Blower device and vacuum cleaner comprising same

Abstract

A vacuum cleaner, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, may comprise: a cleaner body; a suction motor disposed within the cleaner body; a battery; a blower device configured to be coupled to the cleaner body, the blower device including a blower motor, a blower fan configured to rotate on the basis of driving force generated from the blower motor, and a connector configured to be coupled to and electrically connected to the cleaner body; and a control unit configured to control driving of the blower device, the control unit being configured to identify whether the blower device is coupled to the cleaner body, and to supply driving power from the battery to the blower device through the connector in response to identifying that the blower device is coupled to the cleaner body.

Description

Blower device and vacuum cleaner including same

[0001] One embodiment disclosed in the document relates to a blower device and a vacuum cleaner including the same.

[0002] A cordless vacuum cleaner is a type of vacuum cleaner that recharges its built-in 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 through the vacuum head (brush), separating these foreign substances from the air and collecting them.

[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] Various types of auxiliary brushes may include mop brushes, bedding brushes, pet brushes, crevice brushes for cleaning tight areas, and blower devices.

[0005] Meanwhile, as an example of an auxiliary brush, a blower device is a device that discharges a gas such as air at a predetermined pressure, and can blow out foreign substances located in narrow areas or areas that are difficult for a user to reach. The blower device can be arranged to be combined with or detachable from the main body of the cordless cleaner. The cordless cleaner sucks in foreign substances blown by the blower device into a dust bin connected to the main body, so that the user can easily remove foreign substances accumulated in a predetermined area.

[0006] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above-described matters constitute prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0007] 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.

[0008] 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.

[0009] Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description or may be learned by practice of the embodiments presented.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a vacuum cleaner may include a cleaner body, a suction motor disposed inside the cleaner body, a battery, a blower device configured to be coupled to the cleaner body, the blower device including a blower motor, a blower fan configured to rotate based on driving force generated from the blower motor, and a connector configured to be coupled to the cleaner body and electrically connected, and a control unit configured to control driving of the blower device, the control unit configured to identify whether the blower device is coupled to the cleaner body, and to supply driving power from the battery to the blower device through the connector in response to identifying that the blower device is coupled to the cleaner body.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a control method of a cleaner is provided, which includes a cleaner body, a suction motor inside the cleaner body, a battery, and a blower configured to be coupled to the cleaner body. The blower device may include a blower motor, a blower fan configured to rotate based on a driving force generated from the blower motor, and a connector configured to be coupled and electrically connected to the cleaner body. The method may include an operation of identifying whether the blower device is coupled to the cleaner body, an operation of identifying whether the suction motor is being driven when it is identified that the blower device is being coupled to the cleaner body, an operation of stopping the driving of the suction motor when it is identified that the suction motor is being driven, and an operation of supplying driving power from the battery to the blower motor through the connector.

[0012] However, the problem to be solved in this disclosure is not limited to the problem mentioned above, and may be determined in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0013] These and / or other aspects of the present disclosure will become clearer and more readily understood by reference to the following description of embodiments and the accompanying drawings listed below.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] 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.

[0016] FIG. 2b is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner with a blower device coupled to a vacuum cleaner body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a blower device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a blower device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a blower device having a discharge nozzle coupled thereto according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a vacuum cleaner for controlling the operation of a blower device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation for generating a notification for instructing a vacuum cleaner to manage a filter of a blower device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 9 is a signaling diagram illustrating signal transmission between a vacuum cleaner and a blower device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 10 is a signaling diagram illustrating signal transmission between a vacuum cleaner and a blower device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 11 illustrates a control panel of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a control panel of a vacuum cleaner and a user interface displayed on the control panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a control panel of a vacuum cleaner and a user interface displayed on the control panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a control panel of a vacuum cleaner and a user interface displayed on the control panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a control panel of a vacuum cleaner and a user interface displayed on the control panel, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 16 illustrates an example of a control panel of a vacuum cleaner and a user interface displayed on the control panel, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] The embodiments of this document and the terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. 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 indicates 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 the corresponding phrase among those phrases, 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 qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0032] In this document, unless otherwise stated, “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. 13) is placed. For example, when the extension tube (e.g., the extension tube (30) of FIG. 13) of the vacuum cleaner (1) is placed in a vertical direction, 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. 13) 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 control panel of the vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., the control panel (16) of FIG. 1) faces can be defined as the upper side of the vacuum cleaner (1), and the direction in which the suction head of the vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., the suction head (40) of FIG. 13) faces can be defined as the lower side of the vacuum cleaner (1). For example, when the dust bin (20) of the vacuum cleaner (1) is viewed from the front, the left side of the vacuum cleaner (1) can be defined as the left side, and the right side of the vacuum cleaner (1) can be defined as the right side.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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 separated and placed in other components.

[0035] The cordless vacuum cleaner described below (e.g., vacuum cleaner (1) of FIG. 1) may be understood as an example to aid understanding of the present disclosure, and may be implemented in various modified forms. Furthermore, some of the attached drawings are not drawn to scale, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated to aid understanding of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner with a blower device (100) coupled to an extension tube according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 2b is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, with a blower device (100) coupled to the vacuum cleaner body.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 2a, and FIG. 2b, a vacuum cleaner (1) may include a vacuum cleaner body (10), a dust bin (20) for receiving foreign substances such as dust, an extension tube (30) detachably connected to the vacuum cleaner body (10), a suction head (40) for sucking foreign substances, and a battery (50).

[0040] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner body (10) may include a battery mounting portion (12), a handle portion (14), a control panel (16), a suction motor (e.g., a suction motor (650) of FIG. 6), and a filter portion (18).

[0041] 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).

[0042] According to one embodiment, the handle portion (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 portion (14) and then move the vacuum cleaner (1) in a forward and backward direction to clean a surface to be cleaned (e.g., a floor).

[0043] According to one embodiment, the control panel (16) may be arranged to receive various commands regarding the operation of the vacuum cleaner (1) from the user. The control panel (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 control panel (16) may be implemented as a touch screen panel (TSP), so that the input device and the display device may be formed as one piece. The control panel (16) may include, for example, a power button (e.g., a power button (621a) of FIG. 9) for controlling the turn-on or turn-off of the vacuum cleaner (1). The control panel (16) may include, for example, function buttons for changing the operating mode of the vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., function buttons (621b, 621c) of FIG. 9).

[0044] 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 (10) and / or the extension tube (30), and the power button (621a) is pressed, the blower device (100) may be turned on.

[0045] 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.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the function buttons (621b, 621c) may receive user input for adjusting the suction power of the vacuum cleaner (1). For example, the function buttons (621b, 621c) may include buttons for changing the cleaning mode, which is composed of a normal mode / strong mode / super strong mode, which determine the suction strength (or cleaning power) of the vacuum cleaner (1). The suction strength of the cleaner may be set to be strong in the order of super strong mode, strong mode, and normal mode.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the function buttons (621b, 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 (621b, 621c) can receive user inputs for changing the operation mode 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 function buttons (621b, 621c) can receive user inputs for adjusting the intensity of the operation mode of the blower device (100).

[0048] 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).

[0049] 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).

