Vacuum cleaner

Abstract

A vacuum cleaner includes: a housing having a dust collection chamber formed therein and configured to be openable and closable; a body movable relative to the housing between a first position in which the dust collection chamber is closed and a second position in which the dust collection chamber is open; and a motor filter capable of being installed in and detachable from the body, wherein the body includes: a fan motor unit for generating suction force; and a baffle device capable of being installed in the body and configured to open or close a flow path between the motor filter and the fan motor unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a vacuum cleaner, and more specifically, to a vacuum cleaner with an improved structure. Background Technology

[0002] A vacuum cleaner is a device used to remove debris from indoor spaces to clean them; vacuum cleaners are commonly used in homes. Vacuum cleaners use the suction power of a fan motor unit to draw in air, and then use devices such as filters to separate debris from the drawn-in air to clean the indoor space. These vacuum cleaners include canister and upright models. In recent years, robotic vacuum cleaners have become popular. Robotic vacuum cleaners perform cleaning tasks without user intervention by autonomously moving around the area to be cleaned and sucking up debris (such as dust) from the surfaces to be cleaned.

[0003] Vacuum cleaners include a dust collection device to filter debris through a predetermined filter to filter debris contained in the drawn-out air. Examples of filter devices that allow debris to be filtered in the dust collection device include porous filter devices and cyclone dust collection devices. Porous filter devices allow debris to be forcibly filtered as air passes through the porous filter, while cyclone dust collection devices allow debris to be filtered during cyclone flow of air.

[0004] In vacuum cleaners, debris such as human or animal hair gets tangled in the dust collection device during the filtration process, and users must directly separate this debris from the dust collection device. Therefore, it is unhygienic and inconvenient to use. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical solution

[0006] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a vacuum cleaner includes: a housing having a dust collection chamber formed therein and configured to be openable and closable; a body movable relative to the housing between a first position in which the dust collection chamber is closed and a second position in which the dust collection chamber is open; and a motor filter capable of being installed in and detachable from the body, wherein the body includes: a fan motor unit for generating suction force; and a baffle device capable of being installed in the body and configured to open or close a flow path between the motor filter and the fan motor unit.

[0007] The baffle device may be configured to: open the flow path between the motor filter and the fan motor unit when the motor filter is installed in the body, and close the flow path between the motor filter and the fan motor unit when the motor filter is removed from the body.

[0008] The baffle device may include: a baffle gate; and an elastomer for supporting the baffle gate at a position where the baffle gate closes the flow path between the motor filter and the fan motor unit.

[0009] The baffle gate may include a rod for being pressed by the motor filter.

[0010] The main body may include a filter housing that can be attached to and detached from the fan motor unit, and the motor filter can be installed in and removed from the filter housing.

[0011] The vacuum cleaner may further include: a sensor for detecting whether the flow path between the motor filter and the fan motor unit is blocked; and a controller configured to receive information from the sensor and control the fan motor unit.

[0012] The fan motor unit may include a fan motor, the sensor measures the fan motor's revolutions per minute (RPM), and the controller may be configured to stop the fan motor in response to the sensor measuring the fan motor's RPM being higher than a predetermined RPM.

[0013] The sensor measures the airflow velocity through the fan motor unit; and the controller can be configured to stop the fan motor in response to the airflow velocity measured by the sensor being lower than a predetermined velocity.

[0014] The sensor measures the vacuum level inside the fan motor unit; and the controller can be configured to stop the fan motor in response to the vacuum level of the fan motor unit measured by the sensor being higher than a predetermined vacuum level.

[0015] The controller can be located at the opposite end of the fan motor unit, opposite to the end of the fan motor unit where the baffle device is located.

[0016] The main body may include: a waste removal component capable of moving within the dust collection chamber; and an on / off device for opening or closing the dust collection chamber and configured to operate in conjunction with the waste removal component.

[0017] The dust collection chamber may be a first dust collection chamber, the main body may include a waste separation device configured to remove waste from the air that has passed through the first dust collection chamber; and a second dust collection chamber may be disposed inside the housing, in which the waste separated from the waste separation device is collected.

[0018] The waste removal component may be a first waste removal component, and the body may include a second waste removal component, the second waste removal component being used to slide in the second dust collection chamber and the first dust collection chamber to discharge waste from the second dust collection chamber when the body moves from the first position to the second position.

[0019] The waste separation device can be installed on one side of the motor filter, and the fan motor unit can be installed on the opposite side of the motor filter.

[0020] The second dust collection chamber may be located on the opposite side of the waste separation device from the side of the waste separation device where the motor filter is located, and the first dust collection chamber may be located on the opposite side of the second dust collection chamber from the side of the second dust collection chamber where the waste separation device is located.

[0021] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a vacuum cleaner includes: a housing having a dust collection chamber therein; a main body configured to move relative to the housing between a first position with the dust collection chamber closed and a second position with the dust collection chamber open; and a motor filter detachably mounted in the main body, wherein the main body includes: a filter housing configured to mount the motor filter in the filter housing; a fan motor unit configured to generate suction; and a baffle device configured to allow communication between the filter housing and the fan motor unit when the motor filter is mounted in the filter housing, and to space the filter housing and the fan motor unit from each other when the motor filter is separated from the filter housing.

