Dust collecting apparatus, vacuum cleaner, and cleaning apparatus

The dust collection device addresses the challenge of efficiently discharging foreign substances from vacuum cleaners by incorporating a cyclone module and a rotating part, which automates discharge and minimizes pressure loss, improving user convenience and efficiency.

WO2025070951A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-04-03SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/KR2024/009699
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-09-27
Filing Date
2024-07-08
Publication Date
2025-04-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing dust collectors in vacuum cleaners face challenges in efficiently discharging foreign substances, particularly hair, which can remain inside the collector, requiring manual removal and reducing user convenience.

Method used

A dust collection device with a cyclone module and a discharge door that can be moved between open and blocking positions, featuring a rotating part that minimizes remaining foreign substances and reduces pressure loss in the cyclone module.

Benefits of technology

The solution effectively automates the discharge of foreign substances, reduces manual intervention, and minimizes pressure loss, enhancing user convenience and the efficiency of the dust collection process.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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    Figure KR2024009699_03042025_PF_FP_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

A dust connecting apparatus of a vacuum cleaner, according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a dust collecting case provided with a foreign substance discharge port; a cyclone module which induces a swirling flow of air in the dust collecting case; and a discharge door which is movable between an opening position where the foreign substance discharge port is opened and a blocking position where the foreign substance discharge port is blocked, wherein the cyclone module comprises: a fixed portion fixed to the dust collecting case; and a rotating portion which is selectively rotatable when the discharge door is at the opening position, and the rotating portion may comprise a cyclone body including a central cyclone unit and a plurality of boundary cyclone units, and a rotary shaft which is arranged on the central cyclone unit so that the cyclone body can be rotated with respect to the fixed portion.
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Description

Dust collectors, vacuum cleaners and cleaning devices

[0001] Embodiments provide a dust collecting device, a vacuum cleaner including the same, and a cleaning device.

[0002] A vacuum cleaner is an electronic device that uses negative pressure to suck in air containing foreign substances such as dust and then filters them out internally. These vacuum cleaners include a dust collection device that separates and collects foreign substances from the sucked air and expels purified air.

[0003] An example of a dust collector is a cyclone-type dust collector that uses centrifugal force to separate foreign substances such as dust from the inhaled air. Such a cyclone-type dust collector may include a dust collection case and a cyclone module for forming a cyclone within the dust collection case.

[0004] The dust collector case collects separated foreign matter, which must be removed periodically. However, if the user removes foreign matter from the dust collector, the dust may be re-dispersed, increasing the indoor dust concentration.

[0005] To reduce the inconvenience of users having to remove foreign substances themselves, a vacuum cleaner station that automatically discharges foreign substances inside the dust collector may be considered.

[0006] However, even with these cleaning stations, some foreign matter, such as hair, may not be ejected from the dust collector and instead remain inside. In this case, the user must ultimately remove the remaining foreign matter, which hinders user convenience.

[0007] A dust collecting device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a dust collecting case having a foreign matter discharge port; a cyclone module disposed inside the dust collecting case and configured to induce a swirling airflow to separate foreign matters; and a discharge door movable between an open position for opening the foreign matter discharge port and a blocking position for blocking the foreign matter discharge port.

[0008] The above cyclone module may include a fixed part assembled to be fixed to the dust collection case, a rotation part that is movable in an up-and-down direction with respect to the fixed part, and has a rotation state that is rotatable with respect to the fixed part when the discharge door is in the open position, and a lock state in which rotation with respect to the fixed part is restricted when the discharge door is in the blocking position.

[0009] The above-mentioned rotating part may include a cyclone body including a central cyclone unit disposed at the center of rotation, a plurality of edge cyclone units disposed around the central cyclone unit, and a rotating shaft disposed above the central cyclone unit so that the cyclone body can rotate relative to the fixed part, and providing a path for transmitting air discharged from the central cyclone unit to the fixed part.

[0010] A vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment may have the dust collecting device described above.

[0011] A cleaning device according to one embodiment may include a vacuum cleaner having the above-described dust collecting device; and a cleaner station including a docking unit to which the dust collecting device can be connected, a suction unit that provides suction force to discharge foreign substances collected by the dust collecting device, and a collecting unit that collects the discharged foreign substances.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a dust collection device of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a cyclone module of a dust collector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a dust collecting device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a dust collecting device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the fixed part and the rotating part of the cyclone module separated from each other at different angles.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a rotating part of a cyclone module rotating relative to a fixed part in a dust collecting device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a structure in which a rotating part is supported to be rotatable relative to a fixed part in a cyclone module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining a structure in which a rotating shaft of a rotating part is supported by a fixed part in a cyclone module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining an example in which the first movement restriction part of the rotating shaft according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is detachably assembled.

[0023] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the appearance of a dust collecting device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when the discharge door is in a blocked position.

[0024] Fig. 13 is an enlarged drawing centered on the rotating support part of the dust collector of Fig. 12.

[0025] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the appearance of a dust collecting device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when the discharge door is in the open position.

[0026] Fig. 15 is an enlarged drawing centered on the rotating support part of the dust collector of Fig. 14.

[0027] Figure 16 is a drawing of the cyclone body of Figure 9 cut horizontally.

[0028] FIG. 17 is a drawing for explaining the function of a cyclone body in a cyclone module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view showing a cyclone body of a dust collector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Fig. 19 is an assembled perspective view of the cyclone body of Fig. 18.

[0031] Fig. 20 is a drawing for explaining the operation of the cyclone body of Fig. 19.

[0032] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the contents described in the attached drawings. The same reference numbers or symbols presented in each drawing indicate parts or components that perform substantially the same functions.

[0033] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component could be referred to as the second component, and similarly, the second component could also be referred to as the first component. The term "and / or" includes any combination of multiple related items or any one of multiple related items.

[0034] The terminology used in this application is used to describe embodiments and is not intended to limit and / or restrict the present invention. The singular expression includes plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, it should be understood that the terms "comprise" or "have" indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. The same reference numerals presented in each drawing represent elements that perform substantially the same function.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a cleaning device (1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a dust collecting device (100) of a vacuum cleaner (10) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a cyclone module (300) of a dust collecting device (100) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a dust collecting device (100) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 1, the cleaning device (1) may include a vacuum cleaner (10) including a dust collecting device (100), and a cleaner station (2) connected to the dust collecting device (100) to suck up foreign substances contained in the dust collecting device (100) and remove the foreign substances from the dust collecting device (100).

[0037] A vacuum cleaner (10) may include a main body (11), a suction pipe (13) detachably coupled to the main body (11), a cleaner head (14) detachably coupled to the suction pipe (13), and a dust collecting device (100) detachably coupled to the main body (11). Foreign substances such as dust or hair in the air drawn in through the cleaner head (14) may be collected in the dust collecting device (100).

[0038] The vacuum cleaner (10) may include a filter housing (15). A dust collecting filter may be placed in the filter housing (15). There is no limitation on the type of dust collecting filter, but as an example, a HEPA filter may be used. The dust collecting filter may filter ultrafine dust and the like that are not filtered by the dust collecting device (100). The filter housing (15) may include an outlet so that air passing through the filter is discharged to the outside of the vacuum cleaner (10). The vacuum cleaner (10) may include a handle so that a user can hold and operate the vacuum cleaner (10).

[0039] The main body (11) may include a battery (16) provided to provide driving power to the vacuum cleaner (10). The battery (16) may be detachably mounted on the main body (11). The main body (11) may include a control unit (12). A user may turn the vacuum cleaner (10) on / off or adjust the suction strength by operating a power button or the like provided on the control unit (12).

