cleaner

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cleaner comprising: a suction unit connected to an extension pipe and having a suction flow path through which air can flow; a dust separation unit having at least one cyclone unit; a suction motor for providing a flow force of air; and a main body housing having the suction unit on one side thereof and having the dust separation unit and the suction motor disposed therein, wherein an end portion of the suction unit opposite to a side of the main body housing is formed to be inclined along a flow direction of air flowing in the suction unit, so that small spaces, narrow spaces, or crevices can be cleaned without mounting a separate cleaning module on the cleaner main body.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cleaner, and more particularly, to a cleaner capable of cleaning a small space or cleaning a narrow space or a crevice without mounting a separate cleaning module to a cleaner main body. [Background Art]

[0002] A cleaner is a device that performs cleaning by suctioning or wiping dust or debris located in a cleaning target area.

[0003] The cleaner may include an impeller and a motor configured to rotate the impeller so as to provide a driving force for sucking in dust. The cleaner may generate the suctioning force by reducing an internal pressure by discharging internal air to the outside through an operation of the motor. The suctioning force generated as described above sucks in foreign substances such as dust on a cleaning surface together with external air through a suctioning means, and the foreign substances sucked in together with the external air may be removed by a dust collecting device and the like.

[0004] In addition, manual cleaners may fall into, depending on the types, a canister cleaner, an upright cleaner, a handy cleaner, and a stick cleaner.

[0005] Meanwhile, due to an increasing demand on the handheld cleaner, compactization and lightweight construction of an electric part module embedded in the cleaner has been continuously requested, and at the same time, increase of the rotating speed of the motor and the capacity of the inverter has been requested so as to improve the suction force.

[0006] In European Patent Publication No. EP 4027852A, a cleaner including a main body 14 of a vacuum cleaner 16 to which a wand assembly 10 is attached is disclosed.

[0007] In the cleaner described above, the wand assembly 10 is composed of a first part 12 and a second part 26, and cleaning cannot be performed in a state in which the wand assembly 10 is not attached to the main body 14, requiring attachment or connection between the main body 14 and the wand assembly 10.

[0008] In addition, as the cleaning is performed in a state in which a nozzle 30 is embedded inside the wand assembly 10, there is a problem in that a diameter of the wand assembly 10 increases, thereby increasing the volume and the weight. [Disclosure] [Technical Problem]

[0009] The present disclosure is derived so as to improve the problems of the conventional cleaner as described above, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaner capable of cleaning a crevice, which is a narrow space where a cleaner nozzle cannot enter, without mounting a separate cleaning module to the cleaner main body.

[0010] In addition, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaner capable of preventing scratches of the suction part while sealing between the suction part and the cleaning module or between the suction part and the extension tube.

[0011] In addition, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaner capable of increasing a suction force when the suction part comes into contact with a cleaning target, and uniformly sealing when the suction part is fastened to the extension tube or the cleaning module. [Technical Solution]

[0012] One embodiment is a cleaner, including: a suction part in which an extension tube is connected and a suction flow path through which air flows is formed; a dust separating part comprising at least one cyclone unit; a suction motor configured to provide a flow force of air; and a main body housing having the suction part provided on one side thereof and the dust separating part and the suction motor provided therein, and the suction part may be formed such that an end thereof opposite to the main body housing is inclined along a flow direction of air flowing through the suction part.

[0013] The flow direction of the air flowing through the suction part may be arranged to intersect a motor shaft of the suction motor.

[0014] The cleaner may further include: a handle coupled to the main body housing, and the handle may include: a grip portion disposed to be opposed to the main body housing; a first extension connected to one end of the grip portion to protrude toward the main body housing and comprising an operating part; and a second extension connected to another end of the grip portion to protrude toward the main body housing, and the suction part may be formed such that an end thereof gradually protrudes toward one side of the grip portion.

[0015] The cleaner may further include: a dustbin configured to store dust separated from the dust separating part; and a discharge cover configured to open or close a lower end of the dustbin, and the suction part may be formed such that an end thereof gradually protrudes upward.

[0016] The main body housing may be disposed along an upward and downward direction and the suction motor may be disposed in an upper inside thereof, and the suction part may be formed such that an end thereof gradually protrudes upward.

[0017] The suction part may include a sealing member on an end thereof so as to be in contact with a cleaning target or to support a space between the end of the suction part and the extension tube.

[0018] The sealing member may be formed to surround the end of the suction part and may be disposed to be inclined along the end of the suction part.

[0019] The extension tube may include a supporting portion on which the end of the suction part is supported, and the supporting portion may include an insertion groove formed to allow the sealing member to be inserted therein, and the sealing member may have an end surface formed to be inclined along the end of the suction part, and the supporting portion may have an inclined surface corresponding to the end surface of the suction part in the insertion groove.