[0022] The vacuum cleaner may further include: a sensor configured to detect whether the filter housing and the fan motor unit are connected; and a controller configured to receive information from the sensor and control the fan motor unit.

[0023] The sensor can be configured to measure the driving state of the fan motor installed in the fan motor unit or to measure the internal state of the fan motor unit.

[0024] The baffle device may include: a baffle opening configured to communicate with the filter housing; and a baffle door configured to close the baffle opening when the filter housing is separated from the fan motor unit.

[0025] The baffle device may include an elastomer configured to press the baffle door in the direction in which the baffle door closes the baffle opening. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be more readily understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the vacuum cleaner is shown in the image.

[0029] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The image shows a cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner.

[0030] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An enlarged view of part A shown in the image.

[0031] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 An enlarged view of part B shown in the image.

[0032] Figure 6 It shows from Figure 1 The diagram shows the state of a vacuum cleaner emptying dust.

[0033] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 5 The diagram shows the baffle device separated from the first main body.

[0034] Figure 8 It shows that it is installed Figure 5 The diagram shows the second body and the first body of the motor filter.

[0035] Figure 9 It shows when Figure 8 The diagram shows the operation of the baffle device when the second body is attached to the first body.

[0036] Figure 10 It shows when Figure 5 The diagram shows the state of the baffle device when the motor filter is not installed in the main body.

[0037] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the control block diagram of the vacuum cleaner.

[0038] Figure 12 It is shown Figure 1 The flowchart shown illustrates the process by which a vacuum cleaner selectively operates based on the presence or absence of a motor filter, which is detected by measuring the fan motor's revolutions per minute.

[0039] Figure 13 It is shown Figure 1 The flowchart shown illustrates the process by which a vacuum cleaner selectively operates based on the presence or absence of a motor filter, the presence of which is detected by measuring the airflow velocity through the fan motor unit.

[0040] Figure 14 It is shown Figure 1 The flowchart shown illustrates the process by which a vacuum cleaner selectively operates based on the presence or absence of a motor filter, the presence of which is detected by measuring the vacuum level inside the fan motor unit. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The embodiments described herein and the constructions shown in the accompanying drawings are merely exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, and various modifications may be made to replace the embodiments and drawings herein at the time of filing this application.

[0042] The same reference numerals or symbols presented in each of the accompanying figures indicate parts or elements that perform substantially the same function.

[0043] The terminology used herein is for describing embodiments and is not intended to limit and / or constrain this disclosure. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as “comprising” or “having” should be understood to indicate the presence of features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, without excluding the possibility of the prior presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0044] This document may use terms including ordinal numbers such as first and second to describe various elements, but these elements are not limited by the terms. These terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and likewise, a second element may be referred to as a first element. The term "and / or" includes a combination of or any one of the related listed items.

[0045] One aspect of this disclosure is to provide a vacuum cleaner that allows for the easy removal of waste collected in a dust collection chamber.

[0046] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a vacuum cleaner that prevents damage to the fan motor unit due to incorrect operation.

[0047] According to one aspect of this disclosure, since a vacuum cleaner is provided such that the dust collection chamber is opened or closed when the main body slides relative to the housing, it is possible to easily discharge the garbage collected in the dust collection chamber.

[0048] According to one aspect of this disclosure, since a vacuum cleaner is provided such that a baffle device opens when the motor filter is installed, damage to the fan motor unit due to incorrect operation can be prevented.

[0049] In the following, embodiments according to this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 In this design, the portion with the suction head 10 can be defined as the front part, and the portion with the handle 90 can be defined as the rear part. That is, air can be defined as being introduced through the front part of the vacuum cleaner 1 and discharged through the rear part. However, the shape and position of each element are not limited by the terms defined above.

[0050] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the vacuum cleaner is shown in the image. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The image shows a cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An enlarged view of part A shown in the image. Figure 5 yes Figure 3 An enlarged view of part B shown in the image. Figure 6 It shows from Figure 1 The diagram shows the state of a vacuum cleaner emptying dust.

[0051] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The vacuum cleaner 1 may include: a suction head 10 configured to use the suction force of air to suck up debris (such as human hair) from the surface to be cleaned; a housing 20 connected to the suction head 10; and a body 30 movably disposed inside the housing 20.

[0052] The suction head 10 is configured to move across the surface to be cleaned while suctioning out debris, such as dust present on the surface. The suction head 10 may include a head assembly 11, a neck 12, and a head switch 13.

[0053] An airflow path can be formed inside the head assembly 11. The airflow path formed inside the head assembly 11 is connected to the housing 20 through the neck 12. External air and debris introduced through the head assembly 11 can move into the housing 20 through the neck 12.

[0054] The neck 12 can be connected to the lower end of the housing 20. The neck 12 can be rotatably coupled to the head assembly 11. When the neck 12 rotates relative to the head assembly 11, the head assembly 11 can rotate relative to the housing 20 connected to the neck 12. This increases the degree of freedom in driving the vacuum cleaner 1.

