Cleaner
The vacuum cleaner's adaptive skirt design addresses the issue of foreign substance scattering and filter lifespan by changing shape based on the cover's position, enhancing collection efficiency and filter longevity.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LG ELECTRONICS INC
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-04
AI Technical Summary
Conventional vacuum cleaners face issues with foreign substances scattering during operation, leading to reduced filter lifespan and ineffective removal of collected matter, particularly when the cover is opened.
A vacuum cleaner design featuring a skirt that changes shape between radial and cylindrical configurations based on the cover's position, utilizing an elastic body between the first and second bodies to prevent scattering and enhance collection efficiency.
Effectively removes foreign substances around the chamber filter and extends the filter's lifespan by preventing scattering during operation, while deforming the skirt shape without additional power devices.
Smart Images

Figure KR2024097159_04062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
vacuum cleaner
[0001] The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner.
[0002] A vacuum cleaner is a device that performs cleaning by sucking up or wiping away dust or foreign matter from an area to be cleaned.
[0003] Conventional vacuum cleaners generally include a housing equipped with a suction section and an exhaust section, a fan that moves air entering the suction section to the exhaust section, a foreign matter separation section that separates foreign matter from the air moved by the fan, a battery that supplies power to the fan, and a handle provided in the housing.
[0004] Vacuum cleaners can be classified according to their shape into canister type vacuum cleaners, upright type vacuum cleaners, handheld vacuum cleaners, stick vacuum cleaners, etc.
[0005] These cordless vacuum cleaners use a multi-cyclone dust collector that utilizes centrifugal force to collect foreign substances and dirt.
[0006] The multi-cyclone dust collector includes a primary cyclone that separates and collects foreign substances from air containing foreign substances introduced from the outside, and a plurality of secondary cyclones that separate fine foreign substances from the air discharged from the primary cyclone.
[0007] Conventional vacuum cleaners included a first collection space for collecting and storing foreign substances discharged by a first cyclone, and a second collection space for collecting and storing fine foreign substances discharged by a second cyclone.
[0008] Conventional vacuum cleaners had limitations in that foreign substances collected in the first collection space would scatter during operation, shortening the filter's lifespan or failing to effectively remove the collected foreign substances.
[0009] To overcome the above limitations, conventional vacuum cleaners have a skirt positioned above the first collection space to maintain a certain shape, such as a cylindrical or radial shape. (Refer to Korean Published Patent Application 10-2024-0060989)
[0010] However, the skirt of conventional vacuum cleaners was fixed in a fixed shape.
[0011] Therefore, when a conventional vacuum cleaner is equipped with a cylindrical skirt, there was a problem in that it could not fundamentally prevent the scattering of foreign substances collected in the first collection space during operation.
[0012] In addition, in conventional vacuum cleaners equipped with a radial skirt, there was a problem in that foreign matter caught on the upper part of the skirt was not effectively removed even when the cover was opened to remove foreign matter collected in the collection space.
[0013] The present invention aims to solve the problem of effectively removing foreign substances remaining around the chamber filter by providing a cylindrical skirt when the cover is opened.
[0014] The present invention aims to solve the problem of extending the service life of a chamber filter by preventing the scattering of foreign substances during operation, wherein a skirt is provided radially when the cover is closed.
[0015] The present invention aims to solve the problem of efficiently deforming the shape of a skirt without a separate power device by configuring the skirt with an elastic body between the first body and the second body.
[0016] The present invention provides a vacuum cleaner comprising: a hollow, cylinder-shaped housing; an intake portion provided on the circumferential surface of the housing to guide air from outside the housing into the housing; an exhaust portion provided to penetrate the housing to guide air from inside the housing to outside the housing; a chamber forming portion provided inside the housing to separate a first chamber communicating with the intake portion and a second chamber guiding air introduced into the first chamber to the exhaust portion; a housing outlet communicating with the first chamber and the second chamber by penetrating the bottom surface of the housing; and a cover detachably attached to the housing and opening and closing the housing outlet; wherein the second chamber comprises a first body that guides air introduced from the first chamber to the exhaust portion, a second body provided at the bottom of the first body to provide a space for collecting foreign matter, and a skirt whose shape changes according to the opening and closing of the cover.
[0017] The skirt may be provided radially with respect to the central axis of the second chamber when the cover is closed, and may be provided cylindrically with respect to the central axis of the second chamber when the cover is opened.
[0018] The skirt may be provided with at least a portion between the first body and the second body.
[0019] The above skirt may include a first member having one end provided as a free end, and a second member provided spaced apart from the first member.
[0020] The diameter of the first member may be larger when the cover is closed than when the cover is open.
[0021] When the cover is closed, at least a portion of the first member may move toward the circumferential surface of the housing.
[0022] Additionally, when the cover is opened, at least a portion of the first member may move toward the central axis of the second chamber.
[0023] When the cover is closed, at least a portion of the second member may come into contact with the first member and move the first member.
[0024] In addition, when the cover is opened, the second member can move the first member while being spaced apart from the first member.
[0025] When the cover is closed, the second member can move the first member while at least a portion of it is compressed.
