KR102694203B1 - Cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner, and more particularly, to a vacuum cleaner having a lever structure that induces proper positioning of a dust bin and prevents separation of the dust bin, thereby preventing incorrect assembly of the dust bin, preventing the dust bin from being separated during use of the vacuum cleaner and dust inside the dust bin from being scattered to the outside, and preventing dust emptying errors in a docking station, and including a structure in which separation of the dust bin entails separation of the battery pack, thereby guiding the user to replace the battery pack, thereby inducing the user to replace the battery pack periodically, thereby efficiently managing the lifespan of the battery pack.

Description

{CLEANER}

The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner, and more specifically, to a vacuum cleaner that sucks in outside air by negative pressure, separates dust from the sucked air, and collects it in a dust bin, is portable, and has a detachable and replaceable battery.

In general, a vacuum cleaner is an electrical appliance that sucks up small pieces of trash or dust by sucking in air and filling the dust bin inside the product. It is called a vacuum cleaner and performs dry cleaning.

In addition, wet cleaning is a method of cleaning by wiping away dust with a mop, and there is also a method of sterilizing and cleaning by generating and spraying high-temperature steam.

These vacuum cleaners can be divided into manual vacuum cleaners that perform cleaning while the user moves the vacuum cleaner, and automatic vacuum cleaners that perform cleaning while driving on their own.

Manual vacuum cleaners can be classified into canister-type vacuum cleaners, upright vacuum cleaners, handheld vacuum cleaners, and stick vacuum cleaners depending on the type of vacuum cleaner.

A typical vacuum cleaner includes a main body, a cleaning nozzle, and a rubber hose or pipe connecting the cleaning nozzle and the main body. The main body receives power from a power source, and the cleaning nozzle cleans the surface to be cleaned using the suction power generated by the main body.

A canister-type vacuum cleaner is powered by a corded connection between the main body and a power source, while a handheld vacuum cleaner or stick vacuum cleaner is designed to be portable and has a battery installed in the main body, and cleans by receiving power from the battery.

In the past, canister-type vacuum cleaners were widely used as household vacuum cleaners, but recently, handheld vacuum cleaners and stick vacuum cleaners have been widely used because they are more portable and convenient to use as the main body does not need to be connected to a power source or a cord.

Handheld vacuum cleaners are designed to maximize portability, are light in weight, but are short in length, so the cleaning area can be limited when sitting down. Therefore, they are used to clean small areas, such as desks, sofas, or inside cars.

Stick vacuums can be used standing up, so you can clean without bending down. Therefore, they are advantageous for cleaning while moving around a wide area. While a handheld vacuum cleaner cleans narrow spaces, a stick vacuum cleaner can clean a wider space and can clean high places that are out of reach. Recently, stick vacuum cleaners are provided in a modular type, so you can actively change the vacuum cleaner type for various purposes.

Meanwhile, a docking station that performs the function of automatically emptying the dustbin of a handheld or stick vacuum cleaner may be provided together with the vacuum cleaner. When the dustbin of the vacuum cleaner is full, the user can empty the dustbin by simply attaching the vacuum cleaner to the docking station.

Meanwhile, the dustbin of the vacuum cleaner becomes dirty inside as the vacuum cleaner continues to be used, and the dustbin can be separated to clean the dirty dustbin.

However, conventional handheld vacuum cleaners or stick vacuum cleaners with detachable dustbins can be operated even when the dustbin is not properly assembled, which poses a problem in that dust may fly out while the vacuum cleaner is in use.

In addition, conventional handheld vacuum cleaners or stick vacuum cleaners have a problem in that if the dustbin emptying function of the docking station is operated when the dustbin is not properly assembled, the dustbin may not be emptied properly, the dustbin may be separated, or dust may fly.

Additionally, conventional handheld vacuum cleaners or stick vacuum cleaners have the problem that the dust bin can become detached while the vacuum cleaner is in use.

In addition, with conventional handheld vacuum cleaners or stick vacuum cleaners, there is a risk that the user may use them incorrectly assembled because it is difficult to tell whether the dustbin is properly assembled while using the vacuum cleaner.

Additionally, conventional handheld vacuum cleaners or stick vacuum cleaners have the problem of battery life deteriorating if the batteries are not replaced periodically.

Therefore, it is necessary to improve the structure to prevent incorrect assembly of the dust bin of a handheld vacuum cleaner or stick vacuum cleaner, to prevent the dust bin from being separated during use of the vacuum cleaner, to prevent dust from flying out of the dust bin, and to encourage periodic replacement of the battery.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to solve the problems of the above-described prior art, and to provide a vacuum cleaner that induces the dust bin to be attached to the correct position of the main body and prevents incorrect assembly.

Another problem that the present invention seeks to solve is to provide a vacuum cleaner whose dust bin is not separated during use.

Another problem that the present invention seeks to solve is to provide a vacuum cleaner that prevents dust inside a dust bin from flying out during use of the vacuum cleaner.

Another problem that the present invention seeks to solve is to provide a vacuum cleaner that prevents errors when the dustbin emptying function of a docking station is operated.

Another problem that the present invention seeks to solve is to provide a vacuum cleaner that can efficiently manage the life of a battery pack by encouraging the user to replace the battery periodically.

The tasks of the present invention are not limited to the tasks mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

In order to achieve the above object, a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main body having a space formed inside and a suction motor, a handle having a battery receiving portion formed inside and coupled to the main body, a dust bin having a dust receiving space formed inside and detachably coupled to the main body and the handle, and a battery pack introduced into the battery receiving portion and detachably coupled to the handle, wherein the dust bin has a lever groove recessed into an outer surface facing the handle, and the handle includes a lever that is provided to be linearly movable between the lever groove and the battery receiving portion, and the lever is provided to be selectively received in the lever groove or the battery receiving portion.

Here, when the lever is inserted into the lever groove, separation of the dustbin from the main body and the handle is blocked, and when the lever is separated from the lever groove, at least a portion of the lever is arranged in the battery receiving portion so as to block the battery pack from being inserted into the battery receiving portion.