[0050] According to one embodiment, the filter unit (18) can filter out foreign substances such as ultra-fine dust that are not filtered out in the dustbin (20). The filter unit (18) can, for example, accommodate a filter member therein. The filter member can include, for example, a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, but the type of the filter is not limited thereto. The filter member can further include, for example, a pre-filter and an electrostatic dust collection filter, and can be configured by combining a plurality of filters (for example, overlappingly arranging them).

[0051] 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). Although not shown, 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).

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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). For example, the extension pipe (30) may be provided such that one end 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. For example, the extension pipe (30) may have a double pipe shape whose length varies in the vertical direction according to a user's operation.

[0054] 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).

[0055] 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. Although not shown, the combination nozzle may include a mop brush, a bedding cleaning brush, a pet cleaning brush, and a crevice brush.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the battery (50) may be configured to supply power to components necessary 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.

[0057] 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).

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the blower device (100) can be vertically coupled to the cleaner body (10) and / or the extension pipe (30).

[0061] Referring to FIG. 2a, the blower device (100) can be coupled with an extension pipe (30).

[0062] 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). Although not shown, the extension pipe (30) may include a connector receiving portion (not shown) for physically connecting with the blower device (100) and a signal line (not shown) for electrically connecting with it.

[0063] 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).

[0064] Referring to FIG. 2b, the blower device (100) can be directly coupled to the cleaner body (10).

[0065] 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). Although not shown, the cleaner body (10) may include a connector receiving portion (not shown) for physically connecting to the blower device (100) and a signal line (not shown) for electrically connecting to the blower device (100).

[0066] 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).

[0067] According to one embodiment, the blower device (100) can be selectively coupled to the cleaner (1) by being arranged so as to be connectable with the cleaner body (10) or the extension pipe (30).

[0068] According to one embodiment, the blower device (100) can be easily attached or detached to replace the suction head (40).

[0069] 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 (10) without a separate power supply device (e.g., battery), and a lightweight product can be realized.

[0070] 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 cleaner (1) can identify whether the blower device (100) is coupled and control the blower device (100) through manipulation of the cleaner body (10).

[0071] 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.

[0072] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a blower device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] 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 the blower device (100) of Fig. 3.

[0074] The embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4 can optionally be combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 2a and 2b.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the blower device (100) may include a housing (101, 102, 103) that forms an overall appearance and a path for air to flow, a blower motor (210) disposed inside the housing (101, 102, 103), and a blower control unit (220) configured to control the blower motor (210).

[0076] According to one embodiment, the housing (101, 102, 103) may include a main housing (101), a first cover housing (102), and a second cover housing (103).

[0077] 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 out or removing a portion 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).

[0078] 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 intake ambient air. For example, the intake port (140) may be formed by cutting or removing a portion of the first cover housing (102). For example, a plurality of intake ports (140) may be provided.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the suction port (140) may be positioned closer to the cleaner body (10) than the sides of the first cover housing (102) and the second cover housing (103) surrounding the blower motor (210). For example, when the blower device (100) is coupled to the cleaner body (10), the suction port (140) may be positioned farther away from the cleaner body (10) with respect to the connector (110), and the suction port (140) may be positioned closer to the cleaner body (10) with respect to the blower motor (210).

[0080] According to one embodiment, due to the arrangement structure of the suction port (140) as described above, when the blower device (100) is driven, the flow path of external air sucked into the suction port (140) can be efficiently designed.

[0081] 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, and a HEPA filter, and may be configured by a combination of the above filters.

[0082] 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).

[0083] According to one embodiment, the blower device (100) may further include a button (120) for engaging or disengaging from the cleaner body (10) and / or the extension tube (30). For example, the button (120) may be arranged to engage 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).

[0084] 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.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the connector (110) can physically and / or electrically connect the cleaner body (10) (or the extension pipe (30) coupled to the cleaner body (10)) and the blower device (100). The connector (110) can include a plurality of signal lines (111) for electrically connecting the cleaner body (10) and the blower device (100). The plurality of signal lines (111) can include, for example, a first signal line (1111), a second signal line (1112), and a third signal line (1113).

[0086] According to one embodiment, the first signal line (1111) and the third signal line (1113) may be power lines for supplying power. For example, the first signal line (1111) may be a (+) power line, and the third signal line (1113) may be a (-) power line.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the second signal line (1112) may be a signal line for transmitting and receiving a control signal and indicating whether the vacuum cleaner body (10) and the blower device (100) are connected.

[0088] Although not shown, the cleaner (1) (e.g., the vacuum cleaner (1) of FIG. 1) may further include a connector receiving portion (not shown) 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 first to third signal lines (1111, 1112, 1113). In addition, the cleaner (1) may further include a connector receiving portion (not shown) 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).

[0089] 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 (101, 102, 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).

[0090] 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) 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 (101, 102, 103) by the blower motor (210) can flow along the inner space of the discharge nozzle (150) and be discharged through the outlet (150a).

[0091] Although not shown, the blower device (100) may further include an outlet filter positioned near the outlet (150a). For example, the outlet filter may be configured to filter foreign substances contained in air discharged through the outlet (150a).

[0092] According to one embodiment, the blower device (100) may include a filter sensor (250) configured to detect whether the inlet filter (141) and the outlet filter are clogged (e.g., the filter sensor (250) of FIG. 6). The filter sensor (250) may be configured to detect whether a threshold level or more of foreign matter is collected in the inlet filter (141) and the outlet filter.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the drive motor included in the blower motor (210) may be implemented as a brushless DC motor or an AC motor.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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 control panel (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., function buttons (621b, 621c) of FIG. 9).

[0099] According to one embodiment, the blower motor (210) may be placed in the inner space formed by the housing (101, 102, 103).

[0100] According to one embodiment, the blower motor (210) may be positioned at the center of the inner space of the blower device (100). For example, an auxiliary line (C) extending in the longitudinal direction of the blower device (100) with respect to the rotational axis of the blower motor (210) may be positioned to approximately coincide with the inner center of the blower device (100).

[0101] According to one embodiment, the rotation axis of the blower motor (210) may be positioned on the same line as the center of the inlet of the cleaner body (10). For example, the auxiliary line (C) may be positioned to pass through the center of the inlet of the cleaner body (10).

[0102] According to one embodiment, since the blower motor (210) is positioned at the center of the blower device (100) and the cleaner body (10), when the blower device (100) is coupled to the cleaner body (10), the blower device (100) can be designed to have an evenly distributed center of gravity so that the blower device (100) can be easily handled by a user.

[0103] 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).

[0104] According to one embodiment, the blower motor (210) may be mounted on a motor bracket (163) disposed in an inner space formed by the housings (101, 102, 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).

[0105] 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).

[0106] 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, EPDM rubber, or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

[0107] 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 components on a printed circuit board (PCB). The blower control unit (220) may be configured to transmit and receive signals with a first processor (611) disposed inside the cleaner body (10).

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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).

[0110] 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).