[0040] A cleaner station (2) according to one embodiment may include a docking unit (3) to which a dust collector (100) of a vacuum cleaner (10) is connected. A dust collector (100) that is not separated from the vacuum cleaner (10) may be mounted on the docking unit (3) of the cleaner station (2). However, the state of the dust collector (100) connected to the docking unit (3) is not limited thereto, and only the dust collector (100) may be separated from the vacuum cleaner (10) and docked to the docking unit (3).

[0041] The vacuum cleaner station (2) may include an input unit (not shown) capable of receiving input from a user. The input unit may be configured with a button, switch, or the like. However, the location and type of the input unit are not limited thereto, and any location and type capable of receiving input from a user may be used without limitation.

[0042] When the dust collector (100) is connected to the docking unit (3), the cleaner station (2) can be arranged to change the suction air flow supplied to the dust collector (100) so that foreign substances collected inside the dust collector (100) are automatically discharged.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 2, a dust collector (100) according to one embodiment may include a dust collector case (210), a discharge door (220), and a cyclone module (300).

[0044] An air inlet (211) and an air outlet (212) may be provided in the dust collecting case (210). The air inlet (211) may be provided on the side of the dust collecting case (210), and the air outlet (212) may be provided on the upper part of the dust collecting case (210). The dust collecting case (210) has a hollow cylindrical shape, and a foreign matter outlet (213) for discharging dust may be provided at the bottom. However, the arrangement of the air inlet (211), the air outlet (212), and the foreign matter outlet (213) in the dust collecting case (210) is not limited thereto, and may be modified in various ways.

[0045] The discharge door (220) is positioned at the bottom of the dust collection case (210) and opens and closes the foreign matter discharge port (213). The discharge door (220) is movable between an open position (221) that opens the foreign matter discharge port (213) and a blocking position (222; see FIG. 4) that blocks the foreign matter discharge port (213). The dust collection case (210) may include a door locking part (214) configured to maintain the discharge door (220) in the blocking position (222). The door locking part (214) supports an end (2201) of the discharge door (220) so that the discharge door (220) maintains the blocking position (222). When the door lock (214) is pressed by an external force, the door lock (214) and the end (2201) of the discharge door (220) are separated, and the discharge door (220) can be switched from the blocked position (222) to the open position (221).

[0046] When the exhaust door (220) is in the blocking position (222), air is drawn in from the outside through the air inlet (211), and the air outlet (212) can discharge air from which foreign substances have been separated. When the exhaust door (220) is in the blocking position (222), the upper surface of the exhaust door (220) forms the bottom surface of the dust collection case (210).

[0047] The cyclone module (300) is placed inside the dust collection case (210). The cyclone module (300) is inserted into the inside of the dust collection case (210) through the air outlet (212). The cyclone module (300) can be configured to separate foreign substances by inducing a swirling airflow of air introduced into the inside of the dust collection case (210). The cyclone module (300) can separate foreign substances contained in the introduced air by inducing a swirling airflow of air introduced through the air inlet (211).

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the dust collector (100) can form a multi-cyclone. For example, the cyclone module (300) of the dust collector (100) can form a first cyclone (101) between the dust collector case (210) and the dust collector case (210) to primarily separate foreign substances from the air introduced through the air inlet (211), and can form a second cyclone (102) to secondarily separate foreign substances from the air from which foreign substances were primarily separated by the first cyclone (101) and discharge the separated air to the outside through the air outlet (212).

[0049] The cyclone module (300) may include an inner case (510), a cyclone body (530) disposed inside the inner case (510), a dust separation member (520) disposed at the lower portion of the inner case (510), and a mounting member (410) disposed at the upper portion of the inner case (510).

[0050] The inner case (510) is placed inside the dust collection case (210) and is spaced apart from the inner surface of the dust collection case (210). The inner case (510) includes a mesh filter (512) surrounding a cyclone body (530). The inner case (510) may have a cylindrical shape.

[0051] The mesh filter (512) can allow air to move toward the cyclone body (530). The mesh filter (512) includes a number of holes, such as a grill or filter, to allow air to pass through but prevent large foreign substances from passing through.

[0052] The inner case (510) may function as a boundary separating the first cyclone (101) and the second cyclone (102). The inner space of the inner case (510) may form an intermediate chamber (513) in which air discharged from the first cyclone (101) through the mesh filter (512) is collected. A cyclone body (530) may be placed in the intermediate chamber (513).

[0053] The cyclone body (530) may include a plurality of cyclone units (531) forming a second cyclone (102). Each of the plurality of cyclone units (531) may have a foreign matter discharge port (5313) disposed at the bottom through which foreign matter is discharged, and an air discharge port (5312) disposed at the top through which air is discharged.

[0054] Air passing through the mesh filter (512) is introduced into each of the plurality of cyclone units (531), and foreign substances in the introduced air are discharged downward through the foreign substance discharge port (5313), and air from which foreign substances have been removed can be discharged upward through the air discharge port (5312).

[0055] A mounting member (410) may be placed on the upper portion of the cyclone body (530). The mounting member (410) may be mounted on a dust collection case (210). A sealing member (460) may be placed between the mounting member (410) and the dust collection case (210).

[0056] On the outer surface of the mounting member (410), a flow guide part (413) may be arranged to guide the movement of air introduced through the air inlet (211) of the dust collection case (210). The flow guide part (413) guides the air introduced through the air inlet (211) to form a swirling airflow that rotates around the cyclone module (300).

[0057] An upper plate (541) may be placed on the upper portion of the cyclone body (530). The upper plate (541) may be placed between the cyclone body (530) and the mounting member (410). The upper plate (541) may be placed between the inner case (510) and the mounting member (410). The upper plate (541) may be placed on the upper portion of the intermediate chamber (513). A plurality of holes (5411) may be formed in the upper plate (541), into which air outlets (5312) of each of the plurality of cyclone units (531) are inserted or connected.

[0058] A lower plate (542) and a dust separation member (520) may be arranged at the bottom of the cyclone body (530). The dust separation member (520) may have a dust collection chamber (5201) in which foreign substances separated from the cyclone body (530) are collected. The dust separation member (520) includes a dust storage unit (521) for storing foreign substances, and a support wall (522) arranged between the dust storage unit (521) and the inner case (510). The support wall (522) may support the lower portion of the inner case (510).

[0059] The lower plate (542) may be placed on the inside of the dust separation member (520). The lower plate (542) may be fixed to the dust separation member (520). The lower plate (542) may be a circular plate.

[0060] The lower plate (542) divides the dust collection chamber (5201) of the dust separation member (520) and the intermediate chamber (513) in which the cyclone body (530) is installed. The lower plate (542) may be formed with a plurality of holes (5421) into which foreign matter discharge ports (5313) formed at the bottom of a plurality of cyclone units (531) can be inserted.

[0061] The upper plate (541) and the lower plate (542) can be fixed with the cyclone body (530) therebetween. In other words, the lower plate (542) can support the cyclone body (530) together with the upper plate (541). For example, the upper plate (541) and the lower plate (542) can be fixed by a plurality of support posts (543). A plurality of support posts (543) can be arranged between the upper plate (541) and the lower plate (542). The plurality of support posts (543) can be arranged on the outer surface of the cyclone body (530). For example, a plurality of support posts (543) extending in the vertical direction are provided on the lower plate (542), and a fastening member (S1) can be coupled to the plurality of support posts (543) through a fastening hole (5412) of the upper plate (541). As the fastening member (S1) is joined, the upper plate (541) and the lower plate (542) can be fixed.

[0062] The cyclone body (530) may be placed between the upper plate (541) and the lower plate (542). In each of the plurality of cyclone units (531), a lower region in which a foreign matter discharge port (5313) is placed may be placed in a hole (5421) of the lower plate (542), and an upper region in which an air discharge port (5312) is placed may be placed in a hole (5411) of the upper plate (541). The cyclone body (530) may be fixed by the upper plate (541), the lower plate (542), and the plurality of support columns (543).

