Sweeping machine

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cleaner. The present invention includes: a housing provided with a suction port through which air flows in; a filter unit provided in an internal space of the housing and forming a dust collection space between an inner surface of the housing; a cleaning unit provided in a manner of surrounding the filter unit and being lifted and lowered in the internal space of the dust collection space in linkage with an operation unit, and at least a portion of which is connected to a suction path of air extending from the suction port to form a guide flow path that guides the flow of the suctioned air at an initial position; a connecting plate disposed to the cleaning unit and extending in a lifting and lowering direction of the cleaning unit; and the operation unit coupled to the connecting plate and being lifted and lowered together with the cleaning unit, an exhaust inclined surface that gradually decreases in height along a direction of air flow formed through the guide flow path being formed at a connection site between the connecting plate and the operation unit.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on August 13, 2020, with application number 202080068727.7 (international application number PCT / KR2020 / 010818) and entitled "Sweeping Machine". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a sweeper, and more specifically, to a sweeper having a sweeping unit capable of compressing the dust inside the dust canister without opening it. Background Technology

[0003] A sweeper is a machine that performs cleaning by sucking up or wiping away dust or foreign objects from the area to be cleaned. Such sweepers are divided into manual sweepers, which are moved directly by the user to perform cleaning, and automatic sweepers, which move on their own to perform cleaning.

[0004] In addition, manual sweepers can be classified according to their shape into tank sweepers, upright sweepers, handheld sweepers, and stick sweepers. Among them, handheld vacuum sweepers include a separation device that separates garbage and dust from the airflow.

[0005] The aforementioned separation device includes a centrifuge equipped with one or more cyclones. The centrifuge includes a first cyclone, which includes a dust collector with walls. The dust collector is disposed below the first cyclone and is opened and closed via a base (lower cover). The base is opened and closed by rotating via a hinge.

[0006] The first cyclone separator includes a cover, or filter section, with multiple through holes on its inner side. The second cyclone separator connects to the first cyclone separator via this filter section. Air from inside the first cyclone separator flows to the second cyclone separator after passing through the filter section. During this process, dust particles in the air can clog the multiple holes of the filter section. The more the holes are clogged, the less smoothly the air can flow, leading to a decrease in separation performance.

[0007] Therefore, users need to clean the filter section periodically. However, basically, users need to rotate the lower cover (base) to open the dust collector and then clean the filter section from the side. Therefore, there is a disadvantage that it is not easy for users to clean the filter section.

[0008] Furthermore, in the past, the dust separated from the first and second cyclones would fall downwards and accumulate on the upper side of the base. When the sweeper stopped operating, the separated dust was stored in the aforementioned dust collector in a low-density state. That is, the dust separated by the first cyclone occupied too much volume compared to its weight. Therefore, even though there was sufficient space inside the dust collector, the dust in the dust hopper had to be emptied frequently to maintain dust collection performance, which was very inconvenient.

[0009] To solve this problem, a technique has been disclosed in which a compression member (cleaning part) capable of compressing dust accumulated in the dust collection part is provided inside the dust collection part, and the compression member is lowered from the outside without opening the base to compress the dust. (Japanese Patent No. 3699679, US Patent Publication 2018-0132685, etc.) The compression member is formed to surround the filter part, and while lowering to the base side, it pushes the dust adhering to the filter part to the lower side, and presses down the dust accumulated in the dust collection part to compress it, and returns to its original position by the elastic force of an elastic member such as a spring.

[0010] However, the compression component disclosed in this prior art has a lifting structure, which makes it easy for dust to accumulate on the upper part. In particular, dust also accumulates on the connection between the compression component and the operating lever used to operate the compression component, resulting in a problem where the compression component cannot return to its original position due to the presence of dust.

[0011] The reasons for the accumulation of dust on the upper part of the compression component are as follows: (i) during the use of the sweeper, some of the air drawn in flows into the gap between the compression component and the inner surface of the dust cylinder and accumulates on the connection between the compression component and the operating lever; (ii) when the compression component is raised or lowered, the dust in the dust cylinder falls to the upper side of the compression component and accumulates on the connection between the compression component and the handle.

[0012] When dust accumulates on the upper part of the compression component, represented by the connecting part, and becomes solidified during the compression component's lifting and lowering process, the compression component is disturbed to the extent corresponding to the thickness of the dust and cannot return to its original position. If the compression component cannot return to its original position, it will obstruct the flow of the sweeper's cyclone separator, resulting in a reduction in the sweeper's performance.

[0013] Of course, dust can be removed by periodically cleaning the upper part of the compression component. However, the upper part of the compression component is located inside the dust cylinder and is not directly exposed when the dust cylinder is opened. Therefore, it is difficult to clean without completely disassembling the compression component, which is very inconvenient.

[0014] Additionally, reducing the gap between the compressor component and the inner surface of the dust can prevent the sucked-in air from flowing into the gap. However, this hinders the lifting and lowering of the compressor component due to friction between them, requiring greater force to do so. Furthermore, a smaller gap between the compressor component and the inner surface of the dust can block the airflow path of the sucked-in air, potentially preventing the smooth flow of the cyclone.

[0015] Furthermore, in the past, the compression component was connected to an operating lever protruding outwards from the sweeper, allowing for external operation. However, this connection between the operating lever and the compression component, along with its surrounding area, resulted in a significant load, making the compression component prone to deformation or breakage. When the periphery of the compression component's connection deformed, interference occurred with internal components of the sweeper, still hindering the smooth raising and lowering of the compression component. Summary of the Invention

[0016] Technical issues

[0017] The present invention was developed to solve the problems of the prior art as described above. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a cleaning unit that compresses the dust accumulated inside the dust drum of the cleaning machine to ensure ample space, and to prevent dust from accumulating on the upper part of the cleaning unit, especially on the upper part of the connecting bracket of the cleaning unit connected to the operating unit.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to ensure that even if dust accumulates on the upper part of the cleaning unit, the accumulated dust is naturally removed during the use of the cleaning machine.

[0019] Another objective of the present invention is to strengthen the connection between the cleaning unit and the external operating unit so that the cleaning unit is less prone to deformation.

[0020] Methods for solving problems

[0021] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, the present invention is characterized in that it includes a cleaning unit within the housing that moves up and down in a manner surrounding the filter unit. When in its initial position, at least a portion of the cleaning unit is connected to the air intake path, forming a guide flow path that directs airflow. Furthermore, the cleaning unit has a guide grille along its outer edge, which faces and extends along the inner surface of the housing to form the guide flow path. Therefore, the path of the intake air moving along the gap between the housing and the cleaning unit towards the upper or rear side of the cleaning unit is blocked.

[0022] Furthermore, the front portion of the guide grille extends closer to the intake port of the housing than the point where the air intake path intersects with the guide flow path of the cleaning unit. Therefore, most of the intake air is blocked by the guide grille before reaching the gap between the cleaning unit and the housing. This more reliably prevents intake air from penetrating the gap between the cleaning unit and the housing.

[0023] Furthermore, a front section is formed at the front of the guide fence facing the suction inlet side, and the degree to which the front section protrudes towards the air inlet side varies along the lifting direction of the cleaning unit. Therefore, the curved or inclined stepped surface formed on the front section of the guide fence naturally guides the dust mixed in the air to the bottom side of the dust collection space, preventing larger foreign objects from being blocked by the front section of the guide fence or trapped between it and the inner surface of the dust cylinder.

[0024] Furthermore, a connecting bracket is installed on the aforementioned cleaning unit and connected to the operating unit that raises and lowers the cleaning unit. A connecting plate is provided around the periphery of the connecting bracket, extending in the raising and lowering direction of the cleaning unit. In this case, a barrier wall in the connecting plate extends in the opposite direction to the airflow direction formed along the aforementioned guide flow path. Therefore, the gap between the cleaning unit and the housing is further reduced around the periphery of the connecting bracket, where dust easily accumulates, preventing dust from accumulating on the upper surface of the connecting bracket.

[0025] Furthermore, the aforementioned cleaning unit has a connecting bracket that connects to the aforementioned operating unit. Based on the lifting direction of the cleaning unit, a discharge inclined surface is formed on the upper surface of the connecting bracket, with its height gradually decreasing as it approaches the bottom of the dust collection space. This discharge inclined surface allows dust placed on the upper surface to naturally flow downwards and be discharged before it accumulates and solidifies on the upper surface of the bracket.

[0026] Furthermore, in the portion adjacent to the lifting channel for raising and lowering the connecting bracket of the aforementioned connecting plate, filter ribs are formed protruding towards each other on at least one of the inner surface of the aforementioned housing and the outer surface of the corresponding connecting plate. These filter ribs extend along the lifting direction of the connecting bracket to reduce the gap between the inner surface of the aforementioned housing and the outer surface of the aforementioned connecting plate.

[0027] On the other hand, the lower part of the cleaning body constituting the cleaning unit is provided with a cleaning ring that contacts the filter surface and cleans the filter surface during the lifting and lowering of the cleaning body. The cleaning ring is formed of soft rubber at the end of the cleaning body. Furthermore, the cleaning ring is formed by double injection molding to bond with the cleaning body. Because the cleaning ring is made of a thin and soft material, it may deform towards the inner surface of the cleaning body due to high temperatures during the double injection molding process, or it may be rolled up during the lifting and lowering of the cleaning unit. However, in this invention, a support rib is formed at the connection between the cleaning body and the cleaning ring to prevent such phenomena.

[0028] The aforementioned support ribs protrude toward the bottom of the aforementioned dust collection space and are opposite to the guide inclined surface of the support cleaning ring.

[0029] Furthermore, in the cleaning body of the aforementioned cleaning unit, a connecting plate extends in the lifting direction of the cleaning unit, and the connecting plate is connected to the operating unit to enable the operating unit and the cleaning unit to move together. Thus, in this invention, the connecting plate used to connect the operating unit is ensured to be sufficiently wide along the lifting direction of the cleaning unit. Therefore, the connection portion where the external force transmitted from the operating unit (the force used to lift the cleaning unit) is concentrated can be strengthened.

