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.

Further, the airflow generator is disposed in a motor housing and has an assembly of a motor and a fan. Further, a pre motor filter is disposed ahead of the motor and a post motor filter is disposed behind the motor.

When the filters are used for a long period of time, dust may accumulated in the filters, when the filters are not cleaned, the dust accumulating in the filters acts as flow resistance, thereby deteriorating suction ability.

However, in the document, since the pre motor filter is disposed between the airflow generator, the cyclone and surrounded by a housing at the outside, and it is required to disassemble the product in order to reach the filters, it is troublesome to a user.

Further, the structure for guiding air discharged from the cyclone to the motor and the structure for guiding air that has passed the motor to the post motor filter are separately provided, so the number of part is large and the structure is complicated.

<CIT> discloses a vacuum cleaner having a motor and an impeller disposed above a cyclone unit. <CIT> discloses a vacuum cleaner having a motor disposed inside a cyclone unit. <CIT> discloses a vacuum cleaner having a first cyclone stage lower than a second cyclone stage.

The present invention provides a cleaner that has a simple structure and includes a small number of parts because one flow guide forms a suction passage and an exhaust passage for a suction motor.

The present invention provides a cleaner that is compact and has a sufficient air passage width for a suction motor.

The present invention provides a cleaner of which the body that forms the external appearance is not deformed.

The present invention provides a cleaner in which a filter unit and pre-filter can be separated.

The present invention defined in the appended independent claims solves the problems identified above. In the following description, there is further provided a cleaner which includes: a suction motor that generates suction force; a dust separation unit that separates dust from air suctioned by the suction force; a motor housing that surrounds the suction motor; a flow guide that surrounds the outer side of the motor housing and guides air discharged from the dust separation unit to the suction motor; and a body that surrounds the flow guide and guides air discharged from the suction motor together with the flow guide.

<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 cleaner <NUM> may further include a suction inlet <NUM> coupled to the front of the main body <NUM>. The suction inlet <NUM> can guide air containing dust into the main body <NUM>.

The cleaner <NUM> may further include a handle unit <NUM> coupled to the main body <NUM>. The handle unit <NUM> may be positioned opposite to the suction inlet <NUM> on the main body <NUM>.

That is, the main body <NUM> may be disposed between the suction inlet <NUM> and the handle unit <NUM>.

The main body <NUM> may include a first body <NUM> and a second body <NUM> on the first body <NUM>.

The first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM> may be, though not limited thereto, formed in a cylindrical shape.

The suction inlet <NUM> may be coupled to the main body <NUM> such that the center of the suction inlet <NUM> is positioned approximately at the boundary between the first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM>.

The main body <NUM> may further include a dust separation unit that separates dust from air suctioned through the suction inlet <NUM>.

The dust separation unit <NUM> may include a first cyclone unit <NUM> that can separate dust, for example, using cyclonic flow. The first body <NUM> includes the first cyclone unit <NUM> in this configuration.

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

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

The dust separation unit 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. The second cyclone unit <NUM> may include a plurality of cyclone bodies arranged in parallel.

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

The first body <NUM> functions as a dust container that stores dust separated by the cyclone units <NUM> and <NUM>. The main body <NUM> may further include a body cover <NUM> for opening/closing the bottom of the first body <NUM>. The body cover <NUM> can open/close the first body <NUM> by being rotated.

At least a portion of the second cyclone unit <NUM> may be positioned inside the first body <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 first 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 first 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 first body <NUM> is the first dust storage part <NUM>.

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

Further, the dust storage guide <NUM> may have an anti-flying rib 124a extending downward from the upper end of the dust storage guide <NUM>. The anti-flying rib 124a 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 124a.

The cyclonic flow generated along the inner side of the first body <NUM> may move down. When the cyclonic flow comes in contact with the body cover <NUM> while moving down, the rotating flow can be changed into rising flow by the body cover <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 124a in the space between the anti-flying rib 124a 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 124a 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 124a.

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

The cleaner <NUM> may further include a suction motor <NUM> for generating suction force and a battery <NUM> for supplying power to the suction motor <NUM>.

The suction motor <NUM> may be disposed in the second body <NUM>. At least a portion of the suction motor <NUM> may be disposed over the dust separation unit. Accordingly, the suction motor <NUM> is disposed over the first body <NUM>.

The suction motor <NUM> may communicate with an outlet of the second cyclone unit <NUM>.

To this end, the main body <NUM> may further include a discharge guide <NUM> connected to the second cyclone unit <NUM> and a flow guide <NUM> that communicates with the discharge guide <NUM>.

