Cleaner and control method of cleaner

Abstract

The present invention comprises: a battery; a suction motor which is operated by the power of the battery; a voltage sensor which measures a voltage of the battery; and a control unit which determines on the basis of the voltage of the battery whether to replace the battery.

Description

Vacuum cleaners and their control methods

[0001] The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner, and more particularly, to a technology for notifying the replacement of a vacuum cleaner's battery.

[0002] Vacuum cleaners can be categorized into manual vacuum cleaners, which are moved by the user to perform cleaning, and robotic vacuum cleaners, which clean autonomously. Furthermore, manual vacuum cleaners can be categorized by type, such as canister vacuum cleaners, upright vacuum cleaners, handheld vacuum cleaners, and stick vacuum cleaners.

[0003] The vacuum cleaner includes an impeller and a suction motor that rotates the impeller to provide driving force for sucking up dust.

[0004] In the case of a handheld vacuum cleaner, in case it is difficult to complete cleaning of the cleaning area with just one battery, a spare battery is replaced to complete cleaning.

[0005] Some users just plug their spare batteries into the auxiliary charging stand and don't use them, while others remove them and store them separately in storage for long periods.

[0006] For PL safety reasons, the battery enters sleep mode when not in use, and when it is not used for a long period of time, it self-discharges and drops to the minimum operating voltage, losing its function as a battery and becoming unusable.

[0007] Many consumer issues have arisen when users attach a self-discharged spare battery to the vacuum cleaner, causing it to not work when the main battery is not working.

[0008] In the prior art, this patent determines the battery's lifespan based on the charging time and number of charges, and notifies the user when it's time to replace it. Therefore, the prior art does not provide a method for preventing the discharge of the spare battery when two batteries are alternately used, resulting in the problem of the spare battery discharging.

[0009] [Prior Art Literature]

[0010] [Patent Document]

[0011] Korean Patent Publication No. 20040057721

[0012]

[0013] The first object of the present invention is to provide a vacuum cleaner that prevents the spare battery of the vacuum cleaner from being discharged due to not being replaced for a long time.

[0014] The second task is to provide a vacuum cleaner that notifies the user in various ways to replace the spare battery if it has not been replaced for a long time.

[0015] The third task is to provide a vacuum cleaner that can accurately determine the need for battery replacement using only the battery voltage sensor.

[0016]

[0017] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention monitors the voltage of the battery and determines whether the battery needs to be replaced based on the change in the voltage of the battery.

[0018] Specifically, the present invention includes a battery, a suction motor that operates on power from the battery, a voltage sensor that measures the voltage of the battery, and a control unit that determines whether to replace the battery based on the voltage of the battery.

[0019] The control unit may determine that the battery has been replaced if the voltage of the battery changes beyond a preset first range within a preset first time period.

[0020] The present invention further includes an output unit that displays the status of the vacuum cleaner, and when the control unit determines that the battery has been replaced, it can output a control command to the output unit to display a signal for the user to recognize the replacement of the battery.

[0021] The control unit may determine that the battery has not been replaced if the voltage of the battery changes within a preset first range within a preset first time period.

[0022] The control unit may output a control command to display a signal to the output unit to allow the user to recognize that the battery is not replaced when the state in which the battery is not replaced is maintained for a second time period that is longer than the first time period.

[0023] In addition, the present invention further includes a terminal connected to the vacuum cleaner by a wireless communication method, and the control unit can output a control command to display a signal to the terminal so that a user recognizes that the battery is not replaced when the state in which the battery is not replaced is maintained for a second time period that is longer than the first time period.

[0024] The control unit may determine that the battery has been replaced if the voltage difference between the off voltage of the battery at the time the suction motor is turned off and the on voltage of the battery at the time the suction motor is turned on again after being turned off exceeds the first voltage difference.

[0025] If the control unit determines that the battery has been replaced, it can output a control command to the output unit to display a signal indicating that the user has recognized the replacement of the battery.

[0026] The control unit may determine that the battery has not been replaced if the voltage difference is smaller than the first voltage difference.

[0027] The control unit may output a control command to display a signal to the output unit to allow the user to recognize that the battery is not replaced when the state in which the battery is not replaced is maintained for a second time.

[0028] The control unit may output a control command to display a signal to the terminal to allow the user to recognize that the battery is not replaced when the state in which the battery is not replaced is maintained for a second time.

[0029] The control unit may define one cycle as the period in which the suction motor is turned off and then turned on again, and if the state in which the battery is not replaced exceeds a preset cycle, output a control command to display a signal to the output unit so that the user recognizes that the battery is not replaced.

[0030] The control unit may define one cycle as the suction motor turning off and then turning back on, and if the state in which the battery is not replaced exceeds a preset cycle, output a control command to display a signal to the terminal to allow the user to recognize that the battery is not replaced.

[0031] The control unit may determine that the battery has been replaced when a voltage difference between the off voltage of the battery when the suction motor is turned off and the on voltage of the battery when the suction motor is turned on after the suction motor is turned off and the battery is charged exceeds a first voltage difference.

[0032] The control unit may define one cycle as the suction motor being turned off, the battery being charged, and then the suction motor being turned on, and if the state in which the battery is not replaced exceeds a preset cycle, the control unit may output a control command to display a signal to the output unit so that the user recognizes that the battery is not being replaced.

[0033] In addition, the present invention may include a monitoring step of monitoring the voltage of the battery; and a judgment step of determining whether to replace the battery based on a change in the voltage of the battery within a preset time.

[0034] The above judgment step may determine that the battery has been replaced if the voltage of the battery changes beyond a preset first range within a preset first time.

[0035] The above judgment step may determine that the battery has not been replaced if the voltage of the battery changes within a preset first range within a preset first time.

[0036] In addition, the present invention may further include an output step for outputting a signal that allows a user to recognize whether the battery needs to be replaced.

[0037] The above output step may display a signal on the output section to allow the user to recognize that the battery is not replaced when the state in which the battery is not replaced is maintained for a second time period that is longer than the first time period.

[0038] The above output step may display a signal on the terminal to allow the user to recognize that the battery is not replaced when the state in which the battery is not replaced is maintained for a second time period that is longer than the first time period.

[0039]

[0040] In addition, the present invention may include a monitoring step of monitoring the voltage of the battery, a detection step of detecting the on / off of a suction motor operated by the power of the battery, and a judgment step of determining whether to replace the battery based on a voltage difference between the battery off voltage at the time when the suction motor is off and the battery on voltage at the time when the suction motor is on.

[0041] In addition, the present invention defines one cycle as the period in which the suction motor is turned off and then turned on again, and may further include an output step for outputting a signal that allows a user to recognize that the battery is not replaced when the state in which the battery is not replaced exceeds a preset cycle.

