Vacuum cleaner including blower device and control method therefor

Abstract

This cleaner may comprise: a cleaner body; a battery disposed in the cleaner body; a suction motor disposed in the cleaner body and configured to provide a suction force so that foreign substances outside the cleaner are sucked into the cleaner; a blower device connected to the cleaner body and configured to blow foreign substances outside the cleaner; a power line configured to transmit power supplied from the battery to the cleaner body and the blower device; a signal line configured to transmit a signal between the cleaner body and the blower device; and a first processor configured to control the operation of a first switch element to transmit a first signal to the blower device through the signal line and further configured to receive, through the signal line, a second signal generated by the blower device. The first processor is further configured to: identify that an external device is connected to the cleaner body; transmit identification request information to the external device in order to identify the external device connected to the cleaner body; receive identification information generated by the coupled external device on the basis of the identification request information; identify that the external device is the blower device on the basis of the identification information; and stop driving of the suction motor on the basis of identifying that the suction motor is being driven and the blower device is connected to the cleaner body.

Description

Vacuum cleaner including blower device and method for controlling same

[0001] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a vacuum cleaner including a blower device and a method of controlling the same.

[0002] A cordless vacuum cleaner is a type of vacuum cleaner that draws power from a built-in power source (e.g., a battery) without the need for a corded outlet. Cordless vacuum cleaners include a suction motor that generates suction. The suction generated by the motor draws in dust and other foreign substances along with the air from the vacuum head (e.g., a brush), and separates the drawn-in foreign substances from the air for collection.

[0003] Recently, the types of vacuum heads (e.g., brushes) that attach to the main body of cordless vacuum cleaners have become increasingly diverse. Cordless vacuum cleaner brushes can be broadly divided into main brushes, typically used for floor cleaning, and auxiliary brushes for specialized purposes. To accommodate a wider range of cleaning environments, these auxiliary brushes are becoming more specialized.

[0004] Different types of auxiliary brushes may include mop brushes, bedding brushes, pet brushes, and crevice brushes for cleaning tight areas.

[0005] The above information may be provided as background information to aid in understanding the present disclosure. None of the above-described matters relating to the present disclosure are considered prior art.

[0006] A vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a blower device that is arranged to be connectable to a cleaner body.

[0007] A vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can identify whether a blower device is coupled, and selectively drive a blower motor and a suction motor disposed inside a cleaner body in response to whether the blower device is coupled.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a cleaner may include: a cleaner body; a battery within the cleaner body; a suction motor within the cleaner body, the suction motor configured to provide a suction force so that foreign substances outside the cleaner are sucked into the cleaner; a blower device configured to be connected to the cleaner body and configured to blow the foreign substances outside the cleaner; a power line configured to transmit power supplied from the battery to the cleaner body and the blower device; a signal line configured to transmit a signal between the cleaner body and the blower device; and a first processor configured to control an operation of a first switch element to transmit a first signal to the blower device through the signal line, and further configured to receive a second signal generated from the blower device through the signal line, wherein the first processor is configured to: identify that an external device is connected to the cleaner body; transmit identification request information to the external device to identify the external device connected to the cleaner body; receive identification information generated from the coupled external device based on the identification request information; Based on the above identification information, the external device is identified as the blower device; and based on identifying that the suction motor is driving and the blower device is connected to the cleaner body, the device is further configured to stop driving the suction motor.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for controlling a vacuum cleaner, performed by at least one processor, comprises: an operation of identifying that an external device is connected to a vacuum cleaner body of the vacuum cleaner; an operation of transmitting identification request information to the external device through a signal line connected to the vacuum cleaner body to identify the connected external device; an operation of receiving identification information obtained based on the identification request information from the external device through the signal line; an operation of identifying that the external device is the blower device based on the identification information; and

[0010] The method may include an action of stopping the operation of the suction motor within the cleaner body based on identifying that the suction motor is operating and the blower device is connected to the cleaner body.

[0011] The present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above, and various modifications or changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner with a blower device coupled to an extension tube according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 2b is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner with a blower device coupled to a cleaner body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

[0016] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a blower device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a blower device having a discharge nozzle coupled thereto according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram illustrating the functions of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram for explaining signal line communication performed in a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 9A is a circuit diagram for explaining a driving circuit included in a vacuum cleaner body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 9b is a diagram showing voltages flowing to each line of the driving circuit of FIG. 9a according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 10 illustrates a circuit configuration of a blower motor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a control flowchart for performing an operation for identifying the coupling of a blower device to a cleaner body included in a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 12 is a control flowchart for performing two-way communication between a vacuum cleaner body and a blower device included in a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining an operation of transmitting a first signal from a cleaner body to a blower device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining an operation of transmitting a second signal from a blower device to a cleaner body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 15 is a drawing for explaining a data format included in a signal transmitted between a cleaner body and a blower device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 16 is a drawing for explaining an operation of mutually transmitting a signal between a cleaner body and a blower device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 17 is a signaling diagram for explaining an operation of mutually transmitting signals between a cleaner body and a blower device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 18 illustrates a vacuum cleaner body and an input / output interface included in a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 19 illustrates an example of an input / output interface of a vacuum cleaner and a user interface displayed on a display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 20 illustrates an example of an input / output interface of a vacuum cleaner and a user interface displayed on a display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIGS. 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D illustrate examples of a user interface in which the blowing intensity of a blower device is changed according to an input of a function button in FIG. 20, or the remaining operating time of the blower device according to the blowing intensity is displayed on a display, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 22 illustrates an example of an input / output interface of a vacuum cleaner and a user interface displayed on a display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] The exemplary embodiments described in this disclosure and the terminology used herein are not intended to limit the disclosure to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that the disclosure encompasses various modifications, equivalents, and alternatives. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "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" can include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0037] In this document, unless otherwise stated, the “front-back direction”, “left-right direction”, and “up-down direction” in this document may be defined based on the direction in which the vacuum cleaner (e.g., the vacuum cleaner (1) of FIG. 1) is placed. For example, when the extension tube (e.g., the extension tube (30) of FIG. 13) of the vacuum cleaner (1) is placed vertically, the direction in which the dust bin (e.g., the dust bin (20) of FIG. 1) included in the vacuum cleaner (1) faces may be defined as the front of the vacuum cleaner (1), and the direction in which the battery mounting portion (e.g., the battery mounting portion (12) of FIG. 1) of the vacuum cleaner (1) faces may be defined as the rear of the vacuum cleaner (1). For example, when the extension tube (30) of the vacuum cleaner (1) is arranged in a vertical direction, the direction in which the input / output interface (e.g., the input / output interface (16) of Fig. 1) of the vacuum cleaner (1) faces can be defined as the upper side of the vacuum cleaner (1), and the direction in which the suction head (e.g., the suction head (40) of Fig. 1) of the vacuum cleaner (1) faces can be defined as the lower side of the vacuum cleaner (1). For example, when the dustbin (20) of the vacuum cleaner (1) is viewed from the front, the direction in which the left side of the vacuum cleaner (1) faces can be defined as the left direction, and the direction in which the right side of the vacuum cleaner (1) faces can be defined as the right direction.

[0038] However, in this document, “front-back direction”, “left-right direction”, and “up-down direction” may be used based on the drawings shown, and the shape and position of each component are not limited thereby.

[0039] According to some embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separately disposed in other components.

[0040] The cordless vacuum cleaner described below (e.g., vacuum cleaner (1) of FIG. 1) is a non-limiting example intended to aid understanding of the present disclosure and may be modified in various ways. Furthermore, some of the attached drawings are not drawn to scale and may have exaggerated dimensions of certain components to aid understanding of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 2a is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner (1) with a blower device (100) coupled to an extension tube according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 2b is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner (1) with a blower device (100) coupled to a cleaner body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 2a, and FIG. 2b, a vacuum cleaner (1) may include a cleaner body (10), a dust bin (20) for receiving foreign substances such as dust, an extension tube (30) detachably connected to the cleaner body (10), a suction head (40) for sucking foreign substances, and a battery (50).

[0045] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner body (10) may include a battery mounting portion (12), a handle portion (14), an input / output interface (16), and a suction motor (e.g., a suction motor (650) of FIG. 6).

[0046] According to one embodiment, the battery mounting portion (12) may be configured to mount and secure the battery (50) to the cleaner body (10). The battery mounting portion (12) may be configured, for example, to mount the battery (50) in a vertical direction. The battery mounting portion (12) may be formed, for example, at the rear of the cleaner body (10).

[0047] According to one embodiment, the handle unit (14) may be configured to allow a user to operate the vacuum cleaner (1) by holding the vacuum cleaner (1). For example, the user may hold the handle unit (14) (e.g., handle portion) and then move the vacuum cleaner (1) forward and backward to clean a surface to be cleaned (e.g., a floor).

[0048] According to one embodiment, the input / output interface (16) may be arranged to receive various commands regarding the operation of the vacuum cleaner (1) from the user. The input / output interface (16) may include, for example, an input device such as a button, a switch, or a touch panel (e.g., an input button (621) of FIG. 6), and a display device such as a display (e.g., a display (623) of FIG. 6). For example, the input / output interface (16) may be implemented as a touch screen panel (TSP), so that the input device and the display device may be formed as an integral part. The input / output interface (16) may include, for example, a power button (e.g., a power button (621a) of FIG. 18) for controlling the turn-on or turn-off of the vacuum cleaner (1). The input / output interface (16) may include, for example, a function button for changing the operating mode of the vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., the first function button (621b) and the second function button (621c) of FIG. 18).

[0049] According to one embodiment, the power button (621a) may receive a user input that activates a function of a coupling nozzle corresponding to the type of coupling nozzle coupled to the cleaner body (10) and / or the extension tube (30). For example, when a blower device (e.g., a blower device (100) of FIGS. 2A and 2B) is coupled to the cleaner body (1) and / or the extension tube (30), the blower device (100) may be turned on based on the power button (621a) being pressed.

[0050] In one embodiment, the power button (621a) may receive user input for selecting a command for the operation of the vacuum cleaner (1). For example, the power button (621a) may receive user input for confirming a notification displayed on the display (623) and returning to the previous user interface.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the function buttons (e.g., the first function button (621b) and the second function button (621c)) may receive a user input for adjusting the suction power of the vacuum cleaner (1). For example, the function buttons (e.g., the first function button (621b) and the second function button (621c)) may include a button for changing the cleaning mode composed of a normal mode, a strong mode, and an ultra strong mode, which determine the suction strength (or cleaning power) of the vacuum cleaner (1). For example, the suction strength of the cleaner may be set to increase in the order of the normal mode, the strong mode, and the ultra strong mode.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the function buttons (e.g., the first function button (621b) and the second function button (621c)) can receive user inputs for activating functions corresponding to the type of coupling nozzle coupled to the cleaner body (10) and / or the extension tube (30) and for adjusting the intensity of the activated functions. For example, when the blower device (100) is coupled to the cleaner body (10) and / or the extension tube (30), the function buttons (e.g., the first function button (621b) and the second function button (621c)) can receive user inputs for changing the operation mode of the blower device (100). For example, when a blower device (100) is coupled to a vacuum cleaner body (10) and / or an extension tube (30), a function button (e.g., a first function button (621b) and a second function button (621c)) can receive a user input for adjusting the intensity of the operation mode of the blower device (100).

[0053] According to one embodiment, the display (623) can display operation information and status information of the vacuum cleaner (1). For example, the display (623) can display the driving mode and driving strength of the vacuum cleaner (1) while it is running. For example, the display (623) can display the remaining power level of the battery of the vacuum cleaner (1) and a notification indicating emptying of the dustbin (20).

[0054] According to one embodiment, the display (623) may display the operating status of the coupling nozzle coupled to the cleaner body (10) and / or the extension tube (30), or display a notification instructing management of the coupling nozzle. For example, when the blower device (100) is coupled to the cleaner body (10) and / or the extension tube (30), the display (623) may display the current driving status (e.g., driving mode or remaining driving time) and driving intensity according to the turning on of the blower device (100). For example, when the blower device (100) is coupled to the cleaner body (10) and / or the extension tube (30), the display (623) may display a notification instructing a filter clogging of the blower device (100).

[0055] Hereinafter, an embodiment in which information on the operation of a vacuum cleaner (1) is displayed on a display (623) and the user interface changes according to the input of a function button (e.g., a first function button (621b) and a second function button (621c)) will be described in FIG. 18 and below.

[0056] According to one embodiment, a filter unit (18) may be provided and may filter out foreign substances such as ultrafine dust that are not filtered out in the dustbin (20). The filter unit (18) may, for example, accommodate a filter member therein. The filter member may include, for example, a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, but the type of the filter is not limited thereto. The filter member may further include, for example, a pre-filter and an electrostatic dust collection filter, and may be configured by combining a plurality of filters (for example, overlappingly arranging them).

[0057] According to one embodiment, the suction motor (650) can provide suction force to the vacuum cleaner (1) so that foreign substances such as dust or hair existing on the floor are sucked into the vacuum cleaner (1). In one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (1) can form a rotating airflow (e.g., a cyclone airflow) inside the dust bin (20) through the suction motor (650) and separate the air sucked into the dust bin (20) from the foreign substances. For example, the air sucked into the dust bin (20) can be separated from the foreign substances by the centrifugal force of the rotating airflow and discharged to the outside of the vacuum cleaner (1). For example, the foreign substances sucked into the dust bin (20) can be separated from the air by the centrifugal force of the rotating airflow and collected inside the dust bin (20). According to some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner (1) may further include a suction fan that receives driving force from the suction motor (650) and forms a rotating airflow by driving the suction motor (650).

