CLEANER

Abstract

A cleaner may include: a housing including a suction port; a drum brush in the housing and that is rotatable; and a scraper including: an edge including: a first inclined portion inclined along a first direction, a second inclined portion inclined along a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a recessed portion at least partially formed by the first inclined portion and the second inclined portion, wherein at least a portion of the scraper is configured to contact the drum brush, and the first inclined portion and the second inclined portion are configured so that, with rotation of the drum brush, a foreign substance attached to the drum brush is moved in the second direction.

Claims

1. A cleaner comprising: a housing including a suction port; a drum brush in the housing and that is rotatable; and a scraper including: an edge including: a first inclined portion inclined along a first direction, a second inclined portion inclined along a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a recessed portion at least partially formed by the first inclined portion and the second inclined portion, wherein at least a portion of the edge is configured to contact the drum brush, and the first inclined portion and the second inclined portion are configured so that, with rotation of the drum brush, a foreign substance attached to the drum brush is moved in the second direction.

2. The cleaner of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the recessed portion does not contact the drum brush.

3. The cleaner of claim 1, wherein an inclination angle of the first inclined portion is less than an inclination angle of the second inclined portion, and the first inclined portion and the second inclined portion are configured so that, with rotation of the drum brush causing movement of the foreign substance in the second direction, the foreign substance moves from being contacted by an inclined surface of the first inclined portion to being contacted by the second inclined portion.

4. The cleaner of claim 1, wherein the recessed portion is a first recessed portion, the edge further includes: a third inclined portion inclined along the second direction; a fourth inclined portion inclined along the first direction; and a second recessed portion at least partially formed by the third inclined portion and the fourth inclined portion, and the third inclined portion and the fourth inclined portion are configured so that, with rotation of the drum brush, the foreign substance is moved in the first direction.

5. The cleaner of claim 4, wherein at least a portion of the second recessed portion does not contact the drum brush.

6. The cleaner of claim 4, wherein an inclination angle of the third inclined portion is less than an inclination angle of the fourth inclined portion, and the third inclined portion and the fourth inclined portion are configured so that, with rotation of the drum brush causing movement of the foreign substance in the first direction, the foreign substance moves from being contacted by an inclined surface of the third inclined portion to being contacted by the fourth inclined portion.

7. The cleaner of claim 4, wherein the first inclined portion includes a plurality of first inclined portions, the second inclined portion includes a plurality of second inclined portions, the first recessed portion includes a plurality of first recessed portions, the third inclined portion includes a plurality of third inclined portions, the fourth inclined portion includes a plurality of fourth inclined portions, and the second recessed portion includes a plurality of second recessed portions.

8. The cleaner of claim 7, wherein the scraper further includes: a first section including: the plurality of first inclined portions, the plurality of second inclined portions, and the plurality of first recessed portions, and a second section including: the plurality of third inclined portions, the plurality of fourth inclined portions, and the plurality of second recessed portions.

9. The cleaner of claim 8, wherein the scraper extends along a rotation axis of the drum brush, and the first section and the second section are symmetrical with respect to a center line that perpendicularly intersects the rotation axis at a center of the drum brush.

10. The cleaner of claim 8, wherein the second direction is a grain direction of a plurality of bristles of the drum brush, the scraper extends parallel to a rotation axis of the drum brush, the first section has a first length, and is adjacent to a first side of the scraper, and the second section has a second length less than the first length, and is adjacent to a second side of the scraper.

11. The cleaner of claim 8, wherein the scraper extends along a rotation axis of the drum brush, the first section includes a plurality of first sections, the second section includes a plurality of second sections, and the plurality of first sections and the plurality of second sections are arranged alternately along the rotation axis of the drum brush.

12. The cleaner of claim 1, wherein the housing further includes: a communication port, a first flow path extending from the suction port to the communication port, and a second flow path extending from the suction port, through a space between an upper portion of the drum brush and the housing, to the communication port.

13. The cleaner of claim 1, further comprising: a dust collector, wherein the housing further includes a communication port through which a foreign substance drawn through the suction port moves to the dust collector, and the scraper is between the drum brush and the communication port.

14. The cleaner of claim 13, wherein the scraper further includes a guide groove corresponding to a portion of the communication port.

15. The cleaner of claim 1, wherein the housing further includes: a first guide protrusion protruding toward a first end of the drum brush, the first guide protrusion configured to contact the drum brush and to guide a foreign substance drawn through the suction port away from the first end of the drum brush, and a second guide protrusion protruding toward a second end of the drum brush, the second guide protrusion configured to contact the drum brush and to guide the foreign substance drawn through the suction port away from the second end of the drum brush.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a state in which a dust collector is separated from a main body of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of a side cross-section of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a suction head of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the suction head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates a portion of the suction head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 7 illustrates a state in which a scraper is separated from a housing of the suction head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a portion of the suction head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the scraper according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of D1 illustrated in FIG. 9.

[0040] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of D2 illustrated in FIG. 9.

[0041] FIG. 12 is a schematic view illustrating a process of loosening foreign substances wrapped around a drum brush according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the suction head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of D3 illustrated in FIG. 13.

[0044] FIG. 15 illustrates a state in which the drum brush illustrated in FIG. 14 is rotated.

[0045] FIG. 16 illustrates a portion of a side cross-section of the suction head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 17 illustrates a scraper according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 18 is a control block diagram of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a method for controlling the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 20 is a view schematically illustrating an operation of a suction motor and an operation of a brush motor in a hair loosening mode of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 21 is a view schematically illustrating a rotation speed of the brush motor in the hair loosening mode and a cleaning mode of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG. 22 is a view schematically illustrating a driving current of the brush motor in the hair loosening mode of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

MODES OF THE INVENTION

[0052] Various embodiments and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technology disclosed herein to specific forms, and the disclosure should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and/or alternatives to the corresponding embodiments.

[0053] In describing the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to designate similar constituent elements.

[0054] A singular expression may include a plural expression unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.

[0055] The expressions A or B, at least one of A or/and B, or one or more of A or/and B, A, B or C, at least one of A, B or/and C, or one or more of A, B or/and C, and the like used herein may include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0056] The term of and/or includes a plurality of combinations of relevant items or any one item among a plurality of relevant items.

[0057] The terms such as unit, module, and member may be embodied as hardware or software. According to embodiments, a plurality of unit, module, and member may be implemented as a single component or a single unit, module, and member may include a plurality of components.

[0058] Herein, the terms a first, a second, the first, the second, etc., may simply be used to distinguish an element from other elements, but is not limited to another aspect (importance or order) of elements.

[0059] When an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being (functionally or communicatively) coupled, or connected to another element (e.g., a second element), the first element may be connected to the second element, directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third element.

[0060] In this disclosure, the terms including, having, and the like are used to specify features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more of the features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0061] When an element is said to be connected, coupled, supported or contacted with another element, this includes not only when elements are directly connected, coupled, supported or contacted, but also when elements are indirectly connected, coupled, supported or contacted through a third element.

[0062] Throughout the description, when an element is on another element, this includes not only when the element is in contact with the other element, but also when there is another element between the two elements.

[0063] Hereinafter for the convenience of description, a stick-type cleaner, which is a type of vacuum cleaner, is described as an example, but the configuration of the present disclosure is not limited to the stick-type cleaner. For example, the configuration of the present disclosure may also be applied to a canister-type cleaner or a robot cleaner.

[0064] Hereinafter exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0065] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates a state in which a dust collector is separated from a main body of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of a side cross-section of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a suction head 100 and a main body 10.

[0067] The suction head 100 may be configured to draw in air and foreign substances. The suction head 100 may be configured to draw in foreign substances on a surface to be cleaned. A portion of the suction head 100 may be provided to be in close contact with the surface to be cleaned.

[0068] In the present disclosure, foreign substances refers to an object to be cleaned, and may include hair, animal fur, thread, dust, dirt, and the like that may be drawn in by the cleaner 1.

[0069] The main body 10 may be configured to collect foreign substances drawn through the suction head 100. The main body 10 may be connected to the suction head 100.

[0070] The cleaner 1 may include a connection pipe 30 provided to connect the main body 10 and the suction head 100. The connection pipe 30 may be configured to be coupled or separated from the main body 10. The connection pipe 30 may be configured to be coupled or separated from the suction head 100. For example, the suction head 100 may be rotatably coupled to the connection pipe 30.

[0071] The connection pipe 30 may transmit a suction force generated by the suction motor 13 to the suction head 100. The connection pipe 30 may guide the air and foreign substances such as dust drawn through the suction head 100 to the main body 10. The air and foreign substances drawn by the suction head 100 may pass through the connection pipe 30 and flow into the inside of the main body 10.

[0072] For example, the connection pipe 30 may be formed of a pipe or a flexible hose having a predetermined rigidity.

