Cleaner

Abstract

A cleaner is disclosed. A filter cleaning device of the cleaner may comprise a brush and a turbine. The brush may be disposed to be in contact with a filter unit provided inside a housing. The turbine is rotated by a flow of air. One of the filter unit and the brush is relatively rotated with respect to the other of the filter unit and the brush by the turbine. Through this, foreign substances accumulated on a filter can be cleaned by the brush.

Description

vacuum cleaner

[0001] The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner capable of automatically cleaning a filter.

[0002] A vacuum cleaner is a device that performs cleaning tasks by sucking up or wiping away foreign substances, such as dust, from an area to be cleaned.

[0003] Vacuum cleaners are widely used because they can improve cleaning effectiveness and user convenience compared to brooms or mops.

[0004] Vacuum cleaners can be used indoors or outdoors. However, due to issues such as power supply and hygiene, they are typically used indoors rather than outdoors.

[0005] Vacuum cleaners can be classified into manual vacuum cleaners and automatic robot vacuum cleaners.

[0006] In the case of manual vacuum cleaners, the user moves the vacuum cleaner directly to perform cleaning tasks. Manual vacuum cleaners can be classified into canister type vacuum cleaners, upright type vacuum cleaners, handheld vacuum cleaners, stick vacuum cleaners, etc., depending on the form of the vacuum cleaner.

[0007] Generally, vacuum cleaners can be equipped with a filter in the airflow path.

[0008] However, as cleaning is performed repeatedly using a vacuum cleaner, foreign matter may accumulate on the filter.

[0009] As a result, if cleaning is performed with foreign matter accumulated on the filter, there is a problem where cleaning performance is degraded.

[0010] To resolve these problems, a dust separator is disclosed in prior art document WO 2023 / 089298 A1 (hereinafter referred to as 'Patent Document 1').

[0011] According to Patent Document 1, a moving member is mounted inside a vacuum cleaner so as to be movable by an operating part. The moving member is positioned to surround a filter. The moving member has a plurality of protrusions that protrude toward the filter so as to be able to contact the outer surface of the filter.

[0012] When the user manually operates the control unit to move the movable member, the protrusions of the movable member shake off dust accumulated on the inner surface of the filter, allowing the filter to be cleaned.

[0013] However, Patent Document 1 has the inconvenience of requiring the user to perform filter cleaning work manually whenever dust accumulates on the filter. In addition, Patent Document 1 has a problem of reduced filter cleaning performance because it does not scrape off the dust accumulated on the inner surface of the filter, but rather shakes off the dust by applying pressure to the outer surface of the filter opposite to the inner surface where dust has accumulated.

[0014] In addition, Patent Document 1 states that foreign substances such as dust remain on the filter because the user has not familiarized themselves with the method of operating the control unit for cleaning the filter or has forgotten to use the control unit with the filter cleaning function.

[0015] As a result, due to foreign matter remaining in the filter, air intake may not be smooth, and cleaning may not be performed properly.

[0016] Furthermore, if air is not supplied or expelled smoothly, heat is generated in the vacuum cleaner, which leads to malfunctions and a shortened lifespan.

[0017] A dust collector, a vacuum cleaner, and a cleaning device are disclosed in prior art patent document KR 10-2023-0089508 A (hereinafter referred to as 'Patent Document 2').

[0018] According to Patent Document 2, the cleaning device comprises a vacuum cleaner station that automatically empties foreign substances, such as dust, stored in the dust storage unit of the vacuum cleaner, a cyclone module that induces a swirling airflow, and a rotating part that rotates a mesh filter that filters dust from the air before the air flows into the cyclone module.

[0019] However, the rotating part of Patent Document 2 is intended to rotate the mesh filter to smoothly discharge foreign substances stored inside the dust collector, but it does not have the function of cleaning the filter itself, such as removing foreign substances stuck in the mesh filter.

[0020] In addition, if unfiltered dust gets stuck between the rotating parts, there is a problem where the mesh filter does not rotate smoothly.

[0021] The objective of the present invention is to provide a vacuum cleaner with a structure capable of solving the aforementioned problems.

[0022] The first objective is to provide a vacuum cleaner with a structure that can overwhelmingly improve user convenience by enabling automatic cleaning of the filter without the user having to clean it manually.

[0023] The second objective is to provide a vacuum cleaner with a structure capable of improving the cleaning performance of a filter by scraping one side of the filter where dust has accumulated.

[0024] The third objective is to provide a vacuum cleaner with a structure capable of rotating a pre-filter that filters foreign substances from the air passing through the cyclone, rather than rotating a mesh screen that filters dust from the air before it enters the cyclone.

[0025] The fourth objective is to provide a vacuum cleaner with a structure that allows the rotating part to rotate smoothly, so that there is no risk of unfiltered dust getting stuck in the rotating part.

[0026] The fifth objective is to provide a vacuum cleaner with a structure capable of increasing the rotational force (torque) of the rotating part (turbine).

[0027] As a result of intensive research, the inventors have found that the problem of the present invention or the first to fifth objectives described above can be achieved by the following embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] To achieve the above-mentioned objective, a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a housing, a fan motor, a cyclone, a filter, and a filter cleaning device. A suction portion may be formed on one side of the housing. The fan motor is provided inside the housing. The fan motor can suck in air through the suction portion. In this way, the fan motor can suck in ambient air around the surface to be cleaned during a cleaning operation.

[0029] The cyclone is provided inside the housing. The cyclone can induce a swirling motion of the air. Through this, the cyclone can separate dust from the swirling air by utilizing centrifugal force and gravity.

[0030] The filter is positioned downstream of the cyclone and upstream of the fan motor based on the direction of air flow. In this way, the filter can supply clean air to the fan motor after removing foreign substances from the air passing through the cyclone.

[0031] The filter cleaning device described above can automatically clean foreign substances trapped in the filter. This eliminates the need for the user to manually clean the filter.

[0032] The filter cleaning device comprises: a filter cleaning member positioned to contact the filter; and a rotating member connected to the filter and rotating the filter relative to the filter cleaning member. Through this, the filter cleaning member can clean the filter by scraping off dust accumulated on the filter.

[0033] Through this, the air sucked in through the intake port passes through the cyclone and then flows into the filter. Consequently, foreign substances such as dust in the air flowing into the filter are relatively smaller in size and much smaller in quantity than the foreign substances such as dust accumulated in the cyclone. In other words, the amount and size of foreign substances accumulating in the filter are smaller than the amount and size of foreign substances accumulating in the cyclone.

[0034] As a result, the amount or size of foreign matter trapped between the rotating part and the housing is small, so the rotating part can rotate smoothly.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the fan motor comprises: an impeller that forms the airflow; and a drive motor that drives the impeller.

[0036] The filter cleaning device may be positioned upstream of the impeller based on the direction of air flow. Through this, foreign substances such as dust contained in the air can be removed by the filter cleaning device before the air flows into the impeller.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the fan motor may be positioned above the cyclone. The filter may include a pre-filter positioned above the fan motor.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the filter may include a pre-filter disposed upstream of the fan motor.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the cyclone may include a first cyclone having a mesh screen and separating dust from air sucked in through the suction part; and a second cyclone disposed inside the first cyclone and separating fine dust from air passing through the mesh screen.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the cyclone includes a mesh screen. The mesh screen has a plurality of openings to allow the passage of air and to restrict the passage of dust contained in the air. The filter may include a pre-filter disposed downstream of the mesh screen.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the filter includes a pre-filter. A first cover may be connected to the upper part of the housing in a way that allows it to be opened and closed. Through this, access to the pre-filter is possible through the first cover.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the housing comprises: a dust storage unit for storing dust separated by the cyclone; and a second cover that is openably coupled to the lower part of the housing to discharge dust stored in the dust storage unit.

[0043] The above vacuum cleaner may further include a dust emptying station that sucks in and empties dust discharged from the housing through the second cover.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner includes a dust emptying station. The dust emptying station is positioned outside the housing. The dust emptying station is equipped with a dust collection motor. The dust emptying station can suck up and empty dust stored inside the housing.

[0045] The filter includes a pre-filter rotatably mounted inside the housing.

[0046] The filter cleaning device comprises: a filter cleaning unit configured to contact the pre-filter inside the housing and scrape off foreign matter stuck to the pre-filter; and a turbine connected to the pre-filter and mounted to rotate about a turbine shaft. Through this, the rotating unit can be implemented as the turbine.

[0047] The turbine can rotate by the reverse flow of air when emptying the dust. Here, the reverse flow of air is formed in a direction opposite to the air intake direction of the fan motor according to the operation of the dust collector motor. The pre-filter can rotate by receiving rotational power from the turbine.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the filter cleaning device may include a turbine case, a filter support, and a friction projection. The turbine case may accommodate the turbine. The filter support may be mounted so as to be movable in the vertical direction relative to the turbine case. The filter support may support the pre-filter. The friction projection may be provided on one side of the filter support. The friction projection may selectively contact one side of the turbine case depending on the position change of the filter support.

[0049] The friction protrusion can be adsorbed to the turbine case by the air suction force of the fan motor when the fan motor is operating. Through this, the filter support can be stopped by the friction protrusion during the cleaning operation of the vacuum cleaner. The rotation of the pre-filter supported by the filter support can be stopped during the cleaning operation.

[0050] Therefore, during the cleaning operation, the filter and the turbine, etc. do not rotate due to the air intake force of the fan motor, thereby reducing the rotational load of the filter and the turbine.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the filter cleaning device may further include an elastic member. The elastic member may be disposed between the filter support and the turbine case. The elastic member may elastically support the filter support. Through this, the filter support can return to its original position by the elastic force of the elastic member when the dust is emptied.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the elastic member may be a coil spring.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the filter cleaning unit may be composed of a brush in the form of a bristles or a blade having elasticity.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the turbine may include a hub and a plurality of blades. The hub is positioned inside the filter and can rotate around the turbine shaft.

[0055] The plurality of blades mentioned above can be formed in a curved shape so as to be bent in the circumferential direction relative to the radial direction on the outer surface of the hub.

[0056] The turbine can be positioned on top of the fan motor.

[0057] The above blade can induce the axial flow of air passing through the fan motor into a rotational flow from the hub toward the filter when emptying the dust.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the filter cleaning device may further include a reduction gear that reduces the rotational speed of the rotating part and transmits the power of the rotating part to the filter.

[0059] Through this, the reduction gear can increase torque even if the power of the rotating part is weak.

[0060] The above reduction gear may include a plurality of gears connected to the rotating part and the filter. Through this, the plurality of gears can reduce the rotational speed of the rotating part to increase torque.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the reduction gear may include: a sun gear connected to the rotating part via a turbine shaft; a plurality of planetary gears meshing with the sun gear; a rack gear surrounding the plurality of planetary gears and meshing with the plurality of planetary gears; and a carrier connecting the plurality of planetary gears and connected to the filter via a reduction shaft. Through this, the plurality of planetary gears can increase torque by reducing the rotational speed of the rotating part.

[0062] A vacuum cleaner according to another embodiment includes: a housing having a suction port formed on one side; a fan motor provided inside the housing and sucking in air through the suction port; a cyclone provided inside the housing and inducing a swirling motion of the air; a filter positioned downstream of the cyclone and upstream of the fan motor with respect to the direction of air flow; and a filter cleaning device that automatically cleans foreign matter trapped in the filter.

[0063] The filter cleaning device may include a filter cleaning part disposed to contact the filter; and a rotating part connected to the filter cleaning part and rotating the filter cleaning part relative to the filter.

[0064] According to another embodiment, the vacuum cleaner may further include a dust emptying station disposed outside the housing, equipped with a dust collection motor, and capable of sucking up and emptying dust stored inside the housing.

[0065] The filter includes a pre-filter provided inside the housing. The filter cleaning device includes: a filter cleaning unit that contacts the pre-filter and is mounted inside the housing so as to be rotatable relative to the pre-filter to scrape off foreign matter stuck in the pre-filter; and a turbine connected to the filter cleaning unit and mounted so as to be rotatable around a turbine shaft.

[0066] The above turbine rotates due to the reverse flow of air formed in the opposite direction to the air intake direction of the fan motor according to the operation of the dust collector motor when the dust is emptied. The above filter cleaning unit can rotate by receiving rotational power from the turbine.

[0067] According to another embodiment, the filter cleaning device may include: a turbine case accommodating the turbine; an axial extension portion extending along the axial direction of the turbine shaft while surrounding the turbine shaft at the center of the turbine; a lifting member protruding radially outward from one end of the axial extension portion; and a rotation prevention member mounted on one side of the turbine and optionally in contact with the turbine case.

[0068] The lifting member is pressurized by the airflow formed by the operation of the fan motor. The lifting member rises along the turbine shaft together with the turbine.

[0069] The above-mentioned anti-rotation member is compressed by the turbine case. The above-mentioned anti-rotation member can stop the rotation of the turbine and the filter cleaning unit.

[0070] According to another embodiment, the filter may be installed inside the housing by means of a filter fixing frame.

[0071] A rotation-prevention rib is formed on the inner side of the filter fixing frame to protrude radially inward. The filter cleaning device may include a turbine case accommodating the turbine; a cleaning frame disposed on the outer side of the turbine case and supporting the filter cleaning unit; and a rotation-prevention member mounted on one side of the cleaning frame and selectively contacting the rotation-prevention rib.

[0072] The above cleaning frame can be raised by the airflow formed by the operation of the fan motor.

[0073] The above-mentioned anti-rotation member is compressed by the above-mentioned anti-rotation rib. Through this, the above-mentioned anti-rotation member can stop the rotation of the turbine and the filter cleaning unit.

[0074] According to another embodiment, the vacuum cleaner may include: a suction nozzle having an opening that is connected to communicate with the suction part and is open toward a surface to be cleaned; a dust emptying station having a dust collection motor that sucks in and empties dust stored inside the housing; and a blocking part detachably coupled to the suction part or the suction nozzle to open and close the suction part or the opening.

[0075] The above blocking part can block the airflow path to be sucked into the above suction part when the dust is emptied.

[0076] By doing so, the blocking part can block the flow of air bypassing the fan motor and increase the flow of air passing through the fan motor, thereby increasing the rotational force of the rotating part.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the filter may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0078] The filter cleaning unit may include a plurality of brushes positioned to contact one side of the filter.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the filter includes a side portion extending along the circumferential direction. The plurality of brushes may include a plurality of first brushes disposed to be in contact with the side portion.

[0080] According to another embodiment, the filter may further include an upper surface formed to cover one side of the side portion. The plurality of brushes may further include a second brush disposed to be in contact with the upper surface.

[0081] As a result of intensive research, the inventors have found that the problem of the present invention or the first to fifth objectives described above can be achieved by the following embodiments of the present invention.

[0082] To achieve the above-mentioned objective, a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a housing, a fan motor, a cyclone, a filter, and a filter cleaning device. A suction portion may be formed on one side of the housing. The fan motor is provided inside the housing. The fan motor can suck in air through the suction portion. In this way, the fan motor can suck in ambient air around the surface to be cleaned during a cleaning operation.

[0083] The cyclone is provided inside the housing. The cyclone can induce a swirling motion of the air. Through this, the cyclone can separate dust from the swirling air by utilizing centrifugal force and gravity.

[0084] The filter is positioned downstream of the cyclone and upstream of the fan motor based on the direction of air flow. In this way, the filter can supply clean air to the fan motor after removing foreign substances from the air passing through the cyclone.

[0085] The filter cleaning device described above can automatically clean foreign substances trapped in the filter. This eliminates the need for the user to manually clean the filter.

[0086] The filter cleaning device comprises: a filter cleaning member positioned to contact the filter; and a rotating member connected to the filter and rotating the filter relative to the filter cleaning member. Through this, the filter cleaning member can clean the filter by scraping off dust accumulated on the filter.

[0087] Through this, the air sucked in through the intake port passes through the cyclone and then flows into the filter. Consequently, foreign substances such as dust in the air flowing into the filter are relatively smaller in size and much smaller in quantity than the foreign substances such as dust accumulated in the cyclone. In other words, the amount and size of foreign substances accumulating in the filter are smaller than the amount and size of foreign substances accumulating in the cyclone.

[0088] As a result, the amount or size of foreign matter trapped between the rotating part and the housing is small, so the rotating part can rotate smoothly.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the fan motor comprises: an impeller that forms the airflow; and a drive motor that drives the impeller.

[0090] The filter cleaning device may be positioned upstream of the impeller based on the direction of air flow. Through this, foreign substances such as dust contained in the air can be removed by the filter cleaning device before the air flows into the impeller.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the fan motor may be positioned above the cyclone. The filter may include a pre-filter positioned above the fan motor.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the filter may include a pre-filter disposed upstream of the fan motor.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the cyclone may include a first cyclone having a mesh screen and separating dust from air sucked in through the suction part; and a second cyclone disposed inside the first cyclone and separating fine dust from air passing through the mesh screen.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the cyclone includes a mesh screen. The mesh screen has a plurality of openings to allow the passage of air and to restrict the passage of dust contained in the air. The filter may include a pre-filter disposed downstream of the mesh screen.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the filter includes a pre-filter. A first cover may be connected to the upper part of the housing in a way that allows it to be opened and closed. Through this, access to the pre-filter is possible through the first cover.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the housing comprises: a dust storage unit for storing dust separated by the cyclone; and a second cover that is openably coupled to the lower part of the housing to discharge dust stored in the dust storage unit.

[0097] The above vacuum cleaner may further include a dust emptying station that sucks in and empties dust discharged from the housing through the second cover.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner includes a dust emptying station. The dust emptying station is positioned outside the housing. The dust emptying station is equipped with a dust collection motor. The dust emptying station can suck up and empty dust stored inside the housing.

[0099] The filter includes a pre-filter rotatably mounted inside the housing.

[0100] The filter cleaning device comprises: a filter cleaning unit configured to contact the pre-filter inside the housing and scrape off foreign matter stuck to the pre-filter; and a turbine connected to the pre-filter and mounted to rotate about a turbine shaft. Through this, the rotating unit can be implemented as the turbine.

[0101] The turbine can rotate by the reverse flow of air when emptying the dust. Here, the reverse flow of air is formed in a direction opposite to the air intake direction of the fan motor according to the operation of the dust collector motor. The pre-filter can rotate by receiving rotational power from the turbine.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the filter cleaning device may include a turbine case, a filter support, and a friction projection. The turbine case may accommodate the turbine. The filter support may be mounted so as to be movable in the vertical direction relative to the turbine case. The filter support may support the pre-filter. The friction projection may be provided on one side of the filter support. The friction projection may selectively contact one side of the turbine case depending on the position change of the filter support.

[0103] The friction protrusion can be adsorbed to the turbine case by the air suction force of the fan motor when the fan motor is operating. Through this, the filter support can be stopped by the friction protrusion during the cleaning operation of the vacuum cleaner. The rotation of the pre-filter supported by the filter support can be stopped during the cleaning operation.

[0104] Therefore, during the cleaning operation, the filter and the turbine, etc. do not rotate due to the air intake force of the fan motor, thereby reducing the rotational load of the filter and the turbine.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the filter cleaning device may further include an elastic member. The elastic member may be disposed between the filter support and the turbine case. The elastic member may elastically support the filter support. Through this, the filter support can return to its original position by the elastic force of the elastic member when the dust is emptied.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the elastic member may be a coil spring.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the filter cleaning unit may be composed of a brush in the form of a bristles or a blade having elasticity.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the turbine may include a hub and a plurality of blades. The hub is positioned inside the filter and can rotate around the turbine shaft.

[0109] The plurality of blades mentioned above can be formed in a curved shape so as to be bent in the circumferential direction relative to the radial direction on the outer surface of the hub.

[0110] The turbine can be positioned on top of the fan motor.

[0111] The above blade can induce the axial flow of air passing through the fan motor into a rotational flow from the hub toward the filter when emptying the dust.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the filter cleaning device may further include a reduction gear that reduces the rotational speed of the rotating part and transmits the power of the rotating part to the filter.

[0113] Through this, the reduction gear can increase torque even if the power of the rotating part is weak.

[0114] The above reduction gear may include a plurality of gears connected to the rotating part and the filter. Through this, the plurality of gears can reduce the rotational speed of the rotating part to increase torque.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the reduction gear may include: a sun gear connected to the rotating part via a turbine shaft; a plurality of planetary gears meshing with the sun gear; a rack gear surrounding the plurality of planetary gears and meshing with the plurality of planetary gears; and a carrier connecting the plurality of planetary gears and connected to the filter via a reduction shaft. Through this, the plurality of planetary gears can increase torque by reducing the rotational speed of the rotating part.

[0116] A vacuum cleaner according to another embodiment includes: a housing having a suction port formed on one side; a fan motor provided inside the housing and sucking in air through the suction port; a cyclone provided inside the housing and inducing a swirling motion of the air; a filter positioned downstream of the cyclone and upstream of the fan motor with respect to the direction of air flow; and a filter cleaning device that automatically cleans foreign matter trapped in the filter.