[0020] Another embodiment is a cleaner, including: a cleaning module configured to suck in external air; a cleaner main body configured to provide a suction force to the cleaning module; and an extension tube configured to connect the cleaning module and the cleaner main body, and the cleaner main body may include: a dust separating part comprising at least one cyclone unit; a suction motor configured to provide a flow force of air; a main body housing having the dust separating part and the suction motor provided therein; and a suction part provided on one side of the main body housing to be coupled with the extension tube or the cleaning module, and in which a suction flow path through which air flows is formed, and the suction part may include a sealing member formed along a circumference of an end thereof so as to be in contact with a cleaning target or to support the extension tube or the cleaning module.

[0021] Still another embodiment is a cleaner, including: a cleaning module configured to suck in external air; a cleaner main body configured to provide a suction force to the cleaning module; and an extension tube configured to connect the cleaning module and the cleaner main body, and the cleaner main body may include: a suction part in which a suction flow path through which air flows is formed; a dust separating part comprising at least one cyclone unit; a suction motor configured to provide a flow force of air; and a main body housing having the suction part provided on one side thereof and the dust separating part and the suction motor provided therein, and the suction part may be formed such that an end thereof to be coupled with the extension tube or the cleaning module is inclined with respect to a flow direction of air flowing through the suction part. [Advantageous Effects]

[0022] According to the cleaner according to the present disclosure as described above, it is possible to suck in foreign substances on the cleaning target through the suction part without mounting a separate cleaning module to the cleaner main body, and in particular, as the end of the suction part is formed to be inclined, a crevice, which is a narrow space where a cleaner nozzle cannot enter, can also be cleaned, thereby providing an effect of providing convenience to a user. In particular, a process of coupling or uncoupling another cleaning module to / from the suction part by the user is omitted, and the cleaner can be used efficiently.

[0023] In addition, as the sealing member is provided on the end of the suction part, there is an effect that the sealing member can prevent scratches while sealing a space with the cleaning module or the extension tube. In addition, compared to when the user brings the suction part into contact with the cleaning target, the sealing member absorbs impacts or vibrations to reduce noise, and there is an effect of reducing fatigue felt by the user when operating the cleaner.

[0024] In addition, as the end surfaces of the sealing member, the suction part, and the insertion portion and corresponding surfaces thereof are formed to be inclined, when the suction part comes into contact with the cleaning target, a contact area is widened, thereby increasing the suction force and providing an effect of improving cleaning efficiency. Furthermore, when the suction part is fastened to the extension tube or the cleaning module, uniform sealing can be achieved, providing an effect of providing a stable fastening structure. [Description of Drawings]

[0025] FIG. 1 is a side view of a cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a side view of a cleaner main body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cleaner main body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view for describing an internal structure of a cleaner main body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a partial side view illustrating an enlarged suction part in a cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a side view showing an example of use of a cleaner main body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view for describing a fastening structure of a suction part and an extension tube of a cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 7. [Mode for Invention]

[0033] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] The present disclosure may be variously modified and may have various embodiments, and particular embodiments illustrated in the drawings will be specifically described below. The description of the embodiments is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the particular embodiments, but it should be interpreted that the present disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0035] The terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Singular expressions may include plural expressions unless clearly described as different meanings in the context.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. The terms such as those defined in a commonly used dictionary may be interpreted as having meanings consistent with meanings in the context of related technologies and may not be interpreted as ideal or excessively formal meanings unless explicitly defined in the present application.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a side view of a cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 2 is a side view of a cleaner main body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cleaner main body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view for describing an internal structure of a cleaner main body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 5 is a partial side view illustrating an enlarged suction part in a cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 6 is a side view showing an example of use of a cleaner main body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view for describing a fastening structure of a suction part and an extension tube of a cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 7.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the cleaner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cleaner main body 100 having a suction motor 142 configured to generate a suction force, a cleaning module 300 connected to the cleaner main body 100 and configured to suck in air and foreign substances on a floor surface, and an extension tube 200 connecting the cleaner main body 100 and the cleaning module 300.

[0039] A structure of the cleaner main body 100 will be described as follows.

[0040] Meanwhile, in the present specification, "floor surface" may be understood to mean not only a floor surface of a living room or a room, but also a cleaning surface such as a carpet or a cleaning surface of a cleaning target 2.

[0041] In addition, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, directions may be defined based on when a bottom surface (lower surface) of a dustbin 170 and a battery housing 180 is placed on the ground.

[0042] At this time, front refers to a direction in which a suction part 120 is disposed based on the suction motor 142, and rear refers to a direction in which a handle 160 is disposed based on the suction motor 142. And, based on when looking at the suction part 120 from the suction motor 142, a direction disposed on the right may be referred to as right, and a direction disposed on the left may be referred to as left. In addition, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, an upper side and a lower side may be defined along a direction perpendicular to the ground based on when the bottom surface (lower surface) of the dustbin 170 and the battery housing 180 is placed on the ground.

[0043] The cleaner 1 may include the cleaner main body 100. The cleaner main body 100 may form a flow path therein to guide sucked air to be discharged to the outside.

