Cleaner and suction device

Abstract

Disclosed herein are a cleaner and a suction device. The cleaner includes a main body case, a motor, a suction fan, a cooling fan, a motor housing and a seal. The main body case includes a first inlet, a first outlet, a second inlet and a second outlet. The suction fan moves air along a first flow path extending from the first inlet to the first outlet. The cooling fan moves air along a second flow path extending from the second inlet to the second outlet. The motor housing supports the motor and includes a partition guide. The seal is coupled to the above partition guide and in contact with an inner wall of the main body case. The partition guide and the seal together partition the first flow path from the second flow path.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT / KR2025 / 005072, filed Apr. 15, 2025, and claims foreign priority to Korean Application No. 10-2024-0085815, filed Jun. 28, 2024, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a cleaner including a suction device.BACKGROUND ART

[0003] A cleaner is a device that removes rubbish from a room and cleans the room. The cleaner includes a suction device that generates suction power, and draws in foreign substances such as dust along with air using the suction power of the suction device, and then separates the foreign substances contained in the drawn air from the air and collects the foreign substances to perform cleaning.

[0004] The suction device may include an impeller configured to generate a flow of air, and a motor configured to rotate the impeller. The motor is a machine that obtains rotational power from electrical energy, and includes a stator and a rotor. The rotor is configured to electromagnetically interact with the stator, and configured to rotate by force acting between a magnetic field and a current flowing in a coil. The impeller may be connected to the rotor, and may rotate as the rotor rotates, thereby generating a flow of air. The suction device may further include a motor housing that accommodates the stator and the rotor, a fan shroud that covers the impeller, and the like.

[0005] The cleaners may be classified into canister type, upright type, handy type, and stick type. Recently, a robot cleaner that moves around a cleaning area on its own without user intervention and performs cleaning tasks by sucking up rubbish such as dust from a surface to be cleaned has become popular. Further, there is also a cleaner that is equipped with a mop pad and performs wet cleaning of a surface to be cleaned.DISCLOSURETechnical Problem

[0006] The present disclosure is directed to providing a suction device including an improved structure capable of efficiently cooling a motor and / or a motor driver and increasing an output range of the motor, and a cleaner including the same.

[0007] The present disclosure is directed to providing a suction device including an improved structure capable of preventing or reducing suction air containing moisture from flowing into a space in which a motor and / or a motor driver is located, and a cleaner including the same.

[0008] The present disclosure is directed to providing a suction device including an improved structure capable of separating a flow path for suctioning and filtering out foreign substances such as dust from a flow path for cooling a motor and / or a motor driver, and a cleaner including the same.

[0009] The technical object intended to be achieved by the present document is not limited to the above-mentioned technical objects, and other technical objects not mentioned will be clearly understood by one of ordinary skill in the technical art to which the disclosure belongs from the following description.Technical Solution

[0010] A cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a main body case including a first inlet, a first outlet, a second inlet and a second outlet; a motor in the main body case; a suction fan in the main body case and configured to be rotatable by the motor to move air along a first flow path extending from the first inlet to the first outlet; a cooling fan in the main body case and configured to be rotatable by the motor to move air along a second flow path extending from the second inlet to the second outlet; a motor housing supporting the motor, and including a partition guide; and a seal coupled to the partition guide and in contact with an inner wall of the main body case. The partition guide and the seal may together partition the first flow path from the second flow path.

[0011] A cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a suction port provided to draw in air and foreign substances; a dust collector configured to collect foreign substances in the air drawn in from the suction port; a suction device configured to draw in air and foreign substances through the suction port; and a main body case including a first inlet, a first outlet, a second inlet, and a second outlet, and accommodating the suction device. The suction device may include a motor; a suction fan configured to be rotatable by the motor, and to move air, which is introduced into the main body case through the dust collector and the first inlet, to the first outlet as the suction fan rotates; a cooling fan configured to be rotatable by the motor, and to move air, which is introduced into the main body case through the second inlet, to the second outlet through the motor as the cooling fan rotates; a partition guide disposed in the main body case and provided to partition a first flow path extending from the first inlet to the first outlet, from a second flow path extending from the second inlet to the second outlet; and a seal between an outer circumference of the partition guide and an inner wall of the main body case.

[0012] A suction device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a motor; a suction fan configured to be rotatable by the motor; a cooling fan configured to be rotatable by the motor; a suction fan shroud covering the suction fan; a cooling fan shroud covering the cooling fan; a motor housing between the suction fan shroud and the cooling fan shroud, and covering the motor, the motor housing including a partition guide between a suction flow path connected to the suction fan shroud and a cooling flow path connected to the cooling fan shroud and passing through the motor; and a seal provided along an outer circumference of the partition guide.DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a main body of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a suction device of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the suction device of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a main body case of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and the suction device accommodated within the main body case.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the main body case of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and the suction device accommodated within the main body case.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a view illustrating an example of a seal, in which a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion are provided integrally, included in the suction device of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a main body case of a cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and a suction device including a seal in which a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion are separated from each other.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a view illustrating an example of the seal, in which the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion are separated from each other, included in the suction device of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a main body case of a cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and a suction device accommodated within the main body case.

[0023] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a main body case of a cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and a suction device accommodated within the main body case.

[0024] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a main body case of a cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and a suction device accommodated within the main body case.

[0025] FIG. 13 is a graph illustrating a temperature of a motor over time for the cleaner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, when the suction device includes a cooling fan and when the suction device does not include a cooling fan.MODES OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Embodiments described in the disclosure and configurations shown in the drawings are merely examples of the embodiments of the disclosure, and may be modified in various different ways at the time of filing of the present application to replace the embodiments and drawings of the disclosure.

[0027] In addition, the same reference numerals or signs shown in the drawings of the disclosure indicate elements or components performing substantially the same function.

[0028] Also, the terms used herein are used to describe the embodiments and are not intended to limit and / or restrict the disclosure. The singular forms “a,”“an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this disclosure, the terms “including”, “having”, and the like are used to specify features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more of the features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0029] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, but elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the scope of the disclosure, a first element may be termed as a second element, and a second element may be termed as a first element. The term of “and / or” includes a plurality of combinations of relevant items or any one item among a plurality of relevant items.

[0030] The disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] As for describing various embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13, the terms “upper,”“lower,”“vertical direction,”“horizontal direction,” etc. used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms. For example, the term “vertical direction” below may mean a direction parallel to the Z direction based on the drawings, and the terms “upper” and “lower” below may mean upward in the Z direction and downward in the Z direction based on the drawings, respectively. The term “horizontal direction” below may mean a direction parallel to the XY plane based on the drawings, respectively. For example, the X, Y, and Z directions illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 13 may be defined based on a main body 10 of the cleaner 1 according to various embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a main body of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include the main body 10 and a suction head 20.

[0034] The suction head 20 may be connected to the main body 10. The cleaner 1 may include a connecting pipe 30 connecting the suction head 20 and the main body 10. The connecting pipe 30 may be provided to be coupled or separated from the main body 10. The connecting pipe 30 may be provided to be coupled or separated from the suction head 20. For example, the connecting pipe 30 may include a head connector 31 provided to allow the suction head 20 to be mounted on the connecting pipe 30 or to be separated from the connecting pipe 30. The suction head 20 may be rotatably mounted on the connecting pipe 30.

[0035] The suction head 20 may be configured to draw in air and foreign substances such as dust from a surface to be cleaned. The suction head 20 may include a suction port 20a provided to draw in air and foreign substances. The suction port 20a may be connected to the main body 10, and air and foreign substances may be drawn in through the suction port 20a by a suction force generated by a suction device 100 described below. The suction port 20a may be connected to the main body 10 through the connecting pipe 30.

[0036] A brush may be provided in the suction head 20. The brush may be disposed in the suction port 20a. The brush may be rotatably mounted on the suction head 20. When foreign substances on a surface to be cleaned are blown away by the rotation of the brush, the blown foreign substances may be drawn into the suction port 20a by the suction force generated by the suction device 100.

[0037] Accordingly, the cleaner 1 according to one embodiment may perform dry cleaning by drawing foreign substances in from a surface to be cleaned without using water.

[0038] In addition, the cleaner 1 according to one embodiment may perform wet cleaning using water or steam. For example, the suction head 20 may include a head body 21 and a mop pad holder 22 that is rotatably mounted on the head body 21 and supports a mop pad 23. The mop pad 23 may be removably mounted on the mop pad holder 22. For example, the mop pad 23 may be removably mounted on the mop pad holder 22 by Velcro. In a state in which the mog pad 23 is mounted on the mop pad holder 22, the mop pad 23 may come into contact with a surface to be cleaned and wipe the surface to be cleaned while rotating. The head body 21 may be provided with a nozzle for spraying water onto the surface to be cleaned, and a water supply device for supplying water to the mop pad 23. The mop pad 23 may perform wet cleaning using water sprayed onto the surface to be cleaned by the nozzle, or may perform wet cleaning using water supplied directly from the water supply device.

[0039] In addition, the cleaner 1 according to various embodiments may include various configurations for performing dry or wet cleaning. In the above, the cleaner 1 configured to perform both dry cleaning and wet cleaning using one suction head 20 is described as an example. However, the cleaner 1 according to various embodiments may include various suction heads that are each mountable or detachable to the connecting pipe 30 by the head connector 31 and thus that are replaceable, and some of the suction heads may be used for dry cleaning and others may be used for wet cleaning.

[0040] The main body 10 may include the suction device 100 configured to generate suction force. The suction device 100 may include a suction fan 130 configured to generate a flow of air while rotating, and a motor 110 connected to the suction fan 130 and configured to generate power. A detailed description of the suction device 100 will be described later.

[0041] The main body 10 may include a dust collector 60 configured to filter out foreign substances from air drawn in from the suction port 20a. The dust collector 60 may be configured to filter out and collect foreign substances in the drawn air.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the dust collector 60 may include a dust collector case 61. The dust collector case 61 may include a dust collector case inlet 61a that is connected to the connecting pipe 30 and configured to allow air and foreign substances, which are drawn in through the suction port 20a, to be introduced. The dust collector case 61 may be configured to collect foreign substances separated from air introduced through the dust collector case inlet 61a. A dust collector chamber for collecting foreign substances may be formed inside the dust collector case 61. For example, a dust collector case door 61b rotatably mounted relative to the dust collector case 61 to open and close the dust collector chamber may be provided on one side of the dust collector case 61. For example, the dust collector case 61 may include a mounting button 65 provided to be mounted to or separated from other components of the main body 10.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the dust collector 60 may be configured to filter out foreign substances in the air using a cyclone method. The dust collector 60 may include at least one cyclone configured to separate foreign substances by centrifugal force generated as the air and foreign substances rotate and flow. An air inlet provided in each cyclone may include various structures provided to guide the rotational flow of air, such as a helical inlet, a tangential inlet, and a guide vane inlet.

[0044] For example, the dust collector 60 may include a first cyclone 62 configured to primarily filter out foreign substances in the air, and a plurality of second cyclones 63 configured to secondarily filter out foreign substances in the air that passes through the first cyclone 62. The first cyclone 62 may induce air to flow along a relatively large rotation radius in order to filter out foreign substances of a relatively large size. The plurality of second cyclones 63 may induce air to flow along a relatively small rotation radius in order to filter out foreign substances of a relatively small size.

[0045] The dust collector 60 may include a cyclone cover 64 arranged between the first cyclone 62 and the second cyclone 63. The cyclone cover 64 may be provided to allow air to pass therethrough. The cyclone cover 64 may be provided to allow air and foreign substances, which are discharged from the first cyclone 62, to pass through the cyclone cover 64 and flow into the second cyclone 63. In other words, the cyclone cover 64 may function as an outlet of the first cyclone 62 and an inlet of the second cyclone 63.

[0046] Air, in which foreign substances are filtered out by passing through the first cyclone 62 and the second cyclone 63, may be discharged from the second cyclone 63 through a filtered air outlet 63a provided in the second cyclone 63. For example, the air, in which foreign substances are filtered out, may be discharged upward through the filtered air outlet 63a. The foreign substances may settle downward and be collected in the dust collector case 61.

[0047] With these configurations, the dust collector 60 may filter out and collect foreign substances in the drawn air. However, the structure of the dust collector 60 is not limited to the embodiment described above. According to various embodiments, the cleaner 1 may include a dust collector including various structures for filtering out and collecting foreign substances in the air.

[0048] The dust collector 60 may be positioned upstream of the air flow from the suction device 100. The air filtered while passing through the dust collector 60 may flow toward the suction device 100. The air discharged through the filtered air outlet 63a of the second cyclone 63 may flow toward the suction device 100.

[0049] The main body 10 may include a main body case 11. The suction device 100 may be disposed inside the main body case 11. The main body case 11 may accommodate the suction device 100. The suction device 100 may be mounted on the inside of the main body case 11. The main body case 11 may support the suction device 100. Each component of the suction device 100, such as the motor 110, a motor driver 120, the suction fan 130, a suction fan shroud 131, a cooling fan 140, a cooling fan shroud 141, a motor housing 150, a partition guide 160, and a seal 170, may be supported by the main body case 11. Each of the components of the suction device 100 may be disposed inside the main body case 11. The main body case 11 may also be referred to as a ‘suction device case 11’.

[0050] The main body case 11 may be provided to allow air to be introduced and discharged as the suction device 100 operates. Air introduced through the suction port 20a by the suction force of the suction device 100 may be introduced into the main body case 11 and discharged from the inside of the main body case 11 to the outside. A flow path for air to flow may be provided inside the main body case 11.

[0051] A detailed description of the structure of the main body case 11 will be described later.

[0052] The main body 10 may include an exhaust cover 14. The exhaust cover 14 may cover the main body case 11. The exhaust cover 14 may cover a case body 12 of the main body case 11, which will be described later. The exhaust cover 14 may be arranged to surround an outer circumference of the case body 12. The exhaust cover 14 may form at least a portion of an exterior of the main body 10. The exhaust cover 14 may include an exhaust hole 14h provided to allow air, which is discharged from the main body case 11, to pass therethrough and be discharged to the outside of the main body 10.

[0053] The main body 10 may include an exhaust filter 15 arranged between the exhaust cover 14 and the main body case 11. The exhaust filter 15 may be provided to filter out foreign substances in the air before the air, which is discharged from the main body case 11, is discharged to the outside of the main body 10 through the exhaust hole 14h of the exhaust cover 14. That is, the exhaust filter 15 may be provided to filter the air, which is filtered by the dust collector 60, once more.

[0054] The exhaust filter 15 may cover the case body 12 of the main body case 11 to be described later. The exhaust filter 15 may be arranged to surround an outer circumference of the case body 12. The exhaust filter 15 may be disposed between the exhaust hole 14h and a first outlet 11b to be described later.

[0055] The exhaust filter 15 may include various types of filters, such as a HEPA filter.

[0056] The cleaner 1 may include a controller 17. The controller 17 may be configured to obtain a user input. For example, the controller 17 may be configured to obtain a user input for turning the cleaner 1 on / off, adjusting a suction strength, selecting a cleaning mode such as dry / wet cleaning, etc. For example, the controller 17 may be provided in the main body 10.

[0057] The cleaner 1 may include a handle 40 provided to be held by a user. For example, the handle 40 may be provided on the main body 10. A user can hold the handle 40 with user's hand and move the cleaner 1 in a desired direction.

[0058] The cleaner 1 may include a battery 50 configured to supply driving power to various components of the cleaner 1, such as the suction device 100. For example, the battery 50 may be provided so as to be mountable or detachable on the main body 10. When the battery 50 is discharged, a user can increase an operating time of the cleaner by replacing the discharged battery with a pre-charged battery 50. Alternatively, the battery 50 may be built into the main body 10.

[0059] The configurations of the cleaner 1 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 are merely described as an example of the cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the cleaner 1 may include various configurations.

[0060] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a suction device of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the suction device of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a main body case of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and the suction device accommodated within the main body case. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the main body case of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and the suction device accommodated within the main body case. FIG. 7 is a view illustrating an example of a seal, in which a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion are provided integrally, included in the suction device of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 7, the suction device 100 of the cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include the motor 110. The motor 110 may be configured to convert electrical energy into kinetic energy. The motor 110 may be configured to convert electromagnetic force into mechanical rotational force. The motor 110 may be arranged inside the main body case 11.

[0062] The motor 110 may include a stator 111, and a rotor 112 having magnetism and configured to be rotatable relative to the stator 111 by electromagnetic force. The stator 111 may include a core and a coil wound around the core. The stator 111 may have a fixed position relative to other components such as the main body case 11, the motor housing 150, etc. Although the drawings illustrate one embodiment in which the rotor 112 is an inner-rotor type in which the rotor 112 is disposed inside the stator 111, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. According to various embodiments, the motor 110 may include an outer-rotor type in which the rotor is disposed outside the stator.

[0063] The motor 110 may include a rotating shaft 113 connected to the rotor 112. The rotating shaft 113 may be configured to transmit the rotational force of the rotor 112 to the suction fan 130. The rotating shaft 113 may be configured to transmit the rotational force of the rotor 112 to the cooling fan 140. For example, the rotating shaft 113 may have the shape of a long bar penetrating the rotor 112.

[0064] The suction device 100 may include the motor driver 120 electrically connected to the motor 110. The motor driver 120 may be configured to apply a driving current to the motor 110. The motor 110 may operate based on the driving current received from the motor driver 120. The on / off, rotation direction, rotation speed, etc. of the motor 110 may vary based on the driving current received from the motor driver 120. The motor driver 120 may include a printed circuit board including electronic components mounted thereon, and may include a circuit for applying a driving current to the motor 110. The motor driver 120 may be disposed inside the main body case 11. Alternatively, according to one embodiment, the motor driver 120 may be disposed outside the main body case 11.

[0065] The suction device 100 may include the motor housing 150. The motor housing 150 may support the motor 110. For example, the motor housing 150 may support the stator 111 of the motor 110. The stator 111 may be fixed to the motor housing 150. For example, the motor housing 150 may support the rotating shaft 113. The rotating shaft 113 may be supported by the motor housing 150 while penetrating the motor housing 150. At least one bearing B1 and B2 may be mounted on the motor housing 150, and thus the motor housing 150 may rotatably support the rotating shaft 113.

[0066] The motor housing 150 may cover the motor 110. The motor housing 150 may surround the outer circumference of the motor 110. The motor housing 150 may horizontally surround the motor 110. A separation space may be formed between the inner surface of the motor housing 150 and the motor 110. The motor housing 150 may completely cover the outer circumference of the motor 110 or cover only a portion of the motor.

[0067] For example, the motor housing 150 may include a first housing 151 supporting one side of the motor 110, and a second housing 152 supporting the other side of the motor 110. For example, the first housing 151 may support one side of the motor 110 in the direction of the rotating shaft 113 (e.g., in the vertical direction Z), and the second housing 152 may support the other side of the motor 110 in the direction of the rotating shaft 113 (e.g., in the vertical direction Z).

[0068] The first housing 151 may support the stator 111. For example, the first housing 151 may support the stator 111 by being in contact with an outer surface of the stator 111. The first housing 151 may rotatably support the rotating shaft 113. The first housing 151 may include a first bearing mounting portion 151b on which a first bearing B1 is installed. The first bearing mounting portion 151b may be penetrated by the rotating shaft 113. The first bearing mounting portion 151b may have a shape of a hole to which the first bearing B1 is mounted and through which the rotating shaft 113 penetrates.