[0111] According to one embodiment, the blower device (100) may be driven without a blower control unit (220). For example, the blower device (100) may directly receive a driving command for the blower motor (210) from a first processor (611) included in the cleaner body (10), and the blower motor (210) may be driven in response to the driving command.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the blower control unit (220) may be placed inside a space formed by the housings (101, 102, 103). For example, the blower control unit (220) may be placed in an inner space (S) formed by a blocking wall (130) to be described later. However, the blower control unit (220) is not limited to what is illustrated, and the blower control unit (220) may also be placed adjacent to the blower motor (210).

[0113] 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 the housing (101, 102, 103) adjacent to the connector (110).

[0114] For example, a blower control unit (220) may be placed inside a space (S) formed by a blocking wall (130). Since the blower control unit (220) is placed inside the space (S), the blower control unit (220) may be protected from external impact.

[0115] 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.

[0116] FIG. 5 may be understood as a perspective view illustrating a blower device (100) in which a housing (101, 102, 103) (e.g., the housing (101, 102, 103) of FIG. 3) and a discharge nozzle (150-1) formed to be detachably and / or attachably are combined. The discharge nozzle (150-1) described in FIG. 5 may be understood as an expanded embodiment of the discharge nozzle (150) of FIGS. 3 and 4. Therefore, descriptions of overlapping components will be omitted, and differences will be primarily illustrated.

[0117] The embodiment of FIG. 5 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 5, the discharge nozzle (150-1) can be detachably arranged with respect to the housing (101, 102, 103) of the blower device (100). For example, the discharge nozzle (150-1) can be detachably arranged with respect to the outlet of the main housing (101).

[0119] 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).

[0120] According to one embodiment, the housing (301) may be formed to be coupled with the main housing (101). For example, a connector (110) may be formed on one side of the housing (301) coupled with the main housing (101).

[0121] 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).

[0122] 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 (110) may be configured to be retracted a predetermined distance into the housing (301).

[0123] According to one embodiment, the discharge tube (310) can be coupled to the outlet of the housing (301). The discharge tube (310) can be formed in various lengths and cross-sectional areas depending on the intended use.

[0124] 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).

[0125] 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.

[0126] Fig. 6 may be understood as a block diagram illustrating a vacuum cleaner from a functional perspective, and some components may be omitted as needed. 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 vacuum cleaner body (e.g., a vacuum 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.

[0127] The embodiment of FIG. 6 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0128] 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), a current sensor (640), a suction motor (650), a battery (50), and a blower device (100).

[0129] 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) and a memory (613).

[0130] 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 (611) may be configured to control the overall operation of the vacuum cleaner (1) by executing at least one instruction stored in the memory (613).

[0131] 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).

[0132] 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 (611) 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).

[0133] 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 electronic device (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.

[0134] 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 driving the electronic device (1) may be stored in the memory embedded in the electronic device (1).

[0135] 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 (e.g., DRAM (dynamic RAM), SRAM (static RAM), or SDRAM (synchronous dynamic RAM)), non-volatile memory (e.g., OTPROM (one time programmable ROM), PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable and programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable ROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory (e.g., NAND flash or NOR flash), hard drive, or solid state drive (SSD).

[0136] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (transceiver) (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.

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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 a control panel (e.g., the control panel (16) of FIG. 1).

[0139] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (630) can support communication with external devices and servers based on wired or wireless communication methods.

[0140] 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.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (630) may include a communication module that supports pulse width modulation (PWM), UART, I2C, and GPIO communication. For example, the wired communication module and the wireless communication module may be implemented in the form of at least one hardware chip. However, the method that the communication unit (630) can support is only one embodiment, and the communication unit (630) may use at least one communication module among various communication modules.

[0142] 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. 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).

[0143] According to one embodiment, the first processor (611) may be configured to identify the type of the coupling nozzle from the resistance value of the resistor included in the coupling nozzle when the suction head (40) of the vacuum cleaner (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 resistor. For example, the identification resistor may be located on a connector included in the blower device (100) (e.g., the connector (110) of FIG. 3). The first processor (611) may also identify whether the blower device (100) is coupled without separate communication based on the identification resistor.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the communication unit (630) 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 pipe (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 the second processor (e.g., the second processor (221) of FIG. 6) included in the blower device (100) to identify that the coupled device is the blower device (100).

[0145] 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).

[0146] According to one embodiment, the control panel (16) may include an input button (621) and a display (623).

[0147] 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 of the user or input by touch.

[0148] 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 to turn on or off the vacuum cleaner (1) and / or the blower device (100), and a function button (e.g., function buttons (621b, 621c) of FIG. 9) that receives a user input to activate a function of the vacuum cleaner (1) and / or the blower device (100).

[0149] According to one embodiment, the first processor (611) can generate a control command based on a user input obtained by an input button (621).

[0150] 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.

[0151] 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).

[0152] 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., an 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.

[0153] 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.

[0154] 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.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the battery (50) may be configured to supply power required to drive electrical components included in the vacuum cleaner (1). For example, the battery (50) may be configured to supply power to drive the display (623), the communication unit (630), the suction motor (650), and the blower motor (210).

[0156] According to one embodiment, the first processor (611) can selectively control the operation of electrical components. For this purpose, the first processor (611) may include a switching element (615). For example, the switching element (615) may be configured to branch the power supplied by the battery (50). For example, the switching element (615) may be arranged between a signal line connecting the battery (50) and the suction motor (650). For example, the switching element (615) may be arranged between a signal line connecting the battery (50) and the blower motor (210). The switching element (615) may distribute the power supplied from the battery (50).

[0157] 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 (615) 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).

[0158] According to one embodiment, as the suction motor (650) is driven, a cyclone airflow is formed in the cleaner body (10), and as air is sucked into the dust bin (e.g., the dust bin (20) of FIG. 1) included in the cleaner body (10) by the cyclone airflow, foreign substances can be collected.

[0159] 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 filter sensor (250).

[0160] 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 I2C, UART, and GPIO methods. 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).

[0161] 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.

[0162] 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).

[0163] 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).

[0164] According to one embodiment, the second processor (221) may obtain data on whether a filter (e.g., the intake filter (141) of FIG. 4) is clogged from a filter sensor (250) and transmit the data on whether the filter is clogged to the first processor (611).

[0165] In addition to what is shown, the blower device (100) may further include a communication circuit and a memory. The second processor (221), the communication circuit, and the memory may be configured as a single integrated circuit. For example, the second processor (221), the communication circuit, and the memory may be implemented as a blower control unit (e.g., the blower control unit (220) of FIG. 4).

[0166] According to one embodiment, the filter sensor (250) may be configured to detect clogging of an inlet filter (e.g., an inlet filter (141) of FIG. 4) and an outlet filter. For example, the filter sensor (250) may be configured to detect that a threshold level or more of foreign substances are collected in the inlet filter (141) and the outlet filter. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the inlet filter (141) and the outlet filter will be referred to as "filters."

[0167] For example, the filter sensor (250) may include a position sensor, an infrared sensor, a pressure sensor, or a flow sensor. For example, when the filter sensor (250) 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 (250) is implemented as an infrared sensor, the filter sensor (250) 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 (250) is implemented as a pressure sensor or a flow sensor, the filter sensor (250) can sense the pressure of air flowing in the intake (e.g., the intake (140) or the discharge (150a) of FIG. 3), or detect the amount of foreign substances accumulated in the filter based on the flow rate around the filter.