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the mounting member (410), the inner case (510), and the dust separation member (520) form the outer surface of the cyclone module (300). The cyclone module (300) is arranged so that its center is coaxial with the center of the dust collection case (210). The outer surface of the cyclone module (300) is spaced apart from the inner surface of the dust collection case (210). A first cyclone (101) is formed between the outer surface of the cyclone module (300) and the inner surface of the dust collection case (210).

[0064] The air drawn into the air inlet (211) passes through the flow guide (413) and forms an air current that circles around the cyclone module (300). In the first cyclone (101), large foreign substances, for example, hair or dust larger than the holes of the mesh filter (512), are first separated from the air drawn into the air inlet (211) by centrifugal force. The separated large foreign substances accumulate on the bottom surface of the dust collection case (210) formed by the discharge door (220).

[0065] The air from which large foreign substances have been separated flows into the intermediate chamber (513) through the mesh filter (512) of the cyclone barrier (511). In the second cyclone (102) formed by each of the plurality of cyclone units (531), small foreign substances such as fine dust are separated by centrifugal force and gravity. The foreign substances separated in the second cyclone (102) pass through the foreign substance discharge port (5313) of the cyclone unit (531) and move to the dust collection chamber (5201) of the dust separation member (520) and accumulate. The air from which foreign substances have been separated in the second cyclone (102) is discharged through the air discharge port (5312). The air discharged through the air discharge port (5312) passes through the dust collection filter (450) and is discharged to the outside.

[0066] The dust collection chamber (5201) is opened and closed by the discharge door (220). When the discharge door (220) is in the open position (221), foreign substances collected in the dust collection chamber (5201) can be discharged. In addition, when the discharge door (220) is in the open position (221), relatively large foreign substances collected between the dust collection case (210) and the outer surface of the cyclone module (300) can be discharged.

[0067] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a cleaning device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 6 is a part of a cross-sectional view of a cleaning device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, a cleaner station (2) according to one embodiment can discharge foreign substances collected in a dust collector (100) from the dust collector (100) by including a suction unit (4). The suction unit (4) can be placed inside the station body (21) and includes a suction fan (42) that moves air and a suction motor (43) that rotates the suction fan (42).

[0069] A vacuum cleaner station (2) according to one embodiment may include a collection unit (5) for collecting foreign substances discharged from a dust collector (100). The collection unit (5) may be placed inside the station body (21). The collection unit (5) may be placed upstream of the air flow compared to the suction unit (4).

[0070] A cleaner station (2) according to one embodiment may include one end connected to a dust collection device (100) and the other end connected to a suction unit (4), and may include a suction path (6) through which air moved by the suction unit (4) flows.

[0071] Specifically, the suction path (6) can connect the docking unit (3) and the suction unit (4). At this time, the collection unit (5) can be provided on the suction path (6). That is, the suction path (6) connects the docking unit (3) and the collection unit (5), thereby allowing foreign substances discharged from the dust collector (100) to be suctioned into the collection unit (5) through the docking unit (3).

[0072] The docking unit (3) may be connected to the suction path (6) and may include a mounting groove (31) in which a dust collector (100) is mounted.

[0073] The settling groove (31) is a space that is open to the outside from the docking part (3), and can be provided so that the dust collector (100) can be inserted and settled in the settling groove (31). When the dust collector (100) is settling in the settling groove (31), docking of the dust collector (100) and the cleaner station (2) can be completed.

[0074] Although not shown in the drawing, a sensor for detecting whether the dust collector (100) is connected may be provided inside the mounting groove (31). Accordingly, when the dust collector (100) is mounted in the mounting groove (31), the cleaner station (2) can check the docking state of the dust collector (100) and the cleaner station (2) through the output value of the sensor.

[0075] The vacuum cleaner station (2) may include an opening guide (32) configured to open the discharge door (220) when the dust collector (100) is connected to the vacuum cleaner station (2).

[0076] For example, referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, the opening guide (32) may be configured to pressurize the door lock (214) of the dust collector (100). The opening guide (32) may be formed as a portion of the inner surface of the mounting groove (31). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the opening guide (32) may be provided in the shape of a region protruding toward the center from the inner surface of the mounting groove (31) or a projection, rib, or the like protruding toward the center from the inner surface. However, the position and type of the opening guide (32) are not limited to the above example, and any structure that can open the discharge door (220) when the dust collector (100) is mounted may be used as the opening guide (32) without limitation.

[0077] When the dust collector (100) is docked to the docking unit (3), the door lock (214) is automatically pressed against the opening guide (32) so that the discharge door (220) can be opened as the dust collector (100) is docked to the cleaner station (2).

[0078] The suction path (6) can be connected to the suction part (4) from the docking part (3) through the station body (21). The suction path (6) can transmit the suction force generated by the suction part (4) to the dust collector (100), thereby forming a suction airflow from the dust collector (100) toward the suction part (4). That is, the suction force generated by the suction part (4) is transmitted to the inside of the dust collector (100) through the suction path (6) along the collecting part (5) and the settling groove (31), so that foreign substances inside the dust collector (100) are discharged from the dust collector (100) to the settling groove (31) along the suction airflow, and the discharged foreign substances can be captured in the collecting part (5) through the suction path (6).

[0079] The capture unit (5) may include a capture unit housing (51) and a dust bag (52) that is placed in the internal space of the capture unit housing (51) and captures foreign substances introduced through the suction path (6).

[0080] The capture unit housing (51) can form an internal space. That is, the capture unit housing (51) can correspond to a part of the suction path (6), and for convenience of explanation, it is described as a separate configuration.

[0081] The dust bag (52) is made of a material that is permeable to air but impermeable to foreign substances, so that foreign substances flowing from the dust collector (100) to the collection unit (5) can be captured. The dust bag (52) can be provided on the suction path (6), and the dust bag (52) can be provided so as to be separable from the collection unit (5).

[0082] The suction unit (4) may include a suction fan (42) and a suction motor (43) that rotates the suction fan (42), and may include a suction unit housing (41) that forms an internal space in which the suction fan (42) is placed. The suction unit housing (41) is placed in the station body (21), and an outlet (7) that discharges air sucked by the suction fan (42) may be provided.

[0083] The suction force formed by the suction fan (42) can be transmitted to the dust collector (100) through the collection unit (5) via the suction path (6) in the internal space of the suction unit housing (41).

[0084] The vacuum cleaner station (2) can, depending on the embodiment, selectively change the suction flow rate supplied to the dust collector (100). As an example, the change in the suction flow rate can be induced by controlling the suction motor. As another example, the change in the suction flow rate can be induced by a flow rate control device (not shown) that controls the cross-sectional area of ​​the suction path through which the suction air flow moves.

[0085] In this way, by rotating the suction fan (42), a suction airflow can be induced from the dust collector (100) toward the suction section (4), and the air sucked from the dust collector (100) can be discharged to the outside of the cleaner station (2) through the collection section (5). In addition, by selectively changing the suction flow rate supplied to the dust collector (100), foreign substances collected in the dust collector (100) can be induced to be discharged more efficiently.

[0086] Referring to Fig. 6, air movement occurs inside the dust collector (100) due to the suction power of the cleaner station (2). For example, air is introduced through the air inlet (211) and the air outlet (212), and the air introduced through the air inlet (211) passes through the first cyclone (101) and is discharged to the foreign matter outlet (213), and the air introduced through the air outlet (212) passes through the second cyclone (102) and is discharged to the foreign matter outlet (213).