[0058] According to one embodiment, the dustbin (20) may be configured to receive foreign substances sucked from the floor surface when the vacuum cleaner (1) is in operation. In one embodiment, the dustbin (20) may be configured to collect foreign substances, such as dust, filtered from air introduced through the suction head (40). In one embodiment, the dustbin (20) may be detachably coupled to the cleaner body (10). In one embodiment, the dustbin (20) may be provided to have a substantially cylindrical shape. In one embodiment, the dustbin (20) may be formed of a transparent material so that a user can check the amount of dust collected in the dustbin (20) from the outside.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the extension pipe (30) may form a path through which air or foreign substances drawn in from the suction head (40) flow. In one embodiment, the extension pipe (30) may be detachably coupled to the cleaner body (10), the dust bin (20), and / or the suction head (40). The extension pipe (30) may be provided, for example, such that one end of the extension pipe (30) is pivotally connected to the suction head (40) so that the suction head (40) can articulate with respect to the extension pipe (30). In one embodiment, the extension pipe (30) may have a substantially hollow cylindrical shape. In one embodiment, the extension pipe (30) may be provided so as to be extendable in the vertical direction. The extension pipe (30) may have, for example, a double pipe shape whose length varies in the vertical direction according to a user's operation.

[0060] In one embodiment, the suction head (40) may be configured to contact the floor surface while the vacuum cleaner (1) is in operation and suck air and dust from the floor surface into the vacuum cleaner (1). In one embodiment, the suction head (40) may be configured to be rotatable in an up-and-down direction or a left-right direction. In one embodiment, the suction head (40) may be detachably coupled to the cleaner body (10) and / or the extension tube (30).

[0061] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (1) may include various types of combination nozzles that can replace the suction head (40). For example, the combination nozzle may include a blower device (100) described below. According to some embodiments, the combination nozzle may include a mop brush, a bedding cleaning brush, a pet cleaning brush, and a crevice brush.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the battery (50) may be configured to supply power to components for the operation of the vacuum cleaner (1), such as the suction motor (650). In one embodiment, the battery (50) may be detachably mounted on the cleaner body (10). The battery (50) may be vertically coupled to the cleaner body (10), for example, through a battery mounting portion (12) of the cleaner body (10). In one embodiment, the battery (50) may be provided as a rechargeable secondary battery. In one embodiment, the battery (50) may be electrically connected to a charging terminal provided on a cleaner stand or a docking station, although not shown. In this case, the battery (50) may be charged by receiving power from the charging terminal provided on the cleaner stand or the docking station.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the battery (50) may be configured to supply power to electrical components included in the coupling nozzle, corresponding to the type of coupling nozzle coupled to the cleaner body (10) and / or the extension tube (30). For example, when the blower device (100) is coupled to the cleaner body (10) and / or the extension tube (30), the battery (50) may be configured to supply power to the blower motor (210) included in the blower device (100).

[0064] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (1) may further include a blower device (100) (e.g., the blower device (100) of FIGS. 2A and 2B). The blower device (100) may be configured to suck in external air (e.g., air surrounding the blower device (100)), compress the sucked external air, and discharge the sucked external air at a predetermined pressure.

[0065] In one embodiment, the blower device (100) may be configured to blow out foreign substances such as dust present in the room by discharging air having a predetermined pressure. For example, the blower device (100) may blow out foreign substances present in areas that are out of reach of a user (e.g., high areas or narrow spaces within the room) and cause them to fall to the floor.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the blower device (100) can be vertically coupled to the cleaner body (10) and / or the extension pipe (30).

[0067] Referring to FIG. 2a, the blower device (100) can be coupled with an extension pipe (30).

[0068] According to one embodiment, the blower device (100) may be disposed at the lower portion of the extension pipe (30). The blower device (100) may include a connector (e.g., connector (110) of FIG. 3) for coupling with the extension pipe (30). The blower device (100) may be physically and / or electrically connected to the extension pipe (30) by the connector (110). According to some embodiments, the extension pipe (30) may include a connector receiving portion for physically connecting to the blower device (100) and a signal line for electrically connecting to the connector receiving portion.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the blower device (100) may be electrically connected to a cleaner body (e.g., the cleaner body (10) of FIG. 1) via an extension tube (30). The blower device (100) may be supplied with power from the cleaner body (10). For example, the blower device (100) may drive a blower motor (e.g., the blower motor (210) of FIG. 4) using the power supplied from the cleaner body (10).

[0070] According to one embodiment, an extension pipe (30) may be formed to connect the cleaner body (10) and the blower device (100). For example, the extension pipe (30) may be formed as a pipe or a flexible hose having a predetermined rigidity. The extension pipe (30) may be detachably connected to the blower device (100). The extension pipe (30) may be formed in multiple stages between the cleaner body (10) and the blower device (100). There may be two or more extension pipes (30).

[0071] According to one embodiment, when the vacuum cleaner body (10) and the blower device (100) are connected by an extension tube (30), the vacuum cleaner (1) can blow areas that are out of reach of the user's hand (e.g., areas at high locations such as the ceiling or narrow and deep areas such as under a bed).

[0072] Referring to FIG. 2b, the blower device (100) can be directly coupled to the cleaner body (10).

[0073] According to one embodiment, the blower device (100) may be disposed at the lower portion of the cleaner body (10). The blower device (100) may include a connector (110) for coupling with the cleaner body (10). The blower device (100) may be physically and / or electrically connected to the cleaner body (10) by the connector (110). According to some embodiments, the cleaner body (10) may include a connector receiving portion for physically connecting to the blower device (100) and a power line (e.g., a positive power line (L1) and a negative power line (L2)) and a signal line (L3) for electrically connecting to the blower device (100).

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 2a and 2b, each of the cleaner body (10), blower device (100), and extension tube (30) included in the vacuum cleaner (1) may include a positive power line (L1), a negative power line (L2), and a signal line (L3).

[0075] According to one embodiment, the power lines (e.g., positive power line (L1) and negative power line (L2)) may form a path for transmitting power supplied from the battery (50) to the cleaner body (10) and the blower device (100) coupled with the cleaner body (10). The signal line (L3) may be formed differently from the power lines (e.g., positive power line (L1) and negative power line (L2)) and may form a path for transmitting and receiving signals between the cleaner body (10) and the blower device (100).

[0076] According to one embodiment, the cleaner body (10) and the blower device (100) may each include a processor (e.g., the first processor (611) and the second processor (221) of FIG. 6). The processors (e.g., the first processor (611) and the second processor (221)) included in the cleaner body (10) and the blower device (100) are configured to control the operation of an electric element connected to a signal line (L3), thereby enabling the cleaner body (10) and the blower device (100) to perform two-way communication with each other. Hereinafter, the two-way communication performed between the cleaner body (10) and the blower device (100) will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 17.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the blower device (100) may be electrically connected to a cleaner body (e.g., the cleaner body (10) of FIG. 1). The blower device (100) may receive power from the cleaner body (10). For example, the blower device (100) may drive a blower motor (e.g., the blower motor (210) of FIG. 4) using the power supplied from the cleaner body (10).

[0078] According to one embodiment, the blower device (100) can be selectively coupled to the vacuum cleaner (1) by being arranged so as to be connectable with the cleaner body (10) or the extension tube (30).

[0079] According to one embodiment, the blower device (100) can be easily attached or detached to replace the suction head (40).

[0080] According to one embodiment, the blower device (100) can be driven by power supplied from the cleaner body (10) without a separate power source. Therefore, the blower device (100) can be driven by the cleaner body (100) without a separate power supply device (e.g., battery), and a lightweight product can be realized.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the blower device (100) can transmit and / or receive control information to and from the cleaner body (10) based on a predetermined communication interface method. Accordingly, when the blower device (100) is coupled, the vacuum cleaner (1) can identify whether the blower device (100) is coupled and control the blower device (100) through manipulation of the cleaner body (10).

[0082] In the comparative embodiment, considering the characteristics of the usage environment of the vacuum cleaner (1), noise may occur in the data transmission and reception between the cleaner body (10) and the blower device (100) due to physical shock caused by repeated connection and detachment between the cleaner body (10) and the blower device (100), physical shock such as micro-vibrations generated by the use of the vacuum cleaner (1), and electrical shock or physical shock during the charging process of the battery (50). As a result, an error may occur in the communication process between the cleaner body (10) and the blower device (100) in the comparative embodiment. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication structure capable of performing stable communication even in the presence of such noise may be provided by having the cleaner body (10) and the blower device (100) included in the vacuum cleaner (1) perform communication at a voltage level higher than a predetermined level through the signal line (L3).

[0083] Hereinafter, the structure of the blower device (100) and the components included in the blower device (100) will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0084] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a blower device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0085] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a blower device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' of FIG. 3 of the blower device (100) of FIG. 3.

[0086] The embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4 can optionally be combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 2a and 2b.

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the blower device (100) may include a housing (e.g., a main housing (101), a first cover housing (102), and a second cover housing (103)) that forms an overall appearance and a path for air to flow, a blower motor (210) disposed inside the housing (e.g., the main housing (101), the first cover housing (102), and the second cover housing (103)), and a blower control unit (220) configured to control the blower motor (210).

[0088] According to one embodiment, the housing may include a main housing (101), a first cover housing (102), and a second cover housing (103).

[0089] According to one embodiment, the first cover housing (102) and the second cover housing (103) may be disposed on one surface of the main housing (101). For example, the first cover housing (102) and the second cover housing (103) may be coupled to an attachment portion formed on one surface of the main housing (101). For example, the attachment portion may be formed by cutting or removing a portion of the main housing (101). For example, the attachment portion may be formed from an opening of the main housing (101). For example, the first cover housing (102) and the second cover housing (103) may be attached to one surface of the main housing (101).

[0090] According to one embodiment, the first cover housing (102) may be formed with an intake port (140). The intake port (140) may form an inlet for the blower device (100) to suck in ambient air. For example, the intake port (140) may be formed by cutting out or removing a portion of the first cover housing (102). For example, the intake port (140) may be formed from at least one opening of the first cover housing (102). For example, a plurality of intake ports (140) may be provided.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the blower device (100) may further include an intake filter (141) configured to filter foreign substances contained in external air sucked into the intake port (140). For example, the intake filter (141) may include a pre-filter, an electrostatic dust collection filter, or a HEPA filter, and may be configured by a combination of the above filters.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the intake filter (141) can limit foreign substances contained in the air flowing into the intake (140) from accumulating around the blower motor (210).

[0093] According to one embodiment, the blower device (100) may further include a button (120) for coupling the blower device (100) to the cleaner body (10) and / or the extension tube (30) or for detaching the blower device (100) from the cleaner body (10) and / or the extension tube (30). For example, the button (120) may be arranged to couple with the second cover housing (103). For example, the button (120) may be physically connected to an outer surface of the second cover housing (103).

[0094] According to one embodiment, the button (120) may include a protruding portion (121) formed to protrude from the second cover housing (103), and a pressing portion (123) formed to be pressurized by a user by being connected to the protruding portion (121). For example, when the pressing portion (123) is pressed by a user, a connector (110) to be described later may be configured to be inserted into the main housing (101) by a predetermined distance.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the connector (110) may physically and / or electrically connect the cleaner body (10) (or the extension tube (30) coupled to the cleaner body (10)) and the blower device (100). The connector (110) may include a plurality of signal lines (L) for electrically connecting the cleaner body (10) and the blower device (100). The plurality of signal lines (L) may include, for example, a positive power line (L1), a negative power line (L2), and a signal line (L3).

[0096] According to one embodiment, the positive power line (L1) and the negative power line (L2) may be power lines for supplying power.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the signal line (L3) may be a signal line for transmitting and receiving a control signal and determining whether the cleaner body (10) and the blower device (100) are connected.

[0098] According to some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., the vacuum cleaner (1) of FIG. 1) may further include a connector receiving portion arranged at a position corresponding to the connector (110) when the blower device (100) is coupled to the cleaner body (10). The connector receiving portion may include signal lines corresponding to the positive power line (L1), the negative power line (L2), and the signal line (L3). In addition, the vacuum cleaner (1) may further include a connector receiving portion arranged at a position corresponding to the extension pipe (30) when the blower device (100) is coupled to the extension pipe (e.g., the extension pipe (30) of FIG. 1).

[0099] According to one embodiment, the blower device (100) may include a discharge nozzle (150) that forms a path through which external air sucked into the suction port (140) passes through the interior of the housing (e.g., the main housing (101), the first cover housing (102), and the second cover housing (103)) and is discharged by the blower motor (210). The discharge nozzle (150) may be arranged so as to be connectable with the main housing (101).

[0100] According to one embodiment, the inside of the discharge nozzle (150) can form a path for external air sucked into the suction port (140) to flow by the blower motor (210). For example, the inside of the discharge nozzle (150) (e.g., discharge portion) can be formed as an empty space. The outlet of the discharge nozzle (150) can form an outlet (150a). Air drawn into the interior of the housing (e.g., main housing (101), first cover housing (102), and second cover housing (103)) by the blower motor (210) can flow along the inner space of the discharge nozzle (150) and be discharged through the outlet (150a).

[0101] According to some embodiments, the blower device (100) may further include an exhaust filter positioned near the exhaust port (150a). For example, the exhaust filter may be configured to filter foreign substances contained in air exhausted through the exhaust port (150a).