[0030] A reinforcing plate overlaps the connecting plate, and a connecting bracket is provided on the reinforcing plate and connected to the operating unit. That is, in the cleaning unit of the present invention, not only is a sufficiently large connecting plate formed, but the reinforcing plate overlaps the connecting plate. Therefore, the strength of the connection portion connecting the cleaning unit and the operating unit can be more reliably strengthened.

[0031] Furthermore, on the upper surface of the cleaning body corresponding to the guide flow path formed by the aforementioned cleaning unit, the upper surface cleaning section is formed as a continuous path along the circumferential direction. In the aforementioned upper surface cleaning section, the inlet, starting from a position adjacent to the aforementioned suction port, is higher than the outlet of the upper surface cleaning section. In this way, the height of the aforementioned upper surface cleaning section gradually decreases as it approaches the outlet from the inlet, so even if dust accumulates on the upper surface of the aforementioned cleaning unit, the dust is naturally removed by the air flowing in the aforementioned upper surface cleaning section.

[0032] Invention Effects

[0033] As described above, the sweeper of the present invention has the following effects.

[0034] Firstly, through this invention, without opening the dustbin, the cleaning unit moves (descends) internally, compressing the collected dust. The cleaning unit has a guide fence positioned opposite the inner surface of the dustbin (outer shell), reducing the gap between the cleaning unit and the inner surface of the dustbin. Therefore, it can block the path of sucked-in air moving along the gap between the dustbin and the cleaning unit towards the upper or rear side of the cleaning unit, and prevent the cleaning unit from failing to return to its original position (initial position) due to dust accumulation.

[0035] In particular, the front portion of the guide grille of the present invention extends closer to the intake port than the point where the air intake path intersects with the inner surface of the guide flow path of the cleaning unit. Therefore, most of the intake air is blocked by the guide grille before reaching the gap between the cleaning unit and the dustbin, thereby more reliably preventing the intake air from flowing into the gap between the cleaning unit and the dustbin.

[0036] This prevents the sucked-in air from flowing along the gap between the dust cylinder and the cleaning unit, leaving dust residue on the upper part of the cleaning unit (or the connection between the cleaning unit and the operating unit). This allows the cleaning unit to return to its initial position, enabling the air to flow smoothly and guiding the cyclone flow, thereby improving the performance of the cleaning machine.

[0037] Furthermore, the extent to which the front of the guide fence of the present invention extends toward the suction inlet decreases as it gradually moves downward along the lifting direction of the cleaning unit. Therefore, the curved or inclined stepped surface provided at the front of the guide fence naturally guides the dust mixed in the air to the bottom side of the dust bin, preventing larger foreign objects from being blocked at the front of the guide fence or trapped between it and the inner surface of the dust bin.

[0038] Furthermore, the cleaning unit of the present invention includes a connecting bracket that connects to the operating unit, and a barrier wall is formed around the periphery of the connecting bracket on the cleaning unit along the airflow direction. Therefore, the gap between the cleaning unit and the dust cylinder can be further reduced around the connecting bracket, where dust is prone to accumulate, thus preventing dust from accumulating on the upper surface of the connecting bracket.

[0039] Furthermore, the cleaning unit is equipped with a connecting bracket that connects to the operating unit, and the upper surface of the connecting bracket has a discharge inclined surface. This discharge inclined surface allows dust placed on the upper surface of the bracket to naturally flow downwards and be discharged before it accumulates and solidifies. Therefore, it prevents the cleaning unit from failing to return to its original position due to dust accumulation on the connecting bracket, thus preventing a decrease in the performance of the cleaning machine.

[0040] Furthermore, in the dustbin of the present invention, filter ribs are formed protruding near the connecting bracket. These filter ribs protrude towards the cleaning unit, preventing air from flowing along the gap between the dustbin and the cleaning unit towards the connecting bracket. Therefore, the filter ribs prevent dust from accumulating on the upper surface of the connecting bracket, thereby allowing the cleaning unit to return to its original position and create a swirling flow.

[0041] Furthermore, an operating unit for raising and lowering the cleaning unit is connected to the cleaning unit. In this invention, a sufficiently wide connecting plate for connecting the operating unit is formed along the raising and lowering direction of the cleaning unit. Therefore, the connecting part, where the external force (the force for raising and lowering the cleaning unit) transmitted from the operating unit is concentrated, can be strengthened, greatly reducing concerns about the connecting part being twisted or damaged, and improving durability.

[0042] Furthermore, the cleaning unit of the present invention forms a sufficiently large connecting plate, and a reinforcing plate is superimposed on the connecting plate. Therefore, the strength of the connection portion connecting the cleaning unit and the operating unit can be more reliably strengthened.

[0043] Furthermore, in this invention, the upper surface of the cleaning unit has an upper surface cleaning section that forms a continuous path along the circumferential direction. The height of the upper surface cleaning section gradually decreases from the inlet to the outlet. Therefore, even if dust accumulates on the upper surface of the cleaning unit, the dust is naturally removed by the air flowing through the upper surface cleaning section. Thus, even if the user does not clean the upper surface of the cleaning unit separately, it is possible to prevent the cleaning unit from failing to return to its initial position due to dust accumulation on the upper surface. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the structure of an embodiment of the sweeper of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 2 This shows that it will constitute Figure 1 A perspective view of the component disassembled in one embodiment.

[0046] Figure 3 It is about Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the I-I' line.

[0047] Figure 4 It is shown in Figure 3 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the cleaning unit in a descending state, which constitutes an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 5 (a) and Figure 5 (b) shows only the cleaning unit and the operating unit constituting one embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view showing the initial position and the descending position of the cleaning unit, respectively.

[0049] Figure 6 (a) and Figure 6 (b) is a perspective view showing the cleaning unit being raised and lowered with the operating unit, which constitutes an embodiment of the present invention, disposed in the housing.

[0050] Figure 7 (a) and Figure 7 (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the raising and lowering of the cleaning unit and the operation unit, which constitute an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 (c) is a cross-sectional view showing how the cleaning unit failed to fully return to its initial position.

[0051] Figure 8 Yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of line II-II'.

[0052] Figure 9 Yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of line III-III'.

[0053] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the structure of a cleaning unit constituting an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 11 View from the front Figure 10 The diagram shows the front view of the structure of the cleaning unit.

[0055] Figure 12 (a) and Figure 12 (b) shows the views from above and below, respectively. Figure 10 The diagram shows the top and bottom views of the cleaning unit structure.

[0056] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of an air inlet portion in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the cleaning unit and inner shell constituting an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 15 It is shown in Figure 14 The main view of the air inlet of the cleaning unit is observed through the connecting window of the inner shell.

[0059] Figure 16 Is Figure 14 The diagram shows the various components disassembled.

[0060] Figure 17 From and Figure 16 Observing from different angles will Figure 14 A 3D diagram showing the disassembled appearance of each component.

[0061] Figure 18 This is a perspective view showing the structure of a cleaning unit constituting an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 19 From and Figure 18 A perspective view of the structure of a cleaning unit constituting an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from different angles.

[0063] Figure 20 This is a perspective view taken from the rear, showing the connecting bracket portion of the cleaning unit constituting an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 21 It is about Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of line IV-IV'.

[0065] Figure 22 It is about Figure 18 A cross-sectional view of the V-V' line. Detailed Implementation

[0066] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the illustrative accompanying drawings. When adding symbols to the constituent elements of the various figures, the same symbols will be used as much as possible for the same constituent elements, even if they are illustrated in different figures. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of the present invention, detailed descriptions of related well-known structures or functions will be omitted if it is determined that a detailed description would affect the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0067] Furthermore, when describing the constituent elements of embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) are used. These terms are only used to distinguish one constituent element from other constituent elements, and do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the constituent elements. When a constituent element is described as being "connected," "combined," or "accessed" to other constituent elements, the constituent element can be directly connected or accessed to other constituent elements, or it can be "connected," "combined," or "accessed" between various constituent elements.

[0068] This invention relates to sweepers, specifically sweepers that separate dust using cyclone flow. In particular, the invention includes a sweeper comprising a sweeping unit 110 capable of compressing dust accumulated inside the dust canister from the outside without opening the dust canister inlet. The following description uses a handheld vacuum sweeper as an example, but the invention is also applicable to other types of sweepers, such as canister sweepers.

[0069] Figure 1 A perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2The diagrams show the components disassembled. According to these figures, the outer casing 1 first forms the appearance and frame of the sweeper of the present invention. In this embodiment, the outer casing 1 is generally divided into a first outer casing 2 and a second outer casing 3, and is generally cylindrical in shape. Here, the first outer casing 2 constitutes a dust cylinder, which can be opened by opening the lower cover 2' on the lower side. In this embodiment, the first outer casing 2 and the second outer casing 3 are stacked on top of each other in the vertical direction; however, unlike this, the first outer casing 2 and the second outer casing 3 can also be arranged in the horizontal direction.

[0070] An internal space S1 is provided inside the first outer shell 2, where a cleaning unit 110, represented by the filter unit 30 described below, and an inner shell 40 are housed. The shapes of the first outer shell 2 and the second outer shell 3 can be varied. A dust collection space S1 is formed between the inner surface of the first outer shell 2 and the outer surface of the filter unit 30, and the dust collection space S1 can be considered as the internal space of the first outer shell 2. Here, the inner surface 20 of the first outer shell 2 refers to the inner circumferential surface of the inner side of the first outer shell 2, which is opposite to the outer surface exposed to the outside.

[0071] A handle portion 5 is provided on one side of the aforementioned outer casing 1. The handle portion 5 is independently constructed and assembled to the aforementioned outer casing 1, or at least a portion thereof is integrally formed with the outer casing 1. The handle portion 5 serves as the part held by the user and has a switch 6 on one side for on / off operation, etc. In this embodiment, a battery 7 is installed on the lower side of the aforementioned handle portion 5, thereby supplying power for operating the sweeper.

[0072] The outer casing 1 has an intake port 8 on one side. The intake port 8 protrudes to the opposite side of the handle portion 5 and has an intake space 8' inside. When the sweeper is in operation, the suction force generated by the motor unit 10 is transmitted to the intake port 8, and the external air mixed with dust flows into the internal space S1 of the sweeper through the intake space 8'. Figure 1 The image shows a shorter suction port 8, but various cleaning devices (not shown) can be attached to the front side of the suction port 8.

