Patent Description:
Cleaners may be classified into a manual cleaner that a user moves in person for cleaning and an automatic cleaner that automatically moves for cleaning.

Manual cleaners may fall into, depending on the types, a canister cleaner, an upright cleaner, a handy cleaner, and a stick cleaner.

Meanwhile, in the related art, a handheld vacuum cleaner has been disclosed in <CIT>).

The handheld vacuum cleaner includes a suction pipe, an airflow generator, a cyclone, a power supply, and a handle.

The cyclone is disposed between the handle and the suction pipe, the airflow generator is disposed right over the handle, and the power supply is disposed right under the handle. Accordingly, the airflow generator and the power supply are disposed behind the cyclone.

The airflow generator and the power supply are relatively heavy parts of the components.

According to this document, since the relatively heavy airflow generator and power supply are disposed right over and under the handle, respectively, the center of gravity concentrates on the handle in the entire handheld vacuum cleaner, so it is inconvenient for a user to use the handheld vacuum cleaner and the user's wrist may be injured.

Further, according to the document, since the airflow generator is disposed behind the cyclone, the channel for guiding air from the cyclone to the airflow generator is necessarily long and the air discharged from the cyclone is sent to the airflow generator with the flow direction changed, which causes a large flow loss.

Further, according to the document, since the airflow generator is disposed right over the handle, the air discharged from the airflow generator directly touches the hand holding the handle. Another example of a vacuum cleaner is disclosed in document <CIT>.

The present invention provides a cleaner that users can more conveniently use by distributing the overall weight.

The present invention provides a cleaner in which the length of a passage from a dust separation unit to a suction motor is minimized.

The present invention provides a cleaner that does not discharge air that has passed a suction motor to a user.

A cleaner includes: a suction inlet; a suction motor that generates suction force for suctioning air through the suction inlet and includes a rotary impeller; a dust separation unit that includes one or more cyclone units generating cyclonic flow to separate dust from air flowing inside through the suction inlet; a dust container that stores dust separated by the dust separation unit and is disposed under the suction motor; a battery disposed behind the dust container to supply power to the suction motor; and a handle disposed behind the suction motor, wherein a rotational axis of the impeller and an axis of the cyclonic flow vertically extend and an extension line from the rotational axis of the impeller passes through the one or more cyclone units.

A cleaner includes: a suction inlet; a suction motor that generates suction force for suctioning air through the suction inlet and includes a rotary impeller; a dust separation unit that includes one or more cyclone units generating cyclonic flow to separate dust from air flowing inside through the suction inlet; a dust container that stores dust separated by the dust separation unit; a battery that supplies power to the suction motor; a handle disposed behind the suction motor; and a discharge cover that has air exits formed through the top thereof to discharge air that has passed the suction motor, wherein an axis of the cyclonic flow passes the discharge cover.

A cleaner includes: a suction inlet that has a longitudinal axis; a suction motor that generates suction force for suctioning air through the suction inlet; a dust separation unit disposed to vertically overlap the suction motor in a state in which the longitudinal axis of the suction inlet horizontally is positioned, and separates dust from air flowing inside through the suction inlet; a dust container that has includes a dust collection body for storing dust separated from the dust separation unit and a body cover for opening and closing the dust collection body; and air exits for discharging air that has passed the suction motor, wherein in a state in which the longitudinal axis of the suction inlet is horizontally positioned, the longitudinal axis of the suction inlet is positioned over the body cover and the direction in which air is suctioned through the suction inlet crosses the direction in which air is discharged through the air exits.

A cleaner includes: a suction inlet; a suction motor that generates suction force for suctioning air through the suction inlet; a dust separation unit that separates dust from air flowing inside through the suction inlet; a dust container that stores dust separated by the dust separation unit; a battery that supplies power to the suction motor; a handle disposed behind the suction motor; and air exits that are disposed over the suction motor to discharge air that has passed the suction motor.

The suction motor vertically overlaps the dust separation unit.

The suction motor includes a rotary impeller and a rotational axis of the impeller vertically extends and vertically overlaps the dust separation unit and the dust container.

The suction motor includes a rotary impeller and the rotational axis of the impeller vertically extends, and an extension line from the rotational axis passes through the dust separation unit and the dust container.

The dust separation unit has one or more cyclone unit that generates cyclonic flow, and the rotational axis of the impeller and an axis of at least one cyclonic flow are positioned on the same line.