[0102] According to one embodiment, the blower device (100) may include a filter sensor (e.g., the filter sensor of FIG. 6) configured to detect whether the intake filter (141) and the outlet filter are clogged. The filter sensor may be configured to detect whether a threshold level or more of foreign matter is collected in the intake filter (141) and the outlet filter.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the discharge nozzle (150) may be arranged to be engageable with the main housing (101). For example, the discharge nozzle (150) may be fastened to one side of the main housing (101) by a fitting connection.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the discharge path formed inside the discharge nozzle (150) can form a path through which air pressurized or accelerated by the blower motor (210) flows. For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the discharge path can be formed to be relatively narrower than the cross-sectional area of ​​the path inside the main housing (101). For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the discharge path can be formed to be relatively narrower than the cross-sectional area of ​​the path located at the output end of the blower motor (210). Since the cross-sectional area of ​​the discharge path is formed to be relatively narrow, the air discharged from the blower device (100) can be compressed to a predetermined pressure.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the blower motor (210) may be configured to discharge external air sucked into the suction port (140) to the discharge nozzle (150). The blower motor (210) may include a drive motor and a blower fan configured to rotate by driving of the drive motor. For example, the blower fan may be configured to rotate together with the drive motor and a rotation shaft. For example, the blower motor (210) may be configured such that when the drive motor is driven, the drive motor provides a driving force to rotate the rotation shaft, and the blower fan is rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the rotation shaft.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the drive motor included in the blower motor (210) may be implemented as a brushless direct current (DC) motor or an alternating current (AC) motor.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the blower motor (210) may determine the rotational speed of the blower fan based on the driving speed of the drive motor. For example, based on the rotational speed of the blower fan according to the driving speed of the drive motor, the blower motor (210) may determine the air volume and / or air speed at which the intake air is discharged.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the blower motor (210) may be controlled to drive the blower motor (210) in response to receiving a user input for an input button included in the input / output interface (16) (e.g., input button (621) of FIG. 6). For example, the blower motor (210) may be turned on or off in response to receiving a user input for a power button (e.g., power button (621a) of FIG. 9). For example, the wind speed of the blower motor (210) may be controlled in response to receiving a user input for a function button (e.g., first function button (621b) and second function button (621c) of FIG. 9).

[0109] According to one embodiment, the blower motor (210) may be placed in an inner space formed by housings (e.g., main housing (101), first cover housing (102), and second cover housing (103)).

[0110] According to one embodiment, the blower motor (210) may be positioned at the front of the inner space. For example, the blower motor (210) may be positioned adjacent to the discharge nozzle (150).

[0111] According to one embodiment, the blower motor (210) may be mounted on a motor bracket (163) disposed in an inner space formed by housings (e.g., the main housing (101), the first cover housing (102), and the second cover housing (103)). The motor bracket (163) may form a space that stably supports the blower motor (210). For example, the blower motor (210) may be fixed to the inner side of the motor bracket (163).

[0112] According to one embodiment, when the blower motor (210) is mounted in the inner space of the motor bracket (163), a buffer member (165) may be placed between the motor bracket (163) and the blower motor (210). For example, the buffer member (165) may attenuate the vibration level generated by the blower motor (210) when the blower motor (210) is driven, thereby reducing the noise level resulting from the driving of the blower device (100). For example, the buffer member (165) may protect the blower motor (210) from damage caused by an impact applied to the blower device (100).

[0113] According to one embodiment, the buffer member (165) may be formed of a material having a predetermined elasticity or buffering property to attenuate vibration caused by the operation of the blower motor (210) and protect the blower motor (210) from external impact. For example, the buffer member (165) may include sponge, urethane, silicone rubber, ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) rubber, or plastic elastomer (e.g., thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)).

[0114] According to one embodiment, the blower control unit (220) may be configured to receive a control command for the blower device (100) from the cleaner body (10) and control the operation of the blower motor (210) based on the control command. The blower control unit (220) may be implemented as a control circuit. For example, the blower control unit (220) may be configured by mounting various electrical elements on a printed circuit board (PCB). The blower control unit (220) may be configured to transmit and receive signals with a first processor (e.g., the first processor (611) of FIG. 6) disposed inside the cleaner body (10).

[0115] According to one embodiment, the blower control unit (220) may include a second processor (e.g., the second processor (221) of FIG. 6) configured to control the operation and / or function of the blower device (100), a communication circuit, and a memory. The second processor (221), the communication circuit, and the memory included in the blower control unit (220) may be implemented as a single integrated circuit or may be implemented separately.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the blower control unit (220) may be electrically connected to a first processor (e.g., the first processor (611) of FIG. 6) disposed inside the cleaner body (10). For example, when the blower device (100) is coupled with the cleaner body (10) and / or the extension pipe (30), the blower control unit (220) may be electrically connected to the first processor (611) by a signal line (111) included in the connector (110).

[0117] According to one embodiment, the blower control unit (220) may be physically and / or electrically connected to the blower motor (210). For example, the blower control unit (220) may be connected to the blower motor (210) by a power line formed to transmit and receive power and a signal line formed to transmit and receive signals. The blower control unit (220) may be configured to transmit a signal to the blower motor (210) for controlling the blower motor (210) by a control command generated from the first processor (611).

[0118] According to one embodiment, the blower control unit (220) may be disposed within a space formed by the housings (e.g., the main housing (101), the first cover housing (102), and the second cover housing (103)). For example, the blower control unit (220) may be disposed adjacent to the blower motor (210). For example, the blower control unit (220) may be disposed on the rear surface of the blower motor (210) and electrically connected to the blower motor (210). However, the blower control unit (220) is not limited to what is illustrated, and the blower control unit (220) may also be disposed in an inner space (S) formed by a blocking wall (130) to be described later.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the blocking wall (130) may be formed to restrict external air sucked into the suction port (140) from flowing into the interior of the cleaner body (10). For example, the blocking wall (130) may be located on the inside of a housing (e.g., the main housing (101), the first cover housing (102), and the second cover housing (103)) adjacent to the connector (110).

[0120] For example, the blower control unit (220) may be placed inside the space (S) formed by the blocking wall (130). Since the blower control unit (220) is placed inside the space (S), the blower control unit (220) can be protected from external impact.

[0121] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a blower device (100) (e.g., the blower device (100) of FIGS. 2a and 2b) coupled with a discharge nozzle (150-1) (e.g., the discharge nozzle (150) of FIGS. 3 and 4) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0122] FIG. 5 may be understood as a perspective view illustrating a blower device (100) in which a housing (e.g., the main housing (101), the first cover housing (102), and the second cover housing (103) of FIG. 3) and a discharge nozzle (150-1) formed to be detachably and / or attachably are coupled. The discharge nozzle (150-1) to be described in FIG. 5 may be understood as an embodiment of the discharge nozzle (150) of FIGS. 3 and 4. Therefore, repeated descriptions of overlapping components may be omitted, and the description may primarily focus on differences.

[0123] The embodiment of FIG. 5 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0124] Referring to FIG. 5, the discharge nozzle (150-1) can be detachably arranged with respect to the housing of the blower device (100) (e.g., the main housing (101), the first cover housing (102), and the second cover housing (103)). For example, the discharge nozzle (150-1) can be detachably arranged with respect to the outlet of the main housing (101).

[0125] According to one embodiment, the discharge nozzle (150-1) may include a housing (301), a housing cover (303), a coupling button (320), and a discharge tube (330).

[0126] According to one embodiment, the housing (301) may be formed to be coupled with the main housing (101). For example, a connector (310) may be formed on one side of the housing (301) coupled with the main housing (101).

[0127] In one embodiment, a housing cover (303) may be positioned on a side of the housing (301). A coupling button (320) may be positioned on one side of the housing cover (303). For example, the coupling button (320) may be formed to protrude from one side of the housing cover (303). A user may press the coupling button (320) to remove the discharge nozzle (150-1).

[0128] According to one embodiment, the coupling button (320) may include a protruding portion (321) formed to protrude from the housing cover (303), and a pressing portion (323) formed to be pressurized by a user by being connected to the protruding portion (321). For example, when the pressing portion (323) is pressed by a user, the connector (310) may be configured to be retracted a predetermined distance into the housing (301).

[0129] According to one embodiment, the discharge tube (330) can be coupled to the outlet of the housing (301). The discharge tube (330) can be formed in various lengths and cross-sectional areas depending on its intended use.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the blower device (100) can provide user convenience by including a discharge nozzle (150-1) that is formed to be easily detachable from the main housing (101).

[0131] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a vacuum cleaner (e.g., vacuum cleaner (1) of FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0132] Fig. 6 may be understood as a block diagram illustrating a vacuum cleaner from a functional perspective, and in some embodiments, some components may be omitted. For example, Fig. 6 may be understood as a block diagram in which a suction head (e.g., a suction head (40) of Fig. 1) is removed from a cleaner body (e.g., a cleaner body (10) of Fig. 1) and / or an extension tube (30), and a blower device (e.g., a blower device (100) of Figs. 2a and 2b) is coupled.

[0133] The embodiment of FIG. 6 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 6, the vacuum cleaner (1) may include a control unit (610), an input button (621), a display (623), a communication unit (630) (e.g., a communication device), a current sensor (640), a suction motor (650), a battery (50), and a blower device (100).

[0135] According to one embodiment, the control unit (610) may be configured to control the overall operations and functions performed by the vacuum cleaner (1). The control unit (610) may include a first processor (611), a memory (613), and a first communication circuit (615).

[0136] According to one embodiment, the first processor (611) may be operatively connected to a configuration of a vacuum cleaner (1) including a memory (613). For example, the first processor (61) may be configured to control the overall operation of the vacuum cleaner (1) by executing at least one instruction stored in the memory (613).

[0137] For example, the first processor (611) can control the operation and function of components (e.g., input button (621), display (623), suction motor (650), and battery (50)) included inside the vacuum cleaner body (e.g., vacuum cleaner body (10) of FIG. 1).

[0138] According to one embodiment, the first processor (611) may be implemented in various ways. For example, the first processor (611) may be implemented as at least one of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an embedded processor, a microprocessor, hardware control logic, a hardware finite state machine (FSM), and a digital signal processor (DSP). For example, the processor (1100) may be implemented as a system on chip (SoC) having a built-in processing algorithm, may be implemented as a large scale integration (LSI), or may be implemented in the form of a field programmable gate array (FPGA). For example, the first processor (611) may be configured to perform various functions by executing computer executable instructions stored in the memory (613).

[0139] According to one embodiment, the memory (613) may store at least one instruction regarding the vacuum cleaner (1). The memory (613) may store various software programs or applications for operating the vacuum cleaner (1) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, the memory (613) may include a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory or a magnetic storage medium such as a hard disk.

[0140] According to one embodiment, the memory (613) may be implemented in the form of memory embedded in the vacuum cleaner (1) depending on the data storage purpose. For example, the memory (613) may be implemented in the form of memory that can be detachably attached to the vacuum cleaner (1). For example, data for operating the vacuum cleaner (1) may be stored in the memory embedded in the vacuum cleaner (1).

[0141] For example, in the case of the memory embedded in the vacuum cleaner (1), it may be implemented as at least one of volatile memory (non-volatile memory) (e.g., dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), or synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM)), non-volatile memory (e.g., one time programmable read-only memory (ROM) (OTPROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable and programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable and programmable ROM (EEPROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory (e.g., NAND flash or NOR flash), hard drive, or solid state drive (SSD).

[0142] According to one embodiment, the first communication circuit (615) may be a communication circuit for implementing two-way communication in a predetermined communication manner with the second communication circuit (625) included in the blower device (100). The first communication circuit (615) may be implemented as an integral part of the control unit (610) and included in the control unit (610), or may be implemented as a separate configuration from the control unit (610).

[0143] According to one embodiment, the first communication circuit (615) includes a switch element, is electrically connected to the first processor (611), and the switch element is controlled by the first processor (611) to transmit predetermined data to the blower device (100).

[0144] According to one embodiment, the first communication circuit (615) can receive data from the blower device (100) by an electrical signal generated from the second processor (221).

[0145] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (630) may be configured to support communication between components included in the vacuum cleaner (1), or to support communication between the vacuum cleaner (1) and an external device. For example, the communication unit (630) may receive and / or transmit wired / wireless signals between an external wired / wireless communication system, an external server, and / or other devices according to a predetermined wired / wireless communication protocol. For example, the communication unit (630) may be implemented as communication circuitry.

[0146] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (630) may include a wired communication module supporting wired communication and a wireless communication module supporting wireless communication. The wired communication module and the wireless communication module may be implemented in the form of separate communication circuitry, or may be implemented as a communication circuitry that is integrated into one body.

[0147] According to one embodiment, the first communication circuit (615) described above may be included in the communication unit (630). However, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the communication unit (630) may be configured to implement communication with another device (e.g., a user terminal or an Internet of Things (IoT) server), and the first communication circuit (615) may be configured to implement communication with the blower device (100).

[0148] According to one embodiment, the first processor (611), the memory (613), and the communication circuit constituting the communication unit (630) included in the control unit (610) may be implemented as a single integrated circuit. For example, the first processor (611), the memory (613), and the communication unit (630) may be arranged to be mounted on the same printed circuit board (PCB). For example, the printed circuit board may be arranged inside the cleaner body (10). For example, the printed circuit board may be arranged near an input / output interface (e.g., the input / output interface (16) of FIG. 1).

[0149] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (630) can support communication with external devices and servers based on wired or wireless communication methods.

[0150] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (630) may include a Wi-Fi module, a Bluetooth module, an IR (infrared) module, a LAN (local area network) module, an Ethernet module, etc. In addition to the above-described communication method, the wireless communication module may include at least one communication chip that performs communication according to various wireless communication standards such as Zigbee, USB (universal serial bus), MIPI CSI (mobile industry processor interface camera serial interface), 3G (3rd Generation), 3GPP (3rd generation partnership project), LTE (long term evolution), LTE-A (LTE advanced), 4G (4th generation), 5G (5th generation), etc.

[0151] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (630) may support pulse width modulation (PWM), a universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (UART), or an inter-integrated circuit (I2C). For example, the wired communication module and the wireless communication module of the communication unit (630) may be implemented in the form of at least one hardware chip. However, the methods that the communication unit (630) can support are only non-limiting examples, and the communication unit (630) may use at least one communication module among various communication modules.

[0152] According to one embodiment, a communication module supporting communication with an external device and a communication module supporting communication with a server may be implemented as different modules. For example, the first processor (611) may obtain information on the resistance value or unique information of a specific component (or module) from at least one of the vacuum cleaner (1), various electrical components included in the vacuum cleaner (1), an external device, and an external server through the communication unit (630).

[0153] According to one embodiment, the first processor (611) may be configured to identify the type of the coupling nozzle from a resistance value of a resistor included in the coupling nozzle (e.g., an identification resistor (2500) of FIG. 7) when the suction head of the vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., the suction head (40) of FIG. 1) is removed and any one of various types of coupling nozzles is coupled. For example, the blower device (100) may include an identification resistor having a specific resistance value that can identify the vacuum cleaner (1). The first processor (611) may identify that any coupling nozzle is coupled to the cleaner body (10) and / or the extension tube (30) based on the identification resistance.