[0042]

[0043] Through the above solution, the present invention monitors the voltage of the battery for a certain period of time, and if the amount of change in the battery voltage during a certain period of time exceeds a preset standard, it determines that the battery needs to be replaced, so it is possible to accurately determine the replacement of the battery by sensing only the battery voltage, and has the advantage of reducing the control burden.

[0044] In addition, the present invention has the advantage of being able to prevent discharge of the spare battery by monitoring the voltage of the battery for a certain period of time, and when the amount of change in the battery voltage during a certain period of time does not exceed a preset standard and a certain period of time has elapsed, recommending battery replacement to the user through the output unit and / or terminal of the vacuum cleaner, and recognizing that the spare battery is discharged.

[0045] In addition, the present invention monitors the voltage of the battery when the suction motor is turned off and on, and determines whether to replace the battery based on the voltage difference when the suction motor is turned off and on, so that accurate battery replacement can be determined by sensing only the battery voltage, and has the advantage of reducing the control burden.

[0046] In addition, the present invention has the advantage of recommending battery replacement to the user through the output unit and / or terminal of the vacuum cleaner when the cycle of repeated on-off of the suction motor exceeds a certain cycle while the voltage difference between the on-off and on-off of the suction motor does not reach a certain standard, and preventing discharge of the spare battery by recognizing that the spare battery is discharged, and accurately notifying the time to replace the battery even when the vacuum cleaner is completely discharged and the timer does not operate.

[0047]

[0048] Fig. 1 is a side elevation view showing a state of use of a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner (1) with the nozzle module (70) removed from Fig. 1.

[0050] Fig. 3 is a side elevation view of the vacuum cleaner (1) of Fig. 2.

[0051] Fig. 4 is a top elevation view of the vacuum cleaner (1) of Fig. 2.

[0052] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaner (1) of Fig. 3 cut horizontally along line S1-S1'.

[0053] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken vertically along line S2-S2' of the cleaner (1) of Fig. 4.

[0054] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing exemplary components of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the voltage of a battery over time according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the voltage of a battery over time according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Fig. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a vacuum cleaner according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the voltage of a battery over time according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the voltage of a battery over time according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0061]

[0062] In order to explain the present invention, the following description is based on a spatial orthogonal coordinate system with an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis that are orthogonal to each other. Each axis direction (X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, Z-axis direction) means both directions in which each axis extends. A '+' sign in front of each axis direction (+X-axis direction, +Y-axis direction, +Z-axis direction) means a positive direction, which is one of the two directions in which each axis extends. A '-' sign in front of each axis direction (-X-axis direction, -Y-axis direction, -Z-axis direction) means a negative direction, which is the remaining one of the two directions in which each axis extends.

[0063] The expressions referring to directions such as “front (+X) / back (-X) / left (+Y) / right (-Y) / up (+Z) / down (-Z)” mentioned below are defined according to the XYZ coordinate axes, but this is only for the purpose of explaining so that the present invention can be clearly understood, and it goes without saying that each direction can be defined differently depending on where the standard is set.

[0064] The use of terms such as "first," "second," and "third" before the components mentioned below is intended solely to avoid confusion regarding the components they refer to, and has no bearing on the order, importance, or dominant-subordinate relationship between the components. For example, an invention can be implemented that includes only a second component without a first component.

[0065] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0066] The vacuum cleaner according to the present invention can be a manual vacuum cleaner or a robot vacuum cleaner. Specifically, the invention defined in the claims of the present invention can be applied to manual vacuum cleaners, such as those in the form of a handheld, canister, or upright vacuum cleaner, and to robot vacuum cleaners capable of autonomous navigation in a cleaning space, as long as they contain a flow path identical or similar to that of the present invention.

[0067] Hereinafter, a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the invention will be described as a handheld manual vacuum cleaner.

[0068]

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment includes a main body (10) forming a path (P) that guides sucked air to be discharged to the outside. The vacuum cleaner (1) includes a dust separation unit (20) that is arranged on the path (P) and separates dust from the air. The vacuum cleaner (1) includes a handle (30) coupled to one side of the main body (10).

[0070] The vacuum cleaner (1) includes a battery (Bt) that supplies power and a battery housing (40) that accommodates the battery (Bt). The vacuum cleaner (1) includes a fan module (50, 50') that is arranged on a path (P) and moves air within the path. In addition to the dust separation unit (20), the vacuum cleaner (1) includes filters (61, 62) that are arranged on the path (P) and separate dust from the air.

[0071] The vacuum cleaner (1) includes a nozzle module (70) that is detachably connected to a suction pipe (11) of the main body (10). The vacuum cleaner (1) includes an input unit (3) through which a user can input the On / Off or suction mode of the vacuum cleaner (1), and an output unit (4) that displays various statuses of the vacuum cleaner (1) to the user.

[0072] Meanwhile, the discharge port of the vacuum cleaner (1) may be equipped with a noise control module (80, 80', 180, 280, 380, 980) that performs at least one of the following functions: ⅰ a first function of reducing the size of noise in a relatively low-frequency range among audible frequencies, and ⅱ a second function of increasing the size of noise in a relatively high-frequency range among audible frequencies. The noise control module may include a speaker (89, 989) that outputs sound. According to an embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (1) may further include a sound transmission tube (90) that transmits the sound of the speaker (89, 989) to the sound discharge port (10b, 10b').

[0073] Referring to Fig. 1, the nozzle module (70) includes a suction nozzle (71) configured to suck in external air, and an extension pipe (73) extending long from the suction nozzle (71). The extension pipe (73) connects the suction nozzle (71) and the suction pipe (11). The extension pipe (73) guides air sucked in from the suction nozzle (71) to flow into the suction path (P1). One end of the extension pipe (73) can be detachably coupled to the suction pipe (11) of the main body (10). The user can clean by holding the handle (30) and moving the suction nozzle (71) while placing the suction nozzle (71) on the floor.

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 6, the main body (10) forms the exterior of the vacuum cleaner (1). The main body (10) may be formed as an overall long cylindrical shape. A dust separation unit (20) is accommodated inside the main body (10). A fan module (50, 50') is accommodated inside the main body (10). The main body (10) includes a suction pipe (11) that guides the suction of air into the main body (10). The suction pipe (11) forms a suction path (P1). The suction pipe (11) may protrude toward the front of the main body (10). In addition, a handle (30) is coupled to the opposite side of the suction pipe (11) with respect to the main body (10). In addition, a battery (Bt) for supplying power to the fan module (50, 50') may be mounted on the lower side of the handle (30).

[0075] The main body (10) includes an exhaust cover (12, 12') forming an exhaust port (10a, 10a'). The exhaust cover (12, 12') may form an upper surface of the main body (10). The exhaust cover (12, 12') covers the upper portion of the fan module housing (14).