[0168] According to one embodiment, the first processor (611) can determine whether the filter is clogged without the filter sensor (250). 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 suction port (140) or the discharge port (150a) is clogged when the difference between the target speed and the driving speed of the blower motor (210) exceeds a threshold level.

[0169] 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). This will be described in connection with FIGS. 8 and 14 .

[0170] Hereinafter, a flow chart for identifying the combination of the vacuum cleaner (1) with the blower device (100) and controlling the operation of the blower device (100) will be described in FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0171] FIG. 7 is an operational flowchart for controlling a blower device (e.g., a blower device (100) of FIGS. 2A and 2B) by a vacuum cleaner (e.g., a vacuum cleaner (1) of FIGS. 2A and 2B) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is an operational flowchart for controlling the operation of a blower device (100) by a vacuum cleaner (1) when the blower device (100) is coupled to a cleaner body (e.g., a cleaner body (10) of FIG. 1).

[0172] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation for generating a notification for instructing management of a filter (e.g., an inlet filter (141) of FIG. 4) of a blower device (100) by a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0173] Some of the operations illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 may be omitted, the same operations may be repeated, and the order of at least some of the operations may be changed as needed.

[0174] The embodiments of FIGS. 7 and 8 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0175] Referring to FIG. 7, the vacuum cleaner (1) can identify whether the blower device (100) is coupled in operations 710 and 720. The blower device (100) can be coupled to the cleaner body (10) and / or an extension pipe (e.g., an extension pipe (30) of FIG. 1).

[0176] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (1) can identify whether an external device is connected to the cleaner body (10) and / or the extension tube (30) based on an identification resistor included in the blower device (100). For example, the vacuum cleaner (1) can transmit a signal having a predetermined voltage and current, and primarily identify whether an external device is connected based on an identification resistor included in the external device.

[0177] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (1) can identify that an external device coupled to the cleaner body (10) and / or the extension tube (30) is the blower device (100) based on two-way communication with the blower device (100). For example, the vacuum cleaner (1) can transmit identification request information for identifying the device to the blower device (100). The blower device (100) can transmit identification information corresponding to the identification request information to the vacuum cleaner (1). The vacuum cleaner (1) receives the identification information and, based on the identification information, can identify that the device coupled to the cleaner body (10) and / or the extension tube (30) is the blower device (100).

[0178] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (1) may identify whether the blower device (100) is engaged based on an identification resistor included in the blower device (100). For example, the vacuum cleaner (1) may identify whether the blower device (100) is engaged based on the identification resistor without performing two-way communication.

[0179] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (1) can identify whether the suction motor (e.g., the suction motor (650) of FIG. 6) is driven in response to identifying the state in which the blower device (100) is engaged, at operation 730. For example, the vacuum cleaner (1) can identify whether the suction motor (650) is currently driven based on the current applied to the suction motor (650).

[0180] In one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (1) may stop driving the suction motor (650) in operation 750 in response to identifying that the blower device (100) is engaged and the suction motor (650) is driven in operation 740. For example, the vacuum cleaner (1) may stop driving the suction motor (650) in order to drive the blower motor (210) when the blower device (100) is engaged.

[0181] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (1) may, in response to identifying that the blower device (100) is engaged at operation 740 and that the suction motor (650) is not in operation, initiate operation of the blower device (100) at operation 760. For example, the vacuum cleaner (1) may, in response to identifying that the suction motor (650) is not in operation, omit an operation of separately stopping operation of the suction motor (650) and initiate operation of the blower device (100).

[0182] According to one embodiment, the blower device (100) is driven by a blower motor (e.g., blower motor (210) of FIG. 4), and thus the vacuum cleaner (1) can cut off power supplied to the suction motor (650). For example, a first processor (e.g., a first processor (611) of FIG. 6) can control a switching element (615) and cut off power supplied from a battery (e.g., a battery (50) of FIGS. 1 and 6) to the suction motor (650).

[0183] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (1) may initiate drive control for the blower device (100) at operation 760. For example, the first processor (611) may control the switching element (615) to supply power from the battery (50) to the blower device (100).

[0184] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (1) may, at operation 760, display information indicating that the blower device (100) is coupled to a display (e.g., display (623) of FIG. 6) upon initiating drive control for the blower device (100). With respect to operation 740, this will be described with reference to FIG. 10.

[0185] According to one embodiment, when the blower device (100) is coupled to the cleaner body (10) and / or the extension tube (30), the cleaner body (10) and the blower device (100) can be electrically connected by the switching element (615).

[0186] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (1) can receive a driving command for the blower device (100) at operation 770. For example, the vacuum cleaner (1) can receive a control command for the blower device (100) by a user input received by a function button (e.g., function buttons (621b, 621c) of FIG. 9) included in an input button (e.g., input button (621) of FIG. 6).

[0187] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (1) can receive a control command for the driving speed of the blower device (100). The driving speed can be set, for example, by the flow rate and velocity discharged from the blower device (100) according to the driving speed of the blower motor (210).

[0188] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (1) can receive a control command for the driving mode of the blower device (100). For example, the driving mode may be an operation mode of the blower device (100) according to a preset flow rate and flow rate corresponding to the purpose of the blower device (100). For example, the driving mode may include a general mode, a car wash mode, and a camping mode. The vacuum cleaner (1) can store the driving speed of the blower motor (210) and the driving time (or cycle) of the blower motor (210) for each driving mode. An example of a user interface related to the above operation 750 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13.

[0189] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (1) can drive the blower motor (210) in response to receiving a control command for controlling the driving of the blower device (100) at operation 780. For example, the vacuum cleaner (1) can generate a driving command according to a user input received by an input button (621) and transmit the driving command to the blower device (100).

[0190] According to one embodiment, the blower device (100) can control the driving of the blower motor (210) in response to the received driving command. For example, the second processor (e.g., the second processor (221) of FIG. 6) can drive the blower motor (210) at a predetermined speed in response to the driving command received from the cleaner body (10). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the blower motor (210) can directly receive the driving command transmitted from the cleaner body (10) and be driven in response to the driving command.

[0191] Referring to Fig. 8, the vacuum cleaner (1) can predict whether a filter (e.g., an intake filter (141) and / or an outlet filter of Fig. 4)) is clogged based on the driving speed of the blower motor (210). Fig. 8 can be understood as a control flow chart for predicting whether a filter is clogged when a blower device (100) is coupled to a cleaner body (10) and / or an extension pipe (30) and the blower device (100) performs a blowing function.

[0192] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (1) can obtain the current speed of the blower motor (210) that is being driven in operation 810. For example, the vacuum cleaner (1) can obtain the current driving speed of the blower motor (210) based on a driving current or driving voltage applied to the blower motor (210) from a second processor (e.g., the second processor (221) of FIG. 6). For example, the vacuum cleaner (1) can obtain the driving speed of the blower motor (210) based on a current value applied to the blower motor (210) from a current sensor (e.g., the current sensor (640) of FIG. 6).

[0193] In one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (1) can compare the current driving speed of the blower motor (210) with the target driving speed at operation 820. For example, the vacuum cleaner (1) can compare the current driving speed with the target driving speed of the blower motor (210) to be driven by a user input.