[0044] Specifically, the cleaner main body 100 may include a main body housing 110, the suction part 120, a dust separating part 130, a fan driver 140, an air discharge cover 150, the handle 160, the dustbin 170, the battery housing 180, and a battery 190.

[0045] The main body housing 110 may form an external appearance of the cleaner main body 100. The main body housing 110 may provide a space capable of accommodating the fan driver 140 and a pre-filter 145 therein. For example, the main body housing 110 may be configured in a shape similar to a cylinder.

[0046] The suction part 120 may protrude outward from the main body housing 110. For example, the suction part 120 may be formed in a cylindrical shape with an open inside. The suction part 120 may be coupled to the extension tube 200. The suction part 120 may provide a flow path P1 through which air containing dust can flow.

[0047] The dust separating part 130 communicates with the suction part 120 and is configured applying a principle of a dust collector using centrifugal force in order to separate dust sucked into the inside of the cleaner main body 100 through the suction part 120. An inner space of the dust separating part 130 may communicate with an inner space of the dustbin 170.

[0048] For example, the dust separating part 130 may include at least one or more cyclone units capable of separating dust by a cyclone flow. And, the inner space of the dust separating part 130 may communicate with a flow path P2 formed in the suction part 120. Therefore, air and dust sucked through the suction part 120 spiral flow along an inner circumferential surface of the dust separating part 130. Therefore, a cyclone flow can occur in the inner space of the dust separating part 130.

[0049] The fan driver 140 is disposed on the flow path and can generate a flow force to move the air in the flow path.

[0050] The fan driver 140 may include an impeller 141 and the suction motor 142 that rotates the impeller 141.

[0051] The impeller 141 may be disposed above the suction motor 142. A shaft of the suction motor 142 is inserted into a center of the impeller 141 so that the center of the impeller 141 and the shaft of the suction motor 142 can be coaxially disposed. At this time, the shaft of the suction motor 142 may be fixed to the center of the impeller 141. With this configuration, when the suction motor 142 is driven, the impeller 141 rotates together with the shaft of the suction motor 142, thereby generating the flow force of air. At this time, the shaft of the suction motor 142 may be disposed in an upward and downward direction of the main body housing 110, but is not limited thereto.

[0052] The suction motor 142 may include, for example, an annular stator, a shaft passing through a center of the stator, and a rotor coaxially installed on the shaft and generating rotational force by the stator. Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the suction motor 142 uses a BLDC motor (brushless direct current motor), but is not limited thereto, and various types of motors can be applied.

[0053] A motor housing 143 accommodates the suction motor 142, and can support a bearing (not shown) installed at a lower or upper part of the suction motor 142.

[0054] A side wall of the motor housing 143 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the stator of the suction motor 142 can be fixed to an inner surface of the side wall. And, in a state where the suction motor 142 is accommodated and installed in the motor housing 143, a structure supporting the bearing may be provided at the lower or upper part of the motor housing 143. In addition, although not shown, components for generating a flow of air and a diffuser for dispersing the generated flow of air may be further provided at the lower or upper part of the motor housing 143.

[0055] Meanwhile, an air discharge port 147 may be formed on an upper surface or a lower surface of the motor housing 143. For example, the air discharge port 147 may be formed in a hole shape having a predetermined width along a circumferential direction on the upper surface or the lower surface of the motor housing 143. That is, the air discharge port 147 may be a hole formed in an area between a predetermined inner radius and a predetermined outer radius around a predetermined center point of the upper surface or the lower surface of the motor housing 143. Meanwhile, a plurality of air discharge ports 147 may be formed at predetermined angular intervals. That is, the air discharge port 147 may be an arc-shaped hole formed in a predetermined angular range around the center point, and the plurality of air discharge ports 147 may be generally formed in a shape close to a circle having the center point as an origin.

[0056] An impeller cover may be configured, for example, in a form covering an upper part of the motor housing 143. An air inlet 146, which is a passage sucked into the fan driver 140, may be formed at a lower center or an upper center of the impeller cover.

[0057] The fan driver 140 sucks in air through the air inlet 146 provided at the lower center or the upper center of the impeller cover, and can discharge air through the air discharge port 147 provided along the circumferential direction on the upper surface or the lower surface of the motor housing 143. With this configuration, heating elements mounted on a printed circuit board 400 to be described later can be effectively radiated through the air flowing in the fan driver 140.

[0058] The cleaner 1 may include a pre-filter 145 that filters air before it is sucked into the suction motor 142. The pre-filter 145 may be disposed, for example, to surround the impeller 141. Air on a suction flow path P3 may pass through the pre-filter 145 and reach the impeller 141, for example. The pre-filter 145 may be disposed inside the cleaner main body 100. Specifically, the pre-filter 145 may be disposed below or above the suction motor 142. That is, it may be disposed between the dust separating part 130 and the suction motor 142.