In addition, the main body further includes a main body coupling structure that is detachably coupled with the dustbin, and the dustbin further includes a dustbin coupling structure that is detachably coupled with the main body coupling structure when the dustbin is rotated in one direction with respect to the main body, and when the dustbin is rotated in an opposite direction with respect to the main body, the dustbin coupling structure and the main body coupling structure are separated, and when the lever is inserted into the lever groove while the dustbin is coupled to the main body, the rotation of the dustbin can be blocked.

And, the battery pack is provided so that, when inserted into the battery receiving portion, the lever can be moved in a straight line by pressing it toward the dustbin.

In addition, the body coupling structure includes a coupling guide that is recessed radially inwardly on the outer surface of the body, and the dustbin coupling structure includes a coupling protrusion that is recessed radially inwardly on the inner surface of the dustbin, and the coupling guide is formed so that the upper and side portions are closed and the lower portion is open, and the width of the lower portion may be recessed to be wider than the width of the coupling protrusion so that the coupling protrusion can be inserted upward from the lower portion, and the width of the upper portion may be recessed to be wider than the width of the lower portion so that the coupling protrusion can move horizontally in a straight line after being inserted from the lower portion.

In addition, the main body coupling structure includes a coupling guide formed to be sunken in a radially inward direction on the outer surface of the main body, and the dustbin coupling structure includes a coupling protrusion formed to be protruded in a radially inward direction on the inner surface of the dustbin, and the coupling guide is formed such that the upper and side portions are closed and at least a portion of the lower portion is open, and the open width of the lower portion can be sunken so as to be wider than the width of the coupling protrusion so that the coupling protrusion can be inserted from the lower portion toward the upper portion.

Here, when the main body coupling structure and the dustbin coupling structure are coupled to each other, the dustbin is arranged at a coupled position with respect to the main body, and when the main body coupling structure and the dustbin coupling structure are separated, the dustbin is arranged at a separated position with respect to the main body, and the dustbin may be provided such that the lever groove is arranged opposite the lever at the coupled position, and the outer surface of the dustbin is arranged opposite the lever at the separated position, and the introduction of the lever into the lever groove is blocked.

Meanwhile, the handle comprises a spring that presses the lever toward the battery compartment;

may include more.

Furthermore, the lever may have an inclined surface formed at the end facing the battery receiving portion toward the inlet into which the battery pack is introduced. This inclined surface serves to allow the lever to move horizontally when the battery pack is introduced into the battery receiving portion and the lever is pressed vertically.

Meanwhile, the handle may further include a battery sensor that detects whether the battery pack is connected and the remaining battery level.

Here, the cleaner according to the present invention further includes a communication unit for communicating with an external user device, wherein the communication unit is configured to receive information on whether a battery pack is attached and the remaining battery amount from the battery sensor, transmit a battery attachment signal to the user device when the battery pack is attached, transmit information on the remaining battery amount to the user device, transmit a battery detachment signal to the user device when the battery pack is detached, and transmit a battery replacement signal to the user device.

In addition, the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention further includes a speaker and a control unit, wherein the control unit receives information on whether a battery pack is attached and information on the remaining battery amount from the battery sensor, controls the speaker to output a voice message notifying attachment of the battery pack when the battery pack is attached, outputs information on the remaining battery amount, controls the speaker to output a voice message notifying detachment of the battery pack when the battery pack is detached, and controls the speaker to output a voice message guiding replacement of the battery pack.

In addition, the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention further includes a display and a control unit disposed on the handle, wherein the control unit receives information on whether a battery pack is attached and information on the remaining battery amount from the battery sensor, and when the battery pack is attached, outputs visual information notifying attachment of the battery pack to the display, outputs visual information on the remaining battery amount to the display, and when the battery pack is detached, outputs visual information notifying detachment of the battery pack to the display, and outputs visual information guiding replacement of the battery pack to the display.

Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

According to the vacuum cleaner of the present invention, one or more of the following effects are achieved.

First, a vacuum cleaner is provided that prevents incorrect assembly of the dust bin by including a lever structure that enables the battery pack to be attached only when the dust bin is attached in the correct position.

Second, by including a lever structure between the dust bin and the battery pack to prevent separation of the dust bin, the dust bin is prevented from being separated during use of the vacuum cleaner, dust inside the dust bin is prevented from flying outside, and a dust bin emptying error of the docking station is prevented.

Third, we provide a vacuum cleaner that can efficiently manage the life of the battery pack by encouraging users to replace the battery pack periodically.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

Figure 1 is a side view illustrating a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a cleaner according to the present invention is coupled to a docking station.
Figure 3 is a perspective view for explaining the main body, dust bin, and handle of the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating a dust bin of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are exploded views illustrating the joint structure of the main body and dust bin of the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are side views illustrating the process of combining the main body and dust bin of the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
Figure 9 is a drawing for explaining the structure of the handle of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
Figure 10 is a drawing for explaining the combination of a battery receiving portion of a handle of a vacuum cleaner and a battery pack according to the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining a structure in which a dust bin is fixed by combining a battery pack with a battery receiving portion of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining a structure in which the connection of the battery pack to the battery receiving portion is blocked when the dust bin of the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention is incorrectly assembled.
Figure 13 is a block diagram for explaining a control method of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.

The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms, and the present embodiments are provided only to make the disclosure of the present invention complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

Hereinafter, in order to explain a vacuum cleaner according to embodiments of the present invention, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 is a side view for explaining a vacuum cleaner (1) according to the present invention.

A vacuum cleaner (1) refers to a cleaning device that is manually operated by a user. For example, the vacuum cleaner (1) may refer to a handheld vacuum cleaner or a stick vacuum cleaner.

The vacuum cleaner (1) may include a main body (100), a dust bin (200), a handle (300), a battery pack (400), an extension tube (500), and a nozzle (600).

The main body (100) may be equipped with a dust separation unit (130), a suction motor, and a filter.