For example, the discharge guide <NUM> is disposed above the second cyclone unit <NUM> and the flow guide <NUM> is disposed above the discharge guide <NUM>.

Further, at least a portion of the suction motor <NUM> is positioned inside the flow guide <NUM>.

Accordingly, the axis of the cyclonic flow in the first cyclone unit <NUM> may pass through the suction motor <NUM>.

When the suction motor <NUM> is disposed above 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 and the suction motor <NUM> can be minimized.

The suction motor <NUM> may include a rotary impeller <NUM>. The impeller <NUM> is connected to a shaft <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> is disposed to extend vertically.

The suction motor <NUM> is disposed such that the impeller <NUM> is positioned at an upper portion in the suction motor <NUM>. According to this configuration, air can be blown downward in the suction motor <NUM> by the impeller <NUM>.

An extension line from the shaft <NUM> (which may be considered as the rotational axis of the impeller <NUM>) may pass through the first body <NUM>. The rotational axis of the impeller <NUM> and the axis 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.

The cleaner <NUM> may further include an upper motor housing <NUM> covering a portion of the top of the suction motor <NUM> and a lower motor housing <NUM> covering a portion of the bottom of the suction motor <NUM>.

The suction motor <NUM> may be disposed inside the motor housings <NUM> and <NUM> and the flow guide <NUM> may be disposed to cover the upper motor housing <NUM>.

At least a portion of the flow guide <NUM> may be spaced apart from the upper motor housing <NUM>. Further, at least a portion of the flow guide <NUM> may be spaced apart from the second body <NUM>.

Accordingly, a first air passage <NUM> is defined by the inner side of the flow guide <NUM> and the outer side of the upper motor housing <NUM> and a second air passage <NUM> is defined by the outer side of the flow guide <NUM> and the inner side of the second body <NUM>.

According to the present invention, the single flow guide <NUM> defines the first air passage <NUM> and the second air passage <NUM> and the number of parts for the air passages can be decreased, so the structure is simplified.

The first air passage <NUM> functions as a suction passage and the second air passage <NUM> functions as an exhaust passage.

The air discharged from the second cyclone unit <NUM> flows to the suction motor <NUM> through the first air passage <NUM> and the air discharged from the suction motor <NUM> flows through the second air passage <NUM> and is then discharged outside.

The handle unit <NUM> may include a handle <NUM> for a user to hold and a battery housing <NUM> under the handle <NUM>.

The handle <NUM> may be disposed behind the suction motor <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 behind the first body <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 inlet <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.

According to this arrangement, when a user holds the first extension <NUM>, the longitudinal axis A1 of the suction inlet <NUM> may pass through the user's wrist.

When the longitudinal axis A1 of the suction inlet <NUM> passes through the user's wrist and the user's arm is stretched, the longitudinal axis A1 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 operation unit <NUM>. For example, the operation unit <NUM> may be disposed on an inclined surface of the second extension <NUM>. It is possible to input instructions to turn on/off the cleaner (suction motor) through the operation unit <NUM>.

The operation unit <NUM> may be disposed to face a user. The operation unit <NUM> may be disposed opposite to the stopper <NUM> with the handle <NUM> therebetween.

The operation unit <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 <NUM>, for example, can show the remaining capacity of the battery <NUM> and the intensity of the suction motor.

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

The battery housing <NUM> may be 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>.

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.

When the battery <NUM> is inserted in the battery housing <NUM>, the bottom of the battery <NUM> may be exposed to the outside. Accordingly, when the cleaner <NUM> is placed on the floor, the battery <NUM> can be in contact with the floor.

According to this structure, there is the advantage that the battery <NUM> can be directly separated from the battery housing <NUM>.

Further, since the bottom of the battery <NUM> is exposed to the outside, the bottom of the battery <NUM> can come in direct contact with the air outside the cleaner <NUM>, so the battery <NUM> can be more efficiently cooled.

Referring to <FIG>, the cleaner <NUM> may further include a filter unit <NUM> having air exits <NUM> for discharging the air that has passed the suction motor <NUM>. For example, the air exits <NUM> may include a plurality of openings and the openings may be circumferentially arranged. Accordingly, the air exits <NUM> may be arranged in a ring shape.

The filter unit <NUM> may be detachably coupled to the top of the main body <NUM>. The filter unit <NUM> may be detachably inserted in the second body <NUM>. The air exits <NUM> are disposed above the suction motor in a state in which the longitudinal axis A1 is horizontally positioned.