[0059] The cleaner main body 100 may include air guides 148a and 148b that guide the air flowing out from the dust separating part 130. The air guides 148a and 148b may be disposed between the main body housing 110 and the motor housing 143. The air guides 148a and 148b may form the suction flow path P3 that guides air from the dust separating part 130 to the impeller 141. The air guides 148a and 148b may form an exhaust flow path P4 that guides air passing through the impeller 141 to an exhaust port 151.

[0060] Specifically, an air guide 148 may include an outer guide 148a and an inner guide 148b. The outer guide 148a may be coupled to an inner circumferential surface of the main body housing 110, and may be a wall forming the suction flow path P3 through which air passing through the dust separating part 130 flows into the air inlet 146 by forming a space with the inner guide 148b. The inner guide 148b may be a wall accommodating the motor housing 143 and the printed circuit board 400 therein, and forming the exhaust flow path P4 guiding air discharged from the air discharge port 147 to the exhaust port 151.

[0061] At this time, as shown in FIG. 3, the suction flow path P3 and the exhaust flow path P4 may be formed around the motor housing 143 at predetermined intervals along a circumference of the motor housing 143. For example, three suction flow paths P3 and three exhaust flow paths P4 may be alternately formed along the circumference of the motor housing 143.

[0062] With this configuration, the air guide 148 can form flow paths P3 and P4 such that air flowing out from the dust separating part 130 rises through the impeller 141 and rises again to the exhaust port 151.

[0063] Therefore, air and dust sucked through the flow path P1 inside the suction part 120 by the operation of the suction motor 142, for example, flow through the flow path P2 in the dust separating part 130 and can be separated from each other. Air from which dust has been separated in the dust separating part 130 may move upward and may flow into the suction flow path P3 in the fan driver. The suction flow path P3 can guide air toward the pre-filter 145. Air sequentially passing through the pre-filter 145 and the impeller 141 may flow into the exhaust flow path P4, and after passing through a HEPA filter 153, can be discharged to the outside through the exhaust port 151.

[0064] Meanwhile, the cleaner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a printed circuit board (PCB) 400 for controlling the suction motor 142. The printed circuit board 400 may be disposed between the suction motor 142 and the dust separating part 130. The printed circuit board 400 will be described in detail later.

[0065] The air discharge cover 150 may form an upper outer appearance of the cleaner main body 100, and may cover upper portions of the motor housing 143 and the impeller cover.

[0066] The air discharge cover 150 may be disposed on one side in an axial direction of the main body housing 110.

[0067] The air discharge cover 150 may be formed with the exhaust port 151 through which air in the flow path is discharged to the outside of the cleaner main body 100.

[0068] The exhaust port 151 may be disposed, for example, facing a specific direction. For example, a plurality of exhaust ports 151 may be divided from each other in a circumferential direction by a plurality of exhaust guides 152. The plurality of exhaust ports 151 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction.

[0069] A filter for filtering air before it is discharged to the exhaust port 151 may be accommodated in the air discharge cover 150. For example, the HEPA filter 153 may be accommodated in the air discharge cover 150.

[0070] Air passing through the fan driver 140 may pass through the HEPA filter 153 and then be discharged to the outside through the exhaust port 151. The HEPA filter 153 may be disposed on the exhaust flow path P4.

[0071] A filter accommodation space for accommodating the HEPA filter 153 may be formed in the air discharge cover 150. The filter accommodation space is formed such that a lower side thereof is open, so that the HEPA filter 153 can be accommodated at a lower side of the air discharge cover 150.

[0072] The exhaust port 151 may be formed to face the HEPA filter 153. For example, the HEPA filter 153 may be disposed below the exhaust port 151. The HEPA filter 153 may be extended and disposed, for example, in the circumferential direction along the exhaust port 151.

[0073] The handle 160 may be gripped by a user. The handle 160 may be disposed at the rear of the suction motor 140. For example, the handle 160 may be formed in a shape similar to a cylinder. Alternatively, the handle 160 may be formed in a curved cylinder shape. The handle 160 may be disposed at a predetermined angle with the main body housing 110 or the suction motor 140 or the dust separating part 130.

[0074] The handle 160 is coupled to the main body housing 110. An upper part of the handle 160 may be coupled to the main body housing 110, and a lower part thereof may be detachably coupled to the dustbin 170. The handle 160 may include a grip portion 161 formed in a column shape so as to be gripped by the user, a first extension 162 connected to one end in a longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the grip portion 161 and extended toward the suction motor 140, and a second extension 163 connected to another end in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the grip portion 161 and extended toward the dustbin 170.

[0075] The grip portion 161 is a component disposed to face the main body housing 110, and gripped by the user's hand when the user uses the cleaner. The grip portion 161 may include a curved cylinder shape, and may be formed in column shapes with different cross sections according to height. The grip portion 161 may include a finger supporting portion 164 protruding from one side toward the main body housing 110 so as not to slip while being gripped by the user. The finger supporting portion 164 is provided to guide the user's fingers on a side surface of the grip portion 161 facing the main body housing 110, and may be formed protruding from the grip portion 161 in a curved structure so as to support the user's fingers.

