DUST COLLECTOR, VACUUM CLEANER, AND CLEANING APPARATUS

Abstract

A dust collector of a vacuum cleaner including a dust collection case including an outlet; a cyclone module arrangeable in the dust collection case and inducing a swirling airflow of air; and a discharge door movable between an open position to open the outlet and a blocking position to close the outlet. The cyclone module including a fixed unit to be fixed to the dust collection case, a rotation unit having a rotation state of being rotatable with respect to the fixed unit based on the discharge door being in the open position and a locking state of being restricted from rotation with respect to the fixed unit based on the discharge door being in the blocking position, and a foreign substance blocking structure configured to block the foreign substance from being introduced into a gap along a vertical direction between the fixed unit and the rotation unit.

Claims

1. A dust collector comprising: a dust collection case including an outlet; a cyclone module, arrangeable in the dust collection case, configured to induce a swirling airflow; and a discharge door movable between an open position to open the outlet and a blocking position to close the outlet, wherein the cyclone module comprises: a foreign substance blocking structure, a fixed unit to be fixed to the dust collection case, and a rotation unit movable along a vertical direction with respect to the fixed unit to be in a rotation state of being rotatable with respect to the fixed unit based on the discharge door being in the open position and a locking state of being restricted from rotation with respect to the fixed unit based on the discharge door being in the blocking position, wherein, based on the discharge door being moved from the blocking position to the open position, the rotation unit descends along the vertical direction to switch from the locking state to the rotation state and the foreign substance blocking structure blocks a foreign substance from being introduced through a gap along the vertical direction between the fixed unit and the rotation unit as the rotation unit descends.

2. The dust collector of claim 1, wherein based on the rotation unit being in the rotation state, the foreign substance blocking structure is configured to block the foreign substance from moving into the gap along a radial direction (R) by a centrifugal force.

3. The dust collector of claim 2, wherein the foreign substance blocking structure comprises a rib, arranged on an inner side of the gap along a centripetal direction, extending from the fixed unit along a direction intersecting the radial direction.

4. The dust collector of claim 3, further comprising a rotation prevention unit configured to provide a rotational friction force between the rotation unit and the fixed unit to prevent the rotation unit from rotating with respect to the fixed unit based on the rotation unit being in the locking state, wherein the rotation prevention unit comprises a friction providing member arranged in one of the fixed unit and the rotation unit, and a friction contact member arranged in another one of the fixed unit and the rotation unit and contacting and pressing the friction providing member based on the rotation unit being in the locking state.

5. The dust collector of claim 4, wherein, based on the discharge door being in the blocking position, the discharge door contacts and presses the rotation unit, the friction providing member is compressed and deformed by the friction contact member, and the rotation unit is restricted in rotation with respect to the fixed unit, and based on the discharge door being in the open position, the discharge door is spaced apart from the rotation unit, the friction providing member is released from being compressed and deformed by the friction contact member, and the rotation unit is rotatable with respect to the fixed unit.

6. The dust collector of claim 4, wherein the gap is between the friction providing member and the friction contact member based on the rotation unit being in the rotation state.

7. The dust collector of claim 1, wherein the fixed unit comprises a cyclone body, and a mounting member supporting the cyclone body and mounted on the dust collection case, and the rotation unit comprises an inner case having a cylindrical shape surrounding the cyclone body and comprising a mesh filter, and a dust separation member assembled to the inner case and comprising a dust collection chamber in which dust separated from the cyclone body is collected.

8. The dust collector of claim 7, wherein the gap is a first gap and the fixed unit further comprises a lower plate arranged under the cyclone body and including an outer edge surrounded by the dust separation member, and the cyclone module includes a second gap connected to the first gap to allow fluid movement between an inner peripheral surface of the dust separation member and an outer peripheral surface of the lower plate.

9. The dust collector of claim 1, wherein, based on the discharge door being in the blocking position, the dust collection case further comprises an air inlet to introduce air from outside and an air outlet to discharge the air with the foreign substance separated therefrom, based on the discharge door being in the open position, an airflow is introduceable through the air inlet and the air outlet and the foreign substance which is separated by the cyclone module is dischargeable through the outlet, and the rotation unit comprises a rotation induction unit configured to receive a rotation force by an airflow introduced through the air inlet and the air outlet.

10. The dust collector of claim 9, wherein the rotation induction unit comprises a rotation blade arranged on at least one of an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface of the rotation unit.

11. The dust collector of claim 1, wherein the cyclone module further comprises at least one bearing structure that rotatably supports the rotation unit with respect to the fixed unit.

12. The dust collector of claim 1, wherein the cyclone module further comprises a stopper that restricts a descending position of the rotation unit.

13. The dust collector of claim 1, wherein the cyclone module further comprises a pressing member that presses the rotation unit such that the rotation unit switches from the locking state to the rotation state.

14. A vacuum cleaner comprising the dust collector according to claim 1.

15. A cleaning apparatus comprising: a vacuum cleaner including the dust collector according to claim 1; and a cleaner station including a docking unit to which the dust collector is connectable, a suction unit providing a suction force such that foreign substances collected by the dust collector are discharged, and a collection unit collecting the foreign substance discharged.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a dust collector of a vacuum cleaner, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a cyclone module of a dust collector, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a dust collector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a portion of a cross-sectional view of a cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view separately illustrating a fixed unit and a rotation unit in a cyclone module of a dust collector, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the shape of a dust collector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when a discharge door is in an open position.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the shape of a dust collector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when a discharge door is in a blocking position.

[0023] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a portion of the dust collector of FIG. 8 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a portion of the dust collector of FIG. 9 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 12 is a diagram for describing the movement of foreign substances when a discharge door is in an open position in a dust collector, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a portion of a dust collector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of a portion of a dust collector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when a rotation unit is in a locking state.

[0028] FIG. 15 is a diagram for describing another example of a foreign substance blocking structure in a dust collector, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

MODE FOR THE INVENTION

[0029] Hereinafter, example embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals or symbols denote like components or elements that perform substantially the same function.