When the filter unit <NUM> is combined with the main body <NUM>, a portion of the filter unit <NUM> is positioned outside the second body <NUM>. Accordingly, a portion of the filter unit <NUM> is inserted in the main body <NUM> through an upper opening of the main body <NUM> and the other portion protrudes outside from the main body <NUM>.

The height of the main body <NUM> may be substantially the same as the height of the handle <NUM>. Accordingly, the filter unit <NUM> protrudes upward from the main body <NUM>, so a user can easily hold and separate the filter unit <NUM>.

When the filter unit <NUM> is combined with the main body <NUM>, the air exits <NUM> are positioned at the upper portion of the filter unit <NUM>. Accordingly, the air discharged from the suction motor <NUM> is discharged upward from the main body <NUM>.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the air discharged from the air exits <NUM> from flowing to a user while the user cleans using the cleaner <NUM>.

The main body <NUM> may further include a pre-filter <NUM> for filtering the air flowing into the suction motor <NUM>. The pre-filter <NUM> may be disposed inside the flow guide <NUM>. Further, the pre-filter <NUM> is seated over the upper motor housing <NUM> and may surround a portion of the upper motor housing <NUM>. That is, the upper motor housing <NUM> may include a filter support for supporting the pre-filter <NUM>.

When the filter unit <NUM> is mounted on the main body <NUM>, the pre-filter <NUM> is pressed to prevent movement of the pre-filter <NUM> by the filter unit <NUM>.

For example, the filter unit <NUM> can press down the pre-filter <NUM>. Therefore, according to the present invention, there is no need for a structure for fixing the pre-filter <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view showing when a filter unit according to an embodiment of the present invention has been separated from the main body, <FIG> is a view showing the bottom of the filter unit according to an embodiment of the preset invention, <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the filter unit shown in <FIG>, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional perspective view of the filter unit shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the filter unit <NUM> can be separated from the main body <NUM>.

For example, the filter unit <NUM> may be separated upward from the main body <NUM>.

Since the impeller <NUM> is positioned at the upper portion in the suction motor <NUM>, the pre-filter <NUM> may be disposed to cover the upper motor housing <NUM> in order to cover the impeller <NUM>.

Accordingly, removal of the filter unit <NUM> from the main body <NUM> exposes the pre-filter <NUM> to the outside. accordingly, the pre-filter <NUM> can be separated.

The pre-filter <NUM> may have a knob 29a. A user can separate the pre-filter <NUM> from the main body <NUM> by holding the knob 29a of the pre-filter <NUM> exposed to the outside and then lifting up the pre-filter <NUM>. Since the pre-filter <NUM> can be separated from the main body <NUM>, a user can easily clean the pre-filter <NUM>.

The filter unit <NUM> further includes a filter <NUM> for filtering the air discharged from the suction motor <NUM> and a filter frame for supporting the filter <NUM>.

The filter <NUM>, for example, may be an HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter.

The filter <NUM> may be positioned around the flow guide <NUM> to prevent an increase in height of the cleaner <NUM> when the filter unit <NUM> is coupled to the main body <NUM>.

That is, the filter <NUM>, for example, may be formed in a ring shape and a portion of the flow guide <NUM> may be positioned in the area defined by the filter <NUM>.

Further, at least a portion of the pre-filter <NUM> may be inserted in the area defined by the filter <NUM>. That is, the filter <NUM> surrounds the pre-filter <NUM>.

The filer frame may be coupled to the flow guide <NUM> between the second body <NUM> and the flow guide <NUM>.

The filter frame may have an inner frame <NUM> and an outer frame <NUM> disposed around the inner frame <NUM>.

The outer side of the inner frame <NUM> and the inner side of the outer frame <NUM> are spaced apart from each other and the filter <NUM> may be disposed between the inner frame <NUM> and the outer frame <NUM>.

The filter frame may further include an exhaust frame <NUM> having air exits <NUM> and covering the top of the filter <NUM> and a filter cover <NUM> covering the bottom of the filter <NUM>.

In detail, the inner frame <NUM> may include a top portion <NUM> and a circumferential side portion <NUM> extending downward from the edge of the top portion <NUM>.

The circumferential side portion <NUM> may include a first part 503a and a second part 503b extending downward from the first part 503a and having a larger diameter than the first part 503a.

A seat <NUM> for the exhaust frame <NUM> may be formed between the first part 503a and the second part 503b by the difference in diameter of the first part 503a and the second part 503b.

The seat <NUM> is formed along the circumferential side portion <NUM> at a predetermine distance under the top portion <NUM>.