[0194] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (1) can detect whether the blower motor (210) is operating abnormally in operation 830. For example, the vacuum cleaner (1) can detect that the blower motor (210) is operating abnormally when the difference between the target operating speed of the blower motor (210) obtained in operation 820 and the current operating speed exceeds a threshold level.

[0195] In one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (1) may display a notification instructing filter management on a display (e.g., display (623) of FIG. 6) at operation 840. For example, the vacuum cleaner (1) may display a notification instructing cleaning of the intake filter (141) or the outlet filter.

[0196] According to one embodiment, in addition to generating a notification instructing filter maintenance based on the driving speed of the blower motor (210), the vacuum cleaner (1) may detect filter clogging based on information sensed by a filter sensor (250) (e.g., the filter sensor (250) of FIG. 6) and generate a notification instructing filter maintenance accordingly. For example, the vacuum cleaner (1) may also generate a notification instructing filter maintenance at regular intervals.

[0197] According to one embodiment, a vacuum cleaner (1) can transmit information instructing filter management to a user terminal (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, and wearable device) or a home appliance (e.g., a refrigerator, oven, and washing machine). For example, the vacuum cleaner (1) can transmit the information to the user terminal or the home appliance via wireless communication. The user terminal or home appliance that receives the information can display a notification instructing filter management. Hereinafter, an embodiment related to a user interface instructing filter management will be described with reference to FIG. 14.

[0198] FIGS. 9 and 10 are signaling diagrams illustrating signal transmission between a cleaner body (10) (e.g., cleaner body (10) of FIG. 1) and a blower device (100) (e.g., blower device (100) of FIGS. 2A and 2B) included in a vacuum cleaner (e.g., vacuum cleaner (1) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0199] Fig. 9 illustrates a signal transmission process for controlling the function of a blower device (100) when the blower device (100) is coupled to a vacuum cleaner body (10). For example, Fig. 9 may be understood as illustrating a signal transmission process for the control flowchart illustrated in Fig. 7.

[0200] Fig. 10 illustrates a signal transmission process for a vacuum cleaner (1) to detect a blockage in the suction port (e.g., suction port (140) of Fig. 4) or discharge port of a blower device (100) and display a notification instructing management of a filter (e.g., suction port filter (141) of Fig. 4). For example, Fig. 10 may be understood as illustrating a signal transmission process for the control flowchart illustrated in Fig. 8.

[0201] The embodiment of FIG. 9 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 7, and the embodiment of FIG. 10 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 8.

[0202] Referring to FIG. 9, the vacuum cleaner body (10) and the blower device (100) can exchange signals based on a predetermined communication method. For example, the first processor included in the vacuum cleaner body (10) (e.g., the first processor (611) of FIG. 6) and the second processor (221) included in the blower device (100) can exchange signals based on the predetermined communication method.

[0203] According to one embodiment, in step 911, a blower device (100) may be coupled to a cleaner body (10). When the blower device (100) is coupled to the cleaner body (10), the blower device (100) and the cleaner body (10) may be physically and / or electrically connected by a connector included in the blower device (100) (e.g., a connector (110) of FIG. 3).

[0204] According to one embodiment, when a blower device (100) is coupled to a cleaner body (10), the cleaner body (10) can identify that an external device is coupled based on an identification resistor included in the blower device (100).

[0205] According to one embodiment, in step 913, the cleaner body (10) can transmit identification request information to the blower device (100), and in step 915, the blower device (100) can transmit identification information to the cleaner body (10) in response to receiving the identification request information.

[0206] According to one embodiment, in step 921, the cleaner body (10) can identify that the coupled external device is the blower device (100) based on the identification information received from the blower device (100). For example, the cleaner body (10) can display information about the coupling of the blower device (100) on a display (e.g., display (623) of FIG. 6).

[0207] According to one embodiment, in step 921, the cleaner body (10) can identify whether the suction motor (e.g., the suction motor (650) of FIG. 6) is driving. For example, the cleaner body (10) can identify whether the suction motor (650) is currently driving based on the driving current applied to the suction motor (650).

[0208] In one embodiment, at step 925, the cleaner body (10) may stop driving the suction motor (650) in response to identifying that the blower device (100) is engaged and the suction motor (650) is currently being driven. For example, the cleaner body (10) may control a switching element (e.g., switching element (615) of FIG. 6) to cut off power supplied to the suction motor (650).

[0209] According to one embodiment, at step 927, the cleaner body (10) may receive user input for the blower device (100). For example, the cleaner body (10) may receive user input for the driving mode and / or driving strength of the blower device (100) through a control panel (e.g., the control panel (16) of FIG. 1).

[0210] According to one embodiment, in step 929, the cleaner body (10) may generate a control command for the blower device (100). For example, the cleaner body (10) may generate a control command for the blower device (100) in response to a user input entered through an input button of the control panel (16) (e.g., input button (621) of FIG. 6).

[0211] According to one embodiment, in step 917, the cleaner body (10) can transmit the control command for the blower device (100) generated in step 927 to the blower device (100).

[0212] According to one embodiment, in step 913, the blower device (100) may drive a blower motor (e.g., the blower motor (210) of FIG. 4) in response to a control command received from the cleaner body (10). For example, the blower device (100) may drive the blower motor (210) to rotate at a predetermined speed in response to the control command.

[0213] Referring to FIG. 10, in step 1011, the blower device (100) can transmit information detected by the filter sensor (e.g., the filter sensor (250) of FIG. 6) to the cleaner body (10).

[0214] According to one embodiment, in step 1013, the cleaner body (10) may request driving information of the blower motor (210) from the blower device (100). In step 1015, the blower device (100) may transmit driving information of the blower motor (210) corresponding to the driving information. For example, the driving information of the blower motor (210) may include a current driving speed of the blower motor (210) and a target driving speed of the blower motor (210). For example, the cleaner body (10) may determine the driving speed of the blower motor (210) based on a current value acquired from the blower device (100) by a current sensor (e.g., the current sensor (640) of FIG. 6).

[0215] According to one embodiment, in step 1021, the cleaner body (10) may determine that the filter (141) is clogged. For example, the cleaner body (10) may determine that the filter (141) is clogged based on information detected from the filter sensor (250) and the difference between the current driving speed and the target driving speed of the blower motor (210).

[0216] According to one embodiment, in step 1023, the cleaner body (10) may generate a notification instructing management of the filter (141). For example, the cleaner body (10) may generate information indicating that the filter (141) is clogged and a notification instructing cleaning of the filter (141).

[0217] According to one embodiment, in step 1025, the cleaner body (10) may display a notification instructing filter management on the display (623). The cleaner body (10) may also transmit the notification to an external device (e.g., a user terminal).

[0218] FIG. 11 illustrates a cleaner body (10) (e.g., the cleaner body (10) of FIG. 1) and a control panel (16) (e.g., the control panel (16) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0219] The embodiment of FIG. 11 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 8.

[0220] Referring to Fig. 11, a control panel (16) may be placed on the upper side of the vacuum cleaner body. The control panel (16) may include an 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).

