AU2009303161B2

AU2009303161B2 - Vacuum cleaner

Info

Publication number: AU2009303161B2
Application number: AU2009303161A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Young-Min Hyun; Hyuk-Joo Kwon; Sang-Jun Park; Seong-Ho Park; Jin-Wook Seo; Hyo-Churl Shin; Hae-Seock Yang
Original assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Current assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Priority date: 2008-10-09
Filing date: 2009-02-12
Publication date: 2012-10-25
Anticipated expiration: 2029-02-12
Also published as: KR20100039981A; AU2009303161A1; WO2010041798A1

Abstract

The present embodiment discloses a vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner comprises a dust collection body with a dust storage unit; a pressurizing member for compressing dust stored in the collection body; and a lower cover which enables opening and closing of the dust storage unit at the lower side of the collection body.

Description

09FLWV003 VACUUM CLEANER BACKGROUND [0001] Embodiments relate to a vacuum cleaner. [0002] Generally, vacuum cleaners are devices that suck air containing dusts using a suction force generated by a suction motor installed inside a cleaner body to filter the dusts in a dust separator. [0003] Such a vacuum cleaner includes a suction nozzle for sucking air containing dusts, a cleaner body communicating with the suction nozzle, a suction motor disposed in the cleaner body to generate an air suction force, a dust separator for separating the dusts from the air introduced from the cleaner body, and a dust collection unit for storing the dusts separated by the dust separator. [0004] The dust collection unit includes a dust collection body in which a dust storage part for storing the separated dusts is disposed. The dusts separated by the dust separator are stored in the dust collection body. When an operation of the vacuum cleaner is stopped while the dusts are introduced and 1 stored in the dust collection body, the separated dusts are stored in a low density phase within the dust collection body. [0005] According to the dust collection unit of the related art, since the dusts stored in the dust storage part has a relatively large volume as compared to its weight, it is disadvantageous that the dusts stored in the dust collection unit should be frequently emptied to maintain dust collection performance. [0005A] Reference to any prior art in the specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that this prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia or any other jurisdiction or that this prior art could reasonably be expected to be ascertained, understood and regarded as relevant by a person skilled in the art. SUMMARY [0006) Embodiments provide a vacuum cleaner which improves a dust collection capacity of a dust collection unit. [0007] Embodiments also provide a vacuum cleaner in which Doc ID 1000044414 2 stored dusts are easily discharged. [0008) In one embodiment, a vacuum cleaner includes: a cleaner body; a dust collection unit including a dust collection body selectively mounted on the cleaner body and defining a dust storage part for storing dusts and a lower cover coupled to a lower portion of the dust collection body to open or close the dust storage part; a compression member for compressing the dusts stored in the dust collection part; and a driving unit disposed on the lower cover to drive the compression member and having a transmission unit selectively connected to the compression member, wherein the transmission unit is connected to the compression member in a state where the lower cover closes the dust storage part, and the transmission unit is disconnected to the compression member in a state where the lower cover opens the dust storage part. [0009) In another embodiment, a vacuum cleaner includes: a cleaner body; a dust collection unit including a dust collection body selectively mounted on the cleaner body and defining a dust storage part for storing dusts and a lower cover coupled to a lower portion of the dust collection body to open or close the Doc ID 1000044414 3 dust storage part; a compression member for compressing the dusts stored in the dust collection part; and a driving unit disposed on the dust collection body to drive the compression member. [0009A] In one embodiment, there is provided a vacuum cleaner comprising: a cleaner body; a dust collection unit comprising a dust collection body selectively mounted on the cleaner body and defining a dust storage part for storing dusts and a lower cover coupled to a lower portion of the dust collection body to open or close the dust storage part, and an upper cover defining a top surface of the dust storage part; a compression member for compressing the dusts stored in the dust collection part; and a driving unit disposed on the dust collection body to drive the compression member, wherein the driving unit is disposed on the upper cover. [0010] In another embodiment, a vacuum cleaner includes: a cleaner body; a dust collection unit including a dust collection body separably mounted on the cleaner body and defining a dust storage part for storing dusts and a lower cover coupled to a lower portion of the dust collection body to open or close the dust storage part; a compression member for compressing the dusts Doc ID 1000044414 4 stored in the dust collection part; a driving source disposed on the cleaner body to operate the compression member; at least one transmission part disposed on the lower cover to transmit a power of the driving source; and a connection part disposed on the compression member, wherein the transmission part is connected to the connection part in a state where the lower cover closes the dust storage part. [0010A] As used herein, except where the context requires otherwise, the term "comprise" and variations of the term, such as "comprising", "comprises" and "comprised", are not intended to exclude further additives, components, integers or steps. [0011] The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0012] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to a first embodiment. [0013] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a dust separator Doc ID 1000044414 4A according to the first embodiment. [0014] Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the dust separator according to the first embodiment. [0015] Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view of a dust collection unit according to the first embodiment. [0016] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a state in which a lower cover of the dust collection unit is rotated according to the first embodiment. Doc ID 1000044414 4B 09FLWV003 [0017] Fig. 6 is a partial perspective view of a main body in a state where the dust separator is separated. [0018] Fig. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a controller of the vacuum cleaner according to the first embodiment. [0019] Fig. 8 is a view for explaining a rotation operation of a first compression member. [0020] Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling the vacuum cleaner according to the first embodiment. [0021] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to a second embodiment. [0022] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner in a state where a dust separator is separated according to the second embodiment. [0023] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the dust separator according to the second embodiment. [0024] Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the dust separator according to the second embodiment. [0025] Fig. 14 is a vertical sectional view of a dust collection unit according to a third embodiment. [0026] Fig. 15 is a vertical sectional view of a dust 5 09FLWV003 collection unit according to a fourth embodiment. [0027] Fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a dust collection unit for illustrating a structure of a compression member according to a fifth embodiment. [0028] Fig. 17 is a vertical sectional view of the dust collection unit according to the fifth embodiment. [0029] Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a state in which a lower cover of the dust collection unit is rotated according to the fifth embodiment. [0030] Fig. 19 is a view illustrating a process of compressing dusts within the dust collection unit according to the fifth embodiment. [0031) Fig. 20 is a vertical sectional view of a dust collection unit according to a sixth embodiment. [0032) Fig. 21 is a view illustrating a disposition relation of a dust compressor according to the sixth embodiment. [0033] Fig. 22 is a front view of a dust separator according to a seventh embodiment. [0034] Fig. 23 is a perspective view of a dust collection unit constituting the dust separator according to the seventh 6 09FLWV003 embodiment. [0035] Fig. 24 is an explode perspective view of the dust collection unit according to the seventh embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS [0036] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, that alternate embodiments included in other retrogressive inventions or falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will fully convey the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art. [0037] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [0038] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to a first embodiment. [0039] Although an upright type vacuum cleaner is illustrated in Fig. 1 as an example, the present disclosure is not limited 7 09FLWV003 thereto. For example, following embodiments may be applied to a canister type vacuum cleaner except the upright type vacuum cleaner. [0040] Referring to Fig. 1, a vacuum cleaner 1 according to the current embodiment includes a main body 10 in which a suction motor (not shown) for generating a suction force is disposed, a suction nozzle 20 rotatably connected to the main body 10 to suck dusts and air on a surface to be cleaned (hereinafter, referred to as a cleaning surface), and a dust separator 100 separably disposed on the main body 10 to separate dusts from air sucked into the main body 10 and store the separated dusts. (0041] In detail, a suction part (not shown) through which the air and dusts on the cleaning surface are sucked is disposed in a bottom surface of the suction nozzle 20. Wheels 22 are disposed on both sides of the suction nozzle 20 to easily move the suction nozzle 20. [0042] Also, a rotation lever 24 for allowing the main body 10 to be rotated with respect to the suction nozzle 20 in an upright state as shown in Fig. 1 is disposed on a rear side of the suction nozzle 20. 8 09FLWV003 [0043] A handle 30 to be grasped by a user is disposed on the main body 10. The handle 30 is connected to the main body 10 by a suction tube 40. A connection hose 50 formed of a flexible material is connected to the handle 30. The connection hose 50 is connected to the main body 10. [0044] Hereinafter, a structure of the dust separator 100 will be described in detail. [0045] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a dust separator according to the first embodiment, and Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the dust separator according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view of a dust collection unit according to the first embodiment, and Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a state in which a lower cover of the dust collection unit is rotated according to the first embodiment. Fig. 6 is a partial perspective view of a main body in a state where the dust separator is separated. [0046] Referring to Figs. 2 to 6, the dust separator 100 according to the current embodiment includes a dust separation unit 110 for separating dusts from sucked air and a dust collection unit 200 for storing the dusts separated by the dust 9 09FLWV003 separation unit 110. [0047] In detail, the dust separation unit 110 includes a cyclone unit for separating the dusts using a cyclone flow, an exhaust member 140 for guiding discharge of air within the cyclone unit, a filter unit 170 for filtering the dusts passing through the exhaust member 140, and an upper cover 180 coupled to the cyclone unit and having a discharge hole 182 through which air is discharged. [0048] The cyclone unit includes an upper body 120 defining a portion of an outer appearance of the cyclone unit and a lower body 130 defining the other portion of the outer appearance of the cyclone. Thus, the upper body 120 and the lower body 130 are coupled to each other to define a cyclone chamber 122. [0049] A suction part 132 through which the air and dusts within the main body 10 are sucked is disposed on the lower body 130. A plurality of branch parts 133 and 134 for allowing the air and dusts sucked through the suction part 132 to separately flow are disposed on the lower body 130. The plurality of branch parts 133 and 134 are disposed spaced from each other. [0050] Thus, the air sucked through the suction part 132 is 10 09FLWV003 sucked into the cyclone chamber 122 through the plurality of branch parts 133 and 134. Thus, since the air and dusts are sucked into the cyclone chamber 122 through the plurality of branch parts 133 and 134, a plurality of cyclone flows occur within the cyclone chamber 122. [0051] A dust discharge part 134 for discharging the dusts separated from the air is disposed on the lower body 130. The dusts separated from the air are moved in a direction close to each other by the plurality of cyclone flows generated in the cyclone chamber 122. Then, the dusts are concentrated into a central portion of the cyclone chamber 122 and discharged from the cyclone chamber 122 through the dust discharge part 134. [0052] The exhaust member 140 for discharging the air separated from the dusts is coupled to both sides of the cyclone unit. A portion of the exhaust member 140 is inserted into the cyclone chamber 122 from out side of the cyclone unit. A cover member 150 grasped by the user is coupled to the exhaust member 140. Thus, the user may easily insert or separate the exhaust member 140 into/from the cyclone chamber 122 by grasping the cover member 150. 