[0154] According to one embodiment, the first communication circuit (615) may support communication between the cleaner body (10) and the blower device (100) when the blower device (100) is coupled to the cleaner body (10) and / or the extension tube (30). For example, when the blower device (10) is coupled to the cleaner body (10), the first processor (611) may perform two-way communication with a second processor included in the blower device (100) (e.g., the second processor (221) of FIG. 6) to identify that the coupled device is the blower device (100).

[0155] According to one embodiment, the current sensor (640) may be configured to detect the value of the current applied to the driving component. For example, the current sensor (640) may detect the value of the current applied to the suction motor (650) or the blower motor (210) and transmit an electric signal corresponding to the current value to the first processor (611). Based on the electric signal, the first processor (611) may sense the current speed of the driving suction motor (650) or the driving blower motor (210).

[0156] According to one embodiment, the input / output interface (16) (e.g., user panel) may include an input button (621) and a display (623).

[0157] According to one embodiment, the input button (621) may be configured to receive user input for controlling the operation and function of the vacuum cleaner (1). For example, the input button (621) may receive input by physical pressure from the user or input by touch.

[0158] According to one embodiment, the input button (621) may include a power button (e.g., power button (621a) of FIG. 9) that receives a user input for turning on or off the vacuum cleaner (1) and / or the blower device (100), and a function button (e.g., first function button (621b) and second function button (621c) of FIG. 9) that receives a user input for activating a function of the vacuum cleaner (1) and / or the blower device (100).

[0159] According to one embodiment, the first processor (611) can generate a control command based on a user input obtained by an input button (621).

[0160] According to one embodiment, the display (623) may be configured to display information about the operating status of the vacuum cleaner (1) and / or notifications instructing management of the vacuum cleaner (1). For example, the display (623) may display information about the remaining battery capacity of the vacuum cleaner (1) and whether charging is required based on the remaining battery capacity.

[0161] According to one embodiment, the display (623) may display a notification indicating whether the blower device (100) is coupled to the cleaner body (10) and an operating status of the blower device (100) and / or management of the blower device (100). For example, the display (623) may display information on the current operating status of the blower device (100). For example, the display (623) may display a notification indicating management of a filter (e.g., an intake filter (141) of FIG. 4) of the blower device (100).

[0162] According to one embodiment, the display (623) may include a display panel, a display module, and a display driver. For example, the display (623) may drive a light-emitting element (e.g., a light-emitting diode (LED) pixel) included in the display module under the control of the first processor (611). For example, the first processor (611) may apply a predetermined driving voltage or driving current to the display driver to control the display module.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the input button (621) and the display (623) may be implemented as one piece. For example, the input button (621) and the display (623) may be implemented as a touch screen panel and formed as one piece.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the first processor (611) can control the operation of the suction motor (650). For example, the first processor (611) can apply a driving current or a driving voltage to drive the suction motor (650). For example, the first processor (611) can stop the operation of the suction motor (650) when the blower device (100) is coupled.

[0165] In one embodiment, the battery (50) may be configured to supply power required to operate electrical components included in the vacuum cleaner (1). For example, the battery (50) may be configured to supply power to operate the display (623), the communication unit (630), the suction motor (650), and the blower motor (210).

[0166] According to one embodiment, the first processor (611) can selectively control the operation of electrical components. To this end, the first processor (611) may include a switching element (617). For example, the switching element (617) may be configured to branch the power supplied by the battery (50). For example, the switching element (617) may be placed between a power line connecting the battery (50) and the suction motor (650).

[0167] According to one embodiment, when the blower motor (210) is coupled to the vacuum cleaner body (10), the first processor (611) controls the switching element (617) to stop power supplied from the battery (50) to the suction motor (650) and supply power to the blower motor (210) through the second processor (221).

[0168] According to one embodiment, the blower device (100) may include a blower motor (e.g., blower motor (210) of FIG. 4), a second processor (221), and a second communication circuit (625).

[0169] According to one embodiment, the second processor (221) may be configured to communicate with the first processor (611) using a predetermined communication method. For example, the second processor (221) may be configured to transmit and receive data with the first processor (611) based on an I2C, UART, and general-purpose input / output (GPIO) method. The second processor (221) may transmit data to the first processor (611) to identify that the device coupled to the cleaner body (10) and / or the extension tube (30) is a blower device (100).

[0170] According to one embodiment, when the second processor (221) and the first processor (611) perform two-way communication, the communication may be performed using the second communication circuit (625) and the first communication circuit (615), respectively. For example, the second communication circuit (625) may include a second switch element (e.g., the second switch element (2435) of FIG. 7). The second processor (221) may control the second switch element to generate data transmitted from the blower device (100) to the cleaner body (10). For example, the second communication circuit (625) may include an input circuit (e.g., the input circuit (2420) of FIG. 7) configured to receive data received from the cleaner body (10).

[0171] According to one embodiment, the second processor (221) may be configured to control the overall operation and function of the blower device (100). For example, the second processor (221) may generate a control signal for driving the blower motor (210). For example, the second processor (221) may control the flow rate and wind speed discharged by the blower device (100) by driving the blower motor (210) at a preset driving speed. For example, the second processor (221) may control the driving speed of the blower motor (210) by adjusting the duty ratio of the power input to the blower motor (210).

[0172] According to one embodiment, the second processor (221) may receive a drive command for the blower motor (210) from the first processor (611). For example, the drive command may be generated by a user input inputted through an input button (621).

[0173] According to one embodiment, the second processor (221) may receive data on a driving current or driving voltage for driving the blower motor (210) from the first processor (611). For example, the second processor (221) may transmit data on the current driving speed of the blower motor (210) to the first processor (611).

[0174] According to one embodiment, the second processor (221) may obtain data on whether a filter (e.g., an intake filter (141) of FIG. 4) is clogged from a filter sensor and transmit the data on whether the filter is clogged to the first processor (611). For example, the second processor (221) may identify a state in which the blower motor (210) is not operating normally and transmit data on the identified information to the first processor (611).

[0175] According to some embodiments, the blower device (100) may further include a memory. The second processor (221), the second communication circuit (625), and the memory may be configured as a single integrated circuit. For example, the second processor (221), the second communication circuit (625), and the memory may be implemented as a blower control unit (e.g., the blower control unit (220) of FIG. 4).

[0176] In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner (1) may further include a filter sensor. For example, the filter sensor may be configured to detect clogging of an intake filter (e.g., an intake filter (141) of FIG. 4) and an outlet filter. For example, the filter sensor may be configured to detect the presence of a threshold level or more of foreign matter collected in the intake filter (141) and the outlet filter. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the intake filter (141) and the outlet filter will be referred to as "filters."

[0177] For example, the filter sensor may include a position sensor, an infrared sensor, a pressure sensor, or a flow sensor. For example, when the filter sensor is implemented as a position sensor, it can sense physical deformation of the filter due to accumulation of foreign substances in the filter. For example, when the filter sensor is implemented as an infrared sensor, the filter sensor can irradiate infrared rays toward the filter from one side and sense the amount of foreign substances accumulated in the filter in response to the amount of infrared rays received from the other side. For example, when the filter sensor is implemented as a pressure sensor or a flow sensor, the filter sensor can sense the pressure of air flowing in the intake port (e.g., the intake port (140) or the outlet port (150a) of FIG. 3), or detect the amount of foreign substances accumulated in the filter based on the flow rate around the filter.

[0178] In one embodiment, the first processor (611) can determine whether the filter is clogged without a filter sensor. For example, the first processor (611) can obtain information on the current driving speed of the blower motor (210) from the second processor (221), compare the target driving speed of the blower motor (210) with the current driving speed, and determine that the intake port (140) or the exhaust port (150a) is clogged when the difference between the target speed and the driving speed of the blower motor (210) exceeds a threshold level.

[0179] According to one embodiment, the first processor (611) may determine whether the filter is clogged based on abnormal operation data of the blower motor (210) received from the blower device (100). For example, the cleaner body (10) may transmit information requesting an operation status to the blower device (100), and the blower device (100) may transmit operation information of the blower device (100) to the cleaner body (10) in response to the information requesting the operation status. The cleaner body (10) may confirm that the blower device (100) is in an abnormal operation status based on the operation information received from the blower device (100).

[0180] According to one embodiment, the first processor (611) may display a notification instructing filter management on the display (623). For example, when foreign substances accumulated in the filter exceed a threshold level, the first processor (611) may display a notification instructing filter management on the display (623). For example, the first processor (611) may predict filter clogging based on the driving speed of the blower motor (210) and display a notification instructing filter management accordingly on the display (623).

[0181] FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram illustrating the functions of a vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., the vacuum cleaner (1) of FIG. 2a) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0182] FIG. 7 illustrates a case where a blower device (2000) (e.g., blower device (100) of FIG. 2A) is connected to a cleaner body (1000) of a vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., cleaner body (10) of FIG. 1) and an extension pipe (3000) (e.g., extension pipe (30) of FIG. 1). However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the cleaner body (1000) and the blower device (2000) may be directly connected, and the extension pipe (3000) may be omitted.

[0183] The embodiment of FIG. 7 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 2a, 2b, 3 to 6.

[0184] Referring to FIG. 7, the cleaner body (1000) and the blower device (2000) (e.g., brush device) may be physically connected via an extension pipe (3000). For example, the extension pipe (3000) may include a positive power line (L1), a negative power line (L2), and a signal line (L3). Therefore, even if the cleaner body (1000) and the blower device (2000) are connected via the extension pipe (3000), the cleaner body (1000) and the blower device (2000) can stably perform signal line communication.

[0185] According to one embodiment, the cleaner body (1000) can communicate with the blower device (2000). For example, the cleaner body (1000) can communicate with the blower device (2000) via a signal line (L3).

[0186] According to one embodiment, the cleaner body (1000) can transmit a signal to the blower device (2000) and receive a signal from the blower device (2000) via the signal line (L3). Hereinafter, in the present disclosure, a signal generated from the cleaner body (1000) and transmitted to the blower device (2000) may be referred to as a “first signal,” and a signal generated from the blower device (2000) and transmitted to the cleaner body (1000) may be referred to as a “second signal.”

[0187] According to one embodiment, the cleaner body (1000) may include a driving circuit (1130). For example, the driving circuit (1130) may drive a suction motor (e.g., a suction motor (650) of FIG. 6) disposed inside the cleaner body (1000).

[0188] According to one embodiment, the drive circuit (1130) may include a first processor (1131), an input circuit (1135), an output circuit (1136), and a power circuit (1138).

[0189] According to one embodiment, the input circuit (1135) can identify the type of external device coupled based on an identification resistor (2500) included in the blower device (2000) or receive a second signal transmitted from the blower device (2000).

[0190] According to one embodiment, the input circuit (1135) may include a first voltage divider (1137). For example, the first voltage divider (1137) may be configured to distribute a voltage input to an input port of the first processor (1131) via a signal line (L3).

[0191] According to one embodiment, the output circuit (1136) may be formed to transmit a first signal from the cleaner body (1000) to the blower device (2000). For example, the output circuit (1136) may include a first switch element (1132). The first switch element (1132) may be implemented as, for example, a field effect transistor (FET) or a bipolar junction transistor (BJT). The output circuit (1136) may make the voltage of the signal line (L3) 0 (GND, Low signal) based on the switching operation of the first switch element (1132).

[0192] According to one embodiment, the first processor (1131) can control the operation of the first switch element (1132) connected to the signal line (L3) to transmit a first signal to the blower device (2000) through the signal line (L3) and receive a second signal transmitted from the blower device (2000) through the signal line (L3).

[0193] According to one embodiment, the first processor (1131) can control the blower device (2000) by transmitting a first signal through the output circuit (1136). For example, the first processor (1131) can transmit a first signal including a target driving speed (e.g., target rpm) of a blower motor (e.g., blower motor (210) of FIG. 4) included in the blower device (2000) and identification request information for identifying a device coupled to the cleaner body (1000) to the blower device (2000).

[0194] According to one embodiment, the power circuit (1138) may be connected to a battery (1600) (e.g., battery (50) of FIG. 1) and may be a circuit for supplying power to the suction motor (650). The power circuit (1138) may be implemented as a step-down converter, for example, a DC / DC converter.

[0195] According to one embodiment, the blower device (2000) may include a driving circuit (2400) for signal line communication, and the driving circuit (2400) of the blower device (2000) may include a second processor (2410), an input circuit (2420), an output circuit (2430), a power circuit (2440), and an identification resistor (2500).

[0196] According to one embodiment, the input circuit (2420) may be configured to receive a first signal transmitted from the cleaner body (1000). For example, the input circuit (2420) may include a switching element, and the switching element may be implemented as a PNP transistor or a P-channel FET. For example, the input circuit (2420) may also include a second voltage divider. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0197] According to one embodiment, the output circuit (2430) may be configured to transmit a second signal from the blower device (2000) to the cleaner body (1000). The output circuit (2430) may include a second switch element (235). For example, the second switch element (2435) may be implemented as a field-effect transistor (FET) or a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the second switch element (2435) may make the voltage of the signal line (L3) 0 (GND, Low) through a switching operation.

[0198] According to one embodiment, the second processor (2410) may control the operation of the second switch element (2435) connected to the signal line (L3) to generate a second signal through the signal line (L3) to the cleaner body (1000) and transmit the second signal to the cleaner body (1000). For example, the second processor (2410) may receive a first signal transmitted from the cleaner body (1000) through the signal line (L3). For example, the second processor (2410) may adjust the blower motor (210) to the target driving speed in response to the first signal. For example, the second processor (2410) may generate identification information capable of identifying the blower device in response to identification request information included in the first signal.

[0199] According to one embodiment, the second processor (2410) may generate status information of the operating blower device (2000). For example, the second processor (2410) may generate information about the current operating speed of the operating blower device (2000) or an abnormal operating state of the blower device (2000).