The cleaner further includes: a motor housing including the suction motor; and a discharge cover that is at least partially positioned over the motor housing and has the air exits.

The discharge cover includes a flow guide for discharging air discharged through the air exits at an angle from a vertical line.

The suction motor includes a rotary impeller, wherein an axis of the impeller vertically extends, and a barrier for blocking air discharged through the air exits is disposed in at least some area between the rotational axis of the impeller and the handle.

The cleaner further includes: a pre-filter that receives air from the dust separation unit to filter air flowing into the suction motor; and an air guide that surrounds the suction motor in the motor housing and guides the air discharged from the dust separation unit to the suction motor.

The air discharged from the dust separation unit flows upward through the pre-filter, the air that has passed through the pre-filter flows back downward through the suction motor, and the air that has passed the suction motor flows upward again and is discharged outside through the air exits.

Air discharged from the dust separation unit flows upward through the suction motor and is then discharged to the outside through the air exits.

According to the present invention, since the suction motor that is heavy is disposed ahead of the handle and the battery that is heavy is disposed behind the handle, so weight can be uniformly distributed throughout the cleaner. It is possible to prevent injuries to the user's wrist when a user cleans with the handle in his/her hand.

According to the present invention, since the suction motor is disposed above the dust separation unit, a length of a passage from the dust separation unit to a suction motor is minimized, so a flow loss is minimized.

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the air passing through the suction motor to a user.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Also, in the description of the embodiments of the present invention the terms such as first, second, A, B, (a) and (b) may be used.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention, <FIG> is a side view of the cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention, <FIG> is a plan view of the cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<FIG> is a vertical cross-sectional view of the cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention and <FIG> is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, a cleaner <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a main body <NUM>.

The main body <NUM> may include a suction inlet <NUM> that suctions air containing dust.

The main body <NUM> may further include a dust separation unit <NUM> for separating dust suctioned inside through the suction inlet <NUM> and a dust container <NUM> for storing dust separated by the dust separation unit <NUM>.

The dust separation unit <NUM> may include a first cyclone unit <NUM> that can separate dust, for example, using cyclonic flow.

The first cyclonic unit <NUM> may communicate with the suction inlet <NUM>.

The air and dust suctioned through the suction inlet <NUM> helically flow along the inner side of the first cyclone unit <NUM>.

The axis A2 of the cyclonic flow in the first cyclone unit <NUM> may vertically extend.

The dust separation unit <NUM> may further include a second cyclone unit <NUM> that is configured to separate dust from the air received from the first cyclone unit <NUM>. The second cyclone unit <NUM> may be disposed inside the first cyclone unit <NUM> to minimize the size of the dust separation unit <NUM>. The second cyclone unit <NUM> may include a plurality of cyclone bodies arranged in parallel. Further the axis of the cyclonic flow in the cyclone bodies vertically extends and may pass through a suction motor <NUM>.

As another example, the dust separation unit may include one cyclone unit, in which the axis A2 of the cyclonic flow may also vertically extend.

The dust container <NUM> may include a cylindrical dust collection body <NUM> and a body cover <NUM> rotatably coupled to the bottom of the dust collection body <NUM>.

The longitudinal axis A3 of the suction inlet <NUM> may be horizontally positioned over the body cover <NUM> in a state in which the longitudinal axis A3 is disposed to extend in a horizontal direction.

In this embodiment, the upper portion of the dust collection body <NUM> may function as the first cyclone unit <NUM> without a separate first cyclone unit <NUM>.

At least a portion of the second cyclone unit <NUM> may be positioned inside the dust container <NUM>.

A dust storage guide <NUM> that guides the dust separated by the second cyclone unit <NUM> to be stored may be disposed in the dust collecting body <NUM>. The dust storage guide <NUM> may be coupled to the bottom of the second cyclone unit <NUM> in contact with the top of the body cover <NUM>.

The dust storage guide <NUM> may divide the internal space of the dust collecting body <NUM> into a first dust storage part <NUM> where the dust separated by the first cyclone unit <NUM> is stored and a second dust storage part <NUM> where the dust separated by the second cyclone unit <NUM> is stored.

The internal space of the dust storage guide <NUM> is the second dust storage part <NUM> and the space between the dust storage guide <NUM> and the dust collecting body <NUM> is the first dust storage part <NUM>.

The body cover <NUM> can open/close both of the first dust storage part <NUM> and the second dust storage part <NUM>.