11 09FLWV003 [0053] A flow guide part 124 defining a passage through which the air passing through the exhaust member 140 flows is disposed in the upper body 120. The filter unit 170 is received in the flow guide part 124. [0054) The filter unit 170 includes a filter housing 171 and a filter 172 received in the filter housing 171. [0055] The upper cover 180 is coupled to the flow guide part 124 in a state where the filter unit 170 is received in the flow guide part 124. Here, a sealer 160 is disposed on a contact portion between the flow guide part 124 and the upper cover 180 to prevent air from leaking. [0056] The dust collection unit 200 includes a dust collection body 210 defining the dust storage part 214 for storing the dusts and a lower cover 220 of opening or closing the storage part 214. [0057] The dust collection body is opened downward. A dust inflow part 212 through which the dusts separated in the cyclone unit is introduced is disposed in a top surface 211 of the dust connection body 210. [0058] The lower cover 220 has one side rotatably coupled to 12 09FLWV003 the dust collection body 210 by a hinge 221. Also, the lower cover 220 has the other side on which a coupling lever 222 for selectively coupling the lower cover 220 to the dust collection body 210 is disposed. [0059] A plurality of compression members 240 and 250 for compressing the dusts stored in the dust storage part 214 are disposed in the dust collection body 210. [0060] The plurality of compression members 240 and 250 include a first compression member 240 movably disposed within the dust storage part 214 and a second compression member 250 fixed in position within the dust storage part 214. (0061] In the current embodiment, the first compression member 240 may be called a movement member, and the second compression member 250 may be called a fixed member. [0062] The first compression member 240 includes a rotation shaft 244 and a first compression plate 242 integrated with the rotation shaft 244 to compress the dusts. [0063] A first magnetic member 360 is disposed on the first compression plate 242. A seat part 243 on which the first magnetic member 360 is seated is disposed on a lower portion of 13 09FLWV003 the first compression plate 242. The first magnetic member 360 is coupled to the seat part 243 in a press-fitting method, or the first magnetic member 360 and the first compression plate 242 may be integrally formed with each other by insert-injection. The first magnetic member 360 is utilized to determine the amount of dusts stored in the dust storage part 214. [0064] The second compression member 250 includes a fixed shaft 254 coupled to the rotation shaft 244 and a second compression plate 252 integrated with the fixed shaft 254. [0065] The first compression plate 242 interacts with the second compression plate 252 to compress the dusts stored in the dust storage part 214. That is, the first compression plate 242 is moved toward one side of the second compression plate 252 to compress the dusts between the one side of the second compression plate 252 and the first compression plate 242. [0066] Also, the first compression plate 242 is moved toward the other side of the second compression plate 252 to compress the dusts between the other side of the second compression plate 252 and the first compression plate 242. [0067] The fixed shaft 254 is integrated with the top surface 14 09FLWV003 211 of the dust collection body 210. [0068] A portion of the rotation shaft 244 is inserted into the fixed shaft 254 from an upper side of the fixed shaft 254 toward a lower side. A coupling part 260 passes through the top surface 211 of the dust collection body 210 from an upper side of the dust collection body 210 and then is inserted into the fixed shaft 254. When the coupling part 260 is inserted into the fixed shaft 254, a portion of the coupling part 260 is inserted into the rotation shaft 244. [0069] The first compression member 240 is driven by a driving unit. The driving unit includes a driving source for driving the first compression member 240 and a power transmission unit for transmitting a power of the driving source to the first compression member 240. [0070] For example, a compression motor (see reference numeral 310 of Fig. 7) may be used as the driving source. [0071) The power transmission unit includes a first transmission part 320 coupled to the compression motor 310 and disposed in the main body 10, a second transmission part 330 selectively engaged with the first transmission part 320 and 15 09FLWV003 disposed in the lower cover 220, a third transmission part 340 engaged with the second transmission part 330 and rotated together with the second transmission part 33, and a connection part 350 selectively connected to the third transmission part 340. (0072] The compression motor is disposed inside the main body 10, and a portion of the first transmission part 320 is exposed to a mounting part 11 disposed in the main body 10 in a state where the first transmission part 320 is coupled to the compression motor. The dust collection unit 200 is mounted on the mounting part 11. (0073] The second transmission part 330 is coupled to a lower portion of the lower cover 220. When the dust collection unit 200 is mounted on the mounting part 11, the second transmission part 330 is connected to the first transmission part 320. For example, gears may be used as the first transmission part 320 and the second transmission part 330. [0074] The second transmission part 330 includes a body 331, a second magnetic member 362 received in the body 331, and a cover member 332 coupled to the body 331 to cover the second magnetic member 362. The second magnetic member 362 is utilized 16 09FLWV003 to detect whether the dust collection unit 200 is mounted on the main body 10. [0075] The third transmission part 340 is coupled to the second transmission part 330 at an upper side of the lower cover 220. For example, the third transmission part 340 may be coupled to the second transmission part 330 by a coupling member 336. [0076] The connection part 350 is coupled to the rotation shaft 244 from a lower side of the rotation shaft 244. Also, the connection part 350 is coupled to the coupling part 260 by the coupling member 262 in a state where the connection part 350 is coupled to the rotation shaft 244. [0077] When the lower cover 220 closes the dust storage part 214, the third transmission part 340 is disposed within the dust storage part 214 and connected to the connection part 350. When the lower cover 220 opens the dust storage part 214, the connection between the connection part 350 and the third transmission part 340 is released. In the current embodiment, a plurality of unevennesses are disposed on each of contact surfaces between the third transmission part 340 and the connection part 350 and engaged with each other. That is, in the 17 09FLWV003 current embodiment, for example, the third transmission part 340 and the connection part 350 may have a clutch structure. [00781 According to the current embodiment, the lower cover 220 may be rotated to open the dust storage part 214, thereby allowing the dusts stored in the dust storage part 214 to drop downward. Thus, the user may easily discharge the dusts stored in the dust storage part 214 to the outside. [0079] Also, since the third transmission part 340 is connected to the connection part 350 in the state where the lower cover 220 closes the dust storage part 214, the first compression member 240 may be movable by the compression motor. [00801 Referring to Fig. 6, detection units 370 and 380 for respectively detecting the magnetic members 360 and 362 are disposed inside the mounting part 11. [0081] The detection units 370 and 380 include a first detection part 370 for detecting a position (or movement) of the first compression member 240 and a second detection part 380 for detecting whether the dust collection unit 200 is mounted. [0082] The first detection part 370 detects magnetism of the first magnetic member 360, and the second detection part 380 18 09FLWV003 detects magnetism of the second magnetic member 362. Here, since each of the magnetic members 360 and 362 is