[0030] Although terms such as first and second may be used herein to describe various elements, the elements should not be limited by the terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and vice versa. As used herein, the term and/or includes any one or any combination of the associated listed items.

[0031] The terms used herein are used to describe an embodiment and are not intended to restrict and/or limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms a, an, and the are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be understood that terms such as comprise, include, and have, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof. In the drawings, like reference symbols denote like members that perform substantially the same function.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a cleaning apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a dust collector 100 of a vacuum cleaner 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a cyclone module 300 of a dust collector 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a dust collector 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 1, the cleaning apparatus 1 may include a vacuum cleaner 10 including a dust collector 100, and a cleaner station 2 connected to the dust collector 100 to suction foreign substances accommodated in the dust collector 100 and remove the foreign substances from the dust collector 100.

[0034] The vacuum cleaner 10 may include a main body 11, a suction pipe 13 detachably coupled to the main body 11, a cleaner head 14 detachably coupled to the suction pipe 13, and a dust collector 100 detachably coupled to the main body 11. Foreign substances such as dust or hair in the air introduced through the cleaner head 14 may be collected in the dust collector 100.

[0035] The vacuum cleaner 10 may include a filter housing 15. A filter may be arranged in the filter housing 15. There is no limitation in the type of the filter, and a HEPA filter may be used as an example. The filter may filter out ultrafine dust and the like that are not filtered out by the dust collector 100. The filter housing 15 may include a discharge port such that the air passing through the filter may be discharged to the outside of the vacuum cleaner 10. The vacuum cleaner 10 may include a handle such that a user may grasp and operate the vacuum cleaner 10.

[0036] The main body 11 may include a battery 16 arranged to provide a driving force to the vacuum cleaner 10. The battery 16 may be detachably mounted in the main body 11. The main body 11 may include an operation unit 12. The user may operate a power button or the like arranged in the operation unit 12, to turn on/off the vacuum cleaner 10 or adjust the suction strength.

[0037] According to an embodiment, the cleaner station 2 may include a docking unit 3 to which the dust collector 100 of the vacuum cleaner 10 is connected. The dust collector 100 may be mounted onto the docking unit 3 of the cleaner station 2 without being detached from the vacuum cleaner 10. However, the state of the dust collector 100 connected to the docking unit 3 is not limited thereto, and only the dust collector 100 may be detached from the vacuum cleaner 10 and then docked onto the docking unit 3.

[0038] The cleaner station 2 may include an input unit (not illustrated) that may receive an input from the user. The input unit may include a component such as a button or a switch. However, the position and type of the input unit are not limited thereto, and any position and type for receiving an input from the user may be used without limitation.

[0039] When the dust collector 100 is connected to the docking unit 3, the cleaner station 2 may be arranged to change the suction airflow supplied to the dust collector 100 such that the foreign substances collected in the dust collector 100 may be automatically discharged.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 2, the dust collector 100 according to an embodiment may include a dust collection case 210, a discharge door 220, and a cyclone module 300.

[0041] An air inlet 211 and an air outlet 212 may be arranged in the dust collection case 210. The air inlet 211 may be arranged in a side portion of the dust collection case 210, and the air outlet 212 may be arranged in an upper portion of the dust collection case 210. The dust collection case 210 may have a hollow cylindrical shape and may include a foreign substance outlet 213 for dust discharge in a lower portion thereof. However, the arrangement of the air inlet 211, the air outlet 212, and the foreign substance outlet 213 in the dust collection case 210 is not limited thereto and may be variously modified.

[0042] The discharge door 220 may be arranged under the dust collection case 210 to open and close the foreign substance outlet 213. The discharge door 220 may be movable between an open position 221 for opening the foreign substance outlet 213 and a blocking position 222 (see FIG. 4) for blocking the foreign substance outlet 213. The dust collection case 210 may include a door lock unit 214 configured such that the discharge door 220 maintains the blocking position 222. The door lock unit 214 may support an end portion 2201 of the discharge door 220 such that the discharge door 220 maintains the blocking position 222. When the door lock unit 214 is pressed by an external force, the door lock unit 214 and the end portion 2201 of the discharge door 220 may be separated from each other and the discharge door 220 may switch from the blocking position 222 to the open position 221.

[0043] When the discharge door 220 is in the blocking position 222, the upper surface of the discharge door 220 may form the bottom surface of the dust collection case 210.

[0044] The cyclone module 300 may be arranged in the dust collection case 210. The cyclone module 300 may be inserted into the dust collection case 210 through the air outlet 212. The cyclone module 300 may be configured to induce a swirling airflow of the air introduced into the dust collection case 210, to separate the foreign substances therefrom. The cyclone module 300 may induce a swirling airflow of the air introduced through the air inlet 211, to separate the foreign substances included in the introduced air.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the dust collector 100 may form a multi-cyclone. For example, the cyclone module 300 of the dust collector 100 may form a first cyclone 101 between the dust collection case 210 and the cyclone module 300 to primarily separate foreign substances from the air introduced through the air inlet 211 and may form a second cyclone 102 to secondarily separate foreign substances from the air from with the foreign substances primarily separated therefrom by the first cyclone 101 and discharge the resulting air to the outside through the air outlet 212.

[0046] The cyclone module 300 may include an inner case 510, a cyclone body 410 arranged in the inner case 510, a dust separation member 520 arranged under the inner case 510, and a mounting member 450 arranged over the inner case 510.

[0047] The inner case 510 may be arranged in the dust collection case 210 and may be spaced apart from the inner peripheral surface of the dust collection case 210. The inner case 510 may include a cyclone barrier 511 having a cylindrical shape surrounding the cyclone body 410.

[0048] The cyclone barrier 511 may include a mesh filter 512 through which air may move toward the cyclone body 410. Like a grill, a filter, or the like, the mesh filter 512 may include a plurality of holes to allow air to pass therethrough and not to allow large foreign substances to pass therethrough. The mesh filter 512 may function as a discharge port for discharging the air with the foreign substances removed therefrom by the first cyclone 101.