[0076] The main body (10) includes a dust collection unit (13) for storing dust separated from the dust separation unit (20). At least a part of the dust separation unit (20) may be arranged within the dust collection unit (13). The inner surface of the upper portion of the dust collection unit (13) may perform the function of a first cyclone unit (21) to be described later. (In this case, the upper portion of the dust collection unit (13) may be referred to as a first cyclone unit (21).) A second cyclone unit (22) and a dust flow guide (24) are arranged within the dust collection unit (13).

[0077] The dust collection unit (13) may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The dust collection unit (13) is arranged on the lower side of the fan module housing (14). Dust storage spaces (S1, S2) are formed inside the dust collection unit (13). A first storage space (S1) is formed between the dust collection unit (13) and the dust flow guide (24). A second storage space (S2) is formed inside the dust flow guide (24).

[0078] The main body (10) includes a fan module housing (14) that accommodates a fan module (50, 50') therein. The fan module housing (14) may be formed to extend upward from the dust collection unit (13). The fan module housing (14) is formed in a cylindrical shape. An extension (31) of a handle (30) is arranged on the opposite side of the suction pipe (11) with respect to the fan module housing (14).

[0079] The main body (10) includes a dust cover (15) configured to open and close the dust collection unit (13). The dust cover (15) can be rotatably coupled to the lower side of the dust collection unit (13). The dust cover (15) can open and close the lower side of the dust collection unit (13) by a rotational motion. The dust cover (15) can include a hinge (not shown) for rotation. The hinge can be coupled to the dust collection unit (13). The dust cover (15) can open and close the first storage space (S1) and the second storage space (S2) together.

[0080] The main body (10) includes an air guide (16) that guides air flowing out from the dust separation unit (20). The air guide (16) forms a fan module flow path (P4, P4') that guides air from the dust separation unit (20) to the impeller (52). The air guide (16) includes an exhaust flow path (P5, P5') that guides air passing through the impeller (52) to the exhaust port (10a, 10a'). The air guide (16) can be arranged within the fan module housing (14).

[0081] Meanwhile, the fan module (50) may be composed of an impeller (52), a suction motor (51) for operating the impeller, and a shaft (53) for coupling the suction motor (51) and the impeller (52). The direction of the flow path sucked into the fan module (50) is determined according to the arrangement position and direction of the impeller (52) inside the fan module (50).

[0082] For example, referring to FIGS. 6a to 6c, when the inlet of the impeller (52) is installed in the opposite direction of the suction motor (51) at the top of the suction motor (51), the air flowing out from the dust separation unit (20) can rise, then descend while passing through the impeller (52), and then rise again to the exhaust port (10a, 10a') to form a flow path (P4, P5).

[0083] As another example, referring to FIG. 7, when the inlet of the impeller (52) is installed in the opposite direction of the suction motor (51) from the lower portion of the suction motor (51), the air flowing out from the dust separation unit (20) can pass through the impeller (52) and continuously rise to the exhaust port (10a, 10a') to form a flow path (P4', P5').

[0084] Additionally, in the embodiment of Fig. 7, if the inlet of the impeller (52) is installed so as to face the motor, the impeller (52) can be installed on top of the suction motor (51).

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 2, 4, and 6, the main body (10) forms an exhaust port (10a, 10a') through which air within the euro (P) is discharged to the outside of the main body (10). The exhaust port (10a, 10a') may be formed in the exhaust cover (12, 12').

[0086] The exhaust ports (10a, 10a') may be arranged on one side of the main body (10). The exhaust ports (10a, 10a') may be formed on the upper side of the main body (10). This prevents dust around the cleaner from being scattered by the air discharged from the exhaust ports (10a, 10a'), and at the same time, prevents the air discharged from the exhaust ports (10a, 10a') from directly hitting the user. In addition, the sound emission port may be arranged on the same side of the main body (10) as the side on which the exhaust ports (10a, 10a') are formed.

[0087] The exhaust ports (10a, 10a') may be arranged to face a specific direction (e.g., upward). The exhaust direction (Ae) of the air discharged through the exhaust ports (10a, 10a') may be a specific direction.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the dust separation unit (20) performs the function of filtering out dust on the euro (P). The dust separation unit (20) separates dust sucked into the main body (10) through the suction pipe (11) from the air.

[0089] For example, the dust separation unit (20) may include a first cyclone unit (21) and a second cyclone unit (22) capable of separating dust by cyclone flow. The flow path (P2) formed by the first cyclone unit (21) may be connected to the suction flow path (P1) formed by the suction pipe (11). Air and dust sucked through the suction pipe (11) flow spirally along the inner surface of the first cyclone unit (21).

[0090] The axis (A2) of the cyclone flow of the first cyclone section (21) may extend in the vertical direction. The axis (A2) of the cyclone flow may coincide with the axis (O). The second cyclone section (22) additionally separates dust from the air that has passed through the first cyclone section (21). The second cyclone section (22) may be located inside the first cyclone section (21). The second cyclone section (22) may be located inside the boundary section (23). The second cyclone section (22) may include a plurality of cyclone bodies arranged in parallel.

[0091] As another example, the dust separation unit (20) may also have a single cyclone unit. In this case, the axis (A2) of the cyclone flow may extend in the vertical direction.

[0092] As another example, the dust separation unit (20) may also include a main filter unit (not shown) instead of a cyclone unit. The main filter unit can separate dust from the air flowing in from the suction pipe (11).

[0093] Hereinafter, the dust separation unit (20) is described based on the present embodiment including the first cyclone unit (110) and the second cyclone unit (130), but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0094] The dust separation unit (20) forms dust separation paths (P2, P3). As air moves at a high speed through the dust separation paths (P2, P3), dust in the air is separated, and the separated dust is stored in the first storage space (S1).

[0095] The space between the inner surface of the first cyclone section (21) and the outer surface of the boundary section (23) becomes the flow path (P2) of the first cyclone. Air passing through the suction flow path (P1) moves in a downward spiral direction in the flow path (P2) of the first cyclone, and dust in the air is centrifugally separated. Here, the axis (A2) becomes the axis (A2) of the downward spiral flow.

[0096] The dust separation unit (20) includes a boundary unit (23) cylindrically arranged inside the first cyclone unit (21). The boundary unit (23) forms a plurality of holes on its outer surface. Air within the first cyclone passage (P2) can pass through the plurality of holes of the boundary unit (23) and flow into the second cyclone passage (P3). Large-volume dust can also be filtered by the plurality of holes of the boundary unit (23).