an object to be detected by each of the detection parts 370 and 362, each of the magnetic members 360 and 362 may be called a part to be detected. [00833 A hall sensor may be used as each of the detection parts 370 and 380. [0084] The second detection part 380 is disposed vertically under the second magnetic member 362 in a state where the dust collection unit 200 is mounted on the mounting part 11. The first detection part 370 is disposed spaced from the second detection part 380. [0085] Here, to effectively detect the magnetism of the magnetic member 360 by the first detection part 370, when the first magnetic member 360 is rotated together with the first compression plate 242, the first detection part 370 may be disposed vertically under a locus defined by the first magnetic member 360. The first detection part 370 is disposed vertically under the first magnetic member 360 when the first compression plate 242 and the second compression plate 252 are disposed on one straight line. 19 09FLWV003 [0086] Thus, in a state where the dust collection unit 200 is mounted on the mounting part 11, the magnetism of the second magnetic member 362 is always detected by the second detection part 380. [00871 On the other hand, while the first compression plate 242 is rotated, the magnetism of the first magnetic member 360 is detected by the first detection part 370 only when the first magnetic member 360 is disposed above the first detection part 370. Thus, the rotation position of the first compression member 240 may be confirmed. This will be described below in detail. [0088] Fig. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a controller of the vacuum cleaner according to the first embodiment. [0089] Referring to Fig. 7, the vacuum cleaner according to the current embodiment includes a control part 300, an operation signal input part 420, a signal generation part 430, a suction motor driver 400, a compression motor driver 305, the compression motor 310, the first detection part 370, the second detection part 380, and a dust amount display part 440. The operation signal input part 420 selects a suction power intensity (e.g., strong, medium, and weak modes). The signal generation part 430 20 09FLWV003 generates an empty request signal of dusts stored in the dust collection unit 200 and a dust selection unit non-installation signal. The suction motor driver 400 operates the suction motor 410 according to an operation mode inputted from the operation signal input part 420. The compression motor driver 305 operates the compression motor 310. The compression motor drives the first compression member 240. The first detection part 370 detects movement of the first compression member 240. The second detection part 380 detects mounting of the dust collection unit 200. The dust amount display part 440 displays an amount of dusts stored in the dust collection unit 200 to the outside. [0090] In detail, the compression motor 310 may be forwardly or reversely rotatable. That is, a motor that can be rotated in both directions may be used as the compression motor 310. [0091] Thus, the first compression member 240 may be forwardly rotated (e.g., in a clockwise direction) and reversely rotated (in a counter-clockwise direction). As the first compression member 240 is forwardly or reversely rotated, compressed dusts build up on both sides of the second compression member 250. 21 09FLWV003 [0092] A synchronous motor may be used as the compression motor so as to forwardly or reversely rotate the compression motor 310. The synchronous motor can be forwardly or reversely rotated by its motor itself. In case where the motor is rotated in one direction, when a force having a value greater than a preset value is applied to the motor, the motor is rotated in the other direction. [00933 Here, the force applied to the motor represents a resistance (i.e., torque) generated when the first compression member 240 compresses the dusts. When the resistance reaches the preset value, the rotational direction of the motor is changed. [0094] Since the synchronous motor has been generally well known in a motor technology filed, its detailed description will be omitted. However, a fact in which the compression motor can be forwardly or reversely rotated by the synchronous motor is one of technical scopes of this embodiment. [0095] Even through the first compression member 240 reaches a pick point at which the first compression member 240 is not rotated any longer while the first compression member 240 is rotated to compress the dusts, the first compression member 240 22 09FLWV003 may continuously compress the dusts for a predetermined time. Here, the pick point at which the first compression member is not rotated any longer represents a case in which the resistance reaches the preset value. [0096] When the resistance reaches the preset value, current applied to the motor significantly increases. Thus, when the current variation is detected by a current detector (not shown) and the detected current variation is transmitted to the control part 300, the control part 300 intercepts the current applied to the motor for a predetermined time. [0097] Thus, the first compression member 240 maintains a state in which the dusts are compressed in a state where the first compression member 240 is stopped. After the predetermined elapsed time in the state where the first compression member 240 is stopped, a power is applied to the compression motor 310 to rotate the first compression member 240. [0098] Here, the cutting timing of the power applied to the compression motor 310 is a case where the resistance reaches the preset value. Therefore, when the compression motor 310 is operated again, the rotational direction of the compression motor 23 09FLWV003 310 will be opposite to that in which the compression motor is rotated before the power is cut off. [0099] Also, the first compression member 240 may be continuously forwardly or reversely rotated at the same angular speed so that the compression motor 310 easily compresses the dusts. [00100] In case where the dust collection unit 200 is not mounted on the mounting part 11, the magnetism of the magnetic member 362 is not detected by the first detection part 380. [00101] Thus, in this state, when an operation signal is inputted from the operation signal input part 420, the signal generation part 430 generates the dust collection unit non installation signal under the control of the control part 300. [00102] The control part 300 determines an amount of dusts stored in the dust collection unit 200, based on a position of the first compression member 240 detected by the second detection part 370, to display the amount of dusts on the dust amount display part 440. When the control part 300 determines that the amount of dusts stored in the dust container is greater than a reference amount, the signal generation part 430 generates the 24 09FLWV003 dust empty request signal. [00103] Thus, since the second detection part 380 detects the mounting of the dust collection unit 200, the second detection part 380 may be called a "mounting detection part". Also, since the first detection part 370 confirms the position (or movement) of the first compression member 240, the first detection part 370 may be called a "position detection part or movement detection part". [00104] Here, the signal generated from the signal generation part 430 may include an aural signal, visual signal, or vibration directly transferred to the user. For example, a speaker, a light emitting diode (LED), or a vibration motor may be used as the signal generation part 430. [00105] Also, the signal generated from the signal generation part 430 may be set to be different from the dust empty request signal and the dust collection unit non-installation signal. [00106] Also, the signal generation part 430 may include a first signal generation part for generating the dust collection unit non-installation signal and a second signal generation part for generating the dust empty request signal. 