[0087] For example, air drawn in through the air inlet (211) moves along the outer surface of the cyclone module (300) and is discharged through the foreign matter discharge port (213), and air drawn in through the filter housing (15) passes through the air discharge port (212), the cyclone unit (531), and the dust collection chamber (5201) and is discharged through the foreign matter discharge port (213). Thus, foreign matter contained inside the dust collection device (100) can be quickly discharged to the docking unit (3) of the cleaner station (2).

[0088] Meanwhile, as described above, even if the foreign substances collected inside the dust collector (100) are discharged by the suction power of the vacuum cleaner station (30), some foreign substances, such as hair wrapped around the outer surface of the cyclone module (300), may remain inside the dust collector (100).

[0089] The dust collector (100) according to the embodiment may have a structure in which a portion of the cyclone module (300) can rotate in order to minimize foreign substances remaining inside the dust collector case (210). By rotating a portion of the cyclone module (300), some foreign substances, such as hair, can be separated from the surface of the cyclone module (300) and discharged to the foreign substance discharge port (213).

[0090] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the fixed part (400) and the rotating part (500) of the cyclone module (300) in the dust collecting device (100) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure at different angles. FIG. 8 is a perspective view for explaining how the rotating part (500) rotates with respect to the fixed part (400) of the cyclone module (300) in the dust collecting device (100) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a structure in which the rotating part (500) is supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the fixed part (400) in the cyclone module (300) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining a structure in which the rotating shaft (550) of the rotating part (500) is supported by the fixed part (400) in the cyclone module (300) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 4, 7 and 8, a cyclone module (300) according to an embodiment may include a fixed part (400) fixed to a dust collection case (210) and a rotating part (500) rotatable with respect to the fixed part (400).

[0092] The fixed part (400) is a fixed configuration that does not rotate in the cyclone module (300) and can be mounted to be fixed to the dust collection case (210). For example, the fixed part (400) includes a mounting member (410) that is mounted to the dust collection case (210).

[0093] The rotating part (500) can be configured to rotate in the cyclone module (300) and can be positioned at the bottom of the fixed part (400). For example, the rotating part (500) can be positioned at the bottom of the mounting member (410).

[0094] The rotating part (500) may include an inner case (510) including a mesh filter (512) and a dust separation member (520) assembled to the inner case (510). The rotating part (500) may further include a cyclone body (530) disposed inside the inner case (510). The rotating part (500) may further include an upper plate (541) and a lower plate (542) that supports the cyclone body (530) together with the upper plate (541). When the rotating part (500) rotates, the inner case (510), the dust separation member (520), and the cyclone body (530) disposed therein may rotate together.

[0095] The rotating member (500) may be rotatably supported on the fixed member (400). For example, the rotating member (500) may include a rotating shaft (550) configured to be rotatably connected to the mounting member (410).

[0096] The rotating shaft (550) may be positioned on the upper portion of the central cyclone unit (532) so that the cyclone body (530) can rotate relative to the fixed portion (400). The rotating shaft (550) may be provided on the upper plate (541). The rotating shaft (550) may be provided to protrude upward from the center of the upper plate (541).

[0097] The rotating shaft (550) may be connected to the air outlet (5312) of the central cyclone unit (532) among the plurality of cyclone units (531). In order not to obstruct the air flow of the air outlet (5312), the diameter of the rotating shaft (550) may correspond to the diameter of the air outlet (5312). The diameter of the rotating shaft (550) may be the same as the diameter of the air outlet (5312). However, the relationship between the diameter of the rotating shaft (550) and the diameter of the air outlet (5312) is not necessarily limited thereto and may vary.

[0098] The rotating shaft (550) may be a separate configuration from the air outlet (5312) of the central cyclone unit (532). However, the structure of the rotating shaft (550) and the air outlet (5312) of the central cyclone unit (532) is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the rotating shaft (550) and the air outlet (5312) of the central cyclone unit (532) may be a single body. For example, the rotating shaft (550) may be an extension of the air outlet (5312) of the central cyclone unit (532).

[0099] The fixed part (400) may include a rotation support part (420) that rotatably supports the rotation shaft (550). The rotation support part (420) may be fixed to the inner surface of the mounting member (410) by a plurality of support ribs (470) arranged radially. A rotation shaft (550) may be inserted and assembled into the interior of the rotation support part (420). The rotation part (500) may be rotatable with respect to the fixed part (400) by the rotation shaft (550) assembled to the rotation support part (420).

[0100] As described above, by arranging the rotation shaft (550) and the rotation support member (420) that support the rotational member (500) so that it can rotate relative to the fixed member (400) at the upper center of the rotational member (500), the structure for rotation of the rotational member (500) can be simplified, and the resulting weight increase can be minimized.

[0101] The rotating part (500) may be configured to be rotated by the airflow introduced into the dust collection case (210) in the rotating state (501). For example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, when the discharge door (220) is in the open position, airflow may be introduced through the air inlet (211) and the air outlet (212) of the dust collection case (210). By the introduced airflow, foreign substances separated by the cyclone module (300) may be discharged through the foreign substance outlet (213). The rotating part (500) may include a rotation induction part (590) configured to receive a rotational force by the airflow introduced through at least one of the air inlet (211) and the air outlet (212). The rotation speed of the rotating part (500) may be 300 rpm (revolutions per minute) or more and 10,000 rpm or less.

[0102] As an example, the rotation induction unit (590) may include a plurality of rotational blades (591, 592) provided on the outer surface of the rotation unit (500). For example, the plurality of rotational blades (591, 592) may be provided on the outer surface of the dust separation member (520). The rotational blade (591) may be rotated by airflow introduced through the air inlet (211).

[0103] The plurality of rotating blades (591, 592) may extend in a direction perpendicular to or inclined to the direction of air movement. For example, the plurality of rotating blades (591, 592) may extend in an up-down direction or an inclined direction relative to the up-down direction.

[0104] For example, a plurality of rotating blades (591, 592) may be arranged at the bottom of the mesh filter (512). The plurality of rotating blades (591, 592) may include a plurality of first rotating blades (591) arranged on the outer surface of the support wall (522) and a plurality of second rotating blades (592) arranged on the outer surface of the dust storage unit (521). However, the arrangement of the plurality of rotating blades (591, 592) is not limited thereto and may vary. For example, although not illustrated, the plurality of rotating blades (591, 592) may also be arranged on the outer surface of the inner case (510).

[0105] In the above-described example, the rotation induction part (590) is described with a focus on an example in which it is provided on the outer surface of the rotation part (500), but it is not limited thereto, and it may be provided on both the inner surface and the outer surface of the rotation part (500), or it may be provided on either the inner surface or the outer surface.

[0106] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, in the cyclone module (300) according to the embodiment, the rotating part (500) further includes a bearing (440) provided on the outer surface of the rotating shaft (550), and the fixed part (400) includes a rotating support part (420) that supports the bearing (440) so that the rotating shaft (550) can rotate.

[0107] The bearing (440) can be assembled to the rotating shaft (550). The bearing (440) can be arranged coaxially with the center of rotation of the rotating part (500). Since the bearing (440) is arranged coaxially with the center of rotation, it can be rotated with a relatively small force compared to a bearing structure arranged on the edge of the rotating part (500).

[0108] The rotary support (420) may be configured to allow the rotary shaft (550) to pass through it. For example, the rotary support (420) may include an upper support (422) having an upper through-hole (H2) through which the rotary shaft (550) passes, and a lower support (421) having a lower through-hole (H1) through which the rotary shaft (550) passes. The upper through-hole (H2) may overlap the lower through-hole (H1) in the vertical direction.