The exhaust frame <NUM> may be formed in a ring shape to be able to be seated on the seat <NUM>. Further, the inner diameter of the exhaust frame <NUM> may the same as or larger than the outer diameter of the first part 503a of the circumferential side portion <NUM>. Further, the outer diameters of the seat <NUM> and the second part 503b may be larger than the inner diameter of the exhaust frame <NUM>.

Accordingly, the exhaust frame <NUM> can be seated on the seat <NUM>, with the top portion <NUM> and the first part 503a of the circumferential side portion <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM> fitted in the exhaust frame <NUM>.

The filter unit <NUM> may further include an inner deco member <NUM> coupled to the edge of the inner frame <NUM>. The inner deco member <NUM> may be formed in a ring shape.

The inner deco member <NUM> includes hooks <NUM> for locking the inner frame <NUM>.

Hook coupling holes <NUM> for locking the hooks <NUM> may be formed at the inner frame <NUM>.

The hook coupling holes <NUM> may be formed at the first part 503a of the circumferential side portion <NUM>. Further, a guide groove <NUM> for guiding the hooks <NUM> to the hook coupling holes <NUM> may be formed on the first part 503a of the circumferential side portion <NUM>. The guide groove <NUM> may vertically extend.

Accordingly, when the hooks <NUM> are aligned with the hook coupling holes <NUM> while being moved along the guide groove <NUM>, the hooks <NUM> can be inserted into the hook coupling holes <NUM>.

The exhaust frame <NUM> is seated on the seat <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM> and then the inner deco member <NUM> may be coupled to the inner frame <NUM>.

To this end, a guide groove <NUM> for proving a space in which the hooks <NUM> of the inner deco member <NUM> can move may be formed on the inner side of the exhaust frame <NUM>. The guide groove <NUM> may vertically extend.

Accordingly, the hooks <NUM> of the inner deco member <NUM> can move along the guide groove <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM> and the guide groove <NUM> of the exhaust frame <NUM>.

When the inner deco member <NUM> is coupled to the inner frame <NUM>, the inner deco member <NUM> may be seated on the top of the exhaust frame <NUM>.

Therefore, according to the present invention, there is no need for a specific part for fixing the exhaust frame <NUM> to the inner frame <NUM>.

The outer frame <NUM> can support the exhaust frame <NUM>. The outer frame <NUM> may be fixed to the exhaust frame <NUM>, for example, by bonding in contact with the bottom of the exhaust frame <NUM>. However, it should be noted that the way of fixing the exhaust frame <NUM> and the outer frame <NUM> to each other is not limited in the present invention.

A seating groove <NUM> for seating the exhaust frame <NUM> may be formed on the outer frame <NUM> so that the outer frame <NUM> supports the exhaust frame <NUM>.

When the outer frame <NUM> is fixed to the exhaust frame <NUM>, a filter space is defined between the outer frame <NUM> and the circumferential side portion <NUM> of the inner frame, so the filter <NUM> can be inserted in the filter space. When the filter <NUM> is inserted in the filter space, it vertically overlaps the air exits <NUM>.

The filter unit <NUM> may further an outer deco member <NUM> coupled to the outer frame <NUM>. The outer deco member <NUM> may be coupled to the outer frame <NUM> while surrounding a portion of the circumference of the exhaust frame <NUM>. Further, the outer deco member <NUM> may surround the upper portion of the outer frame <NUM>. A seating step <NUM> for seating the lower end of the outer deco member <NUM> may be formed on the outer side of the outer frame <NUM>.

One or more coupling protrusions <NUM> for coupling the outer frame <NUM> may be formed on the inner side of the outer deco member <NUM> and one or more coupling grooves <NUM> for receiving the coupling protrusions <NUM> may be formed on the outer side of the outer frame <NUM>.

An anti-slip portion <NUM> for preventing a hand of a user from sliding when the user separate or couple the filter unit <NUM> may be formed on the outer side of the outer deco member <NUM>. The anti-slide portion <NUM>, for example, may be composed of a plurality of protrusions formed on the outer side of the outer deco member <NUM>.

A plurality of anti-slide portions <NUM> may be spaced from each other circumferentially around the outer deco member <NUM> to effectively prevent slide of a user's hand.

The filter cover <NUM>, for example, may be formed in a ring shape and has one or more air openings <NUM>.

The filter cover <NUM> can cover the filter <NUM> disposed between the outer frame <NUM> and the inner frame <NUM>.

