 may be exposed to the outside after passing through the protrusion movement hole.

[0235]The push protrusion 151 may be disposed at a position at which it may push the coupling lever 222c when the cleaner 200 is coupled. That is, the coupling lever 222c may be disposed on the protrusion movement hole. In addition, the coupling lever 222c may be disposed on a movement region of the push protrusion 151.

[0236]The push protrusion 151 may linearly reciprocate to press the coupling lever 222c. Specifically, the push protrusion 151 may be coupled to the gear box 155 to guide linear movement. The push protrusion 151 may be coupled to the cover open gear 153 and moved together by the movement of the cover open gear 153.

[0237]The cover open motor 152 may provide power for moving the push protrusion 151. Specifically, the cover open motor 152 may rotate a motor shaft (not shown) in the forward or reverse direction. Here, the forward direction may be a direction in which the push protrusion 151 presses the coupling lever 222c. In addition, the reverse direction may be a direction in which the push protrusion 151 pressing the coupling lever 222c is returned to an original position. The forward direction may be a direction opposite to the reverse direction.

[0238]The cover open gear 153 may be coupled to the cover open motor 152 to move the push protrusion 151 using the power of the cover open motor 152. Specifically, the cover open gear 153 may be accommodated inside the gear box 155. A driving gear 153a of the cover open gear 153 may be coupled to the motor shaft of the cover open motor 152 to receive power. A driven gear 153b of the cover open gear 153 may be coupled to the push protrusion 151 to move the push protrusion 151. For example, the driven gear 153b may be provided in the form of a rack gear, engaged with the driving gear 153a, and may receive power from the driving gear 153a.

[0239]In this case, the discharging cover 222 may have the torsion spring 222d. The discharging cover 222 may be rotated at a predetermined angle or more by an elastic force of the torsion spring 222d and supported at the rotated position. Accordingly, the discharging cover 222 may be opened so that the dust through-hole 121a may communicate with the interior of the dust bin 220.

[0240]The gear box 155 may be provided inside the housing 110, disposed under the coupling unit 120 in the direction of gravity, and may accommodate the cover open gear 153 therein.

[0241]The gear box 155 may have a cover open detection unit 155f. In this case, the cover open detection unit 155f may include a contact sensor. For example, the cover open detection unit 155f may include a micro-switch. Meanwhile, the cover open detection unit 155f may also include a non-contact sensor. For example, the cover open detection unit 155f may include an IR sensor.

[0242]At least one cover open detection unit 155f may be disposed on an inner or outer surface of the gear box 155. For example, one cover open detection unit 155f may be disposed on the inner surface of the gear box 155. In this case, the cover open detection unit 155f may detect the push protrusion 151 positioned at an initial position.

[0243]As another example, two cover open detection units 155f may be disposed on the outer surface of the gear box 155. In this case, the cover open detection unit 155f may detect the initial position of the push protrusion 151 and the cover open position.

[0244]Accordingly, according to the present invention, the dust bin 220 may be opened by the cover open unit 150 without the user separately opening the discharging cover 222 of the first cleaner, thereby improving convenience.

[0245]In addition, since the discharging cover 222 is opened in a state in which the cleaner 200 is coupled to the cleaner station 100, it is possible to prevent dust from flying.

[0246]Meanwhile, the dust collection unit 170 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 12 as follows.

[0247]The cleaner station 100 may include the dust collection unit 170. The dust collection unit 170 may be disposed inside the housing 110. The dust collection unit 170 may be disposed below the coupling unit 120 in the direction of gravity.

[0248]For example, the dust collection unit 170 may be a dust bag for collecting dust suctioned from the inside of the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200 by the dust collection motor 191.

[0249]The dust collection unit 170 may be detachably coupled to the housing 110.

[0250]Accordingly, the dust collection unit 170 may be separated from the housing 110 and discarded, and a new dust collection unit 170 may be coupled to the housing 110. That is, the dust collection unit 170 can be defined as a consumable component.