[0073] The cleaner 1 may not be equipped with a connection pipe 30, and in this case, the suction head 100 and the main body 10 may be directly connected without the connection pipe 30.

[0074] The cleaner 1 may include a fan 14 configured to be rotatable to generate a suction force. The cleaner 1 may include a suction motor 13 configured to provide a rotational force to the fan 14. For example, the fan 14 and the suction motor 13 may be provided in the main body 10.

[0075] The suction motor 13 may perform a function of converting electromagnetic force into mechanical rotational force. In order to perform the function, the suction motor 13 may include a stator 13b, in which a coil is provided, a rotor 13a having magnetism and configured to rotate by electromagnetic force, and a rotor shaft 13c penetrating the rotor 13a and configured to rotate. The fan 14 connected to the suction motor 13 through the rotor shaft 13c of the suction motor 13 may be provided inside the main body 10. For example, a fan motor device may include the suction motor 13 and the fan 14.

[0076] In FIG. 3, the suction motor 13 is illustrated as an inner-rotor type in which the rotor 13a is located on an inner side of the stator 13b, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The suction motor may also be provided as an outer-rotor type in which the rotor is located on an outer side of the stator.

[0077] The main body 10 may include an intake port 11a through which air and foreign substances are drawn into the inside of the main body 10. The main body 10 may include an intake duct 11 communicating with one end of the connection pipe 30, and the intake port 11a may be formed at one end of the intake duct 11 connected to one end of the connection pipe 30. Accordingly, air and foreign substances may be drawn into the inside of the main body 10 through the intake port 11a of the intake duct 11. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the main body 10 may not include a duct structure such as the intake duct 11, and the intake port 11a and the connection pipe 30 may be directly connected.

[0078] The main body 10 may include an exhaust port 12a for discharging air, from which foreign substances are removed, to the outside of the main body 10. The main body 10 may include an exhaust case 12, and the exhaust port 12a may be formed on an outer surface of the exhaust case 12.

[0079] The main body 10 may include a user interface 17. A user can turn on/off the cleaner 1 or control a suction strength by operating a power button and the like provided on the user interface 17.

[0080] The cleaner 1 may include a handle 40 provided to be gripped by a user. For example, the handle 40 may be provided on the main body 10. A user can hold the handle 40 with user's hand and move the cleaner 1 in a desired direction.

[0081] The cleaner 1 may include a battery 50 configured to supply power required for driving components of the cleaner 1, such as the suction motor 13. The battery 50 may be detachably mounted on the main body 10. For example, the battery 50 may be electrically connected to a charging terminal provided on a cleaner holder or a docking station. The battery 50 may be charged by receiving power from the charging terminal provided on the cleaner holder or the docking station. When the battery 50 is discharged, an operating time of the cleaner may be increased by replacing the discharged battery with a pre-charged battery 50. Unlike the above-described example, the battery 50 may be provided integrally with the main body 10.

[0082] The cleaner 1 may include a dust collector 20 configured to separate and collect foreign substances from the drawn air. For example, the dust collector 20 may be provided in the main body 10. The dust collector 20 may be arranged upstream from the suction motor 13 with respect to an air flow direction, so as to separate foreign substances from the air flowing into the dust collector 20 and to collect the separated foreign substances.

[0083] Air that is introduced into the inside of the main body 10 through the intake port 11a may be introduced into the inside of the dust collector 20 through an inlet 22. The dust collector 20 may be configured to be detachably coupled to the main body 10.

[0084] The cleaner 1 may include a body coupling portion 16 for detachably coupling the dust collector 20 to the main body 10. For example, the body coupling portion 16 may be located at an upper portion of the dust collector 20. For example, the body coupling portion 16 may include a button that is hooked to one side of the main body 10. When the body coupling portion 16 is hooked to one side of the main body 10, the dust collector 20 may be mounted on the main body 10. When a user presses the body coupling portion 16 while the dust collector 20 is mounted on the main body 10, the hooking of the body coupling portion 16 may be released, and accordingly, the dust collector 20 may be separated from the main body 10. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the method by which the dust collector 20 is detachably coupled to the main body 10 may be provided in various ways, such as a hook method.

[0085] The dust collector 20 may include a dust collecting case 26 configured to collect foreign substances separated from the air. The dust collecting case 26 may form an outer appearance of the dust collector 20. The dust collecting case 26 may form a dust collecting chamber 21 in which foreign substances separated from the air are collected.

[0086] Foreign substances in the air that are drawn into the inside of the main body 10 through the intake port 11a may be separated from the air and collected in the dust collecting chamber 21 formed on the inside of the dust collecting case 26. The air from which foreign substances are separated by a dust separator 29 may be discharged to the outside of the dust collector 20 through an outlet 23.

[0087] The dust collector 20 may include a dust collecting cover 27 configured to open and close the dust collecting chamber 21. For example, the dust collecting cover 27 may be rotatably coupled to one side of the dust collecting case 26. The dust collecting cover 27 may be configured to be rotatable on the dust collecting case 26 by a cover rotation shaft 27a.

[0088] The cleaner 1 may include a cover fixing portion 28 provided to fix the dust collecting cover 27 to the dust collecting case 26 or release the dust collecting cover 27 from the dust collecting case 26. For example, when the cover fixing portion 28 is pressurized, the dust collecting cover 27 may rotate downward and open the dust collecting chamber 21. With this configuration, a user can easily remove foreign substances collected inside the dust collecting chamber 21 without separating the dust collector 20 from the main body 10.

[0089] The cleaner 1 may include the dust separator 29 for separating foreign substances from the drawn air. The dust separator 29 may be configured to separate foreign substances from the air introduced into the main body 10.

[0090] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the dust separator 29 may include a cyclone structure configured to separate foreign substances from the drawn air. The cyclone structure of the dust separator 29 may separate foreign substances by a centrifugal force generated as the drawn air and foreign substances rotate in a flow. In the cyclone structure, an air inlet may be formed to include various structures capable of guiding a rotational flow of air, such as a helical inlet, a tangential inlet, and a guide vane inlet.

[0091] However, the dust separator 29 provided in the cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to a cyclone-type dust separator 29 and may include various types of dust separators.

[0092] To allow air to flow from the inlet 22 to the outlet 23, the suction motor 13 may be disposed downstream of the dust collector 20 in an air flow path through which air flows from the inlet 22.

[0093] Air discharged to the outside of the dust collector 20 through the outlet 23 may sequentially pass through the suction motor 13 and the exhaust port 12a and be discharged to the outside of the main body 10. The main body 10 may include an exhaust filter 15 disposed between the dust collector 20 and the exhaust port 12a to filter the air inside the main body 10 before being discharged to the outside of the main body 10 through the exhaust port 12a. For example, the exhaust filter 15 may filter out ultrafine dust and the like that are not filtered out by the dust separator 29 of the dust collector 20. For example, the exhaust filter 15 may include a HEPA filter.

[0094] With this configuration, when a suction force is generated by the suction motor 13 and the fan 14 inside the main body 10, air and foreign substances may be drawn into the suction head 100. The air and foreign substances drawn into the suction head 100 are drawn into the inside of the main body 10 through the connection pipe 30 and the intake port 11a. The air introduced into the inside of the main body 10 may flow into the dust collector 20 through the inlet 22, and dust in the air may be separated from the air by the dust separator 29. The foreign substances separated from the air are accommodated in the dust collecting chamber 21 formed inside the dust collecting case 26, and the air passing through the dust separator 29 is discharged to the outside of the dust collector 20 through the outlet 23. The air discharged to the outside of the dust collector 20 may be filtered once more while passing through the exhaust filter 15. Accordingly, the air may be exhausted to the outside of the main body 10 through the exhaust port 12a.

[0095] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a suction head of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the suction head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include the suction head 100.

[0097] The cleaner 1 may include a housing 110 and a drum brush 120 configured to be rotatable relative to the housing 110. The housing 110 may be provided to surround at least a portion of the drum brush 120. The housing 110 and the drum brush 120 may be provided as a configuration of the suction head 100.

[0098] The housing 110 may include a suction port 110a. The suction port 110a may be configured to draw in air and foreign substances. The suction port 110a may be configured to draw in air containing foreign substances. The suction port 110a may be formed to be open toward a surface to be cleaned. For example, the suction port 110a may be formed as a lower portion of the housing 110 is opened.

[0099] The housing 110 may include a communication port 110b. The communication port 110b may be provided to communicate with the connection pipe 30 (refer to FIG. 1). The communication port 110b may be provided to communicate with a suction connector 160. The communication port 110b may be arranged downstream from the suction port 110a with respect to the air flow direction. Air and foreign substances drawn through the suction port 110a may pass through the communication port 110b and move to the connection pipe 30. Foreign substances drawn through the suction port 110a may pass through the communication port 110b and move to the dust collector 20. The foreign substances may be collected in the dust collector 20.

