Vacuum cleaner

Abstract

To provide a vacuum cleaner whose weight is distributed overall to improve user convenience. [Solution] According to one aspect, the vacuum cleaner 1 includes a suction section 5, a suction motor including an impeller that rotates and generates a suction force to draw air along the suction section 5, a dust separation section having one or more cyclone sections that generate a cyclone flow to separate dust from the air that flows in through the suction section 5, a dust box 50 located below the suction motor and that stores the dust separated by the dust separation section, a battery 40 located behind the dust box and that supplies power to the suction motor, and a handle 30 located behind the suction motor, and the rotation axis of the impeller and the axis of the cyclone flow each extend in the vertical direction, and the extension line of the rotation axis of the impeller passes through the one or more cyclone sections.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Vacuum cleaners can be classified into manual vacuum cleaners, which are operated by a user moving the vacuum cleaner, and automatic vacuum cleaners, which move around and clean.

[0003] Manual vacuum cleaners can be classified into canister type vacuum cleaners, upright type vacuum cleaners, handheld type vacuum cleaners, stick type vacuum cleaners, etc. according to the type of the vacuum cleaner.

[0004] A prior document, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1127088 (registered date 2012.03.08.), discloses a handheld vacuum cleaner.

[0005] The handheld vacuum cleaner includes a suction tube, an airflow generator, a centrifugal separator, a power source and a handle.

[0006] The centrifugal separator is located between the handle and the suction pipe, the airflow generator is located directly above the handle, and the power supply is located directly below the handle, so that the airflow generator and the power supply are located at the rear of the centrifugal separator.

[0007] Among the above components, the airflow generator and the power supply are relatively heavy components.

[0008] According to prior art documents, the heavy airflow generator is located directly above the handle and the heavy power supply is located directly below the handle, which causes the center of gravity of the handheld vacuum cleaner as a whole to be biased toward the handle, causing inconvenience to users when using the handheld vacuum cleaner and straining the wrists.

[0009] Furthermore, according to the prior art, since the airflow generator is disposed behind the centrifugal separator, the flow path for guiding the air from the centrifugal separator to the airflow generator becomes long, and the air discharged from the centrifugal separator flows into the airflow generator in a changed flow direction, which causes a problem of flow loss.

[0010] Furthermore, according to the prior art, the airflow generator is disposed directly above the steering wheel, which causes a problem that air discharged from the airflow generator is discharged directly onto the arms gripping the steering wheel. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide a vacuum cleaner having an overall weight distribution for improved user convenience.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a vacuum cleaner in which the length of a flow path from a dust separating unit to a suction motor is minimized.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a vacuum cleaner in which air that has passed through a suction motor is prevented from being discharged toward a user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] According to one aspect, a vacuum cleaner includes a suction unit, a suction motor including an impeller that rotates and generates a suction force for sucking air along the suction unit, a dust separation unit having one or more cyclone units that generate a cyclone flow to separate dust from the air flowing in through the suction unit, a dust box located below the suction motor and storing dust separated by the dust separation unit, a battery located behind the dust box and supplying power to the suction motor, and a handle located behind the suction motor, wherein a rotation axis of the impeller and an axis of the cyclone flow each extend in an up-down direction, and an extension line of the rotation axis of the impeller passes through the one or more cyclone units.

[0015] According to another aspect, a vacuum cleaner includes a suction unit, a suction motor including an impeller that rotates and generates a suction force to draw air along the suction unit, a dust separation unit having one or more cyclone units that generate a cyclone flow to separate dust from the air flowing in through the suction unit, a dust box that stores dust separated by the dust separation unit, a battery that supplies power to the suction motor, a handle disposed behind the suction motor, and a discharge cover having an air discharge port on an upper surface through which air that has passed through the suction motor is discharged, and an axis of the cyclone flow passes through the discharge cover.

[0016] According to yet another aspect, a vacuum cleaner includes a suction unit having a longitudinal axis, a suction motor that generates a suction force for sucking air along the suction unit, a dust separation unit that is arranged to overlap the suction motor in a vertical direction with the longitudinal axis of the suction unit horizontal, and separates dust from air flowing in through the suction unit, a dust box including a dust collection body that stores dust separated from the dust separation unit, a body cover that opens and closes the dust collection body, and an air exhaust port through which air that has passed through the suction motor is exhausted, wherein with the longitudinal axis of the suction unit horizontal, the longitudinal axis of the suction unit is located above the body cover, and an suction direction in which air is sucked in through the suction unit intersects with a discharge direction in which air is exhausted through the air exhaust port.

[0017] According to yet another aspect, a vacuum cleaner includes a suction section, a suction motor that generates a suction force to draw air along the suction section, a dust separation section that separates dust from the air flowing in through the suction section, a dust box that stores the dust separated by the dust separation section, a battery that supplies power to the suction motor, a handle disposed behind the suction motor, and an air outlet disposed above the suction motor through which air that has passed through the suction motor is discharged.