[0251]The dust bag may be provided so that, when a suction force is generated by the dust collection motor 191, a volume increases so that dust is accommodated therein.

[0252]To this end, the dust bag may be formed of a material that transmits air but does not transmit foreign substances such as dust. For example, the dust bag may be formed of a non-woven material and may have a hexahedral shape based on when the volume increases.

[0253]Accordingly, since the user does not need to separately tie a bag or the like in which dust has been collected, user convenience can be improved.

[0254]Alternatively, the dust bag may include roll vinyl (not shown). With this configuration, when the dust bag is sealed or bonded, it is possible to prevent dust or odor collected inside the dust bag from leaking out of the dust bag. In this case, the dust bag may be mounted on the housing 110 through a dust bag cartridge (not shown). If necessary, the dust bag may be replaced through the dust bag cartridge.

[0255]Meanwhile, the flow path unit 180 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 12 as follows.

[0256]The cleaner station 100 may include the flow path unit 180.

[0257]The flow path unit 180 may connect the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200 to the dust collection unit 170. The flow path unit 180 may be disposed behind the coupling surface 121. The flow path unit 180 may refer to a space between the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200 and the dust collection unit 170. The flow path unit 180 may be a space formed behind the dust through-hole 121a and may be a flow path formed to be bent downward from the dust through-hole 121a to flow dust and air.

[0258]Specifically, when the cleaner 200 is coupled to the cleaner station 100 to open the dust through-hole 121a, the flow path unit 180 may include the first flow path 181 connected the internal space of the dust bin 220, and a second flow path 182 connecting the first suction flow path 181 to an internal space of the dust collection unit 170.

[0259]For example, the first flow path 181 may be disposed substantially parallel to an axial line of the suction motor 214 or a virtual through line passing through the dust bin 220. In this case, the axial line of the suction motor 214 or the through line of the dust bin 220 may pass through the first flow path 181.

[0260]In this case, the second flow path 182 may form a predetermined angle with the first flow path 181. For example, the first flow path 181 and the second flow path 182 may be formed at a right angle. With this configuration, it is possible to minimize the overall volume of the cleaner station 100.

[0261]The second flow path 182 may be formed to extend downward from the first flow path 181 and connected to the first flow path 181 to guide the air that has passed through the first flow path 181 to the dust collection unit 170.

[0262]The second flow path 182 may be disposed in a direction parallel to an axial line C of the dust collection motor 191. With this configuration, it is possible to minimize a decrease in the suction force of the dust collection motor 191 in the first flow path 181 and the second flow path 182.

[0263]The dust in the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200 may be moved to the dust collection unit 170 through the flow path unit 180.

[0264]Meanwhile, the dust suction module 190 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 12 as follows.

[0265]The cleaner station 100 may include the dust suction module 190. The dust suction module 190 may include the dust collection motor 191, a first filter (not shown), and a second filter (not shown).

[0266]The dust collection motor 191 may be disposed below the dust collection unit 170. The dust collection motor 191 may generate a suction force in the flow path unit 180. Accordingly, the dust collection motor 191 may provide a suction force capable of suctioning the dust of the dust bin 220 of the cleaner 200.

[0267]The dust collection motor 191 may generate the suction force by rotation. For example, the dust collection motor 191 may be formed in a shape similar to a cylinder.

[0268]Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a virtual dust collection motor axial line C extending a rotational axis of the dust collection motor 191 may be formed.

[0269]The first filter (not shown) may be disposed between the dust collection unit 170 and the dust collection motor 191. The first filter may be a pre-filter.

[0270]The second filter (not shown) may be disposed between the dust collection motor 191 and the outer wall surface 112. The second filter (not shown) may be a HEPA filter.

[0271]Meanwhile, the cleaner station 100 may further include a charging unit 128. The charging unit may be disposed on the coupling unit 120. The charging unit 128 may be electrically connected to the cleaner 200 coupled to the coupling unit 120. The charging unit 128 may supply power to the battery of the cleaner 200 coupled to the coupling unit 120.