The body cover <NUM> may include a rib <NUM> for preventing the dust in the first dust storage part <NUM> from being rotated by cyclonic flow. The rib <NUM> may extend upward from the body cover <NUM>. The rib <NUM> may be positioned close to the inner side of the dust collection body <NUM> when the body cover <NUM> covers the first and second dust storage parts <NUM> and <NUM>.

The cyclonic flow is generated along the inner side of the dust collection body <NUM> in the first dust storage part <NUM>, so when the rib <NUM> is positioned close to the inner side of the dust collection body <NUM>, the cyclonic flow is blocked by the rib <NUM>, whereby it is possible to prevent the dust from rotating in the first dust storage part <NUM>.

The main body <NUM> may further include a suction force generation unit <NUM> for generating suction force. The suction force generation unit <NUM> may include a motor housing <NUM> and a suction motor <NUM> disposed in the motor housing <NUM>.

At least a portion of the suction motor <NUM> may be disposed over the dust separation unit <NUM>. Accordingly, the suction motor <NUM> is disposed over the dust container <NUM>.

That is, the dust separation unit <NUM> may be arranged to vertically overlap the suction motor <NUM>, in a state in which the longitudinal axis of the suction inlet <NUM> is positioned in the horizontal direction. For example, a portion of the suction motor <NUM> may be positioned in the first cyclone unit <NUM>.

The bottom of the suction motor <NUM> may be connected to the top of the second cyclone unit <NUM>. Accordingly, the axis A2 of the cyclonic flow in the dust separation unit <NUM> may pass the suction motor <NUM>. The suction motor <NUM> is positioned higher than the longitudinal axis A3 of the suction inlet <NUM>.

When the suction motor <NUM> is disposed over the second cyclone unit <NUM>, the air discharged from the second cyclone unit <NUM> can flow directly to the suction motor <NUM>, so the passage between the dust separation unit <NUM> and the suction motor <NUM> can be minimized.

The suction motor <NUM> may include a rotary impeller <NUM> driven by the suction motor <NUM>. The impeller <NUM> may be fitted on a shaft <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> is vertically disposed and may be at least partially positioned in the dust separation unit <NUM>. In this case, when the dust container <NUM> and the suction motor <NUM> are vertically arranged, the height of the cleaner <NUM> can be reduced. The impeller <NUM> may have a rotational axis A1. An extension line from the rotational axis A1 of the impeller <NUM> (which may be the axis of the suction motor) may pass the dust separation unit <NUM> and the dust container <NUM>.

The rotational axis A1 of the impeller <NUM> and the axis A2 of the cyclonic flow in the first cyclone unit <NUM> may be on the same line.

According to the present invention, there is the advantage that the path through which the air discharged from the dust separation unit, that is, the air discharged upward from the second cyclone unit <NUM> flows to the suction motor <NUM> can be reduced and a change in direction of air can be decreased, so a loss of airflow can be reduced.

As the loss of airflow is reduced, suction force can be increased and the lifetime of the battery <NUM> for supplying power to the suction motor <NUM> can be increased.

A printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM> for controlling the suction motor <NUM> may be disposed between the suction motor <NUM> and the second cyclone unit <NUM>.

The cleaner <NUM> may further include a handle <NUM> for a user to hold and a battery <NUM> for supplying power to the suction motor <NUM>.

The handle <NUM> may be disposed behind the suction motor <NUM>. Accordingly, the axis of the suction motor <NUM> may be positioned between the suction inlet <NUM> and the handle <NUM>.

As for directions, with respect to the suction motor <NUM> in the cleaner <NUM>, the direction in which the suction inlet <NUM> is positioned is the front direction and the direction in which the handle <NUM> is positioned is the rear direction.

The battery <NUM> may be disposed under the handle <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may be disposed behind the dust container <NUM>.

Accordingly, the suction motor <NUM> and the battery <NUM> may be arranged not to vertically overlap each other and may be disposed at different heights.

According to the present invention, since the suction motor <NUM> that is heavy is disposed ahead of the handle <NUM> and the battery <NUM> that is heavy is disposed behind the handle <NUM>, so weight can be uniformly distributed throughout the cleaner <NUM>. It is possible to prevent injuries to the user's wrist when a user cleans with the handle <NUM> in his/her hand. That is, since the heavy components are distributed at the front and rear portions and at different heights in the cleaner <NUM>, it is possible to prevent the center of gravity of the cleaner <NUM> from concentrating on any one side.