[0026] In addition, when the cover is opened, the second member can move the first member while restoring at least a part of it.
[0027] The skirt may further include a third member connecting the first member and the second member.
[0028] When the cover is closed, the third member can move the first member while at least a portion of it is compressed.
[0029] In addition, when the cover is opened, the third member can move the first member while restoring at least a part of it.
[0030] When the cover is closed, at least a portion of the third member may come into contact with the lower surface of the first body, and when the cover is opened, it may be spaced apart from the lower surface of the first body.
[0031] The skirt may include an outer member having one end provided as a free end, and an inner member provided to be connected to the outer member.
[0032] When the cover is closed, at least a portion of the above outer member may move toward the circumferential surface of the housing.
[0033] In addition, when the cover is opened, at least a portion of the outer member may move toward the central axis of the second chamber.
[0034] When the cover is closed, the inner member can move the outer member while at least a portion of it is compressed.
[0035] In addition, when the cover is opened, the inner member can move the outer member while at least a part of it is restored.
[0036] The second body can move upward relative to the center of the second chamber when the cover is closed.
[0037] In addition, the second body can move downward with respect to the central axis of the second chamber when the cover is opened.
[0038] When the cover of the second body is closed and moved upward, at least a portion of the skirt can be compressed, and when the cover is opened and moved downward, at least a portion of the skirt can be restored.
[0039] The diameter of the outer member may be larger when the cover is closed than when the cover is open.
[0040] When the cover is opened, a portion of the second body may be located outside the housing, and at least a portion of the skirt may be provided as an elastic body.
[0041] The above vacuum cleaner may include: a partition wall that separates the internal space of the housing into an upper space and a lower space; a partition wall penetration hole provided to penetrate the partition wall and to communicate the upper space and the lower space with each other; and a fan that moves air supplied from the partition wall penetration hole to the exhaust section.
[0042] The first body above can provide a space for guiding air introduced from the first chamber into the bulkhead penetration hole.
[0043] The present invention has the effect of effectively removing foreign substances remaining around the chamber filter by providing a cylindrical skirt when the cover is opened.
[0044] The present invention has the effect of extending the service life of the chamber filter by preventing the scattering of foreign substances during operation, as the skirt is provided radially when the cover is closed.
[0045] The present invention has the effect of efficiently deforming the shape of the skirt without a separate power device by configuring the skirt with an elastic body between the first body and the second body.
[0046] FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2 illustrate an example of the vacuum cleaner of the present invention.
[0047] Figure 3 illustrates an example of the skirt of the present invention.
[0048] FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5 illustrate another example of the skirt of the present invention.
[0049] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of the operation method of the second body of the present invention.
[0050] The configuration of the device or control method described below is intended only to explain embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention; reference numbers used identically throughout the specification indicate identical components.
[0051] The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as "comprising," "having," or "having" are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification; therefore, unless otherwise specifically defined, they do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.
[0052] Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., used in this specification may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms, and said terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.
[0053] The term “and / or” includes a combination of multiple related listed items or any of the multiple related listed items. For example, “A or B” may include “A”, “B”, or both “A and B”.
[0054] Additionally, terms such as "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "side," "front shear," "rear end," "top," and "bottom" used in this specification are defined based on the drawings or based on the arrangement / placement state of the components or between the components, and the shape and location of each component are not limited by these terms.
[0055] The vacuum cleaner of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.
[0056] FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2 illustrate an example of the vacuum cleaner of the present invention.
[0057] The vacuum cleaner of the present invention comprises a housing (1) having a hollow cylinder shape, an intake unit (11) provided at the front of the housing, an exhaust unit (15) spaced apart at the rear of the housing to discharge air introduced into the intake unit (11), a fan (6) that moves air introduced from the intake unit (11) to the exhaust unit (15), a foreign matter separation unit (4) that guides air introduced into the intake unit (11) to the fan (6) and separates foreign matter from the air using centrifugal force, and a handle (8) provided on the housing (1) so that a user can hold it with their hand.
[0058] That is, air sucked in from the nozzle of the vacuum cleaner (1) flows into the intake section (11). The air flowing into the intake section (11) can primarily separate foreign substances through the first chamber (41a) and the second chamber (41b). The air passing through the first chamber (41a) and the second chamber (41b) moves to the diffusion space (5) and passes through the first filter (52). The air passing through the first filter (52) flows into the fan (6), passes through the second filter (68), and is discharged through the exhaust section (15). That is, the air discharged from the second chamber (41b) can secondarily separate foreign substances while passing through the diffusion space (5) and the fan (6). The following description follows the flow of air (airflow).
[0059] The above suction part (11) has a cylindrical shape with an open interior and is configured to suck in air containing foreign substances, and can provide a suction path through which air containing foreign substances can flow. The air introduced through the above suction part (11) can be guided to the fan (6) and discharged.
[0060] The fan (6) can generate an airflow (air current) so that air containing foreign substances can be introduced into the intake part (11). The fan (6) can be positioned at the rear of the housing (1).
[0061] As shown in FIG. 2, a partition wall (19) may be provided inside the housing (1) to divide the internal space of the housing into an upper space (1a) and a lower space (1b).