[0069] The first housing 151 may cover at least a portion of the motor 110. The first housing 151 may have a cylindrical shape formed to approximately surround the outer circumference of the motor 110. The first housing 151 may include a motor cover portion 151a surrounding the motor 110. The motor cover portion 151a may form an inner circumferential surface of the first housing 151. The motor cover portion 151a may surround the outer side of the motor 110. The motor cover portion 151a may horizontally surround the motor 110.

[0070] The second housing 152 may support the stator 111. For example, the second housing 152 may support the stator 111 by being in contact with the outer surface of the stator 111. The second housing 152 may include a motor support 152a supporting the outer surface of the stator 111. The second housing 152 may rotatably support the rotating shaft 113. The second housing 152 may include a second bearing mounting portion 152b on which a second bearing B2 is installed. The second bearing mounting portion 152b may be penetrated by the rotating shaft 113. The second bearing mounting portion 152b may have a shape of a hole to which the second bearing B2 is mounted and through which the rotating shaft 113 penetrates.

[0071] The second housing 152 may cover a portion of the motor 110. When a portion of the motor 110 is covered by the first housing 151, the second housing 152 may cover at least a portion of the remaining portion of the motor 110 that is not covered by the first housing 151. For example, the motor support 152a may cover a portion of the motor 110.

[0072] For example, the first housing 151 may be positioned under the second housing 152. For example, the first housing 151 may support and cover a lower portion of the motor 110, and the second housing 152 may support and cover an upper portion of the motor 110.

[0073] The first housing 151 and the second housing 152 may be coupled to each other. For example, the motor support 152a of the second housing 152 may be coupled to the first housing 151. For example, the first housing 151 and the second housing 152 may be coupled to each other by a fastening member such as a screw. The first housing 151 and the second housing 152 coupled to each other may cover almost the entirety of the motor 110. Alternatively, the first housing 151 and the second housing 152 may be formed integrally.

[0074] The suction device 100 may include the suction fan 130. The suction fan 130 may generate a flow of air as the suction fan 130 rotates. The suction fan 130 may generate a suction force for drawing air and foreign substances through the suction port 20a as the suction fan 130 rotates. When the suction fan 130 rotates, foreign substances and air on a surface to be cleaned may be drawn through the suction port 20a, and the air, in which foreign substances are filtered out by passing through the dust collector 60, may be discharged to the outside of the cleaner 1 by sequentially passing through the main body case 11 and the exhaust cover 14.

[0075] As the suction fan 130 rotates, the suction fan 130 may be provided to allow air to flow into the main body case 11 through a first inlet 11a described later and to allow air to be discharged from the main body case 11 through a first outlet 11b described later. As the suction fan 130 rotates, air may flow along a first flow path F1 within the main body case 11. The suction fan 130 may be disposed inside the main body case 11. The suction fan 130 may be disposed outside the motor housing 150.

[0076] According to various embodiments, the suction fan 130 of the suction device 100 may include various types of fans, such as an axial fan, a centrifugal fan, and a diagonal fan.

[0077] The suction device 100 may include the suction fan shroud 131. The suction fan shroud 131 may cover the suction fan 130. The suction fan shroud 131 may surround an outer circumference of the suction fan 130. The suction fan shroud 131 may horizontally surround the suction fan 130. An inner surface of the suction fan shroud 131 and the suction fan 130 may be spaced apart from each other.

[0078] The suction fan shroud 131 may be configured to guide the flow of air as the suction fan 130 rotates. The suction fan shroud 131 may be positioned on the outside of the motor housing 150. For example, the suction fan shroud 131 may be coupled to the outside of the motor housing 150.

[0079] For example, the suction fan shroud 131 and the motor housing 150 may be arranged in the vertical direction Z. For example, the suction fan shroud 131 may be arranged on a lower side of the motor housing 150.

[0080] The motor housing 150 may be provided to allow air to flow through the motor housing 150 when the suction fan 130 rotates. The first flow path F1 between the first inlet 11a and the first outlet 11b of the main body case 11, which will be described later, may pass through the motor housing 150. For example, the first flow path F1 may pass through the first housing 151.

[0081] For example, the motor housing 150 may include an air guide 151c configured to guide air flowing as the suction fan 130 rotates. The air guide 151c may be configured to guide air flowing from the first inlet 11a toward the first outlet 11b along the first flow path F1. The air guide 151c may be connected to the suction fan shroud 131.

[0082] The air guide 151c may be arranged downstream on the first flow path F1 from the suction fan 130. The air guide 151c may be arranged downstream on the first flow path F1 from the suction fan shroud 131. The air guide 151c may be provided to guide the flow of air passing through the suction fan shroud 131. For example, the air guide 151c may be provided to guide air, which is introduced from the suction fan shroud 131, upward.

[0083] The air guide 151c may be provided in the first housing 151. The air guide 151c may be provided along a circumference of the first housing 151. The air guide 151c may be provided radially outer than the motor cover portion 151a of the first housing 151. For example, the air guide 151c may be positioned horizontally outer than the motor cover portion 151a. For example, the air guide 151c may be arranged between the motor cover portion 151a and an outer circumferential surface 151e of the air guide 151c.

[0084] The air guide 151c may be provided with a plurality of vanes 151d. The plurality of vanes 151d may be provided to guide the direction of air flow within the air guide 151c. The plurality of vanes 151d may be provided to guide the rotation of air flowing along the air guide 151c. Each of the plurality of vanes 151d may extend in a direction oblique to an extension direction of the air guide 151c.

[0085] The first housing 151 may be referred to as a ‘diffuser 151’.

[0086] The structure of the air guide 151c described above is only an example of the motor housing 150 provided to guide air flowing as the suction fan 130 rotates, and the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0087] The air flowing due to the rotation of the suction fan 130 may be prevented from being in contact with the motor 110 by the above-mentioned structure of the motor housing 150. Particularly, in the case of the cleaner 1 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, when the cleaner 1 performs wet cleaning, there is a possibility that air and moisture may be drawn together through the suction port 20a. When the drawn moisture comes into contact with the motor 110, damage may occur to components such as the motor 110 due to the occurrence of a short circuit, etc. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, air flowing by the suction fan 130 may flow along the outer side of the motor cover portion 151a (e.g., along the air guide 151c), and the motor 110 may be disposed on the inner side of the motor cover portion 151a. Accordingly, even when the suction fan 130 rotates, the air flowing thereby may not directly pass through the motor 110.

[0088] Meanwhile, in order to improve an operating efficiency of the suction device 100, an output range needs to be improved to allow the motor 110 to provide high output while efficiently cooling the motor 110. The air rotating according to the rotation of the suction fan 130 may indirectly dissipate heat generated from the motor 110 while flowing along the motor housing 150. However, it may be difficult to efficiently cool the motor 110 with only this indirect heat dissipation method.

[0089] To prevent this difficulty, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the suction device 100 may include the cooling fan 140. The cooling fan 140 may generate a flow of air as the cooling fan 140 rotates. The cooling fan 140 may be configured to cool the motor 110 by allowing air to flow therethrough as the cooling fan 140 rotates. The cooling fan 140 may be configured to allow air to pass through the motor 110 as the cooling fan 140 rotates. Additionally, in one embodiment, the cooling fan 140 may be configured to cool the motor driver 120 by allowing air to pass therethrough as the cooling fan 140 rotates.

[0090] As the cooling fan 140 rotates, the cooling fan 140 may be provided to allow air to flow into the main body case 11 through a second inlet 11c described later and to allow air to be discharged from the main body case 11 through a second outlet 11d described later. As the cooling fan 140 rotates, air may flow along a second flow path F2 within the main body case 11. The cooling fan 140 may be disposed inside the main body case 11. The cooling fan 140 may be disposed on the other side of the motor housing 150 opposite to the side on which the suction fan 130 is disposed.

[0091] For example, the cooling fan 140 may be disposed between the motor 110 and the motor driver 120. As a result, when the cooling fan 140 rotates, the motor 110 and the motor driver 120 may be efficiently cooled together.

[0092] For example, the cooling fan 140 may be positioned upstream of the second flow path F2 from the motor 110. For example, the cooling fan 140 may be positioned downstream of the second flow path F2 from the motor driver 120.

[0093] According to various embodiments, the cooling fan 140 of the suction device 100 may include various types of fans, such as an axial fan, a centrifugal fan, and a diagonal fan.

[0094] The cooling fan 140 may be connected to the motor 110. The cooling fan 140 may be connected to the motor 110 and may rotate by the rotational force generated by the motor 110. The cooling fan 140 may be connected to the rotor 112 through the rotating shaft 113. For example, the suction fan 130 and the cooling fan 140 may be connected to the same motor 110 through the rotating shaft 113. When the motor 110 operates, the rotating shaft 113 may rotate and the suction fan 130 and the cooling fan 140 may rotate simultaneously.

[0095] For example, the suction fan 130 may be disposed on one side of the motor 110, and the cooling fan 140 may be disposed on the other side of the motor 110. That is, the motor 110 may be disposed between the suction fan 130 and the cooling fan 140. The cooling fan 140 may be disposed between the motor 110 and the motor driver 120.

[0096] Alternatively, in various embodiments, the suction device 100 may include a plurality of motors. The suction fan 130 and the cooling fan 140 may be connected to different motors and configured to rotate independently of each other.

[0097] However, for convenience of description, the present disclosure will be described based on one embodiment in which the suction fan 130 and the cooling fan 140 are connected to the same motor 110 as shown in the drawings.

[0098] In order to secure a sufficient amount of airflow along the second flow path F2 when the cooling fan 140 rotates, a distance d4 between the cooling fan 140 and the motor driver 120 may be designed to be a predetermined distance or more. For example, the distance d4 between the cooling fan 140 and the motor driver 120 may be approximately 3 mm or more.

[0099] The suction device 100 may include the cooling fan shroud 141. The cooling fan shroud 141 may cover the cooling fan 140. The cooling fan shroud 141 may surround an outer circumference of the cooling fan 140. The cooling fan shroud 141 may horizontally surround the cooling fan 140.

[0100] The cooling fan shroud 141 may be configured to guide the flow of air as the cooling fan 140 rotates. The cooling fan shroud 141 may be positioned on the other side of the motor housing 150 opposite to one side on which the suction fan shroud 131 is positioned. That is, the motor housing 150 may be positioned between the suction fan shroud 131 and the cooling fan shroud 141.

[0101] An inner surface of the cooling fan shroud 141 and the cooling fan 140 may be spaced apart from each other. When a distance d3 between the cooling fan 140 and the cooling fan shroud 141 is too large, a flow rate may decrease. When the distance d3 between the cooling fan 140 and the cooling fan shroud 141 is too small, a load, which is according to a torque applied to the motor 110, may increase, thereby deteriorating the performance of the motor 110. Accordingly, the distance between the cooling fan 140 and the cooling fan shroud 141 may be determined to allow an amount of air passing through the cooling fan shroud 141 to be within an appropriate range. For example, the distance d3 between the cooling fan 140 and the cooling fan shroud 141 may be approximately 0.5 to 1.5 mm.

[0102] For example, the cooling fan shroud 141 and the motor housing 150 may be arranged in the vertical direction Z. For example, the cooling fan shroud 141 may be arranged on the upper side of the motor housing 150.

[0103] For example, the cooling fan shroud 141 may be disposed between the motor 110 and the motor driver 120.

[0104] For example, the cooling fan shroud 141 may be fixed to the stator 111 of the motor 110. For example, the cooling fan shroud 141 may be fixed to the second housing 152. The cooling fan shroud 141 may be coupled to the second housing 152 or may be formed integrally with the second housing 152.

[0105] For example, the cooling fan shroud 141 may be coupled to the motor driver 120. For example, the cooling fan shroud 141 may support the motor driver 120. Alternatively, the motor driver 120 may be supported by a separate component other than the cooling fan shroud 141.

[0106] The motor housing 150 may be provided to allow air to flow by passing through the motor housing 150 when the cooling fan 140 rotates. The second flow path F2 between the second inlet 11c and the second outlet 11d of the main body case 11, which will be described later, may pass through the motor housing 150. For example, the second flow path F2 may pass through the first housing 151. For example, a separation space may be formed between the motor cover portion 151a and the motor 110, and the second flow path F2 may pass through the separation space. For example, the second flow path F2 may pass through the second housing 152. For example, the second housing 152 may include a plurality of motor supports 152a, and the plurality of motor supports 152a may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other to allow air to pass therebetween.

[0107] With this structure, when the cooling fan 140 rotates, air may flow by passing through the motor housing 150 and cool the motor 110 disposed inside the motor housing 150. However, the structure of the motor housing 150 described above is only one example of the motor housing 150 including the structure that allows air to pass through the motor 110 as the cooling fan 140 rotates, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0108] The suction device 100 may be disposed inside the main body case 11. The suction device 100 may be mounted on the inside of the main body case 11. The suction device 100 may be supported by the main body case 11. The main body case 11 may be configured to allow outside air to be drawn in and inside air to be discharged when the suction device 100 operates.

[0109] The main body case 11 may include the first inlet 11a and the first outlet 11b. The first inlet 11a may be provided to allow air to be introduced into the main body case 11 as the suction fan 130 rotates. When the suction fan 130 rotates, air that is filtered by passing through the dust collector 60 may be introduced into the main body case 11 through the first inlet 11a. The first outlet 11b may be provided to allow air to be discharged to the outside of the main body case 11 as the suction fan 130 rotates. The first inlet 11a and the first outlet 11b may be spaced apart from each other.

[0110] The first flow path F1 extending from the first inlet 11a to the first outlet 11b may be provided on the inside of the main body case 11. For example, the first flow path F1 may extend from the first inlet 11a to the first outlet 11b through the suction fan 130. The first flow path F1 may pass through the suction fan shroud 131. The first flow path F1 may pass through the motor housing 150. The first flow path F1 may be arranged on the outside of the motor cover portion 151a. For example, the first flow path F1 may pass through the air guide 151c.

[0111] As the suction fan 130 rotates, air passing through the dust collector 60 may be introduced into the main body case 11 through the first inlet 11a, flow along the first flow path F1, and then be discharged through the first outlet 11b. The suction fan 130 may be disposed on the first flow path F1. When the suction fan 130 rotates, air on the first flow path F1 may flow from the first inlet 11a toward the first outlet 11b through the suction fan 130. The first flow path F1 may be referred to as a ‘suction flow path F1’.

[0112] The main body case 11 may include the case body 12. The case body 12 may support the suction device 100. The suction device 100 may be mounted on the inside of the case body 12. The case body 12 may cover the circumference of the suction device 100. The case body 12 may horizontally surround the suction device 100.

[0113] The first outlet 11b may be formed in the case body 12. For example, the first outlet 11b may be formed on an outer circumferential surface of the case body 12. The first outlet 11b may include a plurality of holes formed along at least a portion of the circumference of the case body 12. The exhaust cover 14 and the exhaust filter 15 described above may be arranged on the outside of the case body 12. The exhaust cover 14 and the exhaust filter 15 described above may cover at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the case body 12 and may cover the first outlet 11b.

[0114] The main body case 11 may include a fan grille 13 covering the first inlet 11a. The fan grille 13 may have a grille shape including a hole to allow air to be introduced through the first inlet 11a.

[0115] The fan grille 13 may be coupled to the case body 12. The fan grille 13 may be coupled to one end of the case body 12 in the direction in which the first inlet 11a is located. For example, the fan grille 13 may be coupled to a lower side of the case body 12. Alternatively, the case body 12 and the fan grille 13 may be formed integrally.

[0116] With this structure, when the suction fan 130 rotates, air drawn in through the suction port 20a may pass through the dust collector 60, the fan grille 13, and the first inlet 11a, and then flow into the main body case 11. The air introduced through the first inlet 11a may flow to the first outlet 11b along the first flow path F1, and in the process, the air may pass through the suction fan 130, the suction fan shroud 131, and the air guide 151c of the motor housing 150. The air discharged from the main body case 11 through the first outlet 11b may pass through the exhaust filter 15 and the exhaust hole 14h and be discharged to the outside of the main body 10 that is, the outside of the cleaner 1.

[0117] The main body case 11 may include the second inlet 11c and the second outlet 11d. The second inlet 11c may be provided to allow air to be introduced into the main body case 11 as the cooling fan 140 rotates. When the cooling fan 140 rotates, air outside the cleaner 1 may be introduced into the main body case 11 through the second inlet 11c. The second outlet 11d may be provided to allow air to be discharged to the outside of the main body case 11 as the cooling fan 140 rotates. The second inlet 11c and the second outlet 11d may be spaced apart from each other.

[0118] The second flow path F2 extending from the second inlet 11c to the second outlet 11d may be provided on the inside of the main body case 11. For example, the second flow path F2 may extend from the second inlet 11c to the second outlet 11d through the cooling fan 140 and the motor 110. The second flow path F2 may pass through the cooling fan shroud 141. The second flow path F2 may pass through the motor housing 150. For example, the second flow path F2 may pass through a separation space between the motor cover portion 151a and the motor 110. At least a portion of the second flow path F2 may be arranged on the inside of the motor cover portion 151a. For example, the second flow path F2 may pass through a hole between the plurality of motor supports 152a of the second housing 152. The second flow path F2 may pass through the motor driver 120 or a region adjacent thereto so as to allow air to cool not only the motor 110 but also the motor driver 120 when the air flows along the second flow path F2.

[0119] When the cooling fan 140 rotates, air outside the cleaner 1 may be introduced into the main body case 11 through the second inlet 11c, flow along the second flow path F2, and then be discharged through the second outlet 11d. The cooling fan 140 may be disposed on the second flow path F2. When the cooling fan 140 rotates, air on the second flow path F2 may flow from the second inlet 11c toward the second outlet 11d through the cooling fan 140 and the motor 110. The second flow path F2 may be referred to as a ‘cooling flow path F2’.

[0120] For example, the second inlet 11c may be formed in the case body 12. For example, the second inlet 11c may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the case body 12. The second inlet 11c may include a plurality of holes formed along at least a portion of the circumference of the case body 12. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the second inlet 11c may not be covered by the exhaust cover 14 and the exhaust filter 15. In one embodiment, unlike FIGS. 5 and 6, the second inlet 11c may be covered by the exhaust cover 14 and the exhaust filter 15.

[0121] For example, the second outlet 11d may be formed in the case body 12. For example, the second outlet 11d may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the case body 12. The second outlet 11d may include a plurality of holes formed along at least a portion of the circumference of the case body 12. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the second outlet 11d may not be covered by the exhaust cover 14 and the exhaust filter 15. In one embodiment, unlike FIGS. 5 and 6, the second outlet 11d may be covered by the exhaust cover 14 and the exhaust filter 15.

[0122] For example, the second inlet 11c and the second outlet 11d may be arranged side by side in the vertical direction Z. However, the arrangement of the second inlet 11c and the second outlet 11d is not limited thereto.

[0123] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate one embodiment in which the second inlet 11c is positioned above the second outlet 11d, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the second inlet 11c may be positioned below the second outlet 11d. Alternatively, the second inlet 11c and the second outlet 11d may be positioned horizontally parallel to each other.