[0018] The suction motor is disposed so as to overlap the dust separating unit in the vertical direction.

[0019] The suction motor includes a rotating impeller, and a rotation shaft of the impeller extends in a vertical direction and is disposed so as to overlap the dust separating unit and the dust box in a vertical direction.

[0020] The suction motor includes a rotating impeller, the impeller having a rotation shaft extending in a vertical direction, and an extension line of the rotation shaft passing through the dust separating unit and the dust box.

[0021] The dust separating unit includes one or more cyclone units that generate a cyclone flow, and a rotation axis of the impeller and an axis of at least one cyclone flow are aligned on the same line.

[0022] The air conditioner further includes a motor housing that houses the suction motor, and an exhaust cover that is at least partially located above the motor housing and has the air exhaust port.

[0023] The exhaust cover includes a flow guide for allowing the air exhausted through the air exhaust port to be exhausted in a direction inclined with respect to a vertical line.

[0024] The suction motor includes a rotating impeller, the axis of the impeller extending in the vertical direction, and the exhaust cover is provided with a barrier in at least a portion of the area between the impeller rotation axis and the handle to block air exhaust from the air exhaust port.

[0025] The motor housing further includes a prefilter for filtering the air discharged from the dust separation unit before it flows into the suction motor, and an air guide located within the motor housing, surrounding the suction motor, and guiding the air discharged from the dust separation unit to the suction motor.

[0026] The air discharged from the dust separation section rises and passes through the pre-filter, and the air that has passed through the pre-filter falls again and passes through the suction motor, and the air that has passed through the suction motor rises again and is discharged to the outside through the air exhaust port.

[0027] The air discharged from the dust separating unit passes through the suction motor while rising, and is then discharged to the outside through the air outlet. Effect of the Invention

[0028] According to the proposed invention, the suction motor, which is heavier, is located in front of the handle and the battery, which is heavier, is located below the handle, so that the weight is evenly distributed throughout the vacuum cleaner, preventing strain on the user's wrists when holding the handle to clean.

[0029] In addition, since the suction motor is located above the dust separating unit, the length of the flow path from the dust separating unit to the suction motor is minimized, which has the advantage of minimizing air flow loss.

[0030] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the air that has passed through the suction motor is prevented from being discharged toward the user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a side view of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a plan view of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a discharge cover and a filter are separated from a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7]A drawing showing the structure for housing a HEPA filter in the exhaust cover. [Figure 8] 4 is a diagram showing air flow in a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 2 is a diagram showing a lower structure of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a body cover according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the body cover in FIG. 9 has been rotated. [Figure 12] 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a battery according to an embodiment of the present invention is separated from a battery housing. [Figure 13] 1 is a perspective view of a battery according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 14] 1 is a view showing a coupling groove of a battery housing according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a suction nozzle is connected to the vacuum cleaner of the present invention to clean a floor. [Figure 16] 13 is a diagram showing a vacuum cleaner according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 11 is a diagram showing air flow within a vacuum cleaner according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 11 is a diagram showing air flow within a vacuum cleaner according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. In addition, in the description of the embodiments of the present invention, if a detailed description of a known configuration or function is determined to hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0033] In addition, in describing components of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. Such terms are used to distinguish the components from other components, and do not limit the essence or order of the components. When a component is described as being "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, this includes both cases where the component is directly coupled or connected to the other component, and cases where other components are further "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" between each component.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a side view of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a plan view of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a horizontal sectional view of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] 1 to 5, a vacuum cleaner 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a main body 2. In the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG.

[0037] The body 2 may include an intake section 5 through which dust-laden air is sucked in.

[0038] In addition, the main body 2 may further include a dust separating unit 10 for separating dust sucked into the inside through the suction unit 5, and a dust box 50 for storing dust separated from the dust separating unit 10.

[0039] The dust separating unit 10 may include, for example, a first cyclone unit 110 capable of separating dust by a cyclone flow.

[0040] The first cyclone portion 110 can be in communication with the suction portion 5 .

[0041] The air and dust sucked through the suction part 5 flows in a spiral along the inner circumferential surface of the first cyclone part 110 .

[0042] The axis A2 of the cyclone flow of the first cyclone unit 110 extends in the vertical direction.

[0043] The dust separating unit 10 may further include a second cyclone unit 130 for separating dust again from the air discharged from the first cyclone unit 110. Here, the second cyclone unit 130 is located inside the first cyclone unit 110 so that the size of the dust separating unit 10 is minimized. The second cyclone unit 130 may include a plurality of cyclone bodies arranged in parallel. The axis of the cyclone flow generated from each cyclone body may extend in the vertical direction and pass through the suction motor 230.

[0044] As another example, the dust separating unit may have a single cyclone unit, and in this case, the axis A2 of the cyclone flow also extends in the vertical direction.

[0045] The dust box 50 may include a cylindrical dust-collecting body 510 and a body cover 520 rotatably coupled to a lower side of the dust-collecting body 510 .