[0097] Inside the boundary section (23), the upper part of the second cyclone section (22) is arranged. The second cyclone section (22) is hollow and includes a plurality of cyclone bodies that are perforated vertically. Each cyclone body may be formed in a pipe shape that becomes thinner toward the bottom. A second cyclone passage (P3) is formed inside each cyclone body. Air that has passed through the boundary section (23) moves to the second cyclone passage (P3) along a guide that induces air flow in a downward spiral direction and is arranged at the upper part of the cyclone body. The air performs a downward spiral movement along the inner surface of the cyclone body, and dust in the air is centrifugally separated, and the separated air is stored in the second storage space (S2). The air that has moved to the lower part of the cyclone body along the second cyclone passage (P3) moves upward along the vertical central axis of the second cyclone passage (P3) and is introduced into the fan module passages (P4, P4').

[0098] The dust separation unit (20) includes a dust flow guide (24) that separates a first storage space (S1) and a second storage space (S2) within the dust collection unit (13). The space between the dust flow guide (24) and the inner surface of the dust collection unit (13) is the first storage space (S1). The inner space of the dust flow guide (24) is the second storage space (S2).

[0099] The dust flow guide (24) is coupled to the lower side of the second cyclone section (22). The dust flow guide (24) contacts the upper surface of the dust cover (15). A portion of the dust flow guide (24) may be formed to have a diameter that decreases from the upper side to the lower side. For example, the upper part of the dust flow guide (24) may be formed to have a diameter that decreases from the lower side, and the lower part of the dust flow guide (24) may be formed in a cylindrical shape that extends vertically.

[0100] The dust separation unit (20) may include an anti-flying rib (25) extending downward from the upper end of the dust flow guide (24). It may surround the upper end of the dust flow guide (24). The anti-flying rib (25) may extend along a circumferential direction centered on the flow axis (A2). For example, the anti-flying rib (25) may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0101] When the upper part of the dust flow guide (24) is formed so that the diameter decreases as it goes downward, a space is formed between the outer surface of the upper part of the dust flow guide (24) and the anti-flying rib (25). When an upward flow of air occurs along the dust flow guide (24) within the first storage space (S1), the rising dust is caught by the space between the anti-flying rib (25) and the upper part of the dust flow guide (24). Through this, the dust within the first storage space (S1) can be prevented from flowing backward upward.

[0102] The handle (30) is coupled to the main body (10). The handle (30) can be coupled in the opposite direction of the suction pipe (11) with respect to the main body (10). The handle (30) can be coupled to the upper side of the battery housing (40).

[0103] The handle (30) includes an extension (31) that protrudes rearward from the main body (10). The extension (31) may extend forward from the upper portion of the additional extension (32). The extension (31) may extend horizontally. In the embodiment B described below, a speaker (989) is arranged inside the extension (31).

[0104] The handle (30) extends vertically and includes an additional extension (32). The additional extension (32) can be spaced apart from the main body (10) in the front-back direction. A user can use the vacuum cleaner (1) by holding the additional extension (32). The upper end of the additional extension (32) is connected to the rear end of the extension (31). The lower end of the additional extension (32) is connected to the battery housing (40).

[0105] The additional extension (32) may be provided with a movement restriction member (32a) to prevent the user's hand from moving in the longitudinal direction (up and down) of the additional extension (32) while holding the additional extension (32). The movement restriction member (32a) may protrude forward from the additional extension (32).

[0106] The movement restriction part (32a) is positioned vertically apart from the extension part (31). When the user holds the additional extension part (32), some fingers of the user's gripping hand are positioned above the movement restriction part (32a), and the remaining fingers are positioned below the movement restriction part (32a).

[0107] The handle (30) may include an inclined surface (33) facing in a direction between the upper and rearward sides. The inclined surface (33) may be located at the rear of the extension (31). An input unit (3) may be arranged on the inclined surface (33).

[0108] The battery (Bt) can supply power to the fan module (50, 50'). The battery (Bt) can supply power to the noise control module. The battery (Bt) can be detachably arranged inside the battery housing (40).

[0109] The battery housing (40) is attached to the rear side of the main body (10). The battery housing (40) is positioned on the lower side of the handle (30). A battery (Bt) is accommodated inside the battery housing (40). A heat dissipation hole may be formed in the battery housing (40) to discharge heat generated from the battery (Bt) to the outside.

[0110]

[0111] Referring to Fig. 6, the cleaner (1) may include a pre-filter (61) that filters air before the air is sucked in by the suction motor (51). The pre-filter (61) may be arranged to surround the impeller (52). Air on the fan module path (P4, P4') passes through the pre-filter (61) to reach the impeller (52). The pre-filter (61) is arranged inside the main body (10). The pre-filter (61) is arranged below the discharge cover (12, 12'). The user can withdraw the pre-filter (61) from the inside of the main body (10) by separating the discharge cover (12, 12') from the cleaner (1).

[0112] The vacuum cleaner (1) may include a HEPA filter (62) that filters air before it is discharged through the exhaust port (10a, 10a'). Air that has passed through the impeller (52, 52') may pass through the HEPA filter (62) and then be discharged to the outside through the exhaust port (10a). The HEPA filter (62) is arranged on the exhaust path (P5).

[0113] The discharge cover (12, 12') can form a filter accommodation space (not shown) for accommodating a HEPA filter (62). The filter accommodation space is formed so that the lower side is open, so that the HEPA filter (62) can be accommodated in the filter accommodation space at the lower side of the discharge cover (12, 12').

[0114] An exhaust port (10a) may be formed to face a HEPA filter (62). A HEPA filter (62) is arranged on the lower side of the exhaust port (10a, 10a'). The HEPA filter (62) may be arranged to extend in a circumferential direction along the exhaust port (10a, 10a').

[0115] The main body (10) includes a filter cover (17) that covers the lower side of the HEPA filter (62). When the HEPA filter (62) is accommodated in the filter accommodation space, the lower side of the HEPA filter (62) is covered by the filter cover (17), and a hole is formed in the filter cover (17) for air on the exhaust path (P5) to pass through. The filter cover (17) can be detachably connected to the exhaust cover (12, 12').

[0116] The exhaust cover (12, 12') can be detachably connected to the fan module housing (14). When the filter cover (17) is separated from the exhaust cover (12, 12') in the exhaust cover (12, 12') separated from the fan module housing (14), the HEPA filter (62) can be withdrawn from the filter receiving space.

[0117] In the present invention, the vacuum cleaner (1) is described as including a pre-filter (61) and a HEPA filter (62), but of course, there is no limitation on the type and number of filters.

[0118] Meanwhile, the input unit (3) may be located on the opposite side of the movement restriction unit (32a) with respect to the handle (30). The input unit (3) may be placed on an inclined surface (33).

[0119] Additionally, the output unit (4) may be arranged on the extension unit (31). For example, the output unit (4) may be located on the upper surface of the extension unit (31). The output unit (4) may include a plurality of transmitters (111). The plurality of transmitters (111) may be arranged to be spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (front-back direction) of the extension unit (31).

[0120] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the flow path (P) is formed by sequentially connecting the intake flow path (P1), dust separation flow paths (P2, P3), fan module flow paths (P4, P4'), and exhaust flow paths (P5, P5').