[0100] For example, the housing 110 may include a first frame 111, a second frame 112, a first cover 113, and a second cover 114. The housing 110 may be formed as the first frame 111, the second frame 112, the first cover 113, and the second cover 114 are assembled.

[0101] For example, the first frame 111 may be provided to cover a portion of the drum brush 120, and the second frame 112 may be provided to cover another portion of the drum brush 120. The first frame 111 and the second frame 112 may be detachably coupled. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the housing 110 may further include an additional frame in addition to the first frame 111 and the second frame 112. The first frame 111 and the second frame 112 may also be formed integrally. The first frame 111 and the second frame 112 may be referred to as a frame.

[0102] For example, the first cover 113 may be coupled to a left side of the frame 111 and/or 112, and the second cover 114 may be coupled to a right side of the frame 111 and/or 112. However, the arrangement of the first cover 113 and the second cover 114 is not limited thereto. The first cover 113 may be coupled to the right side of the frame 111 and/or 112, and the second cover 114 may be coupled to the left side of the frame 111 and/or 112.

[0103] The first cover 113 may accommodate a configuration for supplying power to a driving device 130 to be described later. For example, a wire (not shown) connected to the battery 50 (refer to FIGS. 1 to 3) may be extended to the main body 10, the connection pipe 30, the suction connector 160, and the first cover 113 to be electrically connected to the driving device 130.

[0104] The second cover 114 may rotatably support the drum brush 120. The drum brush 120 may be rotatably coupled to the second cover 114. The drum brush 120 may be detachably coupled to one side of the housing 110 through the second cover 114. The drum brush 120 may be detachably coupled to the frame 111 and/or 112 through the second cover 114. The drum brush 120 may be separated from the frame 111 and/or 112 together with the second cover 114, or may be coupled to the frame 111 and/or 112 together with the second cover 114.

[0105] The drum brush 120 may be configured to be rotatably mountable to the housing 110. The drum brush 120 may be configured to rotate around a rotation axis R (refer to FIG. 8).

[0106] The drum brush 120 may be in contact with the surface to be cleaned and induce foreign substances such as hair and dust existing on the surface to be drawn into the inside of the suction head 100. As the drum brush 120 rotates, foreign substances on the surface to be cleaned may be drawn into the inside of the suction head 100 through the suction port 110a. Foreign substances drawn into the inside of the suction head 100 may be drawn into the connection pipe 30 through the communication port 110b and moved toward the main body 10 of the cleaner.

[0107] For example, the drum brush 120 may include a drum body 121, and a brush 122. The drum body 121 may include a substantially hollow shape. The brush 122 may be provided on an outer surface of the drum body 121. The brush 122 may be provided to surround the drum body 121. The brush 122 may be provided to be wound around the drum body 121. The brush 122 may be configured by a collection of a plurality of bristles 122a provided to scatter foreign substances by striking or sweeping the surface to be cleaned. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the brush 122 may include various shapes configured to sweep or shake off foreign substances from the surface to be cleaned. The brush 122 may include plush fabric or elastic blade. The brush 122 may include a material that is more flexible than the drum body 121.

[0108] The drum brush 120 may have a grain direction C. The grain direction C may refer to a grain direction C of the plurality of bristles 122a, and may refer to a direction in which ends of the plurality of bristles 122a face. The grain direction C may refer to a direction in which the plurality of bristles 122a lies. For example, when the drum brush 120 rotates, foreign substances such as hair that are wrapped around the drum brush 120 may move along the grain direction C of the drum brush 120. The drum brush 120 may have a plurality of grain directions C instead of a single grain direction C.

[0109] The drum brush 120 may have various shapes. Depending on a length of the plurality of bristles 122a of the brush 122 and a winding direction of the brush 122, the shape and/or grain direction C of the drum brush 120 may vary.

[0110] For example, the drum brush 120 may include a plurality of stepped portions 123. For example, the drum brush 120 may include a shape that is inclined along the rotation axis R of the drum brush 120. For example, the drum brush 120 may include a plurality of inclined portions 124. For example, a diameter of the drum brush 120 may not be constant along the rotation axis R of the drum brush 120. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples described above and illustrated in the drawings. The drum brush 120 may be provided in a cylindrical shape including a substantially uniform outer surface. The diameter of the drum brush 120 may be constant along the rotation axis R.

[0111] The cleaner 1 may include the driving device 130. The suction head 100 may include the driving device 130. The driving device 130 may provide a driving force to the drum brush 120. The driving device 130 may transmit a rotational force to the drum brush 120. The driving device 130 may be coupled to the drum brush 120, and the drum brush 120 and the driving device 130 may be configured to rotate together.

[0112] The driving device 130 may be provided on the inside of the drum brush 120. The driving device 130 may be coupled to the inside of the drum body 121. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the driving device 130 may be arranged in various ways as long as the driving device 130 transmits a driving force to the drum brush 120. For example, the driving device 130 may be arranged at a rear side or a lateral side of the drum brush 120 within the suction head 100, and in this case, the driving device 130 may be connected to the drum brush 120 by a separate connecting member (not shown) to transmit a driving force to the drum brush 120.

[0113] The driving device 130 may be detachably coupled to the housing 110. For example, the driving device 130 may be coupled to the left side of the first frame 111. The driving device 130 may be supplied with power from the battery 50 through the first cover 113. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the driving device 130 may be connected to a separate power supply source other than the battery 50.

[0114] The driving device 130 may include at least one motor 134 (refer to FIG. 18). The motor 134 may be referred to as a brush motor 134. The motor 134 of the driving device 130 may be referred to as a first motor 134, and the suction motor 13 may be referred to as a second motor 13.

[0115] The driving device 130 may include a motor case 131 provided to accommodate and protect components of the driving device 130. The motor case 131 may include a substantially cylindrical shape. Each component of the driving device 130 configured to generate a driving force required to rotate the drum brush 120 or to transmit the driving force to the drum brush 120 may be arranged inside the motor case 131. The motor case 131 may accommodate at least one motor 134 (refer to FIG. 18).

[0116] The driving device 130 may include a driving shaft 132. The driving force generated from the motor 134 (refer to FIG. 18) of the driving device 130 may be transmitted to the drum brush 120 through the driving shaft 132.

[0117] The driving device 130 may include a coupler 133. The coupler 133 may be coupled to the driving shaft 132 and may be rotatable integrally with the driving shaft 132. The coupler 133 may be coupled to the drum brush 120. For example, a coupler groove (not shown) having a shape corresponding to that of the coupler 133 may be formed in the drum body 121 of the drum brush 120. The coupler 133 and the coupler groove may be engaged with each other, and accordingly, the driving force of the driving device 130 may be transmitted to the drum brush 120 to allow the drum brush 120 to be rotatable.

[0118] However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described method, and the driving device 130 may provide a rotational force to the drum brush 120 through various methods.

[0119] The cleaner 1 may include a bearing 140. The suction head 100 may include the bearing 140. The bearing 140 may allow the drum brush 120 to rotate smoothly. The bearing 140 may be arranged inside the drum brush 120 and may be coupled to the housing 110. The bearing 140 may support an inner circumferential surface of the drum body 121 of the drum brush 120. For example, the bearing 140 may be coupled to an inner side of the drum body 121 and the left side of the frame.

[0120] The cleaner 1 may include a drum cap 150. The suction head 100 may include the drum cap 150. The drum cap 150 may be arranged on a side of the drum brush 120 facing the second cover 114. The drum cap 150 may cover one end of the drum brush 120. The drum cap 150 may allow the drum brush 120 to be rotatably coupled to the second cover 114. For example, the drum cap 150 may be configured to be fixed to the second cover 114 while being inserted into the drum body 121.

[0121] The cleaner 1 may include the suction connector 160. The suction head 100 may include the suction connector 160. The suction connector 160 may be configured to connect the housing 110 and the connection pipe 30.

[0122] The cleaner 1 may include a scraper 200. The suction head 100 may include the scraper 200. The scraper 200 may be provided to interfere with the drum brush 120. The scraper 200 may be configured to rub against the drum brush 120. The scraper 200 may be configured to scrape off foreign substances attached to the drum brush 120 while the drum brush 120 rotates. The scraper 200 may be configured to remove foreign substances such as hair and dust attached to the drum brush 120. Foreign substances attached to the drum brush 120 may be separated from the drum brush 120 by the scraper 200.

[0123] FIG. 6 illustrates a portion of the suction head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 illustrates a state in which a scraper is separated from a housing of the suction head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a portion of the suction head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the scraper according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of D1 illustrated in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of D2 illustrated in FIG. 9.

[0124] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the scraper 200 may be provided in the housing 110. The scraper 200 is removably couplable to the housing 110. The scraper 200 is detachably mountable to the housing 110. The scraper 200 may be fixed to the housing 110.