[0124] The second flow path F2 may include a first portion F2a passing through the motor 110 and the cooling fan 140, and a second portion F2b passing between the motor 110 and the motor cover portion 151a. The first portion F2a of the second flow path F2 may be connected to the second inlet 11c, and the second portion F2b of the second flow path F2 may be connected to the second outlet 11d. The first portion F2a and the second portion F2b of the second flow path F2 may be connected to each other. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, when the cooling fan 140 rotates, air introduced through the second inlet 11c may sequentially flow through the first portion F2a and the second portion F2b of the second flow path F2 and then be discharged through the second outlet 11d. Particularly, when the cooling fan 140 rotates, air introduced through the second inlet 11c may sequentially pass through the motor driver 120, the cooling fan shroud 141, and the motor 110 and then be discharged through the second outlet 11d.

[0125] However, the direction in which the air flows along the second flow path F2 when the cooling fan 140 rotates is not limited to that described above. For example, depending on the rotation direction of the cooling fan 140, the air may sequentially pass through the second portion F2b and the first portion F2a of the second flow path F2. Particularly, depending on the rotation direction of the cooling fan 140, the air may sequentially pass through the motor 110, the cooling fan shroud 141, and the motor driver 120. In this case, the second inlet into which air is introduced may be formed at the position of the second outlet 11d illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, and the second outlet through which air is discharged may be formed at the position of the second inlet 11c illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0126] With this structure, when the cooling fan 140 rotates, air outside the cleaner 1 may pass through the second inlet 11c and flow into the main body case 11. The air introduced through the second inlet 11c may flow to the second outlet 11d along the second flow path F2, and in the process, the air may pass through the cooling fan 140, the motor 110, the motor driver 120, the separation space between the motor cover portion 151a and the motor 110, and the second housing 152. The air inside the main body case 11 may be discharged to the outside of the main body 10, that is, the outside of the cleaner 1, through the second outlet 11d.

[0127] As mentioned above, the cleaner 1 according to one embodiment may include the flow path (including the first flow path F1) for drawing and filtering out foreign substances such as dust, and the flow path (including the second flow path F2) for cooling the motor 110 and / or the motor driver 120. At this time, in order to improve the cooling efficiency of the motor 110 and / or the motor driver 120, it is appropriate that the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2 are separated from each other. In addition, in order to prevent or reduce the suction air containing moisture flowing along the first flow path F1 from flowing into the motor 110 and / or the motor driver 120, it is appropriate that the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2 are separated from each other.

[0128] Therefore, the main body case 11 of the cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and the suction device 100 mounted thereon may include the structure in which the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2 are partitioned.

[0129] The first inlet 11a and the second inlet 11c may be spaced apart from each other. The first outlet 11b and the second outlet 11d may be spaced apart from each other. The first inlet 11a and the second outlet 11d may be spaced apart from each other. The second inlet 11c and the first outlet 11b may be spaced apart from each other.

[0130] The first flow path F1 may be disposed on the outside of the motor cover portion 151a and the second flow path F2 may be disposed on the inside of the motor cover portion 151a. Accordingly, at least a portion of the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2 may be partitioned by the motor cover portion 151a. However, even by the motor cover portion 151a, the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2 may not be completely partitioned from each other.

[0131] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the suction device 100 may include a partition guide 160 and a seal 170. The partition guide 160 and the seal 170 may be provided to partition the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2.

[0132] The motor housing 150 may include the partition guide 160. The partition guide 160 may be arranged on the inside of the main body case 11. The partition guide 160 may be disposed between the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2 within the main body case 11. The partition guide 160 may be provided to partition the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2. The partition guide 160 may block the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2 from each other to prevent air flowing along the first flow path F1 and air flowing along the second flow path F2 from mixing with each other.

[0133] The partition guide 160 may also be referred to as a ‘third housing 160’.

[0134] The partition guide 160 may extend from the first housing 151. For example, the partition guide 160 may extend from the motor cover portion 151a. For example, the partition guide 160 may extend from an upper portion of the motor cover portion 151a. For example, the partition guide 160 may extend from one side of the air guide 151c (i.e., the downstream side of the air guide 151c) in the direction in which air flowing along the first flow path F1 is discharged when the suction fan 130 rotates.

[0135] The partition guide 160 may extend from the first housing 151 to be close to an inner wall of the main body case 11. The partition guide 160 may extend from the motor cover portion 151a to be close to the inner wall of the main body case 11. For example, the partition guide 160 may extend from the motor cover portion 151a toward the inner wall of the main body case 11. For example, the partition guide 160 may extend from one side of the air guide 151c (i.e., the downstream side of the air guide 151c) in the direction, in which air flowing along the first flow path F1 is discharged when the suction fan 130 rotates, toward the inner wall of the main body case 11.

[0136] The partition guide 160 may include a first end 161 connected to the first housing 151 and a second end 162 opposite to the first end 161. The partition guide 160 may extend from the first end 161 to the second end 162 in a direction closer to the inner wall of the main body case 11.

[0137] The partition guide 160 may be coupled to the first housing 151. For example, the partition guide 160 may be coupled to the motor cover portion 151a. For example, the partition guide 160 may be coupled to an upper portion of the motor cover portion 151a.

[0138] Alternatively, the partition guide 160 may be formed integrally with the first housing 151.

[0139] The partition guide 160 may be disposed along the circumference of the motor housing 150. The partition guide 160 may be disposed along the circumference of the first housing 151. The partition guide 160 may be disposed along the circumference of the motor cover portion 151a. For example, the partition guide 160 may have a substantially annular shape formed along the circumference on the inner side of the main body case 11 to partition the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2.

[0140] The partition guide 160 may surround at least a portion of the motor 110.

[0141] The partition guide 160 may guide air, which flows along the first flow path F1 when the suction fan 130 rotates, to move toward the first outlet 11b. For example, the partition guide 160 may guide air passing through the air guide 151c toward the first outlet 11b.

[0142] The partition guide 160 may include a first flow path guide surface 163 provided to guide air flowing along the first flow path F1. The first flow path guide surface 163 may be provided between the first end 161 and the second end 162 of the partition guide 160 and provided to cover one side of the first flow path F1. In order to allow air flowing along the first flow path F1 to be guided to the first outlet 11b, the first flow path guide surface 163 may extend to be close to the inner wall of the main body case 11 from the first end 161 toward the second end 162. For example, from the first end 161 toward the second end 162, the first flow path guide surface 163 may extend to increase an inclination with respect to the vertical direction Z.

[0143] However, the shape of the first flow path guide surface 163 is not limited to that described above, and the partition guide 160 may include the first flow path guide surface 163 having various shapes so as to guide air flowing along the first flow path F1.

[0144] The partition guide 160 may guide air flowing along the second flow path F2 when the cooling fan 140 rotates. For example, the partition guide 160 may guide air flowing along the second portion F2b of the second flow path F2. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the partition guide 160 may guide air flowing along the second portion F2b of the second flow path F2 to move toward the second outlet 11d. For example, when the second inlet is formed at the position of the second outlet 11d shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 and the second outlet is formed at the position of the second inlet 11c to allow the direction of air flowing along the second flow path F2 to be opposite to that shown in FIG. 6, the partition guide 160 may guide the air introduced from the second inlet to flow along the second portion F2b of the second flow path F2.

[0145] The partition guide 160 may include a second flow path guide surface 164 provided to guide air flowing along the second flow path F2. The second flow path guide surface 164 may be disposed between the first end 161 and the second end 162 of the partition guide 160 and provided to cover one side of the second flow path F2. For example, from the first end 161 to the second end 162, the second flow path guide surface 164 may extend to be close to the inner wall of the main body case 11. For example, from the first end 161 to the second end 162, the second flow path guide surface 164 may extend to increase an inclination with respect to the vertical direction Z.

[0146] However, the shape of the second flow path guide surface 164 is not limited to that described above, and the partition guide 160 may include the second flow path guide surface 164 having various shapes so as to guide air flowing along the second flow path F2.

[0147] The seal 170 may be disposed on the inside of the main body case 11. The seal 170 may come into contact with the inner wall of the main body case 11. The seal 170 may be provided to allow the suction device 100 to be mounted on the main body case 11.

[0148] The seal 170 may be provided to partition the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2 within the main body case 11. The seal 170 may be provided to seal a gap between the partition guide 160 and the main body case 11. The seal 170 may extend from the partition guide 160 toward the inner wall of the main body case 11. As a result, the seal 170 may partition the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2 together with the partition guide 160.

[0149] A seal 170 may be provided along an outer circumference of the partition guide 160. The seal 170 may be disposed between the outer circumference of the partition guide 160 and the inner wall of the main body case 11. For example, the seal 170 may have a substantially annular shape formed along the circumference on the inner side of the main body case 11 to partition the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2.

[0150] The seal 170 may be coupled to the partition guide 160. For example, the seal 170 may be coupled to one end, which is opposite to the first housing 151 with respect to a direction extending from the first housing 151, of the partition guide 160. For example, the seal 170 may be coupled to one end, which is opposite to the motor cover portion 151a with respect to a direction extending from the motor cover portion 151a, of the partition guide 160. For example, the seal 170 may be coupled to one end, which is adjacent to the inner wall of the main body case 11, of the partition guide 160. That is, the seal 170 may be coupled to the second end 162 of the partition guide 160. For example, the seal 170 may be fitted and coupled to the second end 162 of the partition guide 160.

[0151] The seal 170 may be provided to be elastically deformable. The seal 170 may include an elastic material. By including the elastically deformable seal 170, the suction device 100 may be more easily mounted on the inside of the main body case 11. In addition, the gap between the partition guide 160 and the inner wall of the main body case 11 may be efficiently sealed by the seal 170, and thus the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2 may be more efficiently partitioned from each other. In addition, vibration generated by the operation of the motor 110 may be more efficiently alleviated by the seal 170. For example, the seal 170 may include various materials such as rubber, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is known as Teflon, and silicone.

[0152] Because the suction device 100 includes a structure that partitions the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2 by using the partition guide 160 and the seal 170, suction air containing moisture may be efficiently prevented from flowing into the motor 110 and / or the motor driver 120 even with a simple structure, and the motor 110 and / or the motor driver 120 may be cooled by the air flowing along the second flow path F2 so as to prevent the overheating. Accordingly, the cooling efficiency of the motor 110 and / or the motor driver 120 is improved, thereby increasing an output range.

[0153] Hereinafter an example of the structure of the seal 170 will be described in more detail.

[0154] The seal 170 may include a first sealing portion 171 extending from the partition guide 160 to the inner wall of the main body case 11. The first sealing portion 171 may extend from the second end 162 of the partition guide 160 to the inner wall of the main body case 11. The first sealing portion 171 may come into contact with the partition guide 160 and the inner wall of the main body case 11, respectively.

[0155] The first sealing portion 171 may be arranged between the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2. The first sealing portion 171 may be arranged between both the second inlet 11c and the second outlet 11d, and the first outlet 11b. For example, the first sealing portion 171 may be arranged above the first outlet 11b and below the second inlet 11c and the second outlet 11d. The first sealing portion 171 may partition the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2.

[0156] The first sealing portion 171 may be provided along the outer circumference of the partition guide 160. For example, the first sealing portion 171 may be provided along the second end 162 of the partition guide 160. For example, the first sealing portion 171 may have a substantially circular shape provided along the second end 162 of the partition guide 160.

[0157] The first sealing portion 171 may be coupled to the partition guide 160. For example, the first sealing portion 171 may be coupled to the second end 162 of the partition guide 160. For example, the first sealing portion 171 may be fitted and coupled to the partition guide 160.

[0158] The seal 170 may include a second sealing portion 172 extending from the first housing 151 to the inner wall of the main body case 11. The second sealing portion 172 may be in contact with the first housing 151 and the inner wall of the main body case 11, respectively. For example, the second sealing portion 172 may extend from the outer circumferential surface 151e of the first housing 151 to the inner wall of the main body case 11.

[0159] The second sealing portion 172 may be provided to partition a space between the first housing 151 and the inner wall of the main body case 11 from the first flow path F1. The second sealing portion 172 may be provided to partition a space between the outer circumferential surface 151e of the first housing 151 and the inner wall of the main body case 11 from the first flow path F1. Particularly, the second sealing portion 172 may be provided to partition a space between at least the lower portion of the outer circumferential surface 151e of the first housing 151 and the inner wall of the main body case 11 from the first flow path F1. For example, the second sealing portion 172 may be arranged between the space between the outer circumferential surface 151e of the first housing 151 and the inner wall of the main body case 11, and the first flow path F1. Particularly, the second sealing portion 172 may be arranged between the space between at least the lower portion of the outer circumferential surface 151e of the first housing 151 and the inner wall of the main body case 11, and the first flow path F1. For example, the second sealing portion 172 may be arranged under the first outlet 11b. Accordingly, the second sealing portion 172 may prevent that air moving along the first flow path F1 is not discharged to the first outlet 11b but moves downward.

[0160] The second sealing portion 172 may be provided along the outer circumference of the motor housing 150. For example, the second sealing portion 172 may be provided along the outer circumferential surface 151e of the first housing 151. For example, the second sealing portion 172 may have a substantially circular shape provided along the circumference of the first housing 151.

[0161] The second sealing portion 172 may be coupled to the first housing 151. For example, the first housing 151 may include a seal coupling portion 151f to which the second sealing portion 172 is coupled. For example, the seal coupling portion 151f may protrude from the outer circumferential surface 151e of the first housing 151. For example, the seal coupling portion 151f may extend along a circumferential direction of the first housing 151. For example, the second sealing portion 172 may be fitted and coupled to the seal coupling portion 151f.

[0162] The first sealing portion 171 and the second sealing portion 172 may be provided to allow the suction device 100 to be mounted on the inner wall of the main body case 11, respectively. The first sealing portion 171 and the second sealing portion 172 may reduce vibrations generated by the operation of the motor 110, respectively.

[0163] The first sealing portion 171 and the second sealing portion 172 may be spaced apart from each other. The first sealing portion 171 and the second sealing portion 172 may be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction Z. For example, the second sealing portion 172 may be positioned lower than the first sealing portion 171. A region in which the first sealing portion 171 and the main body case 11 come into contact and a region in which the second sealing portion 172 and the main body case 11 come into contact may be spaced apart from each other. In a region between the region in which the first sealing portion 171 and the main body case 11 come into contact and the region which the second sealing portion 172 and the main body case 11 come into contact, the seal 170 and the inner wall of the main body case 11 may not come into contact with each other.

[0164] The first outlet 11b may be disposed between a portion of the main body case 11 that is in contact with the first sealing portion 171 and another portion that is in contact with the second sealing portion 172. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent that air flowing to the first outlet 11b along the first flow path F1 escapes from the first flow path F1.

[0165] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the first sealing portion 171 and the second sealing portion 172 may be connected to each other. The seal 170 may include a connecting portion 173 provided between the first sealing portion 171 and the second sealing portion 172. The connecting portion 173 may connect the first sealing portion 171 and the second sealing portion 172.

[0166] For example, the connecting portion 173 may be spaced apart from the inner wall of the main body case 11. The connecting portion 173 may have a shape that is recessed inwardly of the suction device 100 with respect to the first sealing portion 171 and the second sealing portion 172 so as not to come into contact with the inner wall of the main body case 11.

[0167] The seal 170 may include a seal hole 173a provided to allow the first flow path F1 to pass through. The seal hole 173a may be arranged between the first sealing portion 171 and the second sealing portion 172. For example, the seal hole 173a may be provided in the connecting portion 173. For example, the seal hole 173a may be provided to allow the first flow path F1 to pass through the connecting portion 173. For example, the seal hole 173a may be connected to the air guide 151c. For example, the seal hole 173a may be arranged to face the first outlet 11b. When the suction fan 130 rotates, air flowing along the first flow path F1 may pass through the seal hole 173a and be discharged through the first outlet 11b.

[0168] For example, a plurality of seal holes 173a may be provided. The plurality of seal holes 173a may be arranged spaced apart from each other. However, the number of seal holes 173a is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 3 to 7.

[0169] For example, in order to allow air to flow smoothly along the first flow path F1 when the suction fan 130 rotates, a distance d1 between the first sealing portion 171 and the second sealing portion 172 may be greater than or equal to a width d2 of the air guide 151c. A size of the seal hole 173a may be greater than or equal to the width d2 of the air guide 151c.

[0170] For example, the first sealing portion 171, the second sealing portion 172, and the connecting portion 173 connecting the first sealing portion 171 and the second sealing portion 172 may be formed integrally with each other. As the seal 170 is formed integrally, the productivity of the suction device 100 may be improved.

[0171] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a main body case of a cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and a suction device including a seal in which a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion are separated from each other. FIG. 9 is a view illustrating an example of the seal, in which the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion are separated from each other, included in the suction device of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0172] As for describing configurations of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the same reference numerals may be given to the same configurations as those of the embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 7, and a description thereof may be omitted.

[0173] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the suction device 100 of the cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a seal 270 provided to partition a first flow path F1 and a second flow path F2 together with a partition guide 160.

[0174] The seal 270 may include a first sealing portion 271 extending from the partition guide 160 to an inner wall of a main body case 11. The first sealing portion 271 may extend from a second end 162 of the partition guide 160 to the inner wall of the main body case 11. The first sealing portion 271 may come into contact with the partition guide 160 and the inner wall of the main body case 11, respectively.

[0175] The first sealing portion 271 may be arranged between the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2. The first sealing portion 271 may be arranged between both a second inlet 11c and a second outlet 11d, and a first outlet 11b. For example, the first sealing portion 271 may be arranged above the first outlet 11b and below the second inlet 11c and the second outlet 11d. The first sealing portion 271 may partition the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2.

[0176] The first sealing portion 271 may be provided along an outer circumference of the partition guide 160. For example, the first sealing portion 271 may be provided along the second end 162 of the partition guide 160. For example, the first sealing portion 271 may have a substantially circular shape provided along the second end 162 of the partition guide 160.

[0177] The first sealing portion 271 may be coupled to the partition guide 160. For example, the first sealing portion 271 may be coupled to the second end 162 of the partition guide 160. For example, the first sealing portion 271 may be fitted and coupled to the partition guide 160.

[0178] The seal 270 may include a second sealing portion 272 extending from the first housing 151 to the inner wall of the main body case 11. The second sealing portion 272 may be in contact with the first housing 151 and the inner wall of the main body case 11, respectively. For example, the second sealing portion 272 may extend from an outer circumferential surface 151e of the first housing 151 to the inner wall of the main body case 11.

[0179] The second sealing portion 272 may be provided to partition a space between the motor housing 150 and the inner wall of the main body case 11 from the first flow path F1. The second sealing portion 272 may be provided to partition a space between the outer circumferential surface 151e of the first housing 151 and the inner wall of the main body case 11 from the first flow path F1. Particularly, the second sealing portion 272 may be provided to partition a space between at least the lower portion of the outer circumferential surface 151e of the first housing 151 and the inner wall of the main body case 11 from the first flow path F1. For example, the second sealing portion 272 may be arranged between the space between the outer circumferential surface 151e of the first housing 151 and the inner wall of the main body case 11, and the first flow path F1. Particularly, the second sealing portion 272 may be arranged between the space between at least the lower portion of the outer circumferential surface 151e of the first housing 151 and the inner wall of the main body case 11, and the first flow path F1. For example, the second sealing portion 272 may be arranged on the lower side of the first outlet 11b. Accordingly, the second sealing portion 272 may prevent that air moving along the first flow path F1 is not discharged to the first outlet 11b and but moves downward.