[0049] The inner case 510 may function as a boundary for dividing the first cyclone 101 and the second cyclone 102 from each other, and an inner space of the inner case 510 may form a middle chamber 513 in which the air discharged through the mesh filter 512 from the first cyclone 101 is collected. The cyclone body 410 may be arranged in the middle chamber 513. The cyclone body 410 may include a plurality of cyclone units 411 for forming the second cyclone 102. The cyclone body 410 may have a structure in which the plurality of cyclone units 411 are integrally formed.

[0050] Each of the plurality of cyclone units 411 may include an air inlet 412, an air outlet 413, and a foreign substance outlet 414. The plurality of cyclone units 411 may be arranged in a circumferential direction. However, this is merely an example, and the arrangement and number of the plurality of cyclone units 411 may be variously modified. For example, the number of the plurality of cyclone units 411 may vary, and the shapes of the air inlet 412, the air outlet 413, and the foreign substance outlet 414 may vary.

[0051] A lower plate 430 may be installed on the lower end of the plurality of cyclone units 411. The lower plate 430 may be a circular plate. The lower plate 430 may partition between a dust collection chamber 531 of the dust separation member 520 and the middle chamber 513 in which the cyclone body 410 is installed. A plurality of holes 431, into which the foreign substance outlet 414 formed at the lower end of the plurality of cyclone units 411 may be inserted, may be formed in the lower plate 430.

[0052] The cyclone body 410 may be supported by the mounting member 450. A communication unit 451 connected to the plurality of cyclone units 411 of the cyclone body 410 may be arranged in the mounting member 450. The air with fine dust separated therefrom by the plurality of cyclone units 411 may be discharged through the communication unit 451. A sealing member 452 may be arranged between the mounting member 450 and the dust collection case 210.

[0053] A flow guide unit 453 for guiding the movement of the air introduced through the air inlet 211 of the dust collection case 210 may be arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the mounting member 450. The flow guide unit 453 may induce the air introduced through the air inlet 211 to form a swirling airflow that swirls around the cyclone module 300.

[0054] The dust separation member 520 may include the dust collection chamber 531 in which the foreign substances separated by the cyclone body 410 are collected. The dust separation member 520 may be detachably assembled to the inner case 510.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the inner case 510 and the dust separation member 520 may be assembled to form the outer peripheral surface of the cyclone module 300. The cyclone module 300 may be coaxially installed with the dust collection case 210. The outer peripheral surface of the cyclone module 300 may be spaced apart from the inner peripheral surface of the dust collection case 210. The first cyclone 101 may be formed between the outer peripheral surface of the cyclone module 300 and the inner peripheral surface of the dust collection case 210.

[0056] The air introduced through the air inlet 211 may pass through the flow guide unit 453 to form an airflow that swirls around the cyclone module 300. In the first cyclone 101, large foreign substances, for example, hair or dust larger than the hole of the mesh filter 512, may be primarily separated by a centrifugal force from the air introduced through the air inlet 211. The separated large foreign substances may be accumulated on the bottom surface of the dust collection case 210 formed by the discharge door 220.

[0057] The air with the large foreign substances removed therefrom may be introduced into the middle chamber 513 through the mesh filter 512 of the cyclone barrier 511. In the second cyclone 102 formed by each of the plurality of cyclone units 411, small foreign substances such as fine dust may be separated by a centrifugal force. The foreign substances separated in the second cyclone 102 may pass through the foreign substance outlet 414 of the cyclone unit 411 and move into the dust collection chamber 531 of the dust separation member 520 to be accumulated therein. The air with the foreign substances separated in the second cyclone 102 may be discharged through the air outlet 413.

[0058] The dust collection chamber 531 may be opened/closed by the discharge door 220. When the discharge door 220 is in the open position 221, the foreign substances collected in the dust collection chamber 531 may be discharged. Also, when the discharge door 220 is in the open position 221, relatively large foreign substances collected between the dust collection case 210 and the outer peripheral surface of the cyclone module 300 may be discharged.

[0059] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a cleaning apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a portion of a cross-sectional view of a cleaning apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 5, the cleaner station 2 according to an embodiment may include a suction unit 4 to discharge the foreign substances collected in the dust collector 100 from the dust collector 100. The suction unit 4 may be arranged in a station main body 21 and may include a suction fan 42 for moving air and a suction motor 43 for rotating the suction fan 42.

[0061] The cleaner station 2 according to an embodiment may include a collection unit 5 in which the foreign substances discharged from the dust collector 100 are collected. The collection unit 5 may be arranged in the station main body 21. The collection unit 5 may be arranged upstream of the airflow than the suction unit 4.

[0062] The cleaner station 2 according to an embodiment may include one end connected to the dust collector 100 and the other end connected to the suction unit 4 and may include a suction flow path 6 through which the air moved by the suction unit 4 flows.

[0063] Particularly, the suction flow path 6 may connect the docking unit 3 and the suction unit 4 to each other. In this case, the collection unit 5 may be arranged on the suction flow path 6. That is, the suction flow path 6 may connect the docking unit 3 and the collection unit 5 to each other, thereby allowing the foreign substances discharged from the dust collector 100 to be suctioned into the collection unit 5 through the docking unit 3.

[0064] The docking unit 3 may include a seating groove 31 which communicates with the suction flow path 6 and in which the dust collector 100 is seated.

[0065] The seating groove 31 may be a space open to the outside from the docking unit 3 and may be arranged such that the dust collector 100 may be inserted and seated in the seating groove 31. When the dust collector 100 is seated in the seating groove 31, docking of the dust collector 100 and the cleaner station 2 may be completed.

[0066] Although not illustrated, a sensor for detecting whether the dust collector 100 is connected thereto may be arranged in the seating groove 31. Thus, when the dust collector 100 is seated in the seating groove 31, the cleaner station 2 may identify the docking state of the dust collector 100 and the cleaner station 2 through the output value of the sensor.

[0067] The cleaner station 2 may include an opening guide 32 configured to open the discharge door 220 when the dust collector 100 is connected to the cleaner station 2.

