Cleaner

Abstract

This cleaner comprises: a case having an inner path formed therein; and a suction motor that suctions air containing rubbish into the case. Also, the cleaner includes: a dust collector that is positioned on the inner path through which the suctioned air flows and can be rotated to rotate the suctioned air and thereby separate the rubbish from the suctioned air; and a rotating body that is located downstream of the dust collector with respect to the flow direction of the suctioned air, is rotated by the air passing through the dust collector, and is coupled to the dust collector to rotate the dust collector.

Description

vacuum cleaner

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vacuum cleaner that is designed to collect foreign substances in the inhaled air using centrifugal force.

[0002] A vacuum cleaner is a device that removes rubbish from an indoor space and keeps it clean. Vacuum cleaners are widely used in homes. Vacuum cleaners use the suction generated by a fan motor unit to suck in air, then separate the foreign substances from the air using a filter or dust collector, thereby keeping the indoor space clean.

[0003] These vacuum cleaners include canister type and upright type, and recently, robot vacuum cleaners that move around the cleaning area on their own without user intervention and perform cleaning tasks by sucking up foreign substances such as dust from the surface to be cleaned have become popular.

[0004] Vacuum cleaners incorporate a dust collection device to filter out foreign substances contained in the sucked air. Methods for filtering foreign substances include porous filters, which force foreign substances through the air as it passes through a porous filter, and cyclone dust collection devices, which rotate the air to filter foreign substances through centrifugal force.

[0005] A cyclone type dust collector includes a dust collector that is rotatable and comes into contact with the air to collect dust by rotating the air.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a vacuum cleaner capable of reducing power consumption.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a vacuum cleaner including a lightweight structure.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a vacuum cleaner having a structure that does not include a separate motor for rotating a dust collector.

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a vacuum cleaner including a structure capable of improving operational reliability.

[0010] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a vacuum cleaner including a structure that prevents foreign substances from flowing into a bearing that rotates and supports a dust collector.

[0011] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a vacuum cleaner including a structure that prevents foreign substances from flowing into a bearing that rotates a rotating body.

[0012] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a vacuum cleaner including a structure capable of smoothly flowing air even when some paths through which air flows are closed.

[0013] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a cleaner includes a case having an internal path formed therein, and a suction motor for sucking air containing foreign substances into the case. The cleaner includes a rotatable dust collector disposed on the internal path through which the sucked air flows and capable of rotating the sucked air to separate the foreign substances from the sucked air. The cleaner includes a rotating body disposed downstream of the dust collector with respect to the direction of flow of the sucked air, rotated by air passing through the dust collector, and coupled to the dust collector to rotate the dust collector.

[0015] The above-mentioned rotating body includes a rotor extending in a direction parallel to the direction in which air passing through the dust collector flows, and blades arranged along the outer circumference of the rotor and arranged to rotate the rotor by the air passing through the dust collector, and the dust collector may be arranged to be coupled to the rotor and rotate by the rotation of the rotor.

[0016] The rotor may include a rotor body inserted into the dust collector and a rotor head formed at one end of the rotor body and located on the outside of the dust collector, the blades may be arranged along the outer circumference of the rotor head, the dust collector may include a first coupling portion formed on the inner circumference, and the rotor body may include a second coupling portion formed on the outer circumference of the rotor body to be coupled with the first coupling portion.

[0017] The first coupling portion may include a protrusion formed to protrude from the inner surface toward the inside of the dust collector, and the second coupling portion may include a groove into which the protrusion is inserted.

[0018] The above-mentioned rotating body can be detachably coupled to the above-mentioned dust collector.

[0019] The blades include a first blade on the outer periphery of the rotor and a second blade on the opposite side of the first blade with respect to the rotor, and the dust collector includes a cylindrical dust collecting body, and a length from one end of the first blade to one end of the second blade may be smaller than a diameter of the dust collecting body.

[0020] The case may include an outer case including a suction hole through which the air is sucked into the interior of the case, and an inner case that is accommodated in the outer case and rotatably accommodates the dust collector and the rotating body, and includes an opening formed through which the air sucked into the outer case flows into the interior of the inner case.

[0021] The case may further include a cover portion that covers the opening of the inner case and includes a plurality of holes so that air sucked into the outer case can pass into the interior of the inner case, and the inner case may include a bypass hole formed to allow air that cannot pass through the plurality of holes to flow into the interior of the inner case in response to air that cannot pass through the plurality of holes, and a bypass door that can be rotated to open and close the bypass hole.

[0022] The case further includes a scatter prevention part coupled to the lower side of the inner case to prevent foreign substances accumulated inside the outer case from flowing into the opening, and the scatter prevention part may include a scatter prevention body extending downward from the inner case and a scatter prevention rib extending spirally along the longitudinal direction of the scatter prevention body on the outer surface of the scatter prevention body and protruding toward the inner surface of the outer case.

[0023] The above dust collector may include a dust collector body configured to separate the foreign matter from air flowing into the inner case, a dust collector rotation shaft extending downward from a lower surface of the dust collector body and inserted into the inner case, a dust collector bearing coupled to the dust collector rotation shaft to rotatably support the dust collector in the inner case, and a first guard portion formed to be spaced apart from the dust collector rotation shaft in an outward direction and protruding downward to cover the dust collector rotation shaft from the outside and prevent the foreign matter from flowing to the dust collector bearing.

[0024] The inner case includes a first rotation support portion that protrudes upward and forms a first insertion groove into which the dust collector bearing and the dust collector rotation shaft are inserted, and the first rotation support portion can be inserted into a space formed by the dust collector rotation shaft and the first guard portion being spaced apart from each other.

[0025] The case may include an inner case that rotatably supports the rotor, and the rotor may include a rotor rotation shaft that extends upward from the rotor head and is inserted into the inner case, a rotor bearing that engages with the rotor rotation shaft and rotatably supports the rotor in the inner case, and a second guard portion that is formed spaced apart from the rotor rotation shaft in an outward direction and protrudes upward to cover the rotor rotation shaft from the outside and prevent foreign substances from flowing into the rotor bearing.

[0026] The above-mentioned rotating body may further include a third guard portion that is formed to be spaced apart from the second guard portion in an outward direction and protrudes upward to cover the second guard portion from the outside, and the inner case may include a protruding rib that is formed to protrude downward and is inserted into a space formed to be spaced apart from the second guard portion and the third guard portion.

[0027] The inner case may include a rotation guide that guides air sucked into the outer case so that the air sucked into the outer case rotates in a first direction inside the outer case, and the rotating body may include a rotor extending in a direction parallel to a direction in which air passing through the dust collector flows, and blades that are inclined to have a negative inclination with respect to a tangential direction of the first direction and are arranged along the outer periphery of the rotor so as to rotate the rotor in the first direction by the air passing through the dust collector.

[0028] The above dust collector may include a dust collecting body that is coupled to the rotating body and is arranged to rotate in the first direction, and a dust collecting rib that protrudes from the outer periphery of the dust collecting body in the radial direction of the dust collecting body and is formed to be inclined toward a tangential direction opposite to the first direction.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a cleaner includes a suction motor configured to generate a suction force, and an impeller driven by the suction motor and forming a suction air stream that sucks in air containing foreign substances. The cleaner includes a dust collector arranged on a path of the suction air stream and rotatable to rotate the sucked air to separate the foreign substances from the air. The cleaner includes a rotor arranged downstream of the dust collector with respect to a flow direction of the suction air stream, and extending in a direction parallel to the air passing through the dust collector, and a blade arranged to rotate the rotor by contacting the air, and a rotating body coupled to the dust collector and configured to rotate the dust collector. The dust collector is detachably coupled to the rotor.

[0030] Figure 1 is a drawing illustrating a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment, in which the suction device and the dust collector are separated from each other.

[0032] Figure 3 is a drawing showing Figure 2 from a different angle.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating air flowing into the interior of a dust collector through a suction hole in a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a flow path of air by showing a side cross-section of some components of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment.

[0035] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of area A of Figure 5.

[0036] Figure 7 is a drawing showing an enlarged view of area B of Figure 5.

[0037] Fig. 8 is a drawing showing an exploded view of a dust collection device of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment.

[0038] Figure 9 is a drawing showing Figure 8 from a different angle.

[0039] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing the dust collector and the rotating body of a vacuum cleaner separated from each other according to one embodiment.

[0040] Fig. 11 is a drawing showing a rotating body of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment.