[0272]In addition, the cleaner station 100 may further include a side door (not shown). The side door may be disposed in the housing 110. The side door may selectively expose the dust collection unit 170 to the outside. Accordingly, the user can easily remove the dust collection unit 170 from the cleaner station 100.

[0273]Meanwhile, FIG. 12 shows a block diagram for describing a control configuration of the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0274]The control configuration of the cleaner station 100 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 12 as follows.

[0275]The cleaner station 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention may further include the controller 400 for controlling the coupling unit 120, the fixing unit 130, the dust bin cover control unit 140, the cover open unit 150, the dust collection unit 170, the flow path unit 180, and the dust suction module 190.

[0276]The controller 400 may be composed of a printed circuit board and elements mounted on the printed circuit board.

[0277]When the coupling sensor 125 detects the coupling of the cleaner 200, the coupling sensor 125 may transmit a signal indicating that the cleaner 200 has been coupled to the coupling unit 120. In this case, the controller 400 may receive the signal of the coupling sensor 125 and determine that the cleaner 200 has been coupled to the coupling unit 120.

[0278]In addition, when the charging unit 128 supplies power to the battery 240 of the cleaner 200, the controller 400 may determine that the cleaner 200 has been coupled to the coupling unit 120.

[0279]When it is determined that the cleaner 200 has been fixed to the coupling unit 120, the controller 400 may open the cover control frame 141 of the cleaner station 100 by operating the cover control motor 142.

[0280]The cover control sensor 144 may transmit a signal indicating that the cover control frame 141 is closed when coming into contact with the first sensing protrusion 1431ca. The controller 400 may stop the operation of the cover control motor 142 when it is determined that the cover control frame 141 has been closed.

[0281]The cover control sensor 144 may transmit a signal indicating that the cover control frame 141 is opened when coming into contact with the second sensing protrusion 1431cb. The controller 400 may stop the operation of the cover control motor 142 when it determines that the cover control frame 141 has been opened.

[0282]The cover open detector 155f may transmit a signal indicating that the discharge cover 222 has been opened when a guide frame 151e reaches a predetermined open position CP1. The controller 400 may receive the signal indicating that the discharging cover 222 has been opened from the cover open detection unit 155f and determine that the discharging cover 222 has been opened. When it is determined that the discharging cover 222 has been opened, the controller 400 may stop the operation of the cover open motor 152.

[0283]The controller 400 may suction the dust inside the dust bin 220 by driving the dust collection motor 191.

[0284]The controller 400 may display a dust bin emptying situation and charging situation of the cleaner 200 by operating a display unit 410.

[0285]Meanwhile, the cleaner station 100 according to the present invention may include the display unit 410.

[0286]The display unit 410 may be disposed not only in the housing 110, but also in a separate display device and provided in a terminal such as a mobile phone.

[0287]The display unit 410 may include at least one of a display panel capable of outputting text and/or graphics, and a speaker capable of outputting voice signals and sounds. A user can easily understand a situation, remaining time, and the like of a current ongoing stroke through the information output through the display unit.

[0288]Meanwhile, the cleaner station 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a memory 430. The memory 430 may include various data for driving and operating the cleaner station 100.

[0289]Meanwhile, the cleaner station 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention may include an input unit 440. The input unit 440 generates key input data input by the user to control the operation of the cleaner station 100. To this end, the input unit 440 may be composed of a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (static pressure/electrostatic), etc. In particular, when the touch pad forms a layered structure with the display unit 410, the touch pad may be referred to as a touch screen.

[0290]FIG. 13 is a view for describing a control method of the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a graph for describing the operation of each motor over time in the cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0291]A control method of a cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 14 as follows.

[0292]The control method of a cleaner station of the present invention includes a coupling confirming operation S10, a cover opening operation S20, a dust collecting operation S30, and a cover closing operation S40.

[0293]The coupling confirming operation S10 may include confirm whether the cleaner 200 has been coupled to the coupling unit 120 of the cleaner station 100.

