Cleaner and method for controlling cleaner

Abstract

This cleaner comprises a main body and a brush head, which is connected to the main body and has a suction port. The brush head includes: a case provided inside the brush head; a driving motor provided inside the case; a suction path provided inside the brush head so as to be connected to the suction port; main gears respectively provided on two sides of the driving motor, and rotated by means of the driving motor; a guide shaft connected to the lower portion of the main gear, and rotated together with the main gear; a guide holder which is connected to the guide shaft, and which moves in the vertical direction while rotating by means of the guide shaft; a rotation-restraining part, which restrains the rotation of the guide holder so as to allow the guide holder to move in the vertical direction when the guide shaft rotates; and a wet mop pad rotating together with the guide holder, and moving in the vertical direction together with the guide holder.

Description

Vacuum cleaners and their control methods

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to a vacuum cleaner and a method for controlling the vacuum cleaner, which can perform both dry cleaning and wet cleaning in separate modes using one brush head.

[0002] A vacuum cleaner is a device that removes rubbish from an indoor space and cleans it. A vacuum cleaner includes a suction device that generates suction power. The suction power of the device draws in dust and other foreign substances along with the air, and the foreign substances contained in the drawn air are separated from the air and collected, thereby performing cleaning. The suction device may include an impeller that generates airflow and a motor that rotates the impeller.

[0003] There are various types of vacuum cleaners, including canister type, upright type, handy type, and stick type. Recently, robot vacuum cleaners that move around the cleaning area on their own without user intervention and perform cleaning tasks by sucking up dust and other impurities from the surface to be cleaned have become popular.

[0004] The vacuum cleaner can perform dry cleaning, sucking up foreign substances from the surface to be cleaned without using water. Additionally, the vacuum cleaner can perform wet cleaning of the surface to be cleaned, equipped with a mop pad.

[0005] One aspect of the disclosed invention provides a vacuum cleaner and a method of controlling the vacuum cleaner that can perform both dry cleaning and wet cleaning in separate modes using a single brush head.

[0006] In addition, a vacuum cleaner and a method of controlling the vacuum cleaner are provided that can prevent foreign substances such as dust or hair on a surface to be cleaned during wet cleaning from being sucked up and the wet dust from entering a dust collection chamber and causing bugs and bad odors.

[0007] In addition, a vacuum cleaner and a method of controlling the vacuum cleaner are provided that can maintain the durability of a motor for sucking up foreign substances such as dust or hair on a surface to be cleaned at the same level as a dry cleaning vacuum cleaner.

[0008] In addition, a vacuum cleaner and a method of controlling the vacuum cleaner are provided that can perform dry cleaning without wetting foreign substances by moving the mop pad upwards when performing dry cleaning by allowing the mop pad to move up and down.

[0009] In addition, a vacuum cleaner and a method of controlling the vacuum cleaner are provided that enable the mop pad to move up and down, thereby performing dry cleaning by moving the mop pad upward to suck up foreign substances without having to replace it with a separate dry cleaning module during wet cleaning.

[0010] 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.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the disclosed invention, a cleaner includes a main body and a brush head connected to the main body and having a suction port formed therein. The brush head includes a case provided inside the brush head, a driving motor provided inside the case, a suction path provided inside the brush head to be connected to the suction port, a main gear provided on each of both sides of the driving motor and rotated by the driving motor, a guide shaft connected to a lower portion of the main gear and rotated together with the main gear, a guide holder connected to the guide shaft and rotated by the guide shaft and moving in an up-and-down direction, a rotation suppression unit that suppresses rotation of the guide holder so that the guide holder moves in an up-and-down direction when the guide shaft rotates, and a mop pad that rotates together with the guide holder and moves in an up-and-down direction together with the guide holder.

[0012] A control method of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention performs dry cleaning by driving a motor inside a main body to suck up foreign substances on a surface to be cleaned through a suction port formed in a brush head connected to the main body, and when the dry cleaning is completed, a control unit provided in the main body drives a drive motor inside the brush head to rotate a main gear connected to the drive motor, and by rotating the main gear, a guide shaft connected to rotate together with the main gear is rotated, and a guide holder connected to the guide shaft and rotating is moved downward by a rotational speed inhibiting unit, and when a mop pad connected to the guide holder is moved downward by the guide holder and comes into contact with the surface to be cleaned, the downward movement of the guide holder is stopped, and the mop pad rotates together with the guide holder to perform wet cleaning.

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment.

[0014] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the main body of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a brush head according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a brush head according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a front support provided with a roller on the lower surface of a brush head according to one embodiment and a rear support provided with a roller.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a front support provided with a wool brush and a rear support provided with a roller on the lower surface of a brush head according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing the inside of the case of a brush head according to one embodiment, viewed from above.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view illustrating the main components inside a brush head according to one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of a brush head according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing the components arranged inside and outside the case of a brush head according to one embodiment, disassembled.

[0023] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a stop ring fixed inside a guide holder according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a guide shaft according to one embodiment rotating so that the first screw thread of the guide shaft engages the stopper of the guide holder.

[0025] FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating a mop pad holder having a mop pad attached thereto according to one embodiment of the present invention being coupled to a guide holder.

[0026] FIG. 14 is a drawing illustrating a mop pad moving upward so as not to come into contact with a surface to be cleaned in order to perform dry cleaning according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a main gear according to one embodiment in which the left side rotates counterclockwise and the right side rotates clockwise with respect to the drive motor.

[0028] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a guide holder rotating counterclockwise when the main gear and guide shaft located on the left side of the drive motor according to one embodiment rotate counterclockwise, but at a different speed from the guide shaft.

[0029] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a mop pad moving downward to make contact with a surface to be cleaned in order to perform wet cleaning according to one embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 18 is a drawing illustrating a mop pad moving downward to make contact with a surface to be cleaned in order to perform wet cleaning according to one embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 19 is a drawing illustrating a main gear according to one embodiment in which the left side rotates clockwise and the right side rotates counterclockwise with respect to the driving motor.

[0032] FIG. 20 is an exploded view showing the main components of a brush head in which a rotation restraint member is provided as a protrusion on the outer surface of a guide holder according to one embodiment.

[0033] Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing a rotation restraint according to one embodiment, which is provided as a protrusion on the outer surface of a guide holder.

[0034] Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a brush head in which a rotation restraint member is provided as a protrusion on the outer surface of a guide holder according to one embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 23 is an exploded view of the main components of a brush head in which a guide holder having a female screw thread is provided on a main gear according to one embodiment, and a guide shaft having a male screw thread is connected to a mop pad holder.

[0036] FIG. 24 is a drawing showing a guide shaft having a screw thread in the shape of a male screw connected to a mop pad holder according to one embodiment, which is connected to a guide holder having a screw thread in the shape of a female screw provided on a main gear.

[0037] Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view of a brush head having a guide holder having a female screw thread in a main gear according to one embodiment, and a guide shaft having a male screw thread connected to a mop pad holder.

[0038] The embodiments described in this disclosure and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely preferred examples of the disclosure, and there may be various modified examples that can replace the embodiments and drawings of the disclosure at the time of filing of this application.

[0039] Additionally, the same reference numbers or symbols presented in each drawing of the present disclosure represent parts or components that perform substantially the same function.

[0040] In addition, the terminology used in this disclosure is used to describe embodiments and is not intended to limit and / or restrict the disclosure. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this disclosure, terms such as "comprise" or "have" are intended to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the disclosure, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0041] Additionally, in the present disclosure, each of the phrases such as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0042] Additionally, the term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any element among a plurality of related described elements.