[0041] Fig. 12 is a drawing showing a dust collector and a rotating body of a vacuum cleaner being coupled to each other and rotating according to one embodiment.

[0042] Fig. 13 is a drawing showing a rotating body of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment.

[0043] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment, in which the bypass door rotates to open the bypass hole.

[0044] Fig. 15 is a drawing illustrating a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment.

[0045] Fig. 16 is a side cross-sectional view showing a vacuum cleaner equipped with a dust collector and a rotating body according to one embodiment.

[0046] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely preferred examples of the disclosed invention, and there may be various modified examples that can replace the embodiments and drawings of this specification at the time of filing of this application.

[0047] Additionally, the same reference numbers or symbols presented in each drawing of this specification represent parts or components that perform substantially the same function.

[0048] In addition, the terminology used in this specification is used to describe embodiments and is not intended to limit and / or restrict the disclosed invention. The singular expression includes plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, the terms "comprises" or "has" and the like are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0049] Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers such as “first,” “second,” etc. used herein may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms, and the terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be referred to as the second component, and similarly, the second component may also be referred to as the first component. The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related listed items or any item among a plurality of related listed items.

[0050] Meanwhile, the shape and position of each component are not limited by the terms such as “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “upper,” and “lower” used in the description below.

[0051] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0052] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0053] When referring to the direction of rotation, clockwise may be referred to as the first direction, and counterclockwise, the direction opposite to the first direction, may be referred to as the second direction. While these expressions may be commonly used to describe specific details for implementing the invention, the rotational direction of the components of the present invention is not limited by these terms.

[0054] Below, a vacuum cleaner according to various embodiments is specifically described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0055] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment, wherein the suction device and the dust collector are separated from each other. FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating FIG. 2 from a different angle. FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating air flowing into the interior of the dust collector through a suction hole in the vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a side cross-section of some components of the vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment, and explaining an air flow path.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a vacuum cleaner (1) may include a suction head (13) configured to suck up foreign substances such as foreign substances from a surface to be cleaned by the suction force of air, and a main body (10) that generates suction force and collects and dusts foreign substances. In the drawing, the vacuum cleaner (1) is illustrated as a stick-type vacuum cleaner, but it is understood that various types of vacuum cleaners may be included. For convenience of explanation, the vacuum cleaner is illustrated and described as a stick-type vacuum cleaner.

[0057] More specifically, the main body (10) may include a suction device (10a) including a suction motor (18a) that generates suction force inside the main body (10), and a dust collector (10b) that separates and stores the suctioned air and foreign substances. The dust collector (10b) may be placed upstream of the suction device (10a) based on the air flow direction. A detailed description of the arrangement relationship of the components of the cleaner (1) with respect to the air flow direction will be described later.

[0058] The main body (10) may include a handle (40) that is provided so that the user can grip it, and a battery (50) that is provided to supply power necessary for driving parts of the vacuum cleaner (1), such as a suction motor (18a) and a front part (18b, described later).

[0059] The main body (10) may include a control unit (17). The user can turn the vacuum cleaner (1) on / off or adjust the suction power by operating the power button, etc. provided on the control unit (17).

[0060] The vacuum cleaner (1) may include a connecting pipe (20) provided to connect the suction head (13) and the main body (10). The suction head (13) includes a suction brush (not shown) and can be brought into close contact with the surface to be cleaned to suck up air and foreign substances from the surface to be cleaned. The suction head (13) may be rotatably coupled to the connecting pipe (20).

[0061] The connecting pipe (20) can be formed as a pipe or flexible hose having a predetermined rigidity. The connecting pipe (20) transmits the suction force generated by the suction motor (18a) of the suction device (10a) to the suction head (13), and the suction head (13) can suck air and foreign substances toward the connecting pipe (20) through the transmitted suction force.

[0062] For example, the main body (10) may include a suction duct (11) that is connected to one end of a connecting pipe (20), and a duct passage (11a) may be formed at one end of the suction duct (11) that is connected to one end of the connecting pipe (20). The suction duct (11) may be surrounded and protected by a cover (15) of the suction duct (11).

[0063] Air and foreign substances sucked in by the suction head (13) can flow through the connecting pipe (20) into the duct passage (11a) of the suction duct (11). Thereafter, the air and foreign substances can flow into the interior of the dust collector (10b) connected to the duct passage (11a) (F1).

[0064] Foreign substances that flow into the interior of the dust collector (10b) through the duct (11a) can be collected and separated from the air and then collected inside the dust collector (10b). Thereafter, the air from which foreign substances have been removed can flow to the suction device (10a). The specific process by which foreign substances are collected from the air by the dust collector (10b) will be described later.

[0065] The main body (10) may include a suction device (10a). Air from which foreign substances have been removed through the dust collector (10b) may flow to the suction device (10a).

[0066] The suction device (10a) may include an impeller (19b) that is rotatable to generate suction force, a suction motor (18a) that is drivable to provide rotational force, a shaft (19a) that transmits the rotational force of the suction motor (18a) to the impeller (19b), and an electric part (18b) that is electrically connected to the suction motor (18a) and controls the driving of the suction motor (18a). Turning the vacuum cleaner (1) examined above on / off or controlling the suction force may mean controlling the rotational speed of the impeller (19b) by controlling the rotational force with which the suction motor (18a) rotates the shaft (19a).

[0067] The suction motor (18a) can perform the function of converting electromagnetic force into mechanical rotational force. To perform the above function, the suction motor (18a) can include a stator having a coil and a stator rotor having magnetism and capable of rotation by the electromagnetic force of the stator.

[0068] The suction device (10a) may further include an impeller cover (14a) configured to accommodate a suction motor (18a) and an impeller (19b). The impeller cover (14a) is positioned between the dust collector (10b) and the impeller (19b), and may have at least one housing opening formed therein so that air discharged from the dust collector (10b) can move toward the impeller (19b).

[0069] The suction device (10a) may include a body exhaust port (12a) through which air from which foreign substances have been removed through the dust collector (10b) is discharged to the outside of the body (10). The body (10) may include an exhaust case (12), and a body exhaust port (12a) may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the exhaust case (12) so that air is discharged to the outside of the body (10). After foreign substances have been removed in the dust collector (10b), the air that has flowed to the suction device (10a) may be discharged to the outside through the body exhaust port (12a).

[0070] Below, the configuration of the dust collector (10b) and the flow of air and foreign substances in the dust collector (10b) are examined in detail.

[0071] The main body (10) may include a dust collector (10b). The dust collector (10b) may be arranged upstream of the suction motor (18a) in the air flow direction to separate foreign substances from the air flowing into the dust collector (10b) and to collect and store the separated foreign substances.

[0072] The dust collector (10b) may be a cyclone-type dust collector (10b). The cyclone-type dust collector (10b) separates foreign substances by centrifugal force generated as air and foreign substances rotate and flow inside, and may be formed to include a structure capable of guiding the rotational flow of air so that the air passing through the suction hole (111) can flow in a spiral shape by a rotation guide (122), etc.

[0073] The dust collection process may include a first dust collection process performed in a first dust collection room (S1) of an outer case (110), and a second dust collection process performed in a second dust collection room (S2) by a dust collector (200) accommodated in an inner case (120).

[0074] Foreign substances initially separated by the first dust collection process may include relatively large foreign substances. For example, the outer case (110) in which the first dust collection process is performed may be designed to have a relatively large rotational radius through which air flows, and the first dust collection chamber (S1) may also be formed to have a correspondingly large radius.

[0075] The second dust collection process can separate relatively small foreign substances from the air that were not sufficiently separated by the first dust collection process. For example, the second dust collection process can be designed to have a relatively small rotation radius, and the second dust collection chamber (S2) can also be designed to be correspondingly small.

[0076] However, unlike the above, the first dust collection process may not be comprised of a cyclone-type dust collection device (10b). For example, the first dust collection process according to the concept of the present disclosure may be comprised of various types of dust collection devices (10b), such as a dust collection device (10b) that primarily separates foreign substances from the air drawn in from the suction head (13), for example, a dust collection device (10b) that separates foreign substances through a porous filter.

[0077] However, for convenience of explanation, the first dust collection process and the second dust collection process are described below assuming that each is composed of a cyclone-type dust collection device (10b).

[0078] The dust collector (10b) may include a case (100). The case (100) of the dust collector (10b) may include an outer case (110) that forms an exterior and is provided primarily to collect foreign substances from the air. The case (100) of the dust collector (10b) may include an inner case (120) that is arranged inside the outer case (110) and accommodates a dust collector (200, described later) that is provided secondarily to remove foreign substances from the air.