[0294]Specifically, in the coupling confirming operation S10, when the cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling unit 120, the coupling sensor 125 disposed on the guide protrusion 123 may come into contact with the battery housing 230, and the coupling sensor 125 may transmit a signal indicating that the cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling unit 120. Alternatively, according to an embodiment, a non-contact sensor type coupling sensor 125 disposed on the sidewall 124 may detect the presence of the dust bin 220, and the coupling sensor 125 may transmit a signal indicating that the cleaner 200 is coupled to the coupling unit 120.

[0295]Accordingly, in the coupling confirming operation S10, the controller 400 may receive a signal generated from the coupling sensor 125 to determine that the cleaner 200 has been coupled to the coupling unit 120.

[0296]Alternatively, in the coupling confirming operation S10 of the present invention, the controller 400 may determine whether the charging unit 128 supplies power to the battery 240 of the cleaner 200 and detect whether the cleaner 200 has been coupled to the correct position.

[0297]In the cover opening operation S20, the controller 400 may open the discharging cover 222 of the cleaner 200 when the dust bin 220 is coupled to the cleaner station 100.

[0298]When the controller 400 receives a signal indicating that the dust bin 220 has been fixed from a fixation detection unit 137, the controller 400 may operate the cover opening motor 152 in the forward direction to open the discharging cover 222.

[0299]Specifically, the controller 400 may drive the cover opening motor 152 in the forward direction. As a result, the push protrusion 151 may move away from the initial position to a position at which it presses the coupling lever 222c. Accordingly, the hook-coupling between the discharging cover 222 and the dust bin main body 221 may be released by the movement of the coupling lever 222c, and the discharging cover 222 may be separated by rotating in a direction away from the dust bin main body 221 by the restoring force of the torsion spring 222d.

[0300]Meanwhile, before the push protrusion 151 presses the coupling lever 222c, the cover open detection unit 155f may transmit a signal indicating that the push protrusion 151 is in the initial position.

[0301]When the cover open motor 152 is driven and the push protrusion 151 starts to move to press the coupling lever 222c, the cover open detection unit 155f may transmit a signal indicating that the push protrusion 151 has moved away from the initial position. In addition, the controller 400 may receive such a signal and determine that the cover open unit 150 has been operated normally.

[0302]In this case, the controller 400 may measure the time after the cover open motor 152 is driven in the forward direction through a timer (not shown) or measure the time after the push protrusion 151 moves away from the initial position.

[0303]In this case, the controller 400 may preset and store the time required for the push protrusion 151 to start from the initial position and press the coupling lever 222c based on the rotational speed of the cover open motor 152 and a movement distance of the push protrusion 151. Accordingly, the controller 400 may drive the cover open motor 152 in the forward direction for a cover open time tc1 longer than the time required to press the coupling lever 222c. For example, the controller 400 may drive the cover open motor 152 in the forward direction for 4 seconds or more and 5 seconds or less.

[0304]In addition, the controller 400 may change the rotational direction of the cover open motor 152 during a preset rotational direction change time tc2 after the cover open time tc1 has elapsed.

[0305]In addition, the controller 400 may drive the cover open motor 152 in the reverse direction after the rotational direction change time tc2 has elapsed. As a result, the push protrusion 151 may return to the initial position.

[0306]The controller 400 may drive the cover open motor 152 until the cover open detection unit 155f detects that the push protrusion 151 has returned to the initial position. In this case, the controller 400 may preset and store a protrusion return time tc3 required until the push protrusion 151 returns to the initial position after pressing the coupling lever 222c. Accordingly, the controller 400 may drive the cover open motor 152 in the reverse direction during the protrusion return time tc3. For example, the controller 400 may drive the cover open motor 152 in the reverse direction for 4 seconds or more and 5 seconds or less.

[0307]Meanwhile, when the controller 400 receives a signal indicating that the push protrusion 151 has returned to the initial position from the cover open detection unit 155f, the controller 400 may terminate the operation of the cover open motor 152.