[0043] Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," etc., used in this disclosure 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 disclosure, 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.

[0044] Additionally, terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0045] Additionally, 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.

[0046] Additionally, 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 another component exists between the two components.

[0047] Additionally, the meaning of "identical" in this disclosure includes having similar properties or being similar within a certain range. Furthermore, "identical" means "substantially identical." "Substantially identical" should be understood to include values ​​that fall within the manufacturing error range or values ​​that differ from a reference value within a range that has no meaning.

[0048] Meanwhile, the terms "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical direction", and "horizontal direction" used in the following description are defined based on the drawing, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms. For example, the term "vertical direction" below may mean a direction parallel to the Z direction based on the drawing, and the terms "upper" and "lower" below may mean upward in the Z direction and downward in the Z direction, respectively, based on the drawing. The term "horizontal direction" below may mean a direction parallel to the XY plane based on the drawing, respectively.

[0049] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0050] Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a main body of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vacuum cleaner (1) may include a main body (10) and a brush head (100) connected to the main body (10) by a connecting pipe (20).

[0052] The main body (10) may include a suction device (30) configured to generate suction force.

[0053] The suction device (30) may include a motor (31). The motor (31) may be configured to convert electrical energy into kinetic energy. The motor (31) may be configured to convert electromagnetic force into mechanical rotational force. The motor (31) may be arranged inside the main body case (11).

[0054] The suction device (30) may include a motor driver (33) electrically connected to a motor (31). The motor driver (33) may be configured to apply a driving current to the motor (31). The motor (31) may operate based on the driving current received from the motor driver (33). The on / off, rotation direction, rotation speed, etc. of the motor (31) may vary based on the driving current received from the motor driver (33). The motor driver (33) may include a printed circuit board on which electronic components are mounted, and may include a circuit for applying a driving current to the motor (31). The motor driver (33) may be disposed inside the main body case (11). Alternatively, according to one embodiment, the motor driver (33) may be disposed outside the main body case (11).

[0055] The suction device (30) may include a suction fan (35). The suction fan (35) may generate a flow of air as it rotates. The suction fan (35) may generate a suction force to suck in air and foreign substances through the suction port (102, see FIG. 4) as it rotates. When the suction fan (35) rotates, foreign substances and air on the surface to be cleaned may be sucked in through the suction port (102, see FIG. 4), and the air filtered of foreign substances while passing through the dust collector (60) may sequentially pass through the main body case (11) and the exhaust cover (14) and be discharged to the outside of the cleaner (1).

[0056] The suction fan (35) of the suction device (30) may include various types of fans such as an axial fan, a centrifugal fan, and a diagonal fan.

[0057] The suction device (30) may include a cooling fan (37). The cooling fan (37) may generate a flow of air as it rotates. The cooling fan (37) may be configured to cool the motor (31) by allowing air to flow as it rotates. The cooling fan (37) may be configured to allow air to flow through the motor (31) as it rotates. In addition, according to one embodiment, the cooling fan (37) may be configured to cool the motor driver (33) by allowing air to flow as it rotates.

[0058] The main body (10) may include a dust collecting device (60) configured to filter foreign substances from air sucked in from an intake port (102, see FIG. 4). The dust collecting device (60) may be configured to filter and collect foreign substances from the sucked air.

[0059] The dust collector (60) may include a dust collector case (61). The dust collector case (61) may include a dust collector case inlet (61a) that is connected to a connecting pipe (20) and allows air and foreign substances sucked in through an inlet (102, see FIG. 4) to flow in. The dust collector case (61) may be provided to collect foreign substances separated from the air flowing in through the dust collector case inlet (61a). A dust collector chamber for collecting foreign substances may be formed on the inside of the dust collector case (61). For example, a dust collector case door (61b) that is rotatably mounted to the dust collector case (61) to open and close the dust collector chamber may be provided on one side of the dust collector case (61). For example, the dust collector case (61) may include a mounting button (65) that is provided to be mounted to or separated from other components of the main body (10).

[0060] According to one embodiment, the dust collector (60) may be configured to filter foreign substances in the air using a cyclone method. The dust collector (60) may include at least one cyclone that separates foreign substances by centrifugal force generated as air and foreign substances rotate in a flow. The air inlet provided in each cyclone may have various structures capable of guiding the rotational flow of air, such as a helical inlet, a tangential inlet, or a guide vane inlet.

[0061] For example, the dust collector (60) may include a first cyclone (62) provided to primarily filter foreign substances in the air, and a plurality of second cyclones (63) provided to secondarily filter foreign substances in the air that have passed through the first cyclone (62). The first cyclone (62) may induce air to flow along a relatively large rotation radius in order to filter foreign substances of a relatively large size. The plurality of second cyclones (63) may induce air to flow along a relatively small rotation radius in order to filter foreign substances of a relatively small size.

[0062] The dust collector (60) may include a cyclone cover (64) positioned between the first cyclone (62) and the second cyclone (63). The cyclone cover (64) may be provided to allow air to pass through. The cyclone cover (64) may be provided to allow air and foreign substances discharged from the first cyclone (62) to pass through the cyclone cover (64) and flow into the second cyclone (63). In other words, the cyclone cover (64) may function as an outlet of the first cyclone (62) and an inlet of the second cyclone (63).

[0063] The air filtered of foreign substances passing through the first cyclone (62) and the second cyclone (63) can be discharged from the second cyclone (63) through the filtered air discharge port (63a) provided in the second cyclone (63). For example, the air filtered of foreign substances can be discharged upward through the filtered air discharge port (63a). The foreign substances can settle downward and be collected in the dust collection case (61).

[0064] With these configurations, the dust collector (60) can filter and collect foreign substances in the inhaled air. However, the structure of the dust collector (60) is not limited to the embodiment described above, and in various embodiments, the cleaner (1) can include dust collectors of various structures for filtering and collecting foreign substances in the air.

[0065] The dust collector (60) may be positioned upstream of the air flow from the suction device (30). The air filtered while passing through the dust collector (60) may flow toward the suction device (30). The air discharged through the filtered air outlet (63a) of the second cyclone (63) may flow toward the suction device (30).

[0066] The main body (10) may include a main body case (11). The aforementioned suction device (30) may be placed inside the main body case (11). The main body case (11) may accommodate the suction device (30). The suction device (30) may be mounted on the inside of the main body case (11). The main body case (11) may support the suction device (30). Each component of the suction device (30), such as a motor (31), a motor driver (33), a suction fan (35), and a cooling fan (37), may be supported by the main body case (11). Each of the above components of the suction device (30) may be placed inside the main body case (11). The main body case (11) may also be referred to as a 'suction device case (11)'.

[0067] The main body case (11) may be provided so that air is introduced and discharged as the suction device (30) operates. Air sucked in through the suction port (102, see FIG. 4) by the suction force of the suction device (30) may be introduced into the main body case (11) and discharged from the inside of the main body case (11) to the outside. A path for air to flow may be provided inside the main body case (11).

[0068] The main body (10) may include an exhaust cover (14). The exhaust cover (14) may cover the main body case (11). The exhaust cover (14) may cover the case body (12) of the main body case (11), which will be described later. The exhaust cover (14) may form at least a part of the exterior of the main body (10). The exhaust cover (14) may include an exhaust hole (14h) provided so that air discharged from the main body case (11) may pass therethrough and be discharged to the outside of the main body (10).