Since the battery <NUM> is disposed under the handle <NUM> and the suction motor <NUM> is disposed in front of the handle <NUM>, there is no component over the handle <NUM>. That is, the top of the handle <NUM> forms a portion of the external appearance of the top of the cleaner <NUM>.

Accordingly, it is possible to prevent any component of the cleaner <NUM> from coming in contact with the user's arm while the user cleans with the handle <NUM> in his/her hand.

The handle <NUM> may include a first extension <NUM> extending vertically to be held by a user and a second extension <NUM> extending toward the suction motor <NUM> over the first extension <NUM>. The second extension <NUM> may at least partially horizontally extend.

A stopper <NUM> for preventing a user's hand holding the first extension <NUM> from moving in the longitudinal direction of the first extension <NUM> (vertically in <FIG>) may be formed on the first extension <NUM>. The stopper <NUM> may extend toward the suction motor <NUM> from the first extension <NUM>.

The stopper <NUM> is spaced apart from the second extension <NUM>. Accordingly, a user is supposed to hold the first extension <NUM>, with some of the fingers over the stopper <NUM> and the other fingers under the stopper <NUM>.

For example, the stopper <NUM> may be positioned between the index finger and the middle finger.

In the present invention, the longitudinal axis A3 of the suction inlet <NUM> passes through the first extension <NUM>. The stopper <NUM> is positioned higher than the longitudinal axis A3 of the suction inlet <NUM>.

According to this arrangement, when a user holds the first extension <NUM>, the longitudinal axis A3 of the suction inlet <NUM> may pass through the user's wrist.

When the longitudinal axis A3 of the suction inlet <NUM> passes through the user's wrist and the user's arm is stretched, the longitudinal axis A3 of the suction inlet <NUM> may be substantially aligned with the user's stretched arm. Accordingly, there is the advantage in this state that the user uses minimum force when pushing or pulling the cleaner <NUM> with the handle <NUM> in his/her hand.

The handle <NUM> may include an inclined surface <NUM> where an operation unit <NUM> is disposed. It is possible to input instructions to turn on/off the cleaner through the operation unit <NUM>. The inclined surface <NUM> may be formed to face a user. For example, the operation unit <NUM> may be formed at the rear side of the second extension <NUM>. The operation unit <NUM> may be disposed opposite to the stopper <NUM> with the handle <NUM> therebetween. The operation unit <NUM> on the inclined surface <NUM> is positioned higher than the stopper <NUM>. Accordingly, a user can easily operate the operation unit <NUM> with his/her thumb with the first extension <NUM> in his/her hand.

Further, since the operation unit <NUM> is positioned outside the first extension <NUM>, it is possible to prevent the operation unit <NUM> from being unexpectedly operated when a user cleans with the first extension <NUM> in his/her hand.

A display unit <NUM> for showing operational states may be disposed on the second extension <NUM>. The display unit <NUM> may be, for example, disposed on the top of the second extension <NUM>. Accordingly, a user can easily check the display unit <NUM> on the top of the second extension <NUM> while cleaning.

The display unit <NUM>, though not limited, may include a plurality of light emitting devices. The light emitting devices may be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the second extension <NUM>.

A battery housing <NUM> is disposed under the handle <NUM> and the battery <NUM> is received in the battery housing <NUM>. That is, the battery housing <NUM> is disposed under the first extension <NUM>.

The battery <NUM> may be detachably combined with the battery housing <NUM>. For example, the battery <NUM> may be inserted into the battery housing <NUM> from under the battery housing <NUM>.

A heat discharge hole <NUM> for discharging heat from the battery <NUM> to the outside may be formed through the battery housing <NUM>.

The rear side of the battery housing <NUM> and the rear side of the first extension <NUM> may form a continuous surface. Accordingly, the battery housing <NUM> and the first extension <NUM> can be shown like a single unit.

Referring to <FIG>, the cleaner <NUM> may further include a discharge cover <NUM> having air exits <NUM> for discharging the air that has passed the suction motor <NUM>. A HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter <NUM> for filtering air may be disposed in the discharge cover <NUM>. The axis of the cyclonic flow may pass through the discharge cover <NUM>. The air exits <NUM>, for example, may be arranged around the rotary shaft <NUM> of the impeller <NUM>. The discharge cover <NUM> has a flow guide <NUM> so that the air to be discharged through the air exits <NUM> is discharged at an angle from the rotational axis A1 of the impeller <NUM>. The direction in which air is suctioned through the suction inlet <NUM> crosses the direction in which air is discharged through the air exits <NUM>.