[0308]Meanwhile, in the cover opening operation S20, the controller 400 may open the cover control frame 141.

[0309]Specifically, when the controller 400 receives a signal indicating that the dust bin 220 has been coupled, the controller 400 may operate the cover control motor 142 in the forward direction to rotate the first link 1431 to be lifted upward. In this case, the first link 1431 may lift one side of the second link 1432, and the other side of the second link 1432 may lift the cover control frame 141. As a result, the cover control frame 141 may rotate to open the dust through-hole 121a. That is, in the cover opening operation S20, the controller 400 may rotate the cover control frame 141 to open the dust through-hole 121a.

[0310]Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the controller 400 may operate the cover control motor 142 in the forward direction after receiving the signal indicating that the dust bin 220 has been coupled and a preset time has elapsed. For example, the controller 400 may operate the cover control motor 142 after the dust bin 220 is coupled or the user's action is input and 0.5 seconds or more and 1.5 seconds or less has elapsed.

[0311]With this configuration, in the cover opening operation S20, the cover control frame 141 may be opened after waiting for the time required for the push protrusion 151 to start to press the coupling lever 222c, and the discharging cover 222 and the cover control frame 141 may be opened at similar times. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the discharging cover 222 from being suddenly opened by the restoring force of the torsion spring 222d to cause a strong collision between the cover control frame 141 and the discharging cover 222 in a state in which the cover control frame 141 rotates first and the dust through-hole 121a is opened, or prevent the discharging cover 222 and the dust bin main body 221 from failing to separate because the cover control frame 141 is not opened even when the hook-coupling between the discharging cover 222 and the dust bin main body 221 is released.

[0312]As a result, when the cover open operation S20 is performed, the discharging cover 222 of the dust bin 220 may rotate to open the internal space of the dust bin main body 221, and the cover control frame 141 may rotate to open the dust through-hole 121a so that the internal space of the dust bin 220 and the flow path unit 180 (specifically, the first flow path 181) of the cleaner station 100 may be connected.

[0313]Meanwhile, when detecting the second sensing protrusion 1431cb, the cover control sensor 144 may transmit a signal therefor. Accordingly, the controller 400 may determine that the cover control frame 141 has been opened and stop the operation of the cover control motor 142.

[0314]Alternatively, according to an embodiment, the controller 400 may operate the cover control motor 142 for a preset time. For example, the controller 400 may operate the cover control motor 142 in the forward direction for 5 seconds or more and 7 seconds or less and then stop the operation of the cover control motor 142.

[0315]Alternatively, according to an embodiment, the controller 400 may detect the load of the cover control motor 142 when the link 143 comes into contact with the link stopper 115 and stop the operation of the cover control motor 142.

[0316]In the dust collecting operation S30, when the discharging cover 222 is opened and the cover control frame 141 rotates to open the dust through-hole 121a, the dust collection motor 191 may be operated to collect dust inside the dust bin 220.

[0317]For example, in the dust collecting operation S30, the controller 400 may start the operation of the dust collection motor 191 after receiving a signal indicating that the cover control frame 141 has been opened from the cover control sensor 144. That is, in the dust collecting operation S30, when the rotation of the link 143 stops, the dust collection motor 191 may be operated.

[0318]As another example, the controller 400 may start the operation of the dust collection motor 191 after the dust bin is coupled or the user's action is input and 6 seconds or more and 7 seconds or less has elapsed.

[0319]In the dust collecting operation S30, the controller 400 may operate the dust collection motor 191 to rotate at a preset dust collection speed Ws for a preset dust collection time ts. For example, in the dust collecting operation S30, the controller 400 may operate the dust collection motor 191 to rotate at the dust collection speed Ws for a time of 5 seconds or more and 9 seconds or less, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the dust collection time may be changed and set according to the output of the dust collection motor 191 and the amount of dust stored inside the dust bin 220.