[0069] The main body (10) may include an exhaust filter (15) disposed between the exhaust cover (14) and the main body case (11). The exhaust filter (15) may be provided to filter foreign substances in the air before the air discharged from the main body case (11) is discharged to the outside of the main body (10) through the exhaust hole (14h) of the exhaust cover (14). That is, the exhaust filter (15) may be provided to further filter the air filtered by the dust collector (60).

[0070] The exhaust filter (15) may include various types of filters, such as a HEPA filter.

[0071] The vacuum cleaner (1) may include a control unit (17). The control unit (17) may be configured to obtain user input. For example, the control unit (17) may be configured to obtain user input for turning the vacuum cleaner (1) on / off, adjusting the suction strength, selecting a cleaning mode such as dry / wet cleaning, etc. For example, the control unit (17) may be provided in the main body (10). Although the control unit (17) is illustrated as being provided in the main body (10) in the drawing, it is not limited thereto. For example, the control unit (17) may also be provided in the brush head (100).

[0072] The vacuum cleaner (1) may include a handle (40) that is provided so that the user can grip it. For example, the handle (40) may be provided on the main body (10). The user can hold the handle (40) with his / her hand and move the vacuum cleaner (1) in a desired direction.

[0073] The vacuum cleaner (1) may include a battery (50) that is provided to supply driving power to various components of the vacuum cleaner (1), such as the suction device (30). For example, the battery (50) may be provided to be mountable or detachable to the main body (10). When the battery (50) is discharged, the user can increase the operating time of the vacuum cleaner by replacing it with a pre-charged battery (50). Alternatively, for example, the battery (50) may be built into the main body (10).

[0074] The brush head (100) can be connected to the main body (10). The cleaner (1) can include a connecting pipe (20) connecting the brush head (100) and the main body (10). The connecting pipe (20) can be provided to be coupled to or separated from the main body (10). The connecting pipe (20) can be provided to be coupled to or separated from the brush head (100). For example, the connecting pipe (20) can include a head connector (21) provided to enable the brush head (100) to be mounted on or separated from the connecting pipe (20). The brush head (100) can be rotatably mounted on the connecting pipe (20).

[0075] The brush head (100) may be configured to suck up foreign substances such as dust from the air and the surface to be cleaned. A detailed description of the brush head (100) will be provided below.

[0076] In this way, the cleaner (1) according to one embodiment can perform dry cleaning by sucking foreign substances from the surface to be cleaned without using water.

[0077] In addition, the cleaner (1) according to one embodiment can perform wet cleaning using water or steam. For example, the brush head (100) may include a brush body (101), a case (110) provided inside the brush body (101), and a mop pad (190) that is rotated by a driving motor (120) provided inside the case (110). The mop pad (190) may be mounted or detachably mounted on a mop pad holder (180). For example, the mop pad (190) may be detachably mounted on the mop pad holder (180) by means of Velcro. The mop pad (190) can come into contact with a surface to be cleaned while mounted on the mop pad holder (180), and can wipe the surface to be cleaned while rotating.

[0078] A water tank for storing water to be supplied to a mop pad (190) or a surface to be cleaned may be provided inside the brush body (101). A nozzle for spraying water onto the mop pad (190) or the surface to be cleaned may be provided inside the brush body (101). The water stored in the water tank may be supplied to the nozzle by a pump. The mop pad (190) may perform wet cleaning using water sprayed onto the surface to be cleaned by the nozzle, or may perform wet cleaning using water supplied directly from the water tank.

[0079] As described above, the cleaner (1) can perform both dry cleaning and wet cleaning using a single brush head (100). In addition, the cleaner (1) according to various embodiments may include various configurations for performing dry or wet cleaning.

[0080] The configurations of the vacuum cleaner (1) described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 are merely examples of the vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the vacuum cleaner (1) may include various configurations.

[0081] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a brush head according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a brush head according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a front support part provided with a roller on the lower surface of a brush head according to one embodiment and a rear support part provided with a roller.

[0082] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5, the brush head (100) may include a brush body (101). A suction port (102) for sucking in air and foreign substances may be formed at the lower portion of the brush body (101). A suction path (103) connected to the suction port (102) may be formed inside the brush body (101).

[0083] The suction port (102) can be connected to the main body (10) by a suction path (103), and air and foreign substances can be sucked through the suction port (102) by the suction force generated by the suction device (30, see Fig. 2). The suction port (102) can be connected to the main body (10, see Figs. 1 and 2) by a suction path (103) and a connecting pipe (30).

[0084] A brush head (100) may be provided with a brush. The brush may be placed in a suction port (102). The brush may be rotatably mounted on the brush head (100). When foreign substances on the surface to be cleaned are scattered by the rotation of the brush, the scattered foreign substances may be sucked into the suction port (102) by the suction force generated by the suction device (30, see FIG. 2).

[0085] As described above, air and foreign substances are sucked into the suction port (102) by the suction force generated by the suction device (30), and the sucked air and foreign substances can be collected in the dust collecting chamber provided in the dust collecting device (60) of the main body (10) through the suction path (103). The air filtered of foreign substances while passing through the dust collecting device (60) can sequentially pass through the main body case (11) and the exhaust cover (14) and be discharged to the outside of the cleaner (1). In this way, the cleaner (1) can perform dry cleaning by sucking foreign substances from the surface to be cleaned without using water. (See Fig. 2)

[0086] A front support portion (104) for supporting a brush head (100) may be provided at the front of the lower portion of the brush body (101). The front support portions (104) may be provided in pairs on the front left and right sides of the lower portion of the brush body (101). One pair of front support portions (104) may be provided as a roller.

[0087] A rear support (106) for supporting the brush head (100) may be provided at the rear of the lower portion of the brush body (101). The rear support (106) may be provided to be positioned between a pair of front support parts (104). The rear support (106) may be provided as a roller.

[0088] A pair of front support parts (104) provided at the front of the lower part of the brush body (101) and a rear support part (106) provided at the rear of the lower part of the brush body (101) are provided at positions having a triangular shape to minimize shaking of the brush head (100) during cleaning. In addition, shaking of the brush head (100) that occurs when the mop pad (180) moves up and down during wet cleaning can be minimized.

[0089] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a front support provided with a wool brush and a rear support provided with a roller on the lower surface of a brush head according to one embodiment.

[0090] As illustrated in Fig. 6, a front support portion (105) for supporting a brush head (100) may be provided at the front of the lower portion of the brush body (101). The front support portions (105) may be provided in pairs on the front left and right sides of the lower portion of the brush body (101). One pair of front support portions (105) may be provided with a wool brush.

[0091] A rear support (106) for supporting the brush head (100) may be provided at the rear of the lower portion of the brush body (101). The rear support (106) may be provided to be positioned between a pair of front support parts (104). The rear support (106) may be provided as a roller.

[0092] A pair of front support parts (105) provided at the front of the lower part of the brush body (101) and a rear support part (106) provided at the rear of the lower part of the brush body (101) are provided at positions having a triangular shape to minimize shaking of the brush head (100) during cleaning. In addition, shaking of the brush head (100) that occurs when the mop pad (180) moves up and down during wet cleaning can be minimized.

[0093] FIG. 7 is a top view of the inside of the case of a brush head according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the main components inside the brush head according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the brush head according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating components arranged inside and outside the case by disassembling the case of the brush head according to one embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a stop ring fixed inside a guide holder according to one embodiment. FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a guide shaft according to one embodiment rotating so that a first screw thread of the guide shaft is engaged with a stop portion of the guide holder. FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a mop pad holder having a mop pad attached thereto according to one embodiment being coupled to a guide holder.