[0200] FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram for explaining signal line communication performed in a vacuum cleaner (e.g., vacuum cleaner (1) of FIG. 2a or FIG. 2b) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0201] For convenience of explanation, in FIG. 8, it is assumed that “A” is 330 KΩ, “B” is 330 KΩ, and “C” is 68 KΩ, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0202] The embodiment of FIG. 8 can be optionally combined with the embodiment of FIG. 7.

[0203] Referring to FIG. 8, the cleaner body (1000) and the blower device (2000) can perform two-way communication via a signal line (L3). For example, the cleaner body (1000) and the blower device (2000) can perform two-way communication using a GPIO communication method. By using the GPIO communication method that performs communication using a relatively high voltage, the cleaner body (1000) and the blower device (2000) can perform robust communication with each other even in the presence of noise from the external environment.

[0204] According to one embodiment, the first processor (1131) can identify the type of blower device (2000) based on the voltage input to the input port (AD port). For example, the AD port input voltage of the first processor (1131) can be calculated by the following calculation formula:

[0205] AD port input voltage = battery supply voltage * {(C) / (A+B+C)}

[0206] According to one embodiment, the AD port input voltage of the first processor (1131) can be calculated as 25.2 [V] * (68 / 330 + 330 + 68) = 2.353 [V] by the above calculation formula. The first processor (1131) can identify a device connected to the cleaner body (1000) in response to the AD port input voltage being 2.353. For example, each device connected to the cleaner body (1000) can have an identification resistor having a different resistance value. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the first processor (1131) can identify a connected external device by transmitting and receiving identification request information through a communication method via a signal line (L3) with the second processor (2410). In this regard, it will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 17.

[0207] In one embodiment, the first processor (1131) may receive a signal through an input port and transmit a signal through an output port. For example, the first processor (1131) may receive a second signal generated from the blower device (2000) through the input port. For example, the first processor (1131) may generate a first signal that is transmitted to the blower device (2000) through the output port.

[0208] According to one embodiment, the first processor (1131) may output a High signal or a Low signal to the signal line (L3) based on the voltage level of the signal output to the output port. For example, when the first processor (1131) outputs a Low signal through the output port, the first switch element (1132) may be turned off. In response to the first switch element (1132) being turned off, the voltage level applied to the signal line (L3) may be calculated using the following calculation formula:

[0209] When the first processor (1131) outputs a low signal, the voltage level applied to the signal line (L3) = battery supply voltage * {(B+C) / (A+B+C)}

[0210] According to one embodiment, when the first processor (1131) outputs a Low signal, the voltage applied to the signal line (L3) can be calculated as 25.2 [V] * (330 + 68 / 330 + 330 + 68) = 13.777 [V] by the above calculation formula. Since the voltage applied to the signal line (L3) becomes High at 13.777 [V] and the voltage of the signal line (L3) is greater than 5 [V], the PNP transistor (2425) is turned off, and a Low (0 [V]) signal can be input to the input port of the second processor (2410).

[0211] According to one embodiment, when the first processor (1131) outputs a High signal through the output port, the first switch element (1132) may be turned on. In response to the first switch element (1132) being turned on, a voltage of 0 [V] (GND) may be applied to the signal line (L3) and may be in a Low state. When the voltage applied to the signal line (L3) becomes a Low state, the PNP transistor (2425) may be turned on, and a High signal (approximately 4.8 [V]) may be input to the input port of the second processor (2410).

[0212] According to one embodiment, when the first processor (1131) outputs a Low signal through an output port, a Low signal may be input to an input port of the second processor (2410), and when the first processor (1131) outputs a High signal through an output port, a High signal may also be input to an input port of the second processor (2410).

[0213] According to one embodiment, the second processor (2410) included in the blower device (2000) may receive a signal through an input port and transmit a signal through an output port. For example, the second processor (2410) may receive a first signal generated from the cleaner body (1000) through the input port. For example, the second processor (2410) may generate a second signal transmitted to the cleaner body (1000) through the output port.

[0214] According to one embodiment, when the second processor (2410) outputs a High signal through the output port, the second switch element (2435) may be turned on. In response to the second switch element (2435) being turned on, a voltage of 0 [V] (GND) may be applied to the signal line (L3) and may be in a Low state. When the voltage of the signal line (L3) is 0 [V], a Low signal (0 [V]) may be input to the input port of the first processor (1131).

[0215] According to one embodiment, when the second processor (2410) outputs a Low signal through the output port, the second switch element (2435) may be turned off. In response to the second switch element (2435) being turned off, a voltage according to the following calculation formula may be applied to the signal line (L3):

[0216] When the second processor (2410) outputs a low signal through the output port, the voltage applied to the signal line (L3) = battery supply voltage * {(B+C) / (A+B+C)}

[0217] According to one embodiment, when the second processor (2410) outputs a Low signal by the above calculation formula, the voltage applied to the signal line may become a High state as 25.2 [V] * (330 + 68 / 330 + 330 + 68) = 13.777 [V]. When the voltage of the signal line is about 13.777 [V], about 2.353 [V] may be input to the input port of the first processor (1131). At this time, since the driving circuit (1130) of the cleaner body (1000) includes the first voltage divider (1137), the high voltage (e.g., 13.777 [V]) of the signal line (L3) is distributed, so that 2.353 [V] may be input to the input port of the first processor (1131).

[0218] According to one embodiment, when the second processor (2410) outputs a High signal through the output port, a Low signal (0 [V]) may be input to the input port of the first processor (1131), and when the second processor (2410) outputs a Low signal through the output port, 2.353 [V] may be input to the input port of the first processor (1131).

[0219] According to one embodiment, the first processor (1131) and the second processor (2410) can perform communication via the signal line (L3) in the above manner. For example, the first processor (1131) and the second processor (2410) can perform a communication protocol by combining a high signal (H) and a low signal (L).

[0220] According to one embodiment, when the first processor (1131) receives a signal from the second processor (2410), the driving circuit (1130) for signal line communication of the cleaner body (1000) includes a first voltage divider (1137), thereby enabling stable signal transmission against noise caused by the signal line (L3). This will be described in connection with FIG. 9.

[0221] FIG. 9a is a circuit diagram for explaining a driving circuit (1130) (e.g., the driving circuit (1130) of FIG. 7) included in a cleaner body (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 9b is a diagram (900) showing voltages flowing to each line of the driving circuit (1130) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0222] The electrical components constituting the driving circuit (1130) of FIGS. 9A and 9B may correspond to the driving circuit (1130) of FIG. 8. Therefore, redundant descriptions may be omitted, and the description may primarily focus on the differences.

[0223] The embodiments of FIGS. 9a and 9b can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0224] Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the driving circuit (1130) of the vacuum cleaner body (1000) may include a first voltage divider (1137). Accordingly, when a noise voltage is applied to the signal line (30), the noise voltage may also be distributed and input to the input port (AD port) of the first processor (1131). Hereinafter, a case in which noise of ±1.5 V occurs will be assumed as an example.

[0225] Referring to the diagram (900) of FIG. 9, in a typical circuit, the AD port voltage in a situation where noise does not occur (normal) is 3.3 V, and in a situation where noise of ±1.5 V occurs, the AD port voltage can be 1.8 V to 4.8 V. That is, when noise occurs in a typical circuit, the AD port voltage can exceed the maximum voltage of the AD port of the microcomputer (e.g., 3.3 V), so that the first processor (1131) can be easily damaged. In addition, in a typical circuit, a High signal can be misrecognized as a Low signal (or a Low signal can be misrecognized as a High signal) due to noise (±1.5 V).

[0226] According to one embodiment, in the driving circuit (1130) of the present disclosure, the input port voltage of the first processor (1131) in a situation where noise does not occur (normal) may be 2.35 V, and even when noise of ±1.5 V occurs, the input port voltage of the first processor (1131) may be 2.10 V to 2.61 V. That is, according to the driving circuit (1130) including the first voltage divider (1137), even when noise occurs, the input port voltage of the first processor (1131) does not exceed the maximum voltage of the AD port of the microcomputer (e.g., 3.3 V), so that robust signal transmission is possible. In addition, even if noise of ±1.5 V occurs in the signal line (30), it only affects the input port of the first processor (1131) by about ±0.25 V, so that signal distortion phenomena (e.g., misrecognizing a high signal as a low signal, or misrecognizing a low signal as a high signal) can be reduced.

[0227] FIG. 10 illustrates a circuit configuration of a blower motor (2450) (e.g., blower motor (210) of FIG. 4) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0228] The embodiment of FIG. 10 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 6 to 8.

[0229] Referring to FIG. 10, the blower motor (2450) may be implemented as a brushless DC motor (BLDC). The blower motor (240) may have its rotation speed (e.g., rotation RPM) controlled by a first processor (e.g., the first processor (1131) of FIG. 8).

[0230] According to one embodiment, the blower motor (2450) may include a motor (2451) and an inverter (2453) that regulates power supplied to the motor (2451) by a switching operation.

[0231] According to one embodiment, the inverter (2453) may include a plurality of switching elements. For example, the inverter (2453) may be composed of six FETs, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, if the inverter (2453) is composed of six FETs, each switching element may be referred to as a switching element (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6).

[0232] According to one embodiment, the switching elements included in the inverter (2453) may be connected to three motor phases of the motor (2451). For example, the inverter (2453) may be implemented in the form of a three-phase H-bridge structure.

[0233] According to one embodiment, the blower motor (2450) can be powered in three phases of the motor (2451) by three bidirectional outputs by controlling the switching elements included in the inverter (2453) connected in three phases by the first processor (1131). Through this, the blowing intensity can be adjusted according to the output of the blower motor (2450).

[0234] FIG. 11 is a control flowchart for performing an operation of identifying a coupling of a cleaner body (e.g., a cleaner body (10) of FIG. 1 or a cleaner body (1000) of FIG. 7) included in a vacuum cleaner (e.g., a vacuum cleaner (1) of FIG. 1) with a blower device (e.g., a blower device (100) of FIGS. 2A and 2B or a blower device (2000) of FIG. 7)) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0235] FIG. 12 is a control flowchart for performing two-way communication between a vacuum cleaner body (10) and a blower device (100) included in a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0236] Each operation illustrated in Figures 11 and 12 is an example, and the same operation may be repeated or some operations may be omitted as needed. Furthermore, the order of each operation illustrated may be changed.

[0237] The embodiments of FIGS. 11 and 12 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 10.

[0238] Referring to FIG. 11, when a blower device (100) is coupled to a cleaner body (10) of a vacuum cleaner (1), it will be assumed that the cleaner body (10) performs two-way communication with the blower device (100) to identify that the coupled device is the blower device (100). In FIG. 11, the cleaner body (10) and the blower device (100) may be coupled by an extension pipe (e.g., an extension pipe (30) of FIG. 2a) in the state of FIG. 2a, or may be coupled by omitting the extension pipe (30) in the state of FIG. 2b.

[0239] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (1) can identify, in operation S1110, that an external device is coupled to the cleaner body (10). For example, the external device may include a blower device (100) or various types of suction heads (e.g., suction head (40) of FIG. 1) that can be coupled to the cleaner body (10).

[0240] According to one embodiment, when an external device is coupled, a first processor (e.g., the first processor (611) of FIG. 6 or the first processor (1131) of FIG. 7) included in the cleaner body (10) may receive an electric signal having a particular voltage corresponding to an identification resistor (e.g., the identification resistor (2500) of FIG. 7) included in the external device through an input port of the first processor (1131). Through this, the cleaner body (10) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) may primarily identify that the external device is coupled based on the identification resistor (2500) (e.g., the particular voltage received based on the identification resistor (2500)).

[0241] According to one embodiment, the cleaner body (10) can primarily identify what type of device the connected external device is based on the size (e.g., the size of the voltage) of the identification resistor (2500). For example, the cleaner body (10) can primarily identify whether the external device performs inter-processor signal line communication based on an input signal according to the size (e.g., the size of the preset voltage) of the preset identification resistor (2500), whether the external device directly supplies power from a battery built into the cleaner body (10) (e.g., the battery (50) of FIG. 1), or whether the external device has a separate power supply device.

[0242] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (1) may transmit identification request information to an external device in operation S1120. For example, the first processor (1131) included in the cleaner body (10) may transmit identification request information to the external device via a signal line (e.g., signal line (L3) of FIG. 7). For example, the identification request information may be configured as a code preset by a communication protocol, as information for identifying which device the connected external device is.

[0243] According to one embodiment, in order for the cleaner body (10) to generate identification request information, the first processor (1131) included in the cleaner body (10) may control the first switch element (e.g., the first switch element (1132) of FIG. 7) to generate a code corresponding to the identification request information. In this regard, this will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 15.

[0244] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (1) may receive identification information from an external device in operation S1130. For example, the identification information generated from the external device (e.g., the blower device (100)) may be received via the signal line (L3). For example, the identification information may be information corresponding to identification request information transmitted from the cleaner body (10). For example, the identification information may be configured as a code configured to identify what type of device the external device is via a communication protocol.

[0245] According to one embodiment, in order for the blower device (100) to generate identification information, the second processor (2410) included in the blower device (100) may control a second switch element (e.g., the second switch element (2435) of FIG. 7) to generate a code corresponding to the identification request information. In this regard, this will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15.

[0246] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) can identify that the external device is a blower device based on identification information received from the external device in operation S1140. For example, the first processor (1131) included in the cleaner body (10) can identify that the external device is a blower device (100) through identification request information received from the blower device (100).

[0247] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) can determine whether a suction motor (e.g., the suction motor (650) of FIG. 6) disposed inside the cleaner body (10) is driving in operation S1150. For example, the cleaner body (10) can determine whether the suction motor (650) is driving based on a current input to the suction motor (650) or a power supplied to the suction motor (650).

[0248] According to one embodiment, when the vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) determines that the suction motor (650) is being driven, the vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) may stop driving the suction motor (650) in operation 1160. For example, the vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) may cut off power supplied from a battery (e.g., the battery (50) of FIG. 1 or the battery (1600) of FIG. 7) to the suction motor (650). For example, the vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) may supply power from the battery (50) to a blower motor (e.g., the blower motor (210) of FIG. 4 or the blower motor (2450) of FIG. 7).