[0121] Referring particularly to FIG. 5, the suction path (P1) provides external air to the dust separation unit (20). The suction path (P1) is connected to the dust separation unit (20). Specifically, the suction path (P1) may be defined by a suction pipe (11), and a part of the suction path (P1) may be exposed to the outside of the main body (10), and the other side of the suction path (P1) may be located within the main body (10). One side of the suction path (P1) may be coupled to an extension pipe (73) connected to a suction nozzle (71). The air within the suction path (P1) is moved by a fan module.

[0122] The suction path may include a first suction path (P11) extending in a first direction, and a second suction path (P12) connecting the first suction path (P11) and the dust separation unit (20) and extending in a second direction at an obtuse angle with the first direction.

[0123] The first suction path (P11) may be a straight line extending in the first direction. Specifically, the suction pipe (11) defining the first suction path (P11) may be a straight pipe extending in the first direction. At least a portion of the first suction path (P11) is exposed to the outside of the main body (10). The extension line in the first direction intersects the rotation axis of the fan module (axis of cyclone flow (A2)).

[0124] One end of the second suction passage (P12) is connected to the first suction passage (P11), and the other end is connected to the dust separation unit (20). The second suction passage (P12) is connected to the dust separation passage (P2) of the dust separation unit (20). The second suction passage (P12) is located within the main body (10).

[0125] The second suction path (P12) changes the direction of the incoming air so that the air flowing into the dust separation unit (20) performs a cyclonic motion around the axis (A2) of the cyclone flow, and reduces the velocity of the incoming air.

[0126] Specifically, the second suction path (P12) may extend in a second direction (L2) forming an obtuse angle with the first direction (L1). The second suction path (P12) may form a straight line or a curve. The angle (A0) formed by the first suction path (P11) and the second suction path (P12) is preferably 150 to 170 degrees. The first direction is the front-back direction, and the angle (A0) formed by the first suction path (P11) and the second suction path (P12) is an angle measured on the front-back, left-right, and right planes.

[0127] The first suction passage (P11) is a passage for introducing dust and air sucked from the suction nozzle (71) into the dust separation unit (20). The air moving through the first suction passage (P11) must maintain a flow rate that prevents dust and air from flowing back during movement.

[0128] The first suction path (P11) may be defined as an area in the suction pipe (11) where the flow velocity is the fastest. In addition, the first suction path (P11) may be defined as an area in the suction pipe (11) where the flow velocity is relatively faster than other areas.

[0129] The second suction path (P12) forms the first cyclone inlet through the flip door (44) and the outer wall of the suction pipe (11) at the end of the first suction path (P11). The second suction path (P12) can be defined as an area in the suction pipe (11) where the flow velocity is slower than that of the first suction path (P11).

[0130] A flap door (44) for opening and closing the suction pipe (11) is installed in the suction pipe (11). The flap door (44) is rotatably installed in the second suction path (P12) and opens and closes the suction path according to the pressure within the second suction path (P12).

[0131] By the operation of the suction motor (51), air and dust sucked through the suction path (P1) flow and are separated from each other within the first path (P2) and the second cyclone path (P3). In the second cyclone path (P3), air moves upward as described above and flows into the fan module paths (P4, P4').

[0132] The fan module path (P4, P4') guides air toward the pre-filter (61). Air that has sequentially passed through the pre-filter (61) and the impeller (52) flows into the exhaust path (P5, P5'). The air on the exhaust path (P5, P5') passes through the HEPA filter (62) and is then discharged to the outside through the exhaust port (10a, 10a').

[0133] For example, referring to FIG. 6, the fan module path (P4) guides the air so that the air flowing out from the dust separation unit (20) rises and then descends while passing through the impeller (52). Here, the exhaust path (P5) guides the air so that the air that has descended while passing through the impeller (52) rises again to the exhaust port (10a, 10a').

[0134] The present invention can be equipped with a dust sensor (110). The dust sensor (110) measures the concentration of dust within the suction path.

[0135] Additionally, the present invention may further include a voltage sensor (160). The voltage sensor (160) measures the voltage of the battery and provides it to the control unit. The voltage sensor (160) measures the discharge voltage of the battery when the suction motor is operating, and measures the charge voltage when the battery is being charged.

[0136]

[0137] In the following Figure 7, one embodiment related to the control components of the vacuum cleaner (1) is described.

[0138] Referring to FIG. 7, a vacuum cleaner (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include at least one or a combination of a communication unit (1100), an input unit (3), an output unit (4), a power unit (1600), a memory (1700), a control unit (1800), a voltage sensor (160), a brush motor (718), and a suction motor (51).

[0139] At this time, the components shown in Fig. 7 are not essential, so it goes without saying that a vacuum cleaner having more or fewer components can be implemented.

[0140] Below, we will examine each component. First, the power supply unit (1600) is equipped with a battery that can be recharged by an external commercial power source and supplies power to the vacuum cleaner. The power supply unit (1600) supplies driving power to each component included in the vacuum cleaner, thereby providing the operating power required for the vacuum cleaner to drive or perform specific functions.

[0141] At this time, the control unit (1800) can detect the remaining power of the battery and charge the battery by receiving charging current from the charging station. The battery is connected to the battery detection unit so that the remaining battery power and charging status can be transmitted to the control unit (1800). The output unit (4) can display the remaining battery power on the output unit (4) by the control unit (1800).

[0142] The control unit (1800) performs the role of processing information based on artificial intelligence technology and may include one or more modules that perform at least one of information learning, information inference, information perception, and natural language processing.

[0143] The control unit (1800) can perform at least one of learning, inference, and processing of a large amount of information (big data), such as information stored in a vacuum cleaner, environmental information around a mobile terminal, and information stored in a communicable external storage, using machine learning technology.

[0144] In addition, the control unit (1800) can use information learned using machine learning technology to predict (or infer) at least one executable operation of the vacuum cleaner, and control the vacuum cleaner so that the operation with the highest feasibility among at least one predicted operation is executed. Machine learning technology is a technology that collects and learns large amounts of information based on at least one algorithm, and judges and predicts information based on the learned information.

[0145] Information learning is the process of identifying the characteristics, rules, and judgment criteria of information, quantifying the relationships between information, and predicting new data using the quantified patterns.

[0146] Additionally, the control unit (1800) outputs information provided from a sensor equipped in the vacuum cleaner through the output unit (4).

[0147] Meanwhile, the input unit (3) receives various control commands for the vacuum cleaner from the user. The input unit (3) may include one or more buttons.

[0148] In addition, the input unit (3) may be installed on the upper part of the main body (10) using a hard key, soft key, touchpad, etc. In addition, the input unit (3) may have the form of a touch screen together with the output unit (4). The input unit (3) may receive a control command for the user's brush motor (718) or / and a control command for the suction motor (51).