[0062] The above bulkhead (19) may be provided with a bulkhead penetration hole (191) that connects the upper space (1a) and the lower space (1b). The bulkhead penetration hole (191) may be provided to penetrate the bulkhead (19).
[0063] The intake section (11) is provided on the circumferential surface of the housing (1) to introduce outside air into the lower space (1b). The intake section (11) may include an intake port (113) provided to penetrate the circumferential surface of the housing (1), and an intake pipe (111) extending from the intake port (113) toward a direction away from the center of the housing (1) (a direction away from the handle, Y-axis direction).
[0064] Although not illustrated in the drawing, the vacuum cleaner of the present invention may further include an extension tube detachably provided on the suction tube (111), and a nozzle provided at the free end of the extension tube to move foreign matter to the extension tube.
[0065] The above foreign substance separation unit (4) includes a chamber forming unit (41) that divides the lower space (1b) of the housing into a first chamber (41a) and a second chamber (41b), and a cyclone forming unit (42) that supplies air inside the second chamber (41b) to the diffusion space (5) and forms an airflow through rotational flow.
[0066] Additionally, the vacuum cleaner (100) may include a housing outlet (17) provided at the bottom of the first chamber (41a) and the second chamber (41b) and configured to penetrate the bottom surface of the housing, and a cover (18) that is detachably attached to the housing (1) and opens and closes the housing outlet (17).
[0067] The chamber forming part (41) may be provided as a cylinder that is fixed to the partition wall (19) at one end and contacts the cover (18) at the other end.
[0068] The chamber forming part (41) may include the first chamber (41a) which is provided inside the housing and communicates with the intake part (11), and the second chamber (41b) which guides the air introduced into the first chamber (41a) to the exhaust part (15).
[0069] The second chamber (41b) may include a first body (413) that guides air introduced from the first chamber (41a) to the exhaust section (15), a second body (415) provided at the bottom of the first body (413) to provide a space for collecting foreign substances, and a skirt (416) whose shape changes according to the opening and closing of the cover (18).
[0070] The first body (413) may be provided in a shape that surrounds the bulkhead penetration hole (191) to allow the second chamber (41b) to communicate with the upper space (1a) of the housing.
[0071] The second chamber (41b) above may be divided into a filtration space (418) that provides a space equipped with a cyclone forming part (42) to be described later so as to separate foreign substances from the air introduced into the intake part (11), and a second collection space (412) that provides a space to collect foreign substances separated in the filtration space (418).
[0072] The above filtration space (418) is a space connected to the above partition penetration hole (412), and the above second collection space (412) is a space not connected to the above partition penetration hole (412).
[0073] The air introduced into the first chamber (41a) can undergo cyclone flow. While the air undergoes cyclone flow, foreign substances can be separated in the first stage. The air from which foreign substances have been separated in the first stage can pass through the chamber filter (414) and flow into the second chamber (41b).
[0074] The chamber filter (414) may include a mesh portion having a plurality of holes. The mesh portion may be formed of a metal material, although not limited thereto. However, the chamber filter (141) must not necessarily be provided, and it is acceptable to provide a communication hole formed with a plurality of holes instead of the chamber filter (141).
[0075] Accordingly, the air introduced into the first chamber (41a) can separate large foreign particles through cyclone flow and the chamber filter (414). The foreign particles separated in the first chamber (41a) can be collected in the first collection space (411) provided at the bottom of the first chamber (41a).
[0076] Foreign substances collected in the first collection space (411) can be removed from inside the housing (1) as the cover (18) is opened.
[0077] The air introduced into the second chamber (41b) can undergo cyclone flow by the cyclone forming part (42). While the air undergoes cyclone flow, foreign substances can be separated secondarily.
[0078] Specifically, the cyclone forming part (42) may include a Euro body (421), a discharge pipe (424), an inlet (423), and an airflow forming part (425).
[0079] One end of the above-mentioned Eurobody (421) is fixed to the above-mentioned partition (19), and the other end may be in communication with the inside of the above-mentioned second chamber (41b). The above-mentioned discharge pipe (424) is located inside the above-mentioned Eurobody (421) and may be in communication with the above-mentioned partition penetration hole (191). The above-mentioned inlet (423) may be provided to penetrate the circumferential surface of the above-mentioned Eurobody (421). The above-mentioned airflow forming part (425) may be provided between the outer circumferential surface of the above-mentioned discharge pipe (424) and the inner circumferential surface of the above-mentioned Eurobody (421).
[0080] Specifically, the Eurobody (421) is provided as a pipe that surrounds the bulkhead penetration hole (191), and the discharge pipe (424) is located inside the Eurobody (421). The Eurobody (421) communicates with the second collection space (412) through a foreign matter discharge port (422) provided at the free end (bottom surface of the Eurobody). The Eurobody (421) may be provided such that its diameter decreases as it faces the free end. This is to maintain a strong intensity of the airflow formed inside.
[0081] The above airflow forming part (425) is provided in a spiral shape, and the inlet (423) is located higher than the airflow forming part (425). Therefore, when the fan (6) is operated, the air flowing into the flow body (421) through the inlet (423) will undergo a rotating flow (cyclone flow) inside the flow body (421) as it passes through the airflow forming part (425) and moves to the discharge pipe (424).