[0073] Although described above as dust mixed in the air, dust can include foreign objects of various sizes. This includes very tiny foreign objects as well as hair, sand, cookie crumbs, and other foreign objects of various sizes. For ease of explanation, these will be collectively referred to as being included in dust below.

[0074] Although it will be described again below, the operation unit 150 will be described first to aid in understanding the invention:

[0075] like Figure 1 As shown, the operating housing 151 constituting the operating unit 150 is attached to the aforementioned housing 1.

[0076] The upper assembly is equipped with a lifting and lowering control lever 160. When the user presses the button 165 of the control lever 160 downwards, the cleaning unit 110, described below, descends within the internal space S1 of the sweeper, compressing the dust in the dust collection space S1 inside the first housing 2, and simultaneously sweeping down the surface of the filter unit 30 for cleaning. In other words, without opening the internal space S1 of the sweeper, the user can compress the dust inside the dust collection space S1 simply by pulling down the external control lever 160. A more detailed description of the structure will be provided below.

[0077] Reference Figure 3 A motor unit 10 is disposed inside the second housing 3. The motor unit 10 disposed inside the second housing 3 provides the suction force of the sweeper. Although not shown, the motor unit 10 includes an electric motor that receives power from a battery and rotates, and an impeller that rotates together with the rotating shaft of the electric motor to generate suction force. Thus, the motor unit 10 is disposed inside the second housing 3, but... Figure 3 Only the motor housing 12 used to house the motor unit 10 is shown; the electric motor, rotating shaft, and impeller are omitted.

[0078] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 An air guide 21 is provided inside the outer casing 1. The air guide 21 narrows in width towards the lower side and has a ring shape with a through hole 22 in the center. The outer surface of the air guide 21 guides the flow of air flowing in through the suction flow path 51 of the suction port 8. The outer surface of the air guide 21 is inclined, so the incoming air is naturally guided to the lower side.

[0079] The upper part of the aforementioned air guide 21 has an inclined air guide surface 23 that guides the airflow. The diameter of the air guide 21 gradually decreases as it approaches the bottom of the dust collection space S1, and the air guide surface 23 naturally forms an inclined surface. The cleaning unit 110 described below is in its initial position (refer to...). Figure 3 The air guide surface 23 will surround the outside of the air guide surface 23, so the incoming air will not flow through the air guide surface 23. However, if the cleaning unit 110 is lowered and in the lowered position, the air guide surface 23 is opposite to the suction flow path 51 connected to the suction port 8, so the flow of the incoming air can be guided (see reference). Figure 4 ).

[0080] For reference, the initial position refers to the position where the cleaning unit 110 moves to the uppermost position and is connected to the suction path of the suction port 8, and the descending position refers to the position where the cleaning unit 110 descends to compress the dust in the dust collection space S1 and brush off the outer surface of the filter unit 30.

[0081] A connecting end 24 protrudes from the lower side of the air guide surface 23. This connecting end 24 serves as the assembly part between the air guide member 21 and the filter unit 30 described below, and corresponds to a portion protruding further downward from the air guide surface 23. An assembly key 27 protrudes from the connecting end 24 and is inserted into the assembly slot 36 of the filter unit 30 to assemble the air guide member 21 and the filter unit 30. This assembly key 27 and assembly slot 36 are assembled by rotation.

[0082] The air guide 21 is provided with an assembly boss 26 extending upwards towards the second housing 3. The assembly boss 26 can also be used to assemble the air guide 21 with the motor housing 12 located inside the second housing 3. The assembly boss 26 is assembled to the motor housing 12 by means of a fastener such as a bolt.

[0083] The upper edge of the aforementioned air guide 21 forms a locking end 28, which surrounds the upper edge of the air guide 21. When the air guide 21 is assembled with the inner housing 40 described below, the opposing locking portion 48 located on the inner edge of the inner housing 40 is locked into the locking end 28. This arrangement... Figure 3 The magnified image allows for better observation.

[0084] The air guide 21 is assembled with the filter unit 30. The filter unit 30 has a cyclone separator inside. More precisely, in this embodiment, a first cyclone section (not given a reference numeral) and a second cyclone section 37 are provided inside the sweeper, and the second cyclone section 37 is provided inside the filter unit 30. By having the first cyclone section and the second cyclone section 37, dust can be filtered out more effectively. In this embodiment, the first cyclone section is not set as a separate component, but is defined by the inner surface 20 of the outer casing 1, the air guide 21, and the sweeping unit 110.

[0085] The filter unit 30 is disposed at the center of the internal space S1 of the first housing 2, and a dust collection space S1 is provided between it and the inner surface of the first housing 2. The dust collection space S1 is disposed on the lower side of the internal space S1 of the first housing 2 and can be regarded as a first dust storage part S2 for accumulating dust.

[0086] In this case, to minimize the size of the outer casing 1, the second cyclone section 37 can be disposed inside the first cyclone section. (Refer to...) Figure 3 The second cyclone section 37 includes multiple cyclone bodies arranged in parallel. Air flows through the channels 38 of the aforementioned cyclone bodies, where the air rises due to centrifugal force, and foreign objects fall downwards.

[0087] A dust guide 31 is provided on the lower side of the second cyclone section 37. The dust guide 31 includes a guide body 32 that narrows towards the lower side, like a hopper. Inside the guide body 32, there is a second dust storage section S3 for storing dust separated from the second cyclone section 37. The second dust storage section S3 is formed closer to the center of the outer casing 1 than the first dust storage section S2, and is distinguished by the guide body 32.

[0088] Reference Figure 3 The airflow in the sweeper will be explained. Air (in the direction of arrow ①) drawn in through the suction port 8 by the motor unit 10 and dust flow along the inner circumferential surface of the first cyclone section and are separated from each other.

[0089] Dust separated from the air flows downwards (in the direction of arrow ②) and is stored in the first dust storage section S2. Air separated from the dust flows towards the second cyclone section 37. At this time, the air passes through the filter unit 30 (in the direction of arrow ③), and in the process of passing through the filter unit 30, it passes through the mesh 35 located on the outer surface of the filter unit 30. In this process, larger dust particles are filtered out through the narrow holes in the mesh 35.

[0090] Furthermore, the air flowing into the second cyclone section 37 is separated from the dust again by centrifugal force. The dust separated from the air in the second cyclone section 37 flows downward and is stored in the second dust storage section S3 (arrow ④ direction).

[0091] On the other hand, the air separated from the dust in the second cyclone section 37 is discharged from the second cyclone section 37 and rises towards the motor unit 10. (Arrow ⑤ direction) The rising air passes through a pre-filter (not shown) located outside the motor unit 10. After passing through the pre-filter, the air passes through the motor unit 10 and then through a high-efficiency particulate air filter located in the discharge space S4 of the second housing 3 and is discharged to the outside through the air outlet 3'. (Arrow ⑥ direction) Here, at least one of the pre-filter or the high-efficiency particulate air filter may be omitted.

[0092] At this time, the dust separated by the cyclone is accumulated in the first dust storage section S2 and the second dust storage section S3. Because the dust is light, it scatters to the outside when the user opens the dust container, i.e., the first outer casing 2. That is, the dust gathers inside the dust container and is not clumped together, thus making it difficult to empty. In this embodiment, to solve this problem, a cleaning module 100 is provided, which includes a cleaning unit 110 for compressing dust and an operation unit 150 for moving the cleaning unit 110.

[0093] For reference only Figure 4This shows the cleaning unit 110 descending to remove dust adhering to the outer surface of the filter unit 30. (See reference) Figure 4 The cleaning body 120 and cleaning ring 130 constituting the cleaning unit 110 descend toward the lower part of the dust collection space S1. Thus, during the descent of the cleaning unit 110, the cleaning unit 110 compresses the dust, and the cleaning ring 130 pushes the dust adhering to the outer surface of the filter unit 30 downwards. (Refer to...) Figure 4 The illustration shows the dust at the top being compressed by the cleaning body 120 and the cleaning ring 130. These structures will be explained again below.

[0094] Re-reference Figure 2 The filter unit 30 has a mesh 35 on its outer surface. The mesh 35 is arranged in the filter unit 30 to surround its outer surface, serving to filter dust from the air flowing into the second cyclone section 37 within the dust collection space S1. Therefore, the mesh 35 has multiple holes. When a cleaning machine is used, these holes become clogged or narrowed by dust, necessitating cleaning. The cleaning unit 110 performs the cleaning of the mesh 35.

[0095] An inner shell 40 is provided on the upper part of the filter unit 30. The inner shell 40 is disposed in the internal space S1 of the outer shell 1. In this embodiment, a part of the inner shell 40 is disposed inside the first outer shell 2, and the remaining part is disposed inside the second outer shell 3. The inner shell 40 is generally in the shape of a circular frame. When disposed in the internal space S1, it surrounds the outer side of the air guide 21 and the cleaning unit 110.

[0096] The inner shell 40 has a vertically opening through space 41 at its center, and the through space 41 contains an air guide 21 and a cleaning unit 110. Figure 3 As shown, a cleaning unit 110 has an initial position inside the inner shell 40, and an air guide 21 is provided closer to the inner side than the cleaning unit 110. The inner shell 40 surrounds the initial position of the cleaning unit 110 and can be regarded as playing a role in guiding at least a part of the cleaning unit 110 during its lifting and lowering process.

[0097] On one side of the inner shell 40, the connecting window 42 is opened. The connecting window 42 serves as the connection between the suction flow path 51 connected to the suction port 8 and the internal space S1, as shown in the figure. Figure 16 In this embodiment, it is roughly shaped like a 'D'. The suction port 8 is connected to the cleaning unit 110 located on the inner side through the aforementioned connecting window 42.

[0098] A seal 43 is attached to the outer surface of the inner shell 40. The seal 43 is disposed along the outer surface of the inner shell 40, thereby restricting airflow between the upper and lower parts based on the seal 43. That is, the seal 43 guides air to flow only along a predetermined path. For reference, the inner shell 40, the first outer shell 2, or the second outer shell 3 may be omitted and formed as part of the design.

[0099] Reference Figure 2 An intake shell 50 is connected to the intake port 8. The intake shell 50 is assembled to surround the intake port 8 or is integrally formed with the intake port 8. The intake shell 50 connects the intake port 8 to the shell 1 and is larger in diameter than the intake port 8. An intake flow path 51 connected to the intake space 8' of the intake port 8 is formed inside the intake shell 50.