The main body (100) can be connected to the nozzle (600) through an extension tube (500).

The suction motor is the component that generates suction force to suck in air.

The suction motor can be accommodated within the main body. The suction motor can generate suction force by rotation.

The main body (100) can generate suction force by operating a suction motor and provide suction force to a nozzle (600) through an extension tube (500).

External dust may enter the main body (100) through the nozzle (600) and the extension pipe (500).

In contrast, the cleaner (1) according to the present invention may be configured without the extension tube (500) by having the main body (100) directly connected to the nozzle (600) to provide suction power to the nozzle (600).

The dust separation unit (130) may be a cyclone capable of separating dust by cyclone flow.

The dust separation unit (130) can separate dust sucked into the interior through the extension pipe (500) from the air.

The dust separation unit (130) can be placed on the surface of the main body (100) facing the dust bin (200).

The dust separation unit (130) can be accommodated inside the dust bin (200) when the dust bin (200) is connected to the main body (100). (See FIGS. 4 to 6)

A filter is a component that filters out foreign substances contained in flowing air. The filter may include a pre-filter or a HEPA filter.

The prefilter is the filter placed at the uppermost level of the filters, and is formed in a mesh shape to primarily filter physically large dust particles. The prefilter physically filters dust particles larger than the gap between the meshes, and is a component that improves the lifespan of other filters.

HEPA filter is an abbreviation for High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA), and is a component that filters fine dust. Generally, HEPA filters filter fine dust using electrostatic force. HEPA filters are placed downstream of the pre-filter.

The dust bin (200) is a component that provides a space where dust sucked in through the nozzle is stored.

The dust bin (200) can store dust separated from the air in the dust separation unit (130).

Dust separated in the dust separation unit (130) is collected in the dust bin (200), and the air can be discharged to the outside of the vacuum cleaner (1).

As the use of the vacuum cleaner (1) continues, the inside of the dust bin (200) may become more contaminated. In order to allow the user to clean the contaminated dust bin (200), the dust bin (200) may be provided to be detachable from the main body (100).

The handle (300) is a component that is gripped by the user's hand when the user uses the vacuum cleaner.

The handle (300) can be formed in the shape of a pillar.

The handle (300) may have the shape of a curved cylinder.

The handle (300) is formed in the shape of a pillar with a different cross-section depending on the height, and the part that the user holds can be formed with a relatively small diameter.

The upper part of the handle (300) can be connected to the main body (100) and the lower part can be detachably connected to the dust bin (200).

The specific shape, structure and function of the handle (300) will be described in more detail below together with FIG. 9, etc.

The battery pack (400) is a component that stores electric energy and supplies power to each component of the vacuum cleaner (1), including the suction motor.

The battery pack (400) can be detachably coupled to the inside of the handle (300).

In contrast, the battery pack (400) can be detachably coupled to the interior of the main body (100).

The specific shape, structure and function of the battery pack (400) will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12.

The extension pipe (500) is a component that guides air sucked from the nozzle (600) to the main body (100).

One end of the extension tube (500) may be connected to the nozzle (600), and the other end may be connected to the main body (100).

The main body (100) may be equipped with an extension pipe coupling part (120).

Specifically, the rear end of the extension pipe (500) is connected to the extension pipe joint (120), and the front end of the extension pipe (500) is connected to the nozzle (600).

The extension tube (500) may be formed in a long cylindrical shape. The extension tube (500) may be formed of a flexible material.

A rolling axis can be formed along the length of the extension pipe (500). The rolling axis is an imaginary line extending in the forward and backward direction, and the nozzle (600) can perform a rolling movement centered on the rolling axis.

Figure 2 is a perspective view for explaining a state in which a cleaner (1) according to the present invention is coupled to a docking station (2).

A vacuum cleaner (1) can be mounted and connected to the docking station (2).

The docking station (2) is a component that supplies power to the battery pack (400) of the vacuum cleaner (1) to charge the battery pack (400) and automatically empty the dust bin (200), thereby improving the user's convenience in using the vacuum cleaner (1).

The cleaner (1) can be placed on the docking station (2) with the length of the extension tube perpendicular to the ground. The cleaner (1) can also be placed on the docking station (2) with the length of the extension tube forming an acute angle with the ground.

However, in the case of conventional vacuum cleaners, if the vacuum cleaner is placed on the docking station without the dust bin being properly attached to the main body, there is a risk that dust may fly out, and when the dust bin emptying function is operated, there is a risk that the dust bin may not be emptied properly, the dust bin may be separated, or dust may fly out, which may cause a malfunction of the vacuum cleaner or the docking station. The vacuum cleaner (1) according to the present invention is intended to solve these problems of conventional vacuum cleaners.

Figure 3 is a perspective view for explaining the main body (100), dust bin (200), and handle (300) of the vacuum cleaner (1) according to the present invention.

For convenience of explanation and understanding, the direction is defined as follows with reference to Figure 3.

With respect to the main body (100), the direction facing one side where the extension pipe joint (120) and the extension pipe (500) are located can be called forward, and the direction opposite to the forward can be called rear.

With respect to the main body (100), the direction toward one side where the handle (300) is located can be called rearward, and the direction opposite to the rear can be called forward.

The direction toward the side where the dustbin (200) is located can be called downward, and the direction opposite to downward can be called upward.

With respect to the handle (300), the direction toward one side where the battery pack (400) is located can be called downward, and the direction opposite to downward can be called upward.

The main body (100) includes a main body housing (110) that forms the exterior of the main body (100) and has a space formed inside, and an extension pipe joint (120) that is a passageway communicating with the space inside the main body housing (110) may be formed on the outer surface of the main body housing (110).

The handle (300) may include a handle housing (310) that forms the exterior of the handle (300) and has a space formed inside.

A battery receiving portion (320) may be formed in the space inside the handle housing (310).

The battery pack (400) can be inserted into the interior of the battery receiving portion (320) and detachably connected (see FIG. 10).

