cleaning machine

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 a rotating impeller that 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, 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 50 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 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 cleaned by moving the vacuum cleaner directly by the user, and automatic vacuum cleaners, which clean by moving by themselves.

[0003] Manual vacuum cleaners can be classified into canister vacuum cleaners, upright vacuum cleaners, handheld vacuum cleaners, stick vacuum cleaners, and the like, depending on the type of the vacuum cleaner.

[0004] A prior document, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1127088 (registered on March 8, 2012), discloses a handheld vacuum cleaner.

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

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

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

[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 putting strain on the wrist.

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

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

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a vacuum cleaner having an overall weight distribution that improves user convenience.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a vacuum cleaner in which the length of the flow path from the dust separating unit to the 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 the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] According to one aspect, the 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 that flows in through the suction unit, a dust box located below the suction motor and that stores the dust separated by the dust separation unit, a battery located behind the dust box and that supplies power to the suction motor, and a handle located behind the suction motor, wherein the rotation axis of the impeller and the axis of the cyclone flow each extend in a vertical 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, the vacuum cleaner includes a suction unit, a suction motor including a rotating impeller that generates a suction force to draw air along the suction unit, a dust separation unit including one or more cyclone units that generate a cyclone flow to separate dust from the air that has flowed in through the suction unit, a dust box that stores the 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 that has an air discharge port on its upper surface through which the air that has passed through the suction motor is discharged, and the 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 to draw 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 that flows in through the suction unit, a dust box that includes a dust collection body that stores the dust separated by the dust separation unit, a body cover that opens and closes the dust collection body, and an air outlet through which air that has passed through the suction motor is discharged, wherein with the longitudinal axis of the suction unit horizontal, the longitudinal axis of the suction unit is located above the body cover, and the suction direction in which air is drawn in through the suction unit intersects with the discharge direction in which air is discharged through the air outlet.

[0017] According to yet another aspect, a vacuum cleaner includes a suction unit, a suction motor that generates a suction force to draw air along the suction unit, a dust separation unit that separates dust from the air that flows in through the suction unit, a dust box that stores the dust separated by the dust separation unit, a battery that supplies power to the suction motor, a handle that is disposed behind the suction motor, and an air outlet that is disposed above the suction motor and through which the 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 the rotation axis of the impeller extends in a vertical direction and is disposed so as to overlap the dust separator and the dust box in a vertical direction.

[0020] The suction motor includes a rotating impeller, and the rotation axis of the impeller extends in a vertical direction, and an extension line of the rotation axis is disposed to pass through the dust separator and the dust box.

[0021] The dust separating unit includes one or more cyclone units that generate a cyclone flow, and the rotation axis of the impeller and the 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 is provided with 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 which extends 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 from being exhausted at the air exhaust port.

[0025] The motor housing further includes a pre-filter for filtering the air discharged from the dust separating 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 separating unit to the suction motor.

[0026] The air discharged from the dust separation unit 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 outlet.

[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. [Effects 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 explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a side view of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 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. [Figure 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a view 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] 3 is a diagram showing airflow in a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 2 is a view showing a lower structure of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1 is a perspective view of a body cover according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a view showing a state in which the body cover in FIG. 9 has been rotated. [Figure 12] 1 is a diagram illustrating 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] 3 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 and the vacuum cleaner is used to clean a floor. [Figure 16] 10 is a diagram showing a vacuum cleaner according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 10 is a diagram showing airflow within a vacuum cleaner according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 10 is a diagram showing airflow within a vacuum cleaner according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of the present invention, if a detailed description of a known configuration or function is deemed to hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0033] Furthermore, in describing components of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are used to distinguish the component from other components, and do not limit the nature 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 the components.

[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 cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a horizontal cross-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 vacuum cleaner 1 shown in FIG.

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

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

[0039] For example, the dust separating unit 10 may include a first cyclone unit 110 that can separate dust by cyclone flow.

[0040] The first cyclone unit 110 can be in communication with the suction unit 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 that separates 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 can be 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 vertically and pass through the suction motor 230.

[0044] Alternatively, 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 collection body 510 and a body cover 520 rotatably coupled to the lower side of the dust collection body 510 .

[0046] The longitudinal axis A3 of the suction portion 5 is located above the body cover 520 in a state where 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 dust separated from the second cyclone unit 130 is disposed within the dust collection body 510. The dust storage guide 504 is coupled to the lower side of the second cyclone unit 130 and may contact the upper surface of the body cover 520.

[0050] The dust storage guide 504 can 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 inner 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 has ribs 521 for preventing 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] The cyclone flow flows along the inner circumferential surface of the dust collecting body 510 toward the first dust storage section 502, so 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, preventing the dust stored in the first dust storage section 502 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 housed inside the motor housing 210.

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

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

[0058] The lower side of the suction motor 230 is connected to the upper side of the second cyclone unit 130. Therefore, the axis A2 of the cyclone flow of the dust separation unit 10 can pass through the suction motor 230. The suction motor 230 is positioned 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, minimizing the flow path between the dust separation unit 10 and the suction motor 230.