[0100] Next, the cleaning module 100 will be described. The cleaning module 100 generally consists of a cleaning unit 110 and an operation unit 150 for operating the cleaning unit 110. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the cleaning unit 110 and the operation unit 150 are formed as independent components, and are assembled to form a cleaning module 100. At least a portion of the structure, represented by the operation lever 160 of the operation unit 150, protrudes outward from the outer casing 1, so that the user can use the cleaning module 100 from the outside of the outer casing 1.

[0101] Figure 5 Only the cleaning module 100 constituting this embodiment is illustrated. Figure 5 As shown, the operating unit 150 constituting the cleaning module 100 is configured to stand vertically along the lifting direction of the cleaning unit 110, and the cleaning unit 110 is positioned in a direction orthogonal to the operating unit 150. The cleaning unit 110 extends from the operating unit 150 in a cantilever configuration. Therefore, the cleaning unit 110 is prone to eccentricity during lifting, and when the cleaning unit 110 is eccentric, it interferes with the filter unit 30 located in the middle, hindering the lifting action. To solve this problem, the structure of the spacer retaining rib 127 will be described below.

[0102] Figure 5 (a) shows the state where the cleaning unit 110 is in the first position, i.e., the initial position. Figure 5 (b) shows the state where the cleaning unit 110 is lowered and located in the second position, i.e., the lowered position. During the movement of the cleaning unit 110 from the initial position to the lowered position, the cleaning unit 110 compresses the dust in the dust collection space S1 and removes the dust adhering to the mesh 35 downwards. For reference, Figure 4 The middle cleaning unit 110 is also in a descending position, but not at its lowest point; it can be considered to be in the initial stage of descent. Figure 5In (b), the cleaning unit 110 is located in a lowered position that moves relatively lower.

[0103] Referring to the structure of the operating unit 150, the operating housing 151 of the operating unit 150 is attached to the outer surface of the housing 1 described above, extending vertically from the first housing 2 through the second housing 3. The operating housing 151 has two guide rails: a fixed guide rail 172 and a movable guide rail 175. Both the fixed guide rail 172 and the movable guide rail 175 are located along the length (vertical direction) of the operating housing 151. The fixed guide rail 172 is fixed in place, while the movable guide rail 175 moves up and down together with the cleaning unit 110. In this embodiment, both the fixed guide rail 172 and the movable guide rail 175 are thin, long, and slender rods.

[0104] An operating lever 160 is connected to the fixed guide rail 172, and the operating lever 160 moves up and down along the fixed guide rail 172. The operating lever 160 has a button portion 165. The operating lever 160 is located inside the operating housing 151 and is not exposed, but the button portion 165 can be exposed to the outside of the operating housing 151 for the user to press. When the user presses the button portion 165, the operating lever 160 descends along the fixed guide rail 172, causing the movable guide rail 175 to descend along with it.

[0105] More precisely, a connecting block 170 is connected to the button portion 165. The connecting block 170 is located inside the operating housing 151 and moves up and down along the button portion 165. The connecting block 170 is inserted into the fixed guide rail 172 in a manner that allows it to move up and down along the fixed guide rail 172, and is connected to the movable guide rail 175. Therefore, the connecting block 170 and the button portion 165 move up and down together along the fixed guide rail 172, causing the movable guide rail 175 to move up and down in the process. Figure 5 As shown in (a), the connecting block 170 is positioned in the direction through which the fixed guide rail 172 and the movable guide rail 175 pass. Reference numeral 163, which is the pressing end attached to the connecting block 170, is the part that is compressed by pressing the spring 173 when the connecting block 170 descends.

[0106] Reference numeral 173 in the attached drawing refers to spring 173, which is assembled to the fixed guide rail 172 in a form that is inserted into it, and is positioned further downward than the operating lever 160. The spring 173 is compressed during the descent of the connecting block 170 together with the operating lever 160. When the force applied to the button portion 165 is removed, it returns to its original shape, causing the operating lever 160 to return to its original position. Figure 5 The state shown in (a). Of course, such spring 173 can also be omitted.

[0107] The aforementioned movable guide rail 175 is mounted on the operating housing 151 and is connected to the operating lever 160, moving up and down together with the operating lever 160. One end of the movable guide rail 175 is connected to the connecting plate 128 of the cleaning unit 110, which will be described below. Therefore, the movable guide rail 175 and the cleaning unit 110 move up and down together. The connection part between the movable guide rail 175 and the cleaning unit 110 is a part where the load is concentrated by external forces, and therefore it is prone to damage or deformation. The structure of the connecting plate 128 and the reinforcing plate 140, which are used to solve these problems, will be described again below.

[0108] Figure 6 The illustration shows the appearance of the housing 1 set in the operation unit 160. Figure 6 (a) represents the state where the cleaning unit 110 is in its original position, i.e., its initial position. Figure 6 (b) is the state in which the cleaning unit 110 is in the lowered position. A lifting channel GH is provided on the inner surface of the outer casing 1. The lifting channel GH extends along the lifting direction of the cleaning unit 110 on the inner surface 20 of the outer casing and is formed such that the inner surface 20 is further recessed inward.

[0109] The connecting bracket 149 of the cleaning unit 110 is inserted into the lifting channel GH, and the connecting bracket 149 is connected to the movable guide rail 175 of the operating unit 150 within the lifting channel GH. As will be explained again below, the connecting bracket 149 is provided on the reinforcing plate 140 that reinforces the connecting plate 128 of the cleaning body 120 constituting the cleaning unit 110.

[0110] A filter rib R is provided protruding from the inner surface 20 of the outer casing 1. The filter rib R extends along the lifting direction of the connecting bracket 149 to reduce the gap between the inner surface 20 of the outer casing 1 and the outer surface of the connecting plate 128. The filter rib R may also be provided only in a portion of the entire height of the inner surface 20 of the outer casing 1, which in this embodiment is the same as or longer than the lifting range of the connecting bracket 149.

[0111] Of course, the filter rib R can also be shorter than the lifting range of the connecting bracket 149. For example, as external air is drawn in, a filter rib R is formed around the connecting bracket 149 at the initial position of the cleaning unit 110. In this case, the entire length of the filter rib R is shorter than the lifting range of the connecting bracket 149.

[0112] The aforementioned filter rib R is positioned adjacent to the aforementioned lifting channel GH, and is located on one of the left and right sides of the lifting channel GH, near the inlet Ea of the guide flow path E that guides the airflow. Therefore, the filter rib R blocks the air flowing along the guide flow path E from entering the space between the inner surface 20 of the housing 1 and the cleaning unit 110, thereby preventing dust from flowing into the inner side of the lifting channel GH and the side of the connecting bracket 149.

[0113] like Figure 6 As shown, although the aforementioned filter rib R can be formed along a straight section, it can also extend in an inclined direction, thus forming other shapes instead of a straight line. For example, the aforementioned filter rib R is formed in such a way that it surrounds the periphery of the lifting channel GH into which the aforementioned connecting bracket 149 is inserted. The shape can also be two or more arranged side by side. The function of such filter ribs R will be explained again later.

[0114] Reference Figure 21 The cross-section of the filter rib R is a shape in which the width gradually decreases as it approaches the outer surface of the connecting plate 128. In this embodiment, the cross-section of the filter rib R is semi-circular. Thus, when the cross-section of the filter rib R gradually decreases as it approaches the outer surface of the connecting plate 128, even if the connecting plate 128 and the filter rib R interfere with each other during the lifting and lowering process of the cleaning unit 110, friction can be reduced through line contact.

[0115] Figure 7 The image shows the cleaning unit 110 and the operation unit 150 being raised and lowered. Figure 7 (a) shows the cleaning unit 110 in its initial position. Figure 7 (b) shows the cleaning unit 110 in the lowered position. As explained above, the cleaning body and cleaning ring constituting the cleaning unit 110 are linked to the operation unit 150 to rise and fall. When in the initial position, the elastic member 173 rises completely and becomes tightly attached to the air guide member 21.

[0116] Furthermore, as the cleaning unit 110 descends, it moves away from the air guide 21 and towards the lower side of the dust collection space S1, passing over the surface of the filter unit 30. During this process, the cleaning unit 110 compresses the dust in the dust collection space S1, and is able to remove the dust adhering to the mesh 35 located on the outer surface of the filter unit 30.

[0117] like Figure 7As shown in (b), the cleaning unit 110, which is in the lowered position, rises again and automatically returns to its initial position, which is accomplished by the elastic member 173 of the operating unit 150. However, the cleaning unit 110 may fail to return to its original position. For example, (i) when the cleaning unit 110 is in the initial position and the cleaning machine is used, some of the air that is sucked in flows into the gap between the cleaning unit 110 and the inner surface 20 of the housing 1 and accumulates on the connecting bracket 149, or (ii) when the cleaning unit 110 is raised or lowered, dust in the dust collection space S1 falls to the upper side of the cleaning unit 110 and accumulates on the connecting bracket 149.

[0118] In this way, the cleaning unit 110 cannot return to its initial position. Figure 7 (c) illustrates this state. When the dust Z accumulated on the upper surface of the connecting bracket 149 is solidified, it reaches a predetermined height and therefore cannot be restored to the level corresponding to the height of the dust. Of course, in this embodiment, such concerns are prevented by various structures, represented by the filter ribs R, which will be explained below.

[0119] Next, the cleaning unit 110 will be described again. The cleaning unit 110 is arranged to surround the filter unit 30 and is raised and lowered within the dust collection space S1 via the operation unit 150. At its initial position, at least a portion of the cleaning unit 110 is connected to the air intake path extending from the intake port 8, thereby guiding the airflow. Here, "connected to the intake path" means that at least a portion of the cleaning unit 110 is located on the air intake path, which can be considered as including the intake space 8' of the intake port 8 and the intake flow path 51 of the intake housing 50.

[0120] That is, the cleaning unit 110 described above plays the following roles: (i) guiding the flow of the sucked-in air at the initial position, (ii) compressing the dust in the dust collection space S1 during the descent, and (iii) removing dust by having the guide end GE of the cleaning unit 110 sweep the mesh 35 of the filter unit 30 during the lifting and lowering process.