[0068] For example, referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, the opening guide 32 may be configured to press the door lock unit 214 of the dust collector 100. The opening guide 32 may be formed as a partial area of the inner peripheral surface of the seating groove 31. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the opening guide 32 may be provided in the shape of an area protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the seating groove 31 toward the center thereof or a protrusion, a rib, or the like protruding from the inner peripheral surface toward the center. However, the position and type of the opening guide 32 are not limited thereto, and any structure capable of opening the discharge door 220 when the dust collector 100 is seated may be used as the opening guide 32 without limitation.

[0069] When the dust collector 100 is docked onto the docking unit 3, the door lock unit 214 may be automatically pressed against the opening guide 32 and thus the discharge door 220 may be opened while the dust collector 100 is docked onto the cleaner station 2.

[0070] The suction flow path 6 may be connected to the suction unit 4 by passing through the station main body 21 from the docking unit 3. The suction flow path 6 may transmit the suction force generated by the suction unit 4 to the dust collector 100, to form a suction airflow from the dust collector 100 toward the suction unit 4. That is, the suction force generated by the suction unit 4 may be transmitted to the inside of the dust collector 100 through the suction flow path 6 along the collection unit 5 and the seating groove 31, and thus, the foreign substances in the dust collector 100 may be discharged from the dust collector 100 to the seating groove 31 along the suction airflow and the discharged foreign substances may be collected in the collection unit 5 through the suction flow path 6.

[0071] The collection unit 5 may include a collection unit housing 51 and a dust bag 52 that is arranged in the internal space of the collection unit housing 51 and collects the foreign substances introduced through the suction flow path 6.

[0072] The collection unit housing 51 may form an internal space. That is, the collection unit housing 51 may correspond to a portion of the suction flow path 6, and for the convenience of description, it will be described as a separate component.

[0073] The dust bag 52 may include a material that transmits air but does not transmit foreign substances, to collect the foreign substances introduced from the dust collector 100 into the collection unit 5. The dust bag 52 may be arranged on the suction flow path 6, and the dust bag 52 may be arranged to be separable from the collection unit 5.

[0074] The suction unit 4 may include a suction fan 42 and a suction motor 43 for rotating the suction fan 42 and may include a suction unit housing 41 that forms an internal space in which the suction fan 42 is arranged. The suction unit housing 41 may be arranged in the station main body 21 and may include a discharge port 7 for discharging the air suctioned by the suction fan 42.

[0075] The suction force formed by the suction fan 42 may be transmitted to the dust collector 100 from the internal space of the suction unit housing 41 via the collection unit 5 through the suction flow path 6.

[0076] The cleaner station 2 may selectively change the suction flow rate supplied to the dust collector 100 according to embodiments. As an example, the change in the suction flow rate may be induced by controlling the suction motor. As another example, the change in the suction flow rate may be induced by a flow rate control device (not illustrated) that controls the cross-sectional area of the suction flow path through which the suction airflow moves.

[0077] As such, by rotating the suction fan 42, a suction airflow from the dust collector 100 toward the suction unit 4 may be induced, and the air suctioned from the dust collector 100 may be discharged to the outside of the cleaner station 2 through the collection unit 5. Also, by selectively changing the suction flow rate supplied to the dust collector 100, the foreign substances collected in the dust collector 100 may be induced to be more efficiently discharged.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 6, an air movement may occur in the dust collector 100 due to the suction force of the cleaner station 2. For example, air may be introduced through the air inlet 211 and the air outlet 212, and the air introduced through the air inlet 211 may be discharged to the foreign substance outlet 213 through the first cyclone 101, and the air introduced through the air outlet 212 may be discharged to the foreign substance outlet 213 through the second cyclone 102.

[0079] For example, the air introduced through the air inlet 211 may move along the outer peripheral surface of the cyclone module 300 to be discharged through the foreign substance outlet 213, and the air introduced through the filter housing 15 may pass through the air outlet 212, the cyclone unit 411, and the dust collection chamber 531 to be discharged through the foreign substance outlet 213. Thus, the foreign substances accommodated in the dust collector 100 may be rapidly discharged to the docking unit 3 of the cleaner station 2.

[0080] Moreover, as described above, even when the foreign substances collected in the dust collector are discharged by the suction force of the cleaner station 2, some foreign substances may remain in the dust collector 100, such as hair being wrapped around the outer peripheral surface of the cyclone module 300.

[0081] In order to minimize the amount of foreign substances remaining in the dust collection case 210, the dust collector 100 according to an embodiment may have a structure in which a portion of the cyclone module 300 is rotatable. Because a portion of the cyclone module 300 rotates, some foreign substances such as hair may be separated from the surface of the cyclone module and discharged through the foreign substance outlet 213.

[0082] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view separately illustrating a fixed unit 400 and a rotation unit 500 in a cyclone module 300 of a dust collector 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the shape of a dust collector 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when a discharge door 220 is in an opening position 221, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the shape of a dust collector 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when a discharge door 220 is in a blocking position 222. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a portion of the dust collector 100 of FIG. 8, and FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a portion of the dust collector 100 of FIG. 9.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the cyclone module 300 according to an embodiment may include a fixed unit 400 fixed to the dust collection case 210 and a rotation unit 500 rotatable with respect to the fixed unit 400.

[0084] The fixed unit 400 may be a component that is fixed and does not rotate in the cyclone module 300, and may be mounted to be fixed to the dust collection case 210. For example, the fixed unit 400 may include a cyclone body 410 and a mounting member 450 that supports the cyclone body 410 and is mounted in the dust collection case 210. The fixed unit 400 may further include a lower plate 430 installed under the cyclone body 410.

[0085] The rotation unit 500 may be a component rotatable in the cyclone module 300 and may include an inner case 510 including a mesh filter 512, and a dust separation member 520 assembled to the inner case 510. When the rotation unit 500 rotates, the inner case 510 and the dust separation member 520 may rotate together.