25 09FLWV003 [00107) Fig. 8 is a view for explaining a rotation operation of a first compression member. [00108] Referring to Fig. 8, the first compression member 240 is rotated within the dust collection body 210 in both directions. When the first compression member 240 and the second compression member 250 are disposed on one straight line, the magnetism of the first magnetic member 360 is detected by the first detection part 370. [00109] Here, a position of the first compression member 240 at which the first detection part 370 detects the magnetism of the first magnetic member 360 is referred to as a "reference position" for convenience of description. [00110] The control part 300 detects a time TD1 (a first round-trip time) required when the first compression member 240 is rotated from the reference position, for example, in the count-clockwise direction and then returns again to the reference position and a time TD2 (a second round-trip time) required when the first compression member 240 is rotated from the reference position, for example, in the clockwise direction and then returns again to the reference position. 26 09FLWV003 [00111) As an amount of the dusts compressed by the first compression member 240 gradually increases, the first round-trip time TD1 and the second round-trip time TD2 gradually decrease. In the current embodiment, when any one of the first round-trip time TD1 and the second round-trip time TD2 reaches a predetermined reference time, the control part 300 determines that the dusts within the dust collection unit 200 sufficiently builds up to allow the signal generation part 430 to generate the dust empty request signal. (00112] Hereinafter, an operation of the vacuum and a process of compressing the dusts will be described. [00113] Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling the vacuum cleaner according to the first embodiment. [00114] Referring to Fig. 9, in a state where an operation of the vacuum cleaner is stopped, the control part 300 determines whether a suction motor operation signal is inputted through the operation signal input part 420 in operation S10. [00115] When the control part 300 determines that the suction motor operation signal is inputted, the control part 300 determines whether the dust collection unit 200 is mounted in 27 09FLWV003 operation S11. [00116] When the dust collection unit 200 is not mounted on the mounting part 11, the magnetism of the second magnetic member 362 is not detected by the second detection part 380. In this case, the control part 300 controls the signal generation part 430 to generate the dust collection unit non-installation signal in operation S12. Then, the suction motor 510 is maintained in a stopped state. [00117] When the suction motor operation signal is inputted in a state where the dust collection unit 200 is not mounted, the user may easily confirm the non-installation of the dust collection unit 200 by informing it to the outside. Also, the operation of the suction motor is stopped in the state where the dust collection unit 200 is not mounted to prevent the suction motor from being unnecessarily operated. [00118] On the other hand, when the magnetism of the second magnetic member 362 is detected by the second detection part 380 and thus the control part 300 determines that the dust collection unit 200 is mounted, the control part 300 operates the suction motor driver 400 to drive the suction motor 410 according to the 28 09FLWV003 suction power selected by the user in operation S13. [00119] When the suction motor 510 is operated, the dusts are sucked through the suction nozzle 20 by the suction force generated by the suction motor 410. Then, the air sucked through the suction nozzle 20 is introduced into the main body 10. The air introduced into the main body 10 of the vacuum cleaner is separated from the dusts in the dust separation unit 110. The dusts separated from the air are stored in the dust collection unit 200. [00120] In the process in which the dusts are separated from the air and then the separated dusts are stored in the dust storage part 214, the dusts stored in the dust storage part 214 are compressed by the interaction between the pair of compression members 240 and 250. [00121] That is, in operation S14, the control part 300 operates the compression motor 310 to compress the dusts stored in the dust collection unit 200 after the suction motor 410 is operated. [00122] Here, although the compression motor 310 is operated after the suction motor 410 is operated in this embodiment, the 29 09FLWV003 suction motor 410 and the compression motor 310 may be operated at the same time. [00123] In operation S14, when the compression motor 310 is operated, the first transmission part 320 coupled to the compression motor 310 is rotated. Then, when the first transmission part 320 is rotated, the second transmission part 330 engaged with the first transmission part 320 is rotated. When the second transmission part 330 is rotated, the third transmission part 340 coupled to the second transmission part 330 is rotated. Thus, since the connection part 350 connected to the third transmission part 340 is rotated, the first compression member 240 compresses the dusts toward the second compression member 250 while rotating. [00124] Here, in operation S15, the control part 300 confirms whether the first compression member 240 is disposed at the reference position. (00125] According to the current embodiment, since the first round-trip time TD1 and the second round-trip time TD2 (or a movement range of the first compression member) are measured based on the reference position of the first compression member 30 09FLWV003 240, it may be necessary to confirm that the first compression member 240 is disposed at the reference position when the first compression member 240 is initially operated. [00126] A time point at which the first compression member 240 is initially disposed at the reference position is a time point at which the magnetism of the first magnetic member 360 is initially detected by the first detection part 370 during the operation of the compression motor 310. [00127] Thus, in operation S16, the control part 300 measures the first round-trip time TD1 or the second round-trip time TD2 of the first compression member 240 based on the time point at which the magnetism of the first magnetic member 360 is initially detected by the first detection part 370. For example, the control part 300 may include a counter part for measuring the respective round-trip times. [00128] Here, as an amount of the dusts compressed within the dust collection unit 200 by the first compression member 240 and the second compression member 250 increases, a left-right round trip rotation time of the first compression member 240 is more and more short. 