[0180] The second sealing portion 272 may be provided along the outer circumference of the motor housing 150. For example, the second sealing portion 272 may be provided along the outer circumferential surface 151e of the first housing 151. For example, the second sealing portion 272 may have a substantially circular shape provided along the circumference of the first housing 151.

[0181] The second sealing portion 272 may be coupled to the first housing 151. For example, the second sealing portion 272 may be coupled to a seal coupling portion 151f provided on the outer circumferential surface 151e of the first housing 151. For example, the second sealing portion 272 may be fitted and coupled to the seal coupling portion 151f.

[0182] The first sealing portion 271 and the second sealing portion 272 may be spaced apart from each other. The first sealing portion 271 and the second sealing portion 272 may be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction Z. For example, the second sealing portion 272 may be positioned lower than the first sealing portion 271. A region in which the first sealing portion 271 and the main body case 11 come into contact and a region in which the second sealing portion 272 and the main body case 11 come into contact may be spaced apart from each other. In a region between the region in which the first sealing portion 271 and the main body case 11 come into contact and the region in which the second sealing portion 272 and the main body case 11 come into contact, the seal 270 and the inner wall of the main body case 11 may not come into contact with each other.

[0183] The first outlet 11b may be disposed between a portion of the main body case 11 that is in contact with the first sealing portion 271 and another portion that is in contact with the second sealing portion 272.

[0184] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the first sealing portion 271 and the second sealing portion 272 may be separated from each other. That is, the first sealing portion 271 and the second sealing portion 272 may not be connected to each other. The first flow path F1 may pass through a separation space between the first sealing portion 271 and the second sealing portion 272. When the suction fan 130 rotates, the air flowing along the first flow path F1 may pass through the separation space between the first sealing portion 271 and the second sealing portion 272 and be discharged to the first outlet 11b.

[0185] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a main body case of a cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and a suction device accommodated within the main body case.

[0186] As for describing configurations of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to FIG. 10, the same reference numerals may be given to the same configurations as those of the embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 9, and a description thereof may be omitted.

[0187] Referring to FIG. 10, a suction device 100 of a cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a second flow path partition 360 provided to partition a portion of a second flow path F2. The second flow path partition 360 may be provided to partition an upstream portion connected to a second inlet 11c of the second flow path F2 and a downstream portion connected to a second outlet 11d of the second flow path F2. In a region adjacent to the second inlet 11c and the second outlet 11d, the second flow path partition 360 may partition a space to prevent air, which flows through the second inlet 11c, and air, which moves toward the second outlet 11d, from mixing with each other.

[0188] The second flow path partition 360 may be provided on an inner side of a main body case 11. For example, the second flow path partition 360 may be arranged between a cooling fan shroud 141 and the main body case 11. For example, the second flow path partition 360 may extend from the cooling fan shroud 141 toward the inner wall of the main body case 11. For example, the second flow path partition 360 may extend in a substantially horizontal direction from the cooling fan shroud 141.

[0189] The second flow path partition 360 may be provided along a circumference of the cooling fan shroud 141. For example, the second flow path partition 360 may have a substantially annular shape provided along the circumference of the cooling fan shroud 141.

[0190] For example, the second flow path partition 360 may be formed integrally with the cooling fan shroud 141.

[0191] The suction device 100 may include a second flow path seal 370 arranged to partition a portion of the second flow path F2 together with the second flow path partition 360. The second flow path seal 370 may be arranged on the inside of the main body case 11. The second flow path seal 370 may be in contact with the inner wall of the main body case 11.

[0192] The second flow path seal 370 may come into contact with a portion of the main body case 11 between the second inlet 11c and the second outlet 11d. That is, the portion, in which the second flow path seal 370 comes into contact with the main body case 11, may be disposed between the second inlet 11c and the second outlet 11d. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the second flow path seal 370 may come into contact with the lower side of the second inlet 11c and the upper side of the second outlet 11d.

[0193] The second flow path seal 370 may be provided to seal a gap between the second flow path partition 360 and the main body case 11. The second flow path seal 370 may extend from the second flow path partition 360 toward the inner wall of the main body case 11.

[0194] The second flow path seal 370 may be provided along an outer circumference of the second flow path partition 360. The second flow path seal 370 may be positioned between the outer circumference of the second flow path partition 360 and the inner wall of the main body case 11. For example, the second flow path seal 370 may have a substantially annular shape formed along the circumference of the second flow path partition 360.

[0195] The second flow path seal 370 may be coupled to the second flow path partition 360. For example, the second flow path seal 370 may be coupled to one end, which is adjacent to the inner wall of the main body case 11, of the second flow path partition 360. For example, the second flow path seal 370 may be fitted and coupled to the second flow path partition 360.

[0196] The second flow path seal 370 may be provided to be elastically deformable. The second flow path seal 370 may include an elastic material. For example, the second flow path seal 370 may include various materials such as rubber, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is known as Teflon, and silicone.

[0197] Unlike FIG. 10, according to various embodiments, the second flow path partition 360 and the second flow path seal 370 may be configured to be included in the main body case 11. For example, the second flow path partition 360 may protrude from the inner wall of the main body case 11 and extend toward the cooling fan shroud 141. The second flow path seal 370 may be positioned between the cooling fan shroud 141 and the second flow path seal 370.

[0198] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a main body case of a cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and a suction device accommodated within the main body case.

[0199] As for describing configurations of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to FIG. 11, the same reference numerals may be given to the same configurations as those of the embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 10, and a description thereof may be omitted.

[0200] Referring to FIG. 11, a main body case 11 of a cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a second inlet 11c formed on one side of the main body case 11 and configured to allow cool air to be introduced when a cooling fan 140 rotates, and a second outlet 11d formed on the other side of the main body case 11 and configured to allow cool air to be discharged when the cooling fan 140 rotates.

[0201] For example, the second inlet 11c and the second outlet 11d may be arranged on opposite sides of the main body case 11. For example, the second inlet 11c and the second outlet 11d may be arranged on opposite sides of the case body 12. When the cooling fan 140 rotates, air outside the cleaner 1 may be introduced into one side of the main body case 11 through the second inlet 11c, and the introduced air may pass through the cooling fan shroud 141, the cooling fan 140 and the motor 110 along the second flow path F2 and flow to the opposite side of the main body case 11 and then be discharged back to the outside of the cleaner 1 through the second outlet 11d.

[0202] For example, the second inlet 11c and the second outlet 11d may be arranged parallel to each other in a substantially horizontal direction.

[0203] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a main body case of a cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and a suction device accommodated within the main body case.

[0204] As for describing configurations of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to FIG. 12, the same reference numerals may be given to the same configurations as those of the embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 11, and a description thereof may be omitted.

[0205] Referring to FIG. 12, a suction device 100 of a cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cooling fan 440 for cooling a motor 110 and / or a motor driver 120. The cooling fan 440 may be connected to the motor 110 and may be configured to be rotatable. The cooling fan 440 may be connected to a rotating shaft 113 and configured to be rotatable.

[0206] The cooling fan 440 may be provided to allow air to be introduced into the main body case 11 through a second inlet 11c and to allow air to be discharged from the main body case 11 through a second outlet 11d as the cooling fan 440 rotates. The cooling fan 440 may be provided to allow air to flow from the second inlet 11c toward the second outlet 11d along a second flow path F2 as the cooling fan 440 rotates. The second flow path F2 may pass through the motor 110. The second flow path F2 may pass through the cooling fan 440.

[0207] The cooling fan 440 may be disposed downstream of the second flow path F2 from the motor 110. The cooling fan 440 may be disposed between the motor 110 and a suction fan 130. The cooling fan 440 may be disposed below the motor 110. As a result, the cooling fan 440 may efficiently cool the motor 110 from top to bottom.

[0208] The cooling fan 440 may be disposed inside a motor housing 150. The cooling fan 440 may be surrounded by the motor housing 150. The cooling fan 440 may be surrounded by a first housing 151. The cooling fan 440 may be surrounded by a motor cover portion 151a. The motor cover portion 151a may horizontally surround the cooling fan 440.

[0209] The suction device 100 may further include a cooling fan shroud 441 covering the cooling fan 440. The cooling fan shroud 441 may cover the cooling fan 440. The cooling fan shroud 441 may surround an outer circumference of the cooling fan 440. The cooling fan shroud 441 may horizontally surround the cooling fan 440. The cooling fan shroud 441 may be configured to guide the flow of air as the cooling fan 440 rotates. The second flow path F2 may pass through the cooling fan shroud 441.

[0210] An inner surface of the cooling fan shroud 441 and the cooling fan 440 may be spaced apart from each other.

[0211] The cooling fan shroud 441 may be positioned downstream of the second flow path F2 from the motor 110. The cooling fan shroud 441 may be positioned between the motor 110 and the suction fan 130. The cooling fan shroud 441 may be positioned below the motor 110.

[0212] The cooling fan shroud 441 may be arranged inside the motor housing 150. The cooling fan shroud 441 may be surrounded by the motor housing 150. The cooling fan shroud 441 may be surrounded by the first housing 151. The cooling fan shroud 441 may be arranged inside the motor cover portion 151a. The cooling fan shroud 441 may be surrounded by the motor cover portion 151a. The motor cover portion 151a may horizontally surround the cooling fan shroud 441.

[0213] For example, the cooling fan shroud 441 may extend downward from the inside of the first housing 151.

[0214] For example, the cooling fan shroud 441 may be coupled to the motor housing 150. For example, the cooling fan shroud 441 may be coupled to the first housing 151. Alternatively, the cooling fan shroud 441 may be formed integrally with the first housing 151. Alternatively, the cooling fan shroud 441 may be coupled to a stator 111.

[0215] FIG. 13 is a graph illustrating a temperature of a motor over time for the cleaner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, when the suction device includes a cooling fan and when the suction device does not include a cooling fan.

[0216] In FIG. 13, a horizontal axis indicates an operating time t of the motor 110, and a vertical axis indicates a temperature Tm of the motor 110. For example, the temperature of the motor 110 may be the temperature of the coil wound on the stator 111.

[0217] A value Tc displayed on the vertical axis in FIG. 13 indicates the allowable temperature of the motor 110, and it is appropriate that the motor 110 be heated to a temperature less than or equal to the allowable temperature Tc during operation.

[0218] In FIG. 13, P1 indicates a first output value of the motor 110, P2 indicates a second output value of the motor 110, and P3 indicates a third output value. The second output value P2 may be greater than the first output value P1, and the third output value P3 may be greater than the second output value P2.

[0219] In FIG. 13, a first graph G1 is a graph illustrating a temperature Tm of the motor 110 over time t in one embodiment in which the suction device 100 does not include the cooling fan for cooling the motor 110 and / or the motor driver 120.

[0220] In FIG. 13, a second graph G2 is a graph illustrating a temperature Tm of the motor 110 over time t in one embodiment in which the suction device 100 includes the cooling fan 140 (or the cooling fan 440) for cooling the motor 110 and / or the motor driver 120 and a structure for defining the cooling flow path and the suction flow path, as in the various embodiments of the present disclosure described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12.

[0221] When comparing the first graph G1 with the second graph G2 in FIG. 13, it can be seen that when the suction device 100 includes the cooling fan 140 (or the cooling fan 440), the motor 110 may be cooled more efficiently. In addition, referring to the first graph G1, the temperature Tm of the motor 110 exceeds an allowable temperature Tc at the third output value P3, but referring to the second graph G2, the temperature Tm of the motor 110 is less than the allowable temperature Tc at the third output value P3. Therefore, it can be seen that when the suction device 100 includes the cooling fan 140 (or the cooling fan 440), the motor 110 may output higher energy. That is, it can be seen that the output range of the motor 110 increases when the suction device 100 includes the cooling fan 140 (or the cooling fan 440).

[0222] In the above, the cleaner 1 according to various embodiments are described as an example of a stick-type cleaner, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the above-described configurations of the cleaner may be applied to various types of cleaners, such as a canister type cleaner, an upright type cleaner, a handy type cleaner, and a robot cleaner.

[0223] A cleaner according to one embodiment may include a main body case including a first inlet, a first outlet, a second inlet and a second outlet; a motor disposed in the main body case; a suction fan disposed in the main body case and connected to the motor so as to be rotatable; a cooling fan disposed in the main body case and connected to the motor so as to be rotatable; a motor housing disposed in the main body case, provided to support the motor, and including a partition guide; and a seal coupled to the partition guide and in contact with an inner wall of the main body case. The partition guide and the seal may be provided to partition a first flow path extending from the first inlet to the first outlet through the suction fan, and a second flow path extending from the second inlet to the second outlet through the cooling fan and the motor.

[0224] The seal may be disposed along an outer circumference of the partition guide.

[0225] The motor housing may further include a motor cover portion surrounding the motor. The partition guide may extend from the motor cover portion.

[0226] The partition guide may extend from the motor cover portion to be close to the inner wall of the main body case.

[0227] The seal may be coupled to one end, which is opposite to the motor cover portion in a direction extending from the motor cover portion, of the partition guide.

[0228] The motor housing may further include an air guide through which the first flow path passes. The partition guide may extend from one side of the air guide in a direction in which air flowing along the first flow path is discharged in response to the rotation of the suction fan.

[0229] The motor housing may further include a first housing surrounding the motor and through which the first flow path passes. The seal may include a first sealing portion extending from the partition guide to the inner wall of the main body case, and a second sealing portion extending from the first housing to the inner wall of the main body case.

[0230] The second sealing portion may be provided to partition a space between an outer circumferential surface of the first housing and the inner wall of the main body case from the first flow path.

[0231] The first outlet may be disposed between a portion of the main body case in contact with the first sealing portion and another portion of the main body case in contact with the second sealing portion.

[0232] The first sealing portion and the second sealing portion may be connected to each other. The seal may further include a seal hole disposed between the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion and provided to allow the first flow path to pass therethrough.

[0233] The first outlet and the second outlet may be spaced apart from each other.

[0234] The motor housing may further include a motor cover portion surrounding the motor. The first flow path may be disposed on an outside of the motor cover portion, and at least a portion of the second flow path may be disposed on an inside of the motor cover portion.

[0235] The second flow path may include a first portion passing through the motor and the cooling fan, and a second portion passing between the motor and the motor cover portion.

[0236] The cleaner may further include a motor driver electrically connected to the motor. The cooling fan may be disposed between the motor and the motor driver.

[0237] The cleaner may further include a suction port provided to draw in air and foreign substances, and a dust collector connected to the suction port and configured to collect foreign substances in the air drawn in from the suction port. The first inlet may be provided to allow air passing through the dust collector to be introduced therein.

[0238] A cleaner according to one embodiment may include a suction port provided to draw in air and foreign substances; a dust collector connected to the suction port and configured to collect foreign substances in the air drawn in from the suction port; a suction device configured to draw in air and foreign substances through the suction port; and a main body case including a first inlet, a first outlet, a second inlet, and a second outlet and accommodating the suction device. The suction device may include a motor; a suction fan connected to the motor so as to be rotatable, and configured to move air, which is introduced into the main body case through the dust collector and the first inlet, to the first outlet as the suction fan rotates; a cooling fan connected to the motor so as to be rotatable and configured to move air, which is introduced into the main body case through the second inlet, to the second outlet through the motor as the cooling fan rotates; a partition guide disposed in the main body case and provided to partition a first flow path extending from the first inlet to the first outlet, and a second flow path extending from the second inlet to the second outlet; and a seal disposed between an outer circumference of the partition guide and an inner wall of the main body case.

[0239] The suction device may further include a motor housing supporting the motor. The motor housing may further include an air guide through which the first flow path passes. The partition guide may extend from one side of the air guide to the inner wall of the main body case so as to guide air, which flows along the first flow path in response to the rotation of the suction fan, to the first outlet.

[0240] The suction device may further include a suction fan shroud covering the suction fan, a cooling fan shroud covering the cooling fan, and a motor housing supporting the motor. The motor housing may include an air guide connected to the suction fan shroud, and a motor cover portion disposed inside the air guide, provided to surround the motor, and connected to the cooling fan shroud. The partition guide may extend from the motor cover portion to the inner wall of the main body case.

[0241] The cooling fan may be provided to allow air outside the cleaner to be introduced into the main body case through the second inlet and provided to allow air to be discharged to an outside of the cleaner through the second outlet in response to the rotation of the cooling fan.

[0242] A suction device according to one embodiment may include a motor; a suction fan connected to the motor so as to be rotatable; a cooling fan connected to the motor so as to be rotatable; a suction fan shroud covering the suction fan; a cooling fan shroud covering the cooling fan; a motor housing disposed between the suction fan shroud and the cooling fan shroud, and covering the motor, the motor housing including a partition guide disposed between a suction flow path connected to the suction fan shroud and a cooling flow path connected to the cooling fan shroud and passing through the motor; and a seal provided along an outer circumference of the partition guide.

[0243] As is apparent from the above description, a suction device of a cleaner may include a cooling fan so as to generate a flow of air passing through a motor and / or a motor driver, thereby efficiently cooling the motor and / or the motor driver and increasing an output range of the motor.

[0244] Further, a suction device of a cleaner may include a partition guide and a seal to prevent or reduce suction air containing moisture from flowing into a space in which a motor and / or a motor driver are disposed.

[0245] Further, a suction device of a cleaner may include a partition guide and a seal to separate a flow path for drawing in and filtering out foreign substances such as dust, from a flow path for cooling a motor and / or a motor driver.

[0246] Additional aspects of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure.

[0247] While the present disclosure has been particularly described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood by those of skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0026]Embodiments described in the disclosure and configurations shown in the drawings are merely examples of the embodiments of the disclosure, and may be modified in various different ways at the time of filing of the present application to replace the embodiments and drawings of the disclosure.

[0027]In addition, the same reference numerals or signs shown in the drawings of the disclosure indicate elements or components performing substantially the same function.

[0028]Also, the terms used herein are used to describe the embodiments and are not intended to limit and / or restrict the disclosure. The singular forms “a,”“an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this disclosure, the terms “including”, “having”, and the like are used to specify features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more of the features, numbers, st...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT / KR2025 / 005072, filed Apr. 15, 2025, and claims foreign priority to Korean Application No. 10-2024-0085815, filed Jun. 28, 2024, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a cleaner including a suction device.BACKGROUND ART

[0003] A cleaner is a device that removes rubbish from a room and cleans the room. The cleaner includes a suction device that generates suction power, and draws in foreign substances such as dust along with air using the suction power of the suction device, and then separates the foreign substances contained in the drawn air from the air and collects the foreign substances to perform cleaning.

[0004] The suction device may include an impeller configured to generate a flow of air, and a motor configured to rotate the impeller. The motor is a machine that obtains rotational power from electrical energy, and includes a stator and a rotor. The rotor is configured to electromagnetically interact with the stator, and configured to rotate by force acting between a magnetic field and a current flowing in a coil. The impeller may be connected to the rotor, and may rotate as the rotor rotates, thereby generating a flow of air. The suction device may further include a motor housing that accommodates the stator and the rotor, a fan shroud that covers the impeller, and the like.