[0121] Reference Figure 8 The illustration shows the connection between the cleaning unit 110 and the suction flow path 51 of the suction housing 50. Reference numeral Ea indicates the inlet Ea of the guide flow path E, along which the guide flow path E (see reference...) Figure 9 and Figure 12 The air flows in a spiral. That is, the cleaning unit 110, the inner surface 20 of the outer casing 1, and the air guide 21 form a first cyclone section, so that the drawn-in air flows in a cyclone in one go.

[0122] As explained below, observe the inlet Ea of the above-mentioned guide flow path E. The inlet Ea of the guide flow path E includes a first guide flow path E1 located at the upper part between the guide wall 121 and the guide fence 124B of the cleaning body 120, and a second guide flow path E2 located at the lower part between the guide end GE and the inner surface 20 of the outer casing 1.

[0123] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the sweeper from below, taken for clear observation of the intake 8 and the intake flow path 51. External air flows into the inner side of the intake 8 through the intake space 8' and then through the intake flow path 51 of the intake housing 50 (arrow ① direction). The intake air thus enters the inner side through the air inlet 123. The air inlet 123 is formed at the inlet Ea of the guide flow path E of the sweeping unit 110 and connects to the intake path. The air inlet 123 omits a portion of the guide grille 124B, thus serving to connect the air flow path to the intake 8. (See reference...) Figure 8 The aforementioned air inlet 123 is connected to the intake flow path 51 through the connecting window 42 of the inner shell 40.

[0124] Re-reference Figure 9 The air inlet 123 opens the inlet Ea of the guide flow path E, and the air drawn in through the inlet Ea, along with the dust included in the air, violently impacts the cleaning unit 110. After being impacted, the dust flows further inward along the guide flow path E.

[0125] At this point, there is a concern that while flat foreign objects flowing into the vertical direction (a direction with greater height than width) can pass smoothly through the narrow guide flow path E's inlet Ea, when flowing in with greater force in the horizontal direction (a direction with greater width than height), they may collide with the cleaning unit 110 and, due to their reaction force, bounce onto the inner surface 20 of the outer shell 1 or the inner surface 41' of the inner shell 40, potentially becoming trapped between them. However, in this invention, such trapping can be prevented by the guide end GE described below.

[0126] On the other hand, guide vanes 55 are formed in the aforementioned suction housing 50. For example... Figure 3 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the guide vane 55 is a plate-shaped structure disposed on the side blocking the outlet Eb of the intake flow path 51. The guide vane 55 sets the path of the intake air and more precisely guides the air flow towards the inlet Ea of the guide flow path E.

[0127] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10The cleaning body 120 of the cleaning unit 110 is provided with a pipe blade 124A, which is erected on the side blocking the air inflow portion 123. The air passage in the pipe blade 124A is formed to one side, i.e., the inlet Ea of the guide flow path E, with the pipe blade 124A as a reference. Furthermore, the pipe blade 124A is elongated along the lifting direction of the cleaning unit 110, thus strengthening the cleaning body 120.

[0128] like Figure 9 As shown, the duct blades 124A of the cleaning unit 110 and the guide blades 55 of the suction housing 50 are continuously arranged along an imaginary extension line L1. That is, the duct blades 124A and the guide blades 55 form a continuous airflow path, and the sucked-in air flows through the airflow inlet to the inlet Ea of the guide flow path E. In this embodiment, the imaginary extension line L1 is a straight line; otherwise, it could be a curve or a line bent at a predetermined angle.

[0129] Next, refer to Figures 10 to 12 The cleaning unit 110 was carefully observed. (Refer to...) Figure 10 The cleaning unit 110 is generally composed of a cleaning body 120 and a guide end GE. The cleaning body 120 is a ring-shaped structure forming the skeleton of the cleaning unit 110, and the guide end GE extends further from the lower end of the cleaning body 120. In this embodiment, the guide end GE is composed of the connecting end 122 of the cleaning body 120 and the cleaning ring 130, as described below. Alternatively, the guide end GE may be composed solely of the cleaning ring 130. The guide end GE is a ring forming a closed curve path, and at least a portion of its length lies on the air intake path extending from the intake port 8, thereby guiding the flow of the intake air.

[0130] The cleaning body 120 surrounds the filter unit 30 in a generally annular shape and is connected to the operation unit 150. The cleaning body 120 includes a guide wall 121 and a guide fence 124B, which are integrally connected to each other. The guide wall 121 extends continuously along the circumferential direction of the cleaning body 120, has an inclined surface, and has the guide end GE at its lower part.

[0131] Furthermore, the guide fence 124B extends parallel to the guide wall 121, and is spaced apart from the guide wall 121 in the direction of the inner surface 20 of the outer casing 1, thus forming an airflow path, i.e., guide flow path E, between itself and the guide wall 121. Figure 8As shown, at one end of the above-mentioned suction port 8, the above-mentioned guide fence 124B is formed along the height direction of the above-mentioned suction port 8 (the vertical direction based on the attached figure), so the height of the above-mentioned guide flow path E is at least the height of the above-mentioned guide fence 124B.

[0132] More precisely, the guide grille 124B is omitted in the air inlet section 123, thus forming a guide flow path E between the outer surface of the guide wall 121 and the inner surface 20 of the housing 1. However, further inward, the outer surface of the guide wall 121 and the inner surface 124B1 of the guide grille 124B (see reference) Figure 8 and Figure 9 A guide flow path E is formed between the guide wall 121 and the guide fence 124B. That is, the guide wall 121 and the guide fence 124B constitute a guide pipe CB. The guide flow path E opens towards the dust collection space S1 located on the lower side, thus guiding the flowing air to the lower side.

[0133] Observing the aforementioned guide gate 124B, the guide gate 124B is provided along the outer edge of the cleaning body 120 constituting the cleaning unit 110, and extends along the inner surface 20 of the outer casing 1 opposite to it, forming the guide flow path E inward. That is, the guide gate 124B is provided close to or at a predetermined distance from the inner surface 20 of the outer casing 1, and there is no airflow between the guide gate 124B and the inner surface 20 of the outer casing 1.

[0134] like Figures 8 to 10 As shown, the guide gate 124B has a front face portion 124B' at its front end. The front face portion 124B' refers to the front end of the guide gate 124B, or in other words, the front side of the guide gate 124B closest to the air inlet portion 123. The front face portion 124B' extends to the front of the air intake path to guide the initial airflow.

[0135] More accurately, such as Figure 9 As shown, the front portion 124B' of the aforementioned guide fence 124B extends beyond the aforementioned air intake path (see reference). Figure 9 The point K where the guide flow path E of the cleaning unit 110 intersects with the inner surface 124B1 of the guide fence 124B is closer to the position of the suction port 8. As described above, the suction path can be considered as including the suction space 8' of the suction port 8 and the suction flow path 51 of the suction housing 50.

[0136] Reference Figure 9The suction flow path 51, connected to the suction space 8', extends from the suction space 8' in a slightly inclined direction. As described above, in the suction flow path 51, the pipe blades 124A and guide blades 55 are continuously arranged along an imaginary extension line L1 to form a roughly straight suction path. Furthermore, this suction path bends in a circumferential direction after passing through the guide flow path E, and the airflow through this path is also formed in a circular direction.

[0137] In other words, the inhaled air initially follows a roughly straight intake path (see reference). Figure 9 The flow moves along the M) and flows in the curved direction as it passes through the inlet Ea of the guide flow path E, thus forming a cyclone flow.

[0138] At this time, as described above, the front part 124B' of the guide fence 124B extends closer to the intake port 8 than the point K where the air intake path intersects with the inner surface of the guide flow path E of the cleaning unit 110. Therefore, the end part K of the imaginary extension line M extending along the air intake path direction is closer to the inner surface of the guide flow path E than the front part 124B' of the guide fence 124B and intersects with the inner surface of the guide flow path E.

[0139] In this way, the drawn-in air reaches the front part 124B' of the guide grille 124B before it is fully rotated and accelerated, thus preventing the drawn-in air from leaking into the gap N between the inner surface 20 of the housing 1 and the guide grille 124B (see reference). Figure 9 and Figure 13 For reference, in this embodiment, an inner shell 40 is provided on the inner surface 20 of the outer shell 1, therefore, as Figure 9 As shown in the enlarged view, the front portion 124B' of the guide grille 124B prevents the intake air from leaking into the gap N between the inner surface 41' of the inner shell 40 and the guide grille 124B. Of course, if the inner shell 40 is omitted, the front portion 124B' of the guide grille 124B will prevent air from leaking into the gap N between the inner surface 20 of the outer shell 1 and the guide grille 124B.

[0140] Conversely, the drawn-in air does not leak into other paths, but flows only through the guide flow path E. Therefore, not only can the dust separation efficiency of the sweeper be improved, but it can also prevent the situation where air flows into the gap N between the inner surface 41' of the inner shell 40 and the guide fence 124B and then moves along the outer side of the guide fence 124B, causing dust to fall onto the upper surface of the connecting bracket 149.

[0141] The front portion 124B' of the aforementioned guide fence 124B protrudes to varying degrees toward the air inlet 123 along the lifting direction of the aforementioned cleaning unit 110. (Refer to...) Figure 13In the front part 124B' of the aforementioned guide fence 124B, the cleaning unit 110 moves in the lifting direction (with...) Figure 13 Based on the vertical direction (referring to the vertical direction), the upper part 124B1 protrudes further towards the air inlet 123 than the lower part 124B2. Conversely, in the front part 124B' of the guide fence 124B, the vertical direction of the cleaning unit 110 (referring to the vertical direction) is also considered. Figure 13 Based on the vertical direction (referring to the reference direction), the lower part 124B2 protrudes further towards the air inflow section 123 than the upper part 124B1.

[0142] When the front portion 124B' of the guide fence 124B protrudes to different degrees toward the air inlet 123 along the lifting direction of the cleaning unit 110, the area of ​​the first collision between the sucked-in air and the front portion 124B' of the guide fence 124B is reduced. For example, if the front portion 124B' of the guide fence 124B is a plane protruding to the same degree toward the air inlet 123, the sucked-in air will collide with the entire front portion 124B', increasing the probability of dust getting stuck.