[0249] According to some embodiments, the cleaner body (10) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) may, in response to identifying that the coupled external device is a blower device (100), display information about the coupled device on a display (e.g., the display (623) of FIG. 6). The cleaner body (10) may display information on the display (623) indicating that the blower device (100) can be controlled by operating an input button (e.g., the input button (621) of FIG. 6). This will be described below with reference to FIG. 19.

[0250] According to one embodiment, when the vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) identifies that the blower device (100) is coupled to the cleaner body (10), it can drive the blower motor (210) through the power of the cleaner body (10) by stopping the operation of the suction motor (650). Through this, the blower device (100) can omit a separate power supply device, and the weight of the blower device (100) can be reduced.

[0251] Referring to FIG. 12, it will be assumed that the vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) identifies that a blower device (100) is coupled to the cleaner body (10) (operation S1210), and the cleaner body (10) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) controls the operation of the blower device (100) through two-way communication with the blower device (100).

[0252] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) may transmit target driving information to the blower device (100) in operation S1220. For example, the target driving information may be information for determining the strength of the blowing air generated by the blower device (100). The first processor (1311) included in the cleaner body (10) may control the first switch element (1132) to generate a first signal corresponding to the target driving information. For example, the cleaner body (10) may transmit the target driving information to the blower device (100) through the signal line (L3).

[0253] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) may receive current driving information from the blower device (100) in operation S1230. For example, the current driving information may be information indicating the intensity of the blowing air that the blower device (100) is currently driving. The second processor (2410) included in the blower device (100) may control the second switch element (2435) to generate a second signal corresponding to the current driving information. For example, the cleaner body (10) may receive the current driving information from the blower device (100) through the signal line (L3).

[0254] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) may determine, in operation S1240, whether the target driving information matches the current driving information. For example, if the target driving information transmitted by the cleaner body (10) and the received current driving information do not match, the cleaner body (10) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) may retransmit the target driving information to the blower device (100).

[0255] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) may determine, in operation S1250, whether abnormal operation information has been received from the blower device (100). For example, the abnormal operation information may include information indicating that the operation of the blower device (100) is not smooth. For example, the abnormal operation information may be information indicating that the operating speed of the blower motor (2450) according to the target operation information and the operating speed of the blower motor (2450) according to the current operation information differ by a threshold level or more. For example, if it is determined that the vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) has received abnormal operation information from the blower device (100), the cleaner body (10) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) may retransmit the target operation information to the blower device (100).

[0256] In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) may, in response to receiving abnormal operation information, display on the display (623) that there is an abnormality in the current operation of the blower device (100). For example, the vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) may display on the display (623) a notification instructing cleaning of the filter of the blower device (100), or may display on the display (623) a notification instructing reconnection of the blower device (100).

[0257] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining an operation of transmitting a first signal from a cleaner body (e.g., a cleaner body (10) of FIG. 1 or a cleaner body (1000) of FIG. 7) to a blower device (e.g., a blower device (100) of FIGS. 2A and 2B or a blower device (2000) of FIG. 7) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0258] In Fig. 13, it is assumed that the vacuum cleaner body (1000) transmits an 8-bit signal (e.g., 00111001) indicating the fourth operation information (e.g., identification request information) to be described later to the blower device (2000), and that the transmission time per bit is 10 ms. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0259] The embodiment of FIG. 13 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 7, 8, 9, 11, and 12.

[0260] Referring to FIG. 13, according to the communication protocol of the present disclosure, 0 and 1 can be distinguished based on the state of a signal line (e.g., signal line (L3) of FIG. 7). For example, 0 can be transmitted when the signal line (L3) is in a low state (L), and 1 can be transmitted when the signal line (L3) is in a high state (H). For example, the first processor (1131) can transmit a first code (e.g., code 0) by turning on the first switch element (1132) so that a first level of voltage lower than a threshold value is applied to the signal line (L3), and can transmit a second code (e.g., code 1) by turning off the first switch element (1132) so that a second level of voltage higher than the threshold value is applied to the signal line (L3).

[0261] According to one embodiment, the first processor (1131) may make the state of the signal line (L3) LLHHHLLH in order to transmit 00111001 indicating the fourth operation information to the second processor (2410). For example, the first processor (1131) may output a High signal (5 V or 3.3 V) through the output port for the first 10 ms and the second 10 ms to turn on the first switch element (1132) and make the state of the signal line (L3) Low (0 V), and then output a Low signal (0 V) through the output port for the next 10 ms to turn off the first switch element (1132) and make the state of the signal line (L3) High (14 V), thereby generating a signal of "001" for 30 ms. In this way, the first processor (1131) can transmit 00111001 to the second processor (2410) for 80 ms. While the first processor (1131) transmits the signal, the output port of the second processor (2410) can remain in a Low (0 V) state.

[0262] According to one embodiment, when the second processor (2410) receives a first signal (00111001) indicating the fourth operation information from the cleaner body (1000), the second processor (2410) may check (e.g., by the second processor (2410)) code information corresponding to the fourth operation information in a mapping table (e.g., the mapping table (1500) of FIG. 15) stored in the memory of the blower device (2000). In response to checking the code information, the second processor (2410) may transmit identification information (e.g., the fourth operation information) for identifying an external device to the cleaner body (1000). An operation of the second processor (2410) transmitting a second signal corresponding to the identification information to the first processor (1131) will be described with reference to FIG. 14.

[0263] FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining an operation of transmitting a second signal from a blower device (e.g., the blower device (100) of FIGS. 2A and 2B or the blower device (2000) of FIG. 7) to a cleaner body (e.g., the cleaner body (10) of FIG. 1 or the cleaner body (1000) of FIG. 7) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0264] In Fig. 14, it is assumed that the blower device (2000) transmits an 8-bit signal (e.g., 00111001) representing the fourth information (e.g., identification information) to be described later to the vacuum cleaner body (1000), and that the transmission time per bit is 10 ms. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0265] The embodiment of FIG. 14 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 7, 8, 9a, 9b, 11, 12, and 13.

[0266] Referring to FIG. 14, according to the communication protocol of the present disclosure, 0 and 1 can be distinguished based on the state of the signal line (L3). For example, 0 can be transmitted when the signal line (L3) is in a low state (L), and 1 can be transmitted when the signal line (L3) is in a high state (H). Accordingly, the second processor (2410) can transmit a first code (e.g., code 0) by turning on the second switch element (2435) so that a first level voltage lower than a threshold value is applied to the signal line (L3), and can transmit a second code (e.g., code 1) by turning off the second switch element (2435) so that a second level voltage higher than the threshold value is applied to the signal line (L3).

[0267] According to one embodiment, the second processor (2410) may make the state of the signal line (L3) LLHHHLLH in order to transmit fourth operation information (e.g., 00111001) indicating that the coupled device is a blower device (100) to the first processor (1131). For example, the second processor (2410) may generate a signal of "001" for 30 ms by outputting a High signal through the output port for the first 10 ms and the next 10 ms to turn on the second switch element (2435) and make the state of the signal line (L3) Low (0 V), and then outputting a Low signal (0 V) through the output port for the next 10 ms to turn off the second switch element (2435) and make the state of the signal line (30) High (14 V). In this way, the second processor (2410) can transmit 00111001 to the first processor (1131) for 80 ms. While the second processor (2410) transmits the signal, the output port of the first processor (1131) can remain in a Low (0 V) state.

[0268] According to one embodiment, when the first processor (1131) receives the second signal (00111001) indicating the fourth operation information from the blower device (2000), the first processor (1131) can check (e.g., by the first processor (1131)) code information corresponding to the fourth operation information in a mapping table (e.g., the mapping table (1500) of FIG. 15) stored in the memory (e.g., the memory (613) of FIG. 6) of the cleaner body (10). In response to checking the code information, the first processor (1131) can identify that the coupled external device is the blower device (2000).

[0269] FIG. 15 is a drawing for explaining a data format included in a signal transmitted between a cleaner body (e.g., a cleaner body (10) of FIG. 1 or a cleaner body (1000) of FIG. 7) and a blower device (e.g., a blower device (100) of FIGS. 2A and 2B or a blower device (2000) of FIG. 7) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0270] The embodiment of FIG. 15 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0271] Referring to FIG. 15, the memory of the vacuum cleaner body (10) (e.g., the memory (613) of FIG. 6) and the memory of the blower device (100) may each store a mapping table (1500) in which operation data (1510) indicating operation information corresponding to the operation contents of the vacuum cleaner body (10) and the blower device (100) and code data (1520) indicating code information corresponding to the operation table are stored. For example, the operation data of the vacuum cleaner (1) corresponding to the operation information may include, but is not limited to, the driving speed of the blower motor (e.g., the blower motor (210) of FIG. 4 or the blower motor (2450) of FIG. 7) for controlling the driving strength of the blower device (100), or data for identifying the blower device, data indicating a driving error of the blower device, and abnormal driving.

[0272] According to one embodiment, the code data (1520) corresponding to the motion data (1510) may be 8-bit data. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the code data (1520) may be 5-bit data.

[0273] According to one embodiment, when code data (1520) corresponding to operation data (1510) is composed of 8 bits, the code data (1520) may be composed of 1 start bit, 3 command bits, 3 parity bits, and 1 stop bit. For example, when the command bit increases, the operation data (1510) and code data (1520) may increase.

[0274] In one embodiment, the first operation information may be an operation condition that causes the blower device (100) to be driven at a low level (low). For example, the low level may be an operation condition that adjusts the current level applied to the blower motor (2450) to about 2.4 A, so that the blower motor (2450) outputs with a power consumption of about 60 W. For example, the blower device (100) may blow air at a speed of about 15 m / s by the first operation information.

[0275] For example, code data according to the first operation information can be expressed as 8 bits of “000011111”, and the HEX CODE corresponding to the code data can be expressed as “0x0F”.

[0276] In one embodiment, the second operating information may be an operating condition that causes the blower device (100) to operate at a mid-level. For example, the mid-level may be an operating condition that adjusts the current level applied to the blower motor (2450) to about 3.4 A, so that the blower motor (2450) outputs with a power consumption of about 90 W. For example, the blower device (100) may blow air at a speed of about 17 m / s by the second operating information.

[0277] For example, code data according to the second motion information can be expressed as 8 bits of “00011101”, and the HEX CODE corresponding to the code data can be expressed as “0x0D”.

[0278] In one embodiment, the third operating information may be an operating condition that causes the blower device (100) to be driven at a high level. For example, the high level may be an operating condition that adjusts the current level applied to the blower motor (2450) to about 4.7 A, so that the blower motor (2450) outputs with a power consumption of about 120 W. For example, the blower device (100) may blow air at a speed of about 20 m / s by the third operating information.

[0279] For example, code data according to the third motion information can be expressed as 8 bits of “00101011”, and the HEX CODE corresponding to the code data can be expressed as “0x2B”.

[0280] According to one embodiment, the fourth operation information may be an operation condition for identifying an external device coupled to the cleaner body (10). For example, the fourth operation information included in the first signal transmitted from the cleaner body (10) to the blower device (100) may be an operation condition for requesting identification information from an external device coupled to the cleaner body (10) (e.g., the first processor (1131)). For example, the fourth operation information included in the second signal transmitted from the blower device (100) (e.g., the second processor (2410)) to the cleaner body (10) may be an operation condition indicating identification information that can identify the blower device (100).

[0281] For example, code data according to the fourth motion information can be expressed as 8 bits of “00111001”, and the HEX CODE corresponding to the code data can be expressed as “0x39”.

[0282] According to one embodiment, the fifth operation information may be an operation condition that notifies that an error has occurred in the blower device (100) or that abnormal operation of the blower motor (2450) has been detected. For example, when a difference between the speed at which the blower motor (2450) is actually operated in response to the target operation speed indicated from the cleaner body (10) exceeds a threshold level, the blower device (100) (e.g., the second processor (2410)) may transmit a second signal including the fifth operation condition for notifying the abnormal operation of the blower motor (2450) to the cleaner body (10).

[0283] For example, code data according to the fifth motion information can be expressed as 8 bits of “01110001”, and the HEX CODE corresponding to the code data can be expressed as “0x71”.

[0284] According to one embodiment, the cleaner body (10) and the blower device (100) can perform two-way communication based on the mapping table (1500) illustrated in FIG. 15. For example, the cleaner body (10) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) and the blower device (100) (e.g., the second processor (2410)) described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14 can perform two-way communication by transmitting the code data illustrated in the mapping table (1500) as a first signal or a second signal.

[0285] FIG. 16 is for explaining an operation of mutually transmitting a signal between a cleaner body (1000) (e.g., the cleaner body (10) of FIG. 1 or the cleaner body (1000) of FIG. 7) and a blower device (2000) (e.g., the blower device (100) of FIGS. 2A and 2B or the blower device (2000) of FIG. 7) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0286] Fig. 16 assumes that the vacuum cleaner body (1000) operates as a master device and the blower device (2000) operates as a slave device. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0287] The embodiment of FIG. 16 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 13 to 15.

[0288] Referring to FIG. 16, the vacuum cleaner body (1000) can receive a user input (power on) for supplying power. For example, the vacuum cleaner body (1000) can be turned on by inputting a power button (e.g., a power button (621a) of FIG. 18) included in an input button (e.g., an input button (621) of FIG. 6 and FIG. 18).

[0289] According to one embodiment, the cleaner body (1000) may, in response to power-on, communicate with a blower device (2000) coupled to the cleaner body (1000) via a signal line (e.g., signal line (L3) of FIG. 1). For example, the cleaner body (1000) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) may transmit an A1-A signal indicating fourth operation information (e.g., fourth operation information of FIG. 15) for requesting identification of the device to the blower device (2000) (operation 1610). For example, the A1-A signal may be transmitted for 80 ms. When the blower device (2000) (e.g., the second processor (2410)) receives the A1-A signal, the blower device (2000) (e.g., the second processor (2410)) may transmit an A1-R signal, which is identification information, to the cleaner body (1000) in response to the A1-A signal (operation 1620). For example, the A1-R signal may be transmitted for 80 ms.