[0005] The cleaners may be classified into canister type, upright type, handy type, and stick type. Recently, a robot cleaner that moves around a cleaning area on its own without user intervention and performs cleaning tasks by sucking up rubbish such as dust from a surface to be cleaned has become popular. Further, there is also a cleaner that is equipped with a mop pad and performs wet cleaning of a surface to be cleaned.DISCLOSURETechnical Problem

[0006] The present disclosure is directed to providing a suction device including an improved structure capable of efficiently cooling a motor and / or a motor driver and increasing an output range of the motor, and a cleaner including the same.

[0007] The present disclosure is directed to providing a suction device including an improved structure capable of preventing or reducing suction air containing moisture from flowing into a space in which a motor and / or a motor driver is located, and a cleaner including the same.

[0008] The present disclosure is directed to providing a suction device including an improved structure capable of separating a flow path for suctioning and filtering out foreign substances such as dust from a flow path for cooling a motor and / or a motor driver, and a cleaner including the same.

[0009] The technical object intended to be achieved by the present document is not limited to the above-mentioned technical objects, and other technical objects not mentioned will be clearly understood by one of ordinary skill in the technical art to which the disclosure belongs from the following description.Technical Solution

[0010] A cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a main body case including a first inlet, a first outlet, a second inlet and a second outlet; a motor in the main body case; a suction fan in the main body case and configured to be rotatable by the motor to move air along a first flow path extending from the first inlet to the first outlet; a cooling fan in the main body case and configured to be rotatable by the motor to move air along a second flow path extending from the second inlet to the second outlet; a motor housing supporting the motor, and including a partition guide; and a seal coupled to the partition guide and in contact with an inner wall of the main body case. The partition guide and the seal may together partition the first flow path from the second flow path.

[0011] A cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a suction port provided to draw in air and foreign substances; a dust collector configured to collect foreign substances in the air drawn in from the suction port; a suction device configured to draw in air and foreign substances through the suction port; and a main body case including a first inlet, a first outlet, a second inlet, and a second outlet, and accommodating the suction device. The suction device may include a motor; a suction fan configured to be rotatable by the motor, and to move air, which is introduced into the main body case through the dust collector and the first inlet, to the first outlet as the suction fan rotates; a cooling fan configured to be rotatable by the motor, and to move air, which is introduced into the main body case through the second inlet, to the second outlet through the motor as the cooling fan rotates; a partition guide disposed in the main body case and provided to partition a first flow path extending from the first inlet to the first outlet, from a second flow path extending from the second inlet to the second outlet; and a seal between an outer circumference of the partition guide and an inner wall of the main body case.

[0012] A suction device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a motor; a suction fan configured to be rotatable by the motor; a cooling fan configured to be rotatable by the motor; a suction fan shroud covering the suction fan; a cooling fan shroud covering the cooling fan; a motor housing between the suction fan shroud and the cooling fan shroud, and covering the motor, the motor housing including a partition guide between a suction flow path connected to the suction fan shroud and a cooling flow path connected to the cooling fan shroud and passing through the motor; and a seal provided along an outer circumference of the partition guide.DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a main body of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a suction device of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the suction device of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a main body case of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and the suction device accommodated within the main body case.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the main body case of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and the suction device accommodated within the main body case.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a view illustrating an example of a seal, in which a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion are provided integrally, included in the suction device of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a main body case of a cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and a suction device including a seal in which a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion are separated from each other.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a view illustrating an example of the seal, in which the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion are separated from each other, included in the suction device of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a main body case of a cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and a suction device accommodated within the main body case.

[0023] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a main body case of a cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and a suction device accommodated within the main body case.

[0024] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a main body case of a cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and a suction device accommodated within the main body case.

[0025] FIG. 13 is a graph illustrating a temperature of a motor over time for the cleaner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, when the suction device includes a cooling fan and when the suction device does not include a cooling fan.MODES OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Embodiments described in the disclosure and configurations shown in the drawings are merely examples of the embodiments of the disclosure, and may be modified in various different ways at the time of filing of the present application to replace the embodiments and drawings of the disclosure.

[0027] In addition, the same reference numerals or signs shown in the drawings of the disclosure indicate elements or components performing substantially the same function.

[0028] Also, the terms used herein are used to describe the embodiments and are not intended to limit and / or restrict the disclosure. The singular forms “a,”“an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this disclosure, the terms “including”, “having”, and the like are used to specify features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more of the features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0029] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, but elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the scope of the disclosure, a first element may be termed as a second element, and a second element may be termed as a first element. The term of “and / or” includes a plurality of combinations of relevant items or any one item among a plurality of relevant items.

[0030] The disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] As for describing various embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13, the terms “upper,”“lower,”“vertical direction,”“horizontal direction,” etc. used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms. For example, the term “vertical direction” below may mean a direction parallel to the Z direction based on the drawings, and the terms “upper” and “lower” below may mean upward in the Z direction and downward in the Z direction based on the drawings, respectively. The term “horizontal direction” below may mean a direction parallel to the XY plane based on the drawings, respectively. For example, the X, Y, and Z directions illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 13 may be defined based on a main body 10 of the cleaner 1 according to various embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a main body of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include the main body 10 and a suction head 20.

[0034] The suction head 20 may be connected to the main body 10. The cleaner 1 may include a connecting pipe 30 connecting the suction head 20 and the main body 10. The connecting pipe 30 may be provided to be coupled or separated from the main body 10. The connecting pipe 30 may be provided to be coupled or separated from the suction head 20. For example, the connecting pipe 30 may include a head connector 31 provided to allow the suction head 20 to be mounted on the connecting pipe 30 or to be separated from the connecting pipe 30. The suction head 20 may be rotatably mounted on the connecting pipe 30.

[0035] The suction head 20 may be configured to draw in air and foreign substances such as dust from a surface to be cleaned. The suction head 20 may include a suction port 20a provided to draw in air and foreign substances. The suction port 20a may be connected to the main body 10, and air and foreign substances may be drawn in through the suction port 20a by a suction force generated by a suction device 100 described below. The suction port 20a may be connected to the main body 10 through the connecting pipe 30.

[0036] A brush may be provided in the suction head 20. The brush may be disposed in the suction port 20a. The brush may be rotatably mounted on the suction head 20. When foreign substances on a surface to be cleaned are blown away by the rotation of the brush, the blown foreign substances may be drawn into the suction port 20a by the suction force generated by the suction device 100.

[0037] Accordingly, the cleaner 1 according to one embodiment may perform dry cleaning by drawing foreign substances in from a surface to be cleaned without using water.

[0038] In addition, the cleaner 1 according to one embodiment may perform wet cleaning using water or steam. For example, the suction head 20 may include a head body 21 and a mop pad holder 22 that is rotatably mounted on the head body 21 and supports a mop pad 23. The mop pad 23 may be removably mounted on the mop pad holder 22. For example, the mop pad 23 may be removably mounted on the mop pad holder 22 by Velcro. In a state in which the mog pad 23 is mounted on the mop pad holder 22, the mop pad 23 may come into contact with a surface to be cleaned and wipe the surface to be cleaned while rotating. The head body 21 may be provided with a nozzle for spraying water onto the surface to be cleaned, and a water supply device for supplying water to the mop pad 23. The mop pad 23 may perform wet cleaning using water sprayed onto the surface to be cleaned by the nozzle, or may perform wet cleaning using water supplied directly from the water supply device.

[0039] In addition, the cleaner 1 according to various embodiments may include various configurations for performing dry or wet cleaning. In the above, the cleaner 1 configured to perform both dry cleaning and wet cleaning using one suction head 20 is described as an example. However, the cleaner 1 according to various embodiments may include various suction heads that are each mountable or detachable to the connecting pipe 30 by the head connector 31 and thus that are replaceable, and some of the suction heads may be used for dry cleaning and others may be used for wet cleaning.

[0040] The main body 10 may include the suction device 100 configured to generate suction force. The suction device 100 may include a suction fan 130 configured to generate a flow of air while rotating, and a motor 110 connected to the suction fan 130 and configured to generate power. A detailed description of the suction device 100 will be described later.

[0041] The main body 10 may include a dust collector 60 configured to filter out foreign substances from air drawn in from the suction port 20a. The dust collector 60 may be configured to filter out and collect foreign substances in the drawn air.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the dust collector 60 may include a dust collector case 61. The dust collector case 61 may include a dust collector case inlet 61a that is connected to the connecting pipe 30 and configured to allow air and foreign substances, which are drawn in through the suction port 20a, to be introduced. The dust collector case 61 may be configured to collect foreign substances separated from air introduced through the dust collector case inlet 61a. A dust collector chamber for collecting foreign substances may be formed inside the dust collector case 61. For example, a dust collector case door 61b rotatably mounted relative to the dust collector case 61 to open and close the dust collector chamber may be provided on one side of the dust collector case 61. For example, the dust collector case 61 may include a mounting button 65 provided to be mounted to or separated from other components of the main body 10.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the dust collector 60 may be configured to filter out foreign substances in the air using a cyclone method. The dust collector 60 may include at least one cyclone configured to separate foreign substances by centrifugal force generated as the air and foreign substances rotate and flow. An air inlet provided in each cyclone may include various structures provided to guide the rotational flow of air, such as a helical inlet, a tangential inlet, and a guide vane inlet.

[0044] For example, the dust collector 60 may include a first cyclone 62 configured to primarily filter out foreign substances in the air, and a plurality of second cyclones 63 configured to secondarily filter out foreign substances in the air that passes through the first cyclone 62. The first cyclone 62 may induce air to flow along a relatively large rotation radius in order to filter out foreign substances of a relatively large size. The plurality of second cyclones 63 may induce air to flow along a relatively small rotation radius in order to filter out foreign substances of a relatively small size.

[0045] The dust collector 60 may include a cyclone cover 64 arranged between the first cyclone 62 and the second cyclone 63. The cyclone cover 64 may be provided to allow air to pass therethrough. The cyclone cover 64 may be provided to allow air and foreign substances, which are discharged from the first cyclone 62, to pass through the cyclone cover 64 and flow into the second cyclone 63. In other words, the cyclone cover 64 may function as an outlet of the first cyclone 62 and an inlet of the second cyclone 63.

[0046] Air, in which foreign substances are filtered out by passing through the first cyclone 62 and the second cyclone 63, may be discharged from the second cyclone 63 through a filtered air outlet 63a provided in the second cyclone 63. For example, the air, in which foreign substances are filtered out, may be discharged upward through the filtered air outlet 63a. The foreign substances may settle downward and be collected in the dust collector case 61.

[0047] With these configurations, the dust collector 60 may filter out and collect foreign substances in the drawn air. However, the structure of the dust collector 60 is not limited to the embodiment described above. According to various embodiments, the cleaner 1 may include a dust collector including various structures for filtering out and collecting foreign substances in the air.

[0048] The dust collector 60 may be positioned upstream of the air flow from the suction device 100. The air filtered while passing through the dust collector 60 may flow toward the suction device 100. The air discharged through the filtered air outlet 63a of the second cyclone 63 may flow toward the suction device 100.

[0049] The main body 10 may include a main body case 11. The suction device 100 may be disposed inside the main body case 11. The main body case 11 may accommodate the suction device 100. The suction device 100 may be mounted on the inside of the main body case 11. The main body case 11 may support the suction device 100. Each component of the suction device 100, such as the motor 110, a motor driver 120, the suction fan 130, a suction fan shroud 131, a cooling fan 140, a cooling fan shroud 141, a motor housing 150, a partition guide 160, and a seal 170, may be supported by the main body case 11. Each of the components of the suction device 100 may be disposed inside the main body case 11. The main body case 11 may also be referred to as a ‘suction device case 11’.

[0050] The main body case 11 may be provided to allow air to be introduced and discharged as the suction device 100 operates. Air introduced through the suction port 20a by the suction force of the suction device 100 may be introduced into the main body case 11 and discharged from the inside of the main body case 11 to the outside. A flow path for air to flow may be provided inside the main body case 11.

[0051] A detailed description of the structure of the main body case 11 will be described later.

[0052] The main body 10 may include an exhaust cover 14. The exhaust cover 14 may cover the main body case 11. The exhaust cover 14 may cover a case body 12 of the main body case 11, which will be described later. The exhaust cover 14 may be arranged to surround an outer circumference of the case body 12. The exhaust cover 14 may form at least a portion of an exterior of the main body 10. The exhaust cover 14 may include an exhaust hole 14h provided to allow air, which is discharged from the main body case 11, to pass therethrough and be discharged to the outside of the main body 10.

[0053] The main body 10 may include an exhaust filter 15 arranged between the exhaust cover 14 and the main body case 11. The exhaust filter 15 may be provided to filter out foreign substances in the air before the air, which is discharged from the main body case 11, is discharged to the outside of the main body 10 through the exhaust hole 14h of the exhaust cover 14. That is, the exhaust filter 15 may be provided to filter the air, which is filtered by the dust collector 60, once more.

[0054] The exhaust filter 15 may cover the case body 12 of the main body case 11 to be described later. The exhaust filter 15 may be arranged to surround an outer circumference of the case body 12. The exhaust filter 15 may be disposed between the exhaust hole 14h and a first outlet 11b to be described later.

[0055] The exhaust filter 15 may include various types of filters, such as a HEPA filter.

[0056] The cleaner 1 may include a controller 17. The controller 17 may be configured to obtain a user input. For example, the controller 17 may be configured to obtain a user input for turning the cleaner 1 on / off, adjusting a suction strength, selecting a cleaning mode such as dry / wet cleaning, etc. For example, the controller 17 may be provided in the main body 10.

[0057] The cleaner 1 may include a handle 40 provided to be held by a user. For example, the handle 40 may be provided on the main body 10. A user can hold the handle 40 with user's hand and move the cleaner 1 in a desired direction.

[0058] The cleaner 1 may include a battery 50 configured to supply driving power to various components of the cleaner 1, such as the suction device 100. For example, the battery 50 may be provided so as to be mountable or detachable on the main body 10. When the battery 50 is discharged, a user can increase an operating time of the cleaner by replacing the discharged battery with a pre-charged battery 50. Alternatively, the battery 50 may be built into the main body 10.

[0059] The configurations of the cleaner 1 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 are merely described as an example of the cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the cleaner 1 may include various configurations.

[0060] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a suction device of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the suction device of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a main body case of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and the suction device accommodated within the main body case. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the main body case of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and the suction device accommodated within the main body case. FIG. 7 is a view illustrating an example of a seal, in which a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion are provided integrally, included in the suction device of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 7, the suction device 100 of the cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include the motor 110. The motor 110 may be configured to convert electrical energy into kinetic energy. The motor 110 may be configured to convert electromagnetic force into mechanical rotational force. The motor 110 may be arranged inside the main body case 11.

[0062] The motor 110 may include a stator 111, and a rotor 112 having magnetism and configured to be rotatable relative to the stator 111 by electromagnetic force. The stator 111 may include a core and a coil wound around the core. The stator 111 may have a fixed position relative to other components such as the main body case 11, the motor housing 150, etc. Although the drawings illustrate one embodiment in which the rotor 112 is an inner-rotor type in which the rotor 112 is disposed inside the stator 111, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. According to various embodiments, the motor 110 may include an outer-rotor type in which the rotor is disposed outside the stator.

[0063] The motor 110 may include a rotating shaft 113 connected to the rotor 112. The rotating shaft 113 may be configured to transmit the rotational force of the rotor 112 to the suction fan 130. The rotating shaft 113 may be configured to transmit the rotational force of the rotor 112 to the cooling fan 140. For example, the rotating shaft 113 may have the shape of a long bar penetrating the rotor 112.

[0064] The suction device 100 may include the motor driver 120 electrically connected to the motor 110. The motor driver 120 may be configured to apply a driving current to the motor 110. The motor 110 may operate based on the driving current received from the motor driver 120. The on / off, rotation direction, rotation speed, etc. of the motor 110 may vary based on the driving current received from the motor driver 120. The motor driver 120 may include a printed circuit board including electronic components mounted thereon, and may include a circuit for applying a driving current to the motor 110. The motor driver 120 may be disposed inside the main body case 11. Alternatively, according to one embodiment, the motor driver 120 may be disposed outside the main body case 11.

[0065] The suction device 100 may include the motor housing 150. The motor housing 150 may support the motor 110. For example, the motor housing 150 may support the stator 111 of the motor 110. The stator 111 may be fixed to the motor housing 150. For example, the motor housing 150 may support the rotating shaft 113. The rotating shaft 113 may be supported by the motor housing 150 while penetrating the motor housing 150. At least one bearing B1 and B2 may be mounted on the motor housing 150, and thus the motor housing 150 may rotatably support the rotating shaft 113.

[0066] The motor housing 150 may cover the motor 110. The motor housing 150 may surround the outer circumference of the motor 110. The motor housing 150 may horizontally surround the motor 110. A separation space may be formed between the inner surface of the motor housing 150 and the motor 110. The motor housing 150 may completely cover the outer circumference of the motor 110 or cover only a portion of the motor.

[0067] For example, the motor housing 150 may include a first housing 151 supporting one side of the motor 110, and a second housing 152 supporting the other side of the motor 110. For example, the first housing 151 may support one side of the motor 110 in the direction of the rotating shaft 113 (e.g., in the vertical direction Z), and the second housing 152 may support the other side of the motor 110 in the direction of the rotating shaft 113 (e.g., in the vertical direction Z).

[0068] The first housing 151 may support the stator 111. For example, the first housing 151 may support the stator 111 by being in contact with an outer surface of the stator 111. The first housing 151 may rotatably support the rotating shaft 113. The first housing 151 may include a first bearing mounting portion 151b on which a first bearing B1 is installed. The first bearing mounting portion 151b may be penetrated by the rotating shaft 113. The first bearing mounting portion 151b may have a shape of a hole to which the first bearing B1 is mounted and through which the rotating shaft 113 penetrates.

[0069] The first housing 151 may cover at least a portion of the motor 110. The first housing 151 may have a cylindrical shape formed to approximately surround the outer circumference of the motor 110. The first housing 151 may include a motor cover portion 151a surrounding the motor 110. The motor cover portion 151a may form an inner circumferential surface of the first housing 151. The motor cover portion 151a may surround the outer side of the motor 110. The motor cover portion 151a may horizontally surround the motor 110.

[0070] The second housing 152 may support the stator 111. For example, the second housing 152 may support the stator 111 by being in contact with the outer surface of the stator 111. The second housing 152 may include a motor support 152a supporting the outer surface of the stator 111. The second housing 152 may rotatably support the rotating shaft 113. The second housing 152 may include a second bearing mounting portion 152b on which a second bearing B2 is installed. The second bearing mounting portion 152b may be penetrated by the rotating shaft 113. The second bearing mounting portion 152b may have a shape of a hole to which the second bearing B2 is mounted and through which the rotating shaft 113 penetrates.

[0071] The second housing 152 may cover a portion of the motor 110. When a portion of the motor 110 is covered by the first housing 151, the second housing 152 may cover at least a portion of the remaining portion of the motor 110 that is not covered by the first housing 151. For example, the motor support 152a may cover a portion of the motor 110.

[0072] For example, the first housing 151 may be positioned under the second housing 152. For example, the first housing 151 may support and cover a lower portion of the motor 110, and the second housing 152 may support and cover an upper portion of the motor 110.