[0149] Meanwhile, the output unit (4) may be installed on the upper part of the vacuum cleaner. Of course, the installation location and installation form may vary. For example, the output unit (4) may display the battery status, the status of the brush motor (718), the status of the suction motor (51), and the current status of the suction nozzle (71) on the screen.

[0150] The output unit (4) can be formed of any one of a light emitting diode (LED), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display panel, and an organic light emitting diode (OLED).

[0151] The output unit (4) may further include an audio output means for audibly outputting the operation process or operation result of the cleaner performed by the control unit (1800). For example, the output unit (4) may output a warning sound to the outside according to a warning signal generated by the control unit (1800).

[0152] At this time, the sound output means (not shown) may be a means for outputting sound, such as a beeper or speaker, and the output unit (4) may output audio data or message data having a predetermined pattern stored in the memory (1700) to the outside through the sound output means.

[0153] The memory (1700) stores a control program that controls or operates the vacuum cleaner and data related thereto. The memory (1700) can store audio information, video information, obstacle information, location information, map information, etc. In addition, the memory (1700) can store information related to driving patterns.

[0154] Memory (1700) mainly uses non-volatile memory. Here, non-volatile memory (NVM, NVRAM) is a storage device that can maintain stored information even when power is not supplied, and may be, for example, ROM, flash memory, magnetic computer memory (e.g., hard disk, diskette drive, magnetic tape), optical disk drive, magnetic RAM, PRAM, etc.

[0155] Meanwhile, the communication unit (1100) is connected to a terminal device and / or a device (e.g., a terminal) located within a specific area using one of wired, wireless, and satellite communication methods to transmit and receive signals and data.

[0156] The communication unit (1100) can transmit and receive data with other devices located within a specific area. The other devices may be any devices that can connect to a network and transmit and receive data. Examples of such devices include air conditioners, heating devices, air purifiers, lights, TVs, and automobiles. Furthermore, the other devices may be devices that control doors, windows, water valves, gas valves, and the like. Furthermore, the other devices may be sensors that detect temperature, humidity, air pressure, gas, and the like.

[0157] The brush motor (718) provides rotational force to the brush (712) to rotate the brush (712).

[0158] The control unit (1800) can determine whether to replace the battery (Bt) based on the voltage change or / and voltage value provided by the voltage sensor (160).

[0159] When the battery (Bt) supplies power to the suction motor (51) or other components, the voltage is defined as the discharge voltage, and the discharge voltage of the battery (Bt) gradually decreases as the number of commercial cycles of the battery (Bt) increases. The discharge voltage of the battery (Bt) may also be referred to as the voltage of the battery (Bt).

[0160] Referring to Figure 9, the voltage of the battery (Bt) decreases over time depending on use, and when the battery (Bt) is replaced, the voltage changes significantly. Accordingly, if the change in voltage (VA) during the first time period (T1) exceeds a preset standard, the battery (Bt) is determined to have been replaced.

[0161] For example, if the voltage of the battery (Bt) changes beyond a preset first range within a preset first time (T1), the control unit (1800) determines that the battery (Bt) has been replaced. In addition, if the control unit (1800) determines that the battery (Bt) has been replaced, the control unit (1800) can output a control command to display a signal to the output unit (4) so ​​that the user recognizes the replacement of the battery (Bt). For example, if the control unit (1800) determines that the battery (Bt) has been replaced, the control unit (1800) can output a message or image indicating that the battery (Bt) has been replaced to the output unit (4). Here, the first range can be set to 4 V to 7 V.

[0162] The control unit (1800) determines that the battery (Bt) has not been replaced if the voltage of the battery (Bt) changes (VA) within a preset first range within a preset first time (T1).

[0163] Referring to Figure 10, the voltage of the battery (Bt) decreases over time depending on use, and if the battery (Bt) is not replaced, it continues to decrease.

[0164] The control unit (1800) can output a control command to display a signal to the output unit (4) so ​​that the user recognizes that the battery (Bt) is not replaced when the state in which the battery (Bt) is not replaced is maintained for a second time period that is longer than the first time period (T1). Specifically, the control unit (1800) can control the output unit (4) to output a message or image indicating that the spare battery (Bt) may be discharged because the battery (Bt) is not replaced when the state in which the battery (Bt) is not replaced is maintained for a second time period that is longer than the first time period (T1).

[0165] Accordingly, in the case of the present invention, if the state in which the battery (Bt) is not replaced is maintained for a second time period that is longer than the first time period (T1), the discharge of the spare battery (Bt) can be warned to the user, and even if only one voltage sensor (160) is used, only the voltage change amount needs to be calculated per unit time period regardless of other variables, so there is an advantage in that the control burden is reduced and even if there is another operation between unit times, it is not necessary to consider it.

[0166] In addition, the voltage of the battery (Bt) may be a compensation value adjusted according to the usage status of the vacuum cleaner. For example, the higher the rotation speed of the suction motor (51), the smaller the compensation value can be multiplied to the measured voltage of the battery (Bt).

[0167] For example, the modes can be distinguished as weak mode, strong mode, and turbo mode in the order in which the rotation speed of the suction motor (51) increases, and if the voltage of the battery (Bt) is obtained by multiplying the measured voltage of the battery (Bt) by a correction value of 0.6 in turbo mode, the voltage of the battery (Bt) can be obtained by multiplying the measured voltage of the battery (Bt) by a correction value of 1 in weak mode, and the voltage of the battery (Bt) can be obtained by multiplying the measured voltage of the battery (Bt) by a correction value of 0.8 in strong mode.

[0168] Here, the first time (T1) can be set to 30 minutes to 1 hour, and the control unit (1800) can determine the voltage change amount from the current time to the previous first time (T1) in units of 1 to 5 minutes.

[0169] The second time period may be set to a time period sufficiently greater than the first time period (T1). Preferably, the second time period may be 40 to 60 days.

[0170] The vacuum cleaner of the present invention is connected to a terminal (not shown) via a communication method. If the state in which the battery (Bt) is not replaced is maintained for a second time period that is longer than the first time period (T1), the control unit (1800) may output a control command to display a signal or alarm on the terminal to notify the user that the battery (Bt) is not being replaced.

[0171] That is, the control unit (1800) can output a message warning that the spare battery (Bt) may be discharged in the terminal connected to the vacuum cleaner if the battery (Bt) is not replaced for a long time.

[0172] Of course, the user can turn the alarm for these batteries (Bt) on or off through the input port or terminal of the vacuum cleaner.

[0173]

[0174] As another example, the control unit (1800) may determine that the battery (Bt) has been replaced if the voltage difference (VD) between the off voltage of the battery (Bt) at the time the suction motor (51) is turned off and the on voltage of the battery (Bt) at the time the suction motor (51) is turned on again exceeds the first voltage difference. It is preferable that the voltage difference (VD) be set to 4 V to 7 V.