[0079] The outer case (110) may include a suction hole (111) connected to the other end opposite to one end of the suction duct (11) where the duct passage (11a) is formed. Through this, the suction hole (111) may be arranged to communicate with the duct passage (11a) of the suction duct (11). Accordingly, air and foreign substances sucked into the suction head (13) may flow through the suction duct (11) to the suction hole (111) and be introduced into the interior of the outer case (110) (F1).

[0080] The outer case (110) can collect and store foreign substances from the air.

[0081] The outer case (110) may include a dust collector (113, see FIG. 8) forming the exterior. For example, the dust collector (113) may have a cylindrical shape in which one side facing downward, where the suction head (13) is disposed, is closed, and the other side facing upward is open. The other side of the outer case (110) disposed to face upward may include a dust collector opening (114, see FIG. 8) through which air flows.

[0082] The space formed by being surrounded by a dust collector (113) can be defined as a first dust collection room (S1). Components of a dust collector (10b) can be placed in the first dust collection room (S1). A detailed description of this will be provided later.

[0083] For example, a suction hole (111) may be formed on the upper side of a dust collector (113). The formed suction hole (111) may be arranged to communicate with a first dust collection chamber (S1). Accordingly, air and foreign substances sucked from a suction head (13) through a suction duct (11) may flow to the suction port through a duct passage (11a) and then flow to the first dust collection chamber (S1) of the outer case (110).

[0084] For example, the outer case (110) may include a light-transmitting material. Accordingly, the user can easily check the amount of foreign matter stored in the outer case (110) and remove dust from the dust collector (113).

[0085] The case (100) may include an inner case (120) arranged to be inserted into an outer case (110).

[0086] The inner case (120) may include a first inner case (120a) arranged to cover the dust collection opening (114) of the outer case (110), and a second inner case (120b) arranged on the lower side of the first inner case (120a) and accommodated inside the outer case (110).

[0087] The first inner case (120a) may include a shape corresponding to the dust collection opening (114) of the outer case (110). The first inner case (120a) may include a hole that connects the first dust collection chamber (S1) of the outer case (110) and the outside of the outer case (110). Air from which foreign substances have been removed from the inside of the outer case (110) can flow from the inside of the dust collection device (10b) to the suction device (10a) through the hole.

[0088] The second inner case (120b) can be coupled to the lower side of the first inner case (120a) and accommodated in the outer case (110).

[0089] For example, the second inner case (120b) may be provided in an approximately cylindrical shape.

[0090] The second inner case (120b) may include a rotation guide (122) including guide surfaces (1221, 1222, 1224) that form a guide path (1223) that communicates with the suction hole (111) of the outer case (110). The second inner case (120b) may include an opening (124) formed to allow air and foreign substances to flow into the interior of the second inner case (120b).

[0091] The guide surface (1221, 1222) can be provided to guide air flowing through the suction hole (111) to the guide path (1223).

[0092] The guide surfaces (1221, 1222, 1224) may include a first guide surface (1221) formed to extend in a first direction (r1) along the outer circumference of the second inner case (120b). Air and foreign substances that flow into the interior of the outer case (110) in a direction parallel to the radial direction of the outer case (110) through the suction hole (111) may be guided by the first guide surface (1221) to flow in the first direction (r1) inside the first dust collection chamber (S1) (F2).

[0093] For example, in the city, the first direction (r1) mentioned above is depicted as being counterclockwise when looking down from above the first dust collection room (S1), but it is also possible to assume that it flows in a clockwise direction.

[0094] The guide surfaces (1221, 1222, 1224) may include a second guide surface (1222) that extends in the first direction (r1) along the lower side of the first guide surface (1221) and is formed to protrude toward the inner surface (112) of the outer case. The second guide surface (1222) may be provided to prevent air and foreign substances from flowing into the first dust collection chamber (S1) without being guided by the first guide surface (1221).

[0095] The guide surfaces (1221, 1222, 1224) may include a third guide surface (1224) formed on the other side opposite to one side of the first guide surface (1221) facing the suction hole (111).

[0096] The third guide surface (1224) may be formed to protrude toward the inner surface (112) of the outer case in a direction intersecting the direction in which the second guide surface (1222) extends. The sucked air and foreign substances guided to flow in the first direction (r1) by the first guide surface (1221) may be further guided by the third guide surface (1224) to flow so as to come into contact with the inner surface (112) of the outer case (F3).

[0097] Air and foreign substances guided to flow in the first direction (r1) by the guide surfaces (1221, 1222, 1224) can flow inside the first dust collection chamber (S1) along the inner surface (112) of the outer case.

[0098] Thereafter, air and foreign substances come into contact with the inner surface (112) of the outer case and can flow downwards of the outer case (110) in a spiral manner along the length of the outer case (110) (F4).

[0099] Since air and foreign substances rotate in the first direction (r1) in the first dust collection chamber (S1), foreign substances (D) with relatively large particles can be separated from the air by centrifugal force and collected on the lower side of the outer case (110). This can be defined as the first dust collection process.

[0100] The main body (10) may include a dust collector (200) that is rotatably accommodated inside the inner case (120) and is provided to collect air and foreign substances flowing from the first dust collection chamber (S1) to the inner case (120).

[0101] That is, the dust collector (200) is placed on the internal path of the case (100) through which air flows, and can be provided to rotate so as to separate foreign substances from the air by rotating the sucked air.

[0102] The main body (10) may include a rotating body (300) that is rotatably accommodated inside the inner case (120) and is provided to be coupled with a dust collector (200).

[0103] The rotating body (300) may be arranged downstream from the dust collector (200) with respect to the direction of air flow, and may be arranged to rotate by contacting the air (F7) that has passed through the dust collector (200). In addition, the rotating body (300) may be arranged to be coupled with the dust collector (200) and rotate the dust collector (200).

[0104] The case (100) of the dust collector (10b) may include a scattering prevention part (130) provided to prevent foreign substances collected through the first dust collecting process from flowing from the first dust collecting chamber (S1) into the interior of the second inner case (120b). The dust collector (10b) may include a cover part (150) provided to cover an opening (124, see FIG. 8) of the second inner case (120b) and formed to include a plurality of holes (151) so that air and foreign substances not removed through the first dust collecting process can pass into the interior of the second inner case (120b).

[0105] The air that flows to the lower side of the outer case (110) through the first dust collection process can then flow upward toward the inner case (120) (F5). At this time, as the air flows upward, a phenomenon may occur in which the dust collected on the lower side of the outer case (110) through the first dust collection process is lifted by the air flow.

[0106] The anti-flying part (130) can prevent collected dust from flowing into the interior of the second case (100). More specifically, the anti-flying part (130) can include a anti-flying body (131) extending downward from the inner case (120) and an anti-flying rib (132) extending spirally along the longitudinal direction of the anti-flying body (131) on the outer surface of the anti-flying body (131) and protruding toward the inner surface (112) of the outer case.

[0107] The air flowing from the lower side of the outer case (110) toward the second inner case (120b) can flow upward in a spiral shape along the longitudinal direction of the scattering prevention body (131) by contacting the outer surface of the scattering prevention body (131) (F5). At this time, the air flows along the outer surface of the scattering prevention body (131) and flows toward the opening (124) of the second inner case (120b), but the dust collected in the first dust collection process is prevented from flowing upward by the scattering prevention rib (132). Therefore, only dust containing foreign substances of relatively small size can flow inside the second inner case (120b). The internal space of the second inner case (120b) can be defined as a second dust collection room (S2).

[0108] Air and foreign substances flowing toward the second inner case (120b) can flow into the plurality of holes (151) of the cover part (150). Since the plurality of holes (151) are connected to the opening (124) of the second inner case (120b), the air and foreign substances can flow into the second dust collection chamber (S2) inside the second inner case (120b) through the opening (124) (F6).

[0109] Air and foreign substances flowing into the interior of the second inner case (120b) can be separated from each other in the dust collector (200). The dust collector (200) can include a dust collecting body (220) that is arranged to rotate in a first direction (r1) and a dust collecting rib (210) that protrudes in a radial direction of the dust collecting body (220) from the outer periphery of the dust collecting body (220) and is formed to be inclined toward a tangential direction opposite to the first direction (r1).

[0110] Foreign substances flowing into the interior of the second inner case (120b) can be separated from the air by colliding with one side of the dust collecting rib (210) of the rotating dust collector (200).