[0073] The first housing 151 and the second housing 152 may be coupled to each other. For example, the motor support 152a of the second housing 152 may be coupled to the first housing 151. For example, the first housing 151 and the second housing 152 may be coupled to each other by a fastening member such as a screw. The first housing 151 and the second housing 152 coupled to each other may cover almost the entirety of the motor 110. Alternatively, the first housing 151 and the second housing 152 may be formed integrally.

[0074] The suction device 100 may include the suction fan 130. The suction fan 130 may generate a flow of air as the suction fan 130 rotates. The suction fan 130 may generate a suction force for drawing air and foreign substances through the suction port 20a as the suction fan 130 rotates. When the suction fan 130 rotates, foreign substances and air on a surface to be cleaned may be drawn through the suction port 20a, and the air, in which foreign substances are filtered out by passing through the dust collector 60, may be discharged to the outside of the cleaner 1 by sequentially passing through the main body case 11 and the exhaust cover 14.

[0075] As the suction fan 130 rotates, the suction fan 130 may be provided to allow air to flow into the main body case 11 through a first inlet 11a described later and to allow air to be discharged from the main body case 11 through a first outlet 11b described later. As the suction fan 130 rotates, air may flow along a first flow path F1 within the main body case 11. The suction fan 130 may be disposed inside the main body case 11. The suction fan 130 may be disposed outside the motor housing 150.

[0076] According to various embodiments, the suction fan 130 of the suction device 100 may include various types of fans, such as an axial fan, a centrifugal fan, and a diagonal fan.

[0077] The suction device 100 may include the suction fan shroud 131. The suction fan shroud 131 may cover the suction fan 130. The suction fan shroud 131 may surround an outer circumference of the suction fan 130. The suction fan shroud 131 may horizontally surround the suction fan 130. An inner surface of the suction fan shroud 131 and the suction fan 130 may be spaced apart from each other.

[0078] The suction fan shroud 131 may be configured to guide the flow of air as the suction fan 130 rotates. The suction fan shroud 131 may be positioned on the outside of the motor housing 150. For example, the suction fan shroud 131 may be coupled to the outside of the motor housing 150.

[0079] For example, the suction fan shroud 131 and the motor housing 150 may be arranged in the vertical direction Z. For example, the suction fan shroud 131 may be arranged on a lower side of the motor housing 150.

[0080] The motor housing 150 may be provided to allow air to flow through the motor housing 150 when the suction fan 130 rotates. The first flow path F1 between the first inlet 11a and the first outlet 11b of the main body case 11, which will be described later, may pass through the motor housing 150. For example, the first flow path F1 may pass through the first housing 151.

[0081] For example, the motor housing 150 may include an air guide 151c configured to guide air flowing as the suction fan 130 rotates. The air guide 151c may be configured to guide air flowing from the first inlet 11a toward the first outlet 11b along the first flow path F1. The air guide 151c may be connected to the suction fan shroud 131.

[0082] The air guide 151c may be arranged downstream on the first flow path F1 from the suction fan 130. The air guide 151c may be arranged downstream on the first flow path F1 from the suction fan shroud 131. The air guide 151c may be provided to guide the flow of air passing through the suction fan shroud 131. For example, the air guide 151c may be provided to guide air, which is introduced from the suction fan shroud 131, upward.

[0083] The air guide 151c may be provided in the first housing 151. The air guide 151c may be provided along a circumference of the first housing 151. The air guide 151c may be provided radially outer than the motor cover portion 151a of the first housing 151. For example, the air guide 151c may be positioned horizontally outer than the motor cover portion 151a. For example, the air guide 151c may be arranged between the motor cover portion 151a and an outer circumferential surface 151e of the air guide 151c.

[0084] The air guide 151c may be provided with a plurality of vanes 151d. The plurality of vanes 151d may be provided to guide the direction of air flow within the air guide 151c. The plurality of vanes 151d may be provided to guide the rotation of air flowing along the air guide 151c. Each of the plurality of vanes 151d may extend in a direction oblique to an extension direction of the air guide 151c.

[0085] The first housing 151 may be referred to as a ‘diffuser 151’.

[0086] The structure of the air guide 151c described above is only an example of the motor housing 150 provided to guide air flowing as the suction fan 130 rotates, and the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0087] The air flowing due to the rotation of the suction fan 130 may be prevented from being in contact with the motor 110 by the above-mentioned structure of the motor housing 150. Particularly, in the case of the cleaner 1 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, when the cleaner 1 performs wet cleaning, there is a possibility that air and moisture may be drawn together through the suction port 20a. When the drawn moisture comes into contact with the motor 110, damage may occur to components such as the motor 110 due to the occurrence of a short circuit, etc. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, air flowing by the suction fan 130 may flow along the outer side of the motor cover portion 151a (e.g., along the air guide 151c), and the motor 110 may be disposed on the inner side of the motor cover portion 151a. Accordingly, even when the suction fan 130 rotates, the air flowing thereby may not directly pass through the motor 110.

[0088] Meanwhile, in order to improve an operating efficiency of the suction device 100, an output range needs to be improved to allow the motor 110 to provide high output while efficiently cooling the motor 110. The air rotating according to the rotation of the suction fan 130 may indirectly dissipate heat generated from the motor 110 while flowing along the motor housing 150. However, it may be difficult to efficiently cool the motor 110 with only this indirect heat dissipation method.

[0089] To prevent this difficulty, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the suction device 100 may include the cooling fan 140. The cooling fan 140 may generate a flow of air as the cooling fan 140 rotates. The cooling fan 140 may be configured to cool the motor 110 by allowing air to flow therethrough as the cooling fan 140 rotates. The cooling fan 140 may be configured to allow air to pass through the motor 110 as the cooling fan 140 rotates. Additionally, in one embodiment, the cooling fan 140 may be configured to cool the motor driver 120 by allowing air to pass therethrough as the cooling fan 140 rotates.

[0090] As the cooling fan 140 rotates, the cooling fan 140 may be provided to allow air to flow into the main body case 11 through a second inlet 11c described later and to allow air to be discharged from the main body case 11 through a second outlet 11d described later. As the cooling fan 140 rotates, air may flow along a second flow path F2 within the main body case 11. The cooling fan 140 may be disposed inside the main body case 11. The cooling fan 140 may be disposed on the other side of the motor housing 150 opposite to the side on which the suction fan 130 is disposed.

[0091] For example, the cooling fan 140 may be disposed between the motor 110 and the motor driver 120. As a result, when the cooling fan 140 rotates, the motor 110 and the motor driver 120 may be efficiently cooled together.

[0092] For example, the cooling fan 140 may be positioned upstream of the second flow path F2 from the motor 110. For example, the cooling fan 140 may be positioned downstream of the second flow path F2 from the motor driver 120.

[0093] According to various embodiments, the cooling fan 140 of the suction device 100 may include various types of fans, such as an axial fan, a centrifugal fan, and a diagonal fan.

[0094] The cooling fan 140 may be connected to the motor 110. The cooling fan 140 may be connected to the motor 110 and may rotate by the rotational force generated by the motor 110. The cooling fan 140 may be connected to the rotor 112 through the rotating shaft 113. For example, the suction fan 130 and the cooling fan 140 may be connected to the same motor 110 through the rotating shaft 113. When the motor 110 operates, the rotating shaft 113 may rotate and the suction fan 130 and the cooling fan 140 may rotate simultaneously.

[0095] For example, the suction fan 130 may be disposed on one side of the motor 110, and the cooling fan 140 may be disposed on the other side of the motor 110. That is, the motor 110 may be disposed between the suction fan 130 and the cooling fan 140. The cooling fan 140 may be disposed between the motor 110 and the motor driver 120.

[0096] Alternatively, in various embodiments, the suction device 100 may include a plurality of motors. The suction fan 130 and the cooling fan 140 may be connected to different motors and configured to rotate independently of each other.

[0097] However, for convenience of description, the present disclosure will be described based on one embodiment in which the suction fan 130 and the cooling fan 140 are connected to the same motor 110 as shown in the drawings.

[0098] In order to secure a sufficient amount of airflow along the second flow path F2 when the cooling fan 140 rotates, a distance d4 between the cooling fan 140 and the motor driver 120 may be designed to be a predetermined distance or more. For example, the distance d4 between the cooling fan 140 and the motor driver 120 may be approximately 3 mm or more.

[0099] The suction device 100 may include the cooling fan shroud 141. The cooling fan shroud 141 may cover the cooling fan 140. The cooling fan shroud 141 may surround an outer circumference of the cooling fan 140. The cooling fan shroud 141 may horizontally surround the cooling fan 140.

[0100] The cooling fan shroud 141 may be configured to guide the flow of air as the cooling fan 140 rotates. The cooling fan shroud 141 may be positioned on the other side of the motor housing 150 opposite to one side on which the suction fan shroud 131 is positioned. That is, the motor housing 150 may be positioned between the suction fan shroud 131 and the cooling fan shroud 141.

[0101] An inner surface of the cooling fan shroud 141 and the cooling fan 140 may be spaced apart from each other. When a distance d3 between the cooling fan 140 and the cooling fan shroud 141 is too large, a flow rate may decrease. When the distance d3 between the cooling fan 140 and the cooling fan shroud 141 is too small, a load, which is according to a torque applied to the motor 110, may increase, thereby deteriorating the performance of the motor 110. Accordingly, the distance between the cooling fan 140 and the cooling fan shroud 141 may be determined to allow an amount of air passing through the cooling fan shroud 141 to be within an appropriate range. For example, the distance d3 between the cooling fan 140 and the cooling fan shroud 141 may be approximately 0.5 to 1.5 mm.

[0102] For example, the cooling fan shroud 141 and the motor housing 150 may be arranged in the vertical direction Z. For example, the cooling fan shroud 141 may be arranged on the upper side of the motor housing 150.

[0103] For example, the cooling fan shroud 141 may be disposed between the motor 110 and the motor driver 120.

[0104] For example, the cooling fan shroud 141 may be fixed to the stator 111 of the motor 110. For example, the cooling fan shroud 141 may be fixed to the second housing 152. The cooling fan shroud 141 may be coupled to the second housing 152 or may be formed integrally with the second housing 152.

[0105] For example, the cooling fan shroud 141 may be coupled to the motor driver 120. For example, the cooling fan shroud 141 may support the motor driver 120. Alternatively, the motor driver 120 may be supported by a separate component other than the cooling fan shroud 141.

[0106] The motor housing 150 may be provided to allow air to flow by passing through the motor housing 150 when the cooling fan 140 rotates. The second flow path F2 between the second inlet 11c and the second outlet 11d of the main body case 11, which will be described later, may pass through the motor housing 150. For example, the second flow path F2 may pass through the first housing 151. For example, a separation space may be formed between the motor cover portion 151a and the motor 110, and the second flow path F2 may pass through the separation space. For example, the second flow path F2 may pass through the second housing 152. For example, the second housing 152 may include a plurality of motor supports 152a, and the plurality of motor supports 152a may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other to allow air to pass therebetween.

[0107] With this structure, when the cooling fan 140 rotates, air may flow by passing through the motor housing 150 and cool the motor 110 disposed inside the motor housing 150. However, the structure of the motor housing 150 described above is only one example of the motor housing 150 including the structure that allows air to pass through the motor 110 as the cooling fan 140 rotates, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0108] The suction device 100 may be disposed inside the main body case 11. The suction device 100 may be mounted on the inside of the main body case 11. The suction device 100 may be supported by the main body case 11. The main body case 11 may be configured to allow outside air to be drawn in and inside air to be discharged when the suction device 100 operates.

[0109] The main body case 11 may include the first inlet 11a and the first outlet 11b. The first inlet 11a may be provided to allow air to be introduced into the main body case 11 as the suction fan 130 rotates. When the suction fan 130 rotates, air that is filtered by passing through the dust collector 60 may be introduced into the main body case 11 through the first inlet 11a. The first outlet 11b may be provided to allow air to be discharged to the outside of the main body case 11 as the suction fan 130 rotates. The first inlet 11a and the first outlet 11b may be spaced apart from each other.

[0110] The first flow path F1 extending from the first inlet 11a to the first outlet 11b may be provided on the inside of the main body case 11. For example, the first flow path F1 may extend from the first inlet 11a to the first outlet 11b through the suction fan 130. The first flow path F1 may pass through the suction fan shroud 131. The first flow path F1 may pass through the motor housing 150. The first flow path F1 may be arranged on the outside of the motor cover portion 151a. For example, the first flow path F1 may pass through the air guide 151c.

[0111] As the suction fan 130 rotates, air passing through the dust collector 60 may be introduced into the main body case 11 through the first inlet 11a, flow along the first flow path F1, and then be discharged through the first outlet 11b. The suction fan 130 may be disposed on the first flow path F1. When the suction fan 130 rotates, air on the first flow path F1 may flow from the first inlet 11a toward the first outlet 11b through the suction fan 130. The first flow path F1 may be referred to as a ‘suction flow path F1’.

[0112] The main body case 11 may include the case body 12. The case body 12 may support the suction device 100. The suction device 100 may be mounted on the inside of the case body 12. The case body 12 may cover the circumference of the suction device 100. The case body 12 may horizontally surround the suction device 100.

[0113] The first outlet 11b may be formed in the case body 12. For example, the first outlet 11b may be formed on an outer circumferential surface of the case body 12. The first outlet 11b may include a plurality of holes formed along at least a portion of the circumference of the case body 12. The exhaust cover 14 and the exhaust filter 15 described above may be arranged on the outside of the case body 12. The exhaust cover 14 and the exhaust filter 15 described above may cover at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the case body 12 and may cover the first outlet 11b.

[0114] The main body case 11 may include a fan grille 13 covering the first inlet 11a. The fan grille 13 may have a grille shape including a hole to allow air to be introduced through the first inlet 11a.

[0115] The fan grille 13 may be coupled to the case body 12. The fan grille 13 may be coupled to one end of the case body 12 in the direction in which the first inlet 11a is located. For example, the fan grille 13 may be coupled to a lower side of the case body 12. Alternatively, the case body 12 and the fan grille 13 may be formed integrally.

[0116] With this structure, when the suction fan 130 rotates, air drawn in through the suction port 20a may pass through the dust collector 60, the fan grille 13, and the first inlet 11a, and then flow into the main body case 11. The air introduced through the first inlet 11a may flow to the first outlet 11b along the first flow path F1, and in the process, the air may pass through the suction fan 130, the suction fan shroud 131, and the air guide 151c of the motor housing 150. The air discharged from the main body case 11 through the first outlet 11b may pass through the exhaust filter 15 and the exhaust hole 14h and be discharged to the outside of the main body 10 that is, the outside of the cleaner 1.

[0117] The main body case 11 may include the second inlet 11c and the second outlet 11d. The second inlet 11c may be provided to allow air to be introduced into the main body case 11 as the cooling fan 140 rotates. When the cooling fan 140 rotates, air outside the cleaner 1 may be introduced into the main body case 11 through the second inlet 11c. The second outlet 11d may be provided to allow air to be discharged to the outside of the main body case 11 as the cooling fan 140 rotates. The second inlet 11c and the second outlet 11d may be spaced apart from each other.

[0118] The second flow path F2 extending from the second inlet 11c to the second outlet 11d may be provided on the inside of the main body case 11. For example, the second flow path F2 may extend from the second inlet 11c to the second outlet 11d through the cooling fan 140 and the motor 110. The second flow path F2 may pass through the cooling fan shroud 141. The second flow path F2 may pass through the motor housing 150. For example, the second flow path F2 may pass through a separation space between the motor cover portion 151a and the motor 110. At least a portion of the second flow path F2 may be arranged on the inside of the motor cover portion 151a. For example, the second flow path F2 may pass through a hole between the plurality of motor supports 152a of the second housing 152. The second flow path F2 may pass through the motor driver 120 or a region adjacent thereto so as to allow air to cool not only the motor 110 but also the motor driver 120 when the air flows along the second flow path F2.

[0119] When the cooling fan 140 rotates, air outside the cleaner 1 may be introduced into the main body case 11 through the second inlet 11c, flow along the second flow path F2, and then be discharged through the second outlet 11d. The cooling fan 140 may be disposed on the second flow path F2. When the cooling fan 140 rotates, air on the second flow path F2 may flow from the second inlet 11c toward the second outlet 11d through the cooling fan 140 and the motor 110. The second flow path F2 may be referred to as a ‘cooling flow path F2’.

[0120] For example, the second inlet 11c may be formed in the case body 12. For example, the second inlet 11c may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the case body 12. The second inlet 11c may include a plurality of holes formed along at least a portion of the circumference of the case body 12. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the second inlet 11c may not be covered by the exhaust cover 14 and the exhaust filter 15. In one embodiment, unlike FIGS. 5 and 6, the second inlet 11c may be covered by the exhaust cover 14 and the exhaust filter 15.

[0121] For example, the second outlet 11d may be formed in the case body 12. For example, the second outlet 11d may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the case body 12. The second outlet 11d may include a plurality of holes formed along at least a portion of the circumference of the case body 12. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the second outlet 11d may not be covered by the exhaust cover 14 and the exhaust filter 15. In one embodiment, unlike FIGS. 5 and 6, the second outlet 11d may be covered by the exhaust cover 14 and the exhaust filter 15.

[0122] For example, the second inlet 11c and the second outlet 11d may be arranged side by side in the vertical direction Z. However, the arrangement of the second inlet 11c and the second outlet 11d is not limited thereto.

[0123] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate one embodiment in which the second inlet 11c is positioned above the second outlet 11d, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the second inlet 11c may be positioned below the second outlet 11d. Alternatively, the second inlet 11c and the second outlet 11d may be positioned horizontally parallel to each other.

[0124] The second flow path F2 may include a first portion F2a passing through the motor 110 and the cooling fan 140, and a second portion F2b passing between the motor 110 and the motor cover portion 151a. The first portion F2a of the second flow path F2 may be connected to the second inlet 11c, and the second portion F2b of the second flow path F2 may be connected to the second outlet 11d. The first portion F2a and the second portion F2b of the second flow path F2 may be connected to each other. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, when the cooling fan 140 rotates, air introduced through the second inlet 11c may sequentially flow through the first portion F2a and the second portion F2b of the second flow path F2 and then be discharged through the second outlet 11d. Particularly, when the cooling fan 140 rotates, air introduced through the second inlet 11c may sequentially pass through the motor driver 120, the cooling fan shroud 141, and the motor 110 and then be discharged through the second outlet 11d.

[0125] However, the direction in which the air flows along the second flow path F2 when the cooling fan 140 rotates is not limited to that described above. For example, depending on the rotation direction of the cooling fan 140, the air may sequentially pass through the second portion F2b and the first portion F2a of the second flow path F2. Particularly, depending on the rotation direction of the cooling fan 140, the air may sequentially pass through the motor 110, the cooling fan shroud 141, and the motor driver 120. In this case, the second inlet into which air is introduced may be formed at the position of the second outlet 11d illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, and the second outlet through which air is discharged may be formed at the position of the second inlet 11c illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0126] With this structure, when the cooling fan 140 rotates, air outside the cleaner 1 may pass through the second inlet 11c and flow into the main body case 11. The air introduced through the second inlet 11c may flow to the second outlet 11d along the second flow path F2, and in the process, the air may pass through the cooling fan 140, the motor 110, the motor driver 120, the separation space between the motor cover portion 151a and the motor 110, and the second housing 152. The air inside the main body case 11 may be discharged to the outside of the main body 10, that is, the outside of the cleaner 1, through the second outlet 11d.