[0221] According to one embodiment, the 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 the vacuum cleaner (1) and / or a blower motor (e.g., a blower motor (210) of FIG. 4) included in a blower device (e.g., a blower device (100) of FIGS. 2A and 2B).

[0222] 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.

[0223] According to one embodiment, the input button (621) may include function buttons (621b, 621c) for activating a function of the vacuum cleaner (1) or for controlling a function of the vacuum cleaner (1). For example, the function buttons (621b, 621c) may include a first function button (621b) and a second function button (621c).

[0224] According to one embodiment, the function buttons (621b, 621c) may receive a user input for changing the driving speed of the suction motor (650) or the blower motor (210). For example, the first function button (621b) may receive a user input for decreasing the driving speed of the suction motor (650) or the blower motor (210). For example, the second function button (621c) may receive a user input for increasing the driving speed of the suction motor (650) or the blower motor (210).

[0225] According to one embodiment, the function buttons (621b, 621c) can receive user input for moving an object displayed on the display (623). For example, when multiple 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).

[0226] FIGS. 12 to 16 illustrate examples of a control panel (e.g., control panel (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.

[0227] It can be understood that FIGS. 12 to 16 are exemplary illustrations of a user interface displayed on a display (623) in response to the activation of various functions of the vacuum cleaner (1).

[0228] The embodiments of FIGS. 12 to 16 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 11.

[0229] Referring to FIG. 12, the vacuum cleaner (1) can display a first user interface (1200) indicating a state in which a blower device (e.g., the blower device (100) of FIGS. 2A and 2B) is coupled, as a display (623).

[0230] According to one embodiment, the first user interface (1200) may include a first object (1210) for indicating connection of the blower device (100) and a second object (1220) for receiving a user's confirmation of information indicated by the first user interface (1200).

[0231] According to one embodiment, when a blower device (100) is coupled to a vacuum cleaner body (10), the vacuum cleaner (1) can display the first interface (1200) as a display (623) in response to identifying that the coupled device is a blower device (100).

[0232] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (1) can control the display (623) to return to the previous screen upon receiving an input of the power button (621a). For example, the vacuum cleaner (1) can display the user interface (1100) of FIGS. 11 to 14 upon receiving an input of the power button (621a).

[0233] Referring to FIG. 13, the vacuum cleaner (1) may display a second user interface (1300) indicating information on the operating status of a blower device (e.g., the blower device (100) of FIGS. 2A and 2B) on a display (623). For example, the second user interface (1300) may include a first object (1310) indicating the level of air volume discharged from the blower device (100) through the discharge port (e.g., the discharge port (150a) of FIG. 4), a second object (1320) indicating the remaining air blowing time of the blower device (100), and a third object (1330) (e.g., the second object (1220) of FIG. 12) for receiving a user's confirmation of the information indicated by the second user interface (1300).

[0234] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (1) can display a first object (1310), which is information indicating a target driving speed of the blower device (100), on the display (623). The target driving speed can be selected by inputting a first function button (621b) or a second function button (621c).

[0235] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (1) may display a second object (1320), which is information indicating the remaining blowing time of the blower device (100), on the display (623). The remaining blowing time may be set according to the turning on of the blower device (100). For example, the remaining blowing time may be set corresponding to the blowing mode of the blower device (100).

[0236] Referring to FIG. 14, the vacuum cleaner (1) may display a third user interface (1400) indicating information about the blowing strength of a blower device (e.g., the blower device (100) of FIGS. 2A and 2B) on the display (623). For example, the third user interface (1400) may include a first object (1410) indicating that the third user interface (1400) is for selecting the blowing strength of the blower device (100) and a second object (1420) for receiving a user input about the blowing strength of the blower device (100).

[0237] According to one embodiment, the second object (1420) may include a plurality of objects according to the level of the blowing strength emitted by the blower device (100). For example, the second object (1420) may include a 2-1 object (1421) indicating that the blowing strength of the blower device (100) is at a “weak” level, a 2-2 object (1422) indicating that the blowing strength of the blower device (100) is at a “medium” level, a 2-3 object (1423) indicating that the blowing strength of the blower device (100) is at a “strong” level, and a 2-4 object (1424) indicating that the blowing strength of the blower device (100) is at a “booster” level.

[0238] According to one embodiment, the level of the blowing strength of the blower device (100) may increase in the order of weak, medium, strong, and booster. The blower motor (210) may be configured to rotate at different speeds corresponding to the blowing strength of the blower device (100).

[0239] According to one embodiment, the "booster" mode may be defined as a mode that performs an operation of compressing air sucked into the blower device (100) to a high pressure and then discharging it by controlling the driving speed of the blower motor (210). For example, the blower device (100) may compress air sucked into the blower device (100) to a high pressure and then discharge it by repeatedly performing an operation of rotating the blower motor (210) at a high speed and then stopping it.

[0240] According to one embodiment, the second-first, second-second, second-third, and second-fourth objects (1421, 1422, 1423, 1424) included in the second object (1420) can be selected by input of the function buttons (621b, 621c). For example, when the current blowing intensity of the blower device (100) is at the “medium” level and an input of the first function button (621b) is received, the blowing intensity can be changed to the “weak” level. For example, when the current blowing intensity of the blower device (100) is at the “medium” level and an input of the second function button (621c) is received, the blowing intensity can be changed to the “strong” level.

[0241] Referring to FIG. 15, the vacuum cleaner (1) may display a fourth user interface (1500) indicating information about a blowing mode of the blower device (100) on the display (623). For example, the fourth user interface (1500) may include a first object (1510) indicating that the fourth user interface (1500) is for selecting a blowing mode of the blower device (100) and a second object (1520) for receiving a user input about the blowing mode of the blower device (100).

[0242] According to one embodiment, the second object (1520) may include a plurality of objects depending on the type of blowing mode emitted by the blower device (100). For example, the second object (1520) may include a 2-1 object (1521) indicating that the blowing mode of the blower device (100) is a “car wash” mode, a 2-2 object (1522) indicating that the blowing mode of the blower device (100) is a “normal” mode, and a 2-3 object (1523) indicating that the blowing strength of the blower device (100) is a “camping” mode. Referring to FIG. 15, the blower device (100) is currently in a state where the function for the normal mode is activated.

[0243] According to one embodiment, when receiving user input for various types of blowing modes, a blowing function can be activated according to preset blowing strength and blowing time corresponding to the input blowing mode.

[0244] For example, when the car wash mode is activated for the blower device (100), the blower device (100) can perform a blowing function with a blowing strength to blow away moisture remaining on the exterior of the vehicle after the car wash. For example, when the car wash mode is activated for the blower device (100), the blower device (100) can perform a blowing function with a blowing strength to blow away foreign substances inside the vehicle.

[0245] For example, when the normal mode is activated for the blower device (100), the blower device (100) can perform a blowing function at a preset blowing strength.

[0246] For example, when the camping mode is activated for the blower device (100), the blower device (100) may perform a blowing function with a blowing strength to accelerate ignition during camping. For example, when the camping mode is activated for the blower device (100), the blowing function may be performed with a blowing strength to blow away foreign substances around the camping site.