[0111] In addition, air and foreign substances flowing into the interior of the second inner case (120b) can be rotated in the first direction (r1) by the dust collecting body (220) and dust collecting ribs (210) rotating in the first direction (r1), thereby receiving centrifugal force, and the foreign substances can be separated from the air by the centrifugal force.

[0112] Through this process, relatively small foreign particles can be collected and trapped from the air. This can be defined as the second dust collection process.

[0113] The dust collector (200) may be arranged to be coupled with a rotating body (300), and the rotation of the dust collector (200) may be achieved by receiving the rotational force of the rotating body (300). A detailed description of the structure of the dust collector (200) and the method by which the dust collector (200) is coupled with the rotating body (300) and receives the rotational force of the rotating body (300) will be described later.

[0114] Air that has passed through the dust collector (200) can flow upward with foreign substances removed (F7). At this time, the rotating body (300) may include a rotor (310) that is arranged to extend in a direction parallel to the direction in which the air that has passed through the dust collector (200) flows.

[0115] The rotor (310) may include a rotor body (311) formed to extend in the vertical direction and arranged to be inserted and seated inside the dust collector (200), and a rotor head (312) formed at one end of the rotor body (311) and arranged on the outside of the dust collector (200). The one end of the rotor body (311) may refer to one side of the rotor body (311) arranged to face the opposite direction of the dust collector (200).

[0116] The rotor (300) may include blades (330) arranged along the outer periphery of the rotor (310). More specifically, the blades (330) may be arranged along the outer periphery of the rotor head (312). The blades (330) may be arranged to come into contact with air flowing toward the suction device (10a) by the suction device (10a). The air flowing toward the suction device (10a) may come into contact with the blades (330) to rotate the rotor (310). In addition, the blades (330) may be arranged to come into contact with air passing through the dust collector (200) to rotate the rotor (310).

[0117] For example, the blades (330) may be arranged at an angle along the outer periphery of the rotor (310) so as to rotate the rotor (310) in a first direction (r1) by air flowing from the bottom to the top (see FIG. 11).

[0118] As a result, since the rotating body (300) rotates in the first direction (r1), the dust collector (200) coupled with the rotating body (300) can also rotate in the first direction (r1). Since the direction (r1) in which the air and foreign substances that are introduced into the outer case (110) and undergo the first dust collection process rotate and the direction (r1) in which the rotating body (300) and the dust collector (200) rotate are the same, the air can flow more smoothly within the dust collector (10b).

[0119] After contacting the blade (330), the air that has passed through the rotor (300) can flow to the suction device (10a) (F8). Thereafter, as previously discussed, the air can be finally exhausted to the outside through the exhaust case (12) (F9).

[0120] Hereinafter, with reference to Fig. 5, the path through which air sucked in from the outside passes through the cleaner (1), foreign substances are removed, and the air is exhausted to the outside is sequentially described.

[0121] Due to the suction force generated by the operation of the suction device (10a), foreign substances and air on the surface to be cleaned can flow into the duct passage (11a) of the suction duct (11) through the suction head (13). Thereafter, the sucked foreign substances and air can flow into the first dust collection chamber (S1) inside the outer case (110) through the suction hole (111) of the outer case (110) (F1).

[0122] Foreign substances and air flowing into the first dust collection chamber (S1) can be rotated in the first direction (r1) by the rotation guide (122) of the inner case (120) (F2).

[0123] Foreign substances and air can rotate in the first direction (r1) and contact the inner surface (112) of the outer case and flow to the lower side of the outer case (110) (F3, F4), and the foreign substances can be primarily separated by centrifugal force. This can be defined as the first dust collection process.

[0124] Foreign substances separated from the air can be collected at the lower side of the outer case (110). Thereafter, the air can flow upward from the lower side of the outer case (110) toward the second inner case (120b) (F5). The phenomenon of dust collected at the lower side of the outer case (110) flowing toward the second inner case (120b) can be prevented by the anti-flying rib (132).

[0125] The air flowing toward the second inner case (120b) can pass through a plurality of holes and openings (124) and flow into the second dust collection chamber (S2), which is the internal space of the second inner case (120b) (F6).

[0126] Air and foreign substances flowing into the second dust collection chamber (S2) may come into contact with the dust collector (200) housed inside the second inner case (120b). Foreign substances may be separated from the air by the second dust collector (200) and collected inside the second dust collection chamber (S2). This may be defined as the second dust collection process.

[0127] Air from which foreign substances have been removed by contact with the dust collector (200) can flow upward (F7). A rotating body (300) can be placed downstream of the dust collector (200) with respect to the direction of air flow.

[0128] The rotating body (300) includes a rotor (310) and blades (330) that are provided to be rotatable by a suction flow formed by a suction device (10a), and the rotating body (300) can be provided to be coupled with a dust collector (200). Air contacts the blades (330) to rotate the rotating body (300) in a first direction (r1), and through this, the dust collector (200) can also rotate in the first direction (r1).

[0129] Air passing through the rotor (300) can be introduced into the impeller (19b) of the suction device (10a) that rotates and generates suction force (F8). Thereafter, the air can flow into the exhaust case (12) and finally be discharged to the outside through the exhaust port (12a) (F9).

[0130] A dust collector (10b) that separates foreign substances from the air can be detachably combined with other components of the main body (10).

[0131] The first inner case (120a) of the dust collector (10b) can connect the dust collector (10b) to other components of the main body (10). The dust collector (10b) is provided on one side of the first inner case (120a) and can include a coupling button (121) that detachably couples the dust collector (10b) to other components of the main body (10).

[0132] More specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first inner case (120a) and the coupling button (121) may be positioned between the exhaust case (12) and the outer case (110).

[0133] The coupling button (121) may be provided to be hooked to one side of the main body (10). When the coupling button (121) is hooked to one side of the main body (10), the dust collector (10b) may be mounted on the main body (10).

[0134] When the user presses the coupling button (121) while the dust collector (10b) is mounted on the main body (10), the coupling button (121) can be arranged to release the catch coupling, and accordingly, the dust collector (10b) can be separated from the main body (10).

[0135] When the dust collector (10b) is separated from other components of the main body (10), the user can perform various operations, such as removing foreign substances collected in the dust collector (10b), cleaning the dust collector (10b), or repairing or replacing parts of the dust collector (10b) or the main body (10). However, this is not limited thereto, and the dust collector (10b) can be separated from the main body (10) in various ways.

[0136] The dust collector (10b) may include a coupling protrusion (115) provided on one side of the outer case (110). Correspondingly, the main body (10) may include a dust collector coupling portion (16) provided on the side where the dust collector (10b) is positioned. The coupling protrusion (115) may be detachably coupled to the dust collector coupling portion (16) to detachably couple the dust collector (10b) to the main body (10). For example, the coupling protrusion (115) may be provided to slide and be coupled to or separated from the dust collector coupling portion (16).

[0137] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of area A of Figure 5.

[0138] Referring to FIG. 6, the rotor (300) may be rotatably supported on the inner case (120). More specifically, the rotor (300) may include a rotor rotation shaft (313) extending upward (in the +Z direction) from the rotor head (312) and inserted into the inner case (120).

[0139] The inner case (120) may include a rotor rotation shaft insertion groove (129) formed by being sunken toward the upper side (+Z direction) to accommodate the rotor rotation shaft (313). A portion of the inner case (120) forming the rotor rotation shaft insertion groove (129) may be defined as a second rotation support.

[0140] The rotor (300) may include a rotor bearing (314) that is coupled to a rotor rotation shaft (313) and rotatably supports the rotor (300) in the inner case (120). The rotor bearing (314) and the rotor rotation shaft (313) may be provided to be inserted into a rotor rotation shaft insertion groove (129). The rotor rotation shaft (313) may be arranged to contact one surface of a rotor recessed portion forming the rotor rotation shaft insertion groove (129) to support the rotor rotation shaft (313).

[0141] The rotor (300) may include a second guard portion (340) formed spaced apart from the rotor rotation axis (313) in an outward direction. The second guard portion (340) may be formed to protrude upward (in the +Z direction) from the rotor head (312) and cover the rotor rotation axis (313) from the outside. Since the second guard portion (340) protrudes upward (in the +Z direction), the phenomenon of foreign substances flowing from the outside of the rotor (310) to the rotor rotation axis (313) and the rotor bearing (314) can be prevented. Therefore, the operational reliability of the cleaner (1) can be improved.