[0143] However, according to this embodiment, the dust flows naturally to one side along the front portion 124B'. In this embodiment, the front portion 124B' moves in the lifting direction of the cleaning unit 110 ( Figure 13 Based on the vertical direction (referring to the vertical direction), the upper part 124B1 protrudes further towards the air inlet 123 than the lower part 124B2. Therefore, the area of ​​impact between the sucked-in air and the guide fence 124B is reduced, and dust is naturally guided from the upper part 124B1 to the lower part 124B2, thus preventing it from getting stuck on the front side of the front part 124B'. The front part 124B' of the guide fence 124B is formed as a continuous curved or inclined surface along the vertical direction of the cleaning unit 110 to naturally create this flow.

[0144] Furthermore, the front portion 124B' of the aforementioned guide grille 124B is formed such that its thickness gradually decreases as it approaches the air inlet portion 123, in order to better guide such dust. This further reduces the area where the sucked-in air collides with the guide grille 124B. For example, the two corner portions of the aforementioned front portion 124B' are formed at an angle, resulting in a thinner front portion 124B', but... Figure 9 As shown in the enlarged view, in the two corners of the aforementioned front portion 124B', the portion facing the inner surface 41' of the inner shell 40 is flat, while the portion facing the guide flow path E is curved or inclined. In this way, air is more naturally guided to the guide flow path E side.

[0145] like Figure 13As shown, a connecting end 122 is provided at the lower end of the guide wall 121. The connecting end 122, extending further downward from the lower end of the guide wall 121, is where a cleaning ring 130 is attached. The surface of the connecting end 122, together with the surface of the cleaning ring 130, forms the guide end GE, creating a guide inclined surface 135. That is, the surface of the connecting end 122 slopes downward and extends towards the lower side facing the dust collection space S1, thereby forming an inclined surface. This inclined surface guides a portion of the reaction force generated when a large foreign object impacts the surface downward. A more detailed description of the structure of the connecting end 122 will be given below.

[0146] The guide wall 121 is formed in a direction inclined relative to the lifting direction of the cleaning unit 110, and guides the flow of air drawn in through the suction port 8 when the cleaning unit 110 is in the initial position. (Refer to...) Figure 13 It can be observed that the outer surface of the guide wall 121 extends at an angle, and because it extends at a downward angle, it allows air to flow naturally to the lower side.

[0147] Preferably, the guide wall 121 of the cleaning body 120 extends obliquely such that the distance between it and the inner surface 20 of the outer casing 1 increases as it gets closer to the lower part facing the guide end GE, thereby guiding the airflow to the lower side and increasing the width of the guide wall 121 to improve airflow.

[0148] Furthermore, referring to Figure 10 and Figure 11 The guide wall 121 and the guide fence 124B are at their highest point at the inlet Ea of the guide flow path E, gradually decreasing in height along the circumferential direction, and reaching their lowest point near the pipe blade 124A corresponding to the outlet Eb of the guide flow path E. Therefore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the guide flow path E also gradually decreases along its direction of travel, forming an airflow path that gradually decreases in height as it approaches the outlet Eb. This structure serves to create a cyclone flow through the first cyclone section.

[0149] The aforementioned cleaning body 120 includes a connecting plate 128. For example... Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the connecting plate 128, with its plate-like structure extending in the lifting direction of the cleaning unit 110, is pressed against the inner surface 20 of the outer casing 1 and moves up and down. The connecting plate 128 is used to connect the operating unit 150 and the cleaning body 120.

[0150] The aforementioned cleaning body 120 can be considered as extending from the operating unit 150 in a cantilever configuration (see reference). Figure 5This results in a large load being applied to the connection between the operating unit 150 and the cleaning body 120. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen this connection, and for this purpose, the connecting plate 128 extends along the lifting direction of the cleaning unit 110 to provide a wider connection. In this embodiment, a reinforcing plate 140 is superimposed on the connecting plate 128 to further strengthen the connection, as will be explained below.

[0151] The connecting plate 128 extends away from the cleaning body 120, its width gradually narrowing from side to side. This gradually narrowing width reduces the volume occupied by the connecting plate 128 within the dust collection space S1, preventing obstruction of airflow. Furthermore, the end portion of the narrowing connecting plate 128 has a connecting bracket 149 for connection to the operating unit 150, allowing the connecting plate 128 to be directly connected to the operating unit 150. However, in this embodiment, it is connected to the operating unit 150 via a reinforcing plate 140, as described below. Figure 17 In the figure, reference numeral 128' is an assembly groove that causes the connecting bracket 149 to protrude rearward.

[0152] Reference Figure 12 (a) The guide flow path E, formed between the guide wall 121 and the guide grille 124B, extends continuously from the inlet Ea to the outlet Eb in a circumferential direction. Arrow A indicates the path of air inflow. The guide flow path E extends with a certain width and then narrows at the outlet Eb, i.e., the portion of the pipe blade 124A, thereby accelerating the airflow. In this embodiment, the guide wall 121 is provided along the entire path of the guide flow path E, but the guide grille 124B is omitted in the air inlet 123 in order to allow air to flow in through the suction port 8.

[0153] On the other hand, an upper surface cleaning section 125 is formed on the upper surface of the cleaning body 120, which is opposite to the aforementioned guide flow path E. The upper surface cleaning section 125 is formed as a continuous path along the circumferential direction of the cleaning body 120. As air flows towards the upper surface cleaning section 125, dust accumulated on the upper surface of the cleaning body 120 is removed. Most of the drawn-in air flows along the guide flow path E, but a portion flows into the upper side of the cleaning body 120 and accumulates dust on its upper surface. Dust also accumulates on the upper surface of the cleaning body 120 when air flows in while the cleaning unit 110 is descending. This dust is removed by the structure of the upper surface cleaning section 125.

[0154] Reference Figure 10In the aforementioned upper surface cleaning section 125, the inlet Oa, starting from a position adjacent to the air inlet section 123, is higher than the outlet Ob of the upper surface cleaning section 125. That is, the height of the upper surface cleaning section 125 gradually decreases along the circumferential direction from the inlet Oa to the outlet Ob. The first section 125a constituting the upper surface cleaning section 125 is the highest part, and the second section 125b extending from the first section 125a is lower than the first section 125a. Furthermore, the third section 125c, being the part closest to the outlet Ob, i.e., the pipe blade 124A, has the lowest height.

[0155] At this time, the height from the first interval 125a to the third interval 125c can gradually decrease, but the height of a portion in the middle can be slightly increased again. For example, in order to strengthen the cleaning body 120, there may be an interval where the height of the upper surface cleaning part 125 increases again. In this embodiment, the height of a portion of the second interval 125b increases slightly and then decreases again.

[0156] An upper grille 125' protrudes from the edge of the aforementioned cleaning body 120. The upper grille 125' forms a flow path for air passing through the upper surface cleaning section 125, protruding upwards from the upper surface edge of the cleaning body 120 to form part of the upper surface cleaning section 125, and is opposite to the internal space S1 of the aforementioned outer casing 1. The upper grille 125' extends to the first section 125a and the second section 125b, but can be omitted in the third section 125c. This is because the third section 125c is the section where air flowing in the circumferential direction is discharged.

[0157] Reference Figure 12 In (b), the widths of the first section 125a and the second section 125b are similar, while the width of the third section 125c is relatively narrower. Therefore, the outlet Ob portion of the upper surface cleaning section 125 forms a space separated from the inner surface 20 of the outer casing 1, and the flowing air descends towards the dust collection space S1 through this space. Figure 12 In (b), arrow A' indicates the direction in which air flowing into the upper part of the cleaning body 120 flows along the upper surface cleaning part 125.

[0158] Reference Figure 13 The structure of the cleaning unit 110 is illustrated in cross-section in the portion adjacent to the air inlet 123. Figure 13 The diagram shows the cleaning unit 110 in its initial position, whereby it is formed to overlap with the air guiding surface 23 of the air guide 21. The cleaning unit 110 is located relatively on the outside, so the incoming air is guided through the cleaning unit 110.

[0159] Regarding the airflow channel, the guide flow path E constitutes the airflow channel. Observing the inlet Ea of the guide flow path E, it can be seen that the inlet Ea includes: a first guide flow path E1, which is located at the upper part and formed between the guide wall 121 and the guide fence 124B of the cleaning body 120; and a second guide flow path E2, which is located at the lower part and formed between the guide end GE and the inner surface 20 of the outer casing 1. The air inlet 123 connected among these air inlet sections 123 can be regarded as part of the guide flow path E. The first guide flow path E1 and the second guide flow path E2 are not only formed at the inlet Ea of the guide flow path E, but can also be formed along the guide flow path E.

[0160] The cleaning body 120 constituting the cleaning unit 110 has a guide wall 121. The distance between the guide wall 121 and the inner surface 20 of the outer casing 1 at the same height as the bottom surface of the dust collection space S1 gradually increases. Therefore, an inclined surface is formed on the outer surface of the guide wall 121 to guide air downwards.

[0161] The guide wall 121 has a connecting end 122 at its lower end. The connecting end 122, together with the cleaning ring 130 described below, forms the guide end GE. The guide end GE extends toward the bottom of the dust collection space S1, and the surface of the guide end GE toward the inner surface 20 of the outer casing 1 extends in an inclined manner as the distance between the guide end GE and the inner surface 20 of the outer casing 1 at the same height increases with the proximity to the bottom of the dust collection space S1.

[0162] In other words, the guide end GE extends toward the bottom of the dust collection space S1, reducing the diameter of the cleaning unit 110. As a result, a guide inclined surface 135 is formed on the surface of the guide end GE, and the width of the guide flow path E gradually increases as it approaches the lower part of the guide end GE. Furthermore, the cleaning ring 130 extends at an incline toward the surface of the second cyclone section 30 as it approaches the end portion toward the bottom of the dust collection space S1; this can be considered as the formation of the guide inclined surface 135 on the surface of the cleaning ring 130 toward the inner surface 20 of the outer casing 1.

[0163] In this embodiment, a cleaning ring 130 is attached to the lower end of the guide wall 121 of the cleaning body 120. The cleaning ring 130 is engaged with the engagement end 122 located at the lower end of the guide wall 121 and moves up and down together. During this movement, it not only compresses the dust but also shakes off the dust adhering to the mesh 35. The cleaning ring 130 is made of an elastic material such as rubber or silicone, and deforms to a certain extent during compression, allowing the cleaning unit 110 to move up and down more smoothly. Of course, the cleaning ring 130 is made of an elastic material, which facilitates the shaking off of dust from the surface of the mesh 35.