[0247] According to one embodiment, the second-1, second-2, and second-3 (1521, 1522, 1523) included in the second object (1520) can be selected by input of the function buttons (621b, 621c). For example, when the current blowing mode of the blower device (100) is the “normal” mode and an input of the first function button (621b) is received, the blowing mode can be changed to the “car wash” mode. For example, when the current blowing mode of the blower device (100) is the “normal” mode and an input of the second function button (621c) is received, the blowing mode can be changed to the “camping” mode.

[0248] Referring to FIG. 16, the blower device (100) may display a fifth user interface (1600) on the display (623) that instructs filter management upon detecting a clogging of a filter (e.g., an inlet filter (141) or an outlet filter of FIG. 4). For example, the fifth user interface (1600) may include a first object (1610) that identifies whether the filter is clogged and provides a notification that instructs filter management (e.g., filter cleaning), and a second object (1620) (e.g., the second object (1220) of FIG. 12 or the third object (1330) of FIG. 13) for receiving a user's confirmation of information indicated by the fifth user interface (1600).

[0249] According to one embodiment, the blower device (100) can identify whether the filter is clogged based on information detected by a filter sensor (e.g., a filter sensor (250) of FIG. 6) or the driving speed of the blower motor. In response to identifying whether the filter is clogged, the blower device (100) can display a notification instructing filter management on the display (623).

[0250] According to one embodiment, the blower device (100) may display a notification on the display (623) instructing filter maintenance whenever a preset cycle is reached, regardless of whether the filter is clogged.

[0251] 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.

[0252] A blower device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can realize product weight reduction 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.

[0253] 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.

[0254] A vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can display information on whether a blower device (100) is coupled, operation information of the blower device (100), and a clogged state of a suction port (e.g., suction port (140) of FIG. 3) and a discharge port (e.g., discharge port (150a) of FIG. 4) of the blower device (100) on a display (e.g., display (623) of FIG. 6).

[0255] A vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can receive user input for a blower device (100) through a control panel (e.g., control panel (16) of FIG. 1) disposed on a cleaner body (10) and transmit a control command corresponding to the user input to the blower device (100).

[0256] A blower device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can provide a driving mode according to the purpose by driving a blower motor (e.g., blower motor (210) of FIG. 4) at a preset speed corresponding to various driving modes.

[0257] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0258] A vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure (e.g., vacuum cleaner (1) of FIG. 1) comprises a cleaner body (10), a suction motor (650), a battery (50), a blower device (100) configured to be arranged so as to be connectable with the cleaner body (10), a blower motor (210), a blower fan configured to rotate based on driving force generated from the blower motor (210), and a connector (110) configured to be connectable and electrically connected with the cleaner body (10), and a control unit (610) configured to control the operation of the blower device (100), the control unit (610) configured to identify whether the blower device (100) is connected to the cleaner body (10), and to control the blower device (100) from the battery (50) through the connector (110) in response to identifying that the blower device (100) is connected to the cleaner body (10). It may include a control unit (610) configured to supply driving power to the device (100).

[0259] In a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit (610) may be configured to, in response to an external device being defective in the cleaner body (10), transmit identification request information to the external device (e.g., a blower device (100)), obtain identification information corresponding to the identification request information from the external device, and identify that the external device is coupled to the cleaner body (10) based on the obtained identification information corresponding to the blower device (100).

[0260] In a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the connector (110) may include an identification resistor. The control unit (610) may be configured to obtain identification information corresponding to the blower device (100) from the identification resistor.

[0261] In a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the blower device (100)

[0262] The blower device (100) may further include an intake port (140) for sucking in external air and a discharge nozzle (150) for sucking in external air.

[0263] In a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the blower device (100) is coupled to the cleaner body (10), the suction port (140) may be positioned further from the cleaner body (10) than the connector (110), and may be positioned between the cleaner body (10) and the blower motor (210).

[0264] In a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the blower device (100) may further include a suction filter (141) disposed below the suction port (140), and a discharge filter disposed inside a path formed inside the discharge nozzle (150).

[0265] In a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the blower device (100) may further include a filter sensor (250) configured to detect blockage of the discharge port (150a) in the discharge nozzle (150) and the suction port (140) or the discharge port (150a). The filter sensor (250) may include one or more of a position sensor, an infrared sensor, and a pressure sensor.

[0266] In a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the vacuum cleaner (1) may include a current sensor (640) configured to detect a driving current applied to the blower motor (210). The control unit (610) may be configured to obtain a current driving speed of the blower motor (210) based on the detected driving current applied to the blower motor (210) detected by the current sensor (640), and to identify whether the suction port (140) or the discharge port (150a) is blocked when a difference between the obtained current driving speed of the blower motor (210) and the target driving speed of the blower motor (210) is greater than or equal to a threshold level.

[0267] In a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit (610) may be configured to identify whether the suction port (140) or the discharge port (150a) is clogged based on information obtained from the filter sensor (250).

[0268] In a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cleaner body (10) may further include a switching element (615) configured to branch power supplied from the battery (50) to either the suction motor (650) or the blower device (100). The switching element (615) may be arranged on a signal line (111) connecting the battery (50) and the suction motor (650), and the switching element (615) may be arranged on a signal line (111) connecting the battery (50) and the blower device (100).

[0269] In a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cleaner body (10) may further include a control panel (16). The control panel (16) may include an input button (621) and a display (623).

[0270] In a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit (610) may be configured to display a user interface indicating that the blower device (100) is coupled on the display (623) in response to identifying that the blower device (100) is coupled to the cleaner body (10).

[0271] In a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the blower device (100) may include a blower control unit (220) configured to drive and control the rotation speed of the blower motor (210). The control unit (610) may be configured to generate a control command of the blower device (100) corresponding to the received user input in response to a user input received by the input button (621), and transmit the control command to the blower control unit (610) in order to drive and control the rotation speed of the blower motor (210).

[0272] In a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cleaner body (10) may include a display (623). The blower device (100) may include a suction filter (141) disposed below the suction port (140), and an outlet filter disposed within a path formed within the discharge nozzle (150). The control unit (610) may be configured to display a notification instructing management of the suction port filter (141) or the outlet filter (141) on the display (623) in response to identifying whether the suction port (140) or the discharge port (150a) is clogged.

[0273] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for controlling a vacuum cleaner (1) is provided, which includes a cleaner body (10), a suction motor (650) inside the cleaner body (10), a battery (50), and a blower device (100) configured to be coupled to the cleaner body (10). The blower device (100) may include a blower motor (210), a blower fan configured to rotate based on a driving force generated from the blower motor (210), and a connector (110) configured to be coupled to and electrically connected to the cleaner body (10). The method may include an operation of identifying whether a blower device (100) is coupled to the cleaner body (10), an operation of identifying whether the suction motor (650) is driven in response to identifying that the blower device (100) is coupled to the cleaner body (10), an operation of stopping the driving of the suction motor (650) when the suction motor (650) is identified as being driven, and an operation of supplying driving power from the battery (50) to the blower motor (210) through the connector (110).

[0274] According to one embodiment, the method may include an operation of transmitting identification request information to an external device in response to the external device being coupled to the cleaner body (10), an operation of obtaining identification information corresponding to the identification request information from the external device, and an operation of identifying that the blower device (100) is coupled to the cleaner body (10) based on the obtained identification information corresponding to the blower device (100).