[0109] The rotation support member (420) may further include a shake blocking member (423) surrounding the periphery of the rotation shaft (550) to prevent the rotation shaft (550) from shaking. For example, the shake blocking member (423) may define an upper through hole (H2). The diameter of the upper through hole (H2) may correspond to the outer diameter of the rotation shaft (550). In other words, the diameter of the upper through hole (H2) may be larger than the outer diameter of the rotation shaft (550), but the difference may be very small. For example, the difference between the diameter of the upper through hole (H2) and the outer diameter of the rotation shaft (550) may be 1 mm or less. For example, the gap between the shake blocking member (423) and the rotation shaft (550) may be 0.5 mm or less. For example, the difference between the diameter of the upper through hole (H2) and the outer diameter of the rotation shaft (550) may be 0.6 mm or less. For example, the gap between the shake blocking member (423) and the rotating shaft (550) may be 0.3 mm or less. For example, the difference between the diameter of the upper through hole (H2) and the outer diameter of the rotating shaft (550) may be 0.4 mm or less. For example, the gap between the shake blocking member (423) and the rotating shaft (550) may be 0.2 mm or less.

[0110] The vibration blocking member (423) of the upper support member (422) can prevent foreign substances from penetrating into the bearing (440) from the outside of the rotation support member (420). Accordingly, the durability of the rotation support member (420) can be secured.

[0111] The upper support (422) can be detachably assembled to the lower support (421). The upper support (422) can be positioned above the lower support (421). For example, the upper support (422) can be assembled to the lower support (421) by a plurality of fixing members (S2).

[0112] The lower support member (421) can be fixed to the mounting member (410) by a plurality of support ribs (470). The diameter of the lower through hole (H1) can be larger than the diameter of the upper through hole (H2). A bearing (440) can be arranged between the lower through hole (H1) and the upper through hole (H2). The diameter of the lower through hole (H1) can be larger than the outer diameter of the bearing (440).

[0113] The rotary support (420) may further include a stopper (424) that limits the downward movement distance of the rotary shaft (550). The stopper (424) may be configured to define a lower through hole (H1). For example, the diameter of the lower through hole (H1) may be smaller than the outer diameter of the bearing (440) and larger than the outer diameter of the rotary shaft (550).

[0114] The rotating shaft (550) extends in the vertical direction, and a path for transferring air discharged from the central cyclone unit (532) to the fixed part (400) may be formed inside. The rotating shaft (550) may provide a path for transferring air discharged from the central cyclone unit (532) to the fixed part (400). A bearing (440) may be arranged on the outer surface of the rotating shaft (550).

[0115] The bearing (440) may be fixed to a rotating shaft (550) so that its movement in the vertical direction is restricted. For example, a first movement restriction member (441) and a second movement restriction member (551) arranged in the vertical direction may be arranged on the rotating shaft (550).

[0116] The first movement limiting member (441) is arranged on the upper part of the bearing (440) and can limit the bearing (440) from moving upward with respect to the rotary shaft (550). The first movement limiting member (441) can be detachably assembled to the rotary shaft (550). For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a fastening groove (552) is provided on the outer surface of the rotary shaft (550), and the first movement limiting member (441) can be a snap ring that can be elastically deformed and is fixed to the fastening groove (552). However, the structure of the first movement limiting member (441) is not limited thereto and may vary. For example, the first movement limiting member (441) can be a pin structure fixed to the rotary shaft (550), and in this case, a pin hole into which a pin structure is inserted can be arranged on the rotary shaft (550) instead of the fastening groove (552).

[0117] The second movement limiting member (551) is positioned at the bottom of the bearing (440) and can limit the bearing (440) from moving downward relative to the rotary shaft (550). The second movement limiting member (551) can be fixed to the rotary shaft (550). For example, the second movement limiting member (551) can be formed as one body with the rotary shaft (550).

[0118] The rotating support (420) may be positioned so as not to obstruct the flow of air discharged from the air outlets (5312) of each of the plurality of cyclone units (531). For example, the rotating support (420) may be positioned so as not to overlap the air outlets (5312) of each of the plurality of cyclone units (531) in the vertical direction. The rotating support (420) may be positioned so as to overlap the area between the air outlets (5312) of the central cyclone unit (532) and the air outlets (5312) of each of the edge cyclone units (533). The plurality of support ribs (470) that support the rotating support (420) may be positioned so as to overlap the area between the air outlets (5312) of each of the edge cyclone units (533).

[0119] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the appearance of the dust collector (100) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when the discharge door (220) is in the blocking position (222). Fig. 13 is an enlarged view centered on the rotary support member (420) in the dust collector (100) of Fig. 12. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the appearance of the dust collector (100) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when the discharge door (220) is in the open position (221), and Fig. 15 is an enlarged view centered on the rotary support member (420) in the dust collector (100) of Fig. 14.

[0120] Referring to FIGS. 12 to 15, the rotational unit (500) of the cyclone module (300) according to the embodiment may vary in whether it can rotate with respect to the fixed unit (400) depending on the position of the discharge door (220). For example, the rotational unit (500) may have a rotational state (501) in which it can rotate with respect to the fixed unit (400) when the discharge door (220) is in an open position (221), and a locked state (502) in which rotation with respect to the fixed unit (400) is restricted when the discharge door (220) is in a blocked position (222). When the discharge door (220) is switched from the blocked position (222) to the open position (221), the rotational unit (500) may descend and be switched from the locked state (502) to the rotating state (501).

[0121] As an example for this, the cyclone module (300) may further include a rotation prevention unit (560) configured to provide rotational friction between the rotating unit (500) and the fixed unit (400) to prevent the rotating unit (500) from rotating relative to the fixed unit (400) when the rotating unit (500) is in a locked state (502).

[0122] The anti-rotation member (560) according to the embodiment may include a friction providing member (561) provided on one of the fixed member (400) and the rotating member (500), and a friction contact member (562) provided on the other of the fixed member (400) and the rotating member (500). When the rotating member (500) is in a locked state (502), the friction contact member (562) contacts the friction providing member (561), and the rotational friction force between the rotating member (500) and the fixed member (400) may increase. When the rotating member (500) is in a rotating state (501), the friction contact member (562) is separated from the friction providing member (561), and the rotational friction force between the rotating member (500) and the fixed member (400) may decrease.

[0123] For example, in the dust collecting device (100) according to the embodiment, a friction providing member (561) may be provided on the fixed part (400), and a friction contact member (562) may be provided on the rotating part (500). For example, the friction providing member (561) may be arranged in a border region of the mounting member (410) facing the upper plate (541). The friction contact member (562) may be arranged on the upper plate (541) to face the friction providing member (561). In the dust collecting device (100) according to the embodiment, since the rotating part (500) is structured to rotate while being arranged under the fixed part (400), each of the friction providing member (561) and the friction contact member (562) may be a single unit. In this way, by reducing the number of friction providing members (561) and friction contact members (562), the burden of quality control of the friction providing members (561) and friction contact members (562) can be reduced.

[0124] The friction providing member (561) and the friction contact member (562) may be configured to provide rotational frictional force by contact. For example, the friction providing member (561) may include a material that is elastically deformable. For example, the friction contact member (562) may extend or protrude upward. When the friction contact member (562) contacts and presses the friction providing member (561), the friction providing member (561) is compressively deformed by the friction contact member (562), and a rotational frictional force that prevents the rotating part (500) from rotating with respect to the fixed part (400) may be applied between the friction contact member (562) and the friction providing member (561).

[0125] The cyclone module (300) may further include a pressing member (430) that pressurizes the rotating member (500) to switch from a locked state (502) to a rotating state (501). The pressing member (430) may pressurize the rotating member (500) to lower the rotating member (500). For example, the pressing member (430) may be a spring that provides elastic force in the vertical direction to the rotating member (500). The pressing member (430) may be disposed inside the rotating support member (420). For example, the pressing member (430) may be disposed between the upper support member (422) and the bearing (440). The pressing member (430) may be elastically deformed in the vertical direction without rotation.