[0164] The aforementioned cleaning ring 130 is substantially ring-shaped, and is combined with the engaging end 122 of the aforementioned guide wall 121 by double injection molding in this embodiment. The front surface 135 of the aforementioned cleaning ring 130 combined with the engaging end 122 faces the inner surface 20 of the aforementioned outer casing 1, and the back surface 134 of the aforementioned cleaning ring 130 faces the surface of the aforementioned filter unit 30 during the descending process of the aforementioned cleaning unit 110. The front surface 135 of the aforementioned cleaning ring 130 ultimately also serves as a guide inclined surface 135, and therefore the same reference numeral is assigned thereto.

[0165] Reference Figure 13 , when observing the combined portion of the cleaning ring 130 and the guide wall 121, it can be seen that an upper surface engaging portion 132a and a first side engaging portion 132b are orthogonally connected to each other on the upper surface 132 of the cleaning ring 130, and a bottom surface engaging portion 122a and a second side engaging portion 122b are provided on the bottom surface of the engaging end 122 that meshes therewith. They have substantially cross-sectional shape in the shape of a character, which increases the bonding area between the cleaning ring 130 and the guide wall 121.

[0166] In this way, even if the upper surface 132 of the cleaning ring 130 and the bottom surface of the guide wall 121 are engaged and combined, the bonding force is relatively weak compared with the case where the front surface 135 and the back surface 134 of the cleaning ring 130 are covered by the guide wall 121. However, in this embodiment, the aforementioned guide wall 121 is provided with a support rib 126 that can compensate for this.

[0167] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 14 , the aforementioned cleaning unit 110 is provided with support ribs 126. The aforementioned support ribs 126 further protrude downward from the lower portion of the aforementioned cleaning main body 120, more precisely, from the engaging end 122 of the guide wall 121. The aforementioned support ribs 126 protrude toward the bottom of the aforementioned dust collecting space S1 to support the back surface 134, which is the opposite surface of the guide inclined surface 135 of the aforementioned cleaning ring 130. That is, the aforementioned support ribs 126 support the portion corresponding to the bottom surface of the aforementioned cleaning ring 130 from the rear.

[0168] The aforementioned support ribs 126 are formed in plurality around the aforementioned cleaning main body 120, and at least a part of the aforementioned support ribs 126 protrude by the same length as the lower end of the aforementioned cleaning ring 130 or protrude further than the lower end of the cleaning ring 130.

[0169] For reference, in this embodiment, the cleaning ring 130 is attached to the cleaning body 120 via double injection molding. During the double injection molding process, the cleaning ring 130 may deform due to the high temperature, but the support rib 126 prevents this. Furthermore, during the lifting and lowering of the cleaning unit 110, the support rib 126 prevents the cleaning ring 130 from winding. Of course, the cleaning ring 130 can also be attached to the cleaning body 120 using an adhesive or assembled using various methods such as interference fit or protruding joint structures.

[0170] Furthermore, a spacer rib 127 protrudes from the aforementioned support rib 126 and extends in the lifting direction of the cleaning unit 110, thus preventing the cleaning unit 110 from becoming eccentric during its lifting and lowering process. Without the spacer rib 127, the flexible cleaning ring 130 would rub against the mesh 35 and curl up or flip over when the cleaning unit 110 becomes eccentric, and the spacer rib 127 solves this problem.

[0171] Reference Figure 13 The aforementioned joint end 122 has a step 122'. In the aforementioned step 122', the joint end 122 protrudes further into the inner surface 20 of the outer casing 1 than the cleaning ring 130; therefore, the thickness of the joint end 122 is greater than that of the cleaning ring 130. With this step 122', the bottom surface of the joint end 122, which is joined by the cleaning ring 130 through double injection molding, is wider, enabling a stable joint and facilitating double injection molding operations.

[0172] Reference Figure 14 The figure shows the assembled cleaning unit 110 and inner housing 40. A portion of the cleaning unit 110 is connected to the intake port 8 via a connecting window 42 formed in the inner housing 40. An air inlet 123 for the cleaning unit 110 is provided inside the connecting window 42, and a pipe blade 124A is attached to one side of the connecting window 42. Therefore, air drawn in through the intake port 8 is naturally guided to the air inlet 123. (Refer to...) Figure 15 With the cleaning body 120 as the reference, the upper part blocks the upper part of the guide wall 121, and the incoming air flows naturally downward.

[0173] In other words, the air flowing in through the air inlet 123 flows along the guide flow path E between the guide wall 121 and the guide grid 124B constituting the cleaning body 120. Of course, a portion of the inflowing air flows towards the upper surface cleaning section 125. However, the air flowing towards the upper surface of the cleaning body 120 flows along the upper surface cleaning section 125 after passing through the structure described above and is then discharged back towards the dust collection space S1.

[0174] Figure 16 The diagram shows the cleaning unit 110 and the inner shell 40 separated, with the reinforcing plate 140 constituting the cleaning unit 110 also separated from the cleaning body 120. The reinforcing plate 140 is combined with the connecting plate 128 of the cleaning body 120 by overlapping, thus reinforcing the connecting plate 128. The cleaning body 120, the cleaning ring 130, and the connecting plate 128 constitute a cleaning unit 110.

[0175] In the structure of the reinforcing plate 140 described above, the reinforcing plate 140 is a plate-shaped structure, and its shape is substantially the same as that of the connecting plate 128. An assembly body 141 is provided at the upper part of the reinforcing plate 140, and a reinforcing body 148 extends from its lower side. The reinforcing body 148, like the connecting plate 128, has a structure that narrows towards the lower side. That is, the upper part 148a of the reinforcing body 148 is wider than the lower part 148b, forming a structure similar to that of the connecting plate 128.

[0176] Referring to the structure of the assembly body 141 described above, the assembly body 141 includes a first assembly body 142 and a second assembly body 141, which are bent into each other. In this embodiment, the second assembly body 141 is a shape that protrudes from the first assembly body 142 after bending, and the first assembly body 142 and the second assembly body 141 extend in an arc shape and are combined with a portion of the cleaning body 120.

[0177] More precisely, the aforementioned assembly body 141 is inserted into and combined with the guide flow path E formed between the guide wall 121 and the guide fence 124B of the aforementioned cleaning body 120, overlapping to form the same shape as the guide flow path E. For example... Figure 19 As shown, the aforementioned reinforcing plate 140 itself can be regarded as part of a guide flow path E, so the aforementioned reinforcing plate 140 can not obstruct the flow of air.

[0178] like Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, the assembly body 141 has a structure for assembly with the cleaning body 120, including a first assembly part 145, a second assembly part 146, and a third assembly part 147. During assembly to the cleaning body 120, these assembly parts are engaged with their counterparts on the cleaning body 120, thus securing the reinforcing plate 140 to the cleaning body 120. The specific assembly structure will be explained again below.

[0179] A connecting bracket 149 is provided on one side of the reinforcing body 148 of the aforementioned reinforcing plate 140. The connecting bracket 149 protrudes below the reinforcing body 148 and towards the inner surface 20 of the outer casing 1. The connecting bracket 149 is connected to the lower end of the movable guide rail 175 of the aforementioned operating unit 150, allowing the movable guide rail 175 and the reinforcing plate 140 to move up and down together. Although not shown, the connecting bracket 149 moves up and down in a state inserted into a lifting channel located on the inner surface 20 of the outer casing 1, and is assembled to the movable guide rail 175 by a separate connecting member such as a bolt.

[0180] Such a reinforcing plate 140 can be made of various materials, such as synthetic resin or metal. In this embodiment, the reinforcing plate 140 is made of aluminum, and the cleaning body 120 is made of synthetic resin.

[0181] On the other hand, refer to Figure 18 Figure 19 The cleaning unit 110 has barrier walls 128c and 148c. These barrier walls include an outer barrier wall 128c and an inner barrier wall 148c, with the connecting plate 128 having an outer barrier wall 128c. The outer barrier wall 128c is formed on the connecting plate 128 in the direction opposite to the airflow direction A formed along the guide flow path, and the surface of the outer barrier wall 128c facing the inner surface 20 of the outer casing 1 forms a curved surface continuous with the surface of the connecting plate 128. Therefore, the outer surface of the outer barrier wall 128c faces the inner surface 20 of the outer casing 1.

[0182] The aforementioned outer barrier wall 128c can be regarded as a portion of the connecting plate 128 with a further widened area, that is, the aforementioned outer barrier wall 128c is a further extension of a portion of the connecting plate 128.

[0183] like Figure 20 As shown, in this embodiment, with the reference line Y passing through the center of the connecting plate 128 as the center, the left portion M1 where the outer barrier wall 128c is located is relatively wider than the right portion M2. In this way, when the wall of the connecting plate 128 is added in the opposite direction of the airflow direction A, it is more difficult for dust moving along the airflow to flow into the side of the connecting bracket 149.

[0184] That is, the outer surface of the outer barrier wall 128c is opposite to the inner surface 20 of the outer casing 1. Because of the presence of the outer barrier wall 128c, the distance in which dust in the air flows into the space between the inner surface 20 of the outer casing 1 and the outer barrier wall 128c and reaches the connecting bracket 149 becomes longer. As a result, it is possible to prevent dust from accumulating on the upper part of the connecting bracket 149.

[0185] The reinforcing plate 140 overlaps and is joined to the connecting plate 128, thus forming an inner barrier wall 148c of the same shape on the reinforcing plate 140. For example... Figure 6 and Figure 19 As shown, the inner barrier wall 148c can have the same shape as the outer barrier wall 128c, thus the end portions of both the inner barrier wall 148c and the outer barrier wall 128c are thicker. The inner barrier wall 148c can be omitted along with the reinforcing plate 140 when the reinforcing plate 140 is omitted, or it can be formed with a different shape than the inner barrier wall 148c.