[0094] As illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 13, the brush head (100) may include a case (110) provided inside the brush body (101). The case (110) may include an upper case (111). The case (110) may include a lower case (113) coupled to the lower portion of the upper case (111). A space may be formed between the upper case (111) and the lower case (113) in which a driving motor (120), a worm (141) and a worm gear (143), a main gear (130), and a guide shaft (150) are arranged.

[0095] The main gear (130) and the guide shaft (150) can be fixed in their vertical positions within the case (110) by the upper bearing (B1) and the lower bearing (B2). That is, in the space between the upper case (111) and the lower case (113), the main gear (130) and the guide shaft (150) can be fixed in their vertical positions by the upper bearing (B1) located above the main gear (130) and the lower bearing (B2) located below the guide shaft (150). Although the drawing shows the lower bearing (B2) as being located above the guide shaft (150), when all components are combined, the lower bearing (B2) can be located below the guide shaft (150) in the space between the upper case (111) and the lower case (113).

[0096] The case (110) may include a cylindrical portion (115). The cylindrical portion (115) may be formed to have a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical portion (115) may be formed to extend downward from the lower portion of the lower case (113). A portion of the guide shaft (150) may be disposed in the space between the upper case (111) and the lower case (113), and the remaining portion may be disposed inside the cylindrical portion (115). A guide holder (160) may be disposed inside the cylindrical portion (115). That is, the guide holder (160) may be disposed outside the space between the upper case (111) and the lower case (113). The guide holder (160) may rotate inside the cylindrical portion (115) and move up and down.

[0097] The brush head (100) may include a driving motor (120) provided inside the brush head (100). The driving motor (120) may be provided inside the brush body (101). The driving motor (120) may be provided inside the case (110). The driving motor (120) may be provided in one piece. The driving motor (120) may rotate the main gear (130) provided on each side of the driving motor (120). That is, by rotating the main gear (130) with the driving motor (120), the mop pad (180) provided as a pair may be moved in the up and down direction.

[0098] The brush head (100) may include a main gear (130). The main gear (130) may be provided inside the brush body (101). The main gear (130) may be provided inside the case (110). The main gears (130) may be provided on each of both sides of one driving motor (120). That is, a pair of main gears (130) may be rotated by one driving motor (120). The driving motor (120) and the main gear (130) may be connected by a worm (141) connected to the driving motor (120) and a worm gear (143) connected to the main gear (130). That is, the driving motor (120) can be connected to the main gear (130) by connecting the worm (141) connected to the driving motor (120) and the worm gear (143) connected to the main gear (130). Although not shown in the drawing, a helicoil can be insert-molded into the main gear (130) to improve the coupling force with the guide shaft (150).

[0099] The brush head (100) may include a guide shaft (150) connected to the lower portion of the main gear (130). The guide shaft (150) may be provided inside the brush body (101). The guide shaft (150) may be provided inside the case (110). Part of the guide shaft (150) may be located in the space between the upper case (111) and the lower case (113), and the remaining part may be located inside the cylindrical portion (115). The guide shaft (150) may rotate in the same direction as the main gear (130) together with the main gear (130).

[0100] The guide shaft (150) may include a first screw thread (151) in a male screw shape. The guide shaft (150) may be connected to a guide holder (160) including a second screw thread (161) in a female screw shape. The guide shaft (150) may rotate together with the main gear (130) to rotate the guide holder (160). The first screw thread (151) of the guide shaft (150) and the second screw thread (161) of the guide holder (160) may be spirally shaped to rotate counterclockwise with respect to the left side of the drive motor (120). The first screw thread (151) of the guide shaft (150) and the second screw thread (161) of the guide holder (160) may be spirally shaped to rotate clockwise with respect to the right side of the drive motor (120).

[0101] When the guide shaft (150) rotates and the first screw thread (151) of the guide shaft (150) rotates along the second screw thread (161) of the guide holder (160), the guide holder (160) can rotate in the same direction as the guide shaft (150). The guide holder (160) can rotate by the guide shaft (150) inside the cylindrical portion (115) and move up and down.

[0102] The brush head (100) may include a guide holder (160) connected to the lower portion of the guide shaft (150). The guide holder (160) may be provided inside the brush body (101). The guide holder (160) may be provided outside the space formed between the upper case (111) and the lower case (113). The guide holder (160) may be provided inside the cylindrical portion (115) of the case (110).

[0103] The guide holder (160) may include a second screw thread (161) in a female screw shape. The guide holder (160) may be connected to a guide shaft (150) including a first screw thread (151) in a male screw shape. When the guide shaft (150) rotates, the guide holder (160) may rotate together with the guide shaft (150) inside the cylindrical portion (115) and move in the up and down direction. The guide holder (160) may rotate at the same speed as the guide shaft (150), but when the guide holder (160) moves in the up and down direction, the rotation may be inhibited by a rotation inhibiting portion (170) described below, so that a force may momentarily be generated to rotate in the opposite direction to the guide shaft (150). Because of the force that causes the guide holder (160) to momentarily rotate in the opposite direction to the guide shaft (150), the guide holder (160) can rotate in the same direction as the guide shaft (150) but at a slower speed than the guide shaft (150). A relative speed difference can occur between the guide holder (160) and the guide shaft (150) due to the rotation inhibition unit (170). The guide holder (160) can move up and down inside the cylindrical portion (115) due to the relative speed difference induced by the rotation inhibition unit (170). When the guide holder (160) completes moving up and down inside the cylindrical portion (115), it can rotate at the same speed and in the same direction as the guide shaft (150) without moving up and down.

[0104] The guide holder (160) may include a separation prevention member (162) that prevents the guide shaft (150) from being separated in the vertical direction when the guide shaft (150) rotates and the guide holder (160) moves in the vertical direction. That is, the guide shaft (150) may be prevented from being separated in the upper and lower directions from the guide holder (160) by the separation prevention member (162).

[0105] The separation prevention part (162) may include a stop ring (163) that is fixed to the inside of the guide holder (160) to prevent the guide shaft (150) from being separated in the upper direction of the guide holder (160). The stop ring (163) may be fixed to be positioned upwardly inside the guide holder (160). When the guide holder (160) is moved downwardly inside the cylindrical part (115), the guide shaft (150) may be positioned upwardly of the guide holder (160). At this time, the guide shaft (150) may be prevented from being separated from the guide holder (160) in the upper direction of the guide holder (160) by the stop ring (163). When the guide holder (160) moves downward inside the cylindrical portion (115) and the guide shaft (150) comes into contact with the stop ring (163), the downward movement of the guide holder (160) can also be stopped.

[0106] The separation prevention part (162) may include a stop part (164) that prevents the guide shaft (150) from being separated in the downward direction of the guide holder (160). The stop part (164) may be formed at the end of the lower screw thread of the guide holder (160). The stop part (164) may be formed to have a smaller width at the end of the lower screw thread of the guide holder (160). The stop part (164) may be formed to have a smaller width at the end of the lower second screw thread (161) of the guide holder (160). The stop part (164) may be formed to fit the first screw thread (151) of the guide shaft (150) that rotates along the second screw thread (161) of the guide holder (160).

[0107] When the guide holder (160) is moved upward inside the cylindrical portion (115), the guide shaft (150) can be positioned on the lower side of the guide holder (160). At this time, the guide shaft (150) can be prevented from being separated from the guide holder (160) in the downward direction when the first screw thread (151) is caught in the stopper (164). When the guide holder (160) is moved upward inside the cylindrical portion (115) and the first screw thread (151) of the guide shaft (150) is caught in the stopper (164), the upward movement of the guide holder (160) can also be stopped.