[0125] For example, the housing 110 may include a scraper mounting portion 115, and the scraper 200 may be mounted on the scraper mounting portion 115. The scraper 200 may have a shape corresponding to the scraper mounting portion 115. For example, the housing 110 may include an insertion groove 1151, and the scraper 200 may include an insertion protrusion 211 insertable into the insertion groove 1151. For example, the housing 110 may include a first coupling hole 1152, and the scraper 200 may include a second coupling hole 212 corresponding to the first coupling hole 1152.

[0126] For example, the insertion protrusion 211 of the scraper 200 may be inserted into the insertion groove 1151 of the housing 110. While the insertion protrusion 211 is inserted into the insertion groove 1151, the first coupling hole 1152 and the second coupling hole 212 may overlap. A fastening member 90 may be coupled to the housing 110 through the first coupling hole 1152 and the second coupling hole 212. That is, the scraper 200 may be fixed to the housing 110 by the fastening member 90.

[0127] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the scraper 200 may be provided integrally with the housing 110. In this case, the scraper 200 may be provided as a portion of the housing 110.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 8, the housing 110 may include a guide protrusion 116. The guide protrusion 116 may be provided to guide foreign substances, which are drawn through the suction port 110a, toward a central portion of the drum brush 120. The central portion of the drum brush 120 may include a portion that includes a center line M intersecting the rotation axis R of the drum brush 120 and is relatively located in the center. The guide protrusion 116 may guide foreign substances drawn through the suction port 110a to be away from both ends of the drum brush 120. Accordingly, the guide protrusion 116 may prevent foreign substances such as hair from moving toward both sides of the housing 110.

[0129] For example, the guide protrusions 116 may be provided in plurality. The housing 110 may include a first guide protrusion 1161, and a second guide protrusion 1162.

[0130] The first guide protrusion 1161 may be configured to protrude toward a first end 120a of the drum brush 120 and come into contact with the drum brush 120. For example, the first guide protrusion 1161 may protrude from the left side of the first frame 111. The first guide protrusion 1161 may include a curved shape to smoothly guide foreign substances. The first guide protrusion 1161 may guide foreign substances drawn through the suction port 110a to be away from the first end 120a of the drum brush 120. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent foreign substances such as hair from being caught or tangled between the housing 110 and the first end 120a of the drum brush 120.

[0131] The second guide protrusion 1162 may be configured to protrude toward a second end 120b of the drum brush 120 and come into contact with the drum brush 120. For example, the second guide protrusion 1162 may protrude from the right side of the first frame 111. The first guide protrusion 1161 and the second guide protrusion 1162 may be arranged to face each other. The second guide protrusion 1162 may include a curved shape to smoothly guide foreign substances. The second guide protrusion 1162 may guide foreign substances drawn through the suction port 110a to be away from the second end 120b of the drum brush 120. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent foreign substances such as hair from being caught or tangled between the housing 110 and the second end 120b of the drum brush 120.

[0132] The scraper 200 may be provided to be disposed between the drum brush 120 and the communication port 110b. Foreign substances separated from the drum brush 120 by the scraper 200 may move to the communication port 110b by the suction force generated from the suction motor 13 (refer to FIG. 3). That is, foreign substances separated from the drum brush 120 by the scraper 200 may be drawn into the suction head 100 through the communication port 110b.

[0133] The scraper 200 may include a scraper body 210. The scraper body 210 may extend substantially along an extension direction of the drum brush 120. The scraper body 210 may extend along the rotation axis R of the drum brush 120. The insertion protrusion 211 may protrude from the scraper body 210. The second coupling hole 212 may be formed by penetrating the scraper body 210.

[0134] The scraper 200 may include a guide groove 250. The guide groove 250 may be provided to correspond to a portion of the communication port 110b. The guide groove 250 may be provided to correspond to a portion of an outer edge of the communication port 110b. The scraper 200 may include the guide groove 250 so as not to cover the communication port 110b. The guide groove 250 may guide foreign substances to the communication port 110b. For example, the guide groove 250 may be recessed from a portion of the scraper body 210.

[0135] The scraper 200 may include at least one curved portion 240. The scraper 200 may include at least one curved portion 240 to correspond to an inner shape of the housing 110. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the scraper 200 may be provided in a straight shape.

[0136] The scraper 200 may include a plurality of protrusions 220. The plurality of protrusions 220 may protrude toward the drum brush 120. The plurality of protrusions 220 may extend from the scraper body 210 toward the drum brush 120. The plurality of protrusions 220 may be provided to be in contact with the drum brush 120. The plurality of protrusions 220 may be provided to overlap the drum brush 120. The plurality of protrusions 220 may be embedded in the brush 122. The plurality of protrusions 220 may be arranged along an extension direction of the scraper body 210.

[0137] Each of the plurality of protrusions 220 may be provided to have an inclination. Each of the plurality of protrusions 220 may have a shape that is inclined along a first direction A or a second direction B.

[0138] Meanwhile, the first direction A may be parallel to the rotation axis R of the drum brush 120. The first direction A may correspond to the extension direction of the drum brush 120. The second direction B may be the opposite direction of the first direction A. The second direction B may be parallel to the rotation axis R of the drum brush 120. The second direction B may correspond to the extension direction of the drum brush 120. For example, the grain direction C of the plurality of bristles 122a (refer to FIG. 5) of the drum brush 120 may be the first direction A or the second direction B. In FIG. 5, it is illustrated that the grain direction C of the plurality of bristles 122a is approximately the same as the first direction A, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the grain direction C of the plurality of modules 122a may be different from the first direction A and the second direction B.

[0139] As will be described later, the scraper 200 may include a plurality of first protrusions 221 and a plurality of second protrusions 222. The plurality of protrusions 220 may be composed of the plurality of first protrusions 221 and the plurality of second protrusions 222. The plurality of first protrusions 221 and the plurality of second protrusions 222 may have different shapes. An inclination direction of the first protrusions 221 and an inclination direction of the second protrusions 222 may be different.

[0140] The scraper 200 may include a plurality of grooves 230. The plurality of grooves 230 may be relatively concave compared to the plurality of protrusions 220. One groove 230 may be formed between two mutually adjacent protrusions 220. That is, the plurality of protrusions 220 and the plurality of grooves 230 may be provided to be alternately arranged.

[0141] As will be described later, the scraper 200 may include a plurality of first grooves 231 and a plurality of second grooves 232. The plurality of grooves 230 may be composed of the plurality of first grooves 231 and the plurality of second grooves 232. The first groove 231 may be formed between two adjacent first protrusions 221 among the plurality of first protrusions 221. The second groove 232 may be formed between two adjacent second protrusions 222 among the plurality of second protrusions 222. The plurality of first protrusions 221 and the plurality of first grooves 231 may be provided to be alternately arranged. The plurality of second protrusions 222 and the plurality of second grooves 232 may be provided to be alternately arranged.

[0142] The scraper 200 may have a sawtooth shape. The plurality of protrusions 220 and the plurality of grooves 230 may form a sawtooth shape. The protrusion 220 may be referred to as a tooth 220. The plurality of protrusions 220 may be referred to as a plurality of teeth 220. With this shape of the scraper 200, the entire scraper 200 may not overlap with the drum brush 120. That is, the scraper 200 may include both a portion that overlaps with the drum brush 120 and a portion that does not overlap with the drum brush 120. The scraper 200 may include both a portion that is in contact with the drum brush 120 and a portion that is spaced apart from the drum brush 120.

[0143] The scraper 200 may include a first inclined portion 201. The first inclined portion 201 may be inclined along the first direction A. For example, the first inclined portion 201 may be inclined upward along the first direction A. For example, the first inclined portion 201 may be inclined downward along the second direction B.

[0144] The scraper 200 may include a second inclined portion 202. The second inclined portion 202 may be inclined along the second direction B. For example, the second inclined portion 202 may be inclined upward along the second direction B. For example, the second inclined portion 202 may be inclined downward along the first direction A.

[0145] In the present disclosure, that the inclined portion is inclined may mean that a protrusion amount of the inclined portion increases toward the drum brush 120. In addition, that the inclined portion is inclined upward and inclined downward may be described based on the bottom view of the suction head 100. Therefore, the expression inclined upward does not necessarily mean that it is inclined vertically upward. In addition, the expression inclined downward does not necessarily mean that it is inclined vertically downward.

[0146] The scraper 200 may include a first recessed portion 203. The first recessed portion 203 may be formed by the first inclined portion 201 and the second inclined portion 202. The first recessed portion 203 may mean a relatively recessed region surrounded by the first inclined portion 201 and the second inclined portion 202. At least a portion of the first recessed portion 203 may be prevented from overlapping with the drum brush 120. At least a portion of the first recessed portion 203 may not come into contact with the drum brush 120. Foreign substances (for example, hair) attached to the drum brush 120 may be movable within the first recessed portion 203. As a result, the scraper 200 may loosen the foreign substance wrapped around the drum brush 120. A detailed description thereof will be described later.