[0076] The first extension 162 connects an upper end of the grip portion 161 to protrude toward the main body housing 110, and may include an operating part 165. The second extension 163 connects a lower end of the grip portion 161 to protrude toward the main body housing 110, and the battery housing 180 can be connected thereto.

[0077] An upper surface of the handle 160 may form a part of an upper outer appearance of the cleaner 1. Through this, when the user grips the handle 160, it is possible to prevent one component of the cleaner 1 from contacting the user's arm.

[0078] The operating part 165 may be disposed on the handle 160. The operating part 165 may be disposed on the first extension 162 or may be disposed on an inclined surface formed in an upper area of the handle 160. The operating part 165 is a component that receives a user's command. The operating part 165 may include a plurality of buttons, and when the user presses a corresponding button, a corresponding command is executed. The operating part 165 may be provided with an operation button and a stop button for controlling an operation of the suction motor 142 of the cleaner 1.

[0079] The dustbin 170 may be disposed below the main body housing 110. The dustbin 170 may communicate with the dust separating part 130. The dustbin 170 can store dust separated in the dust separating part 130.

[0080] The dustbin 170 may include a dustbin main body 171.

[0081] The dustbin main body 171 can provide a space for storing dust separated in the dust separating part 130. For example, the dustbin main body 171 may be formed in a shape similar to a cylinder.

[0082] For example, the dustbin main body 171 may be provided such that a lower surface thereof can be opened. In this case, a discharge cover 172 is provided on the lower surface of the dustbin main body 171, so that the lower surface of the dustbin main body 171 can be selectively opened.

[0083] The discharge cover 172 may be provided to open and close the lower surface of the dustbin main body 171. The discharge cover 172 may be rotatably coupled to a lower side of the dustbin main body 171. The discharge cover 172 may be hingedly coupled with the dustbin main body 171 to open and close the lower side of the dustbin 170 by a rotation operation.

[0084] Meanwhile, according to embodiments, the dustbin 170 may further include a dustbin compression lever (not shown) and a compression member 174.

[0085] The dustbin compression lever may be disposed outside the dustbin 170 or the dust separating part 130. The dustbin compression lever may be disposed to move up and down outside the dustbin 170 or the dust separating part 130. The dustbin compression lever may be connected with the compression member 174. When the dustbin compression lever is moved downward by an external force, the compression member 174 can also be moved downward together. Through this, convenience of the user can be provided. The compression member 174 and the dustbin compression lever can return to an original position by an elastic member (not shown). Specifically, when the external force applied to the dustbin compression lever is removed, the elastic member can move the dustbin compression lever and the compression member 174 upward.

[0086] The compression member 174 may be disposed inside the dustbin main body 171. The compression member 174 can move in the inner space of the dustbin main body 171. Specifically, the compression member 174 can move up and down within the dustbin main body 171. Through this, the compression member can compress the dust within the dustbin main body 171 downward. In addition, when the discharge cover 172 is separated from the dustbin main body 171 and the lower portion of the dustbin 170 is opened, the compression member 174 moves from an upper part to a lower part of the dustbin 170, so that foreign substances such as residual dust inside the dustbin 170 can be removed. Through this, it is possible to prevent residual dust from remaining in the dustbin 170, thereby improving the suction force of the cleaner. In addition, an odor caused by residuals can be removed by preventing residual dust from remaining in the dustbin 170.

[0087] The battery 190 may be accommodated in the battery housing 180. The battery housing 180 may be disposed below the handle 160.

[0088] For example, the battery housing 180 may have a hexahedral shape with an open bottom. A rear surface of the battery housing 180 may be connected with the handle 160. In this case, the battery housing 180 may include an accommodation portion opened downward. With this configuration, the battery 190 can be detached through the accommodation portion of the battery housing 180.

[0089] As another example, the battery housing 180 may be integrally provided in a state of accommodating the battery 190 therein.

[0090] The battery 190 is a configuration for supplying power to the cleaner 1. Specifically, the battery 190 can supply power to the suction motor 140, and can supply power to electronic circuits and electronic components through wires embedded in the cleaner 1. Also, the battery 190 can supply power to the cleaning module 300.

[0091] When the battery 190 is coupled to the battery housing 180, a lower surface of the battery 190 may be exposed to the outside. Because the battery 190 may be placed on the floor when the cleaner 1 is set down on the floor, the battery 190 can be immediately separated from the battery housing 180. Also, since the lower surface of the battery 190 is exposed to the outside and directly contacts the external air of the battery 190, a cooling performance of the battery 190 can be improved.