[0046] The longitudinal axis A3 of the suction portion 5 is located above the body cover 520 in a state in which the longitudinal axis A3 of the suction portion 5 is horizontal.

[0047] In this embodiment, the first cyclone unit 110 may not be separately provided, and the upper part of the dust collecting body 510 may function as the first cyclone unit 110 .

[0048] At least a portion of the second cyclone unit 130 may be located within the dust box 50 .

[0049] A dust storage guide 504 for guiding and storing the dust separated from the second cyclone unit 130 is disposed within the dust collecting body 510. The dust storage guide 504 is coupled to the lower side of the second cyclone unit 130 and may contact an upper surface of the body cover 520.

[0050] The dust storage guide 504 may divide the internal space of the dust collecting body 510 into a first dust storage section 502 in which dust separated from the first cyclone section 110 is stored, and a second dust storage section 506 in which dust separated from the second cyclone section 130 is stored.

[0051] The internal space of the dust storage guide 504 is the second dust storage section 506 , and the space between the dust storage guide 504 and the dust collecting body 510 is the first dust storage section 502 .

[0052] The body cover 520 can open and close the first dust storage part 502 and the second dust storage part 506 together.

[0053] The body cover 520 is provided with ribs 521 for preventing the dust stored in the first dust storage portion 502 from rotating due to cyclone flow. The ribs 521 extend upward from the body cover 520. When the body cover 520 covers the first and second dust storage portions 502 and 506, the ribs 521 are positioned adjacent to the inner circumferential surface of the dust collecting body 510.

[0054] Since the cyclone flow flows along the inner circumferential surface of the dust collecting body 510 toward the first dust storage section 502, when the rib 521 is positioned adjacent to the inner circumferential surface of the dust collecting body 510, the cyclone flow is disrupted by the rib 521, and the dust stored in the first dust storage section 502 is prevented from rotating.

[0055] The main body 2 may further include a suction force generating unit 20 for generating a suction force. The suction force generating unit 20 may include a motor housing 210 and a suction motor 230 accommodated inside the motor housing 210.

[0056] At least a part of the suction motor 230 is located above the dust separation unit 10. Therefore, the suction motor 230 is located above the dust box 50.

[0057] That is, the dust separating unit 10 is arranged so as to overlap the suction motor 230 in the vertical direction when the longitudinal axis of the suction unit 5 is horizontal. A portion of 30 is located inside the first cyclone portion 110 .

[0058] A lower side of the suction motor 230 is connected to an upper side of the second cyclone unit 130. Therefore, the axis A2 of the cyclone flow of the dust separating unit 10 can pass through the suction motor 230. The suction motor 230 is located higher than the longitudinal axis A3 of the suction unit 5.

[0059] When the suction motor 230 is positioned above the second cyclone unit 130, the air discharged from the second cyclone unit 130 can immediately flow toward the suction motor 230, and the flow path between the dust separation unit 10 and the suction motor 230 is minimized.

[0060] The suction motor 230 may include a rotating impeller 232. The impeller 232 is connected to a shaft 233. The shaft 233 is arranged to extend in the vertical direction, and at least a portion of the shaft 233 is located inside the dust separating unit 10. In this case, when the dust box 50 and the suction motor 230 are arranged vertically, it is advantageous in that the height of the vacuum cleaner 1 can be reduced. The rotation axis A1 of the impeller 232 (or the suction motor The extension line of the motor axis passes through the dust separating unit 10 and the dust box 50. can be done.

[0061] At this time, the rotation axis A1 of the impeller 232 and the axis A2 of the cyclone flow generated from the first cyclone unit 110 of the dust separating unit 10 are aligned on the same line.

[0062] According to the present invention, the path through which the air discharged from the dust separation unit, i.e., the air discharged upward from the second cyclone unit 130, flows toward the suction motor 230 is reduced, which has the advantage of reducing the change in air direction and reducing air flow loss.

[0063] When the air flow loss is reduced, the suction force increases, and the usage time of the battery 40 for supplying power to the suction motor 230 increases.

[0064] A PCB 250 for controlling the suction motor 230 is disposed between the suction motor 230 and the second cyclone unit 130 .

[0065] The vacuum cleaner 1 may further include a handle 30 for a user to hold, and a battery 40 for supplying power to the suction motor 230.

[0066] The handle 30 is located behind the suction motor 20. Therefore, the shaft of the suction motor 230 is located between the suction unit 5 and the handle 30.

[0067] In terms of directions, the direction in which the suction unit 5 is located is the front direction, and the direction in which the handle 30 is located is the rear direction, based on the suction motor 230 in the vacuum cleaner 1 .

[0068] The battery 40 is located below the handle 30. The battery 40 is also located behind the dust box 50.

[0069] Therefore, the suction motor 230 and the battery 40 are arranged so as not to overlap each other in the vertical direction, and are arranged at different heights.