[0055] The head switch 13 is configured to lock or release the connection between the suction head 10 and the housing 20. The user can operate the head switch 13 to separate the housing 20 from the suction head 10. When the head switch 13 is on the suction head 10, the user can operate the head switch 13 with his or her foot without bending over to separate the housing 20 from the suction head 10.

[0056] The housing 20 may form part of the appearance of the vacuum cleaner 1. The housing 20 may have an end 21 that is mounted on the suction head 10. The housing 20 may include a hollow body 22, which is formed such that the main body 30 is movably inserted therein.

[0057] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 5 The housing 20 may be provided with a button device 26 configured to fix the position of the main body 30 relative to the housing 20. By operating the button device 26 and releasing the main body 30 from the housing 20, the user can move the main body 30 relative to the housing 20.

[0058] The main body 30 can be slidably coupled to the housing 20. The main body 30 can be configured to move relative to the housing 20 between a first position in which the main body 30 closes the dust collection chambers 81 and 82 and a second position in which the main body 30 opens the dust collection chambers 81 and 82.

[0059] The guide device 29 may be disposed between the housing 20 and the main body 30. The guide device 29 can guide and support the movement of the main body 30 relative to the housing 20.

[0060] The main body 30 may include an extension 31 that forms part of the appearance of the vacuum cleaner 1. The interior of the extension 31 may have a space 31a configured to accommodate a wire extending toward the control switch 91.

[0061] The handle 90 can be located on the rear end of the extension 31. The handle 90 can also be located on the opposite end of the main body 30 from the end where the on / off device 60 is located. When using the vacuum cleaner 1, the user can push or pull the suction head 10 while holding the handle 90.

[0062] The handle 90 may be provided with a control switch 91 for controlling the operation of the vacuum cleaner. The control switch 91 is configured to receive commands from the user for operating the vacuum cleaner 1. The control switch 91 may be located adjacent to the handle 90 so that the user can operate the vacuum cleaner 1 while moving it during cleaning.

[0063] The main body 30 may include a battery mounting portion 32. A battery 33 may be mounted on the battery mounting portion 32. The battery 33 may be provided as a single battery or two or more batteries. The battery mounting portion 32 may be disposed inside the housing 20.

[0064] The main body 30 may include a fan motor unit 40 configured to generate the suction force required to remove debris from the surface to be cleaned. The fan motor unit 40 may be configured to allow outside air to be introduced through the suction head 10 and discharged through exhaust ports 23 and 24 of the housing 20. The fan motor unit 40 may be mounted in the main body 30 and disposed inside the housing 20. The fan motor unit 40 may include a fan motor 42.

[0065] Reference Figures 2 to 4 When the main body 30 is attached to the housing 20, a first dust collection chamber 81 and a second dust collection chamber 82 can be formed in the vacuum cleaner 1. Specifically, when the main body 30 is in a first position relative to the housing 20, a first dust collection chamber 81 and a second dust collection chamber 82 can be formed in the vacuum cleaner 1.

[0066] The outer shell 83 forming dust collection chambers 81 and 82 and the inner shell 84 disposed inside the outer shell 83 can be disposed inside the housing 20. The outer shell 83 can be disposed between the housing 20 and the inner shell 84.

[0067] The outer shell 83, together with the inner shell 84, forms a shell flow path 85. The shell flow path 85 can guide the air that has passed through the first dust collection chamber 81 to the second dust collection chamber 82.

[0068] The inner shell 84 may be disposed inside the outer shell 83. The first dust collection chamber 81 may be formed inside the inner shell 84. The filter device 86 may be disposed in the inner shell 84. The first dust collection chamber 81 may collect filtered waste while air introduced through the suction head 10 passes through the filter device 86.

[0069] The filter device 86 can initially filter debris from the air introduced through the suction head 10. The filter device 86 can extend along a portion of the inner surface of the inner shell 84. The debris filtered by the filter device 86 can be collected in the first dust collection chamber 81. The filter device 86 can be configured as a mesh structure.

[0070] The inner shell 84 may include a shell opening 87 through which air guided by the shell flow path 85 is introduced into the waste separation device 51.

[0071] Air introduced into the waste separation device 51 through the shell opening 87 can be filtered a second time within the waste separation device 51. Waste filtered by the waste separation device 51 can be collected in the second dust collection chamber 82. The air filtered in the waste separation device 51 can move towards the motor filter 46.

[0072] The main body 30 may include an on / off device 60 configured to open or close the first dust collection chamber 81. The on / off device 60 may be located at the end of the main body 30 facing the suction head 10. The on / off device 60 may be configured to operate in conjunction with the first waste removal member 70 and the second waste removal member 75.

[0073] When the on / off device 60 operates in conjunction with the first waste removal member 70 and / or the second waste removal member 75, it prevents the first dust collection chamber 81 from being unintentionally opened, and the dust collection chambers 81 and 82 can be opened only when attempting to discharge waste. The on / off device 60 may include an on / off member 61, an on / off cover 62, and an on / off sealing member 63.