[0082] When a cyclone flow occurs inside the above-mentioned Eurobody (421), foreign substances contained in the air will move to the edge of the flow path (circular surface of the Eurobody) by centrifugal force and then be discharged into the above-mentioned second collection space (412) by gravity.
[0083] Unlike what is shown in the drawing, the inlet (423) may be provided as a hole that penetrates the upper surface of the flow body (421). In this case, the upper end of the flow body (421) may not be fixed to the partition wall (19) and may be provided in a spaced-away state from the partition wall (19). Since the flow body (421) is fixed to the partition wall (19) through the airflow forming part (425) and the discharge pipe (424), the flow body (421) can remain fixed to the partition wall (19) even if the upper end of the flow body (421) remains spaced-away from the partition wall (19).
[0084] A number of cyclones including the above Eurobody (421) may be provided as shown in FIG. 2.
[0085] Air passing through the cyclone forming part (42) can be introduced into the diffusion space (5) through the partition penetration hole (191).
[0086] The above diffusion space (5) is provided inside the housing (1) and can provide a space for moving air that has passed through the cyclone forming part (42) to the fan (6).
[0087] The above diffusion space (5) refers to a space that moves air in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the second chamber. That is, the above diffusion space (5) can change the direction of air flow discharged to the upper part of the cyclone forming part (42).
[0088] The above diffusion space (5) may include a first filter (52) that filters the air passing through the cyclone forming part (42). The air introduced into the above diffusion space (5) may be filtered as it passes through the first filter (52).
[0089] The first filter (52) may be provided in a hollow cylindrical shape and may be placed upstream of the fan (6).
[0090] Additionally, the first filter (52) can remove large foreign substances from the air flowing into the fan (6) upstream of the fan (6). The first filter (52) may have a plurality of hollows formed therein and can perform physical filtration by filtering foreign substances larger than the size of the hollows. Air that has passed through the first filter (52) can flow into the fan (6).
[0091] The above diffusion space (5) may include a removal unit (51) for removing foreign substances attached to the first filter (52).
[0092] The above removal unit (51) may include a support member (511) fixed to the partition wall (19) and located inside the first filter (52), a hub (512) rotatably coupled to the support member (511), and a scraper (513) having one end rotatably fixed to the hub (512) and the other end in contact with the first filter (52).
[0093] The support member (511) may be provided to include a support body (511a) extending from the partition wall (19) toward the center of the first filter (52), and a first axis (511b) provided on the support body (511a) to form the rotation axis of the hub (512).
[0094] The support body (511a) may be provided with a plurality of bars protruding toward the center of the first filter (52) from the inner circumferential surface of the partition wall (19), and the first shaft (511b) may be provided to be fixed to the support body (511a) and positioned at the center of the first filter (52). The support member (511) may be provided with a bearing that rotatably fixes the hub (512) to the first shaft (511b).
[0095] The hub (512) may be provided to include a shaft fastening part (512a) connected to the first shaft (511b), a mounting part (512b) provided to surround the shaft fastening part (512a) and provide a space for mounting the scraper (513), and a scraper support body (512c) provided in a pipe shape that surrounds the circumferential surface of the mounting part (512b).
[0096] The scraper (513) may be provided to include a base (513a) rotatably fixed to the scraper support body (512c) and a contact body (513b) fixed to the base (513a) and configured to be in contact with the first filter (52).
[0097] The scraper (513) may be provided in multiple numbers, and the multiple scrapers (513) may be spaced apart at the same angle along the circumferential surface of the scraper support body (512c).
[0098] Specifically, one end of the contact body (513b) may be fixed to the base (513a), and the other end may be configured to be in contact with the first filter (52). Additionally, the upper end of the contact body (513b) may be configured to be in contact with the upper end of the first filter (52), and the lower end of the contact body (513b) may be configured to be in contact with the lower end of the first filter (52).
[0099] Accordingly, the first filter (52) can remove foreign substances from the air flowing into the fan (6) from the diffusion space, and the removal unit (51) can remove foreign substances attached to the first filter (52) to extend the service life of the first filter (52).
[0100] The above fan (6) may include a case (61) provided in the rear part of the housing, an impeller (67) rotatably provided inside the case, and a motor (64) fixed to the case to rotate the impeller (67).
[0101] The above case (61) is provided with a case intake port (611) and a case exhaust port (613). The case intake port (611) is preferably provided on one side of the case (61) facing the air that has passed through the first filter (51), and the case exhaust port (613) is preferably provided to penetrate one side of the case (61) facing the exhaust section (15) to be described later. The structure of the fan (6) is intended to minimize flow resistance between the case intake port (611) and the exhaust section (15).
[0102] The motor (64) is fixed to a motor support (615) provided in a case (61). FIG. 2 illustrates an example in which the motor support (615) is positioned between the case intake port (611) and the case exhaust port (613), and the rotating shaft passes through the motor support (615) and is connected to an impeller (67).