[0070] According to the present invention, the suction motor 230, which is heavy, is located in front of the handle 30, and the battery 40, which is heavy, is located below the handle 30, so that the weight of the vacuum cleaner 1 is evenly distributed throughout the vacuum cleaner 1. This prevents the user from putting strain on his / her wrist when holding the handle 30 for cleaning. That is, the heavy components are distributed and arranged at different heights at the front and rear of the vacuum cleaner 1, so that the vacuum cleaner 1 is prevented from leaning to one side where the center of gravity is.

[0071] Since the battery 40 is located below the handle 30 and the suction motor 230 is located in front of the handle 30, there is no structure above the handle 30. That is, the upper surface of the handle 30 forms part of the appearance of the upper surface of the vacuum cleaner 1.

[0072] Therefore, when the user holds the handle 30 and uses the vacuum cleaner 1, some components of the vacuum cleaner 1 are prevented from coming into contact with the user's arm.

[0073] The handle 30 may include a first extension 310 that extends in a vertical direction and can be held by a user, and a second extension 320 that extends from an upper side of the first extension 310 toward the suction motor 230. At least a portion of the second extension 320 extends in a horizontal direction.

[0074] The first extension part 310 is provided with a movement limiting part 312 for preventing a user's hand from moving in a longitudinal direction (up and down direction in FIG. 2) of the first extension part 310 while holding the first extension part 310. The movement limiting part 312 extends from the first extension part 310 towards the inlet part 5.

[0075] The movement limiting portion 312 is disposed apart from the second extension portion 320. Therefore, when holding the first extension portion 310, some of the fingers are positioned above the movement limiting portion 312 and the remaining fingers are positioned below the movement limiting portion 312.

[0076] As an example, the movement limiting portion 312 is located between the index finger and the middle finger.

[0077] In the present invention, the longitudinal axis A3 of the suction part 5 passes through the first extension part 310. At this time, the movement limiting part 312 is positioned higher than the longitudinal axis A3 of the suction part 5.

[0078] With this arrangement, when a user grips the first extension portion 310, the longitudinal axis A3 of the inhalation portion 5 can pass through the user's wrist.

[0079] When the longitudinal axis A3 of the suction unit 5 passes through the wrist of a user, the longitudinal axis A3 of the suction unit 5 is substantially aligned with the extension of the user's arm when the user's arm is extended. Therefore, in this state, there is an advantage that the force required by the user to push and pull the vacuum cleaner 1 by gripping the handle 30 is minimized.

[0080] The handle 310 may include an inclined surface 315 on which an operating part 316 is located. An on command and an off command for the vacuum cleaner may be inputted through the operating part 316. The inclined surface 315 is disposed to face a user. As an example, the inclined surface 315 is located on a rear surface of the second extension part 314. The operating part 316 is located on the opposite side of the movement limiting part 312 with respect to the handle 30. The operating part 316 located on the inclined surface 315 is located higher than the movement limiting part 312. Therefore, a user can easily operate the operating part 316 with a thumb while holding the first extension part 310.

[0081] In addition, since the operating part 316 is located at a position separated from the first extension part 310, unintentional operation of the operating part 316 is prevented when performing cleaning while holding the first extension part 310.

[0082] The second extension 314 is provided with a display unit 318 for displaying an operating state. For example, the display unit 318 is located on the upper surface of the second extension 314. Therefore, a user can easily check the display unit 318 located on the upper surface of the second extension 314 during cleaning.

[0083] The display unit 318 may include, but is not limited to, a plurality of light emitting units that may be arranged in a longitudinal direction of the second extension 314 at intervals.

[0084] Meanwhile, a battery housing 410 is provided below the handle 30, and the battery 40 is accommodated inside the battery housing 410. That is, the battery housing 410 is located below the first extension portion 310.

[0085] The battery 40 is detachably coupled to the battery housing 410. For example, the battery 40 is inserted into the battery housing 410 from below the battery housing 410.

[0086] The battery housing 410 has a heat dissipation hole 412 for dissipating heat generated from the battery 40 to the outside.

[0087] The rear surface of the battery housing 410 and the rear surface of the first extension 310 may form a continuous surface, so that the battery housing 410 and the first extension 310 may have a sense of unity.

[0088] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 3, the vacuum cleaner 1 may include an exhaust cover 211 having an air exhaust port 212 through which air passing through the suction motor 230 is exhausted. A HEPA filter 246 for filtering air is accommodated in the exhaust cover 211. The axis A2 of the cyclone flow may pass through the exhaust cover 211. For example, the air exhaust port 212 is disposed to surround the rotation axis A1 of the impeller 232. At this time, the exhaust cover 210 is provided with a flow guide 213 so that the air exhausted through the air exhaust port 212 is exhausted in a direction inclined with respect to the rotation axis A1 of the impeller 232. The suction direction in which air is sucked through the suction unit 5 crosses the exhaust direction in which air is exhausted through the air exhaust port 212.