[0147] An inclination angle a1 of the first inclined portion 201 may be less than an inclination angle a2 of the second inclined portion 202. The inclination angle a2 of the second inclined portion 202 may be greater than the inclination angle a1 of the first inclined portion 201. The first inclined portion 201 may have a relatively gentler inclination than the second inclined portion 202. The second inclined portion 202 may have a relatively steeper inclination than the first inclined portion 201.

[0148] For example, the inclination angle a1 of the first inclined portion 201 may be in a range of about 40 to 70 degrees. For example, the inclination angle a2 of the second inclined portion 202 may be in a range of about 80 to 95 degrees. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described example, and in some cases, the inclination angle a1 of the first inclined portion 201 and the inclination angle a2 of the second inclined portion 202 may have various numerical ranges.

[0149] The first inclined portion 201, the second inclined portion 202, and the first recessed portion 203 may be provided in plurality. The first inclined portion 201, the second inclined portion 202, and the first recessed portion 203 may be formed continuously.

[0150] Each of the plurality of first protrusions 221 may include the first inclined portion 201. Each of the plurality of first protrusions 221 may include the second inclined portion 202. Each of the plurality of first protrusions 221 may mean a protruding portion of the scraper 200 defined by the first inclined portion 201 and the second inclined portion 202. The plurality of first protrusions 221 may be provided to protrude toward the drum brush 120 and overlap with the drum brush 120. The plurality of first protrusions 221 may be provided to be in contact with the drum brush 120. Each of the plurality of first protrusions 221 may include a first connecting portion 204 connecting the first inclined portion 201 and the second inclined portion 202. However, the first connecting portion 204 may be omitted, and the first inclined portion 201 and the second inclined portion 202 may be directly connected.

[0151] The scraper 200 may include a third inclined portion 205. The third inclined portion 205 may be inclined along the second direction B. For example, the third inclined portion 205 may be inclined upward along the second direction B. For example, the third inclined portion 205 may be inclined downward along the first direction A.

[0152] The scraper 200 may include a fourth inclined portion 206. The fourth inclined portion 206 may be inclined along the first direction A. For example, the fourth inclined portion 206 may be inclined upward along the first direction A. For example, the fourth inclined portion 206 may be inclined downward along the second direction B.

[0153] The scraper 200 may include a second recessed portion 207. The second recessed portion 207 may be formed by the third inclined portion 205 and the fourth inclined portion 206. The second recessed portion 207 may mean a relatively recessed region surrounded by the third inclined portion 205 and the fourth inclined portion 206. At least a portion of the second recessed portion 207 may be prevented from overlapping with the drum brush 120. At least a portion of the second recessed portion 207 may not come into contact with the drum brush 120. Foreign substance (for example, hair) attached to the drum brush 120 may be movable within the second recessed portion 207. As a result, the scraper 200 may loosen the foreign substance wrapped around the drum brush 120. A detailed description thereof will be described later.

[0154] An inclination angle a3 of the third inclined portion 205 may be less than an inclination angle a4 of the fourth inclined portion 206. The inclination angle a4 of the fourth inclined portion 206 may be greater than the inclination angle a3 of the third inclined portion 205. The third inclined portion 205 may have a relatively gentler inclination than the fourth inclined portion 206. The fourth inclined portion 206 may have a relatively steeper inclination than the third inclined portion 205.

[0155] For example, the inclination angle a3 of the third inclined portion 205 may be in a range of about 40 to 70 degrees. For example, the inclination angle a4 of the fourth inclined portion 206 may be in a range of about 80 to 95 degrees. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described example, and in some cases, the inclination angle a3 of the third inclined portion 205 and the inclination angle a4 of the fourth inclined portion 206 may have various numerical ranges.

[0156] The third inclined portion 205, the fourth inclined portion 206, and the second recessed portion 207 may be provided in plurality. The third inclined portion 205, the fourth inclined portion 206, and the second recessed portion 207 may be formed continuously.

[0157] Each of the plurality of second protrusions 222 may include the third inclined portion 205. Each of the plurality of second protrusions 222 may include the fourth inclined portion 206. Each of the plurality of second protrusions 222 may mean a protruding portion of the scraper 200 defined by the third inclined portion 205 and the fourth inclined portion 206. The plurality of second protrusions 222 may be provided to protrude toward the drum brush 120 and overlap with the drum brush 120. The plurality of second protrusions 222 may be provided to be in contact with the drum brush 120. Each of the plurality of second protrusions 222 may include a second connecting portion 208 connecting the third inclined portion 205 and the fourth inclined portion 206. However, the second connecting portion 208 may be omitted, and the third inclined portion 205 and the fourth inclined portion 206 may be directly connected.

[0158] The scraper 200 may include a first section S1. The first section S1 may include the plurality of first inclined portions 201, the plurality of second inclined portions 202, and the plurality of first recessed portions 203. The first section S1 may include the plurality of first protrusions 221 and the plurality of first grooves 231. The first section S1 may include the plurality of first connecting portions 204.

[0159] The scraper 200 may include a second section S2. The second section S2 may include the plurality of third inclined portions 205, the plurality of fourth inclined portions 206, and the plurality of second recessed portions 207. The second section S2 may include the plurality of second protrusions 222 and the plurality of second grooves 232. The second section S2 may include the plurality of second connecting portions 205.

[0160] The first section S1 and the second section S2 may have inclinations opposite to each other. When the first section S1 has a forward inclination, the second section S2 may have a reverse inclination. When the second section S2 has a forward inclination, the first section S1 may have a reverse inclination.

[0161] In general, foreign substances (for example, hair) wrapped around the drum brush 120 may move along the grain direction C of the drum brush 120. At this time, the forward inclination may mean an inclination along which the foreign substances wrapped around the drum brush 120 easily move. The reverse inclination may mean an inclination in which it is difficult for foreign substances wrapped around the drum brush 120 to move. When a gentle inclination (for example, the first inclination portion 201 and the third inclination portion 205) of a section corresponds to the grain direction C, the section may be considered to have a forward inclination. In addition, the section may be referred to as a forward direction section. When a steep inclination (for example, the second inclination portion 202 and the fourth inclination portion 206) of a section corresponds to the grain direction C, the section may be considered to have a reverse inclination. In addition, the section may be referred to as a reverse direction section.

[0162] For example, when the grain direction C of the drum brush 120 is the first direction A, the first section S1 may be referred to as a forward direction section, and the second section S2 may be referred to as a reverse direction section. For example, when the grain direction C of the drum brush 120 is the second direction B, the first section S1 may be referred to as a reverse direction section, and the second section S2 may be referred to as a forward direction section. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples described above. The drum brush 120 may have a plurality of grain directions C, and the first section S1 and the second section S2 may be referred to differently based on each grain direction.

[0163] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the scraper 200 may include the first section S1 and the second section S2 having opposite inclinations. Accordingly, the scraper 200 may more effectively remove foreign substances (for example, hair) attached to the drum brush 120. For example, foreign substances wrapped around the drum brush 120 may move along the grain direction C while the drum brush 120 rotates. At this time, the foreign substances wrapped around the drum brush 120 may easily move when the foreign substances correspond to the forward direction section of the scraper 200. However, it may be difficult for the foreign substances wrapped around the drum brush 120 to move when the foreign substances correspond to the reverse direction section of the scraper 200. The forward direction section of the scraper 200 may be configured to guide the foreign substances wrapped around the drum brush 120 to the central portion of the drum brush 120. The reverse direction section of the scraper 200 may prevent foreign substances, which are guided through the forward direction section of the scraper 200, from moving beyond the central portion of the drum brush 120 and moving toward both sides of the housing 110.

[0164] That is, because the scraper 200 includes both the first section S1 and the second section S2, it is possible to prevent and/or reduce foreign substances wrapped around the drum brush 120 from moving toward both sides of the suction head 100. Foreign substances wrapped around the drum brush 120 may not become tangled between the housing 110 and the end of the drum brush 120. In addition, foreign substances wrapped around the drum brush 120 may be easily guided to the central portion of the drum brush 120. Because the central portion of the drum brush 120 is adjacent to the communication port 110b, the central portion thereof may be subject to a strong suction force. Because a suction flow rate is large in the central portion of the drum brush 120, foreign substances wrapped around or attached to the central portion of the drum brush 120 may be easily drawn into the inside of the suction head 100.

[0165] For example, referring to FIG. 9, the first section S1 and the second section S2 of the scraper 200 may be symmetrical with respect to the center line M intersecting the rotation axis R. For example, referring to FIG. 9, the first section S1 and the second section S2 may be provided in plurality, and the plurality of first sections S1 and the plurality of second sections S2 may be arranged alternately.