An air exit may not be formed at least in some area between the rotary shaft <NUM> of the impeller <NUM> and the handle <NUM> in <FIG> to prevent the air discharged from the air exits <NUM> from flowing to a user. That is, assuming that the cleaner is divided to the front and rear from the axis A2 of the cyclonic flow, some of the air exits <NUM> is positioned ahead of the axis A2 of the cyclonic flow.

As another example, referring to <FIG>, a barrier for stopping air discharged from the air exits <NUM> may be disposed at least in some area between the rotational axis A1 of the impeller <NUM> and the handle <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view when a discharge cover and filters have been separated in the cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention is combined with the flow guide and <FIG> is a view showing a structure for receiving a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter in the discharge cover.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the cleaner <NUM> may further include a pre-filter <NUM> for filtering air flowing into the suction motor <NUM>.

The pre-filter <NUM> may be disposed to surround a portion of the suction motor <NUM>. The rotational axis A1 of the impeller <NUM> may pass through the pre-filter <NUM>.

The air that has passed through the pre-filter <NUM> flows to the impeller <NUM> inside the suction motor <NUM> and then passes the suction motor <NUM>. Further, the air passes through the HEPA filter <NUM> and then finally can be discharged outside through the air exits <NUM>.

It should be noted that although the cleaner <NUM> includes the pre-filter <NUM> and the HEPA filter <NUM> in the present invention, the type and number of the filters are not limited. In this specification, the pre-filter <NUM> may be called a first filter and the HEPA filter <NUM> may be called a second filter.

The discharge cover <NUM> may include a receiving portion <NUM> for receiving the HEPA filter <NUM>. The filter receiving portion <NUM> is open downward, so the HEPA filter <NUM> can be inserted into the receiving portion <NUM> from under the discharge cover <NUM>.

Further, the air exits <NUM> of the discharge cover <NUM> face the HEPA filter <NUM>.

When being inserted in the receiving portion <NUM>, the HEPA filter <NUM> is covered by the filter cover <NUM>. The filter cover <NUM> has one or more holes 244a for passing air. The filter cover <NUM> may be detachably coupled to the discharge cover <NUM>.

The discharge cover <NUM> may be separably combined with the motor housing <NUM>. Accordingly, it is possible to separate the discharge cover <NUM> from the motor housing <NUM> to clean the HEPA filter <NUM>. It is possible to take the HEPA filter <NUM> out of the receiving portion <NUM> by separating the filter cover <NUM> from the discharge cover <NUM> separated from the motor housing <NUM>.

Removal of the discharge cover <NUM> from the motor housing <NUM> exposes the pre-filter <NUM> to an outside. Accordingly, a user can clean the pre-filter <NUM> after separating the pre-filter <NUM> exposed to the outside from the motor housing <NUM>.

According to the present invention, a user can reach the HEPA filter <NUM> and the pre-filter <NUM> by separating the discharge cover <NUM> from the motor housing <NUM>, he/she can easily separate and clean the filters <NUM> and <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view showing airflow in the cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The airflow in the cleaner <NUM> is described with reference to <FIG>.

Air and dust suctioned through the suction inlet <NUM> by the suction motor <NUM> are separated from each other while flowing along the inner side of the first cyclone unit <NUM>.

The dust separated from the air drops into the first dust storage part <NUM>. The air separated from the dust flows into the second cyclone unit <NUM>. The air flowing in the second cyclone unit <NUM> is separated again from dust.

The dust separated from the air in the second cyclone unit <NUM> drops into the second dust storage part <NUM>. On the other hand, the air separated from the dust in the second cyclone unit <NUM> is discharged upward to the suction motor <NUM> from the second cyclone unit <NUM>.

An air guide <NUM> for guiding the air discharged from the second cyclone unit <NUM> to the pre-filter <NUM> may be disposed outside the suction motor <NUM>. The air guide <NUM> surrounds the outer side of the suction motor <NUM> and may be at least partially spaced apart from the suction motor <NUM>.