[0089] In order to prevent air discharged from the air outlet 212 from flowing toward the user, an air outlet may not be formed in at least a portion of the area between the rotation axis A1 of the impeller 232 and the handle 30 with reference to Fig. 3. That is, when the vacuum cleaner is divided into front and rear portions about the axis A2 of the cyclone flow, at least a portion of the air outlet 212 is located in front of the axis A2 of the cyclone flow.

[0090] As another example, referring to FIG. 3, a barrier for blocking air discharge at the air discharge port 212 is provided in at least a portion of the area between the rotation axis A1 of the impeller 232 and the handle 30.

[0091] FIG. 6 is a view showing a state in which the exhaust cover and the filter are separated from the vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a view showing a structure for accommodating a HEPA filter in the exhaust cover.

[0092] 4, 6 and 7, the vacuum cleaner 1 may further include a pre-filter 242 for filtering air flowing into the suction motor 230.

[0093] The pre-filter 242 is disposed so as to surround a part of the suction motor 230. The rotation axis A1 of the impeller 232 can pass through the pre-filter 242.

[0094] The air that has passed through the pre-filter 242 flows toward the impeller 232 of the suction motor 230, passes through the suction motor 230, passes through the HEPA filter 246, and is finally discharged to the outside through the air exhaust port 212.

[0095] In the present invention, the vacuum cleaner 1 is described as including the pre-filter 242 and the HEPA filter 246, but the type and number of filters are not limited. In this specification, the pre-filter 242 can be a first filter, and the HEPA filter 246 can be a second filter.

[0096] The exhaust cover 211 may include a receiving portion 214 for receiving the HEPA filter 246. The receiving portion 214 is formed to have an open bottom, and the HEPA filter 246 is received in the receiving portion 214 below the exhaust cover 211.

[0097] The air exhaust port 212 is formed in the exhaust cover 211 so as to face the HEPA filter 246 .

[0098] When the HEPA filter 246 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 214, the HEPA filter 246 is covered by a filter cover 244. The filter cover 244 is provided with one or more openings 244a for air to pass through. The filter cover 244 is detachably coupled to the exhaust cover 211.

[0099] The exhaust cover 211 is detachably coupled to the motor housing 210. Therefore, the exhaust cover 211 can be separated from the motor housing 210 in order to clean the HEPA filter 246. When the filter cover 244 is separated from the exhaust cover 211 separated from the motor housing 210, the HEPA filter 246 can be taken out of the receiving portion 214.

[0100] When the exhaust cover 211 is separated from the motor housing 210, the pre-filter 242 is exposed to the outside. Therefore, a user can separate the exposed pre-filter 242 from the motor housing 210 and clean the pre-filter 242.

[0101] According to the present invention, by separating the exhaust cover 211 from the motor housing 210, a user can access the HEPA filter 246 and the pre-filter 242, which has the advantage that the user can easily separate and clean the filters 242, 246.

[0102] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing air flow in a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] With reference to FIG. 8, the air flow in the vacuum cleaner 1 will be described.

[0104] The air and dust sucked through the suction unit 5 by the operation of the suction motor 230 flow along the inner circumferential surface of the first cyclone unit 110 and are separated from each other.

[0105] The dust separated from the air flows downward and is stored in the first dust storage unit 502. The air from which the dust has been separated flows to the second cyclone unit 130. The air flowing to the second cyclone unit 130 is separated from the dust again.

[0106] The dust separated from the air in the second cyclone unit 130 flows downward and is stored in the second dust storage unit 506. On the other hand, the air separated from the dust in the second cyclone unit 130 is discharged from the second cyclone unit 130 and rises toward the suction motor 230.

[0107] At this time, an air guide 215 for guiding the air discharged from the second cyclone unit 130 to the pre-filter 242 is provided on the outer side of the suction motor 230. The air guide 215 surrounds the outer side of the suction motor 230, and at least a portion of the air guide 215 is disposed spaced apart from the suction motor 230.

[0108] Therefore, air rises along the air guide 215 outside the suction motor 230 and then passes through the pre-filter 242. The air that has passed through the pre-filter 242 passes through the suction motor 230. The air flows through the interior of the suction motor 230 by the impeller 232 and is then discharged from an exhaust passage 216 between the air guide 215 and the motor housing 210.

[0109] The air discharged from the exhaust passage 216 passes through the HEPA filter 246 and is then discharged to the outside through the air exhaust port 212 of the exhaust cover 210 .

[0110] FIG. 9 is a view showing the underside structure of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is an oblique view of a body cover according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a view showing the body cover in FIG. 9 rotated.

[0111] 9 to 11, the body cover 520 can open and close the lower side of the dust collecting body 510 by a rotating operation.

[0112] The body cover 520 may include a hinge 522 for rotation. The hinge 522 is coupled to the dust-collecting body 510 or coupled to a hinge coupling part 420 that is separate from the dust-collecting body 510. When the hinge coupling part 420 is a separate structure from the dust-collecting body 510, the hinge coupling part 420 is coupled to the dust-collecting body 510.