The battery pack (400) is electrically connected to electrical terminals placed inside the battery receiving portion (320) and can supply power to various components of the vacuum cleaner (1).

The battery pack (400) can be detachably coupled to the handle housing (310).

The operating unit (330) is a component that receives commands from a user. The operating unit (330) may include a plurality of buttons, and when the user presses a button, a corresponding command is executed.

For example, the control unit (330) may be provided with an operation button and a stop button that control the operation of the suction motor of the vacuum cleaner (1).

The operating part (330) may be placed on the handle (300), but may also be placed on other components such as the main body (100) of the cleaner (1), so the location of the operating part (330) is not limited to the handle (300).

Figure 4 is a perspective view for explaining a dust bin (200) of a vacuum cleaner (1) according to the present invention.

The dustbin (200) includes a dustbin housing (210) that forms the exterior.

The dustbin housing (210) can be formed in the shape of a cylinder with an empty interior and a closed bottom.

The space inside the dustbin housing (210) can be a dust receiving space where dust separated by the dust separator (130) is received.

One or more dustbin coupling structures (220) may be arranged on the inner side of the upper portion of the dustbin housing (210).

The dustbin combination structure (220) is a component for combining the dustbin (200) and the main body (100).

The dustbin combination structure (220) can be formed in the shape of a protruding projection or a sunken groove.

The method by which the dust bin (200) is connected to the main body (100) using the dust bin connection structure (220) will be described in more detail below together with the description of the main body (100).

A lever groove (230) may be formed sunken into the rear of the outer surface of the dustbin (200).

The lever home (230) is a component for introducing a lever (350) (see FIG. 9) to be described later. The shape, structure, and function of the lever home (230) will be described in more detail below along with the description of the lever (350).

Figures 5 and 6 are exploded views for explaining the joint structure of the main body (100) and dust bin (200) of the vacuum cleaner (1) according to the present invention.

When a dust bin (200) is combined with the main body (100), a main body combination structure (140) can be placed at a position corresponding to the dust bin combination structure (220).

The main body joining structure (140) can be formed at the bottom of the main body housing (110).

Since one or more dustbin coupling structures (220) can be formed, one or more body coupling structures (140) can also be formed at positions corresponding to the dustbin coupling structures (220).

The greater the number of dustbin combination structures (220) and body combination structures (140), the more solid the combination of the dustbin (200) and the body (100) can be.

When the dustbin coupling structure (220) is formed in the shape of a protruding projection, the main body coupling structure (140) can be formed in the shape of a sunken groove.

In contrast, when the dustbin coupling structure (220) is in the shape of a sunken groove, the main body coupling structure (140) may be formed in the shape of a protruding projection.

Below, the method of combining the dustbin combining structure (220) and the main body combining structure (140) is explained assuming that the dustbin combining structure (220) has the shape of a protruding projection.

However, the shape and joining method of the dustbin joining structure (220) and the main body joining structure (140) are not limited to the description below.

The dustbin coupling structure (220) can be formed to protrude radially inward from the inner upper portion of the dustbin housing (210).

The dustbin combination structure (220) can be formed by protruding into a shape with a constant height and width.

For example, the dustbin coupling structure (220) may be formed by protruding into a rectangular shape, but may also have a certain degree of curvature and other shapes are also possible, so the shape is not particularly limited.

The main body coupling structure (140) must be able to perform the function of allowing the dustbin coupling structure (220) to be inserted or separated, while also fixing the dustbin coupling structure (220) so that it is not separated by manipulation. A structure for performing this function is described.

The main body joining structure (140) can be formed by recessing radially inward from the outer lower side of the main body housing (110).

The height of the main body coupling structure (140) is formed to be longer than the height of the dustbin coupling structure (220) in order to accommodate the dustbin coupling structure (220).

For example, the height of the main body coupling structure (140) can be formed to be 1.2 times higher than the height of the dustbin coupling structure (220).

The width of the lower part of the main body coupling structure (140) is formed to be wider than the width of the dustbin coupling structure (220) so that the dustbin coupling structure (220) can be introduced from the lower side toward the upper side.

For example, the width of the lower part of the main body coupling structure (140) can be formed to be 1.1 times longer than the width of the dustbin coupling structure (220).

The width of the upper part of the main body coupling structure (140) is formed to be wider than the width of the lower part so that the dustbin coupling structure (220) can move horizontally in a straight line after being introduced from the lower part toward the upper part.

For example, the width of the upper part of the main body coupling structure (140) can be formed to be twice as long as the width of the dustbin coupling structure (220).

The upper width of the main body joint structure (140) is formed wider than the lower width. However, this does not mean a tapered structure in which the width gradually changes according to the height, but rather has two widths, and the upper and lower widths differ at a specific critical height.

From another perspective, the lower part of the main body coupling structure (140) may be partially closed and partially open. The dustbin coupling structure (220) may be introduced into the open lower part of the main body coupling structure (140), and then horizontally moved from the upper part of the main body coupling structure (140) to a position where the lower part of the main body coupling structure (140) is closed.

Here, the width of the open portion at the bottom of the main body combination structure (140) becomes the width of the lower portion described above, and the width of the open portion and the width of the closed portion added together can become the width of the upper portion.

The dustbin (200) is placed coaxially with the main body (100) at the bottom of the main body (100), and then moved upward so that the dustbin coupling structure (220) can be inserted into the main body coupling structure (140).

When the dustbin (200) is rotated in one direction with respect to the main body (100) while the dustbin coupling structure (220) is inserted into the main body coupling structure (140), the dustbin coupling structure (220) moves horizontally and linearly inside the main body coupling structure (140), and the dustbin coupling structure (220) is blocked by the main body coupling structure (140) and cannot move downward, and the dustbin (200) can be fixed so that it cannot move up and down with respect to the main body (100).

That is, the dustbin coupling structure (220) is introduced into the open portion of the lower part of the main body coupling structure (140), and then moves horizontally and linearly from the upper part of the main body coupling structure (140) so that the vertical movement can be blocked by the closed portion of the lower part of the main body coupling structure (140).