[0103] The motor (64) may be provided to receive power through a power source provided indoors, or it may be provided to receive power through a battery (7) that is detachable from the housing (1). In the latter case, the housing (1) must be provided with a battery housing (71) that provides a space for accommodating the battery (7).
[0104] The battery housing (71) may be provided to protrude from the rear surface of the housing (1) (a surface located opposite to the direction in which the intake port is located) toward the direction away from the intake port. In this case, the handle (8) may be provided to be located at a point (180 degrees apart) symmetrical to the point where the intake port (11) is located within the space provided by the circumferential surface of the housing (1).
[0105] Additionally, the fan (6) may include a second filter (68) that filters the air introduced into the case intake (611).
[0106] The second filter (68) can be placed on the side of the fan (6). Since the air introduced through the case intake (611) is discharged to the side of the fan (6), the second filter (68) can be placed on the side of the fan (6).
[0107] The second filter (68) can remove small foreign particles in the air discharged to the outside from downstream of the fan (6). The second filter (68) can filter by attracting fine particles using static electricity applied to the filter material. It is preferable that the second filter (68) filters foreign particles smaller than the size of the foreign particles filtered by the first filter (51). This is to minimize the amount of fine dust discharged into the indoor space.
[0108] The exhaust section (15) is capable of discharging air inside the fan (6) to the outside and may be provided to penetrate the circumferential surface of the fan (6).
[0109] If the exhaust section (15) is provided on the rear of the fan (6), the air discharged from the exhaust section (15) may affect the user. Therefore, the exhaust section (15) is provided on the circumferential surface of the fan (6) to prevent the air discharged from the exhaust section from heading toward the user or the handle (8).
[0110] Figure 3 illustrates an example of the skirt of the present invention.
[0111] As described in FIG. 2, the chamber forming part (41) can be divided into the first chamber (41a) communicating with the intake part (11) and the second chamber (41b) guiding the air introduced into the first chamber (41a) to the exhaust part (15).
[0112] The second chamber (41b) may include a first body (413) that guides air introduced from the first chamber (41a) to the exhaust section (15), a second body (415) provided at the bottom of the first body (413) to provide a space for collecting foreign substances, and a skirt (416) whose shape changes according to the opening and closing of the cover (18). The shape and function of the skirt (416) will be described in detail below.
[0113] The above housing (1) may include the first collection space (411), which is a space for collecting foreign substances separated from the first chamber (41a), and the second collection space (412), which collects foreign substances separated from the second chamber (41b).
[0114] Foreign substances collected in the first collection space (411) and the second collection space (412) can be discharged outside the housing (1) as the cover (18) is opened.
[0115] FIG. 3(a) illustrates an example in which the cover (18) is opened and foreign substances collected in the first collection space (411) and the second collection space (412) are discharged.
[0116] FIG. 3(b) illustrates an example in which the cover (18) is closed and foreign substances are collected in the first collection space (411) and the second collection space (412).
[0117] The skirt (416) may be provided radially with respect to the central axis (A1) of the second chamber when the cover (18) is closed. Additionally, the skirt (416) may be provided cylindrically with respect to the central axis (A1) of the second chamber when the cover (18) is open.
[0118] Additionally, the skirt (416) may be provided between the first body (413) and the second body (415), and the skirt (416) may be provided as an elastic body. That is, the shape of the skirt (416) may change when an external force is applied, and it may be restored to its original state when the external force is removed.
[0119] Therefore, the above vacuum cleaner (100) can change the shape of the skirt (416) without a separate power device.
[0120] Additionally, the skirt (416) may be connected to at least one of the first body (413) and the second body (415) at one end, and provided as a free end at the other end. That is, since the other end of the skirt is provided as a free end, when an external force is applied to the skirt (416), the shape of the other end of the skirt may be deformed.
[0121] If the skirt (416) is provided radially when removing foreign substances collected in the collection space (411, 412) (when the cover is opened), a problem may occur in which foreign substances separated by the chamber filter (414) cannot be removed from the upper part of the skirt (416).
[0122] Accordingly, when removing foreign substances collected in the above-mentioned collection spaces (411, 412), it is preferable that the skirt (416) be provided in a cylindrical shape.
[0123] Additionally, if the skirt (416) is provided in a cylindrical shape when the vacuum cleaner (100) is operating (when the cover is closed), foreign matter collected in the first collection space (411) may scatter, causing a problem that reduces the service life of the chamber filter (414).
[0124] Accordingly, when the above-mentioned vacuum cleaner (100) is in operation, it is preferable that the skirt (416) be provided in a radial shape. The skirt (416) may be provided with the following structure to produce the above effect.
[0125] Specifically, the skirt (416) may include a first member (416a) having one end provided as a free end, and a second member (416b) provided spaced apart from the first member (416a). Additionally, one end of the first member is provided as a free end, and the other end of the first member may be connected to the second member (416b) or coupled to the first body (413).
[0126] At least a portion of the first member (416a) may move toward the circumferential surface of the housing when the cover (18) is closed. Additionally, at least a portion of the first member (416a) may move toward the central axis (A1) of the second chamber when the cover (18) is opened.