[0126] However, the position and type of the pressing member (430) are not limited thereto, and may be modified in various ways as long as it provides a pressing force to switch the rotating part (500) from a locked state (502) to a rotating state (501). For example, although not shown, the pressing member (430) may be a magnet that provides a magnetic force in the vertical direction to the rotating part (500). The pressing member (430) can press the rotating part (500) downward by the repulsive force of the magnetic force.

[0127] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, when the discharge cover (220) is in the blocking position (222), the discharge door (220) contacts the rotating part (500) and presses the rotating part (500) upward. In the process of the rotating part (500) being pressed and moving upward, the friction contact member (562) provided on the upper part of the rotating part (500) compressively deforms the friction providing member (561) provided on the lower part of the fixed part (400), and a rotational friction force is applied between the rotating part (500) and the fixed part (400). Accordingly, the rotating part (500) does not rotate. The rotating part (500) is in a locked state (502).

[0128] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, when the discharge door (220) is switched from the blocking position (222) to the open position (221), the pressing member (430) can provide a pressing force so that the rotating part (500) is switched from the locked state (502) to the rotating state (501). When the discharge door (220) is switched from the blocking position (222) to the open position (221), the rotating part (500) is subjected to gravity due to the weight of the rotating part (500) and a pressing force by the pressing member (430), so that the rotating part (500) can be switched from the locked state (502) to the rotating state (501).

[0129] Referring to FIG. 15, the cyclone module (300) according to the embodiment may further include a stopper (424) configured to limit the lowering position of the rotating part (500) when the rotating part (500) descends. The stopper (424) may be provided on the fixed part (400). For example, the stopper (424) may be provided inside the rotating support part (420). The stopper (422) may be configured to define a lower through hole (H2).

[0130] By the first movement limiter (441) and the second movement limiter (551), the bearing (440) is fixed in the vertical direction with respect to the rotary shaft (550). When the rotary shaft (550) moves vertically, the bearing (440) can move vertically together with the rotary shaft (550). When the rotary part (500) descends, the rotary shaft (550) and the bearing (440) fixed to the rotary shaft (550) descend together. The stopper (424) can limit the descending position of the rotary part (500) by limiting the descending of the bearing (440).

[0131] The rotating part (500) is rotatable around a rotating shaft (550). The rotating shaft (550) of the rotating part (500) rotates by a bearing (440), but is supported at a different height from the bearing (440) by a vibration blocking part (423).

[0132] The vertical distance (L) between the shake blocking unit (423) and the bearing (440) may be greater than the height of the bearing (440). For example, when the rotating unit (500) is in a rotating state (501), the vertical distance (L) between the shake blocking unit (423) and the bearing (440) may be at least twice the height of the bearing (440). When the rotating unit (500) is in a rotating state (501), the vertical distance (L) between the shake blocking unit (423) and the bearing (440) may be at least 1 / 3 times the height of the rotating shaft (550). When the rotating unit (500) is in a rotating state (501), the vertical distance (L) between the shake blocking unit (423) and the bearing (440) may be at least 5 mm. However, the vertical distance (L) between the vibration blocking member (423) and the bearing (440) may be smaller than the height of the rotating shaft (550).

[0133] As described above, the cyclone module (300) according to the above-described embodiment has a structure in which the rotating part (500) can move and rotate in the up-and-down direction with respect to the fixed part (400). However, in this cyclone module (300), compared to a cyclone module that does not include the rotating part (500), a structure for moving and rotating the rotating part (500) in the up-and-down direction is further included. This structure for moving and rotating the rotating part (500) in the up-and-down direction may cause pressure loss that may weaken the performance of the cyclone module (300). In order to solve the pressure loss, a method of increasing the size of the dust collector (100) may be considered, but this may not be in line with the trend toward miniaturization or compactness of the dust collector (100).

[0134] In the cyclone module (300) according to the embodiment, a rotating part (500) can move and rotate in the up and down direction with respect to a fixed part (400), but a structure for minimizing pressure loss can be provided.

[0135] Fig. 16 is a drawing of the cyclone body (530) of Fig. 9 cut horizontally. Fig. 17 is a drawing for explaining the function of the cyclone body (530) in the cyclone module (300) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0136] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 16, in a cyclone module (300) according to an embodiment, a cyclone body (530) may include a plurality of cyclone units (531), but a structure may be provided that minimizes the area where the plurality of cyclone bodies (530) are not arranged.

[0137] For example, in a cyclone module (300), a rotating shaft (550) and a rotating support member (420), which are components that support a rotating member (500) to enable rotation and up-and-down movement of the rotating member (500), may be placed on the upper portion of the cyclone body (530).

[0138] By arranging the rotation shaft (550) and the rotation support (420) at the upper portion rather than the lower portion of the cyclone body (530), the cyclone unit (531) can be arranged at the center of rotation of the cyclone body (530). For example, the cyclone body (530) can include a central cyclone unit (532) arranged at the center of rotation and a plurality of edge cyclone units (533) arranged around the central cyclone unit (532). The plurality of cyclone units (531) can be divided into a central cyclone unit (532) and a plurality of edge cyclone units (533).

[0139] The cross-sectional shape of each of the central cyclone unit (532) and the plurality of edge cyclone units (533) may be circular. The shapes of each of the central cyclone unit (532) and the plurality of edge cyclone units (533) may be the same. For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the central cyclone unit (532) may be the same as the cross-sectional area of ​​the edge cyclone unit (533). However, the cross-sectional areas of the central cyclone unit (532) and the edge cyclone unit (533) do not necessarily have to be the same, and the cross-sectional areas of the central cyclone unit (532) and the edge cyclone unit (533) may be different as needed.

[0140] The central cyclone unit (532) and the plurality of edge cyclone units (533) can be arranged to contact each other. This allows the plurality of gaps (5301) defined by the central cyclone unit (532) and the adjacent edge cyclone units (533) to be minimized.

[0141] In the cyclone body (530), a virtual circle (VC) can be formed in which the outer surfaces of a plurality of edge cyclone units (533) are connected, as shown in FIG. 16. Within the virtual circle (VC), a second cyclone (102) formed by a central cyclone unit (532) and a plurality of edge cyclone units (533) is arranged. Through the arrangement of the central cyclone unit (532) and the plurality of edge cyclone units (533), pressure loss can be minimized.

[0142] Referring to FIG. 9 and FIG. 17, the central cyclone unit (532) is a structure surrounded by a plurality of edge cyclone units (533). Considering the arrangement of the central cyclone unit (532), the shapes of the air inlet (5311) and the air outlet (5312) can be determined so that air can be introduced into the central cyclone unit (532).

[0143] For example, each of the plurality of cyclone units (531) of the cyclone body (530) includes an air outlet (5312) arranged at the top. An air inlet (5311) may be provided around each of the air outlets (5312).

[0144] The air outlet (5312) may protrude upwardly compared to the air inlet (5311). For example, the air outlet (5312) of each of the plurality of edge cyclone units (533) may protrude upwardly compared to the air inlet (5311). Accordingly, a space for air flow may be provided between the air outlets (5312) of adjacent edge cyclone units (533). Air that has moved between the air outlets (5312) of the edge cyclone units (533) may be introduced into the air inlet (5311) of the central cyclone unit (532).

[0145] For example, when air is drawn in through the mesh filter (512), some of the drawn in air is drawn into the air inlets (5311) of the edge cyclone units (533), and another part of the drawn in air can pass between the air outlets (5312) of the edge cyclone units (533). The air that has moved between the air outlets (5312) of the edge cyclone units (533) can be drawn into the air inlet (5311) of the center cyclone unit (532).