The filter cover <NUM> can support the bottoms of the outer frame <NUM> and the inner frame <NUM> and may be combined with the outer frame <NUM> and the inner frame <NUM>, for example, by bonding.

The filter unit <NUM> may further have sealing members <NUM> and <NUM> for sealing the filter unit <NUM> and the main body <NUM> when the filter unit <NUM> is coupled to the main body <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view when the filter unit according to an embodiment of the present invention has been coupled to the main body.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the sealing members <NUM> and <NUM> may include an inner sealing member <NUM> (or a first sealing member) for preventing the air in the flow guide <NUM> from leaking to the outside through the hook coupling holes <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM>.

The inner sealing member <NUM> may be coupled to the inner side of the circumferential side portion <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM>.

In detail, a sealing rib <NUM> may extend downward from the top portion <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM>. The sealing rib <NUM> is spaced apart from the circumferential side portion <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM>. The sealing rib <NUM> is continuously formed in the circumferential direction of the top portion <NUM>.

Accordingly, a space for inserting the inner sealing member <NUM> is defined between the sealing rib <NUM> and the circumferential side portion <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM> and a portion of the inner sealing member <NUM> is fitted in the space.

When the inner sealing member <NUM> is coupled to the inner frame <NUM>, the inner sealing member <NUM> is in contact with the bottom of the first part 503a of the circumferential side portion <NUM>, the inner side of the second part 503b, and the bottom of the sealing rib <NUM>.

Further, when the filter unit <NUM> is coupled to the main body <NUM>, the inner sealing member <NUM> is seated on the upper end of the flow guide <NUM>.

Therefore, according to the present invention, the inner sealing member <NUM> is seated on the upper end of the flow guide <NUM> in contact with the bottom of the first part 503a of the circumferential side portion <NUM>, the inner side of the second part 503b, and the bottom of the sealing rib <NUM>, so the air flowing through the flow guide <NUM> is prevented from flowing into the hook coupling holes <NUM>.

Further, the inner sealing member <NUM> can prevent air from leaking into the gap between the outer side of the flow guide <NUM> and the inner side of the circumferential side portion <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM>.

A gap may be provided between the outer side of the filter unit <NUM> and the inner side of the second body <NUM> to separate the filter unit <NUM> from the main body <NUM>.

Further, sealing members <NUM> and <NUM> may further include an outer sealing member <NUM> (or a second sealing member) for preventing the air in the second air passage <NUM> from flowing into the gap between the outer frame <NUM> and the second body <NUM> without passing through the filter <NUM>.

The outer sealing member <NUM> may be coupled to the edge of the filter cover <NUM>. Though not limited, the outer sealing member <NUM> may be fitted on the filter cover <NUM> or may be integrally formed with the filter cover <NUM> by injection molding.

A support step <NUM> for supporting the outer sealing member <NUM> may be formed on the inner side of the second body <NUM>. The support step <NUM> may be formed by increasing the thickness of the second body <NUM>.

When the filter unit <NUM> is coupled to the main body <NUM>, the outer sealing member <NUM> can be seated on the support step <NUM>.

Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the air in the second air passage <NUM> from flowing into the gap between the outer frame <NUM> and the inner side of the second body <NUM>.

Further, when the filter unit <NUM> is coupled to the main body <NUM>, the outer deco member <NUM> is seated on the second body <NUM> of the main body <NUM>. Accordingly, a user can separate the filter unit <NUM> from the main body <NUM> by holding the outer deco member <NUM> and rotating the filter unit <NUM> in a predetermined direction.

Further, when the filter unit <NUM> is coupled to the main body <NUM>, a portion of the filter <NUM> may be positioned inside the main body and the other portion may be positioned outside the main body <NUM>.

According to the present invention, since a portion of the filter unit <NUM> is exposed outside the main body <NUM>, it is possible to hold the filter unit <NUM>. Further, the filter <NUM> may be positioned inside the portion protruding outside the main body <NUM>, so the size of the filter <NUM> can be increased. Accordingly, the area of the filter <NUM> that can come in contact with air increases, the ability to purify air can be improved.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a filer cover according to an embodiment of the present invention, <FIG> is a cross-sectional view after the inner frame is coupled to the filter cover shown in <FIG>, <FIG> is a perspective view of a flow guide according to an embodiment of the present invention, and <FIG> is a plan view of the flow guide according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the filter cover <NUM> may include an inner body <NUM>, an outer body <NUM> spaced from the inner body <NUM>, and a connection body <NUM> connecting the inner body <NUM> and the outer body <NUM> to each other.