[0092] Meanwhile, when the battery 190 is integrally fixed to the battery housing 180, a structure for attaching and detaching the battery 190 and the battery housing 180 can be reduced, so that an overall size of the cleaner 1 can be reduced, and weight reduction is possible.

[0093]

[0094] Meanwhile, the cleaner 1 may include the extension tube 200.

[0095] The extension tube 200 may be coupled to the cleaner main body 100 and the cleaning module 300. One end of the extension tube 200 may be detachably coupled to the suction part 120. And, another end of the extension tube 200 may be detachably coupled to the cleaning module 300.

[0096] For example, the extension tube 200 may be formed in a long cylindrical shape. Therefore, an inner space of the extension tube 200 can communicate with an inner space of the cleaning module 300. Also, the extension tube 200 can communicate with the suction flow path formed in the suction part 120 of the cleaner main body 100.

[0097] When a suction force is generated through the suction motor 142, the suction force can be provided to the cleaning module 300 through the suction part 120 and the extension tube 200. Therefore, external dust and air can flow into the cleaner main body 100 through the cleaning module 300 and the extension tube 200. Also, the dust and air introduced through the cleaning module 300 can pass through the extension tube 200 and then flow into the cleaner main body 100. Then, the dust and air introduced into the cleaner main body 100 and passing through the suction part 120 are separated in the dust separating part 130, and then the dust is stored in the dustbin 170, and the air can be discharged to the outside through the air discharge cover 150.

[0098] The cleaning module 300 may be, for example, a suction nozzle, and can move along the floor surface and suck in dust existing on the floor surface. Also, the cleaning module 300 may be connected to the cleaner main body 100 through the extension tube 200.

[0099] Meanwhile, although not shown, the cleaning module 300 may be directly connected to the suction part 120 without the extension tube 200. In addition, although not shown, various types of cleaning modules (not shown) other than the cleaning module 300 may be connected to the suction part 120. The cleaning module may refer to a cleaning suction port capable of cleaning carpets or bedding (hereinafter referred to as a "carpet suction port"). In addition, it may refer to a cleaning suction port capable of intensively cleaning pet hair (hereinafter referred to as a "pet suction port"). In addition, it may refer to a suction port for wooden floors whose height is thinner than a general suction port. Alternatively, it may refer to a multi-purpose suction port equipped with an air suction port and a cleaning brush so as to clean a surface of a picture frame or furniture. Alternatively, it may refer to a thin and long crevice suction port to clean crevices where basic suction ports cannot enter. Such a cleaning module can be changed into various suction ports such as a suction port capable of sucking up hardened dust, a suction port capable of cleaning upper parts that cannot be reached by hands, or a suction port provided with a bendable extension bellows.

[0100]

[0101] Meanwhile, in the present disclosure, it is characterized in that an end of the suction part 120 provided in the cleaner main body 100 is formed to be inclined. Accordingly, the cleaner main body 100 can suck air and foreign substances on the cleaning target 2 through the suction part 120 in a state where the cleaning module 300 is not connected. In particular, the cleaner 1 can clean a narrow space or a crevice because the end of the suction part 120 is formed to be inclined.

[0102] The suction part 120 is integrally formed on one side of the cleaner main body 100, and an inner space thereof is formed to be connected to the inner space of the cleaner main body 100.

[0103] The suction part 120 may be formed in a hollow cylindrical shape, and a virtual line A1 extending from a central axis thereof may be arranged to intersect a virtual line A2 extending from a motor shaft of the suction motor 142. Specifically, the virtual line A1 extending from the central axis of the suction part 120 may be arranged to be orthogonal to the virtual line A2 extending from the motor shaft of the suction motor 142. At this time, the virtual line A2 extending from the motor shaft of the suction motor 142 may be arranged to match or be parallel to a long axis of the cleaner main body 100. Also, the virtual line A2 extending from the motor shaft of the suction motor 142 coincides with a rotation axis of the impeller 141, coincides with a central axis of the dustbin 170, and may coincide with a central axis of the dust separating part 130.

[0104] The suction part 120 is provided with an inclined end 121 formed to be inclined along a flow direction of the air flowing through the suction part 120 at a front end opposite to the main body housing 110.

[0105] Specifically, the suction part 120 may be formed such that the inclined end 121 gradually protrudes forward toward an upper side. Also, the suction part 120 may be formed such that the inclined end 121 gradually protrudes toward an upper side of the grip portion 161.

[0106] And, the most protruding part among the front end of the suction part 120 is inserted into a crevice or a narrow space of the cleaning target 2 to suck in air and foreign substances.

[0107] In particular, the suction part 120 has an end surface 121a formed to be inclined so as to increase a contact area with the cleaning target 2.