Accordingly, air flows upward along the air guide <NUM> outside the suction motor <NUM> and then passes through the pre filter <NUM>. The air that has passed through the pre-filter <NUM> passes the suction motor <NUM>. The air is discharged to an exhaust channel <NUM> between the air guide <NUM> and the motor housing <NUM> after flowing in the suction motor <NUM> by the impeller <NUM>.

The air discharged into the exhaust channel <NUM> passes through the HEPA filter <NUM> and is then discharged to the outside through the air exits <NUM> of the discharge cover <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view showing a lower structure of the cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention, <FIG> is a perspective view of a body cover according to an embodiment of the present invention, and <FIG> is a view showing the body cover that has been rotated from the state in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the body cover <NUM> can open/close the bottom of the dust collection body <NUM> by rotating.

The body cover <NUM> may include a hinge <NUM> for rotating. The hinge <NUM> may be coupled to the dust collection body <NUM> or to a separate hinge coupling portion <NUM> on the dust collection body <NUM>. When the hinge coupling portion <NUM> is formed separately from the dust collection body <NUM>, the hinge coupling portion <NUM> may be coupled to the dust collection body <NUM>.

The hinge <NUM> of the body cover <NUM> may be positioned between the axis A2 of the cyclonic flow and the battery <NUM>.

Accordingly, when the body cover <NUM> is rotated about the hinge <NUM>, the body cover <NUM> is rotated toward a user, as in <FIG>.

After the body cover <NUM> is rotated toward a user, the body cover <NUM> prevents dust from flying to the user when the dust in the dust collection body <NUM> drops.

The body cover <NUM> may include a coupling lever <NUM> that can be moved by a user and is coupled to the dust collection body <NUM>. The coupling lever <NUM> may be coupled in parallel with the longitudinal axis A3 of the suction inlet <NUM>.

The body cover <NUM> may include a first guide <NUM> that can guide the coupling lever <NUM> and prevents the coupling lever <NUM> from separating downward. The first guide <NUM> extends downward from the body cover <NUM> and at least a portion of the first guide <NUM> is positioned under the coupling lever <NUM>.

The body cover <NUM> may further include a second guide <NUM> that can guide the coupling lever <NUM> and prevents the coupling lever <NUM> from separating downward. The second guide <NUM> protrudes from a side of the body cover <NUM> and may pass through the coupling lever <NUM>.

The second guide <NUM> may pass through the coupling lever <NUM> in parallel with the longitudinal axis A3 of the suction inlet <NUM>. A hole <NUM> for the second guide <NUM> may be formed in the coupling lever <NUM>.

The coupling lever <NUM> may have a ring-shaped portion <NUM> for a user to easily operate the coupling lever <NUM> by putting a finger in it. The ring-shaped portion <NUM> may be positioned between the hinge <NUM> of the body cover <NUM> and the axis A2 of the cyclonic flow so that a user can easily reach the ring-shaped portion <NUM>.

The coupling lever <NUM> includes a coupling hook <NUM> and the dust collection body <NUM> may include a hook slot <NUM> for locking the coupling hook <NUM>.

The coupling hook <NUM> may be locked to the hook slot <NUM> inside the dust collection body <NUM>. Though not shown in the figures, an elastic member that applies elasticity to the coupling lever <NUM> to maintain the coupling hook <NUM> locked in the hook slot <NUM> may be disposed between the body cover <NUM> and the coupling lever <NUM>.

When a user pulls the ring-shaped portion <NUM> of the coupling lever <NUM> toward himself/herself, the coupling hook <NUM> is pulled out of the hook slot <NUM>, so the body cover <NUM> can be rotated.

On the other hand, the hinge coupling portion <NUM> may include main body terminals <NUM> for charging the battery <NUM> in the battery housing <NUM>. It is possible to bring charging stand terminals in contact with the main body terminals <NUM> by placing the cleaner <NUM> on a charging stand (not shown).

The main body terminals <NUM> are disposed on the bottom of the hinge coupling portion <NUM>, but can be spaced apart from the floor when the cleaner <NUM> is placed on the floor. Accordingly, damage to the main body terminal <NUM> can be prevented.

<FIG> is a view when a battery according to an embodiment of the present invention has been separated from a battery housing, <FIG> is a perspective view of the battery according to an embodiment of the present invention, and <FIG> is a view showing a coupling groove of a battery housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, and <FIG>, the battery may include battery cells (not shown) and a frame <NUM> protecting the battery cells.

A protrusion <NUM> is formed on the top of the frame <NUM> and terminals <NUM> may be disposed in the protrusion <NUM>.