[0108] The guide holder (160) may include a stop ring fixing groove (165) formed on the upper portion of the inside of the guide holder (160) so that the stop ring (163) is fixed thereto. The stop ring (163) may be fixed to the stop ring fixing groove (165) to prevent movement in the up and down direction.

[0109] The guide holder (160) may include a plurality of openings (166) formed along the circumference of the guide holder (160) to secure a space in which a stop ring fixing groove (165) is formed. The plurality of openings (166) may be formed on the upper portion of the guide holder (160). The plurality of openings (166) may be formed at the same position as the stop ring fixing groove (165) in the vertical direction. Since a second screw thread (161) having an incline is formed inside the guide holder (160), a plurality of openings (166) may be formed on the circumference of the guide holder (160) to form a horizontal stop ring fixing groove (165) inside the guide holder (160).

[0110] The brush head (100) may include a rotation inhibiting portion (170) that inhibits the rotation of the guide holder (160). The rotation inhibiting portion (170) may be provided on the outer surface of the guide holder (160) so as to come into contact with the cylindrical portion (115) of the case (110). The rotation inhibiting portion (170) provided on the outer surface of the guide holder (160) may come into contact with the inner surface of the cylindrical portion (115) of the case (110) when the guide holder (160) rotates, thereby inhibiting the rotation of the guide holder (160). When the rotation of the guide holder (160) is inhibited by the rotation inhibiting portion (170), a force may be generated that tends to rotate in the opposite direction to the guide shaft (150) momentarily. Due to the force that tends to rotate the guide holder (160) momentarily in the opposite direction to the guide shaft (150), the rotation speed of the guide holder (160) may be slower than that of the guide shaft (150).

[0111] The guide holder (160) can rotate at the same speed as the guide shaft (150), but can rotate at a slower speed than the guide shaft (150) by being inhibited from rotating by the rotation inhibiting member (170). A relative speed difference can occur between the guide holder (160) and the guide shaft (150) due to the rotation inhibiting member (170). The guide holder (160) can move up and down inside the cylindrical portion (115) due to the relative speed difference induced by the rotation inhibiting member (170).

[0112] The rotation restraint (170) may be provided as a wool brush (171) attached to the outer surface of the guide holder (160). The wool brushes (171) attached to the outer surface of the guide holder (160) may be provided in multiple numbers. Although the drawing shows that the multiple wool brushes (171) are provided in two numbers, the present invention is not limited thereto. The multiple wool brushes (171) can restrain the rotation of the guide holder (160) and at the same time prevent hair or the like from entering the interior of the case (110).

[0113] The brush head (100) may include a mop pad holder (180) that is assembled to a guide holder (160). The mop pad holder (180) is assembled to the lower portion of the guide holder (160) and can rotate together with the guide holder (160). In addition, the mop pad holder (180) can move up and down together with the guide holder (160). A mop pad (190) for wet cleaning may be attached to the mop pad holder (180).

[0114] The brush head (100) may include a mop pad (190) that rotates together with a guide holder (160) for wet cleaning. The mop pad (190) may be attached to a mop pad holder (180). The mop pad (190) attached to the mop pad holder (180) may move up and down together with the guide holder (160). When the guide holder (160) moves downward and the mop pad (190) comes into contact with the surface to be cleaned, the mop pad (190) may rotate together with the guide holder (160) to perform wet cleaning.

[0115] FIG. 14 is a drawing illustrating a state in which a mop pad moves upward so as not to come into contact with a surface to be cleaned in order to perform dry cleaning according to one embodiment. FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating a state in which a main gear according to one embodiment rotates counterclockwise on the left side and clockwise on the right side with respect to a drive motor. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a guide holder rotates counterclockwise when a main gear located on the left side of a drive motor and a guide shaft rotate counterclockwise, but at a different speed from the guide shaft. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a mop pad moves downward so as to come into contact with a surface to be cleaned in order to perform wet cleaning according to one embodiment. FIG. 18 is a drawing illustrating a state in which a mop pad moves downward so as to come into contact with a surface to be cleaned in order to perform wet cleaning according to one embodiment. FIG. 19 is a drawing illustrating a state in which a main gear according to one embodiment rotates clockwise on the left side and counterclockwise on the right side with respect to a drive motor.

[0116] As illustrated in Fig. 14, when performing dry cleaning, the mop pad (190) may be spaced apart from the surface to be cleaned so as not to come into contact with the surface to be cleaned. With the mop pad (190) not in contact with the surface to be cleaned, the motor (31) inside the main body (10) may be driven to suck in air and foreign substances from the surface to be cleaned through the suction port (102) formed in the brush head (100). (See Figs. 2 and 4)

[0117] When dry cleaning is completed and wet cleaning is performed, as illustrated in FIG. 15, the drive motor (120) inside the brush head (100) can be driven through the control unit (17) provided in the main body (10). The drive motor (120) can rotate the main gear (130) on the left side counterclockwise and the main gear (130) on the right side clockwise with respect to the drive motor (120). When the main gear (130) on the left side rotates counterclockwise and the main gear (130) on the right side rotates clockwise with respect to the drive motor (120), the mop pad (190) can rotate counterclockwise with respect to the drive motor (120) and the mop pad (190) on the left side rotates counterclockwise and the mop pad (190) on the right side rotates clockwise, similarly to the main gear (130). (See FIGS. 1 and 2)

[0118] To explain this in more detail, as illustrated in FIG. 16, the main gear (130) and the guide shaft (150) on the left side with respect to the drive motor (120) rotate counterclockwise, and the guide holder (160) on the left side with respect to the drive motor (120) can rotate counterclockwise in the same direction as the guide shaft (150). That is, the guide shaft (150) and the guide holder (160) can rotate in the same direction as the main gear (130). Although not illustrated in the drawing, when the main gear (130) on the left side with respect to the drive motor (120) rotates counterclockwise, the main gear (130) on the right side with respect to the drive motor (120) can rotate clockwise. When the main gear (130) on the right side with respect to the drive motor (120) rotates clockwise, the guide shaft (150) and the guide holder (160) on the right side with respect to the drive motor (120) can rotate clockwise.

[0119] At this time, a plurality of wool brushes (171) attached to the outer surface of the guide holder (160) come into contact with the inner surface of the cylindrical portion (115) of the case (110), so that the guide holder (160) can rotate at a relatively slower speed than the guide shaft (150). In the drawing, the arrow of the guide shaft (150) having a relatively faster rotation speed is depicted longer than the arrow of the guide holder (160) having a slower rotation speed.

[0120] When the guide shaft (150) and the guide holder (160) on the left side rotate counterclockwise with respect to the driving motor (120), and the guide shaft (150) and the guide holder (160) on the right side rotate clockwise, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the guide holder (160) can rotate and move downward inside the cylindrical portion (115). When the guide holder (160) moves downward inside the cylindrical portion (115), the mop pad holder (180) assembled to the guide holder (160) can also move downward. When the mop pad holder (180) moves downward, the mop pad (190) attached to the mop pad holder (180) can also move downward. When the mop pad (190) that has moved downward comes into contact with the surface to be cleaned, the guide holder (160) can stop moving downward inside the cylindrical portion (115). The guide holder (160) can be stopped by the guide shaft (150) coming into contact with the stop ring (163).

[0121] As shown in Fig. 18, when the mop pad (190) comes into contact with the surface to be cleaned, the mop pad (190) can rotate to perform wet cleaning.