The inner body <NUM> and the outer body <NUM> may be formed in a ring shape.

The one or more air openings <NUM> are formed through the connection body <NUM>.

A plurality of frame support ribs <NUM> for supporting the bottom <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM> may be formed on the inner side of the inner body <NUM>. The frame support ribs <NUM> may be spaced circumferentially on the inner body <NUM>.

Rib coupling portions <NUM> for coupling the flow guide <NUM> may be formed on the inner side of the inner body <NUM>.

The inner body <NUM> may include extensions <NUM> so that the rib coupling portions <NUM> can incline downward. The extensions <NUM> protrude downward on the bottom of the inner body <NUM> and the rib coupling portions <NUM> may be disposed at the rib coupling portions <NUM>.

Accordingly, the rib coupling portions <NUM> circumferentially extend from ends of the frame support ribs <NUM> at an angle downward.

Inclining downward the rib coupling portions <NUM> is for coupling or separating the filter unit <NUM> to or from the main body by rotating it and lifting the filter unit <NUM> when separating the filter unit <NUM> from the main body <NUM>.

When the filter unit <NUM> is lifted in the process of separation, a user can know that the filter <NUM> is being separated.

In order to separate the filter unit <NUM> by rotating the filter unit <NUM>, a rotational force should be applied to the filter unit <NUM>, so the filter unit <NUM> is not separated from the main body <NUM> even if it is pulled. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the filter unit <NUM> from being unexpectedly separated from the main body <NUM>.

Each of the rib coupling portions <NUM> may include a slot <NUM> for receiving fixing protrusions <NUM> of the flow guide <NUM>, which will be described below. The slots <NUM> may be groove or holes.

The inner frame <NUM> may further include a contact portion 509a extending downward from the bottom <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM>. When the filter cover <NUM> and the inner frame <NUM> are combined, the contact portion 509a may be in contact with side surface of the frame support ribs <NUM>.

The inner frame <NUM> may include recessions 509b that are recessed upward to form rib receiving parts <NUM> for receiving the fixing ribs <NUM> of the flow guide <NUM>.

The recessions 509b are spaced upward from the coupling ribs <NUM> when the inner frame <NUM> is combined with the filter cover <NUM>.

The recessions 509b may be inclined so that the fixing ribs <NUM> of the flow guide <NUM> can be inserted into the rib receiving parts <NUM> between the recession 509b and the rib coupling portions <NUM> when the filter unit <NUM> is rotated and moved down.

Accordingly, the rib receiving parts <NUM> extend downward at an angle. The rib receiving parts <NUM> may be considered as spaces between the inner frame <NUM> and the filter cover <NUM>. That is, the fixing ribs <NUM> of the flow guide <NUM> can be fitted between the inner frame <NUM> and the filter cover <NUM>.

The flow guide <NUM> may include a guide body <NUM> that is open at the top and the bottom. The guide body <NUM> may include passage walls <NUM> for forming the first air passage <NUM> through which the air discharged from the second cyclone unit <NUM> flows.

The passage walls <NUM> may radially protrude from the guide body <NUM>.

The flow guide <NUM> may have a plurality of passage walls <NUM> that is circumferentially spaced for smooth airflow.

The suction motor <NUM> is positioned inside the flow guide <NUM>, but the gap between the flow guide <NUM> and the suction motor <NUM> should be small in order not to increase the size of the main body <NUM>. However, when the gap between the flow guide <NUM> and the suction motor <NUM> is small, airflow is not smooth.

However, when the passage walls <NUM> protrude from the guide body <NUM>, as in the present invention, a sufficient cross-sectional area of the passage for airflow can be secured by the passage walls <NUM>, so air can more smoothly flow.

The passage walls <NUM> are formed at a predetermined distance under the upper end of the flow guide <NUM> so that the upper portion of the flow guide <NUM> can be inserted inside the inner frame <NUM> and the passage walls <NUM> do not interfere with the filter unit <NUM>.

Further, the outer diameter of the upper portion of the guide body <NUM> may be smaller than the inner diameter of the circumferential side of the inner frame <NUM>. Accordingly, when the filter unit <NUM> is coupled to the main body <NUM>, the upper portion of the flow guide <NUM> is inserted in the filter unit <NUM>, so the inner sealing member <NUM> can be seated on the upper end of the flow guide <NUM>.

According to the present invention, since a portion of the flow guide <NUM> is inserted in the filter unit <NUM>, an increase in height of the cleaner <NUM> can be minimized.