[0117] The filter cleaning device may include a filter cleaning part disposed to contact the filter; and a rotating part connected to the filter cleaning part and rotating the filter cleaning part relative to the filter.

[0118] According to another embodiment, the vacuum cleaner may further include a dust emptying station disposed outside the housing, equipped with a dust collection motor, and capable of sucking up and emptying dust stored inside the housing.

[0119] The filter includes a pre-filter provided inside the housing. The filter cleaning device includes: a filter cleaning unit that contacts the pre-filter and is mounted inside the housing so as to be rotatable relative to the pre-filter to scrape off foreign matter stuck in the pre-filter; and a turbine connected to the filter cleaning unit and mounted so as to be rotatable around a turbine shaft.

[0120] The above turbine rotates due to the reverse flow of air formed in the opposite direction to the air intake direction of the fan motor according to the operation of the dust collector motor when the dust is emptied. The above filter cleaning unit can rotate by receiving rotational power from the turbine.

[0121] According to another embodiment, the filter cleaning device may include: a turbine case accommodating the turbine; an axial extension portion extending along the axial direction of the turbine shaft while surrounding the turbine shaft at the center of the turbine; a lifting member protruding radially outward from one end of the axial extension portion; and a rotation prevention member mounted on one side of the turbine and optionally in contact with the turbine case.

[0122] The lifting member is pressurized by the airflow formed by the operation of the fan motor. The lifting member rises along the turbine shaft together with the turbine.

[0123] The above-mentioned anti-rotation member is compressed by the turbine case. The above-mentioned anti-rotation member can stop the rotation of the turbine and the filter cleaning unit.

[0124] According to another embodiment, the filter may be installed inside the housing by means of a filter fixing frame.

[0125] A rotation-prevention rib is formed on the inner side of the filter fixing frame to protrude radially inward. The filter cleaning device may include a turbine case accommodating the turbine; a cleaning frame disposed on the outer side of the turbine case and supporting the filter cleaning unit; and a rotation-prevention member mounted on one side of the cleaning frame and selectively contacting the rotation-prevention rib.

[0126] The above cleaning frame can be raised by the airflow formed by the operation of the fan motor.

[0127] The above-mentioned anti-rotation member is compressed by the above-mentioned anti-rotation rib. Through this, the above-mentioned anti-rotation member can stop the rotation of the turbine and the filter cleaning unit.

[0128] According to another embodiment, the vacuum cleaner may include: a suction nozzle having an opening that is connected to communicate with the suction part and is open toward a surface to be cleaned; a dust emptying station having a dust collection motor that sucks in and empties dust stored inside the housing; and a blocking part detachably coupled to the suction part or the suction nozzle to open and close the suction part or the opening.

[0129] The above blocking part can block the airflow path to be sucked into the above suction part when the dust is emptied.

[0130] By doing so, the blocking part can block the flow of air bypassing the fan motor and increase the flow of air passing through the fan motor, thereby increasing the rotational force of the rotating part.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the filter may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0132] The filter cleaning unit may include a plurality of brushes positioned to contact one side of the filter.

[0133] According to one embodiment, the filter includes a side portion extending along the circumferential direction. The plurality of brushes may include a plurality of first brushes disposed to be in contact with the side portion.

[0134] According to another embodiment, the filter may further include an upper surface formed to cover one side of the side portion. The plurality of brushes may further include a second brush disposed to be in contact with the upper surface.

[0135] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention mounted on a dust emptying station.

[0136] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner in Figure 1, and is a conceptual diagram for explaining the internal configuration of the vacuum cleaner.

[0137] Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a turbine and a filter rotating together using the reverse airflow inside the vacuum cleaner generated when air is sucked in by the dust collection motor of the dust emptying station, with the view of the enlarged section III in Figure 1.

[0138] Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram showing the brush mounted on the inner surface of the upper Euro housing and the inner surface of the upper cover in Figure 3.

[0139] Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram showing the brush mounted on the inner surface of the upper Euro housing and the inner surface of the upper cover in Figure 4, viewed from below.

[0140] Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram showing the filter in Figure 3 accommodated in the upper Euro housing.

[0141] Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram showing the pre-filter in Figure 3 seated on the filter support.

[0142] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the filter support in FIG. 7.

[0143] Figure 9 is a conceptual diagram showing the turbine and reduction gear combined in Figure 3.

[0144] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the turbine and reduction gear in FIG. 9 housed and supported inside the turbine case.

[0145] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing the filter support portion in FIG. 6 being elastically supported by an elastic member in the turbine case.

[0146] FIG. 12a is a conceptual diagram showing the air movement path inside the vacuum cleaner during the cleaning operation of FIG. 2.

[0147] FIG. 12b is a conceptual diagram showing the air movement path inside the vacuum cleaner when cleaning the filter of the vacuum cleaner in FIG. 2.

[0148] FIG. 13a is a conceptual diagram showing the filter being locked to the turbine case by the suction of forward flow caused by the air intake of the vacuum cleaner during the cleaning operation of FIG. 3.

[0149] FIG. 13b is a conceptual diagram showing the filter floating upward from the turbine case due to reverse flow caused by air intake of the station during dust emptying of the vacuum cleaner in FIG. 3.

[0150] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of a vacuum cleaner according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0151] Figure 15 is a conceptual diagram showing the arrangement relationship between the brush and the filter by zooming in on the XV portion of Figure 14.

[0152] Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing the filter in Fig. 15.

[0153] Figure 17 is a conceptual diagram showing the filter mounted on the upper cover of the vacuum cleaner in Figure 16.

[0154] Figure 18 is a conceptual diagram showing the turbine and brush connected to each other in Figure 15.

[0155] FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the brush mounted on the cleaning frame in FIG. 15.

[0156] Figure 20 is a conceptual diagram showing the turbine in Figure 15 viewed from below.

[0157] FIG. 21 is a conceptual diagram showing the turbine and reduction gear in FIG. 15 supported by the turbine case.

[0158] FIG. 22a is a conceptual diagram showing the air movement path inside the vacuum cleaner during the cleaning operation of FIG. 14.

[0159] FIG. 22b is a conceptual diagram showing the air movement path inside the vacuum cleaner when cleaning the filter of FIG. 14.

[0160] FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view showing a rotation prevention member according to one embodiment of FIG. 14 positioned between a turbine case and a turbine.

[0161] FIG. 24a is a cross-sectional view showing the anti-rotation member in FIG. 23 rising due to the air suction force of the fan motor and adsorbed to the turbine case.

[0162] FIG. 24b is a cross-sectional view showing the anti-rotation member in FIG. 23 descending due to the air suction force of the dust collector motor when emptying dust, and being separated from the turbine case.

[0163] FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a rotation prevention member according to another embodiment of FIG. 14 mounted on a cleaning frame.

[0164] FIG. 26a is a cross-sectional view showing the anti-rotation member in FIG. 25 rising due to the air suction force of the fan motor and adsorbed to the anti-rotation rib of the filter fixing frame.

[0165] FIG. 26b is a cross-sectional view showing the anti-rotation member in FIG. 25 descending due to the air suction force of the dust collector motor when emptying dust, and being separated from the anti-rotation rib.

[0166] FIG. 27 is a conceptual diagram showing a blocking member according to an embodiment of FIG. 1 mounted on a suction nozzle to block the opening of the suction nozzle.

[0167] FIG. 28 is a conceptual diagram showing a blocking part according to another embodiment of FIG. 1 mounted on a suction tube to block the suction tube.

[0168] Hereinafter, a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0169] In the following description, descriptions of some components may be omitted to clarify the features of the present invention.

[0170] 1. Definition of Terms

[0171] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0172] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0173] As used in this specification, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0174] In this specification, foreign substances contained in the air may be classified into dust, fine dust, and ultrafine dust. Relatively large dust is referred to as "dust," relatively small dust is referred to as "fine dust," and dust smaller than "fine dust" may be referred to as "ultrafine dust."

[0175] In the following description, “axial direction” refers to the longitudinal direction of the axis of rotation.

[0176] In the following description, the term “radial direction” refers to the longitudinal direction of a line segment extending from the center of a circle or cylinder to a point on the circumference.

[0177] In the following description, “circumferential direction” refers to the direction of the circumference.

[0178] The terms "front side," "rear side," "left side," "right side," "upper side," and "lower side" used in the following description will be understood by referring to the coordinate system shown in FIG. 2.

[0179] 2. Description of the configuration of the vacuum cleaner (110) according to one embodiment of the present invention

[0180] Hereinafter, each configuration of the vacuum cleaner (110) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0181] The vacuum cleaner (110) can be implemented as a handheld vacuum cleaner or a stick vacuum cleaner that can be manually operated by the user. Below, the dust emptying station (100) of the vacuum cleaner (110) will be described.

[0182] (1) Description of the configuration of the dust emptying station (100)

[0183] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which a vacuum cleaner (110) according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a dust emptying station (100).

[0184] The vacuum cleaner (110) may include a dust emptying station (100) for emptying dust stored in the dust storage sections (123a, 123b) of the vacuum cleaner (110). In the following description, the dust emptying station (100) may be abbreviated as the station (100). The dust emptying station (100) may be named the dust emptying tower.

[0185] A coupling member (102) may be formed on the side of the station (100). A vacuum cleaner (110) may be coupled to the station (100) through the coupling member (102). The vacuum cleaner (110) may be supported by the station (100).

[0186] For example, the vacuum cleaner (110) can be mounted on the coupling (102) of the station (100). At this time, the suction nozzle (111) of the vacuum cleaner (110) may face the ground, and the handle (157) of the vacuum cleaner (110) may be positioned facing away from the ground (the ceiling of the room).

[0187] The station (100) may include a station body (101), a Euro section (103), a collection section (104), and a dust suction module.

[0188] The station body (101) can be extended vertically. The station body (101) can be formed in the shape of a rectangle. A mounting portion may be provided on the upper side of the station body (101) so that a vacuum cleaner (110) can be mounted thereon.

[0189] The coupling member (102) may be formed to be recessed from the front surface of the station body (101) toward the rear so that the housing (117) of the vacuum cleaner (110), which will be described later, can be mounted thereon. The coupling member (102) may be formed to be a through hole to communicate with the outside of the station body (101) and the fluid passage (103), which will be described later.

[0190] When the vacuum cleaner (110) is mounted on the coupling member (102), the dust storage portion (123a, 123b) of the vacuum cleaner (110) can be connected to the flow path portion (103) through the coupling member (102).

[0191] The height of the station body (101) may be formed to be higher than or equal to the length of the vacuum cleaner (110) in which the suction nozzle (111) is directed toward the ground and the handle (157) is directed toward the opposite direction from the ground (the ceiling of the room).

[0192] The flow path (103) can be accommodated inside the station body (101). The flow path (103) can form a flow path through which air and dust can flow. The flow path (103) can be extended in the vertical direction.

[0193] When the vacuum cleaner (110) is mounted on the station (100), one side of the flow path (103) can be connected to the dust storage section (123a, 123b) of the vacuum cleaner (110). The other side of the flow path (103) can be connected to the collection section (104) to be described later. Here, one side of the flow path (103) refers to the upper side of the flow path (103) in the height direction of the station body (101). The other side of the flow path (103) refers to the lower side of the flow path (103) in the height direction of the station body (101).

[0194] The collection unit (104) can be accommodated inside the station body (101). The collection unit (104) can be accommodated in a collection chamber (105) formed inside the station body (101). The collection unit (104) can be detachably coupled to the station body (101). Through this, the collection unit (104) can be withdrawn from or inserted into the collection chamber (105).

[0195] The collection chamber (105) may be positioned downstream of the flow path (103) based on the direction of air flow sucked into the station (100). The collection chamber (105) may be connected to the downstream end of the flow path (103). The collection chamber (105) may be positioned below the flow path (103) in the height direction of the station body (101).

[0196] The collection unit (104) may be equipped with a collection net on one side. The collection net may be formed as a mesh structure with a plurality of openings. Through this, the collection net allows air to pass through while filtering out dust.

[0197] The dust collection motor (107) can be housed inside the station body (101). The dust collection motor (107) can be housed in a dust collection motor housing (106) formed inside the station body (101). The dust collection motor housing (106) can be connected to communicate with the collection chamber (105).

[0198] The dust collection motor (107) is configured to suck up dust and the like stored in the dust storage sections (123a, 123b) of the vacuum cleaner (110). For example, the dust collection motor (107) may be equipped with a dust collection fan that forms an airflow. The dust collection motor (107) may be connected to drive the dust collection fan.

[0199] When the dust collection motor (107) is operated, the dust collection fan can be driven. The dust collection fan can suck in air from the air passage (103). Through this, the dust collection motor (107) can generate an air suction force through the dust collection fan.

[0200] When the vacuum cleaner (110) is mounted on the station (100), the drive motor (150) of the vacuum cleaner (110) stops operating. When the dust collection motor (107) is driven, the second cover (118b) of the vacuum cleaner (110) mounted on the station (100) can be opened by the cover opening unit.

[0201] Through this, dust and other particles in the dust storage section (123a, 123b) of the vacuum cleaner (110) can be moved to the flow path section (103) by the air suction force of the dust collection motor (107). The dust and other particles can move along the flow path section (103) and be delivered to the collection section (104). The dust and other particles can be collected in the collection section (104).

[0202] After dust is separated from the air passing through the collection unit (104), the air passes through the dust collection motor (107) and can then be discharged to the outside from the dust collection motor receiving unit (106).

[0203] (2) Description of the configuration of the vacuum cleaner (110)

[0204] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner (110) in FIG. 1, and is a conceptual diagram for explaining the internal configuration of the vacuum cleaner (110).

[0205] The vacuum cleaner (110) may include a suction nozzle (111; see FIG. 1), a connecting pipe (112; see FIG. 1) and a vacuum cleaner body.

[0206] The suction nozzle (111) is configured to move along the area to be cleaned. The suction nozzle (111) can suck in air around the area to be cleaned by the drive motor (150) of the vacuum cleaner (110) to be described later. The air may contain dust, etc.

[0207] Through this, air containing dust, etc., can be sucked into the vacuum cleaner body described later through the suction nozzle (111).

[0208] The connecting tube (112) can be extended in one direction. The connecting tube (112) can be formed in a cylindrical shape. A hollow portion through which air can flow can be formed inside the connecting tube (112). One end of the connecting tube (112) can be connected to communicate with the suction nozzle (111). The other end of the connecting tube (112) can be connected to communicate with the main body of the vacuum cleaner.

[0209] Through this, the connecting pipe (112) can deliver the air sucked in through the suction nozzle (111) to the main body of the vacuum cleaner.

[0210] The vacuum cleaner body may be configured to include a suction part (113), a dust collector, a handle (157), and a battery pack (158).

[0211] The suction part (113) may be connected to the connecting pipe (112). The suction part (113) may include a suction pipe (114) and a suction pipe (114) connecting part (138). A hollow portion may be formed inside the suction pipe (114). The suction pipe (114) may be connected to the connecting pipe (112).

[0212] The suction pipe connection part (115) is configured to connect the suction pipe (114) to the dust collector. The suction pipe connection part (115) may be formed in a conical shape. The suction pipe connection part (115) may extend from the suction pipe (114) toward the housing (117) of the dust collector to be described later.

[0213] One side of the suction pipe connection part (115) accommodates the suction pipe (114) and can be connected to the suction pipe (114). The other side of the suction pipe connection part (115) can be connected to the housing (117) of the dust collector.

[0214] A check valve (116) may be rotatably coupled inside the suction pipe (114). The check valve (116) may be formed in the shape of a square plate. The check valve (116) is configured to open and close based on a pressure difference.

[0215] For example, when the drive motor (150) of the vacuum cleaner (110) is operated, the drive motor (150) generates air suction force. At this time, the pressure inside the housing (117) of the dust collector is lowered, and the pressure in the suction pipe (114) may be relatively high.

[0216] Through this, the check valve (116) can be opened from the suction pipe (114) toward the dust collector.

[0217] When the operation of the drive motor (150) stops, the air intake force generated by the drive motor (150) can be released. The check valve (116) can be elastically supported by an elastic member so that when the air intake force is released, it returns to its original position, i.e., a position that closes the intake pipe (114).

[0218] The dust collector may include a housing (117) and a plurality of cyclones (124, 129).

[0219] The housing (117) may be provided with a receiving space to include the cyclone (124, 129), etc., which will be described later. The housing (117) may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The housing (117) may be extended in the vertical direction.

[0220] A communication hole for connection with the suction part (113) may be formed on one side of the outer surface of the housing (117). The suction pipe connection part (115) of the suction part (113) may be connected to one side of the outer surface of the housing (117) through the communication hole.

[0221] The housing (117) may be composed of a first housing (117a) and a second housing (117b). A communication hole may be formed on the lower outer surface of the first housing (117a).

[0222] The first housing (117a) and the second housing (117b) may be placed on the upper and lower sides, respectively, of the housing (117). The upper side of the first housing (117a) may be open. A first cover (118a) may be attached to the upper side of the first housing (117a). By doing so, the first cover (118a) may cover the upper side of the first housing (117a).

[0223] A plurality of exhaust holes (119) may be formed in the first cover (118a). The exhaust holes (119) may extend radially from the outer edge portion of the first cover (118a) toward the center of the first cover (118a). The exhaust holes (119) may have a narrow circumferential width and extend radially.

[0224] Multiple exhaust holes (119) can be arranged continuously along the circumference of the first cover (118a) at predetermined intervals.

[0225] An exhaust guide (122) may be formed between two adjacent exhaust holes (119) in the circumferential direction. Multiple exhaust guides (122) may be arranged alternately with multiple exhaust holes (119) along the circumferential direction. The exhaust guides (122) may be extended in the vertical direction. Through this, the exhaust guides (122) can guide the direction of air flow in the vertical direction.

[0226] The lower side of the second housing (117b) can be opened. A second cover (118b) can be connected to the lower side of the second housing (117b) by a hinge. The second cover (118b) can be connected so as to be rotatable downward around the hinge. Through this, the second cover (118b) can open and close the dust storage portion (123a, 123b) formed inside the second housing (117b).

[0227] The lower side of the first housing (117a) may be open toward the second housing (117b). The upper side of the second housing (117b) may be open toward the first housing (117a). The lower part of the first housing (117a) and the upper part of the second housing (117b) are arranged to face each other in the vertical direction and can be joined together at the edges.

[0228] A filter unit (139) and a fan motor (147), which will be described later, can be accommodated inside the first housing (117a).

[0229] A cyclone (124, 129) can be accommodated inside the second housing (117b).

[0230] The cyclone (124, 129) is configured to separate dust and other substances from the air using centrifugal force.

[0231] The cyclone (124, 129) may include a first cyclone (124) and a second cyclone (129).

[0232] The first cyclone (124) may include a mesh net (125), an outer case (127), and an inner case (128).

[0233] The mesh (125) can be formed in a cylindrical shape. The mesh (125) may have a plurality of openings. Through this, the mesh (125) can allow the passage of air while restricting the passage of large dust particles, etc.

[0234] The mesh net (125) may be arranged radially spaced apart from the inner surface of the second housing (117b). A first annular space (126) may be formed between the inner surface of the second housing (117b) and the outer surface of the mesh net (125). The first annular space (126) may be connected to the suction part (113) through the aforementioned communication hole.

[0235] Through this, air sucked in through the suction part (113) can rotate circumferentially along the first annular space (126), pass through the mesh net (125), and flow into the second cyclone (129).

[0236] The outer case (127) may be formed in a cylindrical shape. A mesh net (125) may be installed on the upper part of the outer case (127). The lower part of the mesh net (125) may be connected to the upper part of the outer case (127). Through this, the outer case (127) can support the lower side of the mesh net (125).

[0237] The inner case (128) may be provided inside the outer case (127). The upper portion of the inner case (128) may be coupled to the inner surface of the outer case (127). The inner case (128) may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0238] The inner case (128) can be formed to extend downward from the upper part of the inner case (128) and have a diameter that decreases as it goes downward.

[0239] The diameter of the lower part of the inner case (128) is smaller than the diameter of the upper part of the inner case (128).

[0240] The inner case (128) is configured to partition the dust storage section (123a, 123b) to be described later.

[0241] The dust storage section (123a, 123b) may be provided at the bottom of the second housing (117b). The dust storage section (123a, 123b) may be divided into a first dust storage section (123a) and a second dust storage section (123b) by an inner case (128).

[0242] The first dust storage unit (123a) may be formed between the inner surface of the second housing (117b) and the outer surface of the inner case (128). The first dust storage unit (123a) may store dust that is relatively large in size. The first dust storage unit (123a) may be positioned at the bottom of the first annular space (126).

[0243] Through this, dust filtered by the mesh (125) can be stored in the first dust storage unit (123a) under the influence of gravity and the centrifugal force of air rotating along the first annular space (126).

[0244] The first cyclone (124) can separate dust from the air received from the intake section (113) through the mesh screen (125) and then transfer it to the second cyclone (129).