[0146] In this way, in the cyclone body (530) according to the embodiment, as the air outlets (5312) of the plurality of cyclone units (531) protrude upward, air passing through the mesh filter (512) can be uniformly introduced into the plurality of edge cyclone units (533) as well as the center cyclone unit (532).

[0147] Fig. 18 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a cyclone body (530) of a dust collector (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 19 is an assembled perspective view of the cyclone body (530) of Fig. 18. Fig. 20 is a drawing for explaining the operation of the cyclone body (530) of Fig. 19, and is a cross-sectional view of the cyclone body (530) of Fig. 19 taken along line XX-XX.

[0148] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, each of the plurality of cyclone units (531) of the cyclone body (530) according to the embodiment may include a first body (534) having a foreign matter discharge port (5313) and a second body (535) having an air discharge port (5312).

[0149] The first body (534) provides a second cyclone (102) therein and has a lower portion whose diameter becomes narrower as it approaches the foreign matter discharge port (5313). The upper portion of the first body (534) may have an opening (5340) into which a portion of the second body (535) is inserted. The diameter of the opening (5340) is larger than the diameter of the second body (535).

[0150] The second body (535) has a roughly cylindrical shape and may be provided with an air outlet (5312) at the top. The second body (535) may define an air inlet (5311) together with the first body (534). For example, the air inlet (5311) may be defined by the inner surface of the first body (534) and the outer surface of the second body (535). In other words, the air inlet (5311) may be a space between the first body (534) and the second body (535).

[0151] The second body (535) may include a plurality of body support portions (5351) supported on the upper portion of the first body (534) such that the air outlet (5312) is positioned above the opening (5340) of the first body (534). A plurality of grooves (5341) may be provided on the upper portion of the first body (534) in which the plurality of body support portions (5351) are seated. The body support portions (5351) may connect the plurality of second bodies (535). The plurality of second bodies (535) may be one body.

[0152] The second body (535) may include an air guide (5352) arranged on an outer surface. The air guide (5352) may have a spiral shape. The air guide (5352) may be arranged at the bottom of the body support (5351). When a portion of the second body (535) is inserted into the opening (5340), the air guide (5352) may be located inside the first body (534). The air guide (5352) may guide air introduced through the air inlet (5311) to move downward along a spiral shape.

[0153] Referring to FIG. 20, in each of the plurality of cyclone units (531) of the cyclone body (530) according to the embodiment, air containing foreign substances is introduced through an air inlet (5311) provided between the first body (534) and the second body (535).

[0154] Air drawn in through the air inlet (5311) forms a descending vortex (VX1) by the air guide (5352) of the second body (535). The descending vortex (VX1) moves downward in a spiral manner along the inner surface of the first body (534).

[0155] Since the diameter of the first body (534) becomes narrower as it approaches the foreign matter discharge port (5313), the speed of the swirling flow (VX1) gradually increases. Foreign matter in the air is separated from the swirling flow (VX1) and discharged through the foreign matter discharge port (5313).

[0156] The descending swirling current (VX1) is converted into an internal air current (VX2) rising from the lower portion of the first body (534). The internal air current (VX2) moves upward along the center of the first body (534). By the internal air current (VX2), the air from which foreign substances have been separated is discharged through the air outlet (5312).

[0157] Referring again to FIG. 10, the fixed part (400) may further include a dust collecting filter (450) for removing dust from the air discharged from the cyclone body (530). The dust collecting filter (450) may include a filter groove (451) provided at the bottom. The filter groove (451) is formed to be concave toward the top. Through the filter groove (451), the dust collecting filter (450) may be spaced apart from the end of the rotating shaft (550). The filter groove (451) may have a predetermined depth so as to be spaced apart from the end of the rotating shaft (550). The diameter of the upper surface of the filter groove (451) may be larger than the outer diameter of the rotating shaft (550).

[0158] The dust collecting filter (450) can increase its filter area through the filter groove (451) arranged at the bottom. The dust collecting filter (450) can be spaced apart from the end of the rotating shaft (550) through the filter groove (451), while reducing the increase in the height of the dust collecting device (100) due to the protruding height of the rotating shaft (550).

[0159] For the purpose of understanding the invention, reference numerals have been given to preferred embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific terms have been used to describe the embodiments, but the invention is not limited by the specific terms, and the invention may include all components that can be commonly conceived by those skilled in the art.

[0160] The specific implementations described in the invention are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the invention in any way. For the sake of brevity, descriptions of conventional electronic components, control systems, software, and other functional aspects of the systems may be omitted. In addition, the lines connecting or connecting members between components depicted in the drawings are merely examples of functional connections and / or physical or circuit connections, and may be replaced or represented as various additional functional connections, physical connections, or circuit connections in an actual device. In addition, unless specifically stated as “essential,” “important,” etc., a component may not be absolutely necessary for the application of the invention. As used herein, expressions such as “comprising,” “having,” etc. are used to be understood as terms of the open-ended part of the technology.

[0161] The use of the term "above" and similar referential terms in the specification of the invention (especially in the claims) may refer to both singular and plural. Furthermore, if a range is described in the invention, it includes inventions that apply individual values ​​within the range (unless otherwise stated), and is equivalent to describing each individual value constituting the range in the detailed description of the invention. Finally, unless the order of the steps constituting the method according to the present invention is explicitly stated or otherwise stated to the contrary, the steps may be performed in any appropriate order. The invention is not necessarily limited by the order in which the steps are described. The use of all examples or exemplary terms (e.g., "for example," etc.) in the present invention is merely to further illustrate the invention, and the scope of the invention is not limited by the examples or exemplary terms unless otherwise defined by the claims. Furthermore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be readily made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0162] A dust collector, vacuum cleaner and cleaning device according to an embodiment can have a rotating part, which is a part of a cyclone module, rotatable to minimize foreign substances remaining inside the dust collector, and can minimize pressure loss in the cyclone module due to a structure for rotating the rotating part.

[0163] A dust collecting device according to an embodiment may include a dust collecting case having a foreign matter discharge port; a cyclone module disposed inside the dust collecting case and configured to induce a swirling air flow to separate foreign matters; and a discharge door movable between an open position for opening the foreign matter discharge port and a blocking position for blocking the foreign matter discharge port.

[0164] The above cyclone module may include a fixed part assembled to be fixed to the dust collection case, a rotation part that is movable in an up-and-down direction with respect to the fixed part, and has a rotation state that is rotatable with respect to the fixed part when the discharge door is in the open position, and a lock state in which rotation with respect to the fixed part is restricted when the discharge door is in the blocking position.

[0165] The above-mentioned rotating part may include a cyclone body including a central cyclone unit disposed at the center of rotation, a plurality of edge cyclone units disposed around the central cyclone unit, and a rotating shaft disposed above the central cyclone unit so that the cyclone body can rotate relative to the fixed part, and providing a path for transmitting air discharged from the central cyclone unit to the fixed part.

[0166] The above-mentioned rotating part may further include a bearing provided on the outer surface of the rotating shaft, and the above-mentioned fixed part may include a rotating support part that supports the bearing so that the rotating shaft can rotate.

[0167] The above-mentioned rotary support may include a lower support having a lower through-hole through which the rotary shaft passes, and an upper support having an upper through-hole disposed above the lower support and overlapping the lower through-hole.

[0168] The above-mentioned rotation support member may further include a vibration blocking member that is positioned at a different height from the bearing and surrounds the periphery of the rotation shaft to prevent the rotation shaft from shaking.

[0169] The above anti-shake member may be configured to define the upper through hole.