[0086] The rotation unit 500 may be arranged to surround the fixed unit 400. The rotation unit 500 may be arranged to surround the cyclone body 410 and the lower plate 430 of the fixed unit 400. For example, the inner case 510 of the rotation unit 500 may be arranged to surround the cyclone body 410 of the fixed unit 400, and the dust separation member 520 of the rotation unit 500 may be arranged to surround the lower plate 430 of the fixed unit 400.

[0087] The rotation unit 500 may be arranged outside the fixed unit 400. The rotation unit 500 may be spaced apart from the outer edge of the fixed unit 400 in the radial direction.

[0088] The rotation unit 500 may be rotatably supported by the fixed unit 400. For example, the cyclone module 300 may include at least one bearing structure 580 that rotatably supports the rotation unit 500 with respect to the fixed unit 400.

[0089] The at least one bearing structure 580 may be arranged in a lower area of the cyclone module 300. For example, the at least one bearing structure 580 may be arranged under the cyclone body 410. For example, a first bearing structure 581 and a second bearing structure 582 may be arranged under the cyclone body 410. Both the first bearing structure 581 and the second bearing structure 582 may be arranged to overlap the cyclone body 410. The first bearing structure 581 and the second bearing structure 582 may be arranged to overlap a center portion of the cyclone body 410. The first bearing structure 581 and the second bearing structure 582 may be arranged inside the dust separation member 520. As an example, the first bearing structure 581 and the second bearing structure 582 may be arranged inside a dust storage unit 530. The first bearing structure 581 and the second bearing structure 582 may be arranged to overlap a center portion of the cyclone body 410. The first bearing structure 581 and the second bearing structure 582 may be arranged around a rotation shaft 440 installed in the fixed unit 400.

[0090] However, the arrangement of the bearing structure 580 is not limited thereto and may be variously modified. For example, the bearing structure 580 may be arranged in an upper area of the cyclone module 300.

[0091] The rotation unit 500 may be configured to be rotated by an airflow introduced into the dust collection case 210 in a rotation state 501. For example, the rotation unit 500 may include a rotation induction unit 590 such that the rotation unit 500 may be rotated by the introduced airflow. The rotation speed of the rotation unit 500 may be 300 revolutions per minute (rpm) to 10,000 rpm.

[0092] As an example, the rotation induction unit 590 may include a plurality of rotation blades 591 and 592 arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the rotation unit 500. For example, the plurality of rotation blades 591 and 592 may be arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the dust separation member 520.

[0093] The plurality of rotation blades 591 and 592 may rotate the rotation unit 500 by being pressed by a swirling airflow formed by the air introduced through the air inlet 211 and swirling around the cyclone module 300. The plurality of rotation blades 591 and 592 may extend in a direction perpendicular to or inclined to the movement direction of the air. For example, the plurality of rotation blades 591 and 592 may extend in a vertical direction or a direction inclined to the vertical direction.

[0094] For example, the plurality of rotation blades 591 and 592 may be arranged under the mesh filter 512. The plurality of rotation blades 591 and 592 may include a plurality of first rotation blades 591 arranged on the outer peripheral surface of a support wall 540 and a plurality of second rotation blades 592 arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the dust storage unit 530. However, the arrangement of the plurality of rotation blades 591 and 592 is not limited thereto and may be variously modified. For example, although not illustrated, the plurality of rotation blades 591 and 592 may be arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the inner case 510.

[0095] The rotation induction unit 590 may further include a third rotation blade 593 arranged on the inner peripheral surface of the rotation unit 500. The third rotation blade 593 may be arranged under the cyclone body 410. The third rotation blade 593 may receive a rotation force due to the airflow introduced through the air outlet 212. Accordingly, when the airflow introduced into the rotation unit 500 through the air outlet 212 is discharged through the cyclone body 410, the third rotation blade 593 may rotate.

[0096] The third rotation blade 593 may be arranged inside the dust separation member 520. For example, the third rotation blade 593 may be arranged inside the dust storage unit 530.

[0097] In the above example, an example in which the rotation induction unit 590 is arranged on both the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the rotation unit 500 has been mainly described; however, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and the rotation induction unit 590 may be arranged on any one of the inner or outer peripheral surfaces of the rotation unit 500.

[0098] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the rotation unit 500 of the cyclone module 300 according to an embodiment may be rotatable or not with respect to the fixed unit 400 depending on the position of the discharge door 220. For example, the rotation unit 500 may include a rotation state 501 of being rotatable with respect to the fixed unit 400 when the discharge door 220 is in the open position 221 and a locking state 502 of being restricted in rotation with respect to the fixed unit 400 when the discharge door 220 is in the blocking position 222. When the discharge door 220 switches from the blocking position 222 to the open position 221, the rotation unit 500 may descend to switch from the locking state 502 to the rotation state 501.

[0099] As an example thereof, the cyclone module 300 may further include a rotation prevention unit 560 configured to provide a rotational friction force between the rotation unit 500 and the fixed unit 400 to prevent the rotation unit 500 from rotating with respect to the fixed unit 400 when the rotation unit 500 is in the locking state 502.

[0100] According to an embodiment, the rotation prevention unit 560 may include a friction providing member 561 arranged in any one of the fixed unit 400 and the rotation unit 500 and a friction contact member 562 arranged in the other one of the fixed unit 400 and the rotation unit 500. When the rotation unit 500 is in the locking state 502, the friction contact member 562 may contact the friction providing member 561 and the rotational friction force between the rotation unit 500 and the fixed unit 400 may increase. When the rotation unit 500 is in the rotation state 501, the friction contact member 562 may be separated from the friction providing member 561 and the rotational friction force between the rotation unit 500 and the fixed unit 400 may decrease.

[0101] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, in the dust collector 100 according to an embodiment, the friction providing member 561 may be arranged in the fixed unit 400, and the friction contact member 562 may be arranged in the rotation unit 500. For example, the friction providing member 561 may be arranged to face downward in an edge area of the lower plate 430. For example, the friction contact member 562 may be arranged to face upward in an edge area of the dust separation member 520.