[0074] The opening / closing device 60 may be configured such that, in response to the first waste removal member 70 being pulled out by sliding from the first dust collection chamber 81, the opening / closing device 60 moves in a direction away from the housing 20 to open the first dust collection chamber 81. The opening / closing device 60 may also be configured such that, in response to the first waste removal member 70 being slidably inserted into the first dust collection chamber 81, the opening / closing device 60 moves in a direction close to the housing 20 to close the first dust collection chamber 81.

[0075] When the main body 30 slides relative to the housing 20, the opening / closing member 61 can open or close the first dust collection chamber 81. The opening / closing member 61 may include a chamber inlet 61a, which is configured such that air introduced from the suction head 10 is introduced into the first dust collection chamber 81. The chamber inlet 61a can be opened or closed by an opening / closing cover 62.

[0076] The opening / closing cover 62 may be constructed to include an elastic material. The opening / closing cover 62 can open the chamber inlet 61a in the direction in which air is introduced into the first dust collection chamber 81. Alternatively, the opening / closing cover 62 may be configured not to open the chamber inlet 61a in the direction opposite to the direction in which air is introduced into the first dust collection chamber 81. That is, the opening / closing cover 62 can open the chamber inlet 61a when the vacuum cleaner 1 is sucking up debris from the surface to be cleaned, but will not open the chamber inlet 61a in the direction in which dust is discharged from the first dust collection chamber 81. Therefore, debris scattering is prevented during the separation of the housing 20 from the suction head 10.

[0077] The open / close cover 62 may include a cover hinge portion 62a. When the fan motor unit 40 generates suction, the open / close cover 62 can elastically deform and open the chamber inlet 61a while the cover hinge portion 62a is fixed. When the fan motor unit 40 does not generate suction, the open / close cover 62 can return to the position of closing the chamber inlet 61a due to elasticity.

[0078] An on / off sealing member 63 may be configured to seal between the inner housing 84 and the on / off member 61. The on / off sealing member 63 may be disposed along the edge of the on / off member 61. The on / off sealing member 63 may be constructed to include an elastic material. The on / off sealing member 63 may be constructed to include a material softer than the on / off member 61. The on / off sealing member 63 may seal the first dust collection chamber 81 while maintaining close contact with the inner surface of the inner housing 84. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can prevent debris from overflowing from the first dust collection chamber 81.

[0079] The main body 30 may include a first waste removal member 70 configured to discharge waste from the first dust collection chamber 81. The first waste removal member 70 may be configured to slide within the first dust collection chamber 81. The first waste removal member 70 may include a first mounting portion 71 and a first waste removal portion 72 mounted on the first mounting portion 71.

[0080] The first waste removal section 72 may be constructed to include an elastic material. The first waste removal section 72 may be formed to be in close contact with the inner wall of the filter device 86. The first waste removal section 72 may be configured to be in close contact with a surface of the filter device 86 containing filtered waste. When the body 30 slides relative to the housing 20, the first waste removal section 72 may slide in close contact with the inner surface of the filter device 86. When the body 30 slides into the housing 20, the first waste removal section 72 may scrape the inner surface of the filter device 86 and remove waste, such as tangled human hair, from the inner surface of the filter device 86.

[0081] The first waste removal component 70 can be moved from a first position between the filter device 86 and the waste separation device 51 to a second position where the first waste removal component 70 protrudes outside the housing 20. Therefore, the first waste removal component 70 can discharge waste present in the first dust collection chamber 81 to the outside. Furthermore, when the first waste removal component 70 protrudes outside the housing 20, it can also discharge dust collected in the second dust collection chamber 82 to the outside.

[0082] The main body 30 may include a first connecting portion 69 configured to connect the first waste removal component 70 and the on / off device 60. The first connecting portion 69 may be disposed in the first dust collection chamber 81. The first waste removal component 70 and the on / off device 60 can cooperate with each other through the first connecting portion 69.

[0083] Reference Figure 6 A discharge port 68 may be formed between a plurality of first connecting portions 69. The discharge port 68 may be formed between the first waste removal member 70 and the on / off device 60. In response to the on / off device 60 opening the first dust collection chamber 81 and the first waste removal member 70 discharging waste from the first dust collection chamber 81, the waste may be discharged to the outside through the discharge port 68.

[0084] The main body 30 may include a waste separation device 51. The waste separation device 51 may include a cyclone separator. The waste separation device 51 can centrifugally separate unfiltered waste from the air in the first dust collection chamber 81. Since the waste separation device 51 uses a different method to separate waste from the air that has already passed through the filter device 86 compared to the filter device 86, the cleaning efficiency of the vacuum cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can be improved.

[0085] The main body 30 may include a second waste removal member 75 configured to discharge waste from a second dust collection chamber 82. The second waste removal member 75 may be configured to slide within the second dust collection chamber 82 and the first dust collection chamber 81. The second dust collection chamber 82 may be formed between the first waste removal member 70 and the second waste removal member 75. The second waste removal member 75 may include a second mounting portion 76 and a second waste removal portion 77 mounted on the second mounting portion 76.