A filter support <NUM> may be formed on the inner side of the guide body <NUM> to support the lower end of the pre-filter <NUM>. The filter support <NUM> may protrude on the inner side of the guide body <NUM>.

Fastening portions <NUM> for fastening the motor housings <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed at the lower end of the guide body <NUM>.

The fastening portions <NUM> of the guide body <NUM> may be seated on the upper motor housing <NUM>. In this state, fasteners S1 can be coupled to the upper motor housing <NUM> through the fastening portions <NUM> from above.

The fasteners S1 may be coupled to the discharge guide <NUM> after passing through the upper motor housing <NUM> and the lower motor housing <NUM>. According to this structure, it is possible to fasten the parts using a small number of fasteners, so the structure is simple and the assembly is easy.

The flow guide <NUM> may include fixing ribs <NUM> for coupling to the filter unit <NUM>. The fixing ribs <NUM> may circumferentially extend at an angle so that the height of the filter unit <NUM> can be changed when the filter unit <NUM> rotates. Further, a fixing protrusion <NUM> may be formed on the bottom of each of the fixing ribs <NUM>.

Meanwhile, reinforcing ribs <NUM> may be formed on the passage walls <NUM>. The flow guide <NUM> is spaced apart from the inner side of the second body <NUM> to form the second air passage <NUM>.

The reinforcing ribs <NUM> may extend toward the second body <NUM> from the passage walls <NUM>.

As described above, as the flow guide <NUM> is spaced apart from the inner side of the second body <NUM>, when external force is applied to the second body <NUM>, the second body <NUM> may be deformed toward the flow guide <NUM>.

However, according to the present invention, since the reinforcing ribs <NUM> are formed on the passage walls <NUM>, even if external force is applied to the second body <NUM>, the second body <NUM> comes in contact with the reinforcing ribs <NUM>, so deformation of the second body <NUM> can be limited.

Since the passage walls <NUM> protrude from the guide body <NUM>, when the reinforcing ribs <NUM> are formed on the passage walls <NUM>, the length of the reinforcing ribs <NUM> can be reduced.

<FIG> is a view before the filter unit according to an embodiment of the present invention is coupled to the flow guide and <FIG> is a view after the filter unit according to an embodiment of the present invention is coupled to the flow guide.

A process of combining the filter unit <NUM> is described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

A portion of the lower portion of the filter unit <NUM> is inserted into the second body <NUM> to couple the filter unit <NUM> to the main body <NUM>.

Accordingly, the rib receiving parts <NUM> of the filter unit <NUM> and the fixing ribs <NUM> can be aligned.

In this state, the fixing ribs <NUM> are seated into the rib receiving parts <NUM> by rotating the filter unit <NUM>. The rib receiving parts <NUM> may be positioned higher than the fixing ribs <NUM> so that the fixing ribs <NUM> can be easily inserted into the rib receiving parts <NUM>.

Since the fixing ribs <NUM> extend at an angle, the filter unit <NUM> is moved down by the fixing ribs <NUM> when being rotated.

When the fixing protrusions <NUM> are inserted into the slots <NUM> of the rib coupling portions <NUM> while the fixing ribs <NUM> is inserted into the rib receiving parts <NUM>, the filer unit <NUM> and the main body <NUM>, that is, the flow guide <NUM> finish being combined.

Meanwhile, the filter unit <NUM> is rotated in another direction to separate the filter unit <NUM> from the main body <NUM>. Since the fixing ribs <NUM> extend at an angle, the filter unit <NUM> is moved upward by the fixing ribs <NUM> when being rotated in the direction. When the fixing ribs <NUM> are separated out of the rib receiving parts <NUM>, the filter unit <NUM> and the main body <NUM> are separated.

It is possible to separate the filer unit <NUM> from the main body <NUM> by lifting the filter unit <NUM> in this state.

<FIG> is a view showing the structure of the motor housing and the second body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the lower motor housing <NUM> may be integrally formed with the second body <NUM>.

A hole <NUM> for air flowing along the discharge guide <NUM> may be formed at the lower motor housing <NUM>.

The lower motor housing <NUM> can support the upper motor housing <NUM>. A first sealer <NUM> may be disposed between the lower motor housing <NUM> and the upper motor housing <NUM>.

The lower motor housing <NUM> may further include an air guide <NUM> for guiding the air discharged from the suction motor <NUM> to the second air passage <NUM>.

The upper motor housing <NUM> can support flow guide <NUM>. A second sealer <NUM> may be disposed between the upper motor housing <NUM> and the flow guide <NUM>.