[0102] The friction providing member 561 and the friction contact member 562 may be configured to provide a rotational friction force by contact. For example, the friction providing member 561 may include a material capable of elastic deformation. For example, the friction contact member 562 may extend or protrude upward. When the friction contact member 562 contacts and presses the friction providing member 561, the friction providing member 561 may be compressed and deformed by the friction contact member 562, and a rotational friction force for preventing the rotation unit 500 from rotating with respect to the fixed unit 400 may be applied between the friction contact member 562 and the friction providing member 561.

[0103] The cyclone module 300 may further include a pressing member 480 that presses the rotation unit 500 to switch from the locking state 502 to the rotation state 501. The pressing member 480 may press the rotation unit 500 such that the rotation unit 500 descends. For example, the pressing member 480 may be a spring that provides an elastic force to the rotation unit 500 in the vertical direction. The pressing member 480 may be installed under the mounting member 450 and may be elastically deformed in the vertical direction without rotation. For example, the pressing member 480 may be arranged between the first bearing structure 581 and the second bearing structure 582.

[0104] However, the position and type of the pressing member 480 are not limited thereto and may be variously modified as long as it provides a pressing force to switch the rotation unit 500 from the locking state 502 to the rotation state 501. For example, although not illustrated, the pressing member 480 may be a magnet that provides a magnetic force in the vertical direction to the rotation unit 500. The pressing member 480 may press the rotation unit 500 downward by the repulsive force of the magnetic force.

[0105] When the discharge door 220 switches from the blocking position 222 to the open position 221, the pressing member 480 may provide a pressing force such that the rotation unit 500 switches from the locking state 502 to the rotation state 501. When the discharge door 220 switches from the blocking position 222 to the open position 221, because the gravity due to the weight of the rotation unit 500 and the pressing force caused by the pressing member 480 act on the rotation unit 500, the rotation unit 500 may switch from the locking state 502 to the rotation state 501.

[0106] According to an embodiment, the cyclone module 300 may further include a stopper 441 configured to restrict the descending position of the rotation unit 500 when the rotation unit 500 descends. The stopper 441 may be arranged in the rotation unit 500. For example, the stopper 441 may be arranged in the dust separation member 520 of the rotation unit 500.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 8 and FIG. 10, when the discharge door 220 switches to the open position 221, the rotation unit 500 may descend with respect to the fixed unit 400 and the stopper 441 arranged in the rotation unit 500 may descend together with the rotation unit 500. The descending position of the rotation unit 500 may be determined by the stopper 441. For example, when the rotation unit 500 descends, the stopper 441 arranged in the rotation unit 500 may contact the bearing structure 580, for example, the second bearing structure 582. Accordingly, the rotation unit 500 may descend to a certain position with respect to the fixed unit 400 to become rotatable.

[0108] As the rotation unit 500 descends, a first gap G1 in the vertical direction may appear between the fixed unit 400 and the rotation unit 500. For example, a first gap G1 in the vertical direction may appear between the friction providing member 561 of the fixed unit 400 and the friction contact member 562 of the rotation unit 500.

[0109] The dust separation member 520 of the rotation unit 500 may be spaced apart by a second gap G2 from the outer edge of the lower plate 430 of the fixed unit 400 in the radial direction. When the rotation unit 500 is in the rotation state 501, the second gap G2 may be arranged between the outer edge of the fixed unit 400 and the rotation unit 500 and may communicate with the first gap G1 to allow fluid movement therethrough.

[0110] A width G20 of the second gap G2 in the radial direction may be less than a width G10 of the first gap G1 in the vertical direction. The width G20 of the second gap G2 in the radial direction may be sufficient as long as the outer edge of the fixed unit 400 and the inner edge of the rotation unit 500 may not collide with each other when the rotation unit 500 rotates with respect to the fixed unit 400. For example, the width G20 of the second gap G2 in the radial direction may be 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm.

[0111] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 11, when the discharge door 220 switches to the blocking position 222, the rotation unit 500 may ascend with respect to the fixed unit 400 and the rotation unit 500 may switch to the locking state 502. When the rotation unit 500 is in the locking state 502, the friction contact member 562 may contact and press the friction providing member 561. The friction providing member 561 may be compressed and deformed by the friction contact member 562, and a rotational friction force may be applied between the friction contact member 562 and the friction providing member 561. Accordingly, the rotation unit 500 may be in the state of being restricted in rotation.

[0112] Because the friction contact member 562 and the friction providing member 561 contact each other, the first gap G1 between the friction contact member 562 and the friction providing member 561 may disappear. However, because the rotation unit 500 and the fixed unit 400 are spaced apart in a radial direction R, the second gap G2 may not disappear. For example, the rotation unit 500 may be spaced apart by the width G20 of the second gap G2 from the outer edge of the fixed unit 400 in the radial direction. For example, the dust separation member 520 of the rotation unit 500 may be spaced apart by the width G20 of the second gap G2 from the outer edge of the lower plate 430 of the fixed unit 400 in the radial direction.

[0113] FIG. 12 is a diagram for describing the movement of foreign substances P and P1 when a discharge door 220 is in an open position 221 in a dust collector 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a portion of a dust collector 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of a portion of a dust collector 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when a rotation unit 500 is in a locking state 502 in the dust collector 100. FIG. 15 is a diagram for describing another example of a foreign substance blocking structure 600 in a dust collector 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 12, when the dust collector 100 is mounted on the cleaner station 2, the discharge door 220 of the dust collector 100 may open and an airflow may occur in the dust collector 100 in the direction toward the foreign substance outlet 213. The rotation unit 500 may be rotated with respect to the fixed unit 400 by the rotation induction unit 590 pressed by the airflow.

[0115] As such, in the process of the discharge door 220 switching to the open position 221 and the rotation unit 500 rotating with respect to the fixed unit 400, the foreign substance P and P1 collected in the dust collector 100 may be discharged through the foreign substance outlet 213. For example, the foreign substances P and P1 in the cyclone module 300 may be discharged through the foreign substance outlet 213.