[0086] The second waste removal unit 77 may be constructed to include an elastic material. When the main body 30 slides relative to the housing 20, the second waste removal unit 77 can slide in close contact with the inner surface of the inner housing 84 to discharge waste from the second dust collection chamber 82. When the main body 30 slides relative to the housing 20, the second waste removal unit 77 can slide in close contact with the inner surface of the inner housing 84 and completely empty the waste from the second dust collection chamber 82.

[0087] The main body 30 may include a second connecting portion 79 configured to connect the first waste removal component 70 and the second waste removal component 75. The second connecting portion 79 may be disposed in the second dust collection chamber 82. The second waste removal component 75 and the first waste removal component 70 can cooperate with each other through the second connecting portion 79.

[0088] A motor filter 46 may be disposed within the main body 30. The motor filter 46 may be configured to filter waste from the air again before the air is introduced into the fan motor unit 40. The motor filter 46 may be disposed in front of the fan motor unit 40 in the direction in which the air that has passed through the waste separation device 51 is discharged. The motor filter 46 may be disposed between the fan motor unit 40 and the waste separation device 51. The motor filter 46 may filter waste from the air that has passed through the waste separation device 51. The motor filter 46 may be a mesh component.

[0089] The motor filter 46 can be detachably installed in the filter housing 47. The motor filter 46 can be disposed inside the housing 20 and simultaneously installed in the filter housing 47. With the motor filter 46, the vacuum cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can prevent damage to the fan motor unit 40 due to debris, etc., and can exhaust relatively clean air.

[0090] The main body 30 may include a baffle device 110 configured to open or close the flow path along which air that has passed through the motor filter 46 moves to the fan motor unit 40. The baffle device 110 will be described below.

[0091] The fan motor unit 40 can be configured to generate suction in the first dust collection chamber 81 and the second dust collection chamber 82. Air that has passed through the motor filter 46 can pass through the fan motor unit 40 and then be discharged from the housing 20.

[0092] Reference Figure 2 According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the main body 30 of the vacuum cleaner 1 may include a first main body 101 and a second main body 102 detachably coupled to the first main body 101. The first main body 101 may include a handle 90, an extension 31, a battery mounting portion 32, and a fan motor unit 40. The second main body 102 may include an on / off device 60, a first dust removal component 70, a second dust removal component 75, a dust separation device 51, and a filter housing 47.

[0093] In a vacuum cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, since the fan motor unit 40, which is relatively heavier than the battery 33, is located below the battery 33, the center of gravity can be positioned relatively low. Therefore, since the center of gravity can be positioned relatively low, the ease of use of the vacuum cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can be improved.

[0094] In a vacuum cleaner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a portion of the main body 30 in which a fan motor unit 40 is provided may be configured to be spaced apart from the battery mounting portion 32. That is, the air flowing due to the fan motor unit 40 is immediately discharged through the motor exhaust port 41 and the exhaust ports 23 and 24 of the housing 20, without moving to the battery mounting portion 32 and the handle 90. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can minimize the amount of air discharged toward the user.

[0095] The controller 36 may be disposed between the fan motor unit 40 and the battery mounting section 32. The controller 36 may be provided as a printed circuit board assembly (PBA). The controller 36 may be configured to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner 1.

[0096] According to the above configuration, when the vacuum cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure performs a cleaning operation, the air containing debris introduced from the suction head 10 can be initially filtered in the filter device 86 of the first dust collection chamber 81. Then, the air that has moved to the debris separation device 51 through the housing flow path 85 can be filtered a second time. The debris filtered in the debris separation device 51 can be collected in the second dust collection chamber 82. The air that has passed through the debris separation device 51 can be filtered a third time while passing through the motor filter 46, and then passes through the fan motor unit 40. The air that has passed through the fan motor unit 40 can be discharged through the motor exhaust port 41 and the exhaust ports 23 and 24 of the housing 20.

[0097] Reference Figure 6 When attempting to empty the waste collected in dust chambers 81 and 82 after a cleaning task is completed, the user can slide the main body 30 relative to the housing 20. Here, the user can operate the button device 26 to move the main body 30.

[0098] When the main body 30 slides inside the housing 20, the on / off device 60 provided at one end of the main body 30 opens the first dust collection chamber 81. The first waste removal member 70 slides on a surface of the filter device 86 where waste exists, and the second waste removal member 75 slides on the inner surface of the second dust collection chamber 82 and the surface of the filter device 86 where waste exists. The first waste removal member 70 can separate the waste present on the filter device 86 and discharge the separated waste to the outside of the first dust collection chamber 81. The second waste removal member 75 can simultaneously discharge the waste in the second dust collection chamber 82 to the outside and further separate the waste present on the filter device 86, discharging the separated waste to the outside of the first dust collection chamber 81.