Conversely, when the dust bin (200) is rotated in the opposite direction to the main body (100) while the dust bin (200) is coupled, the dust bin coupling structure (220) can move downward through the open portion at the bottom of the main body coupling structure (140), and the dust bin (200) can be separated downward from the main body (100).

In order to make the connection between the main body (100) and the dust bin (200) more solid, the main body (100) and the dust bin (200) may further include a connection structure other than the structure described above. Even if such a structure is included, it may be included in the scope of the present invention within a range obvious to a person skilled in the art.

The dustbin (200) may further include a cover, a cover hinge, and a cover hook structure so that dust inside the dustbin (200) can be emptied without separating the dustbin (200) from the main body (100).

The cover of the dustbin (200) can be provided at the bottom of the dustbin (200).

The cover hinge of the dustbin (200) connects the lower part of the dustbin (200) and the cover, and may be provided so that the cover can rotate with respect to the dustbin (200).

For example, the cover hinge of the dustbin (200) may be positioned at the rear of the cover.

The dustbin (200) may further include a cover hook for opening and closing the cover.

The cover hook can be placed opposite the cover hinge to ensure stable opening and closing of the cover.

For example, if the cover hinge is positioned at the rear of the dustbin (200), the cover hook may be positioned at the front of the dustbin (200).

When the automatic emptying function of the dust bin (200) is executed by the aforementioned docking station (2), the docking station (2) can empty the dust bin (200) after opening the cover of the dust bin (200).

In this case, the docking station (2) may be provided with components for opening the cover at positions corresponding to the cover hinge and cover hook when docking the cleaner (1).

For example, when docking a cleaner (1) to a docking station (2), a component for rotating the cover hinge of the cleaner (1) may be provided at a position corresponding to the cover hinge, and a component for separating the cover hook may be provided at a position corresponding to the cover hook.

If the vacuum cleaner (1) is docked to the docking station (2) with the dust bin (200) incorrectly assembled and the automatic emptying function of the dust bin (200) is executed, the positions of the components for emptying the dust bin (200) provided in the docking station (2) above may not be correct, and a problem may occur in which the automatic emptying function of the dust bin (200) cannot be executed.

Figures 7 and 8 are side views for explaining the process of combining the main body (100) and dust bin (200) of the vacuum cleaner (1) according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a state in which the dustbin coupling structure (220) is not moved completely straight to the right from the top of the main body coupling structure (140) after being introduced into the open portion at the bottom of the main body coupling structure (140).

FIG. 8 is a drawing of a state in which the dustbin coupling structure (220) is moved further to the right than in the state of FIG. 7 and completely moved to the right from the top of the main body coupling structure (140), thereby blocking the up-and-down movement of the dustbin (200) and the dustbin coupling structure (220) by the closed portion of the lower part of the main body coupling structure (140).

Referring to FIG. 8, the dustbin coupling structure (220) can be most stably coupled to the main body (100) by moving as much as possible until it cannot move any further to the right after being introduced to the upper part of the main body coupling structure (140).

Referring to Fig. 7, if the rotation of the dust bin (200) stops while the dust bin coupling structure (220) is not completely moved to the upper rightmost side of the main body coupling structure (140), the dust bin (200) is not completely blocked from moving downward, and there is a risk that the dust bin may be separated during use of the cleaner (1).

A state like Fig. 7 can be called a 'dustbin misassembled state', and a state like Fig. 8 can be called a 'dustbin normal assembled state'.

In FIGS. 7 and 8, for example, the dustbin assembly structure (220) is configured to move linearly to the right of the main body coupling structure (140) and be coupled, but the linear movement direction may be configured in the opposite direction.

That is, if the shape of the main body coupling structure (140) is reversed from left to right as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the dustbin coupling structure (220) will move linearly to the left and be coupled with the main body coupling structure (140), and even then, it will be able to perform the same role as the present invention. Therefore, the difference in the direction of movement of the dustbin coupling structure (220) is merely a simple design change and is obvious to those skilled in the art, and is therefore included in the scope of the present invention.

If the vacuum cleaner (1) is operated with the dust bin (200) misassembled as shown in Fig. 7, dust may fly out or the dust bin (200) may be separated while the vacuum cleaner (1) is in use.

In addition, as shown in Fig. 7, when the vacuum cleaner (1) is docked to the docking station (2) in a state where the dustbin is incorrectly assembled and the automatic dustbin (200) emptying function is activated, the positions of the components may not match, so the dustbin (200) emptying function may not be activated, and the dustbin (200) may be separated or dust may fly.

The vacuum cleaner (1) according to the present invention can solve the above problems by allowing the user to easily know the assembly status of the dust bin (200), prevent incorrect assembly of the dust bin, and induce normal assembly of the dust bin.

Below, the structure for preventing misassembly of the dust bin (200) of the vacuum cleaner (1) according to the present invention is described in detail.

FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining the structure of the handle (300) of the cleaner (1) according to the present invention. FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining the combination of the lower part of the handle (300) of the cleaner (1) according to the present invention and the battery receiving portion (320) and the battery pack (400). FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining the structure in which the dust bin (200) is fixed by combining the battery pack (400) with the battery receiving portion (320) of the cleaner (1) according to the present invention. FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining the structure in which the combination of the battery pack (400) is blocked when the dust bin (200) is incorrectly assembled with the battery receiving portion (320) of the cleaner (1) according to the present invention.

The handle (300) may be formed with a different cross-section of the column to perform a necessary function for each part or shape of the column as a whole.

An operating part (330) may be placed on the upper part of the handle (300). According to FIG. 9, the operating part (330) is placed at the rear of the upper part of the handle (300), but alternatively, it may be placed at any position where the user can operate the cleaner (1) while using it.

A grip portion (340) may be formed on the upper part of the handle (300).

The grip portion (340) may be a space between the main body (100) and the upper portion of the handle (300).