[0142] The rotor (300) may include a third guard part (350) formed spaced outwardly from the rotor rotation axis (313). The third guard part (350) may be formed to be positioned further outward from the rotor rotation axis (313) than the second guard part (340). The third guard part (350) may be formed to protrude upward (in the +Z direction) from the rotor head (312). For example, the length by which the third guard part (350) protrudes may be shorter than the length by which the second guard part (340) protrudes.

[0143] The third guard part (350) and the second guard part (340) may be formed to be spaced apart from each other. The space above the rotor head (312) formed by being surrounded by the second guard part (340), the third guard part (350), and the rotor head (312) may be defined as a second spaced space (d2).

[0144] The inner case (120) may include a protruding rib (127) formed to protrude downward (-Z direction) from the upper surface of the first inner case (120a). The protruding rib (127) may be formed to protrude toward the rotor head (312).

[0145] When the rotor (310) is rotatably supported on the inner case (120), the protruding rib (127) can be positioned to be inserted into the second separation space (d2) between the second guard part (340) and the third guard part (350).

[0146] One end of the protruding rib (127) may be arranged so as not to come into contact with the rotor head (312). The protruding rib (127) may be arranged so as not to come into contact with either one surface of the second guard portion (340) or the third guard portion (350). Accordingly, even if the protruding rib (127) is arranged to be inserted into the second separation space (d2), the rotating body (300) can rotate stably.

[0147] The rotating body (300) can rotate while maintaining the state in which the protruding rib (127) is positioned between the second guard part (340) and the third guard part (350). At this time, an air vortex may be generated in the space where the protruding rib (127) is inserted due to the rotation of the rotating body (300). The phenomenon in which foreign substances on the outside of the rotating body (300) flow to the rotor bearing (314) and the rotor rotation shaft (313) due to the vortex can be more effectively prevented. Therefore, the operational reliability of the cleaner (1) can be improved.

[0148] The dust collector (200) may include a dust collecting body inner portion (221) forming the inner side of the dust collecting body (220) and a dust collecting body outer portion (222) forming the outer side of the dust collecting body (220). A dust collecting rib (210) may be formed to protrude in the radial direction of the dust collecting body (220) from the dust collecting body inner portion (221). One end of the protruding dust collecting rib (210) and the dust collecting body outer portion (222) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other.

[0149] The inner case (120) may include a cover rib (128) that is arranged in an outward direction relative to the protruding rib (127) and is arranged to protrude downward (-Z direction).

[0150] The cover rib (128) may be positioned to be inserted into a space formed by the dust collecting rib (210) and the outer side of the dust collecting body (222) being spaced apart from each other. Even if the cover rib (128) is inserted into a space formed by the dust collecting rib (210) and the outer side of the dust collecting body (222) being spaced apart from each other, it may not come into contact with the dust collector (200). Therefore, the dust collector (200) may rotate smoothly.

[0151] The dust collector (200) can rotate while maintaining the cover rib (128) positioned between the dust collecting rib (210) and the outer side (222) of the dust collecting body. At this time, an air vortex may be generated in the space where the cover rib (128) is inserted due to the rotation of the dust collector (200). The phenomenon of foreign substances located on the outer side of the dust collector (200) flowing to the rotor bearing (314) and the rotor rotation shaft (313) due to the vortex can be more effectively prevented. Therefore, the operational reliability of the cleaner (1) can be improved.

[0152] Figure 7 is a drawing showing an enlarged view of area B of Figure 5.

[0153] Referring to FIG. 7, the dust collector (200) may include a dust collector rotation shaft (230) that extends downward (-Z direction) from the lower surface of the dust collector body (220) and is provided to be inserted into the inner case (120). The dust collector (200) may include a dust collector bearing (240) that is coupled to the dust collector rotation shaft (230) to rotatably support the dust collector (200) in the inner case (120).

[0154] The inner case (120) may include a first rotation support member (125) formed to protrude upwardly and form a first insertion groove (126). A dust collector rotation shaft (230) and a dust collector bearing (240) may be inserted into the first insertion groove (126) and provided to be rotatable by the first rotation support member (125).

[0155] The dust collector (200) may include a first guard portion (250) that is formed spaced outward from the dust collector rotation shaft (230) and protrudes downward from the dust collector body (220) to cover the dust collector rotation shaft (230) from the outside. The first guard portion (250) may be provided to cover the first rotation support portion (125) from the outside.

[0156] The first rotation support member (125) may be positioned so as to be inserted into the first separation space (d1) formed by the dust collector rotation shaft (230) and the first guard member (250) being spaced apart from each other. At this time, the first rotation support member (125) may be positioned so as not to come into contact with the lower side of the dust collector body (220).

[0157] Additionally, the first rotation support member (125) can be positioned so as not to come into contact with the first guard member (250) and the dust collector rotation shaft (230). Accordingly, the dust collector (200) can rotate smoothly while being supported by the first rotation support member (125).

[0158] When the dust collector (200) rotates, a vortex may be formed in the first separation space (d1). Therefore, the phenomenon of external foreign substances flowing to the dust collector bearing (240) and the dust collector rotation shaft (230) can be prevented. Accordingly, the operational reliability of the vacuum cleaner (1) can be further improved.

[0159] Fig. 8 is an exploded view of a dust collection device of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment. Fig. 9 is a view of Fig. 8 from a different angle.

[0160] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the arrangement relationship of the components of the dust collector (10b) is examined.

[0161] As previously discussed, the dust collector (10b) may include an outer case (110) that is open at the upper side (+Z direction) to form a dust collector opening (114). The outer case (110) may include a dust collector (113) that forms an outer shape. One side of the dust collector (113) may be opened (124) to form a suction hole (111) through which dust is sucked.

[0162] The inner case (120) may include a first inner case (120a) provided to cover the upper side (+Z direction) and a second inner case (120b) coupled to the lower side (-Z direction) of the first inner case (120a) to accommodate a dust collector (200) and a rotating body (300). The dust collector (200) and the rotating body (300) may be rotatably mounted inside the second inner case (120b).

[0163] The rotating body (300) can be arranged to be inserted into the dust collector (200). The rotating body (300) can be detachably coupled to the dust collector (200). Since the rotating body (300) and the dust collector (200) can be separated, maintenance of the rotating body (300) and the dust collector (200) can be performed more easily. A detailed description of the coupling method of the rotating body (300) and the dust collector (200) will be described later.

[0164] The second inner case (120b) may include a first body portion (1231) that is provided to be in direct contact with and coupled to the first inner case (120a). The second inner case (120b) may include a second body portion (1232) that extends downward (in the -Z direction) from the first body portion (1231) and forms an opening (124). The second body portion (1232) may be composed of a plurality of members that are spaced apart from each other, and a space formed by the plurality of members being spaced apart from each other may be an opening (124).

[0165] The opening (124) of the second inner case (120b) may be covered by a cover portion (150) having a plurality of holes (151). That is, the cover portion (150) may be coupled to the second inner case (120b) to cover the opening (124). For example, the cover portion (150) may include a roughly cylindrical shape with an upper (+Z direction) and a lower (-Z direction) portion open.

[0166] A scatter prevention part (130) may be coupled to the lower side (-Z direction) of the second inner case (120b). The scatter prevention part (130) may be arranged so as not to come into contact with the lower surface of the inner surface (112) of the outer case when the inner case (120) is coupled to the outer case (110).

[0167] The anti-scattering unit (130) may include a substantially cylindrical anti-scattering body (131) and an anti-scattering rib (132) that is formed to protrude in a spiral shape on the outer surface of the anti-scattering body (131) along the longitudinal direction of the anti-scattering body (131). The anti-scattering rib (132) may be arranged so as not to come into contact with the side surface of the inner surface (112) of the outer case when the inner case (120) is coupled to the outer case (110).

[0168] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a dust collector and a rotating body of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment, separated from each other. FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a rotating body of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment. FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating a rotating body of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment, coupled to each other.

[0169] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, the rotor (300) may include a rotor (310) and blades (330) formed along the outer periphery of the rotor (310).

[0170] The rotor (310) may include a rotor body (311) extending in one direction and a rotor head (312) formed on one side. The blades (330) may be arranged more specifically along the outer periphery of the rotor head (312).

[0171] When the wind passing through the dust collector (200) blows from the lower side toward the blade (330) in a direction parallel to the direction in which the rotor body (311) extends, the blade (330) can be arranged to be inclined so that the rotor (300) rotates in the first direction (r1).