[0108] The front end of the suction part 120 is formed to be inclined so as to form a certain angle a with the virtual line A1 extending from the central axis of the suction part 120, and the end surface 121a is also formed to form a certain angle a with the virtual line A1 extending from the central axis of the suction part 120. At this time, the certain angle a may be, for example, 65 degrees. The certain angle a may be an angle formed by the cleaning surface and the central axis of the suction part 120 when the end of the suction part 120 supports the cleaning target 2. When the end of the suction part 120 supports the cleaning surface, the cleaner 1 must be spaced apart from the cleaning target 2, and since the grip portion 161 must be parallel to the cleaning surface while one side of the suction part 120 must be pointed for crevice cleaning, the certain angle a is preferably formed at 65 degrees.

[0109] Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 6, when the front end of the suction part 120 is adhered to the cleaning surface of the cleaning target 2, the end surface 121a of the front end of the suction part 120 can also be adhered to the cleaning surface of the cleaning target 2. Accordingly, foreign substances on the cleaning surface of the cleaning target 2 can be efficiently sucked.

[0110] In addition, the suction part 120 is provided with a sealing member 123 at a front end to prevent breakage of the cleaning target 2 or the suction part 120 upon contact with the cleaning target 2, while providing a sealing function when coupled with the extension tube 200 or the cleaning module 300.

[0111] The sealing member 123 is installed at the front end of the suction part 120, and contacts the cleaning target 2 or supports a space between the end of the suction part 120 and the extension tube 200.

[0112] Such a sealing member 123 may be formed of a material such as an elastically deformable plastic or rubber material. The sealing member 123 may be formed in a hollow ring shape and installed at the front end of the suction part 120, and the sealing member 123 is formed to surround the end of the suction part 120. Such a sealing member 123 is installed at the front end of the suction part 120 and disposed to be inclined along the end of the suction part 120.

[0113] Specifically, the suction part 120 has an insertion portion 122 formed to protrude forward on the end surface 121a of the front end, and the sealing member 123 has a fitting groove 124 formed to be recessed from a surface facing the end surface 121a so that the insertion portion 122 is inserted.

[0114] And, the sealing member 123 has a supporting surface 123b formed to be inclined such that a surface facing the end surface 121a corresponds to the end surface 121a. That is, the supporting surface 123b of the sealing member 123 closely adheres to the end surface 121a of the front end of the suction part 120.

[0115] In addition, an end surface 122a of the protruding end of the insertion portion 122 is also formed to be inclined, but is formed to be parallel to the end surface 121a of the suction part 120. And, the fitting groove 124 is provided with an inclined supporting surface 124a formed to be inclined corresponding to the end surface 122a of the insertion portion 122 on an inner side surface. Accordingly, the sealing member 123 is evenly compressed between the cleaning target 2 and the end surface 122a of the insertion portion 122.

[0116] An end surface of a front end of the sealing member 123 is formed to be inclined along the end of the suction part 120, and can support the cleaning target 2. That is, the sealing member 123 has a contact surface 123a at the front end, and the contact surface 123a is formed to be inclined but is formed to be parallel to the end surface 121a of the suction part 120 to contact the cleaning target 2.

[0117] Meanwhile, when the extension tube 200 is fastened to the suction part 120, the front end of the suction part 120 is supported by a supporting portion 210 provided in the extension tube 200.

[0118] The supporting portion 210 is disposed inside the extension tube 200. The supporting portion 210 is formed by a part of the inside of the extension tube 200 protruding, and is formed in a hollow ring shape. Such a supporting portion 210 is disposed to face the front end of the suction part 120 inserted into the extension tube 200.

[0119] The supporting portion 210 is disposed toward an end side of the extension tube 200 as it goes downward, and is disposed to be inclined. That is, the supporting portion 210 may be formed to be inclined such that a surface facing the end of the suction part 120 is parallel to the end surface 121a of the suction part 120. Such a supporting portion 210 may include an insertion groove 211 formed to allow the sealing member 123 to be inserted. When the extension tube 200 is coupled to the suction part 120, the sealing member 123 can elastically support a space between the extension tube 200 and the suction part 120.

[0120] In particular, the supporting portion 210 is formed with an inclined surface 212 corresponding to the end surface of the suction part 120 in the insertion groove 211 so as to evenly support the sealing member 123 and allow the sealing member 123 to be stably inserted. The insertion groove 211 includes the inclined surface 212 formed to be inclined on an inner side surface to correspond to the contact surface 123a of the sealing member 123. Accordingly, the sealing member 123 can be evenly compressed between the supporting portion 210 and the end of the suction part 120.

[0121] Such a supporting portion 210 may be provided inside a connection tube connected to the extension tube 200 of the cleaning module 300 or the suction part 120, or may be provided inside an end connected to the suction part 120 of the extension tube 200.

[0122] Meanwhile, a locking lever 230 fastened to the suction part 120 may be provided at a connection tube of the cleaning module 300 or an end connected to the suction part 120 of the extension tube 200.