In order to form a space sufficient for the user to grip the grip portion (340), the diameter of the handle (300) in the portion where the grip portion (340) is placed may be smaller than in other portions.

That is, the cross-sectional area of the handle (300) at the location where the grip portion (340) is formed may be smaller than the cross-sectional areas of other parts.

A finger guide structure that guides the user's finger can be formed in the grip section (340).

Specifically, a curved structure may be formed protrudingly on the inner wall of the grip portion (340) to support the user's finger.

The finger guide formed on the grip portion (340) prevents the user's finger from slipping on the grip portion, thereby preventing the user from dropping the vacuum cleaner (1) while using it.

An empty space is formed at the bottom of the handle (300), and this space can be a battery receiving portion (320). A battery pack (400) can be inserted into the inside of the battery receiving portion (320).

An electrical terminal for electrical connection to a battery pack (400) may be placed inside the battery receiving portion (320).

A lever (350) may be placed at the lower front of the handle (300).

The lever (350) is formed in a pillar shape and can be positioned to allow horizontal linear movement.

The passage through which the lever (350) moves horizontally and linearly in the handle (300) may be called a lever passage (360) (see FIG. 11).

The lever (350) can move horizontally and linearly between the lever groove (230) formed at the rear of the outer surface of the dust bin (200) and the battery receiving portion (320).

The lever (350) can be selectively accommodated in the lever home (230) or the battery receiving portion (320) by moving horizontally and linearly.

In the normal assembled state of the dustbin, the lever home (230) can be provided at a position corresponding to the lever (350).

In the normal assembled state of the dustbin, the lever home (230) can be placed opposite the lever passage (360).

When the lever (350) in the battery compartment (320) is moved horizontally and straight in the normal assembled state of the dustbin, it can be inserted into the lever home (230).

The lever home (230) may be formed so that it is in a position corresponding to the lever (350) only when the dustbin (200) is in a normally assembled state, and so that it is in a position not corresponding to the lever (350) when the dustbin (200) is in a wrongly assembled state.

When the lever (350) is moved horizontally and linearly toward the lever home (230) in the normal assembled state of the dustbin (200) and inserted into the lever home (230), the rotation of the dustbin (200) can be blocked by the lever (350).

When the dustbin (200) is in a normal assembled state, the dustbin assembly structure (220) must rotate and be separated from the main body joining structure (140) in order to be separated from the main body (100). Therefore, if the rotation of the dustbin (200) is blocked, the separation of the dustbin (200) from the main body (100) is blocked.

When the lever (350) is inserted into the lever home (230), separation of the dust bin (200) from the main body (100) and the handle (300) is blocked.

When the battery pack (400) is coupled to the battery receiving portion (320), the battery pack (400) can press the lever (350) toward the dust bin (200), and by the pressing of the battery pack (400), the lever (350) can be moved horizontally and linearly toward the lever home (230) and inserted into the lever home (230).

That is, by combining the battery pack (400) with the battery receiving portion (320), the rotation of the dust bin (200) is blocked, and separation of the dust bin (200) from the main body (100) can be blocked.

The lever (350) may have an inclined surface formed at the rear end facing the battery receiving portion (320).

The upper slope can be formed to face the entrance of the battery receiving portion (320), that is, the direction in which the battery pack (400) is introduced.

The lower part of the rear end of the lever (350) can be formed in a tapered shape.

When a slope is formed at the rear end of the lever (350), when the battery pack (400) is pulled in upward, a horizontal component is generated in the force applied to the lever (350), which can help move the lever (350) in a horizontal straight line toward the lever home (230).

The lever (350) may be provided so that when separated from the lever home (230), at least a portion of the lever (350) is placed in the battery receiving portion (320).

The length of the lever (350) can be referred to as L, the depth of the lever groove (230) as D, and the length of the lever passage (360) as A. (See Fig. 11)

At this time, if "L=D+A" is satisfied, if the front end of the lever (350) is fully inserted into the lever groove (230) and comes into contact, the lever (350) is not placed in the battery receiving portion (320), and if the front end of the lever (350) is at least partially pulled out of the lever groove (230), at least a portion of the rear end of the lever (350) is necessarily placed in the battery receiving portion (320).

When the rear end of the lever (350) is placed in the battery receiving portion (320), the lever (350) can block the battery pack (400) from being inserted into the battery receiving portion (320).

In the assembled state of the dustbin (200), a surface of the outer surface of the dustbin housing (210) where the lever groove (230) is not formed can be placed opposite the lever (350) and the lever passage (360).

Therefore, in the case of a misassembled dustbin (200), the lever (350) cannot be inserted into the lever home (230) due to being blocked by the outer surface of the dustbin housing (210), and the rear end of the lever (350) may be placed in the battery receiving portion (320) to block the connection of the battery pack (400).

With this structure, the vacuum cleaner (1) according to the present invention can attach the battery pack (400) only when the user assembles the dust bin (200) into the main body (100) in the normal position, and the battery pack (400) cannot be attached when the dust bin (200) is incorrectly assembled.

The vacuum cleaner (1) does not operate unless the battery pack (400) is connected.

Accordingly, the cleaner (1) according to the present invention can provide the effect of allowing the user to easily recognize the incorrect assembly state of the dustbin (200) and allowing the cleaner (1) to be operated only when the dustbin (200) is in a normal assembly state.

In addition, after the battery pack (400) is combined in the normal assembled state of the dustbin (200), the battery pack (400) provides the effect of preventing the dustbin (200) from being unintentionally separated from the main body (100) by fixing the lever (350).

The handle (300) may further include an elastic member that presses the lever (350) toward the battery receiving portion (320). The elastic member may be provided as a coil-shaped spring (370).

The spring (370) may surround a portion of the lever (350) and be positioned inside the lever passage (360) together with the lever (350).

The spring (370) may be provided to press the lever (350) toward the battery receiving portion (320).

Specifically, when the lever (350) is moved toward the battery receiving portion (320), the spring (370) is in an uncompressed original state, and when the lever (350) is moved toward the dust bin (200) and lever home (230), the spring (370) is compressed to apply elastic force toward the battery receiving portion (320).