[0172] More specifically, the blade (330) may be arranged to be inclined so as to have a tangential direction (K1) and a negative slope (θ1) in the first direction (r1). In this case, when air flows from the lower side of the blade (330) in the upward direction (+Z direction) (F7), the blade (330) may rotate the rotor (300) in the first direction (r1) by the flow of air.

[0173] As confirmed through the above Fig. 4, the first direction (r1) may be the same direction as the direction in which air flows inside the outer case (110). Accordingly, the air flow in the dust collector (10b) can be made smoother.

[0174] The dust collector (200) may include a dust collecting body (220) having a roughly cylindrical shape and dust collecting ribs (210) formed to protrude outward from the inner side (221) of the dust collecting body (220). The dust collecting ribs (210) may be arranged to protrude along the inner side (221) of the dust collecting body.

[0175] The dust collector (200) may be arranged to rotate in combination with a rotating body (300). More specifically, the rotor body (311) of the rotating body (300) may be arranged to be inserted into a dust collector hole (280) of the dust collector (200). The dust collector hole (280) may be formed to penetrate the dust collector body (220) in the vertical direction (+-Z direction) at the center of rotation of the dust collector body (220).

[0176] The dust collector (200) may include a first coupling portion (270) formed on the inner surface of a dust collector body (220) formed to surround a dust collector hole (280). The rotor body (311) may include a second coupling portion (360) formed along the longitudinal direction of the rotor body (311) on the outer surface of the rotor body (311). The first coupling portion (270) and the second coupling portion (360) may be coupled so as to be detachable from each other.

[0177] For example, the first coupling portion (270) may include a protrusion (270) formed to protrude inward, and the second coupling portion (360) may include a groove (360) formed along the length of the rotor body (311) so that the protrusion is inserted.

[0178] When the rotating body (300) is coupled to the dust collector (200), the dust collector (200) can also be arranged to be rotatable according to the rotation of the rotating body (300).

[0179] For example, when the blade (330) of the rotating body (300) receives force from the flow of air and rotates the rotating body (300) in the first direction (r1), the dust collector (200) can also receive the rotational force of the rotating body (300) and rotate in the first direction (r1).

[0180] The dust collector (200) can separate foreign substances from the air by colliding with them through rotation. Alternatively, the dust collector (200) can be configured to rotate the air and foreign substances on the dust collector (200) side through rotation so that the foreign substances are separated from the air by centrifugal force.

[0181] As previously discussed, the rotating body (300) is provided to be rotatable by the air flow by the suction device (10a), and the dust collector (200) is provided to be rotatable by the rotation of the rotating body (300), so that the cleaner (1) according to an example may not include a separate electronic device (motor, etc.) for rotating the dust collector (200). Therefore, the cleaner (1) according to an example can further reduce power consumption when operating the cleaner (1), reduce noise, and be lightweight.

[0182] For example, the dust collecting rib (210) of the dust collector (200) protruding in the radial direction (K2) from the inner side (221) of the dust collecting body may be formed to be inclined at a certain angle (θ2) toward the tangential direction (K3) opposite to the first direction (r1). Accordingly, when the dust collector (200) rotates in the first direction (r1), the air and foreign substances on the dust collector (200) side can be smoothly rotated, or the foreign substances can be more effectively struck and separated from the air.

[0183] For example, the blade (330) may include a first blade (330a) provided on the outer periphery of the rotor (310) and a second blade (330b) provided on the opposite side of the first blade (330a) with respect to the rotor (310). In addition, the length from one end of the first blade (330a) in the radial direction to one end of the second blade (330b) in the radial direction may be defined as L1.

[0184] For example, the diameter of the dust collecting body (220) can be defined as L2. Here, the diameter of the dust collecting body (220) can mean the diameter of the outer part (222) of the dust collecting body.

[0185] L1 may be set smaller than L2. Accordingly, dusts located in the outer direction of the dust collector (200) and the rotor (300) may be arranged to first come into contact with the dust collector (200). Accordingly, air from which foreign substances have been removed may be arranged to come into contact with the rotor (300), thereby minimizing damage to the rotor (300).

[0186] For example, the rotating body (300) may be placed downstream of the dust collector (200) with respect to the direction of air flow. Therefore, air from which foreign substances have been removed may flow through the rotating body (300), thereby minimizing damage to the rotating body (300).

[0187] Fig. 13 is a drawing illustrating the rotation of a rotating body of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment. Descriptions of content overlapping with the above description will be omitted below.

[0188] Referring to FIG. 13, the blade (530) may include a first region (531) spaced apart from the rotor head (512), and a second region (532) connecting the rotor head (512) and the first region (531). For example, the first region (531) and the second region (532) may include different materials. For example, the first region (531) may include a material that is configured to be deformable by an external force. The deformation described above may include elastic deformation due to an external force.

[0189] The suction device (10a) can adjust the suction force and the intensity of the suction air flow by adjusting the driving force of the suction motor (18a). The driving force of the suction motor (18a) can be controlled by operating the power button, etc. provided on the operating unit (17) (see Fig. 1).

[0190] For example, when the user sets the driving force of the suction motor (18a) to the maximum, the suction motor (18a) can form a high-speed suction airflow into the dust collector (10b). The rotating body (500) is provided to be rotatable by the suction airflow, and the faster the suction airflow, the faster the rotating body (500) can rotate. When the rotating body (500) rotates faster, the dust collector (200) can also rotate faster. When the rotating body (500) and the dust collector (200) rotate faster than the rotational speed required to collect foreign substances from the air, vibration and noise may become severe.

[0191] At this time, the first region (531) of the blade (530) may be arranged to be deformed toward the suction device (10a) when it comes into contact with a suction airflow having a speed higher than a certain speed. The above-mentioned deformation may include a case where it is elastically deformed and bent toward the suction device (10a).

[0192] In such a case, the area of ​​contact between the blade (530) and the air is further reduced, so that the rotational force generated in the rotor (500) may be reduced despite the flow of the suction air flow. Accordingly, the rotation of the rotor (500) may be reduced to an appropriate degree, so that vibration and noise may be reduced.

[0193] The above contents are all merely examples for explanation, and the speed of the suction air flow generated according to the driving force of the above-mentioned suction motor (18a) can be provided in various ways. In addition, it goes without saying that the elastic coefficient of the first region (531) that is deformed upon contact with the suction air flow can be appropriately provided according to the usage environment of the cleaner. In addition, the area of ​​the region where the first region (531) is deformed according to the suction air flow and the blade (530) comes into contact with the air can also be appropriately provided according to the usage environment.

[0194] In addition, although it has been described above that the first region (531) and the second region (532) may include different materials, it is also possible to include a case where both the first region (531) and the second region (532) are composed of the same material that can be elastically deformed by an external force.

[0195] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment, wherein the bypass door rotates to open the bypass hole. Descriptions of the same content as above will be omitted below.

[0196] Referring to FIG. 14, the inner case (120) may include a bypass hole (142) formed on one side and provided to communicate with the interior of the inner case (120).

[0197] The bypass hole (142) can be formed at a height corresponding to the height at which the blade (330) of the rotor (300) is arranged.

[0198] The inner case (120) may include a bypass door (141) provided to open and close the bypass hole (142). The bypass door (141) may be rotatably arranged on the first inner case (120a) to open and close the bypass hole (142). The bypass door (141) may open in a direction toward the inside of the inner case (120) to open the bypass hole (142).

[0199] When air flows from the first dust collection chamber (S1) into the interior of the inner case (120), the plurality of holes (151) of the cover part (150) covering the opening (124) of the inner case (120) may become clogged with foreign substances.

[0200] In this case, the air in the first dust collection chamber (S1) may no longer be able to flow into the inner case (120). Since the suction device (10a) continues to suck air from the dust collection device (10b) into the suction device (10a), the internal pressure of the inner case (120) directly connected to the suction device (10a) may be relatively lower than that of the first dust collection chamber (S1) outside the inner case (120).

[0201] Since the pressure of the first dust collection chamber (S1) is relatively higher than that inside the inner case (120), pressure can be applied from the first dust collection chamber (S1) toward the inside of the inner case (120). The bypass door (141) can rotate toward the inside of the inner case (120) due to the pressure to open the bypass hole (142). Accordingly, the air of the first dust collection chamber (S1) can flow into the inside of the inner case (120) through the bypass hole (142), and the rotating body (300) can be continuously rotated to rotate the dust collector (200). Therefore, the operational reliability of the cleaner (1) can be improved.