The battery <NUM> may include a plurality of coupling portions <NUM> and <NUM>. The coupling portions <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first coupling portion <NUM> disposed on a first side of the frame <NUM> and a second coupling portion <NUM> disposed on a second side of the frame <NUM>. The first coupling portion <NUM> and the second coupling portion <NUM>, for example, may be positioned opposite to each other.

The first coupling portion <NUM> may be a hook rotatably coupled to the frame <NUM>.

The first coupling portion <NUM>, for example, may be coupled to the hinge coupling portion <NUM> when the battery <NUM> is inserted in the battery housing <NUM>. Accordingly, the hinge coupling portions <NUM> may be called as battery coupling portions.

A locking rib <NUM> for locking a portion of the hinge coupling portion <NUM> may be formed on the hinge coupling portion <NUM>.

As another example, the hinge coupling portion <NUM> may be integrally formed with the battery housing <NUM> or the locking rib <NUM> may be formed on the battery housing <NUM>.

The second coupling portion <NUM> may be a hook that is integrally formed with the frame <NUM> and can be deformed by external force.

An opening <NUM> for inserting the battery <NUM> is formed at the bottom of the battery housing <NUM>. An exposing opening <NUM> for exposing the second coupling portion <NUM> to the outside may be formed so that the second coupling portion <NUM> can be operated with the battery <NUM> in the battery housing <NUM>.

A coupling groove <NUM> for coupling the second coupling portion <NUM> may be formed over the exposing opening <NUM> in the battery housing <NUM>.

A space <NUM> for operating the first coupling portion <NUM> is defined between the dust container <NUM> and the first coupling portion <NUM> when the battery <NUM> is inserted in the battery housing <NUM>.

Accordingly, a user can put a finger into the space <NUM> and unlock the locking rib <NUM> from the first coupling portion <NUM>. Further, the user can unlock the second coupling portion <NUM> from the battery housing <NUM> by operating the second coupling portion <NUM> exposed to the outside of the battery housing <NUM>.

According to the present invention, since the battery <NUM> can be separated from the battery housing <NUM>, it is possible to place only the battery <NUM> on the charging stand to charge it.

Further, since the cleaner <NUM> includes the main body terminal <NUM>, it is possible to charge the battery <NUM> by placing the cleaner <NUM> on the charging stand with the battery <NUM> in the battery housing <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view when the cleaner equipped with a suction nozzle is used to sweep a floor.

Referring to <FIG>, an extension pipe <NUM> having a nozzle <NUM> extending from the lower end may be connected to the suction inlet <NUM> of the cleaner <NUM> of the present invention.

In this state, a user can clean by moving the suction nozzle <NUM> on the floor.

When a user cleans using the suction nozzle <NUM> in the present invention, he/she can clean while changing the angle between the extension pipe <NUM> and the floor changing from about <NUM> degrees.

The suction motor <NUM> and the battery <NUM> may be positioned opposite to each other with a vertical line VL, which passes through the lowermost end of the dust container <NUM>, therebetween. That is, the suction motor <NUM> is positioned at a side from the vertical line VL (for example, ahead of the vertical line VL) and the battery <NUM> is positioned at the other side (for example, behind the vertical line VL). The vertical line VL may pass through the handle <NUM>.

Further, the heights of the suction motor <NUM> and the battery <NUM> from the floor are almost the same in the state shown in <FIG>.

Accordingly, when a user holds the handle <NUM> and sweeps a floor, the weight of the cleaner is balanced throughout the front and rear sides from the user's hand holding the handle, thereby maintaining weight balance. In this case, the user can clean using the cleaner <NUM> with small force and injuries that may be applied to the user's wrist can be prevented.

Further, in the process of sweeping the floor, as in <FIG>, the discharge cover <NUM> is positioned ahead of the vertical line VL and the user's hand holding the handle is positioned behind the vertical line VL. Accordingly, the air discharged through the discharge cover <NUM> flows away from the handle <NUM>, so it is possible to prevent the air discharged through the discharge cover <NUM> from flowing to the user's hand.

Obviously, only a portion of the suction motor <NUM> may be positioned opposite to the battery <NUM> with the vertical line VL therebetween, depending on the angle between the extension pipe <NUM> and the floor. This case corresponds to cases when sweeping specific spaces such as window frames or couches.

<FIG> is a view showing a cleaner according to another embodiment of the present invention.