[0113] The hinge 522 of the body cover 520 is located between the axis A2 of the cyclone flow and the battery 40.

[0114] Therefore, when the body cover 520 rotates by the hinge 522, the body cover 520 rotates in a direction closer to the user as shown in FIG.

[0115] When the body cover 520 rotates in a direction approaching the user, the body cover 520 rotates and dust stored in the dust collecting body 510 falls, but the body cover 520 blocks the dust from flowing toward the user.

[0116] The body cover 520 is provided with a connecting lever 550 that can be moved by a user's operation and is connected to the dust collection body 510. The connecting lever 550 is connected to the body cover 550 in a direction aligned with the longitudinal axis A3 of the suction part 5, for example.

[0117] The body cover 520 may include a first guide 524 that guides the movement of the connecting lever 550 and prevents the connecting lever 550 from being separated downward. The first guide 524 extends downward from the bottom of the body cover 520 and supports the first guide 524. At least a portion of the guide 524 is located below the connecting lever 550 .

[0118] The body cover 520 may further include a second guide 526 for guiding the movement of the coupling lever 550 and preventing the coupling lever 550 from coming off downward. The second guide 526 may protrude from a side surface of the body cover 520 and pass through the coupling lever 550.

[0119] At this time, the second guide 526 may penetrate the connecting lever 550 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A3 of the suction part 5. The connecting lever 550 is formed with a hole 556 through which the second guide 554 penetrates.

[0120] The connecting lever 550 may include a loop 552 for a user to hook a finger so that the user can easily operate the connecting lever 550. At this time, the loop 552 is located between the hinge 522 of the body cover 520 and the axis A2 of the cyclone flow so that the user can easily access the loop 552.

[0121] The coupling lever 550 may include a coupling hook 556, and the dust collecting body 510 may include a hook coupling slot 514 to which the coupling hook 556 is coupled.

[0122] The coupling hook 556 is coupled to the hook coupling slot 514 while being positioned inside the dust collecting body 510. Although not shown, an elastic member is disposed between the body cover 520 and the coupling lever 550 to provide an elastic force to the coupling lever 550 so that the coupling hook 556 is maintained engaged with the hook coupling slot 514.

[0123] When a user pulls the loop 552 of the coupling lever 550 toward the user, the coupling hook 556 is disengaged from the hook coupling slot 514, and the body cover 520 can be rotated.

[0124] Meanwhile, the hinge coupling part 420 may further include a body terminal 600 for charging the battery 40 in a state where the battery 40 is attached to the battery housing 410. When the vacuum cleaner 1 is placed on a charging base (not shown), a terminal of the charging base may come into contact with the body terminal 600.

[0125] The main body terminal 600 is located under the hinge coupling part 420 and can be separated from the floor when the vacuum cleaner 1 is placed on the floor, thereby preventing the main body terminal 600 from being damaged.

[0126] FIG. 12 is a view showing a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention separated from a battery housing, FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a view showing a coupling groove of a battery housing according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0127] 9 and 12 to 14, the battery 40 may include a battery cell (not shown) and a frame 450 that protects the battery cell.

[0128] A protrusion 460 is formed on the upper side of the frame 450, and a terminal 462 is disposed on the protrusion 460.

[0129] The battery 40 may further include a plurality of coupling parts 470 and 480. The plurality of coupling parts 470 and 480 include a first coupling part 470 disposed on one side of the frame 450. 0 and a second coupling part 480 disposed on the other side of the frame 450. The first coupling part 470 and the second coupling part 480 are positioned on opposite sides to each other, for example.

[0130] The first coupling part 470 may be a hook rotatably coupled to the frame 450 .

[0131] For example, the first coupling part 470 is coupled to the hinge coupling part 420 when the battery 40 is housed in the battery housing 410. Therefore, the hinge coupling part 420 may also be referred to as a battery coupling part.

[0132] The hinge coupling part 420 is formed with a locking rib 422 with which a part of the first coupling part 470 is engaged.

[0133] As another example, the hinge connection portion 420 may be formed integrally with the battery housing 410, and the locking rib 422 may be formed on the battery housing 410 itself.

[0134] The second coupling part 480 may be integrally formed with the frame 450 and may be a hook that can be elastically deformed by an external force.

[0135] An opening 411 for inserting the battery 40 is formed at the bottom of the battery housing 410. An exposure opening 415 is formed to expose the second coupling part 480 to the outside so that the second coupling part 480 can be operated when the battery 40 is accommodated in the battery housing 410.

[0136] In addition, a coupling groove 416 is formed above the exposure opening 415 in the battery housing 410 to receive the second coupling part 480 .

[0137] When the battery 40 is accommodated in the battery housing 410 , a space 530 for operating the first coupling part 470 is formed between the dust box 50 and the first coupling part 470 .