[0245] The second dust storage unit (123b) may be formed inside the inner case (128). The second dust storage unit (123b) may store fine dust or ultrafine dust of relatively small size.

[0246] The second cover (118b) can be attached to the lower part of the second housing (117b). When the second cover (118b) is opened downwards on the second housing (117b), the first dust storage unit (123a) and the second dust storage unit (123b) can be opened simultaneously. Here, the second cover (118b) may be named a discharge cover in that it discharges dust, etc.

[0247] Through this, dust stored in the first dust storage unit (123a) and fine dust stored in the second dust storage unit (123b) can be discharged to the outside simultaneously. In this embodiment, dust from the dust storage units (123a, 123b) can be discharged from the dust collector to the collection unit (104) of the station (100).

[0248] The second cyclone (129) can be placed inside the first cyclone (124). The second cyclone (129) can receive air that has passed through the mesh net (125).

[0249] The second cyclone (129) may be provided in multiple numbers. Multiple second cyclones (129) may be arranged in multiple rows continuously along the circumferential and radial directions of the first cyclone (124). Multiple second cyclones (129) may be arranged externally to each other.

[0250] Through this, multiple second cyclones (129) can maximize the number of cyclones (124, 129) to increase the dust separation performance of the cyclones (124, 129).

[0251] The second cyclone (129) may include a casing (130), a guide vane (132), and a vortex finder (134).

[0252] The casing (130) may be composed of a first casing (130a) and a second casing (130b). The first casing (130a) may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The first casing (130a) may be extended in the vertical direction. The length of the first casing (130a) may be formed to be longer than the diameter of the first casing (130a). A passageway through which air can flow may be formed inside the first casing (130a).

[0253] The second casing (130b) may extend downward from the lower end of the first casing (130a). The second casing (130b) may be formed in a conical shape. A passageway through which air can flow may be formed inside the second casing (130b). The second casing (130b) may be connected to the first casing (130a) in communication.

[0254] A fine dust discharge port (1363) may be formed in the lower part of the second casing (130b) to penetrate in the vertical direction.

[0255] The vortex finder (134) may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The vortex finder (134) may be placed inside the first casing (130a). The diameter of the vortex finder (134) may be formed to be smaller than the diameter of the first casing (130a).

[0256] The vortex finder (134) can be extended in the vertical direction. The upper part of the vortex finder (134) can be formed to protrude upward from the top of the first casing (130a).

[0257] A passageway through which air can flow may be formed inside the vortex finder (134). An outlet may be formed on the upper side of the vortex finder (134) to penetrate in the vertical direction.

[0258] The guide vane (132) may be positioned between the inner surface of the first casing (130a) and the outer surface of the vortex finder (134). The guide vane (132) may extend radially from the first casing (130a).

[0259] The outer end of the guide vane (132) can be connected to the inner surface of the first casing (130a). The inner end of the guide vane (132) can be connected to the outer surface of the vortex finder (134). In this way, the guide vane (132) can connect the first casing (130a) and the vortex finder (134).

[0260] Guide vanes (132) may be provided on the inner upper portion of the first casing (130a). Guide vanes (132) may be provided in multiple numbers along the inner circumferential surface of the first casing (130a). Multiple guide vanes (132) may be arranged circumferentially spaced apart along the inner circumferential surface of the first casing (130a).

[0261] Multiple inlets (133) may be formed between multiple guide vanes (132) adjacent in the circumferential direction.

[0262] A second annular space (131) may be formed between the inner surface of the mesh (125) and the outer surface of the first casing (130a). The second annular space (131) may extend circumferentially along the inner surface of the mesh (125).

[0263] The upper portion of the outer surface of the second casing (130b) of the second cyclone (129) located at the outermost radial position among the plurality of second cyclones (129) can be coupled to the inner surface of the outer case (127). A coupling portion (177) can be formed to protrude radially between the upper portion of the outer surface of the second casing (130b) and the inner surface of the outer case (127).

[0264] Through this, the connecting part (177) can connect the lower part of a plurality of second cyclones (129) and the outer case (127). In addition, the connecting part (177) can partition the second annular space (131) and the second dust storage part (123b).

[0265] A plurality of inlets (133) can be connected to communicate with the second annular space (131). Through this, air passing through the mesh net (125) can be introduced into the interior of the casing (130) from the second annular space (131) through the plurality of inlets (133).

[0266] The guide vane (132) can be extended in a spiral direction. By doing so, the guide vane (132) can be induced to rotate in the direction of air flow introduced through the inlet (133).

[0267] Air rotating along the guide vane (132) moves along the inner surface of the casing (130). At this time, fine dust contained in the air causes friction with the inner surface of the casing (130) due to centrifugal force and descends toward the second dust storage unit (123b) due to gravity. Subsequently, the fine dust can be discharged from the bottom of the second casing (130b) through the fine dust discharge port (1363) and stored in the second dust storage unit (123b).

[0268] Here, the second dust storage unit (123b) can be named a fine dust storage unit in that it stores fine dust.

[0269] On the other hand, the air from which fine dust has been separated in the casing (130) can rise and be discharged through the vortex finder (134) to the upper flow housing (135) described later.

[0270] The dust collector may include an upper air passage housing (135), a filter section (139), and a fan motor (147).

[0271] The upper Euro housing (135) is provided inside the housing (117). The upper Euro housing (135) can be placed inside the first housing (117a).

[0272] The upper Euro housing (135) can be placed on the upper part of the cyclone (124, 129).

[0273] The upper Euro housing (135) may be composed of a first upper Euro housing (135a) and a second upper Euro housing (135b).

[0274] The first upper flow channel housing (135a) may be placed at the bottom of the upper flow channel housing (135). The second upper flow channel housing (135b) may be placed at the top of the upper flow channel housing (135).

[0275] The first upper flow channel housing (135a) may be formed in a conical shape. The first upper flow channel housing (135a) includes a side portion. The side portion of the first upper flow channel housing (135a) may be formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the vertical direction. The side portion of the first upper flow channel housing (135a) may extend along the circumferential direction.

[0276] The side portion of the first upper Euro housing (135a) can be formed to be open in the vertical direction.

[0277] The side portion of the first upper flow channel housing (135a) is formed so that the diameter of the first upper flow channel housing (135a) gradually increases from the bottom portion to the top portion of the first upper flow channel housing (135a).

[0278] A mounting guide (1354) may be formed to protrude radially inward from the inner surface of the first housing (117a). The mounting guide (1354) may extend circumferentially along the inner surface of the first housing (117a).

[0279] The upper portion of the first upper Euro housing (135a) is coupled to the lower surface of the mounting guide (1354) and can be supported on the inner surface of the first housing (117a).

[0280] A Euro base part (1351) can be coupled to the lower part of the first upper Euro housing (135a).

[0281] The Eurobase section (1351) is configured to cover the upper portion of the mesh net (125). A mounting section may be formed at the lower outer periphery of the Eurobase section (1351) so that the mesh net (125) can be mounted. The mounting section may be coupled to the upper portion of the mesh net (125).

[0282] Through this, the mounting part can easily assemble the mesh net (125) and the Euro base part (1351).

[0283] Multiple inlet holes may be formed in the Eurobase section (1351) to penetrate in the vertical direction. The inlet holes and the outlets may be arranged in a one-to-one correspondence so as to overlap each other in the vertical direction. The inlet holes may be connected to communicate with the vortex finder (134).

[0284] Through this, air discharged from the vortex finder (134) can be introduced into the interior of the first upper air passage housing (135a) through the inlet hole.

[0285] The first upper air passage housing (135a) is configured to transmit air introduced through the inlet hole upward toward the filter unit (139) to be described later.

[0286] A first air passage can be formed inside the first upper air passage housing (135a) through which air can flow.

[0287] The second upper flow channel housing (135b) may be positioned on the upper part of the first upper flow channel housing (135a). The second upper flow channel housing (135b) may be formed in a cylindrical shape. A receiving space capable of accommodating the fan motor (147) and the filter unit (139), which will be described later, is formed inside the second upper flow channel housing (135b).

[0288] The lower portion of the second upper channel housing (135b) can be coupled to the upper surface of the mounting guide (1354). Through this, the second upper channel housing (135b) can be supported on the inner circumference of the first housing (117a) by the mounting guide (1354).

[0289] A rib (1355) may be formed to protrude downward from the inner end of the mounting guide (1354). The rib (1355) may extend along the circumferential direction of the mounting guide (1354). The upper end of the first upper channel housing (135a) may be fitted into the space between the inner surface of the first housing (117a) and the outer surface of the rib (1355).

[0290] Through this, the rib (1355) can restrict the upper part of the first upper Euro housing (135a) from moving radially.

[0291] A flow path section (1352) may be formed to protrude radially outwardly from the outer surface of the second upper flow path housing (135b). The flow path section (1352) may extend in the vertical direction of the second upper flow path housing (135b). A plurality of flow path sections (1352) may be spaced apart at equal intervals in the circumferential direction along the outer surface of the second upper flow path housing (135b).

[0292] The lower part of the flow path section (1352) can be connected to the first flow path of the first upper flow path housing (135a). The upper part of the flow path section (1352) can be connected to the upper space of the second upper flow path housing (135b) in which the filter section (139) is housed.

[0293] Through this, the Euro section (1352) can transfer air introduced into the interior of the upper Euro housing (135) through the inlet hole to the filter section (139).

[0294] A fan motor case (136) and a turbine case (137) can be accommodated inside the upper Euro housing (135).

[0295] The fan motor case (136) may be composed of a lower case (1361) and an upper case (1362).

[0296] The lower case (1361) may be placed inside the first upper fluid passage housing (135a). The lower case (1361) may include a bottom portion, an inclined portion, and a side portion.

[0297] The bottom portion can form the bottom surface of the lower case (1361). The bottom portion can be formed in the shape of a disc. The diameter of the bottom portion is formed to be smaller than the diameter of the lower portion of the first upper channel housing (135a).

[0298] The inclined section may be formed at a predetermined angle with respect to the vertical direction. The lower end of the inclined section is connected to the outer end of the bottom section. The diameter of the upper end of the inclined section is formed to be larger than the diameter of the lower end of the inclined section.

[0299] The side portion may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The side portion may form the upper side of the lower case (1361). The inclined portion may form the lower side of the lower case (1361). The diameter of the side portion is formed to be smaller than the upper diameter of the first upper fluid passage housing (135a).

[0300] A plurality of fastening parts may be provided on the inner upper portion of the first upper fluid passage housing (135a). The fastening parts may be formed to protrude radially from the inner surface of the first upper fluid passage housing (135a). The plurality of fastening parts are configured to fasten the inner surface of the first upper fluid passage housing (135a) to the outer surface of the side portion of the lower case (1361).

[0301] The first flow path of the first upper flow path housing (135a) can be formed between the inner surface of the first upper flow path housing (135a) and the outer surface of the lower case (1361).

[0302] The upper case (1362) may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The upper case (1362) is positioned on the upper part of the lower case (1361). The lower part of the upper case (1362) is joined to the upper part of the lower case (1361).

[0303] A second flow path may be formed between the inner surface of the flow path portion (1352) of the second upper flow path housing (135b) and the outer surface of the upper case (1362).

[0304] The first flow path of the first upper flow path housing (135a) and the second flow path of the second upper flow path housing (135b) are connected to each other.

[0305] Through this, the air passing through the cyclone (124, 129) flows along the first flow path of the first upper flow path housing (135a) and the second flow path of the second upper flow path housing (135b), and can move to the filter section (139).

[0306] The direction of air flow along the flow path (1352) of the upper flow path housing (135) is an upward direction from the first upper flow path housing (135a) (lower side) to the second upper flow path housing (135b) (upper side).

[0307] The turbine case (137) may be positioned on the upper part of the fan motor case (136). The turbine case (137) may be extended upwardly from the upper part of the upper case (1362). The turbine case (137) may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0308] The diameter of the turbine case (137) can be formed to be smaller than the diameter of the upper case (1362).

[0309] A connecting portion (138) may be extended at an angle in the vertical direction toward the lower portion of the turbine case (137) from the top of the upper case (1362). The connecting portion (138) may be extended circumferentially along the perimeter of the upper portion of the upper case (1362). In this way, the connecting portion (138) can connect the upper portion of the upper case (1362) and the lower portion of the turbine case (137).

[0310] The filter section (139) may include a pre-filter (140) and a HEPA filter (145).

[0311] The pre-filter (140) is a primary treatment filter designed to remove fine particles and miscellaneous large dust that are harmful to the human body, such as dust and foreign substances in the air. Here, large dust may refer to dust with a size of about 3 to 30 μm.

[0312] The pre-filter (140) can be accommodated inside the second upper floating channel housing (135b). The pre-filter (140) can be positioned between the inner surface of the second upper floating channel housing (135b) and the outer surface of the turbine case (137). The pre-filter (140) can be positioned above the connection part (138) of the fan motor case (136).

[0313] The pre-filter (140) is configured to allow air to pass through while filtering dust from the air. The pre-filter (140) may include a side portion (141) and a top portion (142).

[0314] The side portion (141) of the pre-filter (140) may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The side portion (141) of the pre-filter (140) may be extended in the vertical direction. The side portion (141) of the pre-filter (140) may be extended along the circumferential direction. A hollow portion is formed on the inner side of the side portion (141) of the pre-filter (140).

[0315] The upper surface (142) of the pre-filter (140) may be formed in the shape of a disc. The upper surface (142) of the pre-filter (140) is formed to cover the upper portion of the side portion (141) of the pre-filter (140). The lower portion of the side portion (141) of the pre-filter (140) may be formed to be open in the downward direction.

[0316] The pre-filter (140) can be connected to the upper side of the flow path section (1352) of the second upper flow path housing (135b). Through this, air flowing upward along the flow path section (1352) can pass through the side section (141) and the upper section (142) of the pre-filter (140).

[0317] The pre-filter (140) may maintain its shape or be supported by a filter frame. The filter frame may be composed of a first filter frame (143) and a second filter frame (144). The first filter frame (143) may have a “C” or “U” cross-sectional shape and may extend along the circumferential direction. The lower end of the side portion (141) of the pre-filter (140) may be fitted and coupled to the inside of the first filter frame (143).

[0318] The second filter frame (144) is positioned to surround the upper end of the side portion (141) of the pre-filter (140) and the outer end of the upper portion (142) of the pre-filter (140). The second filter frame (144) may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0319] One of the plurality of second filter frames (144) is formed to wrap around the outer edge of the side portion (141) and the top portion (142) of the pre-filter (140). One of the plurality of second filter frames (144) may have an L-shaped cross-section and extend in the circumferential direction.

[0320] One of the multiple second filter frames (144) may have a “U” cross-sectional shape and extend in the circumferential direction.

[0321] The HEPA filter (145) is a high-performance filter capable of filtering fine dust particles smaller than 10 μm.

[0322] A HEPA filter (145) may be mounted on the inside of the first cover (118a). A filter receiving portion (120) that accommodates the upper portion of the HEPA filter (145) may be formed on the inside of the first cover (118a). The filter receiving portion (120) may be opened downward to accommodate the HEPA filter (145).

[0323] A filter cover (121) may be disposed on the lower side of the HEPA filter (145). The filter cover (121) is formed to protrude radially between the inner surface of the first housing (117a) and the outer surface of the second upper floating channel housing (135b). The filter cover (121) may extend in a circumferential direction.

[0324] In this way, the filter cover (121) is configured to cover the lower side of the HEPA filter (145). The outer end of the filter cover (121) can be coupled to the inner surface of the first housing (117a). The inner end of the filter cover (121) can be coupled to the outer surface of the second upper airway housing (135b).

[0325] The HEPA filter (145) can be connected to a plurality of exhaust holes (119) formed in the first cover (118a). The HEPA filter (145) and the plurality of exhaust holes (119) can be arranged to overlap in the vertical direction.

[0326] In this embodiment, the HEPA filter (145) may be positioned below the plurality of exhaust holes (119). The HEPA filter (145) may be positioned upstream of the exhaust holes (119) with respect to the direction of air flow. The HEPA filter (145) allows the passage of air to be discharged through the exhaust holes (119), while filtering out fine dust contained in the air.

[0327] A third annular space (146) may be formed between the inner surface of the first housing (117a) and the outer surface of the second upper floating channel housing (135b). The third annular space (146) may be extended along the circumferential direction. The upper side of the third annular space (146) may be connected to communicate with a HEPA filter (145).

[0328] The third annular space (146) can form an exhaust passage for air passing through the fan motor (147) described later. The lower side of the third annular space (146) can be connected to communicate with the exhaust port (1353) formed on the lower side of the second upper air passage housing (135b).

[0329] The exhaust port (1353) may be formed to penetrate radially into the lower side of the second upper floating channel housing (135b). Multiple exhaust ports (1353) may be provided. Multiple exhaust ports (1353) may be spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the second upper floating channel housing (135b).

[0330] Multiple exhaust ports (1353) may be arranged alternately with the flow path portions (1352) of the second upper flow path housing (135b) in the circumferential direction along the outer surface of the second upper flow path housing (135b).

[0331] A plurality of first through holes (1371) may each be formed on the outer surface of the turbine case (137). The first through holes (1371) may extend in the vertical direction along the outer surface of the turbine case (137). The plurality of first through holes (1371) may be spaced apart in the circumferential direction along the outer surface of the turbine case (137).

[0332] Through this, air that has passed through the pre-filter (140) can be introduced into the interior of the turbine case (137) through the first through hole (1371).

[0333] An opening may be formed in the lower inner side of the turbine case (137) to penetrate in the vertical direction. Through this, the turbine case (137) can be connected to the fan motor case (136). Air passing through the pre-filter (140) can pass through the opening inside the turbine case (137) and move into the inner side of the fan motor case (136).

[0334] The fan motor (147) can be positioned on the upper side of the cyclone (124, 129). The fan motor (147) can be positioned inside the upper fluid passage housing (135). For example, the fan motor (147) can be accommodated inside the fan motor case (136).

[0335] The fan motor (147) may include an impeller (148), a drive motor (150), and an inverter (156).

[0336] The impeller (148) may be composed of a hub (1481) and a plurality of blades (1482). The hub (1481) may be formed in a conical shape. The hub (1481) may be extended in the vertical direction. The diameter of the lower end of the hub (1481) may be formed to be larger than the diameter of the upper end of the hub (1481).

[0337] The blade (1482) may be formed to protrude radially outward from the outer surface of the hub (1481). The blade (1482) may extend in a spiral direction along the outer surface of the hub (1481). A plurality of blades (1482) may be spaced apart at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the hub (1481).

[0338] The impeller (148) can be accommodated inside the shroud (149). An intake port can be formed at the top of the shroud (149). The intake port of the shroud (149) can be connected to communicate with the opening of the turbine case (137).

[0339] Through this, the impeller (148) can suck air around the cleaning target area into the interior of the cleaning body.

[0340] The impeller (148) can draw air into the interior of the shroud (149) through the intake port of the shroud (149). The direction of air flow drawn in by the impeller (148) inside the fan motor case (136) is opposite to the direction of air flow flowing along the flow path (1352) of the upper flow path housing (135).

[0341] The direction of air flow inside the fan motor case (136) is downward, from the upper case (1362) toward the lower case (1361).

[0342] A drive motor (150) may be provided on the lower side of the impeller (148). The drive motor (150) may be positioned on the downstream side of the impeller (148) with respect to the direction of air flow.

[0343] The drive motor (150) may include a motor housing (151), a rotating shaft (152), a rotor (153), and a stator (154).

[0344] The motor housing (151) can be attached to the lower part of the shroud (149). The motor housing (151) can be formed in a cylindrical shape. The motor housing (151) can be extended in the vertical direction. The motor housing (151) is formed to surround the outer surface of the stator (154). The motor housing (151) can support the stator (154).

[0345] The rotation axis (152) may be positioned at the inner center of the motor housing (151). The rotation axis (152) may extend in the vertical direction of the motor housing (151). The rotor (153) may be coupled to the central portion along the longitudinal direction of the rotation axis (152).

[0346] The stator (154) is spaced apart from the outer surface of the rotor (153) by an air gap and is formed to surround the outer surface of the rotor (153). A rotor receiving hole may be formed axially through the interior of the stator (154).

[0347] The rotor (153) is mounted on the rotation axis (152) so as to be rotatable with respect to the stator (154).

[0348] The rotation axis (152) can be rotatably supported by a plurality of bearings (155a, 155b). The plurality of bearings (155a, 155b) can be supported on the upper and lower sides of the motor housing (151) with the rotor (153) in between.

[0349] When power is applied to the stator (154), an electromagnetic interaction occurs between the rotor (153) and the stator (154), so that the rotor (153) can rotate relative to the stator (154). Through this, the drive motor (150) can provide power to the impeller (148) by rotating the rotor (153) around the rotation axis (152).

[0350] The impeller (148) can be coupled to the upper part of the rotation shaft (152). Through this, the power of the drive motor (150) is transmitted to the impeller (148) to drive the impeller (148).