[0122] After wet cleaning is completed, when dry cleaning is performed again, as illustrated in FIG. 19, the drive motor (120) inside the brush head (100) can be driven through the control unit (17) provided in the main body (10). The drive motor (120) can rotate the main gear (130) on the left side clockwise and the main gear (130) on the right side counterclockwise with respect to the drive motor (120). Although not illustrated in the drawing, when the main gear (130) on the left side rotates clockwise and the main gear (130) on the right side rotates counterclockwise with respect to the drive motor (120), the guide shaft (150) and the guide holder (160) on the left side rotate clockwise with respect to the drive motor (120), and the guide shaft (150) and the guide holder (160) on the right side rotate counterclockwise. That is, the guide shaft (150) and the guide holder (160) can rotate in the same direction as the main gear (130). The mop pad (190) that rotates in the same direction as the guide holder (160) rotates clockwise with respect to the driving motor (120) in the same manner as the main gear (130), and the mop pad (190) on the left rotates clockwise, and the mop pad (190) on the right rotates counterclockwise, and both mop pads (190) on both sides can move upward as shown in FIGS. 8 and 14. When the mop pads (190) on both sides move upward and are separated from the surface to be cleaned, dry cleaning can be performed. At this time, the guide holder (160) can stop moving upward when the guide shaft (150) is caught in the stopper (164). (See FIGS. 1 and 2)

[0123] Depending on the situation, during wet cleaning, foreign substances may be found on the surface to be cleaned, and dry cleaning may need to be performed. If foreign substances are found on the surface to be cleaned during wet cleaning, the control unit (17, see Fig. 2) can be operated to move the mop pad (190) upward. After the mop pad (190) is moved upward so that it is separated from the surface to be cleaned, dry cleaning can be performed. After the foreign substances on the surface to be cleaned are sucked up and dry cleaning is completed, the control unit (17, see Fig. 2) can be operated again to move the mop pad (190) downward. When the mop pad (190) moves downward and comes into contact with the surface to be cleaned, wet cleaning can be performed again.

[0124] In addition, there may be cases where it is necessary to pass over a carpet or mat during the wet cleaning process. When it is necessary to pass over a carpet or mat during the wet cleaning process, the control unit (17, see FIG. 2) can be operated to move the mop pad (190) upward. The mop pad (190) can be moved upward so that the mop pad (190) is spaced apart from the surface to be cleaned. After the mop pad (190) has moved upward and passed over the carpet or mat, the control unit (17, see FIG. 2) can be operated to move the mop pad (190) downward. When the mop pad (190) moves downward and comes into contact with the surface to be cleaned, wet cleaning can be performed again.

[0125] In addition, there may be cases where a carpet or mat needs to be cleaned during the wet cleaning process. When a carpet or mat needs to be cleaned during the wet cleaning process, the control unit (17, see Fig. 2) can be operated to move the mop pad (190) upward. After the mop pad (190) is moved upward so that the mop pad (190) is separated from the surface to be cleaned, dry cleaning can be performed on the carpet or mat. When dry cleaning on the carpet or mat is completed, the control unit (17, see Fig. 2) can be operated again to move the mop pad (190) downward. When the mop pad (190) moves downward and comes into contact with the surface to be cleaned, wet cleaning can be performed again.

[0126] FIG. 20 is an exploded view of the main components of a brush head in which a rotation restraint is provided as a protrusion on the outer surface of a guide holder according to one embodiment. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a brush head in which a rotation restraint is provided as a protrusion on the outer surface of a guide holder according to one embodiment. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a brush head in which a rotation restraint is provided as a protrusion on the outer surface of a guide holder according to one embodiment.

[0127] As illustrated in FIGS. 20 to 22, the rotation restraint (170) may be provided as a protruding projection (173) formed to protrude from the outer surface of the guide holder (160). The protruding projections (173) may be provided in multiple numbers. Except for the configuration in which the rotation restraint (170) is provided as a plurality of protruding projections (173), the remaining configuration may be the same as the configuration of the brush head (100) illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 13. Although the drawings illustrate that the plurality of protruding projections (173) are provided in three numbers, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0128] A plurality of protrusions (173) may be provided on the upper portion of the outer surface of the guide holder (160). The plurality of protrusions (173) may be provided on the upper portion of a plurality of openings (166) formed in the guide holder (160). The plurality of protrusions (173) may be integrally formed on the outer surface of the guide holder (160). The plurality of protrusions (173) may have structural differences, such as shape and position, from the wool brush (171, see FIGS. 8 and 10), but the effective portion for suppressing rotation of the guide holder (160) may be the same as the wool brush (171, see FIGS. 8 and 10).

[0129] Although not shown in the drawing, the plurality of protrusions (173) as the rotation restraints (170) may be replaced with a plurality of balls. That is, a plurality of balls that roll on the outer surface of the guide holder (160) and come into contact with the inner surface of the cylindrical portion (115) when the guide holder (160) rotates may be provided as the rotation restraints (170). When the rotation restraints (170) are provided with a plurality of balls, the plurality of balls roll to minimize surface friction, thereby enabling smooth movement.

[0130] FIG. 23 is an exploded view of the main components of a brush head in which a guide holder having a female thread is provided on a main gear according to one embodiment, and a guide shaft having a male thread is connected to a mop pad holder. FIG. 24 is a view illustrating a state in which a guide shaft having a male thread is connected to a mop pad holder according to one embodiment, and a guide holder having a female thread is connected to a main gear according to one embodiment. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of a brush head in which a guide holder having a female thread is provided on a main gear according to one embodiment, and a guide shaft having a male thread is connected to a mop pad holder.

[0131] As illustrated in FIGS. 23 to 25, a guide holder (260) having a female screw thread may be provided on the main gear (230). A guide shaft (250) having a male screw thread may be connected to a mop pad holder (280). A rotation restraint (270) may be provided on the guide shaft (250). Except for the above configurations, the configuration of the brush head (100), which includes a case (110), a driving motor (120), a worm (141) and a worm gear (143) connecting the driving motor (120) and the main gear (230), an upper bearing (B1) and a lower bearing (B2), and a mop pad (190), may be the same as the configuration of the brush head (100) illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 13.

[0132] A guide holder (260) having a second screw thread (261) in the shape of a female screw thread may be provided at the lower portion of the main gear (230). The configuration of the main gear (230) may be the same as that of the main gear (130) illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 13, except that the guide holder (260) is provided at the lower portion of the main gear (230). The guide holder (260) may be provided inside the brush body (101). A portion of the guide holder (260) may be located in a space formed between the upper case (111) and the lower case (113), and the remaining portion may be accommodated inside the cylindrical portion (115) of the case (110).

[0133] The guide holder (260) can rotate together with the main gear (230) that is rotated by the driving motor (120). The guide holder (260) can include a second screw thread (261) in the shape of a female screw. The guide holder (260) can be connected to a guide shaft (250) that includes a first screw thread (251) in the shape of a male screw.

[0134] The guide holder (260) may include a stop ring (263), which is a separation prevention part that prevents the guide shaft (250) from being separated in a downward direction when the guide shaft (250) rotates and moves up and down. That is, the guide shaft (250) may be prevented from being separated from the guide holder (260) in a downward direction of the guide holder (260) by the stop ring (263). The stop ring (263) may be fixed to be positioned downward inside the guide holder (260). When the guide shaft (250) is moved downward inside the cylindrical portion (115), the guide shaft (250) may be positioned downward of the guide holder (260). At this time, the guide shaft (250) may be prevented from being separated from the guide holder (260) in a downward direction of the guide holder (260) by the stop ring (263). When the guide shaft (250) moves downward inside the cylindrical portion (115) and the guide shaft (250) comes into contact with the stop ring (263), the downward movement of the guide shaft (250) can be stopped.