[0099] Therefore, the first waste removal member 70 and the second waste removal member 75 are movable to a position where they protrude outside the housing 20. On the other hand, the main body 30 is movable such that only the on / off device 60 is exposed outside the housing 20, while the first waste removal member 70 and the second waste removal member 75 are not exposed outside the housing 20. Furthermore, the main body 30 is movable such that only the on / off device 60 and the first waste removal member 70 are exposed outside the housing 20, while the second waste removal member 75 is not exposed outside the housing 20.

[0100] Then, once the dust has been discharged from the dust collection chambers 81 and 82, the user can move the handle 90 of the main body 30 away from the housing 20, thus moving the on / off device 60 to the position where the first dust collection chamber 81 is closed. Furthermore, the button device 26 can fix the position of the main body 30 relative to the housing 20.

[0101] According to this configuration, the vacuum cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can easily empty the dust collection chambers 81 and 82 with relatively simple operation. In addition, since the on / off device 60 is configured to open or close the dust collection chambers 81 and 82 only when the dust is discharged from the dust collection chambers 81 and 82, the scattering of dust can be prevented even when the housing 20 is separated from the suction head 10.

[0102] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 5 The diagram shows the baffle device separated from the first main body. Figure 8 It shows that it is installed with Figure 5 The diagram shows the second body and the first body of the motor filter. Figure 9 It shows when Figure 8 The diagram shows the operation of the baffle device when the second body is attached to the first body. Figure 10 It shows when Figure 5 The diagram shows the state of the baffle device when the motor filter is not installed in the main body.

[0103] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 The baffle device 110 may be disposed in the fan motor unit 40. The baffle device 110 may be configured to open or close the flow path between the motor filter 46 and the fan motor unit 40.

[0104] The baffle device 110 may be disposed on the joint portion 43 of the fan motor unit 40 which is connected to the second body 102. The second body 102 may be connected to the joint portion 43 of the fan motor unit 40 of the first body 101. The baffle device 110 may include a baffle body 111 and a baffle gate 114 rotatably connected to the baffle body 111.

[0105] The baffle body 111 can be installed in the fan motor unit 40. The fan motor unit 40 may include a baffle opening 112. Air that has passed through the motor filter 46 can be introduced into the fan motor unit 40 through the baffle opening 112. The baffle opening 112 is configured to be opened or closed by a baffle door 114.

[0106] The baffle body 111 may include a door joint 113 that is rotatably coupled to the baffle door 114. The door joint 113 may be configured to rotatably support the baffle door 114.

[0107] The baffle door 114 can be rotatably coupled to the baffle body 111. The baffle door 114 can be configured to open or close the baffle opening 112. The baffle door 114 can be configured as a pair of baffle doors 114.

[0108] The baffle gate 114 may include a rod 115 protruding to be pressed by the motor filter 46. The rod 115 can be pressed when the second body 102, on which the motor filter 46 is mounted, is mounted on the first body 101.

[0109] The baffle door 114 may include a door hinge 116 coupled to the door joint 113. Since the door hinge 116 is rotatably coupled to the door joint 113, the baffle door 114 can rotate relative to the baffle body 111 and open or close the baffle opening 112.

[0110] The baffle assembly 110 may include an elastic body 117 configured to support the baffle door 114 in the direction in which the baffle door 114 closes the baffle opening 112. The elastic body 117 may be configured as a torsion spring. Due to the elastic body 117, the baffle door 114 can keep the baffle opening 112 closed, while the motor filter 46 does not press the lever 115.

[0111] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 According to this configuration, in a vacuum cleaner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the second body 102, on which the motor filter 46 is mounted, is attached to the first body 101, the baffle door 114 can open the baffle opening 112. Specifically, when the second body 102 is attached to the first body 101, a pressing member provided on one end of the motor filter 46 facing the fan motor unit 40 can press the lever 115 of the baffle door 114. When the lever 115 is pressed, the baffle door 114 can rotate in the direction in which the baffle door 114 opens the baffle opening 112. When the second body 102 is attached to the first body 101, the user can apply a force greater than the elastic force of the elastomer 117.

[0112] Therefore, the second body 102 and the first body 101 can be connected.

[0113] On the other hand, refer to Figure 10 In a vacuum cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the second body 102 is attached to the first body 101 and the motor filter 46 is not installed in the second body 102, the baffle device 110 can keep the baffle opening 112 closed. That is, the baffle device 110 does not rotate in the direction that opens the baffle opening 112, thus preventing air containing debris from being introduced into the fan motor unit 40 and preventing damage to the fan motor unit 40.

[0114] Furthermore, traditionally, separate sensors (such as infrared or Hall effect sensors) are used to check for filter installation, increasing manufacturing costs and product size due to the space occupied by the sensors. Additionally, as in a vacuum cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of this disclosure, where the main body 30 is configured to be movable relative to the housing 20, the space available for installing a separate sensor is limited.

[0115] In a vacuum cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a baffle device 110 with a relatively simple structure can be used to detect whether a motor filter 46 is installed, without the need for a separate sensor. Therefore, manufacturing costs can be reduced, and the product size can be reduced by eliminating the space occupied by a separate sensor.