[0320]According to the dust collecting operation S30, the dust inside the dust bin 220 may pass through the dust through-hole 121a and the flow path unit 180 and may be collected by the dust collection unit 170. Accordingly, since the user may remove the dust inside the dust bin 220 without separate manipulation, it is possible to provide user convenience.

[0321]Meanwhile, in the present invention, according to an embodiment, the fixation of the dust bin 220 may be performed simultaneously in the dust collecting operation S30. Specifically, in the dust collecting operation S30, the fixing unit 130 may be operated by the suction force of the dust collection motor 191 generated by the operation of the dust collection motor 191. That is, in the dust collecting operation S30, the fixed member 131 may be moved in a direction of pressing the dust bin 220 by the suction force of the dust collection motor 191.

[0322]With this configuration, even when the cleaner station 100 vibrates due to the operation of the dust collection motor 191, the dust bin 220 can be stably fixed.

[0323]Accordingly, according to the present invention, the time required to fix the cleaner 200 or release the fixation of the cleaner 200 may be reduced, thereby reducing the overall operation time.

[0324]Meanwhile, the control method of the cleaner station according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include the cover closing operation S40 of rotating the cover control frame 141 to block the dust through-hole 121a after the operation of the dust collection motor 191 is terminated. That is, in the cover closing operation S40, when the operation of the dust collection motor 191 is terminated, the link 143 may be re-rotated.

[0325]In the cover closing operation S40, the controller 400 may operate the cover control motor 142 in a direction opposite to the operating direction of the cover control motor 142 in the cover opening operation S20.

[0326]Specifically, in the cover opening operation S20, the first link 1431 is caught on the second link stopper 115b, and the cover control sensor 144 detects the second sensing protrusion 1431cb to stop the operation of the cover control motor 142 operating in the forward direction. Thereafter, in the cover closing operation S40, the cover control motor 142 is operated in the reverse direction.

[0327]That is, in the cover closing operation S40, the controller 400 may change the rotational direction of the shaft of the cover control motor 142.

[0328]For example, after the operation of the dust collection motor 191 is terminated, the controller 400 may operate the cover control motor 142 in the reverse direction to rotate the cover control frame 141.

[0329]Specifically, the controller 400 may operate the cover control motor 142 in the reverse direction after the operation of the dust collection motor 191 is terminated, thereby rotating the first link 1431 downward. In this case, the first link 1431 may lower one side of the second link 1432, and the other side of the second link 1432 may lower the cover control frame 141. As a result, the cover control frame 141 may rotate to close the dust through-hole 121a. That is, in the cover closing operation S40, the controller 400 may rotate the cover control frame 141 to close the dust through-hole 121a.

[0330]Meanwhile, when detecting the first sensing protrusion 1431ca, the cover control sensor 144 may transmit a signal therefor. Accordingly, the controller 400 may determine that the cover control frame 141 has closed the dust through-hole 121a and stop the operation of the cover control motor 142.

[0331]Alternatively, according to an embodiment, the controller 400 may operate the cover control motor 142 for a preset time. For example, the controller 400 may operate the cover control motor 142 in the reverse direction for 5 seconds or more and 7 seconds or less and then stop the operation of the cover control motor 142.

[0332]Accordingly, according to the present invention, the controller 400 can precisely control the movement of the cover control frame 141 by changing the operation direction of the cover control motor 142 after the first link 1431 is caught on the link stopper 115 without using an encoder or the like, thereby controlling the discharging cover 222.

[0333]In addition, according to the present invention, by moving the cover control frame 141 to open the discharging cover 222 of the dust bin, the dust collection motor 191 may be operated, and when the operation of the dust collection motor 191 is terminated, the discharging cover 222 may be closed, thereby reducing the time required for dust collection for the dust bin 220.

[0334]Although the present invention has been described in detail through specific embodiments, this is intended to specifically describe the present invention, and it is apparent that the present invention is not limited thereto, and the present invention can be modified or improved by those skilled in the art without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0335]All simple modifications or changes of the present invention fall within the scope of the present invention, and the specific scope of the present invention will be made clear by the appended claims.