[0175] Here, the off voltage of the battery (Bt) may be the voltage of the battery (Bt) after a preset time has elapsed since the suction motor (51) is turned off, and the on voltage of the battery (Bt) may be the voltage of the battery (Bt) after a preset time has elapsed since the suction motor (51) is turned on.

[0176] Referring to Fig. 12, when the suction motor (51) is turned on and time passes, the voltage gradually drops. When the suction motor (51) is turned off, the battery (Bt) is replaced, and the suction motor (51) is turned on, the voltage of the battery (Bt) suddenly increases. Therefore, if there is such an increase or change in the battery (Bt) voltage, it is determined that the battery (Bt) has been replaced.

[0177] In the present invention, monitoring the battery (Bt) voltage by time unit is supplemented to measure the voltage of the battery (Bt) according to the use of the vacuum cleaner, so that replacement of the battery (Bt) can be accurately determined.

[0178] The control unit (1800) can determine that the battery (Bt) has not been replaced if the voltage difference (VD) is smaller than the first voltage difference.

[0179] Referring to Fig. 13, when the suction motor (51) is turned on and time passes, the voltage gradually drops. After the suction motor (51) is turned off and then turned on, the voltage of the battery (Bt) becomes similar or slightly lower. Therefore, this slight change in the voltage of the battery (Bt) is determined to indicate that there is no need to replace the battery (Bt).

[0180] The control unit (1800) defines one cycle as the period in which the suction motor (51) is turned off and then turned on again, and if the state in which the battery (Bt) is not replaced exceeds the preset cycle, the control unit (1800) can output a control command to display a signal to the output unit (4) so ​​that the user recognizes that the battery (Bt) is not replaced.

[0181] If the suction motor (51) is turned on and off as one cycle and this cycle is repeated 60 to 80 times, the user can be advised to replace the battery (Bt) or an alarm can be given to notify the user of the discharge of the spare battery (Bt). Using this cycle has the advantage of not requiring a timer as if using time and of notifying the user to replace the battery (Bt) according to the user's usage pattern of the vacuum cleaner.

[0182] The control unit (1800) may output a control command to display a signal on the terminal to notify the user that the battery (Bt) has not been replaced if the battery (Bt) has not been replaced for a preset period of time. The preset period may be 60 to 80 days.

[0183] As another example, the control unit (1800) may determine that the battery (Bt) has been replaced when the voltage difference (VD) between the off voltage of the battery (Bt) at the time when the suction motor (51) is turned off and the on voltage of the battery (Bt) at the time when the suction motor (51) is turned on after the suction motor (51) is turned off and the battery (Bt) is charged exceeds the first voltage difference.

[0184] When the battery (Bt) is charged, the voltage of the battery (Bt) slightly increases. That is, when the slope of the change of the battery (Bt) is within a preset range, the control unit (1800) can determine that the battery (Bt) is charged.

[0185] The control unit (1800) defines one cycle as the period in which the suction motor (51) is turned off, the battery (Bt) is charged, and then the suction motor (51) is turned on, and when the state in which the battery (Bt) is not replaced exceeds a preset cycle, the control unit (1800) can output a control command to display a signal to the output unit (4) so ​​that the user recognizes that the battery (Bt) is not replaced.

[0186]

[0187] Hereinafter, a control method according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0188] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0189] Referring to FIG. 8, a control method of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a monitoring step (S10) of monitoring the voltage of a battery (Bt) and a judgment step (S20) of determining whether to replace the battery (Bt) based on a change in the voltage of the battery (Bt) within a preset time.

[0190] The monitoring step (S10) monitors the voltage of the battery (Bt). Specifically, the voltage sensor (160) measures the voltage of the battery (Bt) at preset intervals and provides it to the control unit (1800).

[0191] In the judgment step (S20), the control unit (1800) determines whether the battery (Bt) needs to be replaced based on the voltage change of the battery (Bt) within a preset time period. Specifically, in the judgment step (S20), if the voltage of the battery (Bt) changes beyond a preset first range within a preset first time period (T1), the battery (Bt) is determined to have been replaced.

[0192] In the judgment step (S20), the control unit (1800) determines that the battery (Bt) has not been replaced if the voltage of the battery (Bt) changes within a preset first range within a preset first time (T1).

[0193] After the judgment step, the control unit (1800) can provide a signal that allows the user to recognize whether or not the battery (Bt) needs to be replaced (S40)(S70).

[0194] Specifically, in the judgment step (S20), if it is determined that the battery (Bt) has been replaced, the control unit (1800) determines whether the alarm has been turned off (S31), and if the alarm has not been turned off, a message notifying the replacement of the battery (Bt) can be transmitted to the output unit (4) or / and the terminal (S40).

[0195] In the judgment step (S20), if it is determined that the battery (Bt) has not been replaced, the control unit (1800) determines whether the alarm has been turned off (S32), and if the alarm has not been turned off, and if a preset second period of time has elapsed while the battery (Bt) has not been replaced (S60), a message recommending replacement of the battery (Bt) or a message indicating that the spare battery (Bt) may be discharged can be output through the terminal or / and the output unit (4) (S70).

[0196]

[0197] Hereinafter, a control method according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0198] Fig. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a vacuum cleaner according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0199] Referring to FIG. 11, a control method of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a monitoring step (S10) of monitoring the voltage of a battery (Bt), a detection step (S15) of detecting the on / off of a suction motor (51) operated by the power of the battery (Bt), and a judgment step (S20) of determining whether to replace the battery (Bt) based on a voltage difference (VD) between the off voltage of the battery (Bt) at the off point of the suction motor (51) and the on voltage of the battery (Bt) at the on point of the suction motor (51).

[0200] A control method of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present invention defines one cycle as the period in which the suction motor (51) is turned off and then turned on again, and may further include an output step (S75) for outputting a signal that allows a user to recognize that the battery (Bt) is not replaced when the state in which the battery (Bt) is not replaced exceeds a preset cycle.

[0201] The monitoring step (S10) monitors the voltage of the battery (Bt). Specifically, the voltage sensor (160) measures the voltage of the battery (Bt) at preset intervals and provides it to the control unit (1800).

[0202] In the detection step (S15), the control unit (1800) detects the on and off of the suction motor (51).

[0203] In the judgment step (S20), the control unit (1800) determines whether the battery (Bt) is to be replaced based on the voltage difference (VD) between the battery (Bt) off voltage and the battery (Bt) on voltage. Specifically, in the judgment step (S20), if the voltage difference (VD) between the battery (Bt) off voltage and the battery (Bt) on voltage exceeds a first voltage difference, the battery (Bt) is determined to be replaced.