[0127] When the cover (18) is closed, at least a portion of the second member (416b) may come into contact with the first member (416a) to move the first member (416a). Additionally, when the cover (18) is opened, the second member (416b) may move the first member (416b) while being spaced apart from the first member (416a).
[0128] That is, the diameter of the first member (416a) may be larger when the cover (18) is closed than when the cover (18) is open.
[0129] Specifically, the free end of the first member moves toward the central axis (A1) of the second chamber when the cover (18) is opened, and can move toward the circumferential surface of the housing when the cover (18) is closed. Accordingly, the diameter of the first member can gradually decrease during the process of opening the cover (18).
[0130] The second member (416b) can move the first member (416a) while at least a portion of it is compressed when the cover (18) is closed.
[0131] The second member (416b) may be connected at one end to the second body (415) and at the other end to the lower surface of the first body (413). Additionally, the second member (416b) may be provided so that its center is bent toward the circumferential surface of the housing, rather than being provided parallel to the central axis (A1) of the second chamber. That is, the upper part of the second member (416b) may be connected to the first body (413), and the lower part of the second member (416b) may be connected to the second body (415). Additionally, the center of the second member (416b) may be provided so that it is bent toward the circumferential surface of the housing.
[0132] Accordingly, when the cover (18) is closed, the cover (18) moves the second body (415) upward, and the second body (415) can compress the second member (416b). As the second member (416b) is compressed, the first member (416a) can be moved in the direction of the circumferential surface of the housing (1).
[0133] Conversely, when the cover (18) is opened, the cover (18) moves the second body (415) downward, and the second body (415) can restore the second member (416b) in the direction of the central axis (A1) of the second chamber. At this time, the first member (416a) can be moved in the direction of the central axis (A1) of the second chamber.
[0134] The skirt (416) of the present invention may have one end provided as a free end. Specifically, the skirt (416) may include a first member (416a) having one end provided as a free end, and a second member (416b) provided spaced apart from the first member (416a).
[0135] The second member (416b) may come into contact with the first member (416a) during the process of closing the cover (18) and move the first member (416a) in the direction of the circumferential surface of the housing (1). That is, the second member (416b) may be provided such that both ends are fixed to the first body (413) and the second body (415) to move the first member (416a).
[0136] However, the second member (416b) may undergo plastic deformation or have reduced structural durability due to the repeated opening and closing operation of the cover (18).
[0137] Accordingly, it is preferable that the second member (416b) be provided with an elastic body having a high elastic modulus. That is, the second member (416b) may be provided with a thicker thickness compared to the first member (416a).
[0138] Accordingly, the second member (416b) can have improved durability and an extended service life. In addition, the second member (416b) can prevent plastic deformation that may occur due to repeated use.
[0139] The first member (416a) may have one end provided as a free end. That is, the first member (416a) may be moved by the second member (416b).
[0140] The first member (416a) may be provided with a relatively thin thickness compared to the first member (416b) so that it does not receive direct external force when opening or closing the cover (18) and can be easily moved by the second member (416b).
[0141] In addition, the length of the first member (416a) can be appropriately designed considering the size of the internal space of the first chamber (41a).
[0142] When the cover (18) is closed, the first member (416a) can be moved by the second member (416b) and positioned close to the inside of the housing. Therefore, foreign matter collected in the first collection space (411) can be effectively prevented from scattering by the first member (416a). In addition, since the length of the first member (416a) can be adjusted, it can be designed in various ways considering the internal size of the vacuum cleaner (100). Below, the shape of the skirt (416), which varies according to the opening and closing of the cover, will be explained.
[0143] When the cover (18) is closed, the gap between the free end of the skirt (18) and the housing can be narrowed, unlike a conventional skirt. Therefore, during the operation of the vacuum cleaner (100), foreign matter collected in the first collection space (411) can be prevented from scattering by the first member (416a). In addition, the skirt (416) can be provided at an angle (radial) unlike a conventional skirt. Therefore, foreign matter generated during the operation of the vacuum cleaner (100) can move smoothly to the second collection space (412).
[0144] When the cover (18) is opened, the gap between the free end of the skirt (416) and the housing can be widened, unlike a conventional skirt. That is, the skirt (416) can be provided in a cylindrical shape, unlike a conventional skirt. Accordingly, foreign matter collected in the upper part of the first chamber (41a) can be smoothly moved to the first collection space (411).
[0145] In conclusion, the first member (416a) can be provided in a cylindrical shape when the cover (18) is open and in a radial shape when the cover (18) is closed, so that the above advantages can be achieved compared to a conventional vacuum cleaner.
[0146] However, the first member (416a) can be provided in various forms as long as it can smoothly remove foreign substances inside the first chamber (41a) and prevent foreign substances in the first collection space (411) from scattering.
[0147] FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5 illustrate another example of the skirt of the present invention.
[0148] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the skirt (416) may include a third member (416c) connecting the first member (416a) and the second member (416b).
[0149] FIG. 4(a) illustrates an example in which the cover (18) is opened and foreign substances collected in the first collection space (411) and the second collection space (412) are discharged.
[0150] FIG. 4(b) illustrates an example in which the cover (18) is closed and foreign substances are collected in the first collection space (411) and the second collection space (412).