[0351] The inverter (156) may be equipped with a PCB (1561), an IGBT, and a capacitor. The IGBT and the capacitor may be mounted on the PCB (1561). Through this, the inverter (156) can control the current supplied to the stator (154).

[0352] The inverter (156) may be positioned below the drive motor (150). The inverter (156) may be housed in a lower case (1361). The inverter (156) may be positioned downstream of the drive motor (150) with respect to the direction of air flow.

[0353] A plurality of exhaust ports (1363) may be formed to penetrate radially on the lower side of the upper case (1362). The plurality of exhaust ports (1363) may be connected to the exhaust port (1353) of the second upper airway housing (135b). Through this, air passing through the fan motor (147) can move to the third annular space (146) through the plurality of exhaust ports (1363) and the plurality of exhaust ports (1353).

[0354] The handle (157) may be positioned on one side of the dust collector facing in the opposite direction to the suction part (113) relative to the dust collector. The suction part (113) may be positioned on the front side of the dust collector. The handle (157) may be positioned on the rear side of the dust collector. The handle (157) may be formed so that a user can wrap their hand around it and grip it. Through this, the user can easily clean the area to be cleaned with the vacuum cleaner (110) by holding the handle (157).

[0355] The battery receiving portion (159) may be positioned on one side of the dust collector facing in the opposite direction to the suction portion (113) relative to the dust collector. The battery receiving portion (159) may be provided on the lower side of the handle (157).

[0356] A battery cover (160) may be installed so as to be openable and closable on the lower side of the battery receiving portion (159). The battery cover (160) may extend in a rearward direction from the rear side of the dust collector. The front end of the battery cover (160) may be connected to the lower side of the battery receiving portion (159) by a hinge.

[0357] The rear end of the battery cover (160) can be rotatably coupled downward from the lower side of the battery receiving portion (159). The battery cover (160) can be detachably coupled to the lower side of the battery receiving portion (159).

[0358] Multiple battery cells (161) can be accommodated in the battery receiving portion (159). The battery cells (161) can supply power to the fan motor (147), etc. The battery cells (161) can be implemented as rechargeable secondary batteries.

[0359] (3) Description of the configuration of the filter cleaning device (162)

[0360] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the turbine (168) and filter rotating together using the reverse air flow inside the vacuum cleaner (110) generated when air is sucked in by the dust collection motor (107) of the dust emptying station (100).

[0361] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing the brush (163) in FIG. 3 mounted on the inner surface of the upper Euro housing (135) and the inner surface of the upper cover.

[0362] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing the brush (163) mounted on the inner surface of the upper Euro housing (135) and the inner surface of the upper cover in FIG. 4, viewed from below.

[0363] FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing the filter in FIG. 3 accommodated in the upper Euro housing (135).

[0364] FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing the pre-filter (140) in FIG. 3 seated on the filter support (164).

[0365] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the filter support (164) in FIG. 7.

[0366] FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing the turbine (168) and the reduction gear (175) combined with each other in FIG. 3.

[0367] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the turbine (168) and reduction gear (175) in FIG. 9 being housed and supported inside the turbine case (137).

[0368] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing the filter support (164) in FIG. 6 being elastically supported by an elastic member on the turbine case (137).

[0369] The filter cleaning device (162) is configured to automatically clean foreign substances, such as dust accumulated on the pre-filter (140).

[0370] To this end, the filter cleaning device (162) includes a filter cleaning part and a rotating part. The filter cleaning part may be composed of a brush (163) or an elastic blade. In this embodiment, the filter cleaning part is shown as being composed of a brush (163).

[0371] The rotating part may include a turbine (168). The brush (163) may be implemented in the form of a brush so as to scrape and remove foreign substances, such as dust, accumulated on the outer surface of the pre-filter (140). The brush (163) may be positioned to contact the outer surface of the pre-filter (140).

[0372] Through this, the brush (163) and the pre-filter (140) move relative to each other, so that the brush (163) can remove foreign substances accumulated on the outer surface of the pre-filter (140).

[0373] For example, either the brush (163) or the pre-filter (140) rotates relative to the other, so that the brush (163) can remove foreign matter accumulated on the outer surface of the pre-filter (140).

[0374] In this embodiment, a brush (163) is fixed inside the housing (117), and a pre-filter (140) is rotatably provided inside the housing (117).

[0375] The brush (163) may include a first brush (163a) and a second brush (163b). The first brush (163a) may be positioned to contact the outer surface of the side portion (141) of the pre-filter (140). The first brush (163a) may be fixedly mounted on the inner surface of the second upper fluid passage housing (135b).

[0376] The first brush (163a) may be formed to protrude radially from the inner surface of the second upper floating channel housing (135b) toward the outer surface of the pre-filter (140). The first brush (163a) may extend vertically along the inner surface of the second upper floating channel housing (135b).

[0377] The outer end of the first brush (163a) can be coupled to the inner surface of the second upper floating channel housing (135b). The inner end of the first brush (163a) can be positioned to contact the outer surface of the pre-filter (140).

[0378] The second brush (163b) may be positioned to be in contact with the upper surface of the upper portion (142) of the pre-filter (140). The second brush (163b) may be fixedly mounted on the inner surface of the first cover (118a).

[0379] The first brush (163a) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple first brushes (163a) may be spaced apart at equal intervals in the circumferential direction along the side portion (141) of the pre-filter (140). In this embodiment, the multiple first brushes (163a) are provided in three numbers and may be spaced apart at intervals of 120 degrees in the circumferential direction. However, the number of first brushes (163a) is not limited thereto.

[0380] The first brush (163a) may be provided separably into a main brush (1631) and a sub-brush (1632). The main brush (1631) may be fixed to the inner circumference of the second upper fluid passage housing (135b). The sub-brush (1632) may be fixed to the inner circumference of the filter receiving portion (120) of the first cover (118a).

[0381] The main brush (1631) and the sub brush (1632) can be positioned on the same line in the vertical direction.

[0382] Through this, the first brush (163a) can remove foreign matter accumulated on the outer surface of the side portion (141) of the pre-filter (140).

[0383] The second brush (163b) may be formed to protrude downward from the inner surface of the first cover (118a) toward the upper surface (142) of the pre-filter (140). The upper end of the second brush (163b) may be coupled to the inner surface of the first cover (118a). The lower end of the second brush (163b) may be positioned to be in contact with the upper surface (142) of the pre-filter (140).

[0384] The second brush (163b) may extend radially along the upper surface (142) of the pre-filter (140). The second brush (163b) may extend radially along the center and outermost edge of the upper surface (142) of the pre-filter (140).

[0385] The length of the second brush (163b) may be greater than or equal to the radius of the pre-filter (140). Through this, the second brush (163b) can remove foreign matter accumulated on the upper surface (142) of the pre-filter (140) by scraping the entire surface of the upper surface (142) of the pre-filter (140) when the pre-filter (140) rotates 360 degrees in place.

[0386] The pre-filter (140) may be placed on the outside of the turbine case (137). The pre-filter (140) may be formed to surround the turbine case (137). The pre-filter (140) may be seated and supported on a connecting part (138) connecting the top of the fan motor case (136) and the bottom of the turbine case (137).

[0387] The pre-filter (140) can be seated on the connecting part (138) by the filter support part (164). The filter support part (164) not only supports the pre-filter (140) but also connects the turbine (168), which will be described later, with the pre-filter (140) to transmit power from the turbine (168) to the pre-filter (140).

[0388] The filter support (164) may be provided on the inner side of the pre-filter (140). The filter support (164) may be positioned between the pre-filter (140) and the turbine case (137). The filter support (164) is formed to surround the turbine case (137).

[0389] The filter support (164) may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The filter support (164) may be formed to correspond to the shape of the pre-filter (140). For example, the filter support (164) may be configured to include a side portion (1641) and a top portion (1643).

[0390] The side portion (1641) of the filter support (164) may be extended vertically higher than the outer surface of the turbine case (137). The side portion (1641) of the filter support (164) may be extended in the circumferential direction. A plurality of second through holes (1642) may be formed to penetrate radially in the side portion (1641) of the filter support (164).

[0391] Multiple second through holes (1642) may be spaced apart in multiple rows in the vertical direction and the circumferential direction, respectively. Multiple second through holes (1642) adjacent in the circumferential direction may be spaced apart from each other.

[0392] The upper surface (1643) of the filter support (164) is formed to cover the upper side of the side portion (1641) of the filter support (164). The outermost part of the upper surface (1643) of the filter support (164) is connected to the upper edge of the side portion (1641) of the filter support (164).

[0393] A plurality of third through holes (1644) may be formed to penetrate in the vertical direction on the upper surface (1643) of the filter support (164). The third through holes (1644) may be extended in length in the circumferential direction. A plurality of third through holes (1644) may be provided along the circumferential direction of the upper surface (1643) of the filter support (164). The plurality of third through holes (1644) may be spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

[0394] The third through holes (1644) may be provided in multiple numbers along the radial direction of the side portion (1641) of the filter support portion (164). The multiple third through holes (1644) may be spaced apart in the radial direction.

[0395] Through this, air passing through the pre-filter (140) can move into the interior of the turbine case (137) by passing through the second through-hole (1642) and the third through-hole (1644) and the side portion (1641) and the top portion (1643) of the filter support portion (164).

[0396] A plurality of reinforcing protrusions may be formed on the side portion (1641) and the top portion (1643), respectively, of the filter support portion (164). The reinforcing protrusions may consist of a plurality of first reinforcing protrusions (165a) and second reinforcing protrusions (165b). The first reinforcing protrusions (165a) may extend in the vertical direction from the side portion (1641) of the filter support portion (164). The plurality of first reinforcing protrusions (165a) may be spaced apart at equal intervals in the circumferential direction along the side portion (1641) of the filter support portion (164).

[0397] The second reinforcing projection (165b) may extend radially along the upper surface (1643) of the filter support (164). The outer end of the second reinforcing projection (165b) may be connected to the upper end of the first reinforcing projection (165a).

[0398] Through this, the reinforcing projection can reinforce the reduced rigidity caused by the second through hole (1642) and the third through hole (1644).

[0399] The filter support portion (164) may further include a seating portion (166). The seating portion (166) may be formed to protrude radially outward from the bottom of the side portion (1641) of the filter support portion (164). The seating portion (166) may extend circumferentially from the bottom of the side portion (1641) of the filter support portion (164). The seating portion (166) may be positioned to be in contact with the connecting portion (138). The seating portion (166) may be formed to be inclined radially in correspondence with the inclination angle of the connecting portion (138).

[0400] Through this, the pre-filter (140) can be seated on the mounting portion (166) of the filter support portion (164), and the mounting portion (166) can be seated on the connecting portion (138). Accordingly, the pre-filter (140) can be seated and supported on the connecting portion (138) of the turbine case (137) by the mounting portion (166).

[0401] The filter support portion (164) may further include a movement limiting projection (1661). The movement limiting projection (1661) may be formed to protrude upward from the outer end of the seating portion (166). When the pre-filter (140) is seated on the seating portion (166), there may be a gap between the inner surface of the pre-filter (140) and the outer surface of the filter support portion (164).

[0402] Through this, the movement limiting projection (1661) can limit the radial movement of the pre-filter (140) while it is seated on the seating portion (166).

[0403] The filter support portion (164) may further include a friction protrusion (1662). The friction protrusion (1662) may be formed to protrude downward from the bottom surface of the seating portion (166). The friction protrusion (1662) may come into contact with the upper surface of the connecting portion (138). The friction protrusion (1662) may extend circumferentially along the bottom surface of the seating portion (166).

[0404] The friction protrusions (1662) may be provided in multiple radially from the bottom surface of the seating portion (166). The friction protrusions (1662) may be formed from an elastic material such as rubber. Through this, the friction protrusions (1662) can increase the frictional force when in contact with the filter support portion (164) and the connecting portion (138).

[0405] The pre-filter (140) can rotate using the power of the turbine (168).

[0406] The turbine (168) is configured to convert the airflow energy into mechanical energy of rotational motion. The turbine (168) can be rotated by the airflow generated by the dust collector motor (107) during dust emptying of the station (100).

[0407] When the dust storage unit (123a, 123b) is emptied while the vacuum cleaner (110) is mounted on the station (100), the direction of air flow inside the vacuum cleaner (110) is opposite to the direction of air flow inside the vacuum cleaner (110) during cleaning. This will be explained later.

[0408] To rotate the turbine (168), the drive motor (150) of the vacuum cleaner (110) is stopped, and the dust collection motor (107) of the station (100) is operated. When the dust collection motor (107) is operated, air inside the fan motor (147) can move axially from the drive motor (150) (lower side) toward the impeller (148) (upper side).

[0409] When the fan motor (147) is stopped, the airflow can be described as reverse airflow.

[0410] In this embodiment, the reverse flow of air can be utilized to obtain rotational kinetic energy using a turbine (168).

[0411] The turbine (168) can be positioned axially facing the impeller (148). The turbine (168) can be positioned above the impeller (148).

[0412] The air passing through the impeller (148) can move to the turbine (168).

[0413] The turbine (168) may include a hub (169) and blades (170). The hub (169) may include an axial coupling portion (1693), a hub body (1691), and a hub base (1692).

[0414] The shaft coupling portion (1693) can be coupled with the turbine shaft (174) to be described later. The shaft coupling portion (1693) can be formed to protrude from the center of the hub body (1691) toward the center of the blade (170). A space capable of accommodating and enclosing the turbine shaft (174) can be formed inside the shaft coupling portion (1693).

[0415] A coupling projection may be continuously formed in the circumferential direction on the outer surface of the turbine shaft (174). A coupling groove may be continuously formed in the circumferential direction on the inner surface of the shaft coupling part (1693). Through this, the coupling projection of the turbine shaft (174) is coupled to the coupling groove of the shaft coupling part (1693), so that the rotational force of the turbine shaft (174) can be transmitted to the shaft coupling part (1693).

[0416] The hub body (1691) may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The hub body (1691) may be extended in the vertical direction. The hub body (1691) may be positioned to be inserted into the inner side of a plurality of blades (170).

[0417] The hub base (1692) may be formed to protrude radially outward from the top of the hub body (1691). The hub base (1692) may extend circumferentially along the perimeter of the hub body (1691). The hub base (1692) may be positioned toward the opposite direction of the shaft coupling portion (1693) with respect to the hub body (1691).

[0418] The blade (170) may be formed to protrude downward from the hub base (1692) toward the impeller (148). The blade (170) may be formed to protrude radially from the outer surface of the hub body (1691). The blade (170) may be composed of a curved portion (171) and a flat portion (172). The curved portion (171) may have a semicircular cross-sectional shape. The curved portion (171) may extend downward from the hub base (1692).

[0419] The flat portion (172) may be positioned on the inner side of the curved portion (171). The outer end of the flat portion (172) may be connected to the inner end of the curved portion (171). The inner end of the flat portion (172) may be connected to the outer surface and lower surface of the hub body (1691) and to the outer surface of the shaft coupling portion (1693).

[0420] The radial length of the planar portion (172) may vary depending on the position in the vertical direction. For example, the radial length of the upper side of the planar portion (172) where the inner end is connected to the outer surface of the hub body (1691) is shorter than the radial length of the middle side of the planar portion (172) where the inner end is connected to the outer surface of the shaft coupling portion (1693).

[0421] A recess (173) may be formed axially concavely on the lower side of the inner end of the flat portion (172). The recess (173) may be positioned facing the opposite direction of the curved portion (171) relative to the flat portion (172). Through this, air may flow into the recess (173) during reverse air flow.

[0422] The blades (170) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple blades (170) may be spaced apart in the circumferential direction along the outer surface of the hub (169).

[0423] A channel through which air can flow can be formed between a plurality of adjacent curved sections (171) in the circumferential direction. A channel through which air can flow can be formed between a plurality of adjacent recessed sections (173) in the circumferential direction.

[0424] The flow path between two adjacent curved sections (171) in the circumferential direction can be radially connected to the flow path between two adjacent depressions (173).

[0425] When air flows in reverse, air can flow into the inner side of the depression (173). The air can move radially outward from the inner side of the depression (173) toward the flat section (172) and the curved section (171).

[0426] As air moves along the shape of the axial joint (1693), hub body (1691), and hub base (1692) of the hub (169), the axial airflow can move radially outward from the recess (173) toward the curved surface (171).

[0427] The curved portion (171) may include a first surface, a second surface, and a thickness. The thickness of the curved portion (171) may be formed between the first surface and the second surface of the curved portion (171). The first surface of the curved portion (171) and the second surface of the curved portion (171) may be arranged facing opposite directions in the circumferential direction.

[0428] The first surface of the curved portion (171) may be formed concavely. The second surface of the curved portion (171) may be formed convexly. The circumference of the first surface of the curved portion (171) is shorter than the circumference of the second surface of the curved portion (171).

[0429] When air passes through the flat section (172) and moves to the curved section (171), the flow velocity on the first surface and the second surface of the curved section (171) may be different from each other.

[0430] The flow velocity on the second surface of the curved portion (171) may be faster than the flow velocity on the first surface of the curved portion (171). The pressure on the first surface of the curved portion (171) may be greater than the pressure on the second surface of the curved portion (171).

[0431] Through this, when air passes radially through the curved section (171), a circumferential force can be applied from the first surface of the curved section (171) toward the second surface of the curved section (171) due to the difference in flow velocity and pressure between the first surface and the second surface of the curved section (171). Accordingly, the turbine (168) can rotate around the turbine shaft (174).

[0432] The speed of the turbine (168) is relatively faster than the rotational speed required for filter cleaning. However, the rotational force of the turbine (168) is relatively smaller than the required torque.

[0433] The filter cleaning device (162) may further include a reduction device (175).

[0434] The reduction gear (175) is configured to transmit the torque of the turbine (168) to the pre-filter (140) and increase the torque of the turbine (168).

[0435] Let P be the work done by the backflow of air per unit time as power. P = torque (τ) * rotational speed (rpm). When P is constant, torque and rotational speed are inversely proportional to each other.

[0436] The reduction gear (175) can increase the torque of the turbine (168) by reducing the rotational speed of the turbine (168). The reduction gear (175) may use gears. Preferably, the reduction gear (175) may be implemented as a planetary gear set.

[0437] The reduction gear (175) may be configured to include a reduction case (176), sun gears (181a, 181b), planetary gears (182a, 182b), ring gears (183a, 183b), and carriers (184a, 184b). In this embodiment, the reduction gear (175) may be implemented as a two-stage planetary gear set (180a, 180b).

[0438] The reduction case (176) can be accommodated inside the turbine case (137). The reduction case (176) can be formed in a cylindrical shape. A space is formed inside the reduction case (176) to accommodate a planetary gear set (180a, 180b).

[0439] A coupling portion (177) may be formed to protrude radially on the upper side of the outer surface of the reduction case (176). The upper surface of the coupling portion (177) may be positioned to be in contact with the inner surface of the upper surface of the turbine case (137) in the vertical direction.

[0440] The connecting portion (177) can be fastened to the upper surface of the turbine case (137) by means of a fastening member such as a screw. Through this, the upper surface of the reduction case (176) can be fastened to and supported on the upper surface of the turbine case (137).

[0441] The planetary gear set (180a, 180b) can be accommodated inside the reduction case (176). The two-stage planetary gear set (180a, 180b) can be composed of two planetary gear sets. The first planetary gear set (180a) can be positioned on the lower side of the reduction case (176). The second planetary gear set (180b) can be positioned on the upper side of the reduction case (176).

[0442] A first bearing support member (179a) may be provided on the lower side of the reduction case (176). The first bearing support member (179a) may have a receiving space to support bearings (178a, 178b) to be described later. The first bearing support member (179a) may be formed to protrude downward from the lower side of the reduction case (176) so as to be received inside the hub body (1691).

[0443] Bearings (178a, 178b) may include a first bearing (178a) and a second bearing (178b). The first bearing (178a) is received in a first bearing support (179a). The first bearing (178a) may be supported by the first bearing support (179a). The first bearing (178a) may rotatably support the turbine shaft (174).

[0444] The turbine shaft (174) may be extended in the vertical direction. A coupling projection may be continuously formed along the circumferential direction on one side of the turbine shaft (174). The other side of the turbine shaft (174) may be inserted into and coupled to the inner circumference of the first bearing (178a).

[0445] The turbine shaft (174) is connected to the hub (169) of the turbine (168) through a connecting projection, so that it can rotate together with the turbine (168).

[0446] The first planetary gear set (180a) may include a first sun gear (181a), a plurality of first planetary gears (182a), a first ring gear (183a), and a first carrier (184a). The first sun gear (181a) may be connected to one side of the turbine shaft (174) facing in the opposite direction to the coupling projection. The first sun gear (181a) may be spaced apart from the center of the bottom surface of the reduction case (176).