[0116] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the control block diagram of the vacuum cleaner. Figure 12 It is shown Figure 1 The flowchart shown illustrates the process by which a vacuum cleaner selectively operates based on the presence or absence of a motor filter, which is detected by measuring the fan motor's revolutions per minute. Figure 13 It is shown Figure 1 The flowchart shown illustrates the process by which a vacuum cleaner selectively operates based on the presence or absence of a motor filter, the presence of which is detected by measuring the airflow velocity through the fan motor unit. Figure 14 It is shown Figure 1 The flowchart shown illustrates the process by which a vacuum cleaner selectively operates based on the presence or absence of a motor filter, the presence of which is detected by measuring the vacuum level inside the fan motor unit.

[0117] Reference Figure 11 According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a vacuum cleaner 1 may include a sensor 120. The sensor 120 may be configured to detect whether the flow path between the motor filter 46 and the fan motor unit 40 is blocked.

[0118] Specifically, sensor 120 can be configured to measure the revolutions per minute (RPM) of fan motor 42 in fan motor unit 40. In this case, sensor 120 sends the measured RPM of fan motor 42 to controller 36. Controller 36 can control the operation of fan motor unit 40 based on the information received from sensor 120. Specifically, if the RPM of fan motor 42 is higher than a reference RPM, controller 36 can determine that motor filter 46 is not installed and stop the operation of vacuum cleaner 1.

[0119] Sensor 120 can be configured to measure the airflow velocity passing through fan motor unit 40. In this case, sensor 120 sends the measured airflow velocity passing through fan motor unit 40 to controller 36. Controller 36 can control the operation of fan motor unit 40 based on the information received from sensor 120. Specifically, if the airflow velocity passing through fan motor unit 40 is lower than a reference velocity, controller 36 can determine that motor filter 46 is not installed and stop the operation of vacuum cleaner 1.

[0120] Sensor 120 can be configured to measure the vacuum level inside the fan motor unit 40. In this case, sensor 120 sends the measured vacuum level inside the fan motor unit 40 to controller 36. Controller 36 can control the operation of the fan motor unit 40 based on the information received from sensor 120. Specifically, if the vacuum level inside the fan motor unit 40 is higher than a reference vacuum level, controller 36 can determine that the motor filter 46 is not installed and stop the operation of vacuum cleaner 1.

[0121] Sensor 120 can be electrically connected to controller 36. Controller 36 can be located at the opposite end of fan motor unit 40 to the end of fan motor unit 40 where baffle device 110 is provided. Controller 36 can receive information from sensor 120 and control fan motor unit 40.

[0122] Reference Figure 12 The operation of the vacuum cleaner 1 is described when the sensor 120 is set to measure the RPM of the fan motor unit 40.

[0123] The user mounts the second body 102 onto the first body 101 to clean the surface to be cleaned (131). The first body 101 is attached to the housing 20, and specifically, the second body 102 is attached to the first body 101 attached to the housing 20.

[0124] The user operates the assembled vacuum cleaner 1. That is, the user can turn on the power to the fan motor unit 40 and operate the vacuum cleaner 1 (132).

[0125] When the fan motor unit 40 is operating, the sensor 120 measures the RPM of the fan motor 42. The sensor 120 sends the measured value to the controller 36.

[0126] The controller 36, which has received the RPM of the fan motor 42, compares the received value with the reference RPM of the motor (133).

[0127] If the measured RPM of the fan motor 42 is lower than the reference RPM, the vacuum cleaner 1 continues to operate (134).

[0128] Conversely, if the measured RPM of the fan motor 42 is higher than the reference RPM, the controller 36 stops the operation of the fan motor 42 of the vacuum cleaner 1 (135). That is, if the measured RPM of the fan motor 42 is higher than the reference RPM, the controller 36 can identify the state that the motor filter 46 is not installed and stop the operation of the vacuum cleaner 1.

[0129] Reference Figure 13 The operation of the vacuum cleaner 1 is described when the sensor 120 is set to measure the airflow velocity passing through the fan motor unit 40.

[0130] The user mounts the second body 102 onto the first body 101 to clean the surface to be cleaned (231). The first body 101 is attached to the housing 20, and specifically, the second body 102 is attached to the first body 101 attached to the housing 20.

[0131] The user operates the assembled vacuum cleaner 1. That is, the user can turn on the power to the fan motor unit 40 and operate the vacuum cleaner 1 (232).

[0132] When the fan motor unit 40 is operating, the sensor 120 measures the airflow velocity passing through the fan motor unit 40. The sensor 120 sends the measured value to the controller 36.

[0133] The controller 36, which has received the airflow rate through the fan motor unit 40, compares the received value with the reference airflow rate through the fan motor unit 40 (233).

[0134] If the measured airflow velocity through the fan motor unit 40 is higher than the reference velocity, the vacuum cleaner 1 continues to operate (234).

[0135] Conversely, if the measured airflow velocity through the fan motor unit 40 is lower than the reference velocity, the controller 36 stops the operation of the fan motor unit 40 of the vacuum cleaner 1 (235). That is, if the measured airflow velocity through the fan motor unit 40 is lower than the reference velocity, the controller 36 can identify that the motor filter 46 is not installed and stop the operation of the vacuum cleaner 1.