[0290] According to one embodiment, the cleaner body (1000) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) may transmit an A2-A signal to the blower device (2000) after a predetermined time (e.g., 200 ms) has elapsed after transmitting the A1-A signal (operation 1630). For example, the cleaner body (1000) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) may transmit an A2-A signal indicating second operation information (e.g., the fifth operation information of FIG. 15) for controlling the driving strength to a “high” level to the blower device (2000). For example, the A2-A signal may be transmitted for 80 ms. The blower device (2000) (e.g., the second processor (2410)) may transmit an A2-R signal, which is information indicating the current operating speed, to the cleaner body (1000) in response to the A2-A signal (operation 1640). For example, the A2-R signal may be transmitted for 80 ms.

[0291] According to one embodiment, if the target driving speed of the blower device (2000) by the A2-A signal and the current target driving speed of the blower device (2000) by the A2-R signal do not match, the blower device (2000) (e.g., the second processor (2410)) may execute a command to adjust the driving speed to the target driving speed received from the cleaner body (1000) (operation 1650).

[0292] According to one embodiment, the cleaner body (1000) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) may transmit an A3-A signal to the blower device (2000) after a predetermined time (e.g., 200 ms) has elapsed after transmitting the A2-A signal (operation 1660). The blower device (2000) (e.g., the second processor (2410)) may transmit an A3-R signal indicating a current state to the cleaner body (1000) in response to receiving the A3-A signal (operation 1670).

[0293] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner body (1000) can adaptively control the operation of the blower device (2000) by continuously communicating with the blower device (2000) at predetermined time intervals.

[0294] FIG. 17 is a signaling diagram for explaining an operation of mutually transmitting a signal between a cleaner body (1000) (e.g., the cleaner body (10) of FIG. 1 or the cleaner body (1000) of FIG. 7) and a blower device (2000) (e.g., the blower device (100) of FIGS. 2A and 2B or the blower device (2000) of FIG. 7) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0295] FIG. 17 can be understood as a signaling diagram illustrating that the cleaner body (1000) and the blower device (2000) perform communication based on the operation data (e.g., operation data (1510) of FIG. 15) and code data (e.g., code data (1520) of FIG. 15) of the mapping table (1500) of FIG. 15, with respect to the signal transmission process of FIG. 16.

[0296] In Fig. 17, a scenario will be assumed in which the vacuum cleaner body (1000) identifies the blower device (2000) and controls the operation of the blower device (2000) as the blower device (2000) is coupled to the vacuum cleaner body (1000). However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0297] The embodiment of FIG. 17 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 13 to 16.

[0298] Referring to FIG. 17, the cleaner body (1000) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) can identify that an external device is connected to the cleaner body (1000) based on an identification resistor (e.g., the identification resistor (2500) of FIG. 7) in operation 1711.

[0299] According to one embodiment, the cleaner body (1000) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) may transmit identification request information for identifying a device coupled to the blower device (2000) in operation 1712. For example, the cleaner body (1000) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) may transmit a code (e.g., 0x39) corresponding to the fourth operation information of the mapping table (1500) to the blower device (2000).

[0300] According to one embodiment, the blower device (2000) (e.g., the second processor (2410)) may, in operation 1721, transmit identification information indicating that the coupled device is the blower device (2000) to the cleaner body (1000) in response to the identification request information. For example, the blower device (2000) (e.g., the second processor (2410)) may transmit a code (e.g., 0x39) corresponding to the fourth operation information of the mapping table (1500) to the cleaner body (1000).

[0301] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner body (1000) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) can identify that the coupled external device is the blower device (2000) based on a code (e.g., 0x39) received from the blower device (2000) in operation 1713.

[0302] According to one embodiment, the cleaner body (1000) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) may transmit a signal for controlling the blowing strength of the blower device (2000) in operation 1714. For example, the cleaner body (1000) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) may transmit a code (e.g., 0x1D) corresponding to second operation information for controlling the driving strength to a mid-level to the blower device (2000).

[0303] According to one embodiment, the blower device (2000) (e.g., the second processor (2410)) may transmit information about the currently running operation to the cleaner body (1000) in operation 1722. For example, the blower device (2000) may transmit a code corresponding to not being currently running to the cleaner body (1000).

[0304] According to one embodiment, the blower device (2000) (e.g., the second processor (2410)) may, in operation 1723, execute a command corresponding to a data code (e.g., 0x1D) received from the vacuum cleaner body (1000). For example, the blower device (2000) (e.g., the second processor (2410)) may control the power input to the blower motor (e.g., the blower motor (2450) of FIG. 7) to drive the blower motor (2450) at a mid-level.

[0305] According to one embodiment, the cleaner body (1000) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) may transmit a signal for controlling the blowing strength of the blower device (2000) in operation 1715. For example, the cleaner body (1000) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) may transmit a code (e.g., 0x1D) corresponding to second operation information for controlling the driving strength to a mid-level to the blower device (2000).

[0306] According to one embodiment, the blower device (2000) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) may transmit information about the currently operating operation to the cleaner body (1000) in operation 1724. For example, the blower device (2000) (e.g., the second processor (2410)) may transmit a code (e.g., 0x1D) corresponding to second information indicating that the blower device (2000) is currently operating at a mid-level to the cleaner body (1000).

[0307] According to one embodiment, the cleaner body (1000) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) may transmit a signal for controlling the blowing strength of the blower device (2000) in operation 1716. For example, the cleaner body (1000) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) may transmit a code (e.g., 0x0F) corresponding to first operation information for controlling the driving strength at a low level to the blower device (2000).

[0308] According to one embodiment, the blower device (2000) (e.g., the second processor (2410)) may transmit information about the currently operating operation to the cleaner body (1000) in operation 1725. For example, the blower device (2000) (e.g., the second processor (2410)) may transmit a code (e.g., 0x1D) corresponding to the second information indicating that the blower device (2000) is currently operating at a mid-level to the cleaner body (1000).

[0309] According to one embodiment, the blower device (2000) (e.g., the second processor (2410)) may perform a command corresponding to a data code (e.g., 0x0F) received from the vacuum cleaner body (1000) in operation 1726. For example, the blower device (2000) (e.g., the second processor (2410)) may control the power input to the blower motor (2450) to drive the blower motor (2450) at a low level.

[0310] According to one embodiment, the cleaner body (1000) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) may transmit a signal for controlling the blowing strength of the blower device (2000) in operation 1717. For example, the cleaner body (1000) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) may transmit a code (e.g., 0x0F) corresponding to first operation information for controlling the driving strength at a low level to the blower device (2000).

[0311] According to one embodiment, the blower device (2000) (e.g., the second processor (2410)) may transmit information about the currently operating operation to the cleaner body (1000) in operation 1727. For example, the blower device (2000) (e.g., the second processor (2410)) may transmit a code (e.g., 0x2B) corresponding to the first information indicating that the blower device (2000) is currently operating at a low level to the cleaner body (1000). The cleaner body (1000) may receive the code and confirm that the blower device (2000) is operating normally.

[0312] FIG. 18 illustrates a cleaner body (10) (e.g., the cleaner body (10) of FIG. 1 or the cleaner body (1000) of FIG. 7) and an input / output interface (16) (e.g., the input / output interface (16) of FIG. 1) included in a vacuum cleaner (e.g., the vacuum cleaner (1) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0313] The embodiment of FIG. 18 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 17.

[0314] Referring to Fig. 18, the input / output interface (16) may be positioned on the upper side of the vacuum cleaner body. The input / output interface (16) may include at least one input button (621) formed to receive user input (e.g., input button (621) of Fig. 6) and a display (623) formed to display the operating status of the vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., display (623) of Fig. 6).

[0315] According to one embodiment, at least one input button (621) may include a power button (621a) for turning on or off a suction motor (e.g., a suction motor (650) of FIG. 6) included in a vacuum cleaner (1) and / or a blower motor (e.g., a blower motor (210) of FIG. 4 or a blower motor (2450) of FIG. 7) included in a blower device (e.g., a blower device (100) of FIGS. 2A and 2B).

[0316] In one embodiment, the power button (621a) may receive user input for selecting a driving mode. For example, when user input is received via the power button (621a), an object displayed on the display (623) may be selected.

[0317] According to one embodiment, at least one input button (621) may include a function button for activating a function of the vacuum cleaner (1) or for controlling a function of the vacuum cleaner (1). For example, the function buttons may include a first function button (621b) and a second function button (621c).

[0318] According to one embodiment, the function buttons (e.g., the first function button (621b) and the second function button (621c)) can receive user inputs for changing the driving speed of the suction motor (650) or the blower motor (210). For example, the first function button (621b) can receive user inputs for decreasing the driving speed of the suction motor (650) or the blower motor (210). For example, the second function button (621c) can receive user inputs for increasing the driving speed of the suction motor (650) or the blower motor (210).

[0319] According to one embodiment, the function buttons (e.g., the first function button (621b) and the second function button (621c)) can receive user input for moving objects displayed on the display (623). For example, when a plurality of objects are displayed on the display (623), an object located to the left of the currently selected object can be selected by inputting the first function button (621b), and an object located to the right of the currently selected object can be selected by inputting the second function button (621c).

[0320] FIG. 19 illustrates an example of an input / output interface (e.g., input / output interface (16) of FIG. 1) of a vacuum cleaner (e.g., vacuum cleaner (1) of FIG. 1) and a user interface (1800) displayed on a display (e.g., display (623) of FIG. 6) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0321] The embodiment of FIG. 19 can be optionally combined with the embodiment of FIG. 18.

[0322] Referring to FIG. 19, the vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) may display a user interface (1800) on the display (623) that indicates a state in which a blower device (e.g., the blower device (100) of FIGS. 2A and 2B or the blower device (2000) of FIG. 7) is engaged, and indicates to stop driving a suction motor (e.g., the suction motor (650) of FIG. 6).

[0323] According to one embodiment, the user interface (1800) may include a first object (1911) indicating that the blower device (100) is connected, a first object (1913) indicating that the suction motor (650) is stopped from operating when the blower device (100) is connected, and a second object (1920) for receiving a user's confirmation of information indicated by the first user interface (1800).

[0324] According to one embodiment, when a blower device (100) is coupled to a vacuum cleaner body (10), the vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) can display the first-1 object (1911) on the display (623) in response to identifying that the coupled device is the blower device (100).

[0325] According to one embodiment, when a blower device (100) is coupled to a cleaner body (10) and a suction motor (650) disposed inside the cleaner body (10) is driving, the cleaner body (10) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) may stop driving the suction motor (650) and display a first-second object (1913) indicating that the driving of the suction motor (650) is stopped on the display (623).

[0326] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) may control the display (623) to return to the previous screen upon receiving an input of the input button (621). For example, the vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) may display the user interface (1800) of FIG. 20 or lower upon receiving an input of a function button (e.g., the first function button (621b) and the second function button (621c)) included in the input button (621).

[0327] FIG. 20 illustrates an example of an input / output interface (e.g., input / output interface (16) of FIG. 1) of a vacuum cleaner (e.g., vacuum cleaner (1) of FIG. 1) and a user interface displayed on a display (e.g., display (623) of FIG. 6) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0328] The embodiment of FIG. 20 can be optionally combined with the embodiment of FIG. 18.

[0329] Referring to FIG. 20, the vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) may display information on the possibility of adjusting the blowing intensity of the blower device (e.g., the blower device (100) of FIGS. 2A and 2B or the blower device (2000) of FIG. 7) through the display (623). For example, the user interface (1800) may include a first object (2010) indicating that the blowing intensity of the blower device (100) may be selected through input of a function button (e.g., a first function button (621b) and a second function button (621c)).

[0330] According to one embodiment, the blower device (100) may include a plurality of objects depending on the level of blowing strength. For example, the first object (2010) may include an object indicating that the blowing strength of the blower device (100) is at a “normal (e.g., low)” level, an object indicating that the blowing strength of the blower device (100) is at a “strong (e.g., mid)” level, and an object indicating that the blowing strength of the blower device (100) is at a “super strong (e.g., high)” level.

[0331] According to one embodiment, the level of the blowing strength of the blower device (100) may increase in the order of normal, strong, and super strong. The blower motor (210) may be configured to rotate at different speeds corresponding to the blowing strength of the blower device (100).

[0332] According to one embodiment, the level of the blowing intensity of the blower device (100) can be selected by inputting a function button (e.g., a first function button (621b) and a second function button (621c)). For example, if the current blowing intensity of the blower device (100) is at a “strong” level and an input of the first function button (621b) is received, the blowing intensity can be changed to a “normal” level. For example, if the current blowing intensity of the blower device (100) is at a “strong” level and an input of the second function button (621c) is received, the blowing intensity can be changed to a “super strong” level.

[0333] FIGS. 21A to 21D illustrate an example of a user interface in which the blowing intensity of a blower device (e.g., the blower device (100) of FIGS. 2A and 2B or the blower device (2000) of FIG. 7) is changed according to an input of a function button (e.g., the first function button (621b) and the second function button (621c)) of FIG. 20 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, or the remaining operating time according to the blowing intensity of the blower device (100) is displayed on a display (623) (e.g., the display (623) of FIG. 19).

[0334] Figures 21a to 21d will explain a scenario in which the blowing strength of the blower device (100) is set to the “strong” level by inputting the second function button (621c) while the blowing strength of the blower device (100) is set to the “strong” level.

[0335] Referring to FIG. 21a, when the blower device (100) is turned on, the vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) may display the first object (2010) of FIG. 20 on the display (623), and after a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) has elapsed, may display the first object (2110) indicating that the blowing strength of the blower device (100) is at the “strong” level on the display (623).