[0123] For example, the locking lever 230 may include a lever body 231 and a lever cover 234. The lever body 231 is rotatably installed at the outside of the extension tube 200, and the lever body 231 may be installed to the extension tube 200 via a spring hinge. The lever body 231 may be provided with a locking protrusion 233 at one end and a pressing portion 232 at another end. The locking protrusion 233 is provided at one end of the lever body 231, passes through a passing hole 240 formed in the extension tube 200, and is fastened to a locking groove 125 formed in the suction part 120. The pressing portion 232 is provided at the other end of the lever body 231 and is installed to be exposed to the outside so that it can be pressed by the user's hand, and may be provided with a friction protrusion for friction with the user's fingers. The lever cover 234 is installed at the outside of the extension tube 200 to cover one end of the lever body 231.

[0124] According to this configuration, when the user presses the pressing portion 232, the locking lever 230 rotates so that the locking protrusion 233 is separated from the locking groove 125, and when the external force is removed, it returns to the original state. In addition, the locking protrusion 233 is formed with an inclined corner on the end side of the extension tube 200, so that even if the user does not press the pressing portion 232, the suction part 120 can be fastened after being inserted into the extension tube 200. That is, when the suction part 120 is inserted into the extension tube 200, the lever body 231 rotates while the locking protrusion 233 is pressed by the end of the suction part 120, the locking protrusion 233 is fastened while being inserted into the locking groove 125, and the lever body 231 can return to its original position.

[0125]

[0126] While the specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been described and illustrated in detail, this is intended to describe the present disclosure specifically, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that modifications or improvements can be made by a person skilled in the art within the technical idea of the present disclosure.

[0127] All simple modifications or alterations to the present disclosure belong to the scope of the present disclosure, and the specific scope of protection of the present disclosure will be clarified by the appended claims.

Claims

[CLAIMS]

1. A cleaner, comprising:a suction part in which an extension tube is connected and a suction flow path through which air flows is formed;a dust separating part comprising at least one cyclone unit;a suction motor configured to provide a flow force of air; anda main body housing having the suction part provided on one side thereof and the dust separating part and the suction motor provided therein,wherein an end of the suction part opposite to the main body housing is formed to be inclined along a flow direction of air flowing through the suction part.

2. The cleaner of claim 1, wherein the flow direction of the air flowing through the suction part is arranged to intersect a motor shaft of the suction motor.

3. The cleaner of claim 1, further comprising:a handle coupled to the main body housing,wherein the handle comprises:a grip portion disposed to be opposed to the main body housing;a first extension connected to one end of the grip portion to protrude toward the main body housing and comprising an operating part; anda second extension connected to another end of the grip portion to protrude toward the main body housing, andwherein an end of the suction part is formed to gradually protrude toward one side of the grip portion.

4. The cleaner of claim 1, further comprising:a dustbin configured to store dust separated from the dust separating part; and a discharge cover configured to open or close a lower end of the dustbin, wherein an end of the suction part is formed to gradually protrude upward.

5. The cleaner of claim 1, wherein the main body housing is disposed along an upward and downward direction and the suction motor is disposed in an upper inside thereof, andwherein an end of the suction part is formed to gradually protrude upward.

6. The cleaner of claim 1, wherein the suction part comprises a sealing member on an end thereof so as to be in contact with a cleaning target or to support a space between the end of the suction part and the extension tube.

7. The cleaner of claim 6, wherein the sealing member is formed to surround the end of the suction part and is disposed to be inclined along the end of the suction part.

8. The cleaner of claim 7, wherein the extension tube comprises a supporting portion on which the end of the suction part is supported,wherein the supporting portion comprises an insertion groove formed to allow the sealing member to be inserted therein,wherein the sealing member has an end surface formed to be inclined along the end of the suction part, andwherein the supporting portion has an inclined surface corresponding to the end surface of the suction part in the insertion groove.

9. A cleaner, comprising:a cleaning module configured to suck in external air;a cleaner main body configured to provide a suction force to the cleaning module; andan extension tube configured to connect the cleaning module and the cleaner main body,wherein the cleaner main body comprises:a dust separating part comprising at least one cyclone unit;a suction motor configured to provide a flow force of air;a main body housing having the dust separating part and the suction motor provided therein; anda suction part provided on one side of the main body housing to be coupled with the extension tube or the cleaning module, and in which a suction flow path through which air flows is formed,wherein the suction part comprises a sealing member formed along a circumference of an end thereof so as to be in contact with a cleaning target or to support the extension tube or the cleaning module.

10. A cleaner, comprising:a cleaning module configured to suck in external air;a cleaner main body configured to provide a suction force to the cleaningmodule; andan extension tube configured to connect the cleaning module and the cleaner main body,wherein the cleaner main body comprises:a suction part in which a suction flow path through which air flows is formed;a dust separating part comprising at least one cyclone unit;a suction motor configured to provide a flow force of air; anda main body housing having the suction part provided on one side thereof and the dust separating part and the suction motor provided therein,wherein an end of the suction part to be coupled with the extension tube or the cleaning module is formed to be inclined with respect to a flow direction of air flowing through the suction part.

Images