[0447] A plurality of first planetary gears (182a) are coupled to mesh with gear teeth that are continuously provided along the outer surface of the first sun gear (181a). A plurality of first planetary gears (182a) may be arranged circumferentially spaced apart along the outer surface of the first sun gear (181a).

[0448] A plurality of first planetary gears (182a) can each be connected to a first carrier (184a) through a first connecting shaft (1821).

[0449] The first carrier (184a) connects a plurality of first planetary gears (182a) so that a plurality of first planetary gears (182a) can rotate at the same rotational speed. Through this, a plurality of first planetary gears (182a) can rotate at the same rotational speed while maintaining a constant distance along the outer surface of the first sun gear (181a).

[0450] The first carrier (184a) may be rotatably provided between the first planetary gear (182a) and the second sun gear (181b). The first carrier (184a) can transmit the rotational force of the first planetary gear (182a) to the second sun gear (181b).

[0451] The first ring gear (183a) can be formed continuously along the circumferential direction on the inner surface of the reduction case (176). The number of gear teeth of the first ring gear (183a) is greater than the number of gear teeth of the first sun gear (181a).

[0452] One side of the first planetary gear (182a) may be coupled to mesh with the first sun gear (181a), and the other side of the first planetary gear (182a) may be coupled to mesh with the first ring gear (183a).

[0453] Through this, the first planetary gear (182a) is coupled to mesh with the first sun gear (181a) and the first ring gear (183a), so that it can perform rotation and revolution. The number of rotations due to rotation of the first planetary gear (182a) and the number of rotations due to revolution of the first planetary gear (182a) may differ from each other depending on the gear ratio of the first sun gear (181a) and the first ring gear (183a).

[0454] In this embodiment, the number of rotations due to the revolution of the first planetary gear (182a) is smaller than the number of rotations due to the rotation of the first planetary gear (182a).

[0455] The rotational speed of the first carrier (184a) connected to the plurality of first planetary gears (182a) is the same as the rotational speed according to the revolution of the first planetary gears (182a).

[0456] A thickness of the first carrier (184a) is formed between the first surface and the second surface of the first carrier (184a). A connecting shaft receiving portion (1841) may be provided on the first surface of the first carrier (184a) to accommodate a first connecting shaft (1821). On the second surface of the first carrier (184a), a carrier shaft (1842) is formed to protrude toward the second planetary gear set (180b).

[0457] The second planetary gear set (180b) may include a second sun gear (181b), a plurality of second planetary gears (182b), a second ring gear (183b), and a second carrier (184b). Since the components of the second planetary gear set (180b) have functions identical or similar to those of the components of the first planetary gear set (180a), a redundant description will be omitted.

[0458] The second sun gear (181b) can be coupled with the carrier shaft (1842). The rotational speed of the second sun gear (181b) is reduced compared to the rotational speed of the first sun gear (181a).

[0459] Multiple second planetary gears (182b) are coupled to mesh with the outer surface of the second sun gear (181b) and the inner surface of the second ring gear (183b). The second planetary gears (182b) perform rotation and revolution simultaneously.

[0460] Through this, the number of rotations due to the revolution of the second planetary gear (182b) is reduced compared to the number of rotations due to the rotation of the second planetary gear (182b).

[0461] The second carrier (184b) connects a plurality of second planetary gears (182b). Through this, the rotational speed of the second carrier (184b) is the same as the rotational speed of the second planetary gears (182b) during revolution.

[0462] The rotational speed of the turbine shaft (174) can be reduced first according to the gear ratio of the first sun gear (181a) and the first ring gear (183a). Additionally, the rotational speed of the carrier shaft (1842) of the first carrier (184a) can be reduced second according to the gear ratio of the second sun gear (181b) and the second ring gear (183b).

[0463] A thickness of the second carrier (184b) is formed between the first surface and the second surface of the second carrier (184b). A connecting shaft receiving portion (1841) (not shown), which is coupled to accommodate a second connecting shaft (not shown), may be provided on the first surface of the second carrier (184b).

[0464] A reduction shaft (185) can be formed to protrude toward the upper surface of the turbine case (137) from the second surface of the second carrier (184b).

[0465] The rotational speed of the reduction shaft (185) can be reduced compared to the rotational speed of the turbine shaft (174) by the gear ratio of the two-stage planetary gear set (180a, 180b).

[0466] The reduction shaft (185) can be rotatably supported by a second bearing (178b).

[0467] A second bearing support (179b) may be formed to protrude from the upper surface of the turbine case (137). A space capable of accommodating a second bearing (178b) is formed inside the second bearing support (179b). The second bearing (178b) may be accommodated and supported in the second bearing support (179b).

[0468] The reduction shaft (185) can be formed to protrude further upward through the second bearing (178b). The reduction shaft (185) can be coupled with the filter support (164).

[0469] The filter support portion (164) may further include an axial penetration portion (167). The axial penetration portion (167) may be formed to penetrate in the vertical direction from the center of the upper surface portion (1643) of the filter support portion (164). The axial penetration portion (167) is formed to surround the reduction shaft (185).

[0470] A rotational projection (1851) may be formed to protrude radially from the outer surface of the reduction shaft (185). A rotational groove (1671) may be formed to be recessed radially on the inner surface of the shaft penetration portion (167). The rotational projection (1851) and the rotational groove (1671) may be fitted together.

[0471] Through this, the filter support (164) can be rotated by being coupled with the reduction shaft (185) through the rotational projection (1851).

[0472] The filter support (164) can be rotated together with the turbine (168) relative to the turbine case (137) during reverse air flow.

[0473] The filter support (164) may further include a lifting guide (1672).

[0474] The lifting guide (1672) may be formed to protrude downward from the inner surface of the upper surface (1643) of the filter support (164) toward the upper surface of the turbine case (137). The lifting guide (1672) may extend circumferentially along the outer surface of the second bearing support (179b).

[0475] The lifting guide (1672) and the second bearing support (179b) may be arranged to overlap each other in the radial direction. The lifting guide (1672) is formed to wrap around the outer surface of the second bearing support (179b). The inner surface of the lifting guide (1672) and the outer surface of the second bearing support (179b) may come into contact with each other.

[0476] By doing so, the lifting guide (1672) can restrict the filter support (164) from moving in the radial direction. The lifting guide (1672) can guide the filter support (164) to move up and down along the outer surface of the second bearing support (179b).

[0477] The shaft penetration portion (167) of the filter support portion (164) may be formed to protrude downward from the inner surface of the upper surface portion (1643) of the filter support portion (164) to surround the second bearing support portion (179b). The shaft penetration portion (167) is formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0478] The inner surface diameter of the shaft penetration portion (167) can be formed to be slightly larger than the outer surface diameter of the second bearing support portion (179b).

[0479] The filter cleaning device (162) may further include an elastic member. The elastic member may be implemented as a coil spring (186). The coil spring (186) may extend in a spiral direction along the vertical direction. The coil spring (186) may be placed in the space between the inner surface of the second bearing support (179b) and the outer surface of the shaft penetration (167).

[0480] The coil spring (186) can elastically support the filter support (164). The upper end of the coil spring (186) can be positioned to be in axial contact with the inner surface of the upper surface (1643) of the filter support (164). The lower end of the coil spring (186) can be positioned to be in axial contact with the upper surface of the second bearing (178b). The elastic force of the coil spring (186) can overcome gravity due to the weight of the filter support (164) and the pre-filter (140).

[0481] Through this, the coil spring (186) can raise the filter support (164) upward by its elasticity when there is no external force. The seating portion (166) of the filter support (164) can be raised upward and separated from the connecting portion (138) by the coil spring (186).

[0482] (4) Explanation of the operation and effect of the filter cleaning device (162)

[0483] Air movement path during cleaning operation of the vacuum cleaner (110)

[0484] FIG. 12a is a conceptual diagram showing the air movement path inside the vacuum cleaner (110) during the cleaning operation of the vacuum cleaner (110) in FIG. 2.

[0485] The user can manually clean the target area using the vacuum cleaner (110). When power is applied to the drive motor (150) of the vacuum cleaner (110), the drive motor (150) operates.

[0486] The drive motor (150) drives the impeller (148) of the fan motor (147). The impeller (148) can be rotated by power transmitted through the rotation shaft (152). When the impeller (148) rotates, the impeller (148) can form a flow of air that is sucked in in the first axial direction from the upper case (1362) of the fan motor case (136) toward the lower case (1361).

[0487] When examining the air movement path inside the vacuum cleaner (110) during the cleaning operation of the vacuum cleaner (110), it is as follows.

[0488] Air passes through the suction nozzle (111), connecting pipe (112), suction pipe (114), and check valve (116) in sequence from the area to be cleaned and flows into the interior of the dust collector.

[0489] Inside the housing (117) of the dust collector, air passes through the mesh screen (125) (primary dust removal) of the first cyclone (124) in the first annular space (126) inside the second housing (117b), and passes through the casing (130) (secondary fine dust removal) and vortex finder (134) (discharge) of the second cyclone (129).

[0490] The air passing through the cyclone (124, 129) rises along the flow path (1352) of the upper flow path housing (135). It passes through a pre-filter (140) before being sucked into the fan motor (147). The pre-filter (140) can remove foreign substances, such as dust, from the air to be sucked into the fan motor (147) (third dust removal).

[0491] The air passing through the pre-filter (140) descends from the upper side to the lower side of the fan motor case (136) and passes through the impeller (148), drive motor (150), and inverter (156) of the fan motor (147) in sequence.

[0492] Next, the air passing through the fan motor (147) rises again along the exhaust path of the first housing (117a) through the outlet (1363) of the fan motor case (136) and the exhaust port (1353) of the upper path housing (135).

[0493] Finally, the air rising along the exhaust path passes through the HEPA filter (145) (4th dust removal) of the first cover (118a) and is discharged through the exhaust hole (119) of the first cover (118a).

[0494] Air path when emptying dust from the station (100)

[0495] FIG. 12b is a conceptual diagram showing the air movement path inside the vacuum cleaner (110) when cleaning the filter of the vacuum cleaner (110) in FIG. 2.

[0496] The user can automatically clean the filter of the vacuum cleaner (110) while the vacuum cleaner (110) is mounted on the station (100).

[0497] When the vacuum cleaner (110) is placed on the station (100), the power supply to the drive motor (150) of the vacuum cleaner (110) is interrupted.

[0498] When a dust emptying command is input to the station (100) on which the vacuum cleaner (110) is mounted, the second cover (118b) of the vacuum cleaner (110) is opened.

[0499] Next, the dust collection motor (107) of the station (100) is operated. The dust collection motor (107) sucks in air to form an airflow. The airflow is configured to descend from the flow path (103) of the station (100) toward the collection section (104).

[0500] The dust storage section (123a, 123b) of the vacuum cleaner (110) can be connected to the flow path section (103) of the station (100) through the opening of the second cover (118b).

[0501] Through this, foreign substances such as dust stored in the dust storage section (123a, 123b) of the vacuum cleaner (110) move downward from the airflow section (103) of the station (100) toward the collection section (104) according to the airflow generated by the dust collection motor (107) of the station (100).

[0502] Accordingly, foreign substances such as dust from the vacuum cleaner (110) are collected and stored in the collection unit (104) of the station (100).

[0503] Here, the airflow generated by the dust collection motor (107) of the station (100) can form a reverse airflow or reverse flow from the perspective of the vacuum cleaner (110). This is because the direction of airflow of the dust collection motor (107) of the station (100) is opposite to the direction of airflow during the cleaning operation of the vacuum cleaner (110).

[0504] When emptying the dust from the station (100), we will examine the air movement path inside the vacuum cleaner (110).

[0505] When emptying the dust of the station (100), the direction of air movement inside the vacuum cleaner (110) is the reverse of the air movement path during the cleaning operation of the vacuum cleaner (110).

[0506] However, the air movement path inside the vacuum cleaner (110) can be formed in the following two directions.

[0507] Looking at one of the two air paths above, air flows into the interior of the first housing (117a) through the exhaust hole (119) of the first cover (118a). The air flowing in through the exhaust hole (119) passes through the HEPA filter (145) (4th dust removal) of the first cover (118a) and then descends along the exhaust path of the first housing (117a).

[0508] Next, the air descending along the exhaust passage flows into the interior of the fan motor case (136) through the exhaust port (1353) of the upper passage housing (135) and the discharge port (1363) of the fan motor case (136). The air flowing into the interior of the fan motor (147) passes through the inverter (156), drive motor (150), and impeller (148) of the fan motor (147) in sequence and rises in the second axial direction from the lower case (1361) toward the upper case (1362).

[0509] The air passing through the fan motor (147) passes through the pre-filter (140) and then descends again along the flow path (1352) of the upper flow path housing (135). The air passing through the upper flow path housing (135) penetrates the vortex finder (134) and casing (130) of the second cyclone (129), passes through the second dust storage section (123b), and moves to the collection section (104) of the station (100).

[0510] Looking at the other air path among the two paths above, the air passes through the suction nozzle (111), connecting pipe (112), suction pipe (114), and check valve (116) in sequence from the area to be cleaned and flows into the interior of the dust collector.

[0511] Air introduced into the housing (117) of the dust collector moves from the first annular space (126) inside the second housing (117b) through the first dust storage section (123a) to the collection section (104) of the station (100).

[0512] When the dust collection motor (107) of the station (100) is driven while the drive motor (150) of the vacuum cleaner (110) is stopped, the drive motor (150) of the vacuum cleaner (110) can act as a load or a flow resistance from the perspective of the station (100).

[0513] As a result, when emptying the dust of the station (100), the ratio of the two air flow paths inside the vacuum cleaner (110), that is, the ratio of the air flow path of the second path (reverse air flow) sucked from the exhaust hole (119) of the first cover (118a) and passing through the drive motor (150) to the air flow path of the first path sucked from the suction nozzle (111) and passing through the cyclone (124, 129), may be 9:1.

[0514] In this embodiment, the turbine (168) can be rotated by utilizing the reverse flow of the second branch of air.

[0515] Non-operation of the filter cleaning device (162) during the cleaning operation of the vacuum cleaner (110)

[0516] FIG. 13a is a conceptual diagram showing the filter being locked to the turbine case (137) by the suction of the forward flow caused by the air suction of the vacuum cleaner (110) during the cleaning operation of FIG. 3.

[0517] During the cleaning operation of the vacuum cleaner (110), the impeller (148) of the fan motor (147) can form an airflow. The direction of the airflow sucked in by the rotation of the impeller (148) is downward, flowing from the pre-filter (140) into the fan motor case (136).

[0518] Through this, the pre-filter (140) can be pulled downward toward the fan motor (147) by the air suction force resulting from the air flow of the impeller (148). The mounting portion (166) of the filter support portion (164) supporting the pre-filter (140) can be mounted and supported on the outer surface of the connecting portion (138) connecting the fan motor case (136) and the turbine case (137).

[0519] The friction protrusion (1662) formed on the bottom surface of the seating portion (166) is in close contact with the outer surface of the connecting portion (138) by the air suction force, so that the pre-filter (140) can be locked without rotating by the turbine (168).

[0520] Operation of the filter cleaning device (162) when emptying the dust of the station (100)

[0521] FIG. 13b is a conceptual diagram showing the filter floating upward from the turbine case (137) due to reverse flow caused by the air intake of the station (100) when the vacuum cleaner (110) empties dust in FIG. 3.

[0522] When emptying the dust of the station (100), the dust collection motor (107) of the station (100) operates while the drive motor (150) of the vacuum cleaner (110) is stopped. Through this, the dust collection motor (107) can form an airflow inside the station body (101).

[0523] When the dust collection motor (107) is operated, a reverse flow of air may occur inside the vacuum cleaner (110). The reverse flow of air may rise from the fan motor (147) toward the turbine (168) in a direction opposite to the direction of air flow during cleaning.

[0524] The filter support (164) can be unlocked from the connection part (138) of the fan motor case (136) by the reverse flow of air passing through the turbine (168).

[0525] Through this, the coil spring (186) provided between the outer surface of the shaft penetration portion (167) of the filter support portion (164) and the inner surface of the second bearing support portion (179b) of the turbine case (137) can raise the seating portion (166) of the filter support portion (164) upward from the connecting portion (138) of the fan motor case (136).

[0526] Accordingly, the turbine (168) can rotate by the reverse flow of air generated by the rotation of the dust collector motor (107) described above.

[0527] The torque of the turbine (168) can be transmitted to the reduction gear (175) through the turbine shaft (174). The reduction gear (175) can increase the torque of the turbine (168) by reducing the rotational speed of the turbine shaft (174). The reduction gear (175) can transmit the increased torque of the turbine (168) to the filter support (164) through the reduction shaft (185).

[0528] The filter support (164) receives rotational force from the turbine (168) from the reduction gear (175) and can rotate at a rotational speed lower than the rotational speed of the turbine (168).

[0529] The pre-filter (140) can rotate relative to the first brush (163a) fixed to the second upper fluid passage housing (135b) and the second brush (163b) fixed to the first cover (118a) while being supported on the seating portion (166) of the filter support portion (164).

[0530] Through this, the brush (163) can clean foreign substances, such as dust, accumulated on the pre-filter (140).

[0531] Accordingly, according to the present invention, a filter cleaning device (162) may be built into the interior of a vacuum cleaner (110). The filter cleaning device (162) may include a brush (163) and a turbine (168). The brush (163) may be fixed inside the housing (117). A pre-filter (140) may be positioned to be in contact with the brush (163).

[0532] The pre-filter (140) can be rotated by a turbine (168). The turbine (168) can be rotated using the reverse flow of air generated by the dust collection motor (107) of the station (100). Here, the reverse flow of air is in the opposite direction to the flow direction of air generated by the drive motor (150) of the vacuum cleaner (110).

[0533] In this embodiment, the reverse flow of air can be made upward from the fan motor (147) located below the pre-filter (140) toward the turbine (168).

[0534] The turbine (168) can convert the reverse flow of air into rotational kinetic energy. The torque of the turbine (168) can be increased by the reduction gear (175). The torque of the turbine (168) can be increased through the reduction shaft (185) of the reduction gear (175) and transmitted to the filter support (164).

[0535] The filter support (164) can rotate the pre-filter (140) together with the turbine (168).

[0536] Through this, the user simply needs to place the vacuum cleaner (110) on the station (100), and the station (100) can automatically remove dust and other substances stored in the dust storage sections (123a, 123b) of the vacuum cleaner (110) by the operation of the dust collection motor (107), and the filter cleaning device (162) can also clean foreign substances such as dust accumulated on the pre-filter (140) by the brush (163) by rotating the pre-filter (140) together with the turbine (168) which is operated by the reverse flow of the air.

[0537] Accordingly, according to the present invention, a filter is provided inside the vacuum cleaner. The filter may include a pre-filter (140). The pre-filter (140) may be positioned downstream of the cyclone (124, 129) with respect to the direction of air flow. The cyclone (124, 129) includes a mesh screen (125) that separates dust from the air sucked into the interior of the housing (117).

[0538] Through this, air introduced into the suction part of the vacuum cleaner housing (117) can pass through the cyclone (124, 129) and then pass through the pre-filter (140). The pre-filter (140) can remove foreign substances, such as dust, from the air that has passed through the cyclone (124, 129). The size and amount of dust trapped in the pre-filter (140) is smaller than the size and amount of dust separated by the mesh screen (125) of the cyclone (124, 129).

[0539] The pre-filter (140) can be positioned upstream of the fan motor (147) with respect to the direction of air flow. Through this, air can be introduced into the fan motor (147) after passing through the pre-filter (140). Accordingly, the air entering the fan motor (147) can be purified first by the cyclone (124, 129) and secondarily purified by the pre-filter (140). In addition, the fan motor (147) can rotate smoothly by sucking in air after sufficiently removing foreign substances contained in the air.

[0540] Second, a filter cleaning device (162) may be installed inside the vacuum cleaner. The filter cleaning device (162) includes a filter cleaning section and a rotating section. For example, the filter cleaning section may include a brush (163). The rotating section may include a turbine (168). The brush (163) may be installed inside the housing (117) so as to be in contact with the pre-filter (140).

[0541] The brush (163) can be fixed inside the housing (117). The pre-filter (140) can be rotated by a turbine (168). The brush (163) can scrape and clean foreign matter accumulated on the pre-filter (140).

[0542] According to one embodiment, the filter cleaning unit is fixed and the pre-filter (140) can be rotated. According to another embodiment, the pre-filter (140) can be fixed and the filter cleaning unit can be rotated.

[0543] Through this, the filter cleaning device (162) automatically cleans the filter, so the user does not need to manually clean the filter. Since the user does not need to perform the filter cleaning task separately, there is no need to familiarize oneself with the filter cleaning method. In addition, the filter cleaning device (162) can maintain the cleanliness of the pre-filter (140) even if the user forgets to clean the filter.

[0544] The filter cleaning device (162) can minimize the heat generated in the cleaner due to foreign matter accumulated in the pre-filter (140) by periodically cleaning the foreign matter accumulated in the pre-filter (140).