[0170] The above-mentioned rotary support may further include a stopper configured to limit a downward movement distance of the rotary shaft.

[0171] The above stopper defines the lower through hole, the diameter of the lower through hole being smaller than the outer diameter of the bearing and larger than the outer diameter of the rotating shaft.

[0172] The above fixed part further includes a dust collecting filter that removes dust from the air discharged from the cyclone body, and a filter groove may be provided at the lower part of the dust collecting filter so as to be concavely formed toward the top so as to be spaced apart from the end of the rotating shaft.

[0173] The above dust collection case further includes an air inlet for introducing air from the outside when the discharge door is in the blocked position, and an air outlet for discharging air from which foreign substances have been separated, and when the discharge door is in the open position, airflow can be introduced through the air inlet and the air outlet, foreign substances separated by the cyclone module can be discharged through the foreign substance outlet, and the rotation part can include a rotation induction part configured to receive rotational force by the airflow introduced through at least one of the air inlet and the air outlet.

[0174] The above-mentioned rotating induction unit may include a rotating blade arranged on the outer surface of the rotating unit.

[0175] The device further includes a rotation prevention unit configured to provide a rotational frictional force between the rotation unit and the fixed unit to prevent the rotation unit from rotating with respect to the fixed unit when the rotation unit is in the locked state, wherein the rotation prevention unit may include a friction providing member provided in one of the fixed unit and the rotation unit, and a friction contact member provided in the other of the fixed unit and the rotation unit and contacting and pressing the friction providing member when the rotation unit is in the locked state.

[0176] The above rotating part may further include an upper plate that supports the rotating shaft and is positioned on the upper side of the cyclone body, a lower plate that is positioned on the lower side of the cyclone body and supports the cyclone body together with the upper plate, an inner case that surrounds the cyclone body and has a mesh filter, and a dust separation member that has a dust collection chamber in which foreign substances separated from the cyclone body are collected.

[0177] The above cyclone module may further include a pressing member disposed inside the rotating support member, which pressurizes the rotating member so that the rotating member is switched from the locked state to the rotating state.

[0178] A vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment may have a dust collecting device according to the embodiment described above.

[0179] A cleaning device according to an embodiment may include a vacuum cleaner having a dust collecting device according to the above-described embodiment; and a cleaner station including a docking unit to which the dust collecting device can be connected, a suction unit providing suction power to discharge foreign substances collected by the dust collecting device, and a collecting unit collecting the discharged foreign substances.

[0180] According to an embodiment, a dust collector, vacuum cleaner and cleaning device can be provided, which has a rotating structure in which a rotating part, which is a part of a cyclone module, can rotate relative to a fixed part to minimize foreign substances remaining inside the dust collector, but can minimize pressure loss of the cyclone module.

Claims

1. Dust collection case (210) equipped with a foreign matter discharge port (213); A cyclone module (300) arranged inside the above dust collection case and configured to induce a swirling air flow to separate foreign substances; and It includes a discharge door (220) that can move between an open position (221) that opens the foreign substance discharge port and a blocking position (222) that blocks the foreign substance discharge port; The above cyclone module (300) is A fixing member (400) assembled to be fixed to the above dust collection case, It includes a rotating part (500) that is movable in the up-and-down direction with respect to the fixed part and has a rotating state (501) that is rotatable with respect to the fixed part when the discharge door is in the open position, and a locked state (502) in which rotation with respect to the fixed part is restricted when the discharge door is in the blocked position. The above rotating part (500) is A cyclone body (530) including a central cyclone unit (532) arranged at the center of rotation and a plurality of edge cyclone units (533) arranged around the central cyclone unit, A dust collecting device, wherein the cyclone body is positioned above the central cyclone unit so as to be rotatable relative to the fixed part, and includes a rotating shaft (550) that provides a path for delivering air discharged from the central cyclone unit to the fixed part.

2. In paragraph 1, The above rotating part further includes a bearing (440) provided on the outer surface of the above rotating shaft, A dust collecting device, wherein the fixed part includes a rotating support part (420) that supports the bearing so that the rotating shaft can rotate.

3. In paragraph 2, The above rotating support A lower support part (421) having a lower through hole (H1) through which the above-mentioned rotating shaft passes, A dust collecting device comprising an upper support (422) disposed on the upper portion of the lower support and having an upper through hole (H2) overlapping the lower through hole.

4. In paragraph 3, The above rotating support member, A dust collecting device further comprising a shake blocking member (423) disposed at a different height from the bearing and surrounding the periphery of the rotating shaft to prevent the rotating shaft from shaking.

5. In paragraph 4, A dust collecting device, wherein the above-mentioned anti-shake member (423) is configured to define the upper through hole (H2).

6. In any one of paragraphs 3 to 5, A dust collecting device, wherein the above-mentioned rotating support further includes a stopper (424) configured to limit the downward movement distance of the rotating shaft.

7. In paragraph 6, The above stopper (424) defines the lower through hole (H1), A dust collecting device, wherein the diameter of the lower through hole is smaller than the outer diameter of the bearing and larger than the outer diameter of the rotating shaft.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, The above fixed part further includes a dust collection filter (450) that removes dust in the air discharged from the cyclone body. A dust collecting device, wherein a filter groove (451) is formed concavely toward the top so as to be spaced apart from the end of the rotating shaft at the lower portion of the above dust collecting filter.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, The above dust collection case (210) further includes an air inlet (211) through which air is drawn in from the outside when the discharge door is in the blocked position, and an air discharge port (212) through which air from which foreign substances are separated is discharged. When the above discharge door is in the open position, airflow can flow in through the air inlet and the air outlet, and foreign substances separated by the cyclone module can be discharged through the foreign substance discharge port. A dust collecting device, wherein the rotating part further includes a rotating induction part (590) configured to receive rotating force by airflow introduced through at least one of the air inlet and the air outlet.

10. In paragraph 9, A dust collecting device, wherein the above-mentioned rotating induction part (590) includes a rotating blade (591, 592) arranged on the outer surface of the above-mentioned rotating part.

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, The above-described rotating part further includes a rotation prevention part (560) configured to provide a rotational frictional force between the rotating part and the fixed part to prevent the rotating part from rotating with respect to the fixed part when the rotating part is in the locked state; A dust collecting device, wherein the above-mentioned anti-rotation member includes a friction providing member (561) provided in one of the above-mentioned fixed member and the above-mentioned rotating member, and a friction contact member (562) provided in the other of the above-mentioned fixed member and the above-mentioned rotating member and which contacts and presses the above-mentioned friction providing member when the above-mentioned rotating member is in the above-mentioned locked state.

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 11, The above rotating part (500) is An upper plate (541) that supports the above-mentioned rotating shaft and is placed on the upper part of the above-mentioned cyclone body, A lower plate (542) is placed at the lower part of the above cyclone body and supports the above cyclone body together with the upper plate, An inner case (510) surrounding the above cyclone body and having a mesh filter (512), A dust collecting device further comprising a dust separation member (520) having a dust collecting chamber (5201) in which foreign substances separated from the cyclone body are collected.

13. In any one of paragraphs 2 to 12, A dust collecting device, wherein the cyclone module further includes a pressurizing member (430) disposed inside the rotating support member, which pressurizes the rotating member so that the rotating member is switched from the locked state to the rotating state.

14. A vacuum cleaner having a dust collecting device (100) according to any one of clauses 1 to 13.

15. A vacuum cleaner (10) having a dust collecting device (100) according to any one of clauses 1 to 13; and A cleaning device comprising a cleaning station (2) including a docking unit (3) to which the dust collecting device can be connected, a suction unit (4) that provides suction power to discharge foreign substances collected in the dust collecting device, and a collecting unit (5) that collects the discharged foreign substances.

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