[0127] As mentioned above, the cleaner 1 according to one embodiment may include the flow path (including the first flow path F1) for drawing and filtering out foreign substances such as dust, and the flow path (including the second flow path F2) for cooling the motor 110 and / or the motor driver 120. At this time, in order to improve the cooling efficiency of the motor 110 and / or the motor driver 120, it is appropriate that the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2 are separated from each other. In addition, in order to prevent or reduce the suction air containing moisture flowing along the first flow path F1 from flowing into the motor 110 and / or the motor driver 120, it is appropriate that the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2 are separated from each other.

[0128] Therefore, the main body case 11 of the cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and the suction device 100 mounted thereon may include the structure in which the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2 are partitioned.

[0129] The first inlet 11a and the second inlet 11c may be spaced apart from each other. The first outlet 11b and the second outlet 11d may be spaced apart from each other. The first inlet 11a and the second outlet 11d may be spaced apart from each other. The second inlet 11c and the first outlet 11b may be spaced apart from each other.

[0130] The first flow path F1 may be disposed on the outside of the motor cover portion 151a and the second flow path F2 may be disposed on the inside of the motor cover portion 151a. Accordingly, at least a portion of the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2 may be partitioned by the motor cover portion 151a. However, even by the motor cover portion 151a, the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2 may not be completely partitioned from each other.

[0131] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the suction device 100 may include a partition guide 160 and a seal 170. The partition guide 160 and the seal 170 may be provided to partition the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2.

[0132] The motor housing 150 may include the partition guide 160. The partition guide 160 may be arranged on the inside of the main body case 11. The partition guide 160 may be disposed between the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2 within the main body case 11. The partition guide 160 may be provided to partition the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2. The partition guide 160 may block the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2 from each other to prevent air flowing along the first flow path F1 and air flowing along the second flow path F2 from mixing with each other.

[0133] The partition guide 160 may also be referred to as a ‘third housing 160’.

[0134] The partition guide 160 may extend from the first housing 151. For example, the partition guide 160 may extend from the motor cover portion 151a. For example, the partition guide 160 may extend from an upper portion of the motor cover portion 151a. For example, the partition guide 160 may extend from one side of the air guide 151c (i.e., the downstream side of the air guide 151c) in the direction in which air flowing along the first flow path F1 is discharged when the suction fan 130 rotates.

[0135] The partition guide 160 may extend from the first housing 151 to be close to an inner wall of the main body case 11. The partition guide 160 may extend from the motor cover portion 151a to be close to the inner wall of the main body case 11. For example, the partition guide 160 may extend from the motor cover portion 151a toward the inner wall of the main body case 11. For example, the partition guide 160 may extend from one side of the air guide 151c (i.e., the downstream side of the air guide 151c) in the direction, in which air flowing along the first flow path F1 is discharged when the suction fan 130 rotates, toward the inner wall of the main body case 11.

[0136] The partition guide 160 may include a first end 161 connected to the first housing 151 and a second end 162 opposite to the first end 161. The partition guide 160 may extend from the first end 161 to the second end 162 in a direction closer to the inner wall of the main body case 11.

[0137] The partition guide 160 may be coupled to the first housing 151. For example, the partition guide 160 may be coupled to the motor cover portion 151a. For example, the partition guide 160 may be coupled to an upper portion of the motor cover portion 151a.

[0138] Alternatively, the partition guide 160 may be formed integrally with the first housing 151.

[0139] The partition guide 160 may be disposed along the circumference of the motor housing 150. The partition guide 160 may be disposed along the circumference of the first housing 151. The partition guide 160 may be disposed along the circumference of the motor cover portion 151a. For example, the partition guide 160 may have a substantially annular shape formed along the circumference on the inner side of the main body case 11 to partition the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2.

[0140] The partition guide 160 may surround at least a portion of the motor 110.

[0141] The partition guide 160 may guide air, which flows along the first flow path F1 when the suction fan 130 rotates, to move toward the first outlet 11b. For example, the partition guide 160 may guide air passing through the air guide 151c toward the first outlet 11b.

[0142] The partition guide 160 may include a first flow path guide surface 163 provided to guide air flowing along the first flow path F1. The first flow path guide surface 163 may be provided between the first end 161 and the second end 162 of the partition guide 160 and provided to cover one side of the first flow path F1. In order to allow air flowing along the first flow path F1 to be guided to the first outlet 11b, the first flow path guide surface 163 may extend to be close to the inner wall of the main body case 11 from the first end 161 toward the second end 162. For example, from the first end 161 toward the second end 162, the first flow path guide surface 163 may extend to increase an inclination with respect to the vertical direction Z.

[0143] However, the shape of the first flow path guide surface 163 is not limited to that described above, and the partition guide 160 may include the first flow path guide surface 163 having various shapes so as to guide air flowing along the first flow path F1.

[0144] The partition guide 160 may guide air flowing along the second flow path F2 when the cooling fan 140 rotates. For example, the partition guide 160 may guide air flowing along the second portion F2b of the second flow path F2. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the partition guide 160 may guide air flowing along the second portion F2b of the second flow path F2 to move toward the second outlet 11d. For example, when the second inlet is formed at the position of the second outlet 11d shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 and the second outlet is formed at the position of the second inlet 11c to allow the direction of air flowing along the second flow path F2 to be opposite to that shown in FIG. 6, the partition guide 160 may guide the air introduced from the second inlet to flow along the second portion F2b of the second flow path F2.

[0145] The partition guide 160 may include a second flow path guide surface 164 provided to guide air flowing along the second flow path F2. The second flow path guide surface 164 may be disposed between the first end 161 and the second end 162 of the partition guide 160 and provided to cover one side of the second flow path F2. For example, from the first end 161 to the second end 162, the second flow path guide surface 164 may extend to be close to the inner wall of the main body case 11. For example, from the first end 161 to the second end 162, the second flow path guide surface 164 may extend to increase an inclination with respect to the vertical direction Z.

[0146] However, the shape of the second flow path guide surface 164 is not limited to that described above, and the partition guide 160 may include the second flow path guide surface 164 having various shapes so as to guide air flowing along the second flow path F2.

[0147] The seal 170 may be disposed on the inside of the main body case 11. The seal 170 may come into contact with the inner wall of the main body case 11. The seal 170 may be provided to allow the suction device 100 to be mounted on the main body case 11.

[0148] The seal 170 may be provided to partition the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2 within the main body case 11. The seal 170 may be provided to seal a gap between the partition guide 160 and the main body case 11. The seal 170 may extend from the partition guide 160 toward the inner wall of the main body case 11. As a result, the seal 170 may partition the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2 together with the partition guide 160.

[0149] A seal 170 may be provided along an outer circumference of the partition guide 160. The seal 170 may be disposed between the outer circumference of the partition guide 160 and the inner wall of the main body case 11. For example, the seal 170 may have a substantially annular shape formed along the circumference on the inner side of the main body case 11 to partition the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2.

[0150] The seal 170 may be coupled to the partition guide 160. For example, the seal 170 may be coupled to one end, which is opposite to the first housing 151 with respect to a direction extending from the first housing 151, of the partition guide 160. For example, the seal 170 may be coupled to one end, which is opposite to the motor cover portion 151a with respect to a direction extending from the motor cover portion 151a, of the partition guide 160. For example, the seal 170 may be coupled to one end, which is adjacent to the inner wall of the main body case 11, of the partition guide 160. That is, the seal 170 may be coupled to the second end 162 of the partition guide 160. For example, the seal 170 may be fitted and coupled to the second end 162 of the partition guide 160.

[0151] The seal 170 may be provided to be elastically deformable. The seal 170 may include an elastic material. By including the elastically deformable seal 170, the suction device 100 may be more easily mounted on the inside of the main body case 11. In addition, the gap between the partition guide 160 and the inner wall of the main body case 11 may be efficiently sealed by the seal 170, and thus the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2 may be more efficiently partitioned from each other. In addition, vibration generated by the operation of the motor 110 may be more efficiently alleviated by the seal 170. For example, the seal 170 may include various materials such as rubber, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is known as Teflon, and silicone.

[0152] Because the suction device 100 includes a structure that partitions the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2 by using the partition guide 160 and the seal 170, suction air containing moisture may be efficiently prevented from flowing into the motor 110 and / or the motor driver 120 even with a simple structure, and the motor 110 and / or the motor driver 120 may be cooled by the air flowing along the second flow path F2 so as to prevent the overheating. Accordingly, the cooling efficiency of the motor 110 and / or the motor driver 120 is improved, thereby increasing an output range.

[0153] Hereinafter an example of the structure of the seal 170 will be described in more detail.

[0154] The seal 170 may include a first sealing portion 171 extending from the partition guide 160 to the inner wall of the main body case 11. The first sealing portion 171 may extend from the second end 162 of the partition guide 160 to the inner wall of the main body case 11. The first sealing portion 171 may come into contact with the partition guide 160 and the inner wall of the main body case 11, respectively.

[0155] The first sealing portion 171 may be arranged between the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2. The first sealing portion 171 may be arranged between both the second inlet 11c and the second outlet 11d, and the first outlet 11b. For example, the first sealing portion 171 may be arranged above the first outlet 11b and below the second inlet 11c and the second outlet 11d. The first sealing portion 171 may partition the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2.

[0156] The first sealing portion 171 may be provided along the outer circumference of the partition guide 160. For example, the first sealing portion 171 may be provided along the second end 162 of the partition guide 160. For example, the first sealing portion 171 may have a substantially circular shape provided along the second end 162 of the partition guide 160.

[0157] The first sealing portion 171 may be coupled to the partition guide 160. For example, the first sealing portion 171 may be coupled to the second end 162 of the partition guide 160. For example, the first sealing portion 171 may be fitted and coupled to the partition guide 160.

[0158] The seal 170 may include a second sealing portion 172 extending from the first housing 151 to the inner wall of the main body case 11. The second sealing portion 172 may be in contact with the first housing 151 and the inner wall of the main body case 11, respectively. For example, the second sealing portion 172 may extend from the outer circumferential surface 151e of the first housing 151 to the inner wall of the main body case 11.

[0159] The second sealing portion 172 may be provided to partition a space between the first housing 151 and the inner wall of the main body case 11 from the first flow path F1. The second sealing portion 172 may be provided to partition a space between the outer circumferential surface 151e of the first housing 151 and the inner wall of the main body case 11 from the first flow path F1. Particularly, the second sealing portion 172 may be provided to partition a space between at least the lower portion of the outer circumferential surface 151e of the first housing 151 and the inner wall of the main body case 11 from the first flow path F1. For example, the second sealing portion 172 may be arranged between the space between the outer circumferential surface 151e of the first housing 151 and the inner wall of the main body case 11, and the first flow path F1. Particularly, the second sealing portion 172 may be arranged between the space between at least the lower portion of the outer circumferential surface 151e of the first housing 151 and the inner wall of the main body case 11, and the first flow path F1. For example, the second sealing portion 172 may be arranged under the first outlet 11b. Accordingly, the second sealing portion 172 may prevent that air moving along the first flow path F1 is not discharged to the first outlet 11b but moves downward.

[0160] The second sealing portion 172 may be provided along the outer circumference of the motor housing 150. For example, the second sealing portion 172 may be provided along the outer circumferential surface 151e of the first housing 151. For example, the second sealing portion 172 may have a substantially circular shape provided along the circumference of the first housing 151.

[0161] The second sealing portion 172 may be coupled to the first housing 151. For example, the first housing 151 may include a seal coupling portion 151f to which the second sealing portion 172 is coupled. For example, the seal coupling portion 151f may protrude from the outer circumferential surface 151e of the first housing 151. For example, the seal coupling portion 151f may extend along a circumferential direction of the first housing 151. For example, the second sealing portion 172 may be fitted and coupled to the seal coupling portion 151f.

[0162] The first sealing portion 171 and the second sealing portion 172 may be provided to allow the suction device 100 to be mounted on the inner wall of the main body case 11, respectively. The first sealing portion 171 and the second sealing portion 172 may reduce vibrations generated by the operation of the motor 110, respectively.

[0163] The first sealing portion 171 and the second sealing portion 172 may be spaced apart from each other. The first sealing portion 171 and the second sealing portion 172 may be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction Z. For example, the second sealing portion 172 may be positioned lower than the first sealing portion 171. A region in which the first sealing portion 171 and the main body case 11 come into contact and a region in which the second sealing portion 172 and the main body case 11 come into contact may be spaced apart from each other. In a region between the region in which the first sealing portion 171 and the main body case 11 come into contact and the region which the second sealing portion 172 and the main body case 11 come into contact, the seal 170 and the inner wall of the main body case 11 may not come into contact with each other.

[0164] The first outlet 11b may be disposed between a portion of the main body case 11 that is in contact with the first sealing portion 171 and another portion that is in contact with the second sealing portion 172. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent that air flowing to the first outlet 11b along the first flow path F1 escapes from the first flow path F1.

[0165] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the first sealing portion 171 and the second sealing portion 172 may be connected to each other. The seal 170 may include a connecting portion 173 provided between the first sealing portion 171 and the second sealing portion 172. The connecting portion 173 may connect the first sealing portion 171 and the second sealing portion 172.

[0166] For example, the connecting portion 173 may be spaced apart from the inner wall of the main body case 11. The connecting portion 173 may have a shape that is recessed inwardly of the suction device 100 with respect to the first sealing portion 171 and the second sealing portion 172 so as not to come into contact with the inner wall of the main body case 11.

[0167] The seal 170 may include a seal hole 173a provided to allow the first flow path F1 to pass through. The seal hole 173a may be arranged between the first sealing portion 171 and the second sealing portion 172. For example, the seal hole 173a may be provided in the connecting portion 173. For example, the seal hole 173a may be provided to allow the first flow path F1 to pass through the connecting portion 173. For example, the seal hole 173a may be connected to the air guide 151c. For example, the seal hole 173a may be arranged to face the first outlet 11b. When the suction fan 130 rotates, air flowing along the first flow path F1 may pass through the seal hole 173a and be discharged through the first outlet 11b.

[0168] For example, a plurality of seal holes 173a may be provided. The plurality of seal holes 173a may be arranged spaced apart from each other. However, the number of seal holes 173a is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 3 to 7.

[0169] For example, in order to allow air to flow smoothly along the first flow path F1 when the suction fan 130 rotates, a distance d1 between the first sealing portion 171 and the second sealing portion 172 may be greater than or equal to a width d2 of the air guide 151c. A size of the seal hole 173a may be greater than or equal to the width d2 of the air guide 151c.

[0170] For example, the first sealing portion 171, the second sealing portion 172, and the connecting portion 173 connecting the first sealing portion 171 and the second sealing portion 172 may be formed integrally with each other. As the seal 170 is formed integrally, the productivity of the suction device 100 may be improved.

[0171] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a main body case of a cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and a suction device including a seal in which a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion are separated from each other. FIG. 9 is a view illustrating an example of the seal, in which the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion are separated from each other, included in the suction device of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0172] As for describing configurations of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the same reference numerals may be given to the same configurations as those of the embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 7, and a description thereof may be omitted.

[0173] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the suction device 100 of the cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a seal 270 provided to partition a first flow path F1 and a second flow path F2 together with a partition guide 160.

[0174] The seal 270 may include a first sealing portion 271 extending from the partition guide 160 to an inner wall of a main body case 11. The first sealing portion 271 may extend from a second end 162 of the partition guide 160 to the inner wall of the main body case 11. The first sealing portion 271 may come into contact with the partition guide 160 and the inner wall of the main body case 11, respectively.

[0175] The first sealing portion 271 may be arranged between the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2. The first sealing portion 271 may be arranged between both a second inlet 11c and a second outlet 11d, and a first outlet 11b. For example, the first sealing portion 271 may be arranged above the first outlet 11b and below the second inlet 11c and the second outlet 11d. The first sealing portion 271 may partition the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2.

[0176] The first sealing portion 271 may be provided along an outer circumference of the partition guide 160. For example, the first sealing portion 271 may be provided along the second end 162 of the partition guide 160. For example, the first sealing portion 271 may have a substantially circular shape provided along the second end 162 of the partition guide 160.

[0177] The first sealing portion 271 may be coupled to the partition guide 160. For example, the first sealing portion 271 may be coupled to the second end 162 of the partition guide 160. For example, the first sealing portion 271 may be fitted and coupled to the partition guide 160.

[0178] The seal 270 may include a second sealing portion 272 extending from the first housing 151 to the inner wall of the main body case 11. The second sealing portion 272 may be in contact with the first housing 151 and the inner wall of the main body case 11, respectively. For example, the second sealing portion 272 may extend from an outer circumferential surface 151e of the first housing 151 to the inner wall of the main body case 11.

[0179] The second sealing portion 272 may be provided to partition a space between the motor housing 150 and the inner wall of the main body case 11 from the first flow path F1. The second sealing portion 272 may be provided to partition a space between the outer circumferential surface 151e of the first housing 151 and the inner wall of the main body case 11 from the first flow path F1. Particularly, the second sealing portion 272 may be provided to partition a space between at least the lower portion of the outer circumferential surface 151e of the first housing 151 and the inner wall of the main body case 11 from the first flow path F1. For example, the second sealing portion 272 may be arranged between the space between the outer circumferential surface 151e of the first housing 151 and the inner wall of the main body case 11, and the first flow path F1. Particularly, the second sealing portion 272 may be arranged between the space between at least the lower portion of the outer circumferential surface 151e of the first housing 151 and the inner wall of the main body case 11, and the first flow path F1. For example, the second sealing portion 272 may be arranged on the lower side of the first outlet 11b. Accordingly, the second sealing portion 272 may prevent that air moving along the first flow path F1 is not discharged to the first outlet 11b and but moves downward.

[0180] The second sealing portion 272 may be provided along the outer circumference of the motor housing 150. For example, the second sealing portion 272 may be provided along the outer circumferential surface 151e of the first housing 151. For example, the second sealing portion 272 may have a substantially circular shape provided along the circumference of the first housing 151.

[0181] The second sealing portion 272 may be coupled to the first housing 151. For example, the second sealing portion 272 may be coupled to a seal coupling portion 151f provided on the outer circumferential surface 151e of the first housing 151. For example, the second sealing portion 272 may be fitted and coupled to the seal coupling portion 151f.

[0182] The first sealing portion 271 and the second sealing portion 272 may be spaced apart from each other. The first sealing portion 271 and the second sealing portion 272 may be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction Z. For example, the second sealing portion 272 may be positioned lower than the first sealing portion 271. A region in which the first sealing portion 271 and the main body case 11 come into contact and a region in which the second sealing portion 272 and the main body case 11 come into contact may be spaced apart from each other. In a region between the region in which the first sealing portion 271 and the main body case 11 come into contact and the region in which the second sealing portion 272 and the main body case 11 come into contact, the seal 270 and the inner wall of the main body case 11 may not come into contact with each other.

[0183] The first outlet 11b may be disposed between a portion of the main body case 11 that is in contact with the first sealing portion 271 and another portion that is in contact with the second sealing portion 272.

[0184] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the first sealing portion 271 and the second sealing portion 272 may be separated from each other. That is, the first sealing portion 271 and the second sealing portion 272 may not be connected to each other. The first flow path F1 may pass through a separation space between the first sealing portion 271 and the second sealing portion 272. When the suction fan 130 rotates, the air flowing along the first flow path F1 may pass through the separation space between the first sealing portion 271 and the second sealing portion 272 and be discharged to the first outlet 11b.