[0151] As illustrated in FIG. 4(a), the third member (416c) is provided to connect the first member (416a) and the second member (416b), but may be provided spaced apart from the lower surface of the first body (413).
[0152] The second member (416b) can be connected to the second body (415) at one end and connected to the third member (416c) at the other end.
[0153] The first member (416a) may be provided spaced apart from the second member (416b) and may be provided perpendicular to the third member (416c). That is, the first member (416a) may be connected to the third member (416c) at one end and provided as a free end at the other end.
[0154] Accordingly, the first member (416a) can be provided in a cylindrical shape when the cover (18) is opened.
[0155] As illustrated in FIG. 4(b), the third member (416c) may be provided to be in contact with the lower surface of the first body (413). When the cover (18) is closed, the second body (415) moves upward, and the second member (416b) may be moved upward by the second body (415). Thus, the third member (416c) may be bent in contact with the lower surface of the first body (413).
[0156] Accordingly, at least a portion of the first member (416a) may be moved in the direction of the circumferential surface of the housing by the third member (416c). The first member (416a) may be provided radially when the cover (18) is closed.
[0157] In conclusion, the third member (416c) can move the first member (416a) toward the circumferential surface of the housing while at least a portion is compressed when the cover is closed, and can move the first member (416a) toward the central axis (A1) of the second chamber while at least a portion is restored when the cover is opened.
[0158] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the skirt (416) may include an outer member (416d) having one end provided as a free end, and an inner member (416e) provided to be connected to the outer member (416d).
[0159] FIG. 5(a) illustrates an example in which the cover (18) is opened and foreign substances collected in the first collection space (411) and the second collection space (412) are discharged.
[0160] FIG. 5(b) illustrates an example in which the cover (18) is closed and foreign substances are collected in the first collection space (411) and the second collection space (412).
[0161] The outer member (416d) may be provided with one end connected to the first body (413) and the other end as a free end. The inner member (416e) may be provided to be connected to the rear surface of the outer member (416d). However, since the inner member (416e) must be provided to be able to move the outer member (416d), it is preferable that it be provided on the inner side of the outer member (416d).
[0162] The above outer member (416d) moves at least a portion toward the circumferential surface of the housing when the cover (18) is closed, and at least a portion can move toward the central axis (A1) of the second chamber when the cover (18) is opened.
[0163] That is, the inner member (416e) can move the outer member (416d) in the direction of the circumferential surface of the housing when the cover (18) is closed, and can move the outer member (416d) to the central axis (A1) of the second chamber when the cover (18) is opened.
[0164] If the cover (18) is closed, the second body (415) moves upward, and the inner member (416e) can move the outer member (416d) in the direction of the circumferential surface of the housing while at least a portion of it is compressed.
[0165] If the cover (18) is opened, the second body (415) moves downward, and the inner member (416e) can be restored at least partially while moving the outer member (416d) in the direction of the central axis (A1) of the second chamber.
[0166] That is, the diameter of the outer member (416d) may be larger when the cover (18) is closed than when the cover (18) is open.
[0167] Specifically, the free end of the outer member moves toward the central axis (A1) of the second chamber when the cover (18) is opened, and can move toward the circumferential surface of the housing when the cover (18) is closed. Accordingly, the diameter of the outer member can gradually decrease during the process of opening the cover (18).
[0168] In conclusion, the outer member (416d) may be provided in a cylindrical shape when the cover (18) is open, and may be provided in a radial shape when the cover (18) is closed. The vacuum cleaner (100) of the present invention may exhibit the same advantages mentioned in FIG. 3.
[0169] Unlike as illustrated in FIG. 5, the outer member (416d) may be provided with one end connected to the second body (415) and the other end as a free end. At this time, the inner member (416e) may be provided with one end connected to the first body (413) and the other end connected to the rear surface of the outer member (416d). That is, at least a portion of the inner member (416e) may be located above the outer member (416d).
[0170] When the cover (18) is closed, the second body (415) moves upward, and the outer member (416d) is compressed so that at least a portion of it can move in the direction of the circumferential surface of the housing.
[0171] When the cover (18) is opened, the second body (415) moves downward, and the outer member (416d) is restored so that at least a portion of it can move toward the central axis (A1) of the second chamber. In this case, it is preferable that the shape of the inner member (416e) be fixed. FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment in which the outer member (416d) is coupled to the first body (413).
[0172] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of the operation method of the second body of the present invention.
[0173] The second body (415) can move upward relative to the central axis (A1) of the second chamber when the cover (18) is closed. Additionally, the second body (415) can move downward relative to the central axis (A1) of the second chamber when the cover (18) is opened.
[0174] Since the skirt (416) is preferably made of an elastic material, the second body (415) can move upward or downward depending on the shape of the skirt (416).
[0175] Specifically, the second body (415) can move upward when the cover (18) is closed and compress at least a portion of the skirt (416). That is, when the cover (18) applies an external force to the second body (415), the second body (415) can apply an external force to the skirt (416) and deform its shape. Accordingly, the skirt (416) can be provided in a radial shape.