[0136] Reference Figure 14 The operation of the vacuum cleaner 1 is described when the sensor 120 is set to measure the vacuum level of the fan motor unit 40.

[0137] The user mounts the second body 102 onto the first body 101 to clean the surface to be cleaned (331). The first body 101 is attached to the housing 20, and specifically, the second body 102 is attached to the first body 101 attached to the housing 20.

[0138] The user operates the assembled vacuum cleaner 1. That is, the user can turn on the power to the fan motor unit 40 and operate the vacuum cleaner 1 (332).

[0139] When the fan motor unit 40 is operating, the sensor 120 measures the vacuum level of the fan motor unit 40. The sensor 120 sends the measured value to the controller 36.

[0140] The controller 36, which has received the vacuum level of the fan motor unit 40, compares the received value with the reference vacuum level of the fan motor unit 40 (333).

[0141] If the measured vacuum level of the fan motor unit 40 is lower than the reference vacuum level, the vacuum cleaner 1 continues to operate (334).

[0142] Conversely, if the measured vacuum level of the fan motor unit 40 is higher than the reference vacuum level, the controller 36 stops the operation of the fan motor unit 40 of the vacuum cleaner 1 (335). That is, if the measured vacuum level of the fan motor unit 40 is higher than the reference vacuum level, the controller 36 can identify the state that the motor filter 46 is not installed and stop the operation of the vacuum cleaner 1.

[0143] According to this configuration, the vacuum cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure allows for checking whether the motor filter 46 is installed with a relatively simple construction. Furthermore, if the motor filter 46 is not installed, operation of the vacuum cleaner 1 can be stopped to prevent damage to the vacuum cleaner 1.

[0144] The specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings have been described above. However, this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains may make various modifications without departing from the spirit and essence of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner, comprising: The housing and dust collection chamber are formed within the housing and are configured to be openable and closable. The main body is movable relative to the housing between a first position in which the main body closes the dust collection chamber and a second position in which the main body opens the dust collection chamber; as well as A motor filter that can be installed in and removed from the main body. The main body includes: A fan motor unit is used to generate suction force, and A baffle device is installed in the main body and configured to open or close the flow path between the motor filter and the fan motor unit.

2. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein, The baffle device is configured as follows: When the motor filter is installed into the main body, the flow path between the motor filter and the fan motor unit is opened, and When the motor filter is removed from the main body, the flow path between the motor filter and the fan motor unit is closed.

3. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein, The baffle device includes: baffle door; and An elastomer supports the baffle gate at the location where the baffle gate closes the flow path between the motor filter and the fan motor unit.

4. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 3, wherein, The baffle door includes a lever for being pressed by the motor filter.

5. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein, The main body includes a filter housing that can be attached to and detached from the fan motor unit, and the motor filter can be installed in and removed from the filter housing.

6. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, further comprising: A sensor is used to detect whether the flow path between the motor filter and the fan motor unit is blocked; as well as The controller is configured to receive information from the sensor and control the fan motor unit.

7. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 6, wherein: The fan motor unit includes a fan motor; The sensor measures the number of revolutions per minute of the fan motor; and The controller is configured to stop the fan motor in response to the sensor measuring that the fan motor's revolutions per minute (RPM) is higher than a predetermined RPM.

8. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 6, wherein: The sensor measures the airflow velocity passing through the fan motor unit; and The controller is configured to stop the fan motor in response to the airflow velocity measured by the sensor being lower than a predetermined velocity.

9. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 6, wherein: The sensor measures the vacuum level inside the fan motor unit; and The controller is configured to stop the fan motor in response to the sensor measuring a vacuum level in the fan motor unit that is higher than a predetermined vacuum level.

10. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 6, wherein, The controller is located at the opposite end of the fan motor unit, opposite to the end of the fan motor unit where the baffle device is located.

11. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein, The subject includes: The waste removal component is movable within the dust collection chamber; and An on / off device for opening or closing the dust collection chamber and configured to operate in conjunction with the waste removal component.

12. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 11, wherein: The dust collection chamber is the first dust collection chamber; The main body includes a waste separation device configured to remove waste from the air that has passed through the first dust collection chamber; and The housing includes a second dust collection chamber disposed inside the housing, where waste separated from the waste separation device is collected.

13. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 12, wherein: The waste removal component is a first waste removal component; and The main body includes a second waste removal component, which slides in the second dust collection chamber and the first dust collection chamber to discharge waste from the second dust collection chamber when the main body moves from the first position to the second position.

14. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 12, wherein: The waste separation device is located on one side of the motor filter; and The fan motor unit is located on the opposite side of the motor filter.

15. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 14, wherein: The second dust collection chamber is located on the opposite side of the waste separation device, opposite to the side of the waste separation device where the motor filter is located; and The first dust collection chamber is located on the opposite side of the second dust collection chamber, opposite to the side of the second dust collection chamber where the waste separation device is located.

Images