[0185] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a main body case of a cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and a suction device accommodated within the main body case.

[0186] As for describing configurations of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to FIG. 10, the same reference numerals may be given to the same configurations as those of the embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 9, and a description thereof may be omitted.

[0187] Referring to FIG. 10, a suction device 100 of a cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a second flow path partition 360 provided to partition a portion of a second flow path F2. The second flow path partition 360 may be provided to partition an upstream portion connected to a second inlet 11c of the second flow path F2 and a downstream portion connected to a second outlet 11d of the second flow path F2. In a region adjacent to the second inlet 11c and the second outlet 11d, the second flow path partition 360 may partition a space to prevent air, which flows through the second inlet 11c, and air, which moves toward the second outlet 11d, from mixing with each other.

[0188] The second flow path partition 360 may be provided on an inner side of a main body case 11. For example, the second flow path partition 360 may be arranged between a cooling fan shroud 141 and the main body case 11. For example, the second flow path partition 360 may extend from the cooling fan shroud 141 toward the inner wall of the main body case 11. For example, the second flow path partition 360 may extend in a substantially horizontal direction from the cooling fan shroud 141.

[0189] The second flow path partition 360 may be provided along a circumference of the cooling fan shroud 141. For example, the second flow path partition 360 may have a substantially annular shape provided along the circumference of the cooling fan shroud 141.

[0190] For example, the second flow path partition 360 may be formed integrally with the cooling fan shroud 141.

[0191] The suction device 100 may include a second flow path seal 370 arranged to partition a portion of the second flow path F2 together with the second flow path partition 360. The second flow path seal 370 may be arranged on the inside of the main body case 11. The second flow path seal 370 may be in contact with the inner wall of the main body case 11.

[0192] The second flow path seal 370 may come into contact with a portion of the main body case 11 between the second inlet 11c and the second outlet 11d. That is, the portion, in which the second flow path seal 370 comes into contact with the main body case 11, may be disposed between the second inlet 11c and the second outlet 11d. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the second flow path seal 370 may come into contact with the lower side of the second inlet 11c and the upper side of the second outlet 11d.

[0193] The second flow path seal 370 may be provided to seal a gap between the second flow path partition 360 and the main body case 11. The second flow path seal 370 may extend from the second flow path partition 360 toward the inner wall of the main body case 11.

[0194] The second flow path seal 370 may be provided along an outer circumference of the second flow path partition 360. The second flow path seal 370 may be positioned between the outer circumference of the second flow path partition 360 and the inner wall of the main body case 11. For example, the second flow path seal 370 may have a substantially annular shape formed along the circumference of the second flow path partition 360.

[0195] The second flow path seal 370 may be coupled to the second flow path partition 360. For example, the second flow path seal 370 may be coupled to one end, which is adjacent to the inner wall of the main body case 11, of the second flow path partition 360. For example, the second flow path seal 370 may be fitted and coupled to the second flow path partition 360.

[0196] The second flow path seal 370 may be provided to be elastically deformable. The second flow path seal 370 may include an elastic material. For example, the second flow path seal 370 may include various materials such as rubber, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is known as Teflon, and silicone.

[0197] Unlike FIG. 10, according to various embodiments, the second flow path partition 360 and the second flow path seal 370 may be configured to be included in the main body case 11. For example, the second flow path partition 360 may protrude from the inner wall of the main body case 11 and extend toward the cooling fan shroud 141. The second flow path seal 370 may be positioned between the cooling fan shroud 141 and the second flow path seal 370.

[0198] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a main body case of a cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and a suction device accommodated within the main body case.

[0199] As for describing configurations of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to FIG. 11, the same reference numerals may be given to the same configurations as those of the embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 10, and a description thereof may be omitted.

[0200] Referring to FIG. 11, a main body case 11 of a cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a second inlet 11c formed on one side of the main body case 11 and configured to allow cool air to be introduced when a cooling fan 140 rotates, and a second outlet 11d formed on the other side of the main body case 11 and configured to allow cool air to be discharged when the cooling fan 140 rotates.

[0201] For example, the second inlet 11c and the second outlet 11d may be arranged on opposite sides of the main body case 11. For example, the second inlet 11c and the second outlet 11d may be arranged on opposite sides of the case body 12. When the cooling fan 140 rotates, air outside the cleaner 1 may be introduced into one side of the main body case 11 through the second inlet 11c, and the introduced air may pass through the cooling fan shroud 141, the cooling fan 140 and the motor 110 along the second flow path F2 and flow to the opposite side of the main body case 11 and then be discharged back to the outside of the cleaner 1 through the second outlet 11d.

[0202] For example, the second inlet 11c and the second outlet 11d may be arranged parallel to each other in a substantially horizontal direction.

[0203] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a main body case of a cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and a suction device accommodated within the main body case.

[0204] As for describing configurations of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to FIG. 12, the same reference numerals may be given to the same configurations as those of the embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 11, and a description thereof may be omitted.

[0205] Referring to FIG. 12, a suction device 100 of a cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cooling fan 440 for cooling a motor 110 and / or a motor driver 120. The cooling fan 440 may be connected to the motor 110 and may be configured to be rotatable. The cooling fan 440 may be connected to a rotating shaft 113 and configured to be rotatable.

[0206] The cooling fan 440 may be provided to allow air to be introduced into the main body case 11 through a second inlet 11c and to allow air to be discharged from the main body case 11 through a second outlet 11d as the cooling fan 440 rotates. The cooling fan 440 may be provided to allow air to flow from the second inlet 11c toward the second outlet 11d along a second flow path F2 as the cooling fan 440 rotates. The second flow path F2 may pass through the motor 110. The second flow path F2 may pass through the cooling fan 440.

[0207] The cooling fan 440 may be disposed downstream of the second flow path F2 from the motor 110. The cooling fan 440 may be disposed between the motor 110 and a suction fan 130. The cooling fan 440 may be disposed below the motor 110. As a result, the cooling fan 440 may efficiently cool the motor 110 from top to bottom.

[0208] The cooling fan 440 may be disposed inside a motor housing 150. The cooling fan 440 may be surrounded by the motor housing 150. The cooling fan 440 may be surrounded by a first housing 151. The cooling fan 440 may be surrounded by a motor cover portion 151a. The motor cover portion 151a may horizontally surround the cooling fan 440.

[0209] The suction device 100 may further include a cooling fan shroud 441 covering the cooling fan 440. The cooling fan shroud 441 may cover the cooling fan 440. The cooling fan shroud 441 may surround an outer circumference of the cooling fan 440. The cooling fan shroud 441 may horizontally surround the cooling fan 440. The cooling fan shroud 441 may be configured to guide the flow of air as the cooling fan 440 rotates. The second flow path F2 may pass through the cooling fan shroud 441.

[0210] An inner surface of the cooling fan shroud 441 and the cooling fan 440 may be spaced apart from each other.

[0211] The cooling fan shroud 441 may be positioned downstream of the second flow path F2 from the motor 110. The cooling fan shroud 441 may be positioned between the motor 110 and the suction fan 130. The cooling fan shroud 441 may be positioned below the motor 110.

[0212] The cooling fan shroud 441 may be arranged inside the motor housing 150. The cooling fan shroud 441 may be surrounded by the motor housing 150. The cooling fan shroud 441 may be surrounded by the first housing 151. The cooling fan shroud 441 may be arranged inside the motor cover portion 151a. The cooling fan shroud 441 may be surrounded by the motor cover portion 151a. The motor cover portion 151a may horizontally surround the cooling fan shroud 441.

[0213] For example, the cooling fan shroud 441 may extend downward from the inside of the first housing 151.

[0214] For example, the cooling fan shroud 441 may be coupled to the motor housing 150. For example, the cooling fan shroud 441 may be coupled to the first housing 151. Alternatively, the cooling fan shroud 441 may be formed integrally with the first housing 151. Alternatively, the cooling fan shroud 441 may be coupled to a stator 111.

[0215] FIG. 13 is a graph illustrating a temperature of a motor over time for the cleaner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, when the suction device includes a cooling fan and when the suction device does not include a cooling fan.

[0216] In FIG. 13, a horizontal axis indicates an operating time t of the motor 110, and a vertical axis indicates a temperature Tm of the motor 110. For example, the temperature of the motor 110 may be the temperature of the coil wound on the stator 111.

[0217] A value Tc displayed on the vertical axis in FIG. 13 indicates the allowable temperature of the motor 110, and it is appropriate that the motor 110 be heated to a temperature less than or equal to the allowable temperature Tc during operation.

[0218] In FIG. 13, P1 indicates a first output value of the motor 110, P2 indicates a second output value of the motor 110, and P3 indicates a third output value. The second output value P2 may be greater than the first output value P1, and the third output value P3 may be greater than the second output value P2.

[0219] In FIG. 13, a first graph G1 is a graph illustrating a temperature Tm of the motor 110 over time t in one embodiment in which the suction device 100 does not include the cooling fan for cooling the motor 110 and / or the motor driver 120.

[0220] In FIG. 13, a second graph G2 is a graph illustrating a temperature Tm of the motor 110 over time t in one embodiment in which the suction device 100 includes the cooling fan 140 (or the cooling fan 440) for cooling the motor 110 and / or the motor driver 120 and a structure for defining the cooling flow path and the suction flow path, as in the various embodiments of the present disclosure described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12.

[0221] When comparing the first graph G1 with the second graph G2 in FIG. 13, it can be seen that when the suction device 100 includes the cooling fan 140 (or the cooling fan 440), the motor 110 may be cooled more efficiently. In addition, referring to the first graph G1, the temperature Tm of the motor 110 exceeds an allowable temperature Tc at the third output value P3, but referring to the second graph G2, the temperature Tm of the motor 110 is less than the allowable temperature Tc at the third output value P3. Therefore, it can be seen that when the suction device 100 includes the cooling fan 140 (or the cooling fan 440), the motor 110 may output higher energy. That is, it can be seen that the output range of the motor 110 increases when the suction device 100 includes the cooling fan 140 (or the cooling fan 440).

[0222] In the above, the cleaner 1 according to various embodiments are described as an example of a stick-type cleaner, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the above-described configurations of the cleaner may be applied to various types of cleaners, such as a canister type cleaner, an upright type cleaner, a handy type cleaner, and a robot cleaner.

[0223] A cleaner according to one embodiment may include a main body case including a first inlet, a first outlet, a second inlet and a second outlet; a motor disposed in the main body case; a suction fan disposed in the main body case and connected to the motor so as to be rotatable; a cooling fan disposed in the main body case and connected to the motor so as to be rotatable; a motor housing disposed in the main body case, provided to support the motor, and including a partition guide; and a seal coupled to the partition guide and in contact with an inner wall of the main body case. The partition guide and the seal may be provided to partition a first flow path extending from the first inlet to the first outlet through the suction fan, and a second flow path extending from the second inlet to the second outlet through the cooling fan and the motor.

[0224] The seal may be disposed along an outer circumference of the partition guide.

[0225] The motor housing may further include a motor cover portion surrounding the motor. The partition guide may extend from the motor cover portion.

[0226] The partition guide may extend from the motor cover portion to be close to the inner wall of the main body case.

[0227] The seal may be coupled to one end, which is opposite to the motor cover portion in a direction extending from the motor cover portion, of the partition guide.

[0228] The motor housing may further include an air guide through which the first flow path passes. The partition guide may extend from one side of the air guide in a direction in which air flowing along the first flow path is discharged in response to the rotation of the suction fan.

[0229] The motor housing may further include a first housing surrounding the motor and through which the first flow path passes. The seal may include a first sealing portion extending from the partition guide to the inner wall of the main body case, and a second sealing portion extending from the first housing to the inner wall of the main body case.

[0230] The second sealing portion may be provided to partition a space between an outer circumferential surface of the first housing and the inner wall of the main body case from the first flow path.

[0231] The first outlet may be disposed between a portion of the main body case in contact with the first sealing portion and another portion of the main body case in contact with the second sealing portion.

[0232] The first sealing portion and the second sealing portion may be connected to each other. The seal may further include a seal hole disposed between the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion and provided to allow the first flow path to pass therethrough.

[0233] The first outlet and the second outlet may be spaced apart from each other.

[0234] The motor housing may further include a motor cover portion surrounding the motor. The first flow path may be disposed on an outside of the motor cover portion, and at least a portion of the second flow path may be disposed on an inside of the motor cover portion.

[0235] The second flow path may include a first portion passing through the motor and the cooling fan, and a second portion passing between the motor and the motor cover portion.

[0236] The cleaner may further include a motor driver electrically connected to the motor. The cooling fan may be disposed between the motor and the motor driver.

[0237] The cleaner may further include a suction port provided to draw in air and foreign substances, and a dust collector connected to the suction port and configured to collect foreign substances in the air drawn in from the suction port. The first inlet may be provided to allow air passing through the dust collector to be introduced therein.

[0238] A cleaner according to one embodiment may include a suction port provided to draw in air and foreign substances; a dust collector connected to the suction port and configured to collect foreign substances in the air drawn in from the suction port; a suction device configured to draw in air and foreign substances through the suction port; and a main body case including a first inlet, a first outlet, a second inlet, and a second outlet and accommodating the suction device. The suction device may include a motor; a suction fan connected to the motor so as to be rotatable, and configured to move air, which is introduced into the main body case through the dust collector and the first inlet, to the first outlet as the suction fan rotates; a cooling fan connected to the motor so as to be rotatable and configured to move air, which is introduced into the main body case through the second inlet, to the second outlet through the motor as the cooling fan rotates; a partition guide disposed in the main body case and provided to partition a first flow path extending from the first inlet to the first outlet, and a second flow path extending from the second inlet to the second outlet; and a seal disposed between an outer circumference of the partition guide and an inner wall of the main body case.

[0239] The suction device may further include a motor housing supporting the motor. The motor housing may further include an air guide through which the first flow path passes. The partition guide may extend from one side of the air guide to the inner wall of the main body case so as to guide air, which flows along the first flow path in response to the rotation of the suction fan, to the first outlet.

[0240] The suction device may further include a suction fan shroud covering the suction fan, a cooling fan shroud covering the cooling fan, and a motor housing supporting the motor. The motor housing may include an air guide connected to the suction fan shroud, and a motor cover portion disposed inside the air guide, provided to surround the motor, and connected to the cooling fan shroud. The partition guide may extend from the motor cover portion to the inner wall of the main body case.

[0241] The cooling fan may be provided to allow air outside the cleaner to be introduced into the main body case through the second inlet and provided to allow air to be discharged to an outside of the cleaner through the second outlet in response to the rotation of the cooling fan.

[0242] A suction device according to one embodiment may include a motor; a suction fan connected to the motor so as to be rotatable; a cooling fan connected to the motor so as to be rotatable; a suction fan shroud covering the suction fan; a cooling fan shroud covering the cooling fan; a motor housing disposed between the suction fan shroud and the cooling fan shroud, and covering the motor, the motor housing including a partition guide disposed between a suction flow path connected to the suction fan shroud and a cooling flow path connected to the cooling fan shroud and passing through the motor; and a seal provided along an outer circumference of the partition guide.

[0243] As is apparent from the above description, a suction device of a cleaner may include a cooling fan so as to generate a flow of air passing through a motor and / or a motor driver, thereby efficiently cooling the motor and / or the motor driver and increasing an output range of the motor.

[0244] Further, a suction device of a cleaner may include a partition guide and a seal to prevent or reduce suction air containing moisture from flowing into a space in which a motor and / or a motor driver are disposed.

[0245] Further, a suction device of a cleaner may include a partition guide and a seal to separate a flow path for drawing in and filtering out foreign substances such as dust, from a flow path for cooling a motor and / or a motor driver.

[0246] Additional aspects of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure.

[0247] While the present disclosure has been particularly described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood by those of skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0026]Embodiments described in the disclosure and configurations shown in the drawings are merely examples of the embodiments of the disclosure, and may be modified in various different ways at the time of filing of the present application to replace the embodiments and drawings of the disclosure.

[0027]In addition, the same reference numerals or signs shown in the drawings of the disclosure indicate elements or components performing substantially the same function.

[0028]Also, the terms used herein are used to describe the embodiments and are not intended to limit and / or restrict the disclosure. The singular forms “a,”“an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this disclosure, the terms “including”, “having”, and the like are used to specify features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more of the features, numbers, st...

Claims

1. A cleaner comprising:a main body case including a first inlet, a first outlet, a second inlet and a second outlet;a motor in the main body case;a suction fan in the main body case and configured to be rotatable by the motor to move air along a first flow path extending from the first inlet to the first outlet;a cooling fan in the main body case and configured to be rotatable by the motor to move air along a second flow path extending from the second inlet to the second outlet;a motor housing supporting the motor and including a partition guide; anda seal coupled to the partition guide and in contact with an inner wall of the main body case, so that the partition guide and the seal together partition the first flow path from the second flow path.

2. The cleaner of claim 1, wherein the seal is along an outer circumference of the partition guide.

3. The cleaner of claim 1, whereinthe motor housing further includes a motor cover portion surrounding the motor, andthe partition guide extends from the motor cover portion.

4. The cleaner of claim 3, wherein the partition guide extends from the motor cover portion towards the inner wall of the main body case.

5. The cleaner of claim 3, wherein the seal is coupled to an end of the partition guide opposite to the motor cover portion in a direction extending from the motor cover portion.

6. The cleaner of claim 1, whereinthe motor housing further includes an air guide which the first flow path passes through, andthe partition guide extends from a side of the air guide in a direction in which air flows along the first flow path in response to the rotation of the suction fan.

7. The cleaner of claim 1, whereinthe motor housing further includes a first housing surrounding the motor and which the first flow path passes through, andthe seal includes a first sealing portion extending from the partition guide to the inner wall of the main body case and a second sealing portion extending from the first housing to the inner wall of the main body case.

8. The cleaner of claim 7, wherein the second sealing portion partitions a space between an outer circumferential surface of the first housing and the inner wall of the main body case from the first flow path.

9. The cleaner of claim 7, wherein the first outlet is between a portion of the main body case in contact with the first sealing portion and another portion of the main body case in contact with the second sealing portion.

10. The cleaner of claim 7, whereinthe first sealing portion and the second sealing portion are connected to each other, andthe seal further includes a seal hole between the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion to allow the first flow path to pass therethrough.

11. The cleaner of claim 1, wherein the first outlet and the second outlet are spaced apart from each other.

12. The cleaner of claim 1, whereinthe motor housing further includes a motor cover portion surrounding the motor, andthe first flow path is disposed on an outside of the motor cover portion, and at least a portion of the second flow path is disposed on an inside of the motor cover portion.

13. The cleaner of claim 12, wherein the second flow path includes a first portion passing through the motor and the cooling fan and a second portion passing between the motor and the motor cover portion.

14. The cleaner of claim 1, further comprising:a motor driver electrically connected to the motor, wherein the cooling fan is between the motor and the motor driver.

15. The cleaner of claim 1, further comprising:a suction port configured to draw in air and foreign substances; anda dust collector configured to collect foreign substances in the air drawn in from the suction port, and to allow the air drawn in from the suction port to pass through the dust collector to enter the first inlet.

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