[0135] Since the main gear (230) is provided on the upper part of the guide holder (260), the guide shaft (250) can be prevented from being dislodged in the upper direction of the guide holder (260) without a separate configuration.

[0136] The guide holder (260) may include a stop ring fixing groove (265) formed on the upper portion of the inside of the guide holder (260) so that the stop ring (263) is fixed thereto. The stop ring (263) may be fixed to the stop ring fixing groove (265) to prevent movement in the up and down direction.

[0137] The guide holder (260) may include a plurality of openings (266) formed along the circumference of the guide holder (260) to secure a space in which a stop ring fixing groove (265) is formed. The plurality of openings (266) may be formed at the lower portion of the guide holder (260). The plurality of openings (266) may be formed at the same position as the stop ring fixing groove (265) in the vertical direction. Since a second screw thread (261) having an incline is formed inside the guide holder (260), a plurality of openings (266) may be formed on the circumference of the guide holder (260) to form a horizontal stop ring fixing groove (265) inside the guide holder (260).

[0138] A mop pad (190) for wet cleaning can be attached to the mop pad holder (280). A guide shaft (250) having a first screw thread (251) in the shape of a male screw can be connected to the upper portion of the mop pad holder (280). The mop pad holder (280) can rotate together with the guide shaft (250) which is rotated by the guide holder (260). In addition, the mop pad holder (280) can move up and down together with the guide shaft (250).

[0139] The guide shaft (250) can be connected to the upper part of the mop pad holder (280). The guide shaft (250) can include a first screw thread (251) in a male screw shape. The guide shaft (250) can be connected to a guide holder (260) including a second screw thread (261) in a female screw shape. The guide shaft (250) can be rotated by the guide holder (260) that rotates together with the main gear (230). When the guide holder (260) rotates, if the first screw thread (251) of the guide shaft (250) rotates along the second screw thread (261) of the guide holder (260), the guide shaft (250) can rotate in the same direction as the guide holder (260). The guide shaft (250) can be rotated by the guide holder (260) inside the cylindrical portion (115) and moved up and down.

[0140] A rotation restraint (270) may be provided on the guide shaft (250). The rotation restraint (270) may be provided on the guide shaft (250) so as to come into contact with the cylindrical portion (115) of the case (110). The rotation restraint (270) provided on the guide shaft (250) may come into contact with the inner surface of the cylindrical portion (115) of the case (110) when the guide shaft (250) rotates, thereby restraining the rotation of the guide shaft (250). The rotation of the guide shaft (250) may be restrained by the rotation restraint (270), thereby slowing down the rotation speed.

[0141] The guide shaft (250) can rotate together with the guide holder (260) inside the cylindrical portion (115) and move in the up-and-down direction when the guide holder (260) rotates. The guide shaft (250) can rotate at the same speed as the guide holder (260), but can rotate at a slower speed than the guide holder (260) by being inhibited from rotating by the rotation inhibiting portion (270). A relative speed difference can occur between the guide shaft (250) and the guide holder (260) due to the rotation inhibiting portion (270). The guide shaft (250) can move in the up-and-down direction inside the cylindrical portion (115) due to the relative speed difference induced by the rotation inhibiting portion (270). When the guide shaft (250) completes moving in the up-and-down direction inside the cylindrical portion (115), it can rotate in the same direction as the guide holder (260) without moving in the up-and-down direction.

[0142] The rotation restraint (270) may be formed as a protrusion (273) at the lower portion of the guide shaft (250). The protrusions (273) may be provided in multiple numbers. In the drawing, the protrusions (273) are shown as being provided in two numbers, but this is not limited thereto.

[0143] According to one embodiment of the disclosed invention, a cleaner includes a main body (10) and a brush head (100) connected to the main body and having a suction port (102) formed therein. The brush head includes a case (110) provided inside the brush head, a driving motor (120) provided inside the case, a suction path (103) provided inside the brush head to be connected to the suction port, a main gear (130) provided on each of both sides of the driving motor and rotated by the driving motor, a guide shaft (150) connected to a lower portion of the main gear and rotated together with the main gear, a guide holder (160) connected to the guide shaft and rotated by the guide shaft and moving in an up-and-down direction, a rotation suppression unit (170) that suppresses rotation of the guide holder so that the guide holder moves in an up-and-down direction when the guide shaft rotates, and a mop pad (190) that rotates together with the guide holder and moves in an up-and-down direction together with the guide holder.

[0144] The above rotation restraint is provided on the outer surface of the guide holder, and can restrain the rotation of the guide holder by coming into contact with the case when the guide holder rotates.

[0145] The case may include an upper case (111), a lower case (113) coupled to the lower portion of the upper case and forming a space between the upper case and the lower case in which the driving motor, the main gear, and the guide shaft are arranged, and a cylindrical portion (115) extending downward from the lower portion of the lower case to have a cylindrical shape and having the guide holder arranged therein.

[0146] The above rotation restraint portion is provided on the outer surface of the guide holder and can contact the inner surface of the cylindrical portion when the guide holder rotates.

[0147] The above rotation restraint unit may be provided with a wool brush (171) attached to the outer surface of the guide holder.

[0148] The above rotation restraint may be provided as a protrusion (173) formed to protrude from the outer surface of the guide holder.

[0149] The above guide shaft includes a first screw thread (151) in a male screw shape, and the guide holder includes a second screw thread (161) in a female screw shape into which the guide shaft is inserted, and when the first screw thread of the guide shaft rotates along the second screw thread of the guide holder, the guide holder rotates and moves in the up-and-down direction, and when the up-and-down movement of the guide holder is completed, the guide holder can rotate in the same direction as the guide shaft without moving in the up-and-down direction.

[0150] The above guide holder may include a separation prevention part (162) that prevents the guide shaft from being separated in the up-and-down direction when the guide shaft rotates and the guide holder moves in the up-and-down direction.

[0151] The above-mentioned separation prevention part may include a stop ring (163) fixed inside the guide holder to prevent the guide shaft from being separated in the upper direction of the guide holder, and a stop part (164) formed to have a smaller width at the end of the lower screw thread of the guide holder to prevent the guide shaft from being separated in the lower direction of the guide holder, thereby stopping the guide shaft when it is caught.

[0152] The above guide holder may include a stop ring fixing groove (165) formed at the upper portion inside the guide holder so that the stop ring is fixed, and a plurality of openings (166) formed along the circumference of the guide holder to secure a space in which the stop ring fixing groove is formed.

[0153] The above main gear and the above guide shaft can be fixed in the vertical position inside the case by an upper bearing (B1) located above the main gear and a lower bearing (B2) located below the guide shaft.

[0154] The brush head may further include a pair of front support parts (104) provided on the front left and right sides of the lower portion of the brush head to support the brush head and provided as rollers, and a rear support part (106) provided between the pair of front support parts at the rear of the lower portion of the brush head to support the brush head and provided as rollers.

[0155] The brush head may further include a pair of front support parts (105) provided on the front left and right sides of the lower portion of the brush head to support the brush head and provided with a wool brush, and a rear support part (106) provided between the pair of front support parts at the rear of the lower portion of the brush head to support the brush head and provided with a roller.

[0156] The brush head may further include a mop pad holder (180) to which the mop pad is attached and which is assembled to the guide holder.