[0116] Most of the foreign substances P and P1 collected in the cyclone module 300 move downward to be discharged through the foreign substance outlet 213, but some foreign substance P1 may not be directly discharged through the foreign substance outlet 213 and may be scattered in the cyclone module 300.

[0117] In the process of the rotation unit 500 rotating, a centrifugal force may be applied to some foreign substance P1 that is not discharged. As the weight of the foreign substance P1 increases, the centrifugal force applied to the foreign substance P1 may increase. Accordingly, the centrifugal force may be greatly applied to the relatively heavy foreign substance P1. Some foreign substance P1 with the centrifugal force applied thereto may move in the radial direction.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 13, some foreign substance P1 may move toward the first gap G1 in the vertical direction between the friction contact member 562 and the friction providing member 561. If some foreign substance P1 is introduced into the first gap G1 as indicated by a dotted arrow D2, the foreign substance P1 may be introduced into the second gap G2 in the radial direction R between the rotation unit 500 and the fixed unit 400. The foreign substance P1 introduced into the second gap G2 may be caught in the second gap G2. When the foreign substance P1 is caught in the second gap G2, the rotation unit 500 may not rotate smoothly or may not be rotatable.

[0119] According to the embodiment, the cyclone module 300 of the dust collector 100 may further include a foreign substance blocking structure 600 configured to block the foreign substance P1 from being introduced between the rotation unit 500 and the fixed unit 400.

[0120] The foreign substance blocking structure 600 may be configured to block the foreign substance P1 from being introduced into the first gap G1. A solid arrow D1 may indicate the direction of movement of the foreign substance P1. For example, when the rotation unit 500 is in the rotation state 501, the foreign substance blocking structure 600 may be configured to block the foreign substance P1 from moving in the radial direction R to the first gap G1 by a centrifugal force.

[0121] The foreign substance blocking structure 600 may be arranged in the fixed unit 400. The foreign substance blocking structure 600 may be arranged in the lower plate 430 of the fixed unit 400. The foreign substance blocking structure 600 may be arranged on an inner side of the first gap G1 in a centripetal direction C. Here, the centripetal direction C may be defined as a direction opposite to the radial direction R.

[0122] The foreign substance blocking structure 600 may include a rib 610 extending from the fixed unit 400 in a direction intersecting the radial direction R. For example, the rib 610 may extend from the lower plate 430 of the fixed unit 400 in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction R or may extend therefrom in an oblique direction so as to form an acute angle with the radial direction R. The rib 610 may be arranged on an inner peripheral surface 5201 of the friction providing member 561. The rib 610 may protrude downward than a lower surface 5610 of the friction providing member 561.

[0123] A portion of the rib 610 may be located on the inner side of the friction contact member 562 of the rotation unit 500. For example, when the rotation unit 500 is in the rotation state 501, a portion of the rib 610 may be located apart from the inner side of the friction contact member 562. In other words, when the rotation unit 500 is in the rotation state 501, a portion of the rib 610 may overlap the friction contact member 562 in the radial direction R.

[0124] A protrusion length L1 of the rib 610 may be greater than the vertical movement distance of the rotation unit 500. For example, the protrusion length L1 may be greater by 1 mm to 20 mm than the vertical movement distance of the rotation unit 500.

[0125] The foreign substance blocking structure 600 may block a path through which the foreign substance P1 moves directly to the first gap G1 in the radial direction R. As such, by blocking the path through which the foreign substance moves directly to the first gap G1, the foreign substance P1 may be prevented from being introduced into the first gap G1 or the amount of the introduced foreign substance P1 may be reduced even when introduced. Accordingly, the foreign substance P1 may be prevented from being introduced into the second gap G2 through the first gap G1.

[0126] The foreign substance blocking structure 600 may be spaced apart from the inner peripheral surface of the rotation unit 500 in the centripetal direction C. A third gap G3 in the centrifugal direction R may be between the foreign substance blocking structure 600 and the inner peripheral surface 5201 of the dust separation member 520. The third gap G3 may be greater than the second gap G2 between the dust separation member 520 and the lower plate 430. The third gap G3 may be less than or equal to two times the first gap G1.

[0127] When the rotation unit 500 is in the rotation state 501, a fourth gap G4 in the vertical direction may be between the lower end of the foreign substance blocking structure 600 and the inner peripheral surface of the dust separation member 520. When the rotation unit 500 descends, the fourth gap G4 may be greater than the vertical movement distance of the rotation unit 500 such that the lower end of the foreign substance blocking structure 600 does not contact the inner peripheral surface of the dust separation member 520. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the fourth gap G4 may be narrowed or eliminated as the rotation unit 500 ascends to switch to the locking state 502.

[0128] Moreover, the foreign substance blocking structure 600 according to the above embodiment has been described mainly by using an example including the rib 610 extending in the vertical direction. However, the shape of the foreign substance blocking structure 600 is not limited thereto and may be variously modified as long as the foreign substance blocking structure 600 may not impede the rotation of the rotation unit 500. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 15, the foreign substance blocking structure 600A may have a shape corresponding to the inner peripheral surface 5201 of the rotation unit 500 faced by a foreign substance blocking structure 600A. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 15, the foreign substance blocking structure 600A may have a shape that is bent along the step shape of the inner peripheral surface 5201 of the dust separation member 520.

[0129] Moreover, in the above embodiments, an example in which the first gap G1 at which the foreign substance blocking structure 600 blocks the introduction of foreign substances is a gap that appears between the friction providing member 561 and the friction contact member 562 when the rotation unit 500 is in the rotation state 501 has been mainly described; however, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the first gap G1 at which the foreign substance blocking structure 600 blocks the introduction of foreign substances may be variously modified as long as it is a gap that appears in the vertical direction between the rotation unit 500 and the fixed unit 400 when the rotation unit 500 is in the rotation state 501.