[0545] Third, the vacuum cleaner can temporarily store dust separated from the air by the cyclone (124, 129) inside the housing (117). The vacuum cleaner may include a dust emptying station (100). The dust emptying station (100) can accommodate the housing (117) of the handheld vacuum cleaner. The dust emptying station (100) may be equipped with a dust collection motor. The dust collection motor is configured to suck up and empty the dust stored inside the housing (117) of the vacuum cleaner.

[0546] When the amount of dust stored in the housing (117) accumulates to a certain level or more, the user can place the vacuum cleaner on the dust emptying station (100) and empty the dust.

[0547] The turbine (168) can rotate due to the reverse flow of air generated by the operation of the dust collection motor when emptying the dust. Here, the reverse flow of air is in a direction opposite to the direction of air flow generated by the drive motor of the vacuum cleaner.

[0548] Through this, the turbine (168) rotates the filter during dust emptying, allowing the filter cleaner to clean the dust trapped in the filter. Therefore, the filter cleaning of the filter cleaning device (162) and the dust emptying of the dust emptying station (100) can be performed simultaneously.

[0549] In addition, the filter is cleaned simultaneously whenever the vacuum cleaner is emptied, and cleaning performance can be improved as the filter is cleaned periodically.

[0550] Fourth, the pre-filter (140) or the filter cleaner can be rotated by the turbine (168) when emptying dust.

[0551] The turbine (168) can rotate when emptying dust, but if the turbine (168) rotates while cleaning by sucking in surrounding air from the surface to be cleaned by the fan motor (147), the following problems may occur.

[0552] For example, when the turbine (168) rotates during a cleaning operation, the fan motor (147) consumes unnecessary power to rotate not only the turbine (168) but also the pre-filter (140) or filter cleaner connected to the turbine (168) and the structure supporting them.

[0553] As a result, the air suction power of the fan motor (147) is reduced, which may cause a problem of reduced cleaning performance. In addition, there is a problem that the size of the fan motor (147) is enlarged or power consumption is increased in order to increase the air suction power of the fan motor (147).

[0554] To resolve this, the filter cleaning device (162) may further include a rotation-preventing member that limits the rotation of the pre-filter (140) or the filter cleaning part.

[0555] According to one embodiment, the anti-rotation member may include a friction projection (1662) provided on one side of the filter support member (164). The filter support member (164) may be mounted to be movable in the vertical direction on the turbine (168) case. For example, the friction projection (1662) may be formed protruding from the lower end of the filter support member (164).

[0556] The friction protrusion (1662) can be adsorbed to the turbine (168) case by the air suction force of the fan motor (147) during the cleaning operation. The friction protrusion (1662) can prevent the filter support (164) and the filter from rotating during the cleaning operation by the frictional force with the turbine (168) case. Additionally, the friction protrusion (1662) can stop the turbine (168) connected to the filter support (164) from rotating.

[0557] Fifth, the turbine (168) can convert the reverse flow of air formed axially inside the housing (117) into rotational kinetic energy. The turbine (168) can be connected to a reduction gear (175). The reduction gear (175) may be composed of a plurality of gears having a preset gear ratio. The plurality of gears may include sun gears (181a, 181b), a plurality of planetary gears (182a, 182b), ring gears (183a, 183b), and carriers (184a, 184b). The plurality of planetary gears (182a, 182b) can reduce the rotational speed of the turbine (168) input through the sun gears (181a, 181b).

[0558] The reduction gear (175) can reduce the rotational speed of the turbine (168) to increase the torque of the turbine (168).

[0559] The increase in torque of the turbine (168) can increase the rotational force of the pre-filter (140) or the filter cleaner.

[0560] 3. Description of the configuration of a vacuum cleaner (200) according to another embodiment of the present invention

[0561] (1) Description of the configuration of the vacuum cleaner (200)

[0562] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of a vacuum cleaner (200) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0563] The vacuum cleaner (200) according to the present embodiment is similar to the vacuum cleaner (200) according to the embodiment of FIG. 2 in that it includes a suction part (201), a dust collector, a fan motor (223), a handle (247), and a battery pack (239), but there are differences in the arrangement and connection relationship of each component. In the following description, redundant descriptions will be omitted, and the differences will be explained mainly.

[0564] The upper flow channel housing (208) is positioned at the top of the cyclone. The upper flow channel housing (208) may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The upper flow channel housing (208) may be extended in the vertical direction. A flow channel extension (209) may be formed inside the upper flow channel housing (208).

[0565] The lower portion of the upper Euro housing (208) can be combined with the outer surface of the casing (216) of the second cyclone (215). The mesh net (214) of the first cyclone (213) can be combined with the lower portion of the upper Euro housing (208).

[0566] The housing (202) may be composed of a first housing (202a) and a second housing (202b). The first housing (202a) forms the upper outer surface of the housing (202). The second housing (202b) forms the lower outer surface of the housing (202).

[0567] An inner wall portion (203) may be provided inside the first housing (202a). The inner wall portion (203) may be connected to the first housing (202a) by a partition portion (204). The partition portion (204) may extend radially from the inner surface of the first housing (202a) toward the outer surface of the inner wall portion (203).

[0568] The partition section (204) can partition the first annular space (205) and the third annular space (207) of the first housing (202a) to be described later. The first annular space (205) is formed between the inner surface of the housing (202) and the outer surface of the first cyclone (213). The second annular space (206) is formed between the inner surface of the mesh net (214) and the outer surface of the second cyclone (215).

[0569] The third annular space (207) is positioned above the partition (204). The third annular space (207) may be formed between the inner surface of the first housing (202a) and the outer surface of the filter section (219) to be described later.

[0570] The upper portion of the upper Euro housing (208) can be positioned in surface contact with the inner circumference of the inner wall portion (203). The upper portion of the upper Euro housing (208) can be combined with the inner wall portion (203).

[0571] The upper Euro housing (208) may include a Euro base portion (210) and a plurality of Euro guide portions (211). The Euro base portion (210) extends radially from the lower portion of the upper Euro housing (208). The Euro base portion (210) may be formed in the shape of a disc. A plurality of discharge holes may be formed in the Euro base portion (210).

[0572] The discharge hole may be formed to be in communication with the vortex finder (217) of the second cyclone (215). Fine dust may be separated by the second cyclone (215). The air from which fine dust has been separated passes through the vortex finder (217) and may move upward along the flow path extension (209) of the upper flow path housing (208) through the discharge hole.

[0573] The second cyclone (215) may be arranged in multiple rows along the circumferential and radial directions. The casings (216) of the second cyclone (215) may be connected so that their outer surfaces are in contact with each other.

[0574] The flow guide portion (211) is formed to protrude upward from the flow base portion (210). A flow path (212) is formed inside the flow guide portion (211). A plurality of flow guide portions (211) may be spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The flow guide portion (211) may be extended in the radial direction.

[0575] The outer end of the Euro guide section (211) may be connected to communicate with the second annular space (206). The inner end of the Euro guide section (211) may be connected to communicate with the inlet of a plurality of second cyclones (215) arranged radially in the inner direction among a plurality of rows of second cyclones (215) arranged radially.

[0576] Through this, air passing through the mesh (214) moves radially inward along the flow guide (211) from the outer end of the flow guide (211) and can be introduced into the inlets of a plurality of second cyclones (215) located radially inward.

[0577] Accordingly, the plurality of Euro guide sections (211) minimize flow interference between the densely packed plurality of second cyclones (215) and supply air flow to allow air to be released not only to the second cyclones (215) located on the outer side of the flow radial direction but also to the second cyclones (215) located on the inner side of the flow radial direction, thereby enabling the air flow to be evenly distributed to the plurality of second cyclones (215).

[0578] A filter section (219) may be placed on the upper part of the upper Euro housing (208).

[0579] The filter section (219) may include a pre-filter (220) and a HEPA filter (221). The pre-filter (220) is a primary treatment filter configured to remove fine particles and miscellaneous large dust that are harmful to the human body, such as dust and foreign substances in the air. Here, large dust may refer to dust with a size of about 3 to 30 μm.

[0580] The pre-filter (220) can be formed in a cylindrical shape. The pre-filter (220) can be placed inside the HEPA filter (221). Through this, air can pass through the pre-filter (220) first from inside the pre-filter (220).

[0581] The pre-filter (220) can be positioned at the top of the cyclone (213, 215). The pre-filter (220) can be positioned downstream of the cyclone (213, 215) with respect to the direction of air flow. By doing so, the pre-filter (220) can filter fine dust from the air passing through the cyclone (213, 215).

[0582] The HEPA filter (221) is a high-performance filter capable of filtering fine dust particles smaller than 10 μm.

[0583] The HEPA filter (221) may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The HEPA filter (221) may be placed on the outside of the pre-filter (220). The HEPA filter (221) is placed to surround the pre-filter (220). The HEPA filter (221) may be placed on the inside of the first housing (202a).

[0584] Through this, the HEPA filter (221) can remove fine dust that has passed through the pre-filter (220).

[0585] The pre-filter (220) and the HEPA filter (221) can be installed inside the first housing (202a) by means of filter fixing frames (220a, 220b).

[0586] The filter fixing frame (220a, 220b) can be formed in a ring shape.

[0587] The filter fixing frame (220a, 220b) may include a first filter fixing frame (222a) and a second filter fixing frame (222b). The first filter fixing frame (222a) is configured to fix the upper portions of the pre-filter (220) and the HEPA filter (221). The first filter fixing frame (222a) may be coupled to the inside of the first cover (2021).

[0588] The second filter fixing frame (222b) is configured to fix the lower portions of the pre-filter (220) and the HEPA filter (221). The second filter fixing frame (222b) can be mounted and connected to the partition (204).

[0589] The dust collector includes a fan motor (223). The fan motor (223) may be positioned on one side of the filter section (219) facing in the opposite direction to the suction section (201) with respect to the filter section (219). The fan motor (223) may be positioned on the downstream side of the filter section (219) with respect to the direction of air flow.

[0590] The fan motor (223) can be arranged horizontally in the front-rear direction relative to the up-and-down direction of the housing (202).

[0591] The fan motor (223) may include a fan motor case (224), a drive motor (226), an impeller (234), and an inverter (235).

[0592] A receiving space is formed inside the fan motor case (224) to accommodate a drive motor (226), an impeller (234), and an inverter (235). The fan motor case (224) may extend horizontally in the front-rear direction from one side of the first housing (202a) toward the opposite direction of the suction part (201).

[0593] The fan motor case (224) may be formed in a cylindrical shape. One side of the fan motor case (224) may be connected to communicate with the third annular space (207) of the first housing (202a). One side of the fan motor case (224) may be connected to communicate with the filter section (219). Through this, air passing through the filter section (219) can be sucked into the interior of the fan motor case (224).

[0594] A plurality of first exhaust holes (225) may be formed to penetrate radially through the outer surface of the fan motor case (224).

[0595] The drive motor (226) includes a rotor (227) and a stator (231). The rotor (227) may include a rotation axis (228) and a permanent magnet (229).

[0596] The rotation axis (228) is rotatably provided inside the fan motor case (224). The rotation axis (228) extends in the forward and backward direction from the center of the fan motor case (224). The rotation axis (228) may extend parallel to the outer surface of the fan motor case (224).

[0597] The rotation axis (228) can be rotatably supported by a plurality of bearings spaced apart in the axial direction with a permanent magnet (229) in between.

[0598] Multiple bearings may be composed of a first bearing (230a) and a second bearing (230b).

[0599] The first bearing (230a) is positioned upstream of the permanent magnet (229) with respect to the direction of air flow. The second bearing (230b) is positioned downstream of the permanent magnet (229).

[0600] The stator (231) may include a stator core (232) and a plurality of stator coils (233). The stator core (232) may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The plurality of stator coils (233) may be wound on the inside of the stator core (232).

[0601] A rotor (227) receiving hole may be formed axially through the inner side of the stator core (232) to accommodate the rotor (227). The stator core (232) may be formed to surround the permanent magnet (229) with an air gap between it and the permanent magnet (229).

[0602] When an external power source is applied to the stator coil (233), the permanent magnet (229) can rotate through electromagnetic interaction with the stator (231).

[0603] The impeller (234) can be rotatably coupled to the rear end of the rotation shaft (228). The impeller (234) can be positioned between the first bearing (230a) and the second bearing (230b). The impeller (234) can be positioned adjacent to the second bearing (230b).

[0604] The impeller (234) may be positioned downstream of the drive motor (226) based on the direction of air flow. A fan motor (223) in which the drive motor (226) is positioned upstream of the impeller (234) in this manner may be named a reverse fan motor (223). The reverse fan motor (223) has a superior cooling effect compared to a forward fan motor (223) in which the impeller (234) is positioned upstream of the drive motor (226).

[0605] The impeller (234) can be driven by receiving power from the drive motor (226) through the rotation shaft (228). Through this, the impeller (234) can form an airflow.

[0606] The inverter (235) may include a PCB (236), an IGBT (237), and a capacitor (238). The inverter (235) may be electrically connected to the drive motor (226). The inverter (235) may be positioned upstream of the drive motor (226) with respect to the direction of air flow. The inverter (235) can control the drive motor (226) by controlling the current applied to the drive motor (226).

[0607] The battery pack (239) may be positioned on one side of the housing (202) in the opposite direction of the suction part (201) relative to the housing (202). The battery pack (239) may be positioned on the lower side of the housing (202). The battery pack (239) may be positioned on the lower side of the fan motor case (224) spaced apart in the vertical direction.

[0608] A handle (247) may be provided between the fan motor case (224) and the battery pack (239). The handle (247) is formed to be inclined with respect to the vertical direction. A flow path (248) may be formed inside the handle (247). The upper part of the handle (247) may be connected to the fan motor case (224). The lower part of the handle (247) may be connected to the battery pack (239). Through this, the flow path (248) of the handle (247) can transmit air passing through the fan motor case (224) to the battery pack (239).

[0609] The battery pack (239) may include a battery case (240), a plurality of battery cells (242), a holder (243), and a BMS (244) (battery management system).

[0610] A plurality of communication holes (2401) may be formed on the upper surface of the battery case (240). The plurality of communication holes (2401) may be connected to communicate with the lower part of the handle (247). A plurality of second exhaust holes (241) may be formed on the lower surface of the battery case (240).

[0611] A plurality of battery cells (242) are configured to supply power to a drive motor (226), etc. A plurality of battery cells (242) can be electrically connected to a BMS (244).

[0612] The BMS (244) is configured to manage and control the power of the battery cell (242). Electronic components such as the PCB (236) and IGBT (237) can be mounted on the PCB (236) of the BMS (244). A through hole (246) can be formed in the PCB (245) of the BMS (244). The through hole (246) can be connected to the communication hole (2401) of the battery case (240).

[0613] Through this, the through hole (246) of the PCB (245) of the BMS (244) can directly supply air introduced into the interior of the battery case (240) through the communication hole (2401) to the plurality of battery cells (242), thereby improving the cooling performance of the battery cells (242).

[0614] The fan motor (223), the handle (247), the communication hole (2401) of the battery case (240), the through hole (246) of the PCB (245) of the BMS (244), and the exhaust hole of the battery case (240) can be aligned along a virtual extension line passing through the center of the handle (247) in the extension direction of the handle (247). Through this, heat generated from the battery cell (242) can be efficiently cooled.

[0615] (2) Description of the configuration of the filter cleaning device (250)

[0616] FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing the arrangement relationship between the brush (251) and the filter by zooming in on the XV portion of FIG. 14.

[0617] Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing the filter in Fig. 15.

[0618] FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram showing the filter mounted on the upper cover of the vacuum cleaner (200) in FIG. 20.

[0619] FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram showing the turbine (261) and brush (251) connected to each other in FIG. 15.

[0620] FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the brush (251) in FIG. 15 mounted on the cleaning frame (252).

[0621] FIG. 20 is a conceptual diagram showing the turbine (261) in FIG. 15 viewed from below.

[0622] FIG. 21 is a conceptual diagram showing the turbine (261) and reduction gear (279) in FIG. 15 supported by the turbine case (249).

[0623] The pre-filter (220) and the HEPA filter (221) can be placed on the inner and outer sides of the filter section (219), respectively. Air can pass through the pre-filter (220) and the HEPA filter (221) in sequence from the radially inner side of the pre-filter (220).

[0624] This embodiment differs from the embodiments of FIGS. 2 to 13 described above in that the filter part (219) is fixed and the brush (251) is rotated using a turbine (261).

[0625] The turbine case (249) may be positioned on the upper side of the upper fluid housing (208). The turbine case (249) may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The lower side of the turbine case (249) may be formed to be open downward.

[0626] The lower side of the turbine case (249) can be formed to be in communication with the flow path extension (209) of the upper flow path housing (208). Through this, air passing through the upper flow path housing (208) can be introduced into the interior of the turbine case (249). A turbine (261), which will be described later, can be accommodated inside the turbine case (249).

[0627] A plurality of through holes (2491) may be formed radially through the side of the turbine case (249). The through holes (2491) may extend along the vertical direction of the turbine case (249). The plurality of through holes (2491) may be spaced at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the turbine case (249).

[0628] Through this, air passing through the upper Euro housing (208) flows into the interior of the turbine case (249) and then passes through the side of the turbine case (249) through the through hole (2491).

[0629] The filter cleaning device (250) may be configured to include a brush (251), a cleaning frame (252), a turbine (261), and a reduction gear (279).

[0630] The brush (251) may be positioned between the pre-filter (220) and the turbine case (249). The brush (251) may extend vertically along the pre-filter (220). The brush (251) may extend radially between the pre-filter (220) and the cleaning frame (252).

[0631] The inner end of the brush (251) can be mounted and connected to the outer surface of the cleaning frame (252). The outer end of the brush (251) can be positioned to contact the inner surface of the pre-filter (220). Through this, the brush (251) can clean foreign substances, such as dust, accumulated on the inner surface of the pre-filter (220).

[0632] The brushes (251) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple brushes (251) may be spaced apart at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the cleaning frame (252). In this embodiment, four brushes (251) are provided and are spaced apart at 90-degree intervals.

[0633] The cleaning frame (252) may be configured to include an upper ring (253), a lower ring (254), a plurality of brush mounting parts (255), a plurality of upper bridges (256) and a first shaft coupling part (263).

[0634] The upper ring (253) and the lower ring (254) may be formed in the shape of a circular closed loop. The upper ring (253) and the lower ring (254) may have the same diameter. The upper ring (253) and the lower ring (254) are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction.

[0635] The brush mounting portion (255) may be extended in the vertical direction. The brush mounting portion (255) may be formed to protrude radially outward from the outer surface of the upper ring (253) and the lower ring (254).

[0636] The upper portion of the brush mounting portion (255) can be connected to the upper ring (253). The lower portion of the brush mounting portion (255) can be connected to the lower ring (254). A plurality of brush mounting portions (255) can be spaced apart at equal intervals in the circumferential direction along the outer surface of the upper ring (253) and the lower ring (254).

[0637] In this embodiment, the brush mounting portion (255) is four in number and is shown arranged spaced apart at an angle of 90 degrees.

[0638] An insertion projection (2511) may be formed protruding perpendicularly to the radial direction from the radially inner end of the brush (251). The insertion projection (2511) may extend in the vertical direction of the brush (251).

[0639] A projection receiving groove (2521) may be formed to penetrate vertically within the brush mounting portion (255). The projection receiving groove (2521) may be formed to correspond to an insertion projection (2511). Through this, the insertion projection (2511) is inserted into and coupled with the projection receiving groove (2521), thereby allowing the brush (251) to be supported on the brush mounting portion (255).

[0640] An opening may be formed so that the brush (251) protrudes radially outward from the brush mounting portion (255).

[0641] The second shaft coupling part (257) may be positioned on the radial inner side of the upper ring (253). A reduction shaft (259), which will be described later, may be coupled to the inner side of the second shaft coupling part (257). Through this, the second shaft coupling part (257) can rotate together with the reduction shaft (259).

[0642] A second bearing receiving portion (258) may be provided on the lower side of the second shaft coupling portion (257). The second bearing receiving portion (258) is connected to the lower side of the second shaft coupling portion (257) and may extend downward. The second bearing receiving portion (258) may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0643] The second bearing receiving portion (258) may be spaced apart from the second bearing support portion (286) with a gap. Through this, the second bearing receiving portion (258) can rotate together with the second shaft coupling portion (257) with respect to the second bearing support portion (286).

[0644] The second bearing receiving portion (258) can accommodate a portion of the second bearing (230b) to be described later. The second bearing receiving portion (258) can accommodate the second bearing support portion (286) to be described later.

[0645] A plurality of upper bridges (256) may extend radially between the inner surface of the upper ring (253) and the outer surface of the second bearing receiving portion (258). A plurality of upper bridges (256) may be spaced apart at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, there are four upper bridges (256) spaced apart at 90-degree intervals.