In the structure above, when the dustbin (200) and battery pack (400) are separated, the lever (350) receives elastic force from the spring (370), so at least a part of the lever (350) is placed in the battery receiving portion (320).

When the battery pack (400) is separated with this structure, the lever (350) is automatically moved horizontally and straight toward the battery receiving portion (320), and the lever (350) is separated from the lever home (230), so that the user can separate the dustbin (200) from the main body (100).

The dustbin (200) and the handle (300) may be provided with an additional coupling auxiliary structure to more firmly couple the dustbin (200) and the handle (300) to each other.

For example, a dustbin housing (210) may be provided with a hook structure on the outer surface facing the handle housing (310), and a groove may be additionally provided on the outer surface of the handle housing (310) to which the hook structure is coupled.

Here, the hook structure of the dustbin housing (210) and the groove of the handle housing (310) can be formed at positions corresponding to each other when the dustbin (200) is assembled to the main body (100) and the handle (300).

This hook structure can be formed so that it is inserted into the groove when the dust bin (200) is rotated in one direction, and is separated from the groove when the dust bin (200) is rotated in the opposite direction to the one direction.

In contrast, it goes without saying that a groove structure may be provided on the outer surface of the dustbin housing (210), and a hook structure may be provided on the outer surface of the handle housing (310).

The vacuum cleaner (1) according to the present invention is configured to first assemble the dust bin (200) and then assemble the battery pack (400).

If the user first attaches the battery pack (400) to the battery receiving portion (320) without assembling the dustbin (200), the lever (350) moves out of the battery receiving portion (320) through the lever passage (360) and protrudes forward.

A lever (350) protruding forward blocks the connection between the main body (100) and the dust bin (200).

Therefore, if the battery pack (400) is assembled first, the dustbin (200) cannot be assembled.

This structure has the effect of preventing incorrect assembly of the dustbin (200) by allowing the user to first assemble the dustbin (200) to the normal position before assembling the battery pack (400).

Meanwhile, a plurality of battery packs (400) used in the vacuum cleaner (1) according to the present invention may be provided.

One of the battery packs (400) can be used by being connected to the battery receiving portion (320), and the rest can be stored outside the vacuum cleaner (1) in a standby state.

Each battery pack (400) needs to be periodically discharged and charged to optimize the life of the batteries contained therein.

However, conventional vacuum cleaners only use the batteries that the user has used, and unused batteries are left unused, which can lead to problems in which the lifespan is not managed efficiently.

According to the vacuum cleaner (1) of the present invention, when the dust bin (200) and the battery pack (400) are both assembled, the lever (350) is inserted into the lever groove (230) to block the rotation of the dust bin (200), so the battery pack (400) must be separated first before the dust bin (200) can be separated.

Therefore, since the vacuum cleaner (1) according to the present invention involves separating the battery pack (400) when separating the dustbin (200), it has the effect of inducing the user to efficiently manage the lifespan of the battery pack (400) by inducing replacement of the battery pack (400).

The method of inducing replacement of the battery pack (400) by the vacuum cleaner (1) of the present invention is described in more detail below together with FIG. 13.

Figure 13 is a block diagram for explaining a control method of a vacuum cleaner (1) according to the present invention.

The cleaner (1) according to the present invention may further include a control unit (700) that controls the operation of various components of the cleaner (1) and a communication unit (800) that can communicate with a user device (3) outside the cleaner (1).

The handle (300) may further include a battery sensor (not shown) that can detect whether the battery pack (400) is connected and the remaining amount of the battery (410) inside the battery pack (400).

The battery sensor can obtain information on whether the battery pack (400) is connected and the remaining battery capacity from an electrical terminal electrically connected to the battery pack (400).

When a battery pack (400) is coupled to the battery receiving unit (320), the communication unit (800) can receive information about whether the battery pack (400) is coupled and the remaining battery capacity from the battery sensor and transmit a coupling signal of the battery pack (400) to the user device (3).

The communication unit (800) can transmit a battery replacement signal to the user device (3) when the remaining battery capacity of the battery pack (400) is below a predetermined level.

When the battery pack (400) is separated from the battery receiving unit (320), the communication unit (800) can receive information about the separation of the battery pack (400) from the battery sensor and transmit a connection signal of the battery pack (400) to the user device (3).

The vacuum cleaner (1) according to the present invention may further include a display (910) that outputs visual information. The display (910) may be controlled by a control unit (700).

The vacuum cleaner (1) according to the present invention may further include a speaker (920) that reproduces sound. The speaker (920) may be controlled by the control unit (700).

When a battery pack (400) is coupled to the battery receiving unit (320), the communication unit (800) can receive information about whether the battery pack (400) is coupled and the remaining battery capacity from the battery sensor and transmit a coupling signal of the battery pack (400) to the control unit (700).

The communication unit (800) can transmit a battery replacement signal to the control unit (700) when the remaining battery capacity of the battery pack (400) is below a predetermined level.

When the battery pack (400) is separated from the battery receiving unit (320), the communication unit (800) can receive information about the separation of the battery pack (400) from the battery sensor and transmit a connection signal of the battery pack (400) to the control unit (700).

When the control unit (700) receives a battery coupling signal from the communication unit (800), it can control the display (910) to output visual information indicating the coupling of the battery pack.

When the control unit (700) receives a battery separation signal from the communication unit (800), it can control the display (910) to output visual information indicating the separation of the battery pack.

When the control unit (700) receives a battery replacement signal from the communication unit (800), it can control the display (910) to output visual information guiding replacement of the battery pack.

When the control unit (700) receives a battery coupling signal from the communication unit (800), it can control the speaker (920) to output a voice message notifying the coupling of the battery pack.

When the control unit (700) receives a battery separation signal from the communication unit (800), it can control the speaker (920) to output a voice message notifying the separation of the battery pack.