[0130] For the sake of understanding of the disclosure, reference symbols are used in embodiments illustrated in the drawings and particular terms are used to describe the embodiments; however, the disclosure is not limited by the particular terms and the disclosure may include all components that may be generally thought by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0131] Particular implementations described herein are merely embodiments, and do not limit the scope of the disclosure in any way. For the sake of conciseness, descriptions of related art electronic configurations, control systems, software, and other functional aspects of the systems may be omitted. Also, the connections or connection members of lines between components illustrated in the drawings illustrate functional connections and/or physical or circuit connections, and in actual devices, they may be represented as various replaceable or additional functional connections, physical connections, or circuit connections. Also, when there is no particular statement such as essential and important, it may not be a necessary component for the application of the disclosure. Expressions such as comprising and including used herein are to be understood as open-ended terms of the description.

[0132] The use of the terms a, an, and the and similar indicative terms in the specification of the disclosure (particularly in the attached claims) may be construed to cover both the singular and the plural. Also, when a range is stated herein, it may include the disclosure to which individual values within the range are applied (unless there is a statement to the contrary) and it may be the same as the statement of each individual value constituting the range. Moreover, the operations of a method according to the present disclosure may be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise stated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by the context. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the stated order of the operations. All examples or example terms (e.g., such as) used herein are merely intended to describe the present disclosure in detail, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the examples or example terms unless otherwise defined in the attached claims. Also, those of ordinary skill in the art may clearly understand that various modifications and changes may be easily made therein without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

[0133] In the dust collector, the vacuum cleaner, and the cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment, the rotation unit as a component of the cyclone module may be rotatable to minimize the amount of foreign substances remaining in the dust collector, and a phenomenon of the rotation unit not being rotated because foreign substances are caught between the rotation unit and the fixed unit may be prevented.

[0134] According to an embodiment, a dust collector may include: a dust collection case including a foreign substance outlet; a cyclone module arranged in the dust collection case and configured to induce a swirling airflow to separate foreign substances; and a discharge door movable between an open position for opening the foreign substance outlet and a blocking position for blocking the foreign substance outlet, wherein the cyclone module may include a fixed unit assembled to be fixed to the dust collection case, and a rotation unit movable in a vertical direction with respect to the fixed unit and having a rotation state of being rotatable with respect to the fixed unit when the discharge door is in the open position and a locking state of being restricted in rotation with respect to the fixed unit when the discharge door is in the blocking position, wherein, when the discharge door switches from the blocking position to the open position, the rotation unit may descend to switch from the locking state to the rotation state and a first gap in a vertical direction may appear between the fixed unit and the rotation unit due to the descent of the rotation unit, wherein the cyclone module may further include a foreign substance blocking structure configured to block foreign substances from being introduced into the first gap.

[0135] When the rotation unit is in the rotation state, the foreign substance blocking structure may be configured to block foreign substances from moving into the first gap in a radial direction by a centrifugal force.

[0136] The foreign substance blocking structure may include a rib arranged on an inner side of the first gap in a centripetal direction and extending from the fixed unit in a direction intersecting the radial direction.

[0137] The dust collector may further include a rotation prevention unit configured to provide a rotational friction force between the rotation unit and the fixed unit to prevent the rotation unit from rotating with respect to the fixed unit when the rotation unit is in the locking state, wherein the rotation prevention unit may include a friction providing member arranged in one of the fixed unit and the rotation unit, and a friction contact member arranged in the other one of the fixed unit and the rotation unit and contacting and pressing the friction providing member when the rotation unit is in the locking state.

[0138] When the discharge door is in the blocking position, the discharge door may contact and press the rotation unit, the friction providing member may be compressed and deformed by the friction contact member, and the rotation unit may be restricted in rotation with respect to the fixed unit, and when the discharge door is in the open position, the discharge door may be spaced apart from the rotation unit, the friction providing member may be released from the compression and deformation by the friction contact member, and the rotation unit may be rotatable with respect to the fixed unit.

[0139] The first gap may be a gap in a vertical direction that appears between the friction providing member and the friction contact member when the rotation unit is in the rotation state.

[0140] The fixed unit may include a cyclone body, and a mounting member supporting the cyclone body and mounted on the dust collection case, and the rotation unit may include an inner case having a cylindrical shape surrounding the cyclone body and including a mesh filter, and a dust separation member assembled to the inner case and including a dust collection chamber in which dust separated from the cyclone body is collected.

[0141] The fixed unit may further include a lower plate arranged under the cyclone body and including an outer edge surrounded by the dust separation member, and the cyclone module may include a second gap connected to the first gap to allow fluid movement between an inner peripheral surface of the dust separation member and an outer peripheral surface of the lower plate.

[0142] When the discharge door is in the blocking position, the dust collection case may further include an air inlet for introducing air from outside and an air outlet for discharging air with the foreign substances separated therefrom, when the discharge door is in the open position, an airflow may be introduceable through the air inlet and the air outlet and the foreign substances separated by the cyclone module may be dischargeable through the foreign substance outlet, and the rotation unit may include a rotation induction unit configured to receive a rotation force by an airflow introduced through the air inlet and the air outlet.

[0143] The rotation induction unit may include a rotation blade arranged on at least one of an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface of the rotation unit.

[0144] The cyclone module may further include at least one bearing structure that rotatably supports the rotation unit with respect to the fixed unit.

[0145] The cyclone module may further include a stopper that restricts a descending position of the rotation unit.

[0146] The cyclone module may further include a pressing member that presses the rotation unit such that the rotation unit switches from the locking state to the rotation state.

[0147] According to an embodiment, a vacuum cleaner may include the dust collector according to the above embodiment.

[0148] According to an embodiment, a cleaning apparatus may include: a vacuum cleaner including the dust collector according to the above embodiment; and a cleaner station including a docking unit to which the dust collector is connectable, a suction unit providing a suction force such that foreign substances collected by the dust collector are discharged, and a collection unit collecting the discharged foreign substances.

[0149] According to an embodiment, a dust collector, a vacuum cleaner, and a cleaning apparatus may be provided, in which a rotation unit as a component of a cyclone module may be rotatable with respect to a fixed unit to minimize the amount of foreign substances remaining in the dust collector and a phenomenon of the rotation unit not being rotated because foreign substances are caught between the rotation unit and the fixed unit may be prevented by a foreign substance blocking structure.