[0186] On the other hand, refer to Figure 20 The connecting plate 128 has filter ribs R on its surface. Previously, the filter ribs R were provided on the inner surface 20 of the outer casing 1, but the filter ribs R can also be provided on the connecting plate 128. Alternatively, the filter ribs R can be formed on both the surface of the connecting plate 128 and the inner surface 20 of the outer casing 1. The filter ribs R located on the surface of the connecting plate 128 serve to reduce the gap between the inner surface 20 of the outer casing 1 and the outer surface of the connecting plate 128.

[0187] The aforementioned cleaning body 120 is combined with a reinforcing plate 140. (Refer to...) Figure 19 It can be observed that a reinforcing plate 140 overlaps before the connecting plate 128 on the lower side connected to the aforementioned cleaning body 120. The force that causes the cleaning unit 110 to rise and fall is concentrated on the connecting bracket 149 connected to the operating unit 150. Starting from the connecting bracket 149, the length of the cleaning unit 110 protruding towards the suction port 8 increases, thus a larger load is concentrated on the connecting bracket 149. Therefore, the connecting part, i.e., the connecting plate 128, is easily twisted. If the connecting plate 128 is twisted, the cleaning unit 110 will be eccentric as a whole and will not be able to rise and fall smoothly.

[0188] In this embodiment, the reinforcing plate 140 overlaps with the cleaning body 120 to strengthen the connection and prevent twisting or bending by external force. As mentioned above, the reinforcing body 148 of the reinforcing plate 140 has a shape corresponding to the connecting plate 128, thus the overlapping area is relatively wide. Figure 19 As shown, in this embodiment, the shapes of the reinforcing body 148 of the connecting plate 128 and the reinforcing plate 140 are almost the same. In contrast, the reinforcing body 148 may overlap only a part of the connecting plate 128.

[0189] on the other hand, Figure 20 and Figure 21 The diagram shows the structure of the connecting bracket 149. Figure 21The diagram illustrates the state in which the aforementioned connecting bracket 149 is inserted into the lifting channel GH. The connecting bracket 149 protrudes from the reinforcing plate 140 towards the lifting channel GH, and has a connecting hole 149' formed at its center for inserting a connecting component. When a connecting component such as a bolt is inserted into the connecting hole 149', the connecting bracket 149 is assembled with the movable guide rail 175.

[0190] At this time, taking the lifting direction of the cleaning unit 110 as a reference, a discharge inclined surface 149a is formed on the upper surface of the connecting bracket 149, with its height gradually decreasing as it approaches the bottom of the dust collection space S1. The discharge inclined surface 149a gradually decreases in height along the airflow direction (arrow A direction) formed by the guide flow path E. Therefore, even if dust accumulates on the discharge inclined surface 149a, it falls towards the bottom side of the dust collection space S1 (arrow B direction) due to gravity.

[0191] Furthermore, a flat portion 149b is formed on one of the two side surfaces of the connecting bracket 149 opposite to the airflow direction (arrow A direction) formed by the guide flow path, along the lifting direction of the connecting bracket 149. For example... Figure 20 As shown, the surface of the aforementioned planar portion 149b is flat, and a discharge inclined surface 149a is formed from its upper end. More precisely, the highest point of the discharge inclined surface 149a starts from the upper end of the aforementioned planar portion 149b.

[0192] In this way, the aforementioned flat portion 149b blocks the air flowing in along the airflow direction (arrow A). Even if the air passes over the upper side of the flat portion 149b or dust falls from the upper side onto the upper side of the connecting bracket 149, it will fall downwards along the discharge inclined surface 149a (arrow B). Therefore, the accumulation of dust on the upper surface of the aforementioned connecting bracket 149 can be minimized.

[0193] like Figure 21 As shown, on both sides of the connecting bracket 149, there are filter ribs R as described above on the side of the air flow direction (arrow A direction) formed by the above-described guide flow path, so that a portion of the air flowing in along the air flow direction (arrow A direction) between the surface of the connecting plate 128 and the inner surface of the housing 1 can be blocked at once.

[0194] Of course, a very small amount of air will flow between the surface of the connecting plate 128 and the inner surface of the housing 1, but even if the dust in the air falls from the top and onto the top of the connecting bracket 149, it will also fall downwards (in the direction of arrow B) along the discharge inclined surface 149a.

[0195] The structure for blocking the dust flowing into the upper part of the connecting bracket 149 is as follows: (i) the air first reaches the front part 124B' of the guide grille 124B before it is fully rotated and accelerated, thus preventing the air from leaking into the gap N between the inner surface 20 of the outer casing 1 and the guide grille 124B; (ii) the connecting plate 128 has a barrier wall 128c, 148c formed by adding a wall of the connecting plate 128 in the opposite direction of the air flow direction A, thereby blocking the dust moving along the air flow from flowing into the connecting bracket 149; (iii) on the left and right sides of the lifting channel GH, a filter rib R is provided on the side near the inlet Ea of the guide flow path E that guides the air flow, thereby blocking the air again by the filter rib R; (iv) even if a part of the air flows into the space between the surface of the connecting plate 128 and the inner surface of the outer casing 1, it will fall to the bottom side of the dust collection space S1 along the discharge inclined surface 149a of the connecting bracket 149.

[0196] On the other hand, referring to the structure in which the reinforcing plate 140 is assembled on the aforementioned connecting plate 128, such as Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, the cleaning body 120 has multiple holes. These holes are drilled in the lifting direction of the cleaning unit 110, and in this embodiment, a first assembly hole H1, a second assembly hole H2, and a third assembly hole H3 are formed. The first assembly part 145 of the assembly body 141 located on the reinforcing plate 140 is assembled on the first assembly hole H1, the second assembly part 146 is assembled on the second assembly hole H2, and the third assembly part 147 is assembled on the third assembly hole H3.

[0197] The aforementioned first assembly part 145 is inserted into the aforementioned first assembly hole H1 and secured by hooking. (Refer to...) Figure 18 The cross-sectional view of the V-V' line is Figure 22 The end of the second assembly portion 146, inserted into the second assembly hole H2, is secured by the assembly end H2' located at the edge of the second assembly hole H2. The third assembly portion 147, inserted into the third assembly hole H3, is an empty space (see reference). Figure 19 However, it has an assembly end 147' on its inner side, which is fixed by being engaged with the placement end H3' located at the entrance edge of the aforementioned third assembly hole H3. Of course, such an assembly structure is just an example, and the reinforcing plate 140 can be assembled to the connecting plate 128 in various ways. For example, the reinforcing plate 140 can be assembled to the cleaning body 120 by insert injection molding, or it can be assembled using other connecting parts.

[0198] While the foregoing has described the combination of all constituent elements constituting embodiments of the present invention into one or through combination, the present invention is not necessarily limited to such embodiments. That is, as long as it is within the scope of the present invention, all constituent elements may be selectively combined into one or more for operation. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "constituting," or "possessing" used above, unless specifically stated otherwise, indicate that the constituent element may be included, not excluding other constituent elements, but rather indicating that other constituent elements may be included. All terms, including technical or scientific terms, are interpreted as they would be understood by those skilled in the art in general, unless otherwise defined. Terms used in general, such as those defined in dictionaries, should be interpreted as having the same meaning as in the context of related art, and should not be interpreted as overly idealistic or formalistic unless explicitly defined in the present invention.

Claims

1. A sweeper, comprising: The outer casing has an intake port for air to flow in; A filter unit is disposed inside the aforementioned housing and forms a dust collection space between itself and the inner surface of the aforementioned housing; The cleaning unit is arranged to surround the filter unit and moves up and down inside the dust collection space in conjunction with the operation unit. At its initial position, at least a portion of it is connected to the air intake path extending from the intake port to form a guide flow path that guides the flow of the intake air. A connecting plate, disposed in the aforementioned cleaning unit, and extending in the lifting direction of the aforementioned cleaning unit; and The operating unit, which is attached to the connecting plate, moves up and down together with the cleaning unit. An inclined discharge surface is formed at the connection point between the connecting plate and the operating unit, with its height gradually decreasing along the airflow direction formed by the guide flow path.

2. The sweeper according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned discharge inclined surface is formed on the upper surface of the connecting bracket connecting the aforementioned connecting plate and the aforementioned operating unit.

3. The sweeper according to claim 1, wherein, A lifting channel is recessed on the inner surface of the outer casing along the lifting direction of the cleaning unit, and at least a portion of the connecting bracket connecting the connecting plate and the operating unit is inserted into the lifting channel.

4. The sweeper according to claim 3, wherein, The aforementioned connecting bracket is connected to the movable guide rail of the aforementioned operating unit within the aforementioned lifting channel.

5. The sweeper according to claim 4, wherein, A portion of the connecting bracket connecting the connecting plate and the operating unit extends through a direction parallel to the lifting direction of the operating unit, and the movable guide rail is inserted into the through portion of the connecting bracket.

6. The sweeper according to claim 3, wherein, On both sides of the connecting bracket connecting the connecting plate and the operating unit, a flat portion is formed on the side opposite to the airflow direction formed by the guide flow path along the lifting direction of the connecting bracket, and the highest point of the discharge inclined surface starts from the upper end of the flat portion.

7. The sweeper according to claim 6, wherein, The aforementioned flat portion is configured to face the inner surface of the aforementioned lifting channel.

8. The sweeper according to claim 1, wherein, A reinforcing plate is superimposed on the aforementioned connecting plate, and a connecting bracket is provided on the aforementioned reinforcing plate to connect with the aforementioned operating unit.

9. The sweeper according to claim 8, wherein, The aforementioned reinforcing plates include: The assembly body, which is combined with the aforementioned guide flow path, forms a part of the aforementioned guide flow path; and The main body is reinforced, which extends from the aforementioned assembly body and is used for connection with the aforementioned connecting bracket.

10. The sweeper according to claim 4, wherein, The above-mentioned operating unit includes: An operating housing, which is combined with the aforementioned housing; A fixed guide rail extends inside the aforementioned operating housing along the lifting direction of the aforementioned cleaning unit; The aforementioned movable guide rail extends parallel to the aforementioned fixed guide rail and moves up and down inside the aforementioned operating housing; The operating lever, which moves up and down along the fixed guide rail to cause the movable guide rail to move up and down, has a button portion exposed to the outside of the operating housing; and The fixed guide rail provides an elastic force to the operating lever in the direction of restoring it to its original position.

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