[0336] For example, when the blower device (100) is turned on and the vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) displays the first object (2010) of FIG. 20 on the display (1800), and then receives an input of the first function button (621b) or the second function button (621c) before a predetermined time elapses, the vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) can adjust the blowing intensity of the blower device (100) differently. For example, when the input of the first function button (621b) is received before the predetermined time elapses, the vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) can display an object indicating that the blowing intensity of the blower device (100) is at a “normal” level on the display (623). For example, when an input of the second function button (621c) is received before the above-described predetermined time has elapsed, the vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) may display an object on the display (623) indicating that the blowing strength of the blower device (100) is at the “super strong” level.

[0337] Referring to FIG. 21b, after a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) has elapsed after the first object (2110) of FIG. 21a is displayed on the display (623), the vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) can display a user interface (2120) including a first object (2121) indicating the current blowing strength of the blower device (100) and a second object (2123) indicating the available time according to the blowing strength on the display (623).

[0338] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) may display a second object (2123) indicating the available time on the display (623) by considering the power consumed according to the current blowing strength (e.g., strong level) of the blower device (100) and the remaining power of the battery (e.g., the battery (50) of FIG. 1).

[0339] Referring to FIG. 21c, the vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) may display an object (2130) indicating that the blowing strength of the blower device (100) is changed to the “super strong” level on the display (623) in response to receiving an input of the second function button (621c) in the state of FIG. 21b.

[0340] Referring to FIG. 21d, after a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) has elapsed after the object (2130) of FIG. 21c is displayed on the display (623), the vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) can display a user interface (2140) including a first object (2141) indicating the current blowing strength of the blower device (100) and a second object (2143) indicating the available time according to the blowing strength on the display (623).

[0341] FIG. 22 illustrates an example of an input / output interface (e.g., input / output interface (16) of FIG. 1) of a vacuum cleaner (e.g., vacuum cleaner (1) of FIG. 1) and a user interface displayed on a display (623) (e.g., display (623) of FIG. 6) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0342] FIG. 22 is an example of a case in which the vacuum cleaner body (e.g., the vacuum cleaner body (10) of FIG. 1 or the vacuum cleaner body (1000) of FIG. 7) receives driving information when the vacuum cleaner body is not operating smoothly from the blower device (e.g., the blower device (100) of FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b or the blower device (2000) of FIG. 7) and displays the information on the display (623).

[0343] According to one embodiment, the cleaner body (10) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) can identify that the blower device (100) is not operating smoothly through two-way communication with the blower device (100). For example, the blower device (100) can identify an abnormal operating state based on a difference between the current operating speed of the blower motor (e.g., the blower motor (210) of FIG. 4 or the blower motor (2450) of FIG. 7) and the target operating speed of the blower motor received from the cleaner body (10).

[0344] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) may display an object (2210) including information instructing filter management on the display (623) by receiving the above abnormal operation information.

[0345] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., the first processor (1131)) may display a notification on the display (623) instructing filter maintenance whenever a preset cycle is reached, regardless of whether the filter is clogged.

[0346] A vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., the vacuum cleaner (1) of FIG. 1) may include a blower device (e.g., the blower device (100) of FIGS. 2A and 2B) configured to suck in and discharge external air.

[0347] The blower device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can reduce the weight of the product by being powered by a battery (e.g., battery (50) of FIG. 1) placed inside the cleaner body (e.g., cleaner body (10) of FIG. 1) without a separate power source.

[0348] A vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to identify whether a blower device (100) is engaged and limit power supplied to a suction motor (e.g., a suction motor (650) of FIG. 6) in response to whether the blower device (100) is engaged.

[0349] A vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can perform two-way communication between a cleaner body (10) and a blower device (100) through a signal having a voltage level higher than a predetermined level, thereby performing communication robust to external noise.

[0350] A vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can perform two-way communication between the cleaner body (10) and the blower device (100) to identify an external device and transmit and receive signals for controlling the identified device.

[0351] A vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can receive user input for a blower device (100) through an input / output interface (e.g., input / output interface (16) of FIG. 1) disposed in a cleaner body (10) and transmit a control command corresponding to the user input to the blower device (100).

[0352] The effects that can be obtained from the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art from the description of the present disclosure.

[0353] A cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., a vacuum cleaner (1) of FIG. 1) comprises: a cleaner body (10 or 1000); a battery (50) disposed inside the cleaner body (10 or 1000); a suction motor (650) disposed inside the cleaner body (10 or 1000) and configured to provide suction force to the cleaner so that foreign substances outside the cleaner are sucked into the inside of the cleaner; a blower device (100 or 2000) arranged so as to be connectable with the cleaner body (10 or 1000) so as to blow foreign substances outside the cleaner; a power line (e.g., a first power line (L1) (e.g., a positive power line), or a second power line (L2) (e.g., a negative power line)) configured to transmit power supplied from the battery (50) to the cleaner body (10 or 1000) and the blower device (100 or 2000); and the cleaner It may include a signal line (L3) configured to transmit a signal between the main body (10 or 1000) and the blower device (100 or 2000), and a first processor (1131) configured to control the operation of a first switch element (1132) connected to the signal line (L3) to transmit a first signal to the blower device (100 or 2000) and receive a second signal generated from the blower device (100 or 2000) and transmitted through the signal line (L3).The first processor (1131) may be configured to identify that an external device is coupled to the cleaner body (10 or 1000) (operation S1110), transmit identification request information to the external device to identify the coupled external device (operation S1120), receive identification information generated from the coupled external device in response to the identification request information (operation S1130), identify that the coupled external device is the blower device (100 or 2000) based on the identification information (operation S1140), and stop driving the suction motor (operation S1160) in response to identifying that the suction motor is being driven (operation S1150) and that the blower device (100 or 2000) is coupled to the cleaner body (10 or 1000).

[0354] In a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first processor (1131) may be configured to generate the first signal by turning on the first switch element (1132) to apply a first level voltage lower than a threshold value to the signal line (L3) to transmit a first code, and turning off the first switch element (1132) to apply a second level voltage higher than the threshold value to the signal line (L3) to transmit a second code.

[0355] In a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first signal may be composed of a combination of the first code and the second code transmitted by the first processor (1131).

[0356] In a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the blower device (100 or 2000) may include a second processor (2410) connected to a second switch element (2435) connected to the signal line (L3). The second processor (2410) may be configured to receive the first signal and generate the second signal.

[0357] In a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second processor (2410) may be configured to generate the second signal by turning on the second switch element (2435) to apply a voltage of a first level lower than a threshold value to the signal line (L3) to transmit a first code, and turning off the second switch element (2435) to apply a voltage of a second level higher than a threshold value to the signal line (L3) to transmit a second code.

[0358] In a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second signal may be composed of a combination of the first code and the second code transmitted by the second processor (2410).

[0359] In a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first processor (1131) may be configured to transmit the first signal at preset intervals.

[0360] In a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first signal may include target driving information indicating a target driving level of the blower device (100 or 2000).

[0361] In a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second signal may include current driving information indicating the current driving level of the blower device (100 or 2000).

[0362] In a cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second signal may include abnormal driving information generated in response to identifying abnormal driving of the blower device (100 or 2000).

[0363] In a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first processor (1131) may be configured to limit the power supplied to the blower device (100 or 2000) in response to receiving the abnormal operation information from the second processor (2410).

[0364] In a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the blower device (100 or 2000) may further include an identification resistor (2500). The cleaner body (10 or 1000) may further include a first voltage divider (1137) configured to distribute a voltage input from the signal line (L3) to an input port of the first processor (1131).

[0365] In a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first processor (1131) may be configured to identify that a voltage input to an input port of the first processor (1131) by the first voltage divider (1137) changes when the blower device (100 or 2000) is coupled, and to identify that the external device has been coupled to the cleaner body (10 or 1000) in response to identifying that the voltage has changed.

[0366] A vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an input / output interface (16) including an input button (621) and a display (623). The first processor (1131) may be configured to control power supplied to the blower motor (210 or 2450) by controlling on / off of switch elements constituting an inverter (2453) included in the blower motor (210 or 2450) in response to receiving an input regarding a target driving speed of the blower motor (210 or 2450) input to the input / output interface (16).

[0367] A control method of a cleaner (1) that can be coupled to a blower device (100 or 2000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: an operation of identifying that an external device is coupled to a cleaner body (10 or 1000) included in the cleaner (operation S1110); an operation of transmitting identification request information to the external device through a signal line (L3) connected to the cleaner body (10 or 1000) in order to identify the coupled external device (operation S1120); an operation of receiving identification information generated from the coupled external device in response to the identification request information through the signal line (L3) (operation S1130); an operation of identifying that the coupled external device is the blower device (100 or 2000) based on the identification information (operation S1140); and / or an operation of identifying that a suction motor is being driven and the blower device (100 or 2000) is coupled (operation S1150); 1000) may include an operation (operation S1160) of stopping the operation of the suction motor disposed inside.

[0368] A method for controlling a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operation of transmitting a first signal from the cleaner body (10 or 1000) to the blower device (100 or 2000) through the signal line (L3), an operation of transmitting a first code by controlling a voltage of a first level lower than a threshold value to be applied to the signal line (L3), and an operation of transmitting a second code by controlling a voltage of a second level higher than a threshold value to be applied to the signal line (L3).

[0369] A method for controlling a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an operation of transmitting the first signal at a preset cycle.

[0370] In a control method of a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an operation of transmitting a second signal from the blower device (100 or 2000) to the cleaner body (10 or 1000) through the signal line (L3) may include an operation of transmitting a first code by controlling a voltage of a first level lower than a threshold value to be applied to the signal line (L3), and an operation of transmitting a second code by controlling a voltage of a second level higher than the threshold value to be applied to the signal line (L3).

[0371] In a control method of a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an operation of identifying that the external device is coupled to the cleaner body (10 or 1000) included in the cleaner may include an operation of identifying a change in voltage input by an identification resistor included in the blower device (100 or 2000), and an operation of identifying that the external device is coupled to the cleaner body (10 or 1000) in response to identifying that the voltage has changed.

[0372] A method for controlling a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an operation of receiving an input for a target driving speed of a blower motor included in the blower device (100 or 2000) inputted to a user interface included in the cleaner body (10 or 1000), and an operation of controlling power supplied to the blower motor.

Claims

1. In the vacuum cleaner, Vacuum cleaner body; Battery inside the above vacuum cleaner body; A suction motor located inside the main body of the vacuum cleaner, the suction motor configured to provide suction force so that foreign substances outside the vacuum cleaner are sucked into the inside of the vacuum cleaner; A blower device configured to be connected to the above cleaner body and configured to blow foreign substances outside the cleaner; A power line configured to transmit power supplied from the battery to the cleaner body and the blower device; A signal line configured to transmit a signal between the above cleaner body and the above blower device; and A first processor configured to control the operation of a first switch element to transmit a first signal to the blower device through the signal line, and further configured to receive a second signal generated from the blower device through the signal line, The above first processor: Identify that an external device is connected to the above vacuum cleaner body; In order to identify the external device connected to the vacuum cleaner body, identification request information is transmitted to the external device; Receive identification information generated from the combined external device based on the above identification request information; Based on the above identification information, identifying the external device as the blower device; and A cleaner further configured to stop driving the suction motor based on identifying that the suction motor is driving and the blower device is connected to the cleaner body.

2. In paragraph 1, A vacuum cleaner, wherein the first processor is further configured to: generate the first signal by turning on the first switch element to apply a first level of voltage lower than a threshold value to the signal line to transmit the first code, and to turn off the first switch element to apply a second level of voltage higher than the threshold value to the signal line to transmit the second code.

3. In paragraph 2, A vacuum cleaner, wherein the first signal includes the first code and the second code transmitted by the first processor.

4. In paragraph 1, The above blower device: A second switch element connected to the signal line; and comprising a second processor connected to the second switch element; A vacuum cleaner, wherein the second processor is configured to receive the first signal and generate the second signal.

5. In paragraph 4, The second processor: A vacuum cleaner further configured to generate the second signal by turning on the second switch element to transmit the first code by applying a first level voltage lower than the threshold value to the signal line, and by turning off the second switch element to transmit the second code by applying a second level voltage higher than the threshold value to the signal line.

6. In paragraph 5, A vacuum cleaner, wherein the second signal includes the first code and the second code transmitted by the second processor.

7. In paragraph 1, A vacuum cleaner, wherein the first processor is configured to transmit the first signal at preset intervals.

8. In paragraph 1, A vacuum cleaner, wherein the first signal includes target driving information indicating a target driving level of the blower device.

9. In paragraph 1, A vacuum cleaner wherein the second signal includes current driving information indicating the current driving level of the blower device.

10. In paragraph 4, A vacuum cleaner, wherein the second signal includes abnormal driving information obtained in response to identifying abnormal driving of the blower device.

11. In the 10th paragraph, the first processor is further configured to limit the power supplied to the blower device based on receiving the abnormal operation information from the second processor.

12. In paragraph 1, The above blower device includes an identification resistor, A cleaner, wherein the cleaner body further includes a first voltage divider configured to distribute a voltage input from the signal line to the input port of the first processor.

13. In paragraph 12, The above first processor: When the blower device is connected to the cleaner body, it is identified that the voltage input to the input port of the first processor by the first voltage divider is changed; and A cleaner further configured to identify that the external device is connected to the cleaner body based on identifying that the voltage has changed.

14. In paragraph 1, Further comprising an input / output interface including at least one input button and a display, A vacuum cleaner, wherein the first processor is further configured to control power supplied to the blower motor by controlling on or off of switch elements of an inverter of the blower motor based on receiving an input regarding a target driving speed of the blower motor of the blower device input to the input / output interface.

15. A method for controlling a vacuum cleaner performed by at least one processor, An action to identify that an external device is connected to the vacuum cleaner body of the above vacuum cleaner; An operation of transmitting identification request information to the external device through a signal line connected to the cleaner body in order to identify the connected external device; An operation of receiving identification information obtained based on the above identification request information from the external device through the signal line; An operation of identifying that the external device is the blower device based on the identification information; and A method comprising an action of stopping the operation of the suction motor within the cleaner body based on identifying that the suction motor is operating and the blower device is connected to the cleaner body.

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