A hole <NUM> through which the air that has passed through the hole <NUM> of the lower motor housing <NUM> passes may be formed also at the upper motor housing <NUM>.

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

The air discharged from the second cyclone unit <NUM> flows through the discharge guide <NUM>, passes through the hole <NUM> of the lower motor housing <NUM>, and then keeps flowing upward through the first air passage <NUM> of the flow guide <NUM>. Further, the air in the first air passage <NUM> passes through the pre-filter <NUM>.

The air that has passed through the pre-filter <NUM> passes the suction motor <NUM> in the upper motor housing <NUM>. The air flows in the suction motor <NUM> by the impeller <NUM> and is then discharged to the lower motor housing <NUM>. The air discharged into the lower motor housing <NUM> is changed in direction by the air guide <NUM> and sent to the second air passage <NUM>.

Further, the air flowing into the second air passage <NUM> is discharged outside through the air exits <NUM> after passing through the filter <NUM>.

According to the present invention, passages for air are formed only in the main body and not formed in the handle unit <NUM>. Accordingly, there is no need for a structure for sealing the joint between the handle unit <NUM> and the main body <NUM> when the handle unit <NUM> is coupled to the main body <NUM>. Therefore, the structure for coupling the handle unit <NUM> to the main body <NUM> is simple and the coupling is easy.

<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>, the battery <NUM> 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 suction 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 first body <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 filter unit <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 filter unit <NUM> flows away from the handle <NUM>, so it is possible to prevent the air discharged through the filter unit <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 filter unit 811a in this embodiment may have flow guides 813a for guiding air to be discharged.

In detail, a plurality of flow guides <NUM> is arranged with gaps in the circumferential direction of the filter unit 811a. The spaces between the flow guides 813a function as air exits 812a.

The flow guides 813a may be inclined from a vertical line.

According to this embodiment, similarly, it is possible to prevent the air discharged from the air exits 812a from flowing to a user while the user cleans using a suction nozzle.

Further, the filter unit 811a 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 812a.

<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 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 20a of this embodiment is disposed in a motor housing, with an impeller 200a at a lower portion therein. That is, the suction motor 20a 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 200a and the air that has passed the impeller 200a keeps flowing upward, whereby it can be discharged out of the cleaner.

According to the arrangement of the suction motor, the passage for the air that is discharged out of the cleaner from the second cyclone unit <NUM> is minimized, so a flow loss is minimized.

<FIG> is a view showing a lower structure of the cleaner according to a further another embodiment of the present invention, <FIG> is a perspective view of a body cover according to a further another 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 a first body <NUM> by rotating.

The body cover <NUM> may include a hinge <NUM> for rotating. The hinge <NUM> may be coupled to the first body <NUM> or to a separate hinge coupling portion on the first body <NUM>. When the hinge coupling portion is formed separately from the first body <NUM>, the hinge coupling portion may be coupled to the first 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 first 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 first body <NUM>. The coupling lever <NUM> may be coupled in parallel with the longitudinal axis 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 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 first 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 first 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 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).

Claim 1:
A cleaner (<NUM>) comprising:
a suction inlet (<NUM>) configured to guide air into the cleaner;
an impeller (<NUM>) connected to and configured to rotate about a shaft (<NUM>) extending vertically in a state in which the cleaner is positioned such that the shaft (<NUM>) is arranged along a vertical direction to generate a suction force that suctions air into the cleaner through the suction inlet (<NUM>);
a suction motor (<NUM>) comprising the impeller (<NUM>), the suction motor (<NUM>) being configured to drive a rotation of the impeller (<NUM>) via the shaft (<NUM>);
a first cyclone unit (<NUM>) configured to separate dust from air that is suctioned into the cleaner; and
a second cyclone unit (<NUM>) having a plurality of cyclone bodies to separate dust from the air that is discharged from the first cyclone unit (<NUM>), the plurality of cyclone bodies being disposed below the suction motor (<NUM>) so as to overlap in the vertical direction; and
air exits (<NUM>) configured to discharge air that has passed through a filter (<NUM>) to an outside of the cleaner (<NUM>),
characterized in that:
the impeller (<NUM>) is positioned at an upper portion in the suction motor (<NUM>); and
a filter unit (<NUM>) includes:
a filter (<NUM>) configured to filter air that has passed through the suction motor (<NUM>);
a filter frame for supporting the filter (<NUM>); and
a sealing member (<NUM>) configured to seal a gap between the filter unit (<NUM>) and a body (<NUM>) of the cleaner (<NUM>) to which the filter unit (<NUM>) is coupled.