[0202] Fig. 15 is a drawing illustrating a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment. Fig. 16 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a vacuum cleaner equipped with a dust collector and a rotating body according to one embodiment. Descriptions of content that overlaps with the above will be omitted.

[0203] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the vacuum cleaner may include a robot vacuum cleaner (2).

[0204] The robot cleaner (2) can move along the floor surface and suck up foreign substances on the floor surface. The path along which the robot cleaner (2) moves can be set according to the user's specifications or can be automatically set by the robot cleaner's (2) detection sensor.

[0205] The robot cleaner (2) may include a brush assembly (76) configured to suck up foreign substances from a surface to be cleaned. The brush assembly is positioned in the vacuum cleaner suction port (73) to effectively collect foreign substances into the interior of the robot cleaner (2).

[0206] A robot vacuum cleaner (2) may include an outer housing (72) having an internal storage space (78) and a vacuum cleaner cover (71) covering an open upper surface of the outer housing (72). Electrical components may be placed inside the outer housing (72). The vacuum cleaner cover (71) may be detachably connected to the outer housing (72).

[0207] The robot vacuum cleaner (2) may include an operation button (75). The user can control the robot vacuum cleaner (2) through the operation button (75).

[0208] The robot vacuum cleaner (2) may include a dust collection chamber (78). The dust collection chamber (78) may be provided in the internal space (78) of the external housing (72).

[0209] The robot vacuum cleaner (2) may include a suction path (77) that connects the vacuum cleaner suction port (73) and the dust collection chamber (78). Foreign substances and air sucked in through the vacuum cleaner suction port (73) may flow into the dust collection chamber (78) through the suction path (77).

[0210] In the dust collection chamber (78), a rotating body (300) and a dust collector (200) can be accommodated and placed in a case (100). The rotating body (300) is provided to be rotatable by the suction air flow sucked into the inside of the robot cleaner (2), and the dust collector (200) can be rotated by being detachably coupled to the rotating body (300). Foreign substances separated from the air by the dust collector (200) can be collected inside the dust collection chamber (78).

[0211] According to one embodiment, a cleaner (1) includes a case (100), and a suction motor (18a) configured to suck air containing foreign substances into the case (100). The cleaner (1) includes a dust collector (200) that is arranged on an internal path of the case (100) through which the air flows and is rotatable to rotate the sucked air and separate the foreign substances from the air. The cleaner (1) includes a rotating body (300) that is arranged downstream of the dust collector (200) with respect to the direction of air flow, is configured to rotate by coming into contact with air that has passed through the dust collector (200), and is coupled to the dust collector (200) to rotate the dust collector (200).

[0212] The above-described rotating body (300) may include a rotor (310) that is arranged to extend in a direction parallel to the direction in which air that has passed through the dust collector (200) flows. The above-described rotating body (300) may include blades (330) that are arranged along the outer circumference of the rotor (310) and are arranged to rotate the rotor (310) by coming into contact with the air that has passed through the dust collector (200). The dust collector (200) may be arranged to be coupled to the rotor (310) and rotate by the rotation of the rotor (310).

[0213] The rotor (310) may include a rotor body (311) arranged to be inserted into the dust collector (200). The rotor (310) may include a rotor head (312) formed at one end of the rotor body (311) and arranged on the outside of the dust collector (200), and provided with the blade (330). The dust collector (200) may include a first coupling portion (270) formed on an inner circumferential surface. The rotor body (311) may include a second coupling portion (360) formed on an outer circumferential surface of the rotor body (311) so as to be coupled with the first coupling portion (270).

[0214] The first coupling portion (270) may include a protrusion formed to protrude from the inner surface toward the inside of the dust collector (200). The second coupling portion (360) may include a groove portion into which the protrusion is inserted.

[0215] The above-mentioned rotating body (300) can be detachably coupled to the above-mentioned dust collector (200).

[0216] The blade (330) may include a first blade (330a) provided on the outer periphery of the rotor (310). The blade (330) may include a second blade (330b) provided on the opposite side of the first blade (330a) with respect to the rotor (310). The dust collector (200) may include a cylindrical dust collecting body (220). A length (L1) from one end of the first blade (330a) to one end of the second blade (330b) may be provided to be smaller than a diameter (L2) of the dust collecting body (220).

[0217] The case (100) may include an outer case (110) including a suction hole (111) through which the air is sucked into the interior of the case (100). The case (100) may include an inner case (120) that is accommodated in the outer case (110) and rotatably accommodates the dust collector (200) and the rotating body (300). The inner case (120) may include an opening (124) formed to allow air sucked into the outer case (110) to flow into the interior of the inner case (120).

[0218] The case (100) may further include a cover portion (150) that is provided to cover the opening (124) and is formed to allow air to pass into the inner case (120) by including a plurality of holes (151). The inner case (120) may include a bypass hole (142) that is formed to allow air to flow into the inner case (120) when air cannot pass through the plurality of holes (151). The inner case (120) may include a bypass door (141) that is provided to be rotatable to open and close the bypass hole (142).

[0219] The case (100) may further include a scatter prevention unit (130) coupled to the lower side of the inner case (120) to prevent foreign substances accumulated inside the outer case (110) from flowing into the opening (124). The scatter prevention unit (130) may include a scatter prevention body (131) extending downward from the inner case (120). The scatter prevention unit (130) may include a scatter prevention rib (132) extending spirally along the longitudinal direction of the scatter prevention body (131) on the outer circumferential surface of the scatter prevention body (131) and protruding toward the inner circumferential surface (112) of the outer case.

[0220] The dust collector (200) may include a dust collecting body (220) provided to separate foreign substances from the air. The dust collector (200) may include a dust collecting shaft (230) extending downward from a lower surface of the dust collecting body (220) and inserted into the inner case (120). The dust collector (200) may include a dust collecting bearing (240) that is coupled to the dust collecting shaft (230) to rotatably support the dust collector (200) on the inner case (120). The dust collector (200) may include a first guard portion (250) that is formed to be spaced apart from the dust collecting shaft (230) in an outward direction and protrudes downward to cover the dust collecting shaft (230) from the outside and prevent foreign substances from flowing to the dust collecting bearing (240).

[0221] The inner case (120) may include a first rotation support member (125) that is formed to protrude upward and forms a first insertion groove (126) into which the dust collector bearing (240) and the dust collector rotation shaft (230) are inserted. The first rotation support member (125) may be positioned to be inserted into a space formed by the dust collector rotation shaft (230) and the first guard member (250) being spaced apart from each other.

[0222] The case (100) may include an inner case (120) that rotatably supports the rotating body (300). The rotating body (300) may include a rotor rotation shaft (313) that extends upward from the rotor head (312) and is inserted into the inner case (120). The rotating body (300) may include a rotor bearing (314) that is coupled to the rotor rotation shaft (313) to rotatably support the rotating body (300) in the inner case (120). The rotating body (300) may include a second guard portion (340) that is formed to be spaced apart from the rotor rotation shaft (313) in an outward direction and protrudes upward to cover the rotor rotation shaft (313) from the outside and prevent foreign substances from flowing into the rotor bearing (314).

[0223] The above-mentioned rotating body (300) may further include a third guard part (350) that is formed to be spaced outward from the second guard part (340) and protrudes upward to cover the second guard part (340) from the outside. The inner case (120) may include a protruding rib (127) that is formed to be spaced outward and is positioned to be inserted into a space formed by the second guard part (340) and the third guard part (350) being spaced out.

[0224] The inner case (120) may include a rotation guide (122) that guides the air passing through the suction hole (111) to rotate in a first direction (r1) inside the outer case (110). The rotating body (300) may include a rotor (310) that is provided to extend in a direction parallel to the direction in which the air passing through the dust collector (200) flows. The rotating body (300) may include blades (330) that are arranged to have a negative inclination with respect to the tangential direction of the first direction (r1) so as to contact the air passing through the dust collector (200) and rotate the rotor (310) in the first direction (r1), and are arranged along the outer periphery of the rotor (310).

[0225] The above dust collector (200) may include a dust collecting body (220) that is coupled to the rotating body (300) and is configured to rotate in the first direction (r1). The above dust collector (200) may include a dust collecting rib (210) that protrudes from the outer periphery of the dust collecting body (220) in the radial direction of the dust collecting body (220) and is formed to be inclined toward a tangential direction opposite to the first direction (r1).