When the control unit (700) receives a battery replacement signal from the communication unit (800), it can control the speaker (920) to output a voice message guiding replacement of the battery pack.

According to the vacuum cleaner (1) of the present invention, the user naturally separates the battery pack (400) when removing the dust bin (200), and also receives battery replacement instructions from the user device (3), display (910), or speaker (920), thereby having the effect of replacing the battery pack (400) at the necessary time.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the claims. Furthermore, such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or prospect of the present invention.

1: Vacuum cleaner 2: Docking station
3: User Device 100: Body
110: Main body housing 120: Extension tube joint
130: Dust separation unit 140: Body joint structure
200: Dustbin 210: Dustbin housing
220: Dustbin combination structure 230: Lever home
300: Handle 310: Handle Housing
320: Battery compartment 330: Control compartment
340: phage section 350: lever
360: Lever passage 370: Spring
400: Battery pack 410: Battery
500: Extension tube 600: Nozzle
700: Control Unit 800: Communication Unit
910: Display 920: Speaker

Claims (13)

A body having a space formed inside and a suction motor;
A handle having a battery compartment formed inside and joined to the main body;
A dust bin having a dust-receiving space formed inside and detachably connected to the main body and the handle; and
A battery pack inserted into the battery receiving portion and detachably connected to the handle;
Including,
The above trash can,
A lever groove is formed on the outer surface facing the handle,
The above handle is,
A lever provided to enable linear movement between the lever home and the battery receiving portion;
Including,
The above lever,
characterized in that it is selectively accommodated in the above lever home or the above battery receptacle,
The above lever,
A vacuum cleaner characterized in that when the battery pack is inserted into the battery receiving portion, the battery pack moves in a straight line toward the lever home due to pressure.
In the first paragraph,
When the lever is inserted into the lever groove, separation of the dust bin from the main body and the handle is blocked.
A vacuum cleaner characterized in that when the lever is separated from the lever home, at least a portion of the lever is disposed in the battery receiving portion to block the battery pack from being introduced into the battery receiving portion.
In the second paragraph,
The above body,
A main body combination structure that can be detachably combined with the above dustbin;
Including more,
The above trash can,
A dustbin coupling structure that is detachably coupled with the main body coupling structure when the dustbin is rotated in one direction with respect to the main body;
Including more,
When the above dustbin is rotated in the opposite direction to the above main body, the dustbin coupling structure and the main body coupling structure are separated,
A vacuum cleaner characterized in that when the lever is inserted into the lever groove while the dust bin is connected to the main body, the rotation of the dust bin is blocked.
delete In the third paragraph,
The above main body combination structure is,
A joining guide formed by recessing in the radial direction on the outer surface of the above main body;
Including,
The above dustbin combination structure is,
A joining projection formed radially inwardly on the inner surface of the above dustbin;
Including,
The above combination guide is
The upper and side parts are formed to be closed, and the lower part is open;
The width of the lower part is formed to be wider than the width of the coupling projection so that the coupling projection can be introduced from the lower side toward the upper side.
A cleaner in which the width of the upper part is formed to be wider than the width of the lower part so that the above-mentioned joining projection can move horizontally in a straight line after being introduced from the lower part.
In the third paragraph,
The above main body combination structure is,
A joining guide formed by recessing in the radial direction on the outer surface of the above main body;
Including,
The above dustbin combination structure is,
A joining projection formed radially inwardly on the inner surface of the above dustbin;
Including,
The above combination guide is
The upper and side parts are closed, and at least a portion of the lower part is formed to be open,
A cleaner in which the open width of the lower part is formed to be wider than the width of the coupling projection so that the coupling projection can be introduced from the lower side toward the upper side.
In the third paragraph,
When the above body combination structure and the above dustbin combination structure are combined with each other, the dustbin is placed at the combination position with respect to the body,
When the above body combination structure and the above dustbin combination structure are separated, the dustbin is placed in a separated position with respect to the above body,
The above trash can,
The lever groove is positioned opposite the lever at the engaging position,
A vacuum cleaner characterized in that the outer surface of the dust bin is positioned opposite the lever at the separation position, and the introduction of the lever into the lever groove is blocked.
In the first paragraph,
The above handle is,
A spring for urging the lever toward the battery compartment;
A vacuum cleaner characterized by further including:
In the first paragraph,
The above lever,
A vacuum cleaner characterized in that an inclined surface is formed at the end facing the battery receiving portion toward the inlet into which the battery pack is inserted.
In the first paragraph,
The above handle is,
A battery sensor that detects whether the above battery pack is connected and the remaining battery level;
A vacuum cleaner that includes more.
In Article 10,
A communication unit that communicates with external user devices;
Including more,
The above communication department,
Receive information about whether the battery pack is connected and the remaining battery level from the above battery sensor,
When the above battery pack is connected, a battery connection signal is transmitted to the user device, and information about the remaining battery capacity is transmitted to the user device.
A vacuum cleaner characterized in that when the battery pack is separated, a battery separation signal is transmitted to the user device and a battery replacement signal is transmitted to the user device.
In Article 10,
speaker;
Control unit;
Including more,
The above control unit,
Receive information about whether the battery pack is connected and the remaining battery level from the above battery sensor,
When the above battery pack is connected, the speaker is controlled to output a voice message notifying that the battery pack has been connected, and information about the remaining battery capacity is output.
A vacuum cleaner characterized in that, when the battery pack is separated, the speaker is controlled to output a voice message notifying the separation of the battery pack, and the speaker is controlled to output a voice message guiding the replacement of the battery pack.
In Article 10,
A display placed on the above handle;
Control unit;
Including more,
The above control unit,
Receive information about whether the battery pack is connected and the remaining battery level from the above battery sensor,
When the above battery pack is combined, visual information indicating the combination of the battery pack is output to the display, and visual information regarding the remaining battery capacity is output to the display.
A vacuum cleaner characterized in that when the battery pack is separated, initial information indicating separation of the battery pack is output on the display, and visual information guiding replacement of the battery pack is output on the display.

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