[0060] The suction motor 230 includes 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 shaft 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 located 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 of 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. This prevents strain on the user's wrist when cleaning by holding the handle 30. That is, the heavy components are distributed and arranged at different heights at the front and rear of the vacuum cleaner 1, preventing the vacuum cleaner 1 from shifting to one side where the center of gravity is located.

[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 top surface of the handle 30 forms part of the appearance of the top surface of the vacuum cleaner 1.

[0072] Therefore, when the handle 30 is gripped and used, 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 vertically and can be held by a user, and a second extension 320 that extends from above the first extension 310 toward the suction motor 230. At least a portion of the second extension 320 extends horizontally.

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

[0075] The movement limiting portion 312 is spaced apart from the second extension portion 320. Therefore, when gripping 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 limiter 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 the user holds the first extension portion 310, the longitudinal axis A3 of the inhaler portion 5 can pass through the user's wrist.

[0079] When the longitudinal axis A3 of the suction unit 5 passes through the user's wrist, 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 while gripping the handle 30 is minimized.

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

[0081] In addition, since the operating part 316 is positioned away from the first extension part 310, the operating part 316 is prevented from being unintentionally operated when cleaning while holding the first extension part 310.

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

[0083] The display unit 318 may include, but is not limited to, a plurality of light emitting units that may be spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the second extension 314.

[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.

[0086] The battery housing 410 is formed with 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] 3, the vacuum cleaner 1 may include an exhaust cover 211 having an air outlet 212 through which air passing through the suction motor 230 is exhausted. A HEPA filter 246 for filtering the air is accommodated in the exhaust cover 211. The cyclone flow axis A2 may pass through the exhaust cover 211. For example, the air outlet 212 is disposed to surround the rotation axis A1 of the impeller 232. In this case, the exhaust cover 210 is provided with a flow guide 213 so that the air exhausted through the air outlet 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 intersects with the exhaust direction in which air is exhausted through the air outlet 212.

[0089] 3, 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 so as to prevent air discharged from the air outlet 212 from flowing toward the user. That is, when the vacuum cleaner is divided into front and rear portions around 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 part 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 the 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 outlet 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 may be referred to as a first filter, and the HEPA filter 246 may be referred to as 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 outlet 212 is formed in the exhaust cover 211 so as to face the HEPA filter 246 .

[0098] When the HEPA filter 246 is housed in the housing 214, the HEPA filter 246 is covered by a filter cover 244. The filter cover 244 has one or more openings 244a for air to pass through. The filter cover 244 is detachably connected 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 that has been separated from the motor housing 210, the HEPA filter 246 can be removed from the receiving portion 214.

[0100] The pre-filter 242 is exposed to the outside when the exhaust cover 211 is separated from the motor housing 210. 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, the 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 and 246.

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

[0103] Referring 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 again separated from the dust.

[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 is provided on the outside of the suction motor 230 to guide the air discharged from the second cyclone unit 130 toward the pre-filter 242. The air guide 215 surrounds the outside 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 due to the impeller 232, and is then discharged from the 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 outlet 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 a perspective 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 rotating.

[0112] The body cover 520 may include a hinge 522 for rotation. The hinge 522 may be coupled to the dust-collecting body 510 or may be coupled to a hinge coupling part 420 that is separate from the dust-collecting body 510. When the hinge coupling part 420 is separate 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 is rotated 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 toward the user, the body cover 520 rotates and dust stored in the dust collecting body 510 falls, but the body cover 520 prevents 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. For example, 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.

[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 prevents the first guide 524 from being separated downward. 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 to guide the movement of the connecting lever 550 and prevent the connecting 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 connecting 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 collection 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 remains 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 released 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 main body terminal 600 for charging the battery 40 when the battery 40 is attached to the battery housing 410. When the vacuum cleaner 1 is placed on a charging base (not shown), the terminal of the charging base may come into contact with the main body terminal 600.

[0125] The main body terminal 600 is located under the hinge coupling part 420 and can be spaced apart 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 an embodiment of the present invention separated from a battery housing, FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a battery according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a view showing a coupling groove of a battery housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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

[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 are connected to a first coupling part 47 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, for example, located on opposite sides to each other.

[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 to be engaged with a part of the first coupling part 470 .

[0133] As another example, the hinge connection portion 420 may be integrally formed 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 housed in the battery housing 410.

[0136] 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 the battery 40 alone can be placed on a 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 placing the vacuum cleaner 1 on the charging stand while the battery 40 is housed 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 the lower side thereof is connected to the suction part 5 of the 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.

[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 the 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, thereby enabling the user to clean using the vacuum cleaner 1 with less force and preventing strain on the user's wrist.

[0148] 15, during the process of cleaning the floor, the discharge 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 discharged from the discharge cover 211 flows in a direction away from the handle 30, and therefore, the air discharged from the discharge cover 211 is prevented from flowing toward the user's hand.