[0138] Therefore, a user can insert a finger into the space 530 to release the engagement between the first coupling part 470 and the locking rib 422. Also, a user can release the coupling between the second coupling part 480 and the battery housing 410 by manipulating the second coupling part 480 exposed to the outside of the battery housing 410.

[0139] According to the present invention, the battery 40 can be separated from the battery housing 410, so that only the battery 40 can be placed on the charging stand and charged.

[0140] In addition, since the vacuum cleaner 1 includes the main body terminal 600, the battery 40 can be charged by mounting the vacuum cleaner 1 on the charging stand while the battery 40 is accommodated in the battery housing 410.

[0141] FIG. 15 is a view showing how a suction nozzle is connected to the vacuum cleaner of the present invention to clean a floor.

[0142] Referring to FIG. 15, an extension pipe 700 having a suction nozzle 710 connected to its lower side is connected to a suction part 5 of a vacuum cleaner 1 of the present invention.

[0143] In this state, the user places the suction nozzle 710 on the floor and You can clean while moving around.

[0144] In the present invention, when cleaning is performed using the suction nozzle 710, the angle between the extension pipe 700 and the floor is about 45 degrees, and cleaning is performed while the angle between the extension pipe 700 and the floor increases and decreases.

[0145] 15, the suction motor 230 and the battery 40 are located on opposite sides of a vertical line VL passing through the bottom end of the dust box 50. That is, the suction motor 230 is located on one side of the vertical line VL (e.g., in front of the vertical line VL) and the battery 40 is located on the other side (e.g., The battery 40 is disposed behind the vertical line VL. The handle 30 can be passed through.

[0146] In addition, in the state shown in FIG. 15, the heights of the suction motor 230 and the battery 40 from the floor are substantially the same.

[0147] Therefore, when cleaning a floor while holding the handle 30, the weight of the vacuum cleaner is balanced between the front and rear of the user's hand holding the handle, so that the user can clean using the vacuum cleaner 1 with less force and the user's wrist is not strained.

[0148] 15, in the process of cleaning the floor, the exhaust cover 211 is located in front of the vertical line VL, and the user's hand holding the handle is located behind the vertical line VL. Therefore, the air exhausted from the exhaust cover 211 flows in a direction away from the handle 30, and therefore the air exhausted from the exhaust cover 211 is prevented from flowing to the user's hand.

[0149] Of course, depending on the angle between the extension tube 700 and the floor, only a part of the suction motor 30 may be located on the opposite side of the battery 40 with respect to the vertical line VL. This is the case when cleaning special spaces such as window frames and sofas.

[0150] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a vacuum cleaner according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0151] This embodiment is otherwise the same as the previous embodiment, but differs in the shape of the exhaust cover, so only the characteristic features of this embodiment will be described below.

[0152] Referring to FIG. 16, the exhaust cover 211a of this embodiment is provided with a flow guide 213a for guiding the exhaust of air.

[0153] Specifically, a number of flow guides 213a are spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the exhaust cover 211a, and the spaces between the flow guides 213a function as air exhaust ports 212a.

[0154] The plurality of flow guides 213a are disposed to be inclined with respect to a vertical line.

[0155] According to this embodiment, the air discharged from the air outlet 212a during the process of cleaning the floor using the suction nozzle is also prevented from flowing toward the user.

[0156] In addition, since the exhaust cover 211a is disposed on the upper side of the vacuum cleaner, dust around the vacuum cleaner is prevented from scattering due to air exhausted from the air exhaust port 212a.

[0157] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing air flow within a vacuum cleaner according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0158] This embodiment is the same as the previous embodiment in other respects, but differs in the structure of the dust flow guide, so only the characteristic features of this embodiment will be described below.

[0159] 17, at least a portion of the dust flow guide 504 of the present embodiment is formed to have a diameter that decreases from the top to the bottom. For example, a portion of the upper part of the dust flow guide 504 is formed to have a diameter that decreases from the top to the bottom.

[0160] The dust flow guide 504 may include a scattering prevention rib 504a extending downward from an upper end of the dust flow guide 504. The scattering prevention rib 504a may be formed in a cylindrical shape and surround an upper portion of the dust flow guide 504, for example.

[0161] At this time, since the diameter of the upper part of the dust flow guide 504 decreases toward the lower part, a space is formed between the outer surface of the upper part of the dust flow guide 504 and the scattering prevention rib 504a.

[0162] As described in the previous embodiment, the cyclone flow may descend while flowing along the inner circumferential surface of the dust collecting body 510. When the cyclone flow comes into contact with the rib 521 of the body cover 520 during the process of descending, the rotational flow is changed to an upward flow by the rib 521. If an upward flow exists in the first dust storage unit 502, there is a problem that the dust stored in the first dust storage unit 502 is scattered and flows back toward the second cyclone unit 130.