[0176] The second body (415) can move downward when the cover (18) is opened, thereby restoring at least a portion of the skirt (416). That is, when the external force provided by the cover (18) to the second body (415) is removed, the second body (415) can remove the external force from the skirt (416) and restore its shape to its original state. Accordingly, the skirt (416) can be provided in a cylindrical shape.
[0177] Additionally, when the cover (18) is opened, a part of the second body (415) can be positioned outside the housing (1).
[0178] The above cover (18) can be closed to support the restoring force (elastic force) of the skirt (416). That is, when the above cover (18) is opened, the second body (415) can be partially exposed to the lower bottom surface of the housing by the restoring force of the skirt (416).
[0179] The present invention may be modified and implemented in various forms, and its scope of rights is not limited to the embodiments described above. Therefore, if a modified embodiment includes the components of the claims of the present invention, it should be considered to fall within the scope of rights of the present invention.
Claims
A hollow, cylinder-shaped housing; An intake portion provided on the circumferential surface of the housing to guide air outside the housing into the housing; An exhaust part provided to penetrate the housing and guide the air inside the housing to the outside of the housing; A chamber forming part provided inside the housing and separating a first chamber communicating with the intake part and a second chamber guiding air introduced into the first chamber to the exhaust part; A housing outlet penetrating the bottom surface of the housing and communicating with the first chamber and the second chamber; and A cover that is detachably attached to the housing and opens and closes the housing outlet; is included. The above second chamber is A vacuum cleaner characterized by comprising: a first body that guides air introduced from the first chamber to the exhaust section; a second body provided at the bottom of the first body to provide a space for collecting foreign substances; and a skirt whose shape changes according to the opening and closing of the cover. In paragraph 1, The above skirt When the above cover is closed, it is provided radially with respect to the central axis of the second chamber, and A vacuum cleaner characterized by being provided in a cylindrical shape with respect to the central axis of the second chamber when the above cover is opened. In paragraph 2, The above skirt A vacuum cleaner characterized by having at least a portion provided between the first body and the second body. In paragraph 2, The above skirt A vacuum cleaner characterized by having one end coupled to at least one of the first body and the second body, and the other end provided as a free end. In paragraph 4, The above skirt A first member having one end provided as a free end, and A vacuum cleaner characterized by including a second member spaced apart from the first member. In paragraph 5, The diameter of the first member is A vacuum cleaner characterized by having the cover larger when closed than when open. In paragraph 6, The above first member is When the above cover is closed, at least a portion moves toward the circumferential surface of the housing, and A vacuum cleaner characterized in that, when the above cover is opened, at least a portion moves toward the central axis of the above second chamber. In Paragraph 7, The above second member is When the above cover is closed, at least a portion contacts the first member and moves the first member, and A vacuum cleaner characterized by moving the first member while being spaced apart from the first member when the above cover is opened. In paragraph 8, The above second member is When the above cover is closed, at least a portion is compressed while moving the first member, and A vacuum cleaner characterized by moving the first member while restoring at least a portion when the above cover is opened. In paragraph 6, The skirt further includes a third member connecting the first member and the second member, and The above third member is When the above cover is closed, at least a portion is compressed while moving the first member, and A vacuum cleaner characterized by moving the first member while restoring at least a portion when the above cover is opened. In Paragraph 10, The above third member is When the above cover is closed, at least a portion contacts the lower surface of the first body, and A vacuum cleaner characterized by being spaced apart from the lower surface of the first body when the above cover is opened. In paragraph 4, The above skirt An outer member having one end provided as a free end, and A vacuum cleaner characterized by including an inner member provided to be connected to the outer member. In Paragraph 12, The above outer member is When the above cover is closed, at least a portion moves toward the circumferential surface of the housing, and A vacuum cleaner characterized in that, when the above cover is opened, at least a portion moves toward the central axis of the above second chamber. In Paragraph 13, The above inner member is When the above cover is closed, at least a portion is compressed while moving the above outer member, and A vacuum cleaner characterized by moving the outer member while restoring at least a portion when the above cover is opened. In Paragraph 12, The diameter of the above outer member is A vacuum cleaner characterized by having the cover larger when closed than when open. In any one of paragraphs 2 through 15, The above second body is When the above cover is closed, it moves upward relative to the center of the above second chamber, and A vacuum cleaner characterized by moving downward relative to the central axis of the second chamber when the above cover is opened. In Paragraph 16, The above second body is When the above cover is closed and moved upward, at least a portion of the above skirt is compressed, and A vacuum cleaner characterized in that when the above cover is opened and moved downward, the above skirt is restored to at least a portion. In Paragraph 17, The above second body is A vacuum cleaner characterized in that when the above cover is opened, a portion is located outside the above housing. In Paragraph 18, A vacuum cleaner characterized in that at least a portion of the above skirt is provided with an elastic body. In paragraph 1, A partition separating the internal space of the above housing into an upper space and a lower space; A partition penetration hole provided to penetrate the above partition and to communicate the upper space and the lower space with each other; and It further includes a fan that moves air supplied from the above bulkhead penetration hole to the above exhaust section, and The above first body is A vacuum cleaner characterized by providing a space that guides air introduced from the first chamber into the partition penetration hole.