This embodiment is the same as the previous embodiment except for the shape of the discharge cover. Accordingly, only characteristic parts of this embodiment are described hereafter.

Referring to <FIG>, a discharge cover 211a in this embodiment may have flow guides 213a for guiding air to be discharged.

In detail, a plurality of flow guides 213a is arranged with gaps in the circumferential direction of the discharge cover 211a. The spaces between the flow guides 213a function as air exits 212a.

The flow guides 213a may be inclined from a vertical line.

According to this embodiment, similarly, it is possible to prevent the air discharged from the air exits 212a from flowing to a user while the user cleans using a suction nozzle.

Further, the discharge cover 211a is disposed at the top of the cleaner, so it is possible to prevent dust around the cleaner from flying due to the air discharged from the air exits 212a.

<FIG> is a view showing airflow in a cleaner according to another embodiment of the present invention.

This embodiment is the same as the previous embodiment except for the structure of the storage guide. Accordingly, only characteristic parts of this embodiment are described hereafter.

Referring to <FIG>, a dust storage guide <NUM> of this embodiment may at least partially taper downward. For example, a portion of the upper portion of the dust flow guide <NUM> may taper downward.

Further, the dust storage guide <NUM> may have an anti-flying rib 504a extending downward from the upper end of the dust storage guide <NUM>. The anti-flying rib 504a may be formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape and may surround the upper portion of the dust storage guide <NUM>.

Since the upper portion of the dust storage guide <NUM> tapers downward, a space is defined between the outer side of the upper portion of the dust storage guide <NUM> and the anti-flying rib 504a.

As described in the previous embodiment, the cyclonic flow generated along the inner side of the dust collection body <NUM> may move down. When the cyclonic flow comes in contact with the rib <NUM> on the body cover <NUM> while moving down, the rotating flow can be changed into rising flow by the rib <NUM>. If there is rising flow in the first dust storage part <NUM>, the dust in the first dust storage part <NUM> flies upward and flows backward into the second cyclone unit <NUM>.

According to the present invention, rising flow in the first dust storage part <NUM> is changed into falling flow by the anti-flying rib 504a in the space between the anti-flying rib 504a and the upper portion of the dust storage guide <NUM>, so the dust in the first dust storage part <NUM> does not fly upward and accordingly it does not flow backward into the second cyclone unit <NUM>.

Further, since the rib 504a extends downward from the upper end of the dust storage guide <NUM>, the dust separated by the cyclonic flow in the first cyclone unit <NUM> can be smoothly sent into the first dust storage part <NUM> by the anti-flying rib 504a.

This embodiment is the same as the previous embodiments except for the position of the impeller in the suction motor. Accordingly, only characteristic parts of this embodiment are described hereafter.

Referring to <FIG>, a suction motor 230a of this embodiment is disposed in a motor housing, with an impeller 232a at a lower portion therein. That is, the suction motor 230a may be positioned with an air inlet facing the second cyclone unit <NUM>.

According to this embodiment, the air discharged from the second cyclone unit <NUM> directly flow upward to the impeller 232a and the air that has passed the impeller 232a keeps flowing upward, whereby it can be discharged out of the cleaner.

Claim 1:
A cleaner comprising:
a suction unit (<NUM>) configured to guide air into the cleaner;
a suction motor (<NUM>) configured to generate a suction force that suctions air into the cleaner through suction unit (<NUM>);
a dust separation unit (<NUM>) comprising:
a first cyclone unit (<NUM>) configured to separate dust from air that is suctioned into the cleaner through the suction unit (<NUM>); and
a second cyclone unit (<NUM>) disposed in a vertical direction with the suction motor (<NUM>) at a lower side of the suction motor (<NUM>) and configured to separate dust from air that is discharged from the first cyclone unit (<NUM>) , wherein in use, air discharged from the second cyclone unit (<NUM>) flows upward to pass through a passage formed around the suction motor (<NUM>);
a discharge cover (<NUM>) positioned on an opposite side of the second cyclone unit (<NUM>) based on the suction motor (<NUM>) and configured to form the appearance of the cleaner; and
an impeller (<NUM>) located between the discharge cover (<NUM>) and the suction motor (<NUM>),
wherein the discharge cover (<NUM>) is located on an upper side of the impeller (<NUM>), and one surface of the discharge cover (<NUM>) is disposed to surround an extension line from a rotational axis (A1) of the impeller (<NUM>).