[0149] Of course, depending on the angle between the extension tube 700 and the floor, only a portion 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 view 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 plurality of air flow guides 213a are spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the exhaust cover 211a, and the spaces between the air flow guides 213a function as air exhaust ports 212a.

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

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

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

[0157] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing airflow in 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 this embodiment is formed to have a diameter that decreases from the top to the bottom. For example, a portion of the upper portion 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 the upper end of the dust flow guide 504. The scattering prevention rib 504a may be formed in a cylindrical shape and surround the upper side 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 into 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 scatters and flows back toward the second cyclone unit 130.

[0163] In 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 the 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 airflow in 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 with the impeller 232a positioned downward, i.e., the air inlet of the suction motor 230a faces 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 this arrangement of the suction motor, the air flow path from the second cyclone unit 130 to the outside of the vacuum cleaner is minimized, which has the advantage of minimizing flow loss.

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner, a suction portion for directing air into the vacuum cleaner; a suction motor that generates a suction force for sucking the air inside the vacuum cleaner through the suction section; a dust separating section; The dust separation unit is a first cyclone unit for separating dust from the air drawn into the vacuum cleaner through the suction unit; a second cyclone unit disposed below the suction motor in a vertical direction with respect to the suction motor, for separating dust from the air discharged from the first cyclone unit; a discharge cover located on the opposite side of the second cyclone unit with respect to the suction motor and defining the outer appearance of the vacuum cleaner; a pre-filter disposed to surround a portion of the suction motor; an impeller located between the discharge cover and the suction motor; The air discharged from the second cyclone section flows toward the impeller, a space is formed between an upper portion of the impeller and an upper surface of the discharge cover; An exhaust filter is provided on the peripheral surface of the exhaust cover and surrounds the space in the circumferential direction of an extension line of the rotation axis (A1) of the impeller, The pre-filter has one surface arranged to surround an extension line of the rotation axis (A1) of the impeller, the pre-filter is disposed below the exhaust cover; The pre-filter surrounds the impeller.

2. The discharge cover has a ring-shaped receiving portion surrounding an extension line of the rotation axis (A1) of the impeller, The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 , wherein the storage portion has a height in the up-down direction along an outer periphery of the discharge cover.

3. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2 , wherein the exhaust filter is accommodated in the accommodation portion of the exhaust cover.

4. The upper portion of the discharge cover is Separated from the impeller in the vertical direction, 4. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, wherein the discharge cover covers the impeller from above such that an extension of the rotation axis (A1) of the impeller passes through the upper part of the discharge cover.

5. 5. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 4, wherein the receiving portion is radially spaced from an extension of the rotation axis (A1) of the impeller so that the extension of the rotation axis (A1) of the impeller does not pass through the receiving portion.

6. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 5 , wherein the space is surrounded by the storage portion.

7. a housing in which the suction motor is disposed; the exhaust cover is coupled to and / or separated from the housing; The vacuum cleaner of claim 1 , wherein the pre-filter can be separated from the housing by removing the discharge cover from the housing.

8. The vacuum cleaner of claim 7, wherein the pre-filter is exposed to the exterior of the vacuum cleaner when the discharge cover is separated from the housing.

9. 9. The vacuum cleaner of claim 8, wherein the pre-filter is mounted inside the housing with the pre-filter surrounding a portion of the suction motor.

10. The device further includes a motor covering disposed inside the housing and covering the suction motor, The vacuum cleaner of claim 9, wherein a lower end of the pre-filter is seated on one side of the motor cover.

11. 11. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the discharge cover supports an upper side of the pre-filter when the pre-filter is seated inside the housing.

12. 12. The vacuum cleaner of claim 11, wherein the exhaust cover presses against an upper side of the pre-filter and is coupled to the housing.

13. A vacuum cleaner as described in claim 1, wherein the pre-filter covering the impeller is positioned in the space portion.

14. a housing in which the suction motor is disposed; The vacuum cleaner of claim 1 , wherein the exhaust cover is releasably connected to the housing.

15. the impeller is disposed on the opposite side of the second cyclone unit with respect to the suction motor; 15. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 14, wherein an extension line of the rotation axis (A1) of the impeller passes through the space.

16. the exhaust cover has an air exhaust port formed in the exhaust cover, which exhausts the air that has passed through the suction motor; The vacuum cleaner according to claim 15, wherein the air discharge port is positioned farther from an extension line of the rotation axis (A1) of the impeller than the space.

17. the pre-filter filters the air before it is drawn into the suction motor; a side surface of the pre-filter is disposed to surround a portion of the suction motor; The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 , wherein the air that has passed through the second cyclone section flows into the suction motor through a side surface of the pre-filter.

18. a PCB located between the suction motor and the second cyclone unit for controlling the suction motor; The vacuum cleaner of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the second cyclone unit, the PCB, the suction motor, and the space are sequentially arranged in an extension direction of the cyclone flow axis (A2) of the first cyclone unit.

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