[0163] In the case of the present invention, the upward flow in the first dust storage section 502 is changed again to a downward flow by the anti-scattering rib 504a in the space between the anti-scattering rib 504a and the upper part of the dust flow guide 504, so that the dust stored in the first dust storage section 502 is prevented from scattering, thereby preventing the problem of the dust flowing back toward the second cyclone section 130.

[0164] Meanwhile, the anti-scattering rib 504a extends downward from the upper end of the dust flow guide 504, so that dust separated from the first cyclone unit 110 along with the cyclone flow can be smoothly moved to the first dust storage unit 502 by the anti-scattering rib 504a.

[0165] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing air flow within a vacuum cleaner according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0166] This embodiment is otherwise the same as the previous embodiment, but differs in the arrangement of the impeller of the suction motor, so only the characteristic features of this embodiment will be described below.

[0167] 8 and 18, the suction motor 230a of this embodiment is disposed in the motor housing such that the impeller 232a is located on the lower side. That is, the air inlet of the suction motor 230a is disposed to face the second cyclone unit 130.

[0168] According to this embodiment, the air discharged from the second cyclone unit 130 immediately rises and flows toward the impeller 232a, and the air that has passed through the impeller 232a does not rise again. The dust is discharged from the vacuum cleaner.

[0169] According to such an arrangement of the suction motor, the air flow path from the second cyclone unit 130 to the outside of the vacuum cleaner is minimized, thereby minimizing flow loss.

Claims

1. A handheld vacuum cleaner, Inhalation part; Main body; a suction motor disposed within the main body and configured to generate a suction force; an impeller located on the suction motor and rotating about a rotation axis to draw air through the suction section; a first cyclone portion that separates dust from the air drawn in through the suction portion; a second cyclone section for separating dust from the air discharged from the first cyclone section; The second cyclone unit is located below the suction motor so as to be vertically overlapped in the direction of the rotation shaft within the main body, a pre-filter formed around the rotary shaft to surround the outer circumferential surface of the suction motor; a dust box disposed below the main body in the direction of the rotation axis; and The dust box is a dust collecting body that forms a part of the first cyclone unit and that individually contains the dust separated from the first cyclone unit and the second cyclone unit; and a body cover that opens and closes a lower portion of the dust collecting body in the direction of the rotation axis, an exhaust cover that includes an exhaust filter for filtering air exhausted from the intake motor, is detachably coupled to an upper portion of the main body so as to support the pre-filter downward, and opens and closes the upper portion of the main body in the direction of the rotation axis in a direction opposite to the body cover so as to expose the exhaust filter and the pre-filter to the outside; and an airflow space formed around the rotation axis to surround the outer circumferential surface of the prefilter; The air discharged from the second cyclone unit flows upward toward the air flow space, and passes through the pre-filter and the suction motor in sequence toward the rotation shaft.

2. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the air outlet of the second cyclone unit is located below a lower end of the suction motor.

3. A handheld vacuum cleaner as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the prefilter surrounds a portion of the suction motor in a direction parallel to the rotation axis.

4. 4. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 3, wherein an upper portion of the main body is provided with an opening for accommodating a portion of the exhaust cover that is inserted and fixed to the main body.

5. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 4, wherein the pre-filter is inserted into the main body through an opening in the main body.

6. The pre-filter and the exhaust filter are separated from the main body through the opening along the same direction as the direction of the rotation shaft, The handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the pre-filter and the exhaust filter are fixed inside the main body along the same direction as the direction of the rotation shaft.

7. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the pre-filter is separable from the main body when the discharge cover is separated from the main body and the suction motor is positioned in the main body.

8. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 7, wherein the pre-filter is exposed to the outside of the main body when the discharge cover is separated from the main body.

9. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 8, wherein the pre-filter is supported by the discharge cover in a state where the pre-filter is fixed to the main body.

10. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 9, wherein the discharge cover pressurizes a portion of the pre-filter in a state in which the pre-filter is fixed to the main body.

11. The exhaust filter is A cylindrical ring-shaped member is housed in the discharge cover, The handheld vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 3 to 10, which surrounds an extension line of the rotation shaft.

12. The handheld vacuum cleaner of claim 11, wherein a portion of the pre-filter is disposed below the exhaust filter.

13. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the exhaust filter has an outer diameter larger than that of the pre-filter.

14. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the impeller is disposed between the discharge cover and the suction motor in the direction of the rotation axis.

15. 15. The handheld vacuum cleaner of claim 14, wherein a portion of the pre-filter surrounds the impeller in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation.

16. 16. A handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 14 or 15, wherein an upper portion of the exhaust cover and the exhaust filter form a space above the impeller.

17. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 3 to 16, wherein the exhaust cover further comprises an air exhaust port for exhausting the air that has passed through the suction motor.

18. the air outlet and the pre-filter are arranged in a circumferential direction with respect to an extension line of the rotation axis; 18. A handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 17, wherein at least a portion of the pre-filter is located below the air outlet.

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