[0204] In the judgment step (S20), the control unit (1800) determines that the battery (Bt) has not been replaced if the voltage difference (VD) between the battery (Bt) off voltage and the battery (Bt) on voltage does not exceed the first voltage difference.

[0205] After the judgment step, the control unit (1800) can output a signal that allows the user to recognize whether the battery (Bt) needs to be replaced (S45)(S75).

[0206] Specifically, in the judgment step (S20), if it is determined that the battery (Bt) has been replaced, the control unit (1800) determines whether the alarm has been turned off (S31), and if the alarm has not been turned off, a message notifying the replacement of the battery (Bt) can be transmitted to the output unit (4) or / and the terminal (S45).

[0207] If it is determined in the judgment step (S20) that the battery (Bt) has not been replaced, the control unit (1800) determines whether the alarm has been turned off (S32), and if the alarm has not been turned off, and if a preset period has elapsed without the battery (Bt) being replaced (S65), a message recommending replacement of the battery (Bt) or a message indicating that the spare battery (Bt) may be discharged can be output through the terminal or / and the output unit (4) (S75).

[0208] Therefore, the spare battery of the vacuum cleaner can be prevented from being discharged due to not being replaced for a long time.

[0209] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made by a person skilled in the art without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the claims. Furthermore, such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or prospect of the present invention.

Claims

1. Battery; A suction motor powered by the above battery; a voltage sensor for measuring the voltage of the battery; and A vacuum cleaner including a control unit that determines whether to replace the battery based on the voltage of the battery.

2. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, A vacuum cleaner that determines that the battery has been replaced when the voltage of the battery changes beyond a preset first range within a preset first time.

3. In paragraph 2, Further comprising an output section for displaying the status of the above cleaner, A vacuum cleaner in which the control unit outputs a control command to the output unit to display a signal indicating that the user recognizes the replacement of the battery when the control unit determines that the battery has been replaced.

4. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, A vacuum cleaner that determines that the battery has not been replaced if the voltage of the battery changes within a preset first range within a preset first time.

5. In paragraph 4, Further comprising an output section for displaying the status of the above cleaner, A vacuum cleaner in which the control unit outputs a control command to display a signal to the output unit to allow the user to recognize that the battery is not replaced when the state in which the battery is not replaced is maintained for a second time period that is longer than the first time period.

6. In paragraph 4, Further comprising a terminal connected to the above vacuum cleaner by a wireless communication method, A vacuum cleaner in which the control unit outputs a control command to display a signal to the terminal to allow the user to recognize that the battery is not replaced when the state in which the battery is not replaced is maintained for a second time period that is longer than the first time period.

7. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, The off voltage of the battery at the off point of the above suction motor, A vacuum cleaner that determines that the battery has been replaced when the voltage difference of the on voltage of the battery exceeds the first voltage difference when the suction motor is turned off and then turned on again.

8. In paragraph 7, Further comprising an output section for displaying the status of the above cleaner, A vacuum cleaner in which the control unit outputs a control command to the output unit to display a signal indicating that the user recognizes the replacement of the battery when the control unit determines that the battery has been replaced.

9. In paragraph 7, The above control unit, A vacuum cleaner that determines that the battery has not been replaced if the voltage difference is less than the first voltage difference.

10. In paragraph 9, It further includes an output section that displays the status of the vacuum cleaner, The above control unit, A vacuum cleaner that outputs a control command to display a signal to the output unit to allow the user to recognize that the battery is not replaced when the state in which the battery is not replaced is maintained for a second time.

11. In paragraph 9, Further comprising a terminal connected to the above vacuum cleaner by a wireless communication method, A vacuum cleaner in which the control unit outputs a control command to display a signal to the terminal to allow the user to recognize that the battery is not replaced when the state in which the battery is not replaced is maintained for a second time.

12. In paragraph 9, Further comprising an output section for displaying the status of the above cleaner, The above control unit, A vacuum cleaner that defines one cycle as the period in which the suction motor is turned off and then turned on again, and outputs a control command to display a signal to the output unit to allow the user to recognize that the battery is not replaced when the state in which the battery is not replaced exceeds a preset cycle.

13. In paragraph 9, Further comprising a terminal connected to the above vacuum cleaner by a wireless communication method, The above control unit, A vacuum cleaner that defines one cycle as the period in which the suction motor is turned off and then turned on again, and outputs a control command to display a signal to the terminal to allow the user to recognize that the battery is not replaced when the state in which the battery is not replaced exceeds a preset cycle.

14. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, The off voltage of the battery when the above suction motor is off, A vacuum cleaner that determines that the battery has been replaced when the voltage difference of the on voltage of the battery exceeds the first voltage difference at the time the suction motor is turned on after the suction motor is turned off and the battery is charged.

15. In paragraph 14, Further comprising an output section for displaying the status of the above cleaner, The above control unit, A vacuum cleaner that defines one cycle as the suction motor being turned off, the battery being charged, and the suction motor being turned on, and outputs a control command to display a signal to the output unit to allow the user to recognize that the battery is not being replaced when the state in which the battery is not replaced exceeds a preset cycle.

16. A monitoring step for monitoring the voltage of the battery; and A control method for a vacuum cleaner, comprising a judgment step of determining whether to replace the battery based on a change in the voltage of the battery within a preset time.

17. In paragraph 16, The above judgment step is, A control method for a vacuum cleaner, wherein the battery is determined to have been replaced when the voltage of the battery changes beyond a preset first range within a preset first time period.

18. In paragraph 16, The above judgment step is, A control method for a vacuum cleaner, wherein if the voltage of the battery changes within the first range within the first time, it is determined that the battery has not been replaced.

19. In paragraph 17, A control method for a vacuum cleaner further comprising an output step of outputting a signal that enables a user to recognize whether the battery needs to be replaced.

20. In paragraph 19, The above output step is, A control method for a vacuum cleaner that displays a signal on an output unit to allow a user to recognize that the battery is not replaced when the state in which the battery is not replaced is maintained for a second time period that is longer than the first time period.

21. In paragraph 19, The above output step is, A control method for a vacuum cleaner that displays a signal on a terminal to allow a user to recognize that the battery is not replaced when the state in which the battery is not replaced is maintained for a second time period that is longer than the first time period.

22. Monitoring step for monitoring the voltage of the battery; A detection step for detecting the on / off of the suction motor operated by the power of the above battery; and A control method for a vacuum cleaner, comprising a judgment step of determining whether to replace the battery based on a voltage difference between the battery off voltage at the off point of the suction motor and the battery on voltage at the on point of the suction motor.

23. In paragraph 22, A control method for a vacuum cleaner further comprising an output step for outputting a signal that allows a user to recognize that the battery is not replaced, when the state in which the above-mentioned suction motor is turned off and then turned on again is defined as one cycle, and when the state in which the battery is not replaced exceeds a preset cycle.

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