[0157] The above driving motor is provided as one, and the driving motor and the main gear can be connected by a worm (141) connected to the driving motor and a worm gear (143) connected to the main gear.

[0158] A control method of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention performs dry cleaning by driving a motor (31) inside a main body (10) to suck up foreign substances from a surface to be cleaned through a suction port (102) formed in a brush head (100) connected to the main body, and when the dry cleaning is completed, a control unit (17) provided in the main body drives a drive motor (120) inside the brush head to rotate a main gear (130) connected to the drive motor, and by rotating the main gear, a guide shaft (150) connected to rotate together with the main gear is rotated, and a guide holder (160) connected to the guide shaft and rotated is moved downward by a rotation inhibiting unit (170) so as to have its rotation speed inhibited, and when a mop pad (190) connected to the guide holder is moved downward by the guide holder and comes into contact with the surface to be cleaned, the downward movement of the guide holder is stopped, and the mop pad rotates together with the guide holder to perform wet cleaning.

[0159] The above main gears are provided on both sides of the driving motor, and the main gear and the guide shaft, which are arranged on the left side of the driving motor with respect to the driving motor, rotate counterclockwise, and when the main gear and the guide shaft, which are arranged on the right side of the driving motor with respect to the driving motor, rotate clockwise, the mop pad moves downward together with the guide holder to perform the wet cleaning.

[0160] When the main gear and the guide shaft, which are arranged on the left side of the driving motor based on the driving motor, rotate clockwise, and the main gear and the guide shaft, which are arranged on the right side of the driving motor based on the driving motor, rotate counterclockwise, the mop pad moves upward together with the guide holder to perform the dry cleaning.

[0161] If a foreign substance is found on the surface to be cleaned while performing the above wet cleaning, the guide holder is moved upward through the control unit so that the mop pad moves upward, and then the dry cleaning is performed to remove the foreign substance on the surface to be cleaned, and the guide holder is moved downward through the control unit so that the mop pad moves downward, thereby performing the above wet cleaning.

[0162] When passing over a carpet while performing the above wet cleaning, the guide holder is moved upward through the control unit so that the mop pad moves upward, and then the mop moves over the carpet, and when passing over the carpet, the guide holder is moved downward through the control unit so that the mop pad moves downward, thereby performing the above wet cleaning.

[0163] According to the present disclosure, both dry cleaning and wet cleaning can be performed in separate modes using one brush head.

[0164] Additionally, during wet cleaning, it can prevent foreign substances such as dust or hair on the surface to be cleaned from being sucked up and the wet dust from entering the dust collection chamber, causing bugs and bad odors.

[0165] Additionally, the durability of the motor for sucking up foreign substances such as dust and hair on the surface to be cleaned can be maintained at the same level as that of a dry cleaning vacuum cleaner.

[0166] In addition, the mop pad can be moved up and down, so when performing dry cleaning, the mop pad can be moved upwards, allowing dry cleaning to be performed without wetting foreign substances with water.

[0167] In addition, the mop pad can be moved up and down, so that dry cleaning can be performed by moving the mop pad upward to suck up foreign substances without having to replace it with a separate dry cleaning module during wet cleaning.

[0168] 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.

[0169]

[0170] In the above, the vacuum cleaner and the method of controlling the vacuum cleaner have been described with reference to the attached drawings, with a focus on specific shapes and directions. However, various modifications and changes can be made by a person skilled in the art, and such modifications and changes should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the disclosed invention.

Claims

1. Main body; and A brush head connected to the main body and having a suction port formed therein; The above brush head, A case provided inside the above brush head; A driving motor provided inside the above case; A suction path provided to be connected to the suction port inside the brush head; A main gear provided on each side of the driving motor and rotated by the driving motor; A guide shaft connected to the lower part of the main gear and rotating together with the main gear; A guide holder connected to the above guide axis, rotated by the above guide axis, and moved in the up and down direction; A rotation suppression unit that suppresses the rotation of the guide holder so that the guide holder moves up and down when the guide shaft rotates; and A mop pad that rotates together with the above guide holder and moves up and down together with the above guide holder; A vacuum cleaner containing:

2. In paragraph 1, A cleaner in which the rotation suppression member is provided on the outer surface of the guide holder and comes into contact with the case when the guide holder rotates to suppress the rotation of the guide holder.

3. In paragraph 2, The above case is, upper case; A lower case coupled to the lower portion of the upper case and forming a space between the upper case and the lower case in which the driving motor, the main gear, and the guide shaft are arranged; and A vacuum cleaner comprising a cylindrical portion extending downward from the lower portion of the lower case to have a cylindrical shape and having the guide holder disposed therein.

4. In paragraph 3, A cleaner in which the rotation restraint portion is provided on the outer surface of the guide holder and contacts the inner surface of the cylindrical portion when the guide holder rotates.

5. In paragraph 4, A vacuum cleaner in which the above rotation restraint unit is provided with a wool brush attached to the outer surface of the above guide holder.

6. In paragraph 4, A vacuum cleaner in which the above rotation restraint member is provided as a protrusion formed to protrude from the outer surface of the guide holder.

7. In paragraph 1, The above guide shaft includes a first screw thread in the shape of a male screw, The above guide holder includes a second screw thread in the shape of a female screw into which the above guide shaft is inserted, A cleaner in which, when the first screw thread of the guide shaft rotates along the second screw thread of the guide holder, the guide holder rotates and moves in the up-and-down direction, and when the up-and-down movement of the guide holder is completed, the guide holder rotates in the same direction as the guide shaft without moving in the up-and-down direction.

8. In paragraph 1, A vacuum cleaner in which the guide holder includes a separation prevention part that prevents the guide shaft from being separated in the vertical direction when the guide shaft rotates and the guide holder moves in the vertical direction.

9. In paragraph 8, The above-mentioned anti-separation part is, A stop ring fixed inside the guide holder to prevent the guide shaft from moving upward from the guide holder; and A vacuum cleaner including a stopper formed with a reduced width at the end of the lower screw thread of the guide holder to prevent the guide shaft from deviating in the lower direction of the guide holder, thereby stopping the guide shaft when it is caught.

10. In paragraph 9, The above guide holder, A stop ring fixing groove formed on the upper part of the inside of the guide holder so that the stop ring is fixed; and A vacuum cleaner comprising a plurality of openings formed along the circumference of the guide holder to secure a space in which the stop ring fixing groove is formed.

11. In paragraph 1, A cleaner in which the main gear and the guide shaft are fixed in the vertical position inside the case by an upper bearing located above the main gear and a lower bearing located below the guide shaft.

12. In paragraph 1, The above brush head, A pair of front support members provided on the front left and right sides of the lower portion of the brush head to support the brush head and provided with rollers; and A vacuum cleaner further comprising a rear support member provided with a roller, the rear support member being positioned between the pair of front supports at the rear of the lower portion of the brush head to support the brush head.

13. In paragraph 1, The above brush head, A pair of front support members provided on the front left and right sides of the lower portion of the brush head to support the brush head and provided with a wool brush; and A vacuum cleaner further comprising a rear support member provided with a roller, the rear support member being positioned between the pair of front supports at the rear of the lower portion of the brush head to support the brush head.

14. In paragraph 1, A vacuum cleaner wherein the brush head further includes a mop pad holder to which the mop pad is attached and which is assembled to the guide holder.

15. In paragraph 1, The above driving motor is provided in one piece, A vacuum cleaner in which the above driving motor and the above main gear are connected by a worm connected to the above driving motor and a worm gear connected to the above main gear.

Images