[0166] However, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples described above, and the first section S1 and the second section S2 may be arranged in various ways, and there is no limitation on the number of the first section S1 and the second section S2. The scraper 200 may include a single first section S1 and a plurality of second sections S2. The scraper 200 may include a single second section S2 and a plurality of first sections S1. The scraper 200 may include a single first section S1 and a single second section S2. A length of the first section S1 and a length of the second section S2 may be the same or different. The first section S1 and the second section S2 may be arranged irregularly.

[0167] FIG. 12 is a schematic view illustrating a process of loosening foreign substances wrapped around a drum brush according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 12, for convenience of description, some components may be illustrated in a simplified manner or some components may be illustrated with an exaggerated scale.

[0168] In FIG. 12, a case in which the grain direction C of the drum brush 120 is the second direction B is described as an example. An example of a process, in which foreign substances (for example, hair) wrapped around the drum brush 120 are loosened in the first section S1 of the scraper 200, is described with reference to FIG. 12. The following description referring to FIG. 12 may also be applied equally to a case in which foreign substances (for example, hair) wrapped around the drum brush 120 are loosened in the second section S2 of the scraper 200.

[0169] As the drum brush 120 rotates, foreign substances such as hair may be wrapped around the outer surface of the drum brush 120. While the drum brush 120 rotates, the foreign substances wrapped around the drum brush 120 may move along the grain direction C of the drum brush 120. For example, the foreign substances wrapped around the drum brush 120 may move along the second direction B.

[0170] The foreign substances attached to the drum brush 120 may be movable within the first recessed portion 203. The foreign substances attached to the drum brush 120 may move along an inclined surface of the first inclined portion 201 within the first recessed portion 203 as the drum brush 120 rotates (refer to H). The foreign substances moving along the relatively gentle inclined surface of the first inclined portion 201 may collide with the relatively steep second inclined portion 202 (refer to H). The foreign substances wrapped around the drum brush 120 may be cut off or may move toward the first inclined portion 201 by colliding with the second inclined portion 202. The foreign substances moving toward the first inclined portion 201 may move again along the inclined surface of the first inclined portion 201 and collide with the second inclined portion 202. The foreign substances wrapped around the drum brush 120 may be tensed or released while moving (refer to broken arrow) within the first recessed portion 203. Through the process, foreign substances such as hair, animal fur, and thread wrapped around the drum brush 120 may be cut off or loosened by the scraper 200. For example, a strong centrifugal force may be generated when foreign substances moving along the inclined surface collides with a steep inclination. The foreign substances may be released from the drum brush 120 while moving in the direction of the centrifugal force. In addition, because at least a portion of the first recessed portion 203 does not overlap with the drum brush 120, air may flow through the first recessed portion 203. Foreign substances located within the first recessed portion 203 may smoothly move to the communication port 110b along with the flow of air.

[0171] As illustrated in FIG. 12, when the grain direction C of the drum brush 120 is the second direction B, the first section S1 may be a reverse direction section. It may not be easy for foreign substances wrapped around the drum brush 120 to move in the second direction B over the relatively steep second inclined portion 202 of the first section S1. That is, in the first section S1, the scraper 200 may restrict the foreign substances wrapped around the drum brush 120 from moving to the left side of the housing 110. As a result, the foreign substances wrapped around the drum brush 120 may be guided to the central portion of the drum brush 120, in which the suction flow rate is relatively large, and the foreign substances may be drawn more smoothly into the suction head 100.

[0172] Meanwhile, although not illustrated in the drawing, a case in which the grain direction C of the drum brush 120 is the first direction A and foreign substances (for example, hair) wrapped around the drum brush 120 is loosened in the second section S2 of the scraper 200 will be briefly described. The foreign substances attached to the drum brush 120 may be movable within the second recessed portion 207. The foreign substances attached to the drum brush 120 may move along an inclined surface of the third inclined portion 205 within the second recessed portion 207 as the drum brush 120 rotates. The foreign substance moving along the relatively gentle inclined surface of the third inclined portion 205 may collide with the relatively steep fourth inclined portion 206. The foreign substance wrapped around the drum brush 120 may be cut off by colliding with the fourth inclined portion 206 or may move toward the third inclined portion 205. Through this process, the foreign substances wrapped around the drum brush 120 may be cut off or loosened by the scraper 200. In addition, foreign substances located within the second recessed portion 207 may be smoothly moved to the communication port 110b along with the flow of air.

[0173] In general, a conventional scraper has a substantially linear shape and is configured to overlap a drum brush entirely. In this case, a flow path through which air flows may not be formed between the drum brush and the scraper. Accordingly, foreign substances such as hair may become tangled or wrapped around the drum brush, and the foreign substances may clump up on the scraper. In addition, when a suction head is in close contact with a surface to be cleaned (particularly, a mat bottom surface), it may be difficult to operate the suction head, and the power consumption of the cleaner may increase.

[0174] In contrast, according to the present disclosure, the scraper 200 may have a sawtooth shape. With this shape, the scraper 200 may include both a portion that overlaps the drum brush 120 and a portion that does not overlap the drum brush 120. The scraper 200 may include the plurality of recessed portions 203 and/or 207 and/or the plurality of grooves 230 to secure a space in which foreign substances wrapped around the drum brush 120 may move. Accordingly, the foreign substances wrapped around the drum brush 120 may be cut off or loosened by the scraper 200 while the foreign substances move. In addition, a flow path through which air flows may be formed between the drum brush 120 and the scraper 200. That is, a flow path through which air flows may be formed in a portion in which the scraper 200 and the drum brush 120 do not overlap. Accordingly, foreign substances attached to the drum brush 120 may be smoothly drawn into the suction head 100 along with the flow of air.

[0175] Foreign substances may not be clumped or tangled in the drum brush 120 and/or the scraper 200. In addition, when the suction head 100 are in close contact with the surface to be cleaned, air may flow between the drum brush 120 and the scraper 200, and thus the operation of the suction head 100 may be relatively convenient and the power consumption of the cleaner 1 may be relatively low.

[0176] FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the suction head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of D3 illustrated in FIG. 13. FIG. 15 illustrates a state in which the drum brush illustrated in FIG. 14 is rotated.

[0177] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the diameter of the drum brush 120 may not be constant along the extension direction or the rotation axis R (refer to FIG. 8) of the drum brush 120. For example, the brush 120 may include the plurality of stepped portions 123. For example, the drum brush 120 may include the plurality of inclined portions 124. Accordingly, as the drum brush 120 rotates, the diameter of the drum brush 120 at any point may continuously change. That is, as the drum brush 120 rotates, positions of the plurality of stepped portions 123 and the plurality of inclined portions 124 may change. However, the shape of the drum brush 120 described above is related to one embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15, and the drum brush 120 according to the present disclosure may have various shapes.

[0178] The scraper 200 may include an overlapping section O and a non-overlapping section NO. The overlapping section O of the scraper 200 may be defined as a section in which all of the plurality of protrusions 220 and the plurality of grooves 230 of the scraper 200 overlap with the drum brush 120. The non-overlapping section NO of the scraper 200 may be defined as a section in which at least some of the plurality of grooves 230 of the scraper 200 does not overlap with the drum brush 120.

[0179] Referring to FIGS. 13 to 15, the overlapping section O and the non-overlapping section NO may change as the drum brush 120 rotates. That is, a length, the number, and the like of the overlapping section O may change as the drum brush 120 rotates. A length, the number, and the like of the non-overlapping section NO may change as the drum brush 120 rotates. Accordingly, as a space (flow path) through which air flows continuously changes, the air may flow more smoothly between the drum brush 120 and the scraper 200. In addition, foreign substances wrapped around the drum brush 120 may be easily loosened as the foreign substances move more freely. That is, the scraper 200 may effectively remove foreign substances attached to the drum brush 120. In addition, the phenomenon of foreign substances clumping or remaining on the drum brush 120 and/or the scraper 200 may be prevented and/or reduced.

[0180] FIG. 16 illustrates a portion of a side cross-section of the suction head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0181] Referring to FIG. 16, the cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first flow path P1 and a second flow path P2. The first flow path P1 and the second flow path P2 may be formed in the suction head 100.

[0182] The first flow path P1 may extend from the suction port 110a to the communication port 110b. The second flow path P2 may include a space (flow path) formed between the upper portion of the drum housing 120 and the housing 110. The second flow path P2 may extend from the space formed between the upper portion of the drum housing 120 and the housing to the communication port 110b.

[0183] As described above, the conventional scraper has a substantially linear shape and is configured to overlap the drum brush entirely. In this case, a flow path through which air flows may not be formed between the drum brush and the scraper. In other words, the suction head may only draw in air and foreign substances through the suction port.

[0184] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the scraper 200 may have a sawtooth shape, thereby securing a space (flow path) between the drum brush 120 and the scraper 200. Air may flow between the drum brush 120 and the scraper 200 (for example, the plurality of recessed portions and the plurality of grooves). The cleaner 1 may draw in air and foreign substances not only through the first flow path P1 but also through the second flow path P2. That is, a flow path area of the suction head 100 that may draw in air and foreign substances may be increased. As the suction power of the suction head 100 is increased, foreign substances wrapped around the drum brush 120 may be removed more effectively. In addition, the suction head 100 may be operated more easily, and the power consumption of the cleaner may be reduced. As a result, the usability and cleaning efficiency of the cleaner 1 may be improved.