[0646] The outer end of the upper bridge (256) can be connected to the inner surface of the upper ring (253). The inner end of the upper bridge (256) can be connected to the outer surface of the second bearing receiving portion (258). The upper bridge (256) can connect the second bearing receiving portion (258) and the upper ring (253). Through this, the cleaning frame (252) can receive power from the turbine (261) through the upper bridge (256).

[0647] The turbine (261) may include a hub (262) and a plurality of blades (267). It is configured to rotate using the reverse flow of air introduced through the through hole (2491) of the turbine case (249).

[0648] The hub (262) may be configured to include a first shaft coupling part (263), a first bearing receiving part (264), a reduction gear receiving part (265), and a blade support part (266).

[0649] The first shaft coupling part (263) may be positioned at the lower end of the hub (262). A turbine shaft (278), which will be described later, may be coupled inside the first shaft coupling part (263). The first shaft coupling part (263) may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0650] The first bearing receiving portion (264) may be positioned above the first shaft coupling portion (263). The first bearing receiving portion (264) may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The diameter of the first bearing receiving portion (264) may be formed to be larger than the diameter of the first shaft coupling portion (263).

[0651] The first bearing receiving portion (264) may be integrally connected with the first shaft coupling portion (263). The first bearing receiving portion (264) extends radially outward from the upper side of the first shaft coupling portion (263) and may extend further upward having a diameter larger than the diameter of the first shaft coupling portion (263).

[0652] The first bearing receiving portion (264) may extend circumferentially along the edge of the first shaft coupling portion (263). The first bearing support portion (282), which will be described later, may be received inside the first bearing receiving portion (264).

[0653] The upper side of the first shaft coupling part (263) is formed to be open toward the first bearing receiving part (264), so that the lower side of the second bearing receiving part (258) can be connected to communicate with the upper side of the first shaft coupling part (263).

[0654] The reduction gear receiving portion (265) may be positioned above the first bearing receiving portion (264). The reduction gear receiving portion (265) may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The diameter of the reduction gear receiving portion (265) may be formed to be larger than the diameter of the first bearing receiving portion (264).

[0655] The reduction gear receiving portion (265) may be integrally connected with the first bearing receiving portion (264). The reduction gear receiving portion (265) extends radially outward from the upper side of the first bearing receiving portion (264) and may extend further upward having a diameter larger than the diameter of the first bearing receiving portion (264).

[0656] The reduction gear receiving portion (265) may be extended circumferentially along the edge of the first bearing receiving portion (264). A reduction device (279), to be described later, may be received inside the reduction gear receiving portion (265).

[0657] The upper side of the first bearing receiving portion (264) is formed to be open toward the reduction gear receiving portion (265), so that the lower side of the reduction gear receiving portion (265) can be connected to communicate with the upper side of the first bearing receiving portion (264).

[0658] The blade support portion (266) may be formed to protrude radially outward from the upper portion of the first bearing receiving portion (264) toward the inner surface of the turbine case (249).

[0659] A plurality of blades (267) may be extended downwardly from the lower surface of the blade support (266). A plurality of blades (267) may be spaced apart at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the blade support (266).

[0660] The upper portion of the blade (267) can be connected to the lower surface of the blade support (266). Multiple blades (267) can be supported by the blade support (266).

[0661] The blade (267) may have an arc-shaped cross-sectional shape. The blade (267) may be positioned to be twisted at a predetermined angle with respect to the radial direction.

[0662] A thickness of the blade (267) may be formed between the first surface and the second surface of the blade (267). The first surface and the second surface of the blade (267) may be arranged to face each other in opposite directions in the circumferential direction. Among two blades (267) adjacent in the circumferential direction, the first surface of one blade (267) and the second surface of the other blade (267) may be arranged to face each other in the circumferential direction.

[0663] A flow path may be formed between two adjacent blades (267) in the circumferential direction. The flow path between the two blades (267) is connected to the outermost end and the inner end of the blade support (266) so that air flow may occur in the radial direction.

[0664] The first surface of the blade (267) is formed in a concave curved shape toward the second surface of the blade (267), and the second surface of the blade (267) may be formed in a convex curved shape. The arc length of the first surface of the blade (267) may be shorter than the arc length of the second surface of the blade (267).

[0665] Through this, when air moves radially along the first and second surfaces of the blade (267), the flow velocity between the first surface and the second surface may differ. For example, the flow velocity of the air flowing along the second surface of the blade (267) may be faster than the flow velocity of the air flowing along the first surface of the blade (267).

[0666] Accordingly, the pressure of the air flowing along the first surface of the blade (267) may be greater than the pressure of the air flowing along the second surface of the blade (267). The blade (267) may rotate due to the pressure difference between the first surface and the second surface caused by the reverse flow of air, which will be described later.

[0667] The length of the blade (267) can be extended downwards longer than the length of the reduction gear receiving portion (265). The length of the blade (267) can be extended from the lower surface of the blade support portion (266) to the lower portion of the turbine case (249).

[0668] The reduction gear (279) may be configured to include a reduction case (280) and a two-stage planetary gear set (268, 273). The two-stage planetary gear set (268, 273) may be configured as a set of a sun gear (269, 274), a plurality of planetary gears (270, 275), a plurality of ring gears (271, 276), and a plurality of carriers (272, 277).

[0669] The turbine shaft (278) can be connected to the first sun gear (269). The turbine shaft (278) can be rotatably supported by the first bearing (230a).

[0670] The first bearing support (282) can accommodate and support the first bearing (230a) on the lower side of the reduction case (280).

[0671] The first bearing support (282) may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The first bearing support (282) may be formed to protrude from the bottom of the reduction case (280) into the inside of the first bearing receiving portion (264). The first bearing support (282) may be received in the first bearing receiving portion (264).

[0672] The reduction shaft (259) may be formed to protrude upward from the upper side of the second carrier (277). The reduction shaft (259) may be rotatably supported by the second bearing (260). The second bearing (260) may be received and supported inside the second bearing support (286).

[0673] The upper side of the reduction case (280) may be formed to be open in an upward direction. A reduction cover (284) may be mounted to cover the upper side of the reduction case (280). The upper part of the reduction case (280) may be connected to the inner surface of the upper part of the turbine case (249).

[0674] The reduction case (280) may be formed to protrude downward from the upper surface of the turbine case (249) toward the inside of the reduction gear receiving portion (265). The reduction case (280) may extend circumferentially along the inner surface of the turbine case (249).

[0675] The reduction case (280) can be accommodated inside the reduction gear housing (265). The reduction case (280) can be formed in a cylindrical shape. The outer surface of the reduction case (280) can be arranged to be spaced radially apart from the inner surface of the reduction gear housing.

[0676] The second bearing support (286) may be formed to protrude upward from the upper side of the deceleration cover (284). The second bearing support (286) may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The second bearing support (286) may be received inside the second bearing receiving portion (258).

[0677] (3) Explanation of the operation and effect of the filter cleaning device (250)

[0678] Air movement path during cleaning operation of the vacuum cleaner (200)

[0679] FIG. 22a is a conceptual diagram showing the air movement path inside the vacuum cleaner (200) during the cleaning operation of the vacuum cleaner (200) in FIG. 14.

[0680] The user can manually clean the target area using the vacuum cleaner (200). When power is applied to the drive motor (226) of the vacuum cleaner (200), the drive motor (226) operates.

[0681] The drive motor (226) drives the impeller (234) of the fan motor (223). The impeller (234) can be rotated by power transmitted through the rotation shaft (228). When the impeller (234) rotates, the impeller (234) can form a flow of air that is sucked in in the first axial direction from the front side to the rear side of the fan motor case (224) which is in communication with the filter section (219).

[0682] When examining the air movement path inside the vacuum cleaner (200) during the cleaning operation of the vacuum cleaner (200), it is as follows.

[0683] Air passes through the suction nozzle (111), connecting pipe, suction pipe, and check valve in sequence from the area to be cleaned and flows into the interior of the dust collector.

[0684] Inside the housing (202) of the dust collector, air passes through the mesh screen (214) (primary dust removal) of the first cyclone (213) in the first annular space (205) inside the second housing (202b), and passes through the casing (216) (secondary fine dust removal) and vortex finder (217) (discharge) of the second cyclone (215).

[0685] The air passing through the cyclone rises along the flow path extension (209) of the upper flow path housing (208). Before being sucked into the fan motor (223), it passes through a pre-filter (220) and a HEPA filter (221). The pre-filter (220) can remove foreign substances such as dust from the air to be sucked into the fan motor (223) (third dust removal). The HEPA filter (221) can remove foreign substances such as fine dust with a smaller particle size from the air to be sucked into the fan motor (223) (fourth fine dust removal).

[0686] The air passing through the pre-filter (220) and the HEPA filter (221) moves from the front side to the rear side of the fan motor case (224) and passes through the inverter (235), drive motor (226), and impeller (234) of the fan motor (223) in sequence.

[0687] Subsequently, some of the air passing through the fan motor (223) can be discharged to the outside through the first exhaust hole (225) of the fan motor case (224).

[0688] Another portion of the air that has passed through the fan motor (223) flows along the path of the handle (247) branched from the fan motor case (224) and moves between the multiple battery cells (242) through the communication hole (2401) of the battery case (240) and the through hole (246) of the PCB (245) of the BMS (244).

[0689] The air introduced into the interior of the battery case (240) can exchange heat with the battery cell (242) to cool the heat generated in the battery cell (242).

[0690] Finally, the air passing through the battery cell (242) is discharged through the second exhaust hole (241) formed on the bottom surface of the battery case (240).

[0691] Air movement path when emptying dust from the station

[0692] FIG. 22b is a conceptual diagram showing the air movement path inside the vacuum cleaner (200) when cleaning the filter of the vacuum cleaner (200) in FIG. 14.

[0693] The user can automatically clean the filter of the vacuum cleaner (200) while the vacuum cleaner (200) is mounted on the station.

[0694] When the vacuum cleaner (200) is placed on the station, the power supply to the drive motor (226) of the vacuum cleaner (200) is interrupted.

[0695] When a dust emptying command is entered into the station where the vacuum cleaner (200) is mounted, the second cover (2022) of the vacuum cleaner (200) is opened.

[0696] Next, the dust collector motor of the station is activated. The dust collector motor draws in air to form an airflow. The airflow is directed to descend from the flow path of the station toward the collection section.

[0697] The dust storage section (218a, 218b) of the vacuum cleaner (200) can be connected to the flow path section of the station through the opening of the second cover (2022).

[0698] Through this, foreign substances such as dust stored in the dust storage section (218a, 218b) of the vacuum cleaner (200) move downward from the airflow section of the station toward the collection section according to the airflow generated by the dust collection motor of the station.

[0699] Accordingly, foreign substances such as dust from the vacuum cleaner (200) are collected and stored in the collection section of the station.

[0700] Here, the airflow generated by the dust collection motor of the station can form a reverse airflow or reverse flow from the perspective of the vacuum cleaner (200). This is because the direction of airflow of the dust collection motor of the station is opposite to the direction of airflow during the cleaning operation of the vacuum cleaner (200).

[0701] When emptying the dust from the station, we will examine the air movement path inside the vacuum cleaner (200).

[0702] When emptying the dust from the station, the direction of air movement inside the vacuum cleaner (200) is the reverse of the air movement path during the cleaning operation of the vacuum cleaner (200).

[0703] However, the air movement path inside the vacuum cleaner (200) can be formed in the following two directions.

[0704] Looking at one of the two air paths above, air flows into the interior of the fan motor case (224) through the first exhaust hole (225) of the fan motor case (224).

[0705] The air introduced into the interior of the fan motor case (224) passes through the impeller (234), the drive motor (226), and the inverter (235).

[0706] Air flows into the interior of the battery case (240) through the second exhaust hole (241) of the battery case (240). The air flowing into the interior of the battery case (240) rises along the path of the handle (247) and is delivered to the interior of the fan motor case (224).

[0707] Air passing through the fan motor case (224) flows into the interior of the first housing (202a). The air flowing into the first housing (202a) passes through the HEPA filter (221) and pre-filter (220) of the first cover (2021).

[0708] Afterwards, the air passing through the filter section (219) passes through the turbine case (249) and the blade (267) of the turbine (261).

[0709] Subsequently, air flowing into the interior of the turbine (261) descends along the blade support portion (266), reduction gear receiving portion (265), first bearing receiving portion (264), and first shaft coupling portion (263) of the hub (262).

[0710] Next, the air passing through the turbine (261) descends along the upper Euro housing (208).

[0711] The air passing through the upper Euro housing (208) passes through the vortex finder (217) and casing (216) of the second cyclone (215), passes through the second dust storage unit (218b), and moves to the collection unit of the station.

[0712] Looking at the other air flow path among the two branches above, the air passes through the suction nozzle (111), connecting pipe, suction pipe and check valve in sequence from the area to be cleaned and flows into the interior of the dust collector.

[0713] Air introduced into the housing (202) of the dust collector moves from the first annular space (205) inside the second housing (202b) through the first dust storage section (218a) to the collection section of the station.

[0714] When the dust collection motor of the station is driven while the drive motor (226) of the vacuum cleaner (200) is stopped, the drive motor (226) of the vacuum cleaner (200) can act as a load or flow resistance from the perspective of the station.

[0715] As a result, when emptying the dust of the station, the ratio of the two air flow paths inside the vacuum cleaner (200), that is, the ratio of the air flow path of the second path (reverse air flow) sucked from the first exhaust hole (225) of the fan motor case (224) and the second exhaust hole (241) of the battery case (240) to the air flow path of the first path sucked from the suction nozzle (111) and passing through the cyclone, may be 9:1.

[0716] In this embodiment, the turbine (261) can be rotated by utilizing the reverse flow of the second branch of air.

[0717] Operation of the filter cleaning device (250) when emptying dust from the station

[0718] When emptying the dust from the station, the dust collection motor of the station operates while the drive motor (226) of the vacuum cleaner (200) is stopped. Through this, the dust collection motor can form an airflow inside the main body of the station.

[0719] When the dust collection motor is operated, a reverse flow of air may occur inside the vacuum cleaner (200). The reverse flow of air may move from the fan motor (223) toward the turbine (261) in a direction opposite to the direction of air flow during cleaning.

[0720] The blade (267) of the turbine (261) can rotate due to the reverse flow of air generated by the rotation of the dust collector motor described above.

[0721] The torque of the turbine (261) can be transmitted to the reduction gear (279) through the turbine shaft (278). The reduction gear (279) can increase the torque of the turbine (261) by reducing the rotational speed of the turbine shaft (278). The reduction gear (279) can transmit the increased torque of the turbine (261) to the cleaning frame (252) through the reduction shaft (259).

[0722] The cleaning frame (252) receives rotational force from the turbine (261) via the reduction gear (279) and can rotate at a rotational speed lower than the rotational speed of the turbine (261).

[0723] The brush (251) can rotate relative to the filter part (219) fixed to the first cover (2021) by the filter fixing frame while being supported by the cleaning frame (252).

[0724] Through this, the brush (251) can clean foreign substances, such as dust, accumulated on the inner surface of the pre-filter (220).

[0725] Accordingly, according to the present invention, a filter cleaning device (250) may be built inside a vacuum cleaner (200). The filter cleaning device (250) may include a brush (251) and a turbine (261). A pre-filter (220) may be fixed inside a housing (202). The pre-filter (220) may be positioned to be in contact with the brush (251).

[0726] The brush (251) can be rotated by the turbine (261). The turbine (261) can be rotated using the reverse flow of air generated by the dust collection motor of the station. Here, the reverse flow of air is in the opposite direction to the flow direction of air generated by the drive motor (226) of the vacuum cleaner (200).

[0727] In this embodiment, the reverse flow of air can be made forward from the fan motor (223) located on one side of the housing (202) toward the turbine (261).

[0728] The turbine (261) can convert the reverse flow of air into rotational kinetic energy. The torque of the turbine (261) can be increased by the reduction gear (279). The torque of the turbine (261) can be increased through the reduction shaft (259) of the reduction gear (279) and transmitted to the cleaning frame (252).

[0729] The cleaning frame (252) can rotate the brush (251) together with the turbine (261).

[0730] Through this, the user does not need to manually operate the filter directly, and simply places the vacuum cleaner (200) in the station, and the station automatically removes dust and other substances stored in the dust storage section (218a, 218b) of the vacuum cleaner (200) by the operation of the dust collection motor, and the filter cleaning device (250) can also clean foreign substances such as dust accumulated in the pre-filter (220) by rotating the brush (251) together with the turbine (261) which is operated by the reverse flow of the air.

[0731] Therefore, the user does not need to perform additional cleaning work on the pre-filter (220) built into the vacuum cleaner (200), making it easy to clean and maintain the filter of the vacuum cleaner (200).

[0732] In addition, the filter is cleaned at the same time as the dust is emptied from the vacuum cleaner (200), so that the cleaning performance can be improved as the filter of the vacuum cleaner (200) is cleaned periodically.

[0733] In addition, the heat generated in the vacuum cleaner (200) can be minimized due to the accumulation of foreign matter in the filter.

[0734] 4. Description of the configuration of a vacuum cleaner (200) according to another embodiment of the present invention

[0735] FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view showing a rotation prevention member (287) according to one embodiment of FIG. 14 positioned between a turbine case (249) and a turbine (261).

[0736] FIG. 24a is a cross-sectional view showing the anti-rotation member (287) in FIG. 23 rising due to the air suction force of the fan motor (223) and adsorbed to the turbine case (249).

[0737] FIG. 24b is a cross-sectional view showing the anti-rotation member (287) in FIG. 23 descending due to the air suction force of the dust collector motor (107) when emptying dust, and being separated from the turbine case (249).

[0738] This embodiment differs from the embodiments of FIGS. 14 to 22b described above in that it includes a rotation prevention member (287) that prevents the turbine (261) from rotating due to the air suction force of the fan motor (223) during the cleaning operation.

[0739] Since other components are identical or similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 14 to 22b described above, the following description will focus on the differences and omit redundant descriptions.

[0740] A rotation prevention member (287) may be provided on the upper part of the turbine (261). The rotation prevention member (287) may be formed in the shape of a circular ring. The rotation prevention member (287) may be continuously extended in the circumferential direction or arranged spaced apart along the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the rotation prevention member (287) may be continuously extended in the circumferential direction.

[0741] The anti-rotation member (287) can be mounted on the blade support (266) of the turbine (261). The anti-rotation member (287) can be coupled to and supported on the upper surface of the blade support (266) of the turbine (261). The anti-rotation member (287) can be positioned to face the upper surface of the turbine case (249).

[0742] The anti-rotation member (287) may be formed of an elastic rubber material. The anti-rotation member (287) may selectively come into contact with the upper surface of the turbine case (249). The anti-rotation member (287) may rise and be pressed against the upper surface of the turbine case (249) when air is sucked in by the fan motor (223).

[0743] An elastic groove (2871) may be formed in a recessed manner on the inner side of the anti-rotation member (287). The elastic groove (2871) may be positioned to face the upper surface of the turbine case (249). The elastic groove (2871) may be recessed downward from the upper surface of the anti-rotation member (287) toward the blade support portion (266) of the turbine (261).

[0744] The elastic groove (2871) may extend along the circumferential direction of the anti-rotation member (287). The anti-rotation member (287) may be easily elastically deformed by the elastic groove (2871).

[0745] Through this, the anti-rotation member (287) undergoes elastic deformation when pressed against the upper surface of the turbine case (249). As a result, the frictional force between the turbine case (249) and the anti-rotation member (287) increases, so that the rotation of the turbine (261), which will be described later, can be efficiently stopped even if the rising pressure caused by the air flow is weak.

[0746] The turbine (261) can be mounted so as to be rotatable around the turbine shaft (278). Additionally, the turbine (261) can be mounted so as to be movable up and down along the turbine shaft (278).

[0747] The turbine shaft (278) can be extended downwardly from the first shaft coupling (263) of the turbine (261).

[0748] A stopper (2782) may be provided on the turbine shaft (278). The stopper (2782) may be formed to protrude radially outward from the outer surface of the turbine (261) of the turbine shaft (278). The diameter of the stopper (2782) is larger than the diameter of the turbine shaft (278). The stopper (2782) may be attached to the lower end of the turbine shaft (278) or formed integrally. In this embodiment, the stopper (2782) is shown attached to the lower end of the turbine shaft (278).

[0749] Through this, the stopper (2782) can limit the movable range of the turbine (261).

[0750] For example, the stopper (2782) may be formed in the shape of a disc. A fastening hole may be formed through the center of the stopper (2782). An axial hollow portion may be formed inside the turbine shaft (278). A fastening member (2783), such as a screw, may be inserted into the hollow portion through the fastening hole and fastened to the turbine shaft (278). The stopper (2782) may prevent the turbine (261) from moving downward from the bottom of the turbine shaft (278).

[0751] The turbine (261) may further include an axial extension (2631) and a lifting member (2633). The axial extension (2631) is formed in a cylindrical shape to surround the turbine shaft (278). The inner diameter of the axial extension (2631) may be formed to correspond to the outer diameter of the turbine shaft (278). The length of the axial extension (2631) is smaller than the length of the turbine shaft (278).