[0275] According to one embodiment, the connector (110) includes an identification resistor, and the control method of the vacuum cleaner (1) may further include an operation of obtaining identification information corresponding to the blower device (100) from the identification resistor included in the connector (110).

[0276] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner (1) includes a current sensor (640) configured to detect a driving current applied to a blower motor (210), and the blower device (100) includes an inlet (140) or an outlet (150a), and the method may include an operation of obtaining a current driving speed of the blower motor (210) based on a detected driving current applied to the blower motor (210) detected by the current sensor (640), an operation of comparing the obtained current driving speed of the blower motor (210) with a target driving speed of the blower motor (210), and an operation of identifying whether at least one of the inlet (140) or the outlet (150a) is blocked when a difference between the obtained current driving speed of the blower motor (210) and the target driving speed of the blower motor (210) is greater than or equal to a threshold level.

[0277] According to one embodiment, the blower device (100) includes an inlet filter (141) below the inlet (140), an outlet filter adjacent to the outlet (150a), and a filter sensor (250) configured to detect clogging of the inlet filter (141) or the outlet filter, and the method may include an operation of identifying whether at least one of the inlet filter (141) or the outlet filter is clogged based on information obtained from the filter sensor (250).

[0278] According to one embodiment, the cleaner body (10) includes a display, and the method may further include an operation of displaying a user interface indicating that the blower device (100) is coupled to the cleaner body (10) on the display (623) in response to identifying that the blower device (100) is coupled to the cleaner body (10).

[0279] According to one embodiment, the method may further include an operation of displaying a notification instructing management of the suction filter (141) or the discharge filter on the display (623) in response to identifying whether the suction port (140) or the discharge port (150a) is clogged.

Claims

1. In the vacuum cleaner (1), Vacuum cleaner body (10); A suction motor (650) placed inside the above vacuum cleaner body (10); Battery (50); A blower device (100) configured to be coupled with the above-described cleaner body (10), comprising a blower motor (210), a blower fan configured to rotate based on driving force generated from the blower motor (210), and a connector (110) configured to be coupled with the above-described cleaner body (10) and electrically connected; and A cleaner comprising a control unit (610) configured to control the operation of the blower device (100), the control unit (610) configured to identify whether the blower device (100) is coupled to the cleaner body (10), and to supply driving power from the battery (50) to the blower device (100) through the connector (110) in response to identifying that the blower device (100) is coupled to the cleaner body (10).

2. In paragraph 1, The above control unit (610) In response to the external device being defective in the above cleaner body (10), identification request information is transmitted to the external device, Obtain identification information corresponding to the identification request information from the external device, A vacuum cleaner (1) configured to identify that the blower device (100) is coupled to the cleaner body (10) based on the identification information corresponding to the acquired blower device (100).

3. In paragraph 2, The above connector (110) includes an identification resistor, The above control unit (610) is configured to obtain identification information corresponding to the blower device (100) from the identification resistor, a vacuum cleaner (1).

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, The above blower device (100) is An intake port (140) located on the side of the above blower device (100) and sucking in external air; and A vacuum cleaner (1) comprising a discharge nozzle (150) for discharging sucked outside air.

5. In paragraph 4, A vacuum cleaner (1), wherein when the blower device (100) is coupled to the cleaner body (10), the suction port (140) is positioned further from the cleaner body (10) than the connector (110) and is positioned between the cleaner body (10) and the blower motor (210).

6. In paragraph 4 or 5, The blower device (100) is a vacuum cleaner (1) including a suction filter (141) disposed below the suction port (140) and a discharge filter disposed inside a path formed inside the discharge nozzle (150).

7. In any one of paragraphs 4 to 6, A discharge port (150a) within the above discharge nozzle (150); and The above blower device (100) includes a filter sensor (250) configured to detect blockage of the suction port (140) or the discharge port (150a), The above filter sensor (250) is a vacuum cleaner (1) including at least one of a position sensor, an infrared sensor, and a pressure sensor.

8. In paragraph 7, Includes a current sensor (640) configured to detect the driving current applied to the blower motor (210), The above control unit (610) The current driving speed of the blower motor (210) is obtained based on the detected driving current applied to the blower motor (210) detected by the current sensor (640), A vacuum cleaner (1) configured to identify whether the suction port (140) or the discharge port (150a) is clogged when the difference between the current driving speed of the acquired blower motor (210) and the target driving speed of the blower motor (210) is greater than a critical level.

9. In paragraph 7, The above control unit (610) A vacuum cleaner (1) configured to identify whether the suction port (140) or the discharge port (150a) is clogged based on information obtained from the filter sensor (250).

10. In paragraph 1, The above vacuum cleaner body (10) is It further includes a switching element (615) configured to branch the power supplied from the battery (50) to either the suction motor (650) or the blower device (100), The above switching element (615) is connected to a signal line (111) connecting the battery (50) and the suction motor (650), The above switching element (615) is connected to a signal line (111) connecting the battery (50) and the blower device (100), a vacuum cleaner (1).

11. In paragraph 1, The above vacuum cleaner body (10) includes a control panel (16), The above control panel (16) includes an input button (621) and a display (623), a vacuum cleaner (1).

12. In paragraph 11, The above control unit (610) A vacuum cleaner (1), configured to display a user interface indicating that the blower device (100) is coupled on the display (623) in response to identifying that the blower device (100) is coupled to the cleaner body (10).

13. In paragraph 11, The above blower device (100) includes a blower control unit (220) configured to drive and control the rotation speed of the blower motor (210), The above control unit (610) In response to the user input received through the above input button (621), Generate a control command of the blower device (100) corresponding to the user input received above, A vacuum cleaner (1) configured to transmit the control command to the blower control unit (220) in order to drive and control the rotation speed of the blower motor (210).

14. In paragraph 8, The above vacuum cleaner body (10) includes a display (623), The blower device (100) includes a suction filter (141) disposed below the suction port (140), and a discharge filter disposed inside a path formed inside the discharge nozzle (150). The above control unit (610) In response to identifying whether the above suction port (140) or the above discharge port (150a) is blocked, A vacuum cleaner (1) configured to display a notification instructing management of the suction filter (141) or the discharge filter through the display (623).

15. A method for controlling a vacuum cleaner (1) including a vacuum cleaner body (10), a suction motor (650) inside the vacuum cleaner body (10), a battery (50), and a blower device (100) configured to be coupled to the vacuum cleaner body (10), The above blower device (100) includes a blower motor (210), a blower fan configured to rotate based on driving force generated from the blower motor (210), and a connector (110) configured to be coupled and electrically connected to the cleaner body (10). The above method, An operation for identifying whether a blower device (100) is connected to the above-mentioned vacuum cleaner body (10); An operation of identifying whether the suction motor (650) is driving in response to identifying that the blower device (100) is coupled to the cleaner body (10); When the above suction motor (650) is identified as being in operation, an operation of stopping the operation of the above suction motor (650); and A method comprising an operation of supplying driving power from the battery (50) to the blower motor (210) through the connector (110).

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