[0185] FIG. 17 illustrates a scraper according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0186] Referring to FIG. 17, an example of a scraper 200a will be described. In comparison with the scraper 200 illustrated in FIG. 9, the scraper 200a illustrated in FIG. 17 may have different arrangements of the first section S1 and the second section S2. Components that are substantially the same as the configuration are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions may be omitted.

[0187] For example, referring to FIG. 17, a grain direction C of a drum brush 120 may be a second direction B. The second direction B may correspond to the grain direction C of a bristles 122a of the drum brush 120. At this time, a first section S1 may correspond to the reverse direction section, and a second section S2 may correspond to the forward direction section. Although FIG. 17 illustrates an example of the scraper, the present disclosure is not limited to FIG. 17.

[0188] The first section S1 may be provided to be adjacent to a first side 2001 of the scraper 200 and have a first length. The second section S2 may be provided to be adjacent to a second side 2002 of the scraper 200 and have a second length. The length of each section may be a length along an extension direction of the scraper 200.

[0189] The second length of the second section S2 may be less than the first length of the first section S1. The first length of the first section S1 may be greater than the second length of the second section S2. The first section S1 may be provided with a length that extends beyond a center line M. Accordingly, the first section S1 may be provided to correspond to a central portion of the drum brush 120.

[0190] In the example illustrated in FIG. 17, foreign substances wrapped around the drum brush 120 may move in the second direction B while the drum brush 120 rotates. The second section S2, which is the forward direction section of the scraper 200, may be configured to guide the foreign substances wrapped around the drum brush 120 toward the central portion of the drum brush 120. The first section S1, which is the reverse direction section of the scraper 200, may restrict the foreign substances guided by the second section S2 from moving along the second direction B.

[0191] The scraper 200 may allow the foreign substances wrapped around the drum brush 120 to be positioned as close to the center of the drum brush 120 as possible. Because a suction flow rate is large at the center of the drum brush 120, the foreign substances wrapped around or attached to the center of the drum brush 120 may be easily drawn into the suction head 100. In addition, the foreign substances guided by the forward inclination of the drum brush 120 may be cut off or loosened when colliding with the steep inclination of the reverse direction section (in the example illustrated in FIG. 17, the inclined portion 202 of the first section S1). As a result, the foreign substances wrapped around the drum brush 120 may be effectively removed.

[0192] FIG. 18 is a control block diagram of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0193] Referring to FIG. 18, the cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include the battery 50, a user interface 17, the suction motor 13, the brush motor 134, a communication circuitry 60, and/or a controller 300.

[0194] The battery 50 may supply power to various electronic components included in the cleaner 1. For example, the battery 50 may supply power to the suction motor 13, the user interface 17, the brush motor 134, the communication circuitry 60, the controller 300 and the like. The power supplied from the battery 50 may be converted by the controller 300 and then supplied to each electronic component.

[0195] The communication circuitry 60 may perform a connection with an external device (for example, at least one of a user device, a server, and/or a home appliance) via a network. The communication circuitry 60 may communicate with the external device wired and/or wirelessly.

[0196] The communication circuitry 60 may include various communication circuits. The communication circuitry 60 may include wireless communication circuits and/or wired communication circuits. The wireless communication circuits may support various wireless communications such as wireless local area network (LAN), home radio frequency, infrared communication, ultra-wide band (UWB) communication, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and/or long-distance wireless networks (for example, cellular communication).

[0197] The controller 300 may obtain various information, various signals, and/or various data from an external device through the communication circuitry 60. For example, the communication circuitry 60 may receive commands for various modes of the cleaner 1 from the external device. The controller 300 may transmit various information, various signals, and/or various data of the cleaner 1 to the external device through the communication circuitry 60. The controller 300 may transmit information about various modes of the cleaner 1 to the external device.

[0198] The user interface 17 may allow a user and the cleaner 1 to interact with each other. The user interface 17 may include at least one input interface 171 and at least one output interface 172.

[0199] The input interface 171 may include at least one input device (for example, a physical button, a touch button, a microphone, and the like) configured to convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal. The output interface 172 may include at least one output device (for example, a display, an indicator, a speaker, and the like) configured to convert an electrical signal into sensory information.

[0200] The controller 300 may control the operation of the cleaner 1 by processing a command received through the input interface 171. The controller 300 may control the output interface 172 to output sensory information about the cleaner 1.

[0201] The suction motor 13 may generate a suction force to draw in foreign substances from a surface to be cleaned through the suction head 100.

[0202] The controller 300 may control the operation of the suction motor 13. For example, the controller 300 may control the on/off, rotation speed (RPM), rotation time, rotation direction, and the like of the suction motor 13 according to various modes of the cleaner 1.

[0203] The brush motor 134 may generate a rotational force to rotate the drum brush 120.

[0204] The controller 300 may control the operation of the brush motor 134. For example, the controller 300 may control the on/off, rotation speed (RPM), rotation time, rotation direction, and the like of the brush motor 134 according to various modes of the cleaner 1.

[0205] The controller 300 may control components of the cleaner 1. The controller 300 may include a processor 310 and a memory 320. The processor 310 is hardware and may include logic circuits and operation circuits. The processor 310 may control components of the cleaner 1, which are electrically connected, using programs, instructions and/or data stored in the memory 320 for the operation of the cleaner 1. The controller 300 may be implemented as a control circuit including circuit elements such as a condenser, an inductor and a resistor element. The processor 310 and the memory 320 may be implemented as separate chips or as a single chip. In addition, the controller 300 may include a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories.

[0206] The memory 320 may store programs, applications, and/or data for the operation of the cleaner 1, and may store data generated by the processor 310. The memory 320 may include nonvolatile memory such as a Read Only Memory (ROM) and a flash memory for storing data for a long period of time. The memory 320 may include volatile memory such as a Static Random Access Memory (S-RAM) and a Dynamic Random Access Memory (D-RAM) for temporarily storing data.

[0207] The components of the cleaner 1 are not limited to those described above. Depending on various embodiments, some of the components illustrated in FIG. 18 may be omitted or some components not illustrated in FIG. 18 may be added.

[0208] FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a method for controlling the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0209] Referring to FIG. 19, the cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may detect hair winding of the drum brush 120 (1000). The hair winding may mean a state in which foreign substances such as hair, animal fur, and thread are wrapped around the drum brush 120, and removal of foreign substances from the drum brush 120 is required.

[0210] For example, the controller 300 may determine the hair winding of the drum brush 120 based on a load of the brush motor 134. The controller 300 may determine the load of the brush motor 134 based on the supply current of the brush motor 134. When foreign substances such as hair are wrapped around the drum brush 120, the supply current of the brush motor 134 may increase in order to maintain a certain rotational force of the drum brush 120. The controller 300 may determine that the load of the brush motor 134 increases based on the increase of the supply current of the brush motor 134. The controller 300 may determine the hair winding of the drum brush 120 based on the load of the brush motor 134 being greater than or equal to a predetermined range. For example, the cleaner 1 may further include a separate sensor (not shown) for detecting the supply current of the brush motor 134, and the controller 300 may measure the load of the brush motor 134 based on the current value measured from the sensor.

[0211] For example, based on the detection of the hair winding of the drum brush 120, the controller 300 may control the user interface 17 to provide feedback, which indicates the hair winding of the drum brush 120, to a user.

[0212] For example, based on the detection of the hair winding of the drum brush 120, the controller 300 may control the communication circuitry 60 to provide feedback, which notifies a user of the hair winding of the drum brush 120, to an external device.

[0213] Referring to FIG. 19, the cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may operate in a hair loosening mode (2000) based on the detection of the hair winding of the drum brush 120. The hair loosening mode may include various operations of the cleaner 1 to remove foreign substances wrapped around the drum brush 120.

[0214] For example, the controller 300 may control the suction motor 13 and the brush motor 134 based on the detection of the hair winding of the drum brush 120. The controller 300 may control the suction motor 13 and the brush motor 134 to operate based on the detection of the hair winding of the drum brush 120. That is, when the cleaner 1 is in the hair loosening mode, the suction motor 13 and the brush motor 134 may be in an ON state.

[0215] For example, the controller 300 may receive a user input related to the hair loosening mode through the input interface 17. The controller 300 may control the suction motor 13 and the brush motor 134 based on the received user input. For example, a user can directly perform the hair loosening mode of the cleaner 1 by manipulating the input interface 17 such as a button. The suction motor 13 and the brush motor 134 may operate while a user presses the button.