[0226] According to one embodiment, a cleaner (1) includes a suction motor (18a) configured to generate a suction force, and an impeller (19b) driven by the suction motor (18a) and forming a suction air stream that sucks in air containing foreign substances. The cleaner (1) includes a dust collector (200) that is arranged on a path of the suction air stream and is rotatably arranged to rotate the sucked air to separate the foreign substances from the air. The cleaner (1) includes a rotor (310) that is arranged downstream of the dust collector (200) with respect to the flow direction of the suction air stream and extends in a direction parallel to the air that has passed through the dust collector (200), and a blade (330) that is arranged to rotate the rotor (310) by coming into contact with the air, and a rotor (300) that is arranged to rotate the dust collector (200) by being coupled to the dust collector (200). The above dust collector (200) is detachably coupled to the rotor (310).

[0227] The rotor (310) may include a rotor body (311) arranged to be inserted into the dust collector (200). The rotor (310) may include a rotor head (312) formed at one end of the rotor body (311) and arranged on the outside of the dust collector (200), and provided with the blade (330). The dust collector (200) may include a first coupling portion (270) formed on an inner circumferential surface. The rotor body (311) may include a second coupling portion (360) formed on an outer circumferential surface of the rotor body (311) so as to be coupled with the first coupling portion (270).

[0228] The blade (330) may include a first blade (330a) provided on the outer periphery of the rotor (310). The blade (330) may include a second blade (330b) provided on the opposite side of the first blade (330a) with respect to the rotor (310). The dust collector (200) may include a cylindrical dust collecting body (220). The length from one end of the first blade (330a) to one end of the second blade (330b) may be provided to be smaller than the diameter of the dust collecting body (220).

[0229] The above cleaner (1) may further include an inner case (120) that accommodates the dust collector (200) and the rotating body (300). The inner case (120) may include a rotation guide (122) that guides the air sucked in so that the air rotates in a first direction (r1). The rotating body (300) may include a rotor (310) that is provided to extend in a direction parallel to a direction in which air that has passed through the dust collector (200) flows. The rotating body (300) may include blades (330) that are arranged to have a negative inclination with respect to a tangential direction of the first direction (r1) so as to rotate the rotor (310) in the first direction (r1) by contacting the air that has passed through the dust collector (200) and are arranged along the outer periphery of the rotor (310).

[0230] The above dust collector (200) may include a dust collecting body (220) that is coupled to the rotating body (300) and is configured to rotate in the first direction (r1). The above dust collector (200) may include a dust collecting rib (210) that protrudes from the outer periphery of the dust collecting body (220) in the radial direction of the dust collecting body (220) and is formed to be inclined toward a tangential direction opposite to the first direction (r1).

[0231] According to the concept of the present disclosure, since a separate motor for rotating the dust collector is not included, power consumption can be reduced and the vacuum cleaner can be made lighter.

[0232] According to the invention, foreign substances can be prevented from flowing into the bearings that support the rotation of the dust collector and the rotating body by the guard unit, thereby improving the reliability of the operation of the vacuum cleaner.

[0233] According to the invention, even if a plurality of holes in the cover part are blocked by foreign substances, air can flow to the dust collector through the bypass hole, thereby improving the reliability of the operation of the vacuum cleaner.

[0234] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0235] The above illustrates and describes specific embodiments. However, the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and implementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. A case with an internal path formed inside; A suction motor for sucking air containing foreign substances into the inside of the case; A rotatable dust collector disposed on the internal path through which the sucked air flows and configured to rotate the sucked air to separate foreign substances from the sucked air; and A cleaner including a rotating body which is positioned downstream of the dust collector with respect to the flow direction of the sucked air, rotates by air passing through the dust collector, and is combined with the dust collector to rotate the dust collector.

2. In paragraph 1, The above rotating body is, A rotor extending in a direction parallel to the direction in which air passing through the above dust collector flows; and A blade arranged along the outer circumference of the rotor and configured to rotate the rotor by air passing through the dust collector; A vacuum cleaner in which the above dust collector is coupled to the rotor and is arranged to rotate by the rotation of the rotor.

3. In paragraph 2, The above rotor, A rotor body inserted into the above dust collector and A rotor head formed at one end of the rotor body and located on the outside of the dust collector is included, The above blades are arranged along the outer surface of the rotor head, The above dust collector includes a first joint formed on the inner surface, A cleaner wherein the rotor body includes a second coupling portion formed on an outer surface of the rotor body to couple with the first coupling portion.

4. In paragraph 3, The above first connecting portion includes a protrusion formed to protrude from the inner surface toward the inside of the dust collector, A vacuum cleaner wherein the second connecting portion includes a groove into which the protrusion is inserted.

5. In paragraph 1, A cleaner in which the above-mentioned rotating body is detachably connected to the above-mentioned dust collector.

6. In paragraph 2, The above blades include a first blade on the outer periphery of the rotor and a second blade on the opposite side of the first blade with respect to the rotor, The above dust collector includes a cylindrical dust collecting body, A vacuum cleaner wherein the length from one end of the first blade to one end of the second blade is smaller than the diameter of the dust collecting body.

7. In paragraph 1, The above case is, An outer case including a suction hole to allow the air to be sucked into the interior of the case; and A cleaner comprising an inner case that is accommodated in the outer case and rotatably accommodates the dust collector and the rotating body, the inner case including an opening formed to allow air sucked into the outer case to flow into the interior of the inner case.

8. In paragraph 7, The case further includes a cover portion that covers the opening of the inner case and includes a plurality of holes so that air sucked into the outer case can pass into the interior of the inner case. A cleaner wherein the inner case includes a bypass hole formed to allow air that cannot pass through the plurality of holes to flow into the interior of the inner case in response to air that cannot pass through the plurality of holes, and a bypass door rotatable to open and close the bypass hole.

9. In paragraph 7, The above case further includes a fly prevention part coupled to the lower side of the inner case to prevent foreign substances accumulated inside the outer case from flowing into the opening. The above anti-flying part is, A fly-proof body extending downward from the inner case and A cleaner including a fly prevention rib extending in a spiral shape along the length of the fly prevention body on the outer surface of the fly prevention body and protruding toward the inner surface of the outer case.

10. In paragraph 7, The above dust collector, A dust collecting body provided to separate foreign substances from the air flowing inside the inner case; A dust collector rotation shaft extending downward from the lower surface of the dust collector body and inserted into the inner case; A dust collector bearing that is coupled with the dust collector rotation shaft and rotatably supports the dust collector in the inner case; and A cleaner including a first guard portion formed to be spaced apart in an outward direction from the dust collector rotation axis and protruding downward to cover the dust collector rotation axis from the outside and prevent foreign substances from flowing to the dust collector bearing.

11. In paragraph 10, The inner case includes a first rotation support portion that protrudes upward and forms a first insertion groove into which the dust collector bearing and the dust collector rotation shaft are inserted, A cleaner in which the first rotating support member is inserted into a space formed by separating the dust collector rotation axis and the first guard member.

12. In paragraph 3, The above case includes an inner case that rotatably supports the above rotating body, The above rotating body is, A rotor rotation shaft extending upward from the rotor head and inserted into the inner case; A rotor bearing that is coupled with the above rotor rotation shaft and rotatably supports the rotor in the inner case, A cleaner including a second guard portion formed spaced apart in an outward direction from the rotor rotation axis and protruding upward to cover the rotor rotation axis from the outside and prevent foreign substances from flowing to the rotor bearing.

13. In paragraph 12, The above-mentioned rotating body is formed spaced apart from the second guard part in an outward direction and further includes a third guard part protruding upward to cover the second guard part from the outside. A cleaner wherein the inner case is formed to protrude downward and includes a protruding rib inserted into a space formed by separating the second guard portion and the third guard portion.

14. In paragraph 7, The inner case includes a rotation guide that guides air sucked into the outer case so that the air sucked into the outer case rotates in a first direction inside the outer case, The above rotating body is, A rotor extending in a direction parallel to the direction in which air flows through the above dust collector; and A cleaner comprising blades arranged along the outer circumference of the rotor and inclined at a negative inclination with respect to a tangential direction of the first direction so as to rotate the rotor in the first direction by air passing through the dust collector.

15. In paragraph 14, The above dust collector, A dust collecting body coupled with the above-mentioned rotating body and arranged to rotate in the first direction; and A cleaner including a dust collecting rib that protrudes radially from an outer periphery of the dust collecting body and is formed to be inclined toward a tangential direction opposite to the first direction.

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