[0752] A shaft projection receiving groove (2632) may be formed on the inner circumference of the shaft extension portion (2631) so as to be recessed in the radial direction. The shaft projection receiving groove (2632) may extend along the axial direction of the turbine shaft (278). Multiple shaft projection receiving grooves (2632) may be provided. Multiple shaft projection receiving grooves (2632) may be spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

[0753] A plurality of axial protrusions (2781) may be formed on the outer surface of the turbine shaft (278). They may be formed to protrude radially outward. The axial protrusions (2781) may extend along the axial direction of the turbine shaft (278). A plurality of axial protrusions (2781) may be provided. The plurality of axial protrusions (2781) may be spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

[0754] Through this, the shaft projection (2781) can be coupled to the shaft projection receiving groove (2632). The shaft extension (2631) can rotate together with the turbine shaft (278). The shaft extension (2631) can move up and down along the turbine shaft (278).

[0755] The lifting member (2633) may be formed to protrude radially outward from the lower end of the shaft extension portion (2631). The lifting member (2633) may be extended in the circumferential direction. The lifting member (2633) may be formed in the shape of a disc. The diameter of the lifting member (2633) is formed to be larger than the diameter of the stopper (2782). The diameter of the lifting member (2633) may be formed to be smaller than or equal to the diameter of the reduction gear receiving portion of the turbine (261).

[0756] The fan motor (223) can form an airflow during the cleaning operation of the vacuum cleaner (200). The air can move from the lower side of the turbine (261) toward the upper side in the axial direction of the turbine shaft (278).

[0757] The lifting member (2633) can rise by receiving upward pressure from the flow of air during the cleaning operation.

[0758] During the cleaning operation of the vacuum cleaner (200), the turbine (261) rises together with the lifting member (2633). The anti-rotation member (287) mounted on the upper part of the turbine (261) is pressed against the upper surface of the turbine case (249).

[0759] Through this, the anti-rotation member (287) can stop the turbine (261) from rotating.

[0760] Meanwhile, when emptying the dust of the station, the dust collection motor (107) can form a reverse flow of air inside the housing (117) of the vacuum cleaner (200). Here, the reverse flow of air is formed in a direction opposite to the direction of air flow when the fan motor (223) sucks in air. The reverse flow of air is formed from the upper side to the lower side of the turbine (261).

[0761] Additionally, the lifting member (2633) can also be lowered by the weight of the turbine (261) when the fan motor (223) stops.

[0762] The lifting member (2633) receives downward pressure due to the reverse flow of air when emptying dust, is separated downward from the upper surface of the turbine case (249), and descends along the turbine shaft (278) until it can be stopped by the stopper (2782).

[0763] Accordingly, according to the present embodiment, the rotation prevention member (287) is pressed against the upper surface of the turbine case (249) by the air suction force of the fan motor (223) during cleaning, thereby stopping the rotation of the turbine (261). In addition, the rotation prevention member (287) can minimize the load on the turbine (261) when the fan motor (223) is operating, thereby increasing the suction force of the fan motor (223) and improving cleaning performance.

[0764] In addition, the lifting member (2633) can facilitate the turbine (261) rising by receiving upward pressure from the air flow of the fan motor (223).

[0765] In addition, the shaft projection receiving groove (2632) of the shaft extension part (2631) is coupled to move up and down along the shaft projection (2781) of the turbine shaft (278), so that the lifting and lowering operation of the turbine (261) can be performed smoothly.

[0766] 5. Description of the configuration of a vacuum cleaner according to another embodiment of the present invention

[0767] FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a rotation prevention member (387) according to another embodiment of FIG. 14 mounted on a cleaning frame (252).

[0768] FIG. 26a is a cross-sectional view showing the anti-rotation member (387) in FIG. 25 rising by the air suction force of the fan motor (223) and adsorbed to the anti-rotation rib (2221) of the filter fixing frame (222a, 222b).

[0769] FIG. 26b is a cross-sectional view showing that the anti-rotation member (387) in FIG. 25 is lowered by the air suction force of the dust collection motor (107) when emptying dust and is separated from the anti-rotation rib (2221).

[0770] This embodiment differs from the embodiments of FIGS. 14 to 22b described above in that it includes a rotation prevention member (387) that prevents the turbine (261) from rotating due to the air suction force of the fan motor (223) during the cleaning operation.

[0771] Since other components are identical or similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 14 to 22b described above, the following description will focus on the differences and omit redundant descriptions.

[0772] The vacuum cleaner according to the present embodiment is identical or similar to the preceding embodiment in that it includes a rotation prevention member (387). However, the rotation prevention member (387) may be mounted on the upper part of the cleaning frame (252).

[0773] The anti-rotation member (387) may be formed in the shape of a circular ring. The anti-rotation member (387) may be continuously extended in the circumferential direction or spaced apart along the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the anti-rotation member (387) may be continuously extended in the circumferential direction.

[0774] The cleaning frame (252) can be mounted to be movable in the vertical direction. For example, the second shaft coupling part (257) provided on the upper part of the cleaning frame (252) can be mounted to be movable along the reduction shaft (259).

[0775] A rotation-prevention rib (2221) is provided on the inner surface of the first filter fixing frame (222a). The rotation-prevention rib (2221) may be formed to protrude radially inward from the inner surface of the first filter fixing frame (222a). The rotation-prevention rib (2221) is positioned to face the rotation-prevention member (387) in the vertical direction.

[0776] The anti-rotation rib (2221) may be formed continuously along the circumferential direction of the first filter fixing frame (222a) or arranged spaced apart along the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the anti-rotation rib (2221) is shown as being continuously extended along the circumferential direction of the first filter fixing frame (222a).

[0777] The anti-rotation member (387) can be coupled to and supported on the upper surface of the cleaning frame (252). The anti-rotation member (387) can be positioned to face the lower surface of the anti-rotation rib (2221).

[0778] The anti-rotation member (387) may be formed of an elastic rubber material. The anti-rotation member (387) may selectively come into contact with the anti-rotation rib (2221). The anti-rotation member (387) may rise and be compressed against the anti-rotation rib (2221) when air is sucked in by the fan motor (223).

[0779] An elastic groove (3871) may be formed in a recessed shape on the inner side of the anti-rotation member (387). The elastic groove (3871) may be positioned facing the anti-rotation rib (2221). The elastic groove (3871) may be recessed downward toward the cleaning frame (252) from the upper surface of the anti-rotation member (387).

[0780] The elastic groove (3871) may extend along the circumferential direction of the anti-rotation member (387). The anti-rotation member (387) may be easily elastically deformed by the elastic groove (3871).

[0781] Through this, the anti-rotation member (387) undergoes elastic deformation when compressed against the anti-rotation rib (2221). As a result, the frictional force between the anti-rotation rib (2221) and the anti-rotation member (387) increases, so that the rotation of the turbine (261) can be efficiently stopped even if the rising pressure caused by the air flow is weak.

[0782] A spring (not shown) for securing clearance may be provided on the upper part of the second shaft coupling part (257) of the cleaning frame (252). The spring for securing clearance may be positioned between the second shaft coupling part (257) and the anti-rotation rib (2221). Through this, vertical clearance (movable space) of the cleaning frame (252) can be secured.

[0783] The fan motor (223) can form an airflow during the cleaning operation of the vacuum cleaner. The air can move from the lower side of the turbine (261) toward the upper side in the axial direction of the turbine (261) shaft.

[0784] The anti-rotation member (387) mounted on the upper part of the cleaning frame (252) is pressed against the anti-rotation rib (2221).

[0785] Through this, the anti-rotation member (387) can stop the cleaning frame (252) from rotating by friction with the anti-rotation rib (2221). As the rotation of the cleaning frame (252) stops, the turbine (261), which is connected to the cleaning frame (252) by a reduction gear, can be stopped by the frictional force between the anti-rotation member (387) and the anti-rotation rib (2221). Thus, the rotation of the turbine (261) can be stopped.

[0786] Meanwhile, when emptying the dust of the station (100), the dust collection motor (107) can form a reverse flow of air inside the housing (117) of the vacuum cleaner. Here, the reverse flow of air is formed in a direction opposite to the direction of air flow when the fan motor (223) sucks in air. The reverse flow of air is formed from the upper side to the lower side of the turbine (261).

[0787] Additionally, the cleaning frame (252) can also be lowered by the weight of the cleaning frame (252) when the fan motor (223) stops.

[0788] The cleaning frame (252) receives downward pressure due to the reverse flow of air when emptying dust, moves away from the anti-rotation rib (2221) in a downward direction, and descends along the deceleration shaft (259) until it comes into contact with the deceleration cover (284) and stops.

[0789] 6. Description of the configuration of a vacuum cleaner according to another embodiment of the present invention

[0790] FIG. 27 is a conceptual diagram showing a blocking part (188) according to an embodiment of FIG. 1 mounted on a suction nozzle (111) to block the opening of the suction nozzle (111).

[0791] This embodiment differs from the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 26 described above in that it further includes a blocking part (188) that blocks air from being sucked in through the suction part (113) when emptying dust.

[0792] The blocking part (188) may be mounted on the suction nozzle (111) or the suction pipe (114). In this embodiment, the blocking part (188) may be coupled to the bottom surface of the suction nozzle (111) to block the opening of the suction nozzle (111). The blocking part (188) may be detachably coupled to the suction nozzle (111).

[0793] The blocking part (188) can selectively open and close the opening of the suction nozzle (111).

[0794] For example, the blocking part (188) can be attached to the suction nozzle (111) when emptying dust. The blocking part (188) can be removed from the suction nozzle (111) during cleaning.

[0795] By doing so, the blocking part (188) blocks the inflow of air through the suction nozzle (111) when emptying dust, so that the dust collection motor (107) of the station (100) can draw in air only through the exhaust hole (119, 225, 241) of the second cover (118b, 2022) when emptying dust, thereby forming a reverse flow of air inside the housing (117, 202).

[0796] If there is no blocking part (188), when emptying dust, the dust collector motor (107) sucks in much more external air through the suction part (113), which has relatively low flow resistance, so the reverse flow of air sucked in through the exhaust holes (119, 225, 241) is bound to be weak.

[0797] Accordingly, the dust collector motor (107) can increase the air suction force inside the turbine case (137) by sucking air only through the exhaust holes (119, 225, 241) when emptying dust, thereby further increasing the rotational force of the turbine (168, 261) by the reverse flow of air with increased speed and suction force.

[0798] Other components are identical or similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to FIG. 22b described above, so a redundant description will be omitted.

[0799] 7. Description of the configuration of a vacuum cleaner according to another embodiment of the present invention

[0800] FIG. 28 is a conceptual diagram showing a blocking part (288) according to another embodiment of FIG. 1 mounted on a suction pipe (114) to block the suction pipe (114).

[0801] This embodiment differs from the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 26 described above in that it further includes a blocking part (288) that blocks air from being sucked in through the suction part (113) when emptying dust.

[0802] The blocking part (288) can be mounted on the suction tube (114). The blocking part (288) can be attached to the bottom surface of the suction tube (114) to block the opening of the suction tube (114). The blocking part (288) can be detachably attached to the suction tube (114).

[0803] The blocking part (288) can selectively open and close the suction tube (114).

[0804] For example, the blocking part (288) can be connected to the suction pipe (114) when emptying dust. The blocking part (288) can be removed from the suction pipe (114) during cleaning.

[0805] By doing so, the blocking part (288) blocks air from entering through the suction pipe (114) when emptying dust, so that the dust collection motor (107) of the station (100) can draw air only through the exhaust hole of the second cover (118b, 2022) when emptying dust, thereby forming a reverse flow of air inside the housing (117, 202).

[0806] If there is no blocking part (188), when emptying dust, the dust collector motor (107) sucks in much more external air through the suction part (113), which has relatively low flow resistance, so the reverse flow of air sucked in through the exhaust holes (119, 225, 241) is bound to be weak.

[0807] Accordingly, the dust collector motor (107) can increase the air suction force inside the turbine case (137) by sucking air only through the exhaust holes (119, 225, 241) when emptying dust, thereby further increasing the rotational force of the turbine (168, 261) by the reverse flow of air with increased speed and suction force.

[0808] Other components are identical or similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to FIG. 22b described above, so a redundant description will be omitted.

[0809] The above-described blocking part (188, 288) can be configured in various shapes and materials as long as it is structured to block the suction part (113).

Claims

1. Housing with a suction portion formed on one side; A fan motor provided inside the above housing and sucking in air through the above suction part; A cyclone provided inside the above housing and inducing the swirling motion of the air; A filter positioned downstream of the cyclone and upstream of the fan motor based on the air flow direction; and It includes a filter cleaning device that automatically cleans foreign substances stuck in the filter, and The above filter cleaning device is, A filter cleaning unit positioned to contact the above filter; and A cleaner comprising a rotating part connected to the filter and rotating the filter relative to the filter cleaning part.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above fan motor is, An impeller that forms the above air flow; and It includes a drive motor that drives the above impeller, The filter cleaning device above is a cleaner positioned upstream of the impeller based on the direction of air flow.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above fan motor is positioned on the upper part of the cyclone, and The above filter is, A vacuum cleaner including a pre-filter positioned above the fan motor.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above filter is, A vacuum cleaner including a pre-filter positioned upstream of the above-mentioned fan motor.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above cyclone is, A first cyclone equipped with a mesh screen and separating dust from air sucked in through the suction part; and A vacuum cleaner comprising a second cyclone disposed inside the first cyclone and separating fine dust from air passing through the mesh.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above cyclone is, It includes a mesh screen having a plurality of openings that allows the passage of air and restricts the passage of dust contained in the air, and The above filter is, A vacuum cleaner including a pre-filter positioned downstream of the above mesh.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above filter includes a pre-filter, and A vacuum cleaner in which a first cover is connected to the upper part of the housing in a way that allows access to the pre-filter.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above housing is, A dust storage unit for storing dust separated by the above-mentioned cyclone; and It includes a second cover that is openably coupled to the lower part of the housing to discharge dust stored in the dust storage unit, and A vacuum cleaner further comprising a dust emptying station that sucks in and empties dust discharged from the housing through the second cover.

9. In Paragraph 1, It includes a dust emptying station positioned outside the housing, equipped with a dust collection motor, and capable of sucking in and emptying dust stored inside the housing. The above filter is, It includes a pre-filter rotatably mounted inside the above housing, and The above filter cleaning device is, The filter cleaning unit is provided inside the housing to be in contact with the pre-filter and scrapes off foreign matter stuck to the pre-filter; and It includes a turbine connected to the above-mentioned pre-filter and mounted rotatably around a turbine shaft, The above turbine rotates due to the reverse flow of air formed in the opposite direction to the air intake direction of the fan motor according to the operation of the dust collection motor when emptying the dust, and the above pre-filter rotates by receiving rotational power from the turbine.

10. In Paragraph 9, The above filter cleaning device is, A turbine case accommodating the above turbine; A filter support member mounted so as to be movable in the vertical direction with respect to the turbine case and supporting the pre-filter; and It includes a friction projection provided on one side of the filter support and selectively contacting one side of the turbine case according to a change in the position of the filter support, A vacuum cleaner in which the above friction protrusion is adsorbed to the turbine case by the air suction force of the fan motor when the fan motor is operated, thereby stopping the rotation of the pre-filter.

11. In Paragraph 10, The above filter cleaning device is, A vacuum cleaner further comprising an elastic member disposed between the filter support and the turbine case, and elastically supporting the filter support so that the filter support returns to its original position when the dust is emptied.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above elastic member is a vacuum cleaner that is a coil spring.

13. In Paragraph 9, The above filter cleaning unit is a cleaner composed of a brush in the form of a bristles or a blade having elasticity.

14. In Paragraph 9, The above turbine is, A hub disposed inside the filter and rotating around the turbine shaft; It includes a plurality of blades formed in a curved shape that bends circumferentially with respect to the radial direction on the outer surface of the above hub, and The turbine is positioned above the fan motor, and The above blade is a vacuum cleaner that induces the axial flow of air passing through the fan motor into a rotational flow from the hub toward the filter when emptying the dust.

15. In Paragraph 1, The above filter cleaning device is, It further includes a reduction gear that reduces the rotational speed of the rotating part and transmits the power of the rotating part to the filter. The above reduction gear is, A vacuum cleaner comprising a plurality of gears connected to the above-mentioned rotating part and the above-mentioned filter.

16. In Paragraph 15, The above reduction gear is, A sun gear connected to the above-mentioned rotating part via a turbine shaft; A plurality of planetary gears meshing with the above-mentioned sun gear; A rack gear that encloses the plurality of planetary gears and meshes with the plurality of planetary gears; and A vacuum cleaner comprising a carrier that connects the aforementioned plurality of planetary gears and is connected to the filter via a reduction shaft.

17. Housing with a suction portion formed on one side; A fan motor provided inside the above housing and sucking in air through the above suction part; A cyclone provided inside the above housing and inducing the swirling motion of the air; A filter positioned downstream of the cyclone and upstream of the fan motor based on the air flow direction; and It includes a filter cleaning device that automatically cleans foreign substances stuck in the filter, and The above filter cleaning device is, A filter cleaning unit positioned to contact the above filter; and A cleaner comprising a rotating part connected to the filter cleaning part and rotating the filter cleaning part relative to the filter.

18. In Paragraph 17, It includes a dust emptying station positioned outside the housing, equipped with a dust collection motor, and capable of sucking in and emptying dust stored inside the housing. The above filter is, It includes a pre-filter provided inside the above housing, and The above filter cleaning device is, The filter cleaner, which is in contact with the pre-filter and is mounted inside the housing so as to be rotatable relative to the pre-filter, and scrapes off foreign matter stuck in the pre-filter; and It includes a turbine connected to the filter cleaning unit and mounted rotatably around a turbine shaft, The above turbine rotates by the reverse flow of air formed in the opposite direction to the air intake direction of the fan motor according to the operation of the dust collection motor when emptying the dust, and the filter cleaning unit is a cleaning machine that rotates by receiving rotational power from the turbine.

19. In Paragraph 18, The above filter cleaning device is, A turbine case accommodating the above turbine; An axial extension portion that wraps around the turbine shaft at the center of the turbine and extends along the axial direction of the turbine shaft; A lifting member protruding radially outward from one end of the above-mentioned shaft extension; and It includes a rotation prevention member mounted on one side of the turbine and optionally in contact with the turbine case, and The above lifting member is pressurized by the air flow formed by the operation of the fan motor, and rises along the turbine shaft together with the turbine, and The above-mentioned anti-rotation member is compressed by the turbine case to stop the rotation of the turbine and the filter cleaning unit.

20. In Paragraph 18, The above filter is installed inside the housing by means of a filter fixing frame, and A rotation-preventing rib is formed on the inner side of the filter fixing frame to protrude radially inward, and The above filter cleaning device is, A turbine case accommodating the above turbine; A cleaning frame disposed on the outer side of the turbine case and supporting the filter cleaning unit; and It includes a rotation prevention member mounted on one side of the cleaning frame and selectively contacting the rotation prevention rib, and The above cleaning frame rises due to the airflow formed by the operation of the fan motor, and The above-mentioned anti-rotation member is compressed by the above-mentioned anti-rotation rib to stop the rotation of the turbine and the filter cleaning unit.

21. In Paragraph 1, A suction nozzle connected to communicate with the above-mentioned suction part and having an opening open toward the surface to be cleaned; A dust emptying station equipped with a dust collection motor that sucks in and empties dust stored inside the housing; It includes a blocking member detachably coupled to the suction part or the suction nozzle to open or close the suction part or the opening, and The above blocking part is a vacuum cleaner that blocks the airflow path to be sucked into the above suction part when the above dust is emptied.

22. In Paragraph 1, The above filter is formed in a cylindrical shape, and The above filter cleaning unit is, A vacuum cleaner comprising a plurality of brushes positioned to contact one side of the filter.

23. In Paragraph 22, The above filter is, It includes a side portion extending along the circumferential direction, and The above plurality of brushes are, A vacuum cleaner comprising a plurality of first brushes disposed to be in contact with the above-mentioned side portion.

24. In Paragraph 23, The above filter is, It further includes an upper surface portion formed to cover one side of the above-mentioned side portion, and The above plurality of brushes are, A vacuum cleaner further comprising a second brush disposed to be in contact with the upper surface.

25. Housing with a suction portion formed on one side; A fan motor provided inside the above housing and sucking in air through the above suction part; A cyclone provided inside the above housing and inducing the swirling motion of the air; A filter positioned downstream of the cyclone and upstream of the fan motor based on the air flow direction; and It includes a filter cleaning device that automatically cleans foreign substances stuck in the filter, and The above filter cleaning device is, A filter cleaning unit positioned to contact the above filter; and A cleaner comprising a rotating part connected to one of the filter and the filter cleaning part, and rotating the filter and the filter cleaning part relative to the other of the filter and the filter cleaning part.

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