[0216] FIG. 20 is a view schematically illustrating an operation of a suction motor and an operation of a brush motor in a hair loosening mode of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0217] The cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may perform the hair loosening mode for a predetermined first time t1. The first time t1 may be set and changed through the user interface 17 and/or an external device.

[0218] The cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may control the suction motor 13 to generate a suction force, and control the brush motor 134 to rotate the drum brush 120 based on the start of the hair loosening mode.

[0219] The cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may control the suction motor 13 so as not to generate a suction force, and may control the brush motor 134 so as not to rotate the drum brush 120 based on the termination of the hair loosening mode.

[0220] The controller 300 may control the on/off of the suction motor 13 and the on/off of the brush motor 134.

[0221] FIG. 21 is a view schematically illustrating a rotation speed of the brush motor in the hair loosening mode and a cleaning mode of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0222] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a rotation speed of the drum brush 120 in the hair loosening mode and a rotation speed of the drum brush 120 in the cleaning mode may be different. However, this is merely exemplary, and in some cases, the rotation speed of the drum brush 120 in the hair loosening mode and the rotation speed of the drum brush 120 in the cleaning mode may be approximately the same.

[0223] The cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may control the brush motor 134 to rotate at a first speed R1 based on the start of the hair loosening mode. The cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may control the brush motor 134 to rotate at a second speed R2 based on starting a cleaning mode. For example, the second speed R2 may be less than the first speed R1. The cleaner 1 may control the brush motor 134 to allow the rotation speed of the drum brush 120 in the hair loosening mode to be greater than the rotation speed of the drum brush 120 in the cleaning mode.

[0224] Although not illustrated in the drawing, the cleaner 1 may control the brush motor 134 to allow the rotation speed of the drum brush 120 to change during the hair loosening mode. That is, the rotation speed of the drum brush 120 may not be constant during the hair loosening mode.

[0225] The controller 300 may control the rotation speed of the brush motor 134.

[0226] FIG. 22 is a view schematically illustrating a driving current of the brush motor in the hair loosening mode of the cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0227] The cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may control the brush motor 134 to allow the rotation direction of the drum brush 120 to change during the hair loosening mode. That is, the drum brush 120 may be configured to perform forward and reverse rotation during the hair loosening mode.

[0228] The cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may control the brush motor 134 to allow the drum brush 120 to rotate in the forward direction for a predetermined second time t2 based on the start of the hair loosening mode. The cleaner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may control the brush motor 134 to allow the drum brush 120 to rotate in the reverse direction for a predetermined third time t3 based on the elapse of the second time t2.

[0229] The second time t2 may be set and changed via the user interface 17 and/or an external device. The third time t3 may be set and changed via the user interface 17 and/or an external device.

[0230] The controller 300 may control the rotation direction of the brush motor 134. The controller 300 may control the direction of the driving current of the brush motor 134 to change the rotation direction of the brush motor 134.

[0231] The cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include the housing 110 including the suction port 110a, the drum brush 120 rotatably mountable to the housing 110, and the scraper 200 provided to interfere with the drum brush 120 and having a sawtooth shape. The scraper 200 may include the first inclined portion 201 inclined along the first direction A, the second inclined portion 202 inclined along the second direction B opposite to the first direction A, and the recessed portion 203 formed by the first inclined portion 201 and the second inclined portion 202. The recessed portion 203 may be configured to allow foreign substances attached to the drum brush 120 to move within the recessed portion 203.

[0232] At least a portion of the recessed portion 203 may be prevented from overlapping with the drum brush 120.

[0233] An inclination angle a1 of the first inclined portion 201 may be less than an inclination angle a2 of the second inclined portion 202. The foreign substances attached to the drum brush 120 may collide with the second inclined portion 202 while the foreign substances move along an inclined surface of the first inclined portion 201 within the recessed portion 203 as the drum brush 120 rotates.

[0234] The recessed portion may be the first recessed portion 203. The scraper 200 may include the third inclined portion 205 inclined along the second direction B, the fourth inclined portion 206 inclined along the first direction A, and the second recessed portion 207 formed by the third inclined portion 205 and the fourth inclined portion 206. The second recessed portion 207 may be configured to allow foreign substances attached to the drum brush 120 to move within the second recessed portion 207.

[0235] At least a portion of the second recessed portion 207 may be prevented from overlapping with the drum brush 120.

[0236] An inclination angle a3 of the third inclined portion 205 may be less than an inclination angle a4 of the fourth inclined portion 206. The foreign substances attached to the drum brush 120 may collide with the fourth inclined portion 206 while the foreign substances move along an inclined surface of the third inclined portion 205 within the second recessed portion 207 as the drum brush 120 rotates.

[0237] The first inclined portion 201, the second inclined portion 202, the first recessed portion 203, the third inclined portion 205, the fourth inclined portion 206 and the second recessed portion 207 may be provided in plurality.

[0238] The scraper 200 may include the first section S1, and the second section S2. The first section S1 may include a plurality of first inclined portions 201, a plurality of second inclined portions 202, and a plurality of first recessed portions 203. The second section S2 may include a plurality of third inclined portions 205, a plurality of fourth inclined portions 206, and a plurality of second recessed portions 207.

[0239] The scraper 200 may extend along a rotation axis R of the drum brush 120. The first section S1 and the second section S2 may be symmetrical with respect to a center line M intersecting the rotation axis R.

[0240] The second direction B may be the grain direction C of the plurality of bristles 122a of the drum brush 120. The scraper 200 may extend along the rotation axis R of the drum brush 120. The first section S1 may be configured to be adjacent to the first side 2001 of the scraper and to have the first length. The second section S2 may be configured to be adjacent to the second side 2002 of the scraper and to have the second length less than the first length.

[0241] The scraper 200 may extend along the rotation axis R of the drum brush 120. The first section S1 and the second section S2 may be provided in plurality. The plurality of first sections S1 and the plurality of second sections S2 may be arranged alternately.

[0242] The cleaner may include the communication port 110b formed in the housing, the first flow path P1 extending from the suction port 110a to the communication port 110b, and the second flow path P2 extending from a space formed between an upper portion of the drum brush 120 and the housing 110 to the communication port 110b.

[0243] The cleaner may further include the dust collector 20, and the communication port 110b formed in the housing, and provided to allow foreign substances drawn through the suction port 110a to pass through the communication port 110b and to move to the dust collector 20. The scraper 200 may be provided to be arranged between the drum brush 120 and the communication port 110b.

[0244] The scraper may further include the guide groove 250 corresponding to a portion of the communication port 110b.

[0245] The housing 110 may include the first guide protrusion 1161 protruding toward the first end 120a of the drum brush 120 to come into contact with the drum brush 120, and provided to guide foreign substances drawn through the suction port 110a to be away from the first end of the drum brush 120. The housing 110 may include the second guide protrusion 1162 protruding toward the second end 120b of the drum brush 120 to come into contact with the drum brush 120, and provided to guide foreign substances drawn through the suction port 110a to be away from the second end of the drum brush 120.

[0246] The cleaner may include the drum brush 120 configured to rotate around the rotation axis R, the housing provided to surround at least a portion of the drum brush 120, and the scraper removably couplable to the housing and provided to interfere with the drum brush 120. The scraper may include the first section S1 and the second section S2. The first section S1 may include the plurality of first protrusions 221 protruding toward the drum brush 120 and including the first inclined portion 201, and the plurality of first grooves 231 formed between two first protrusions that are adjacent to each other among the plurality of first protrusions. The second section S2 may include the plurality of second protrusions 222 protruding toward the drum brush 120 and including the second inclined portion 205, and the plurality of second grooves 232 formed between two second protrusions that are adjacent to each other among the plurality of second protrusions.

[0247] The first inclined portion 201 and the second inclined portion 205 may be provided to be inclined in opposite directions.

[0248] The plurality of first protrusions 221 and the plurality of second protrusions 222 may be provided to overlap with the drum brush 120.

[0249] At least a portion of the plurality of first grooves 231 and at least a portion of the plurality of second grooves 232 may be prevented from overlapping with the drum brush 120.

[0250] The cleaner may include the suction port 110a formed in the housing and provided to open toward a surface to be cleaned, the communication port 110b formed in the housing and positioned downstream from the suction port 110a with respect to the direction of air flow, the first flow path P1 extending from the suction port 110a to the communication port 110b, and the second flow path P2 extending from a space formed between an upper portion of the drum brush 120 and the housing 110 to the communication port 110b.

[0251] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a cleaning efficiency and usability of a cleaner may be increased. While a drum brush rotates, foreign substances such as hair wrapped around the drum brush may be removed or loosened by a scraper. In addition, a flow path (space) through which air flows may be secured between the drum brush and the scraper. Accordingly, a user can smoothly operate a suction head, and power consumption of the cleaner may be reduced.

[0252] Additional aspects of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure.

[0253] While the present disclosure has been particularly described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood by those of skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.