31 09FLWV003 [00129] In operation S17, the control part 300 determines the first round-trip time TD1 and the second round-trip time TD2 of the first compression member 240 through the first detection part 370 and also determines whether the first round-trip time TD1 or the second round-trip time TD2 reaches a predetermined reference time. Here, the predetermined reference time is a time set in the control part 300 itself by a designer. Thus, the reference time is at the base of determining that the dusts build up within the dust collection unit 200. Since the reference time is obtained by repeatedly performing an experiment by the designer, the reference time may be varied according to a capacity of the vacuum cleaner. [00130) In the current embodiment, when any one of the first round-trip time TD1 and the second round-trip time TD2 reaches the reference time (less than the reference time), it is determined that an amount of the dusts reaches a predetermined amount (dust empty request amount) . On the other hand, when all of the first round-trip time TD1 and the second round-trip time TD2 reach the reference time, it may be determined that an amount of the dusts reaches a predetermined amount (dust empty request 32 09FLWV003 amount). [00131] According to the determined results in operation S17, when any one of the first round-trip time TD1 and the second round-trip time TD2 is greater than the reference time, the process returns to the operation S16 to perform again the former processes. On the other hand, when the first round-trip time TD1 or the second round-trip time TD2 reaches the reference time, the control part 300 controls the signal generation part 430 to generate the dust empty request signal in operation S18. [00132) In operation S19, the control part 300 turns off the suction motor 410 to prevent the dusts from being sucked. Here, if the dusts are forcibly sucked in a state where an amount of the dusts building up within the dust collection unit 200 exceeds a predetermined amount, suction efficiency may be reduced, as well as, the suction motor 410 may be overloaded. Thus, the suction motor 410 is forcedly stopped. [00133] Then, in operation S20, the control part 300 turns off the compression motor 310. [00134] According to the current embodiment, since the dusts stored in the dust collection unit 200 are compressed by the 33 09FLWV003 interaction between the first compression member 240 and the second compression member 250, an amount of the dusts stored in the dust collection unit 200 may be maximized. [00135] Also, the dust collection unit non-installation signal may occur to prevent the suction motor 410 and the compression motor 310 from being unnecessarily operated. [00136] Also, when an amount of the dusts stored in the dust collection unit 200 reaches a predetermined amount, the dust empty request signal occurs to allow the user to easily confirm a dust empty request time, thereby improving a user's convenience. [00137] In addition to the above-described descriptions, the current embodiment may further include following spirits. [00138] In a state where the suction motor is stopped and the dust collection unit is not mounted on the main body of the vacuum cleaner, the suction motor is maintained in the stopped state even through the suction motor operation signal is inputted. On the other hand, alternatively, when the suction motor operation signal is inputted, the suction motor may be stopped after it is operated for a predetermined time. In this case, the user may more easily confirm the dust collection unit non 34 09FLWV003 installation through the operation stop of the suction motor. [00139] Also, in case where an amount of the dusts exceeds the predetermined amount, when an operation of the suction motor is stopped, an operation of the compression motor is not stopped. That is, when the operation of the suction motor is stopped, the operation of the compression motor may be stopped after the first compression member is moved to a side of the second compression member so that the dusts disposed between the first compression member and the side of the second compression member can be compressed. [00140] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to a second embodiment, and Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner in a state where a dust separator is separated according to the second embodiment. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the dust separator according to the second embodiment, and Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the dust separator according to the second embodiment. [00141] The current embodiment is same as the first embodiment except a structure of a dust separator. Therefore, only features of the current embodiment will be described herein, and the same 35 09FLWV003 contents and reference numerals as those of the first embodiment will be cited from the first embodiment. [00142] Referring to Figs. 10 to 13, a vacuum cleaner according to the current embodiment includes a cleaner body 510 including a suction motor for generating a suction force. A mounting part 520 for mounting a dust separation unit 540 is disposed in the cleaner body 510. [00143] The dust separator 540 includes a dust separation unit 600 for separating dusts from sucked air, a dust collection unit 700 for storing the dusts separated through the dust separation unit 600, and a discharge guide unit 800 for guiding a flow of air discharged from the dust separation unit 600. [00144] The dust separation unit 600 is coupled to an upper portion of the dust collection unit 700 and a lower portion of the discharge guide unit 800. A deco cover 860 is coupled to the dust separation unit 600. An inner deco 870 and an outer deco 880 are coupled to the deco cover 860 and the dust collection unit 700 in a state where the dust collection unit 700 is coupled to the dust separation unit 600. The exterior beauty of the dust separator 540 may be improved by the deco cover 860, the inner 36 09FLWV003 deco 870, and the outer deco 880. [00145] The dust separation unit 600 includes a cyclone unit 610 for separating dusts contained in air, a distribution unit 620 for guiding the air and dusts into the cyclone unit 610, and a plurality of filter units 630 movably coupled to the cyclone unit 610 to filter the air in which the dust separation process is performed. [00146] Dust discharge parts 614 and 615 through which the dusts separated from the air are disposed at a central portion of the cyclone unit 610. The dust discharge parts 614 and 615 extend to the outside of the cyclone unit 610 to provide a discharge passage of the dusts. [00147] A cyclone flow occurs within the cyclone unit 610. The cyclone unit 610 includes a plurality of cyclone bodies 611 and 612 coupled to each other in an axis direction of the cyclone flow. A sealer (not shown) is disposed on a contact surface of each of the cyclone bodies 611 and 612. [00148] The plurality of cyclone bodies 611 and 612 include a first cyclone body 611 and a second cyclone body 612 having a shape corresponding to that of the first cyclone body 611 and 37 09FLWV003 coupled to the first cyclone body 611. [00149] A first dust discharge part 614 defining a portion of the dust discharge parts 614 and 615 is integrated with the first cyclone body 611, and a second dust discharge part 615 defining the other portion of the dust discharge parts 614 and 615 is integrated with the second cyclone body 612. When the first cyclone body 111 is coupled to the second cyclone body 112, the first dust discharge part 614 and the second discharge part 615 are coupled to each other to complete a single dust discharge part. [00150] An air suction part 613 is disposed in each of the cyclone bodies 611 and 612. Thus, the cyclone unit 610 may include a plurality of air suction parts 613 overall. The air suction parts 613 are disposed on both sides of the dust discharge parts 614 and 615, respectively. [00151] The distribution unit 620 includes a first distribution body 621 integrated with the first cyclone body 611 and a second distribution body 622 integrated with the second cyclone body 612. When the first cyclone body 611 and the second cyclone body 612 are coupled to each other, the first 38 09FLWV003 distribution body 621 and the second distribution body 622 are coupled to each other. A suction hole (not shown) is defined in one of the first and second distribution bodies 621 and 622. [00152] An exhaust opening 616 through which air separated from the dusts is discharged is defined in a side surface of each of the cyclone bodies 611 and 612. [00153) Each of the filter units 630 includes a filter member 640 inserted into the cyclone unit 610 from the outside of the cyclone unit 610, a cover member 650 coupled to the filter member 640, a cover coupling part 660 coupled to the cover member 650 to rotatably support the cover member 650, a coupling member 670 coupled to the cover member 650 and manipulated to rotate the cover member 650, an elastic member 690 elastically supporting the coupling member 670, and a shaft 680 rotatably connecting the cover member 660 to the cover coupling part 660. [00154] The cover coupling part 660 may be coupled to the distribution unit 620. Alternatively, the cover coupling part 660 may be integrated with the distribution unit 620. [00155) Also, the air in which the dust separation process is performed within the cyclone unit 610 passes through the filter 39 09FLWV003 member 640 and then is discharged through the exhaust opening 616. The air passing through the exhaust opening 616 is discharged through an air discharge passage 618 defined in each of both side surfaces of the cyclone unit 610. [00156] The dust collection unit 600 includes a dust collection body 210 defining a dust storage part 314 in which the dusts are stored and a lower cover 220 covering a lower side of the dust collection body 210. The dust collection body 210 includes a dust compressor for compressing the dusts stored in the dust storage part 214. The dust compressor includes a plurality of compression members 240 and 250 and a driving unit (reference numeral 900 of Fig. 14) for driving at least one of the plurality of compression members 240 and 250. [00157] Since the dust collection body and the compression member have the same structure as those of the dust collection body and the compression member of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment will be used. [00158] The discharge guide unit 800 includes an exhaust member 830 coupled to an upper portion of the cyclone unit 610, an exhaust filter 840 seated on the exhaust member 830 to filter 40 09FLWV003 exhausted air, a filter housing 850 for protecting the exhaust filter 840, a filter seat guide 820 for guiding the seating of the filter housing 850 coupled to the exhaust filter 840, and an upper cover 810 rotatably coupled to an upper portion of the exhaust member 830. [00159] An air discharge hole 811 for discharging air is defined in the upper cover 810. The air passing through the air discharge hole 811 is moved into a cleaner body 510. [00160] A handle part 812 to be easily grasped by a user is coupled to the upper cover 810. The handle part 812 includes a first coupling button 813 for fixing a position of the upper cover 810 and a second coupling button 814 coupled to the cleaner body 10. The first coupling button 813 is selectively coupled to the inner deco 870. [00161] An exhaust passage 832 in which the air discharged from the cyclone unit 610 flows is defined in the exhaust member 830. The air discharged through the exhaust passage 832 passes through the exhaust filter 840 and then is discharged through the air discharge hole 811. [00162] The air suction part 613 is covered by a lower portion 41 09FLWV003 of the exhaust member 830. [00163] Fig. 14 is a vertical sectional view of a dust collection unit according to a third embodiment. [00164] Referring to Figs. 11, 13, and 14, the first compression member 240 includes a rotation shaft 244 and a first compression plate 242 integrated with the rotation shaft 244 to compress dusts. [00165] Also, the second compression member 250 includes a fixed shaft 254 coupled to the rotation shaft 244 and a second compression plate 252 integrated with the fixed shaft 254. [00166] The fixed shaft 254 is integrated with a top surface 211 of the dust collection body 210. [00167] A portion of the rotation shaft 244 is inserted into the fixed shaft 254 from a lower side of the fixed shaft 254 toward an upper side. A coupling part 260 passes through the top surface 211 of the dust collection body 210 from an upper side of the dust collection body 210 and then is inserted into the fixed shaft 254. When the coupling part 260 is inserted into the fixed shaft 254, a portion of the coupling part 260 is inserted into the rotation shaft 244. 42 09FLWV003 [00168] The first compression member 240 is driven by a driving unit 900. The driving unit 900 includes a driving source for driving the first compression member 240 and a power transmission unit for transmitting a power of the driving source to the first compression member 240. (00169] The driving source is detachably coupled to a lower portion of a lower cover 220. Thus, when the dust collection body 210 is separated from the cleaner body 510, the driving source is separated together with the dust collection body 210. Also, when the lower cover 220 is rotated with respect to the dust collection body 210, the driving source is rotated together with the lower cover 220. [00170] The driving source includes a compression motor 910 for generating a driving power and a motor housing 902 for receiving the compression motor 910. [00171] The power transmission unit includes a first transmission part 920 coupled to a shaft 912 of the compression motor 910 and a connection part 940 selectively connected to the first transmission part 920. Since the first transmission part 920 and the connection part 940 have the same structures as those 43 09FLWV003 of the third transmission part 340 and the connection part 350 of the first embodiment, their detailed descriptions will be omitted. [00172) In detail, the motor housing 902 is coupled to a coupling rib 255 disposed on a lower portion of the lower cover 220 in a state where the compression motor 910 is received in the motor housing 902. [00173] A coupling projection 903 is disposed on an outer surface of the motor housing 902. An insertion hole 226 in which the coupling projection 903 is selectively inserted is defined in the coupling rib 225. [00174] A terminal part 904 electrically connected to the compression motor 910 is disposed on a side surface of the motor housing 902. When the dust separator 540 is mounted on the mounting part 520, the terminal part 904 is connected to a power supply terminal 530 disposed on the mounting part 520. Thus, the compression motor 910 may receive a power from the cleaner body 510. That is, according to the current embodiment, a power is supplied from the cleaner body 510 to the compression motor 910 in a state where the dust separator 540 is mounted on the mounting part 520. 44 09FLWV003 [00175] According to the current embodiment, since the driving motor is detachably coupled to the lower cover 220, the driving motor may be separated from the dust collection unit when the dust collection unit is cleaned. Thus, it may prevent water from being permeated into the driving motor. [00176] Fig. 15 is a vertical sectional view of a dust collection unit according to a fourth embodiment. (00177] The current embodiment is same as the first embodiment except a position of a driving unit and a coupling structure of the driving unit and a first compression member. Therefore, only features of the current embodiment will be described herein. [00178) Referring to Fig. 15, a dust collection unit 1000 according to the current embodiment includes a dust collection body 1010 in which a dust storage part is disposed and a lower cover 1020 for opening or closing a lower side of the dust collection body 1010. [00179] A first compression member 1040 and a second compression member 1050 for compressing dusts are disposed inside the dust collection body 1010. [00180] The first compression member 1040 includes a rotation 45 09FLWV003 shaft 1044 and a first compression plate 1042 integrated with the rotation shaft 1044 to compress the dusts. [00181] The second compression member 1050 includes a fixed shaft 1054 in which a portion of the rotation shaft 1044 is inserted and a second compression plate 1052 integrated with the fixed shaft 1054. [00182) The fixed shaft 1054 protrudes downward from a top surface of the dust collection body 1010. [00183] A connection part 1130 is inserted into the fixed shaft 1054 from the outside of the dust collection body 1010. The connection part 1130 inserted into the fixed shaft 1054 may be coupled to the rotation shaft 1044 by a coupling member 1132. [00184] A driving unit 1100 for driving the first compression member 1040 is disposed above the dust collection body 1010. The driving unit 1100 is separably coupled to a top surface of the dust collection body 1010. Here, since the top surface of the dust collection body 1010 covers an upper side of the dust storage part, the top surface of the dust collection body 1010 may be referred to as an upper cover. [00185] The driving unit 1100 include a compression motor 1110 46 09FLWV003 for generating a driving force, a motor housing 1102 for receiving the compression motor 1110, and a power transmission unit 1120 coupled to a shaft of the compression motor 1110. [00186] A terminal part 1103 is disposed on the motor housing 1102. Also, the terminal part 1103 is electrically connected to the compression motor 1110 by an electric wire 1104. Here, a power supply terminal (not shown) electrically connected to the terminal part is disposed on a mounting part of a cleaner body. [00187] The power transmission unit 1120 is connected to the connection part 1130. Thus, when the compression motor 1110 is operated, the power transmission unit 1120 and the connection part 1130 are rotated together with each other. Thus, since the connection part 1130 is rotated, the first compression member 1040 may be rotated. [00188] Fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a dust collection unit for illustrating a structure of a compression member according to a fifth embodiment. Fig. 17 is a vertical sectional view of the dust collection unit according to the fifth embodiment. Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a state in which a lower cover of the dust collection unit is rotated according to 47 09FLWVOO3 the fifth embodiment. [00189] The current embodiment is same as the second embodiment except structures of a dust collection unit and a driving unit. Therefore, only features of the current embodiment will be described herein. [00190] Referring to Figs. 16 to 18, a dust collection unit according to the current embodiment includes a dust collection body 1210 in which a dust storage part is disposed and a lower cover 1220 for opening or closing a lower side of the dust collection body 1210. [00191] Also, a first compression member 1240 and a second compression member 1250 for compressing dusts stored in the dust storage part are disposed inside the dust collection body 1210. [00192] The first compression member 1240 includes a rotation shaft 1244 and a first compression plate 1242 integrated with the rotation shaft 1244 to compress the dusts. [00193] The second compression member 1250 includes a fixed shaft 1254 in which a portion of the rotation shaft 1244 is inserted and a second compression plate 1252 integrated with the fixed shaft 1254. 48 09FLWV003 [00194) The first compression plate 1242 and the second compression plate 1252 interact with each other to compress the dusts stored in the dust storage part. [00195] The fixed shaft 1254 may be integrated with a top surface of the dust collection body 1210 and/or an inner circumference of the dust collection body 1210. A coupling boss 1256 protrudes downward from a bottom surface of the fixed shaft 1254. An insertion part 1245 in which the coupling boss 1256 is inserted is disposed in the rotation shaft 1244. A coupling member 1380 is coupled to the coupling boss 1256 in a state where the coupling boss 1256 is inserted into the insertion part 1245. [00196] The first compression member 1240 may be rotated by a driving unit. [00197] The driving unit includes a manipulation member 1330 manipulated by a user to drive the first compression member 1240 and a transmission unit for transmitting a manipulation force of the manipulation member 1330 into the first compression member 1240. [00198] The manipulation member 1330 is rotatably disposed under the lower cover 1220. 49 09FLWV003 [00199] The transmission unit includes a transmission part 1340 disposed above the lower cover 1220 and rotated together with the manipulation member 1330, a fixed part 1350 coupled to the manipulation member 1330 above the transmission part 1340, a connection part 1360 coupled to a rotation shaft 1244 of the first compression member 1240 and selectively connected to the fixed part 1350, and an elastic member 1370 disposed above the manipulation member 1330 to elastically support the transmission part 1340. [00200] The manipulation member 1330 includes a manipulation part 1332 and a coupling part integrated with the manipulation part 1332 and coupled to the fixed part 1350. When the dust collection unit is mounted on the cleaner body, the manipulation part 1332 is exposed to the outside of the cleaner body so as to be manipulated by a user. [00201] A guide rib 1335 for guiding a coupling between the coupling part 1224 and the fixed part 1350 is disposed on a top surface of the coupling part 1334. [00202) A portion of the coupling part 1334 passes through an opening 1225 defined in a center of the lower cover 1220. Here, 50 09FLWV003 a rotation guide 1226 for guiding the rotation of the coupling part 1334 passing through the opening 1225 is disposed on a top surface of the lower cover 1220. [00203] A hole 1342 in which a portion of the fixed part 1250 is inserted is defined in a center of the transmission part 1240. A first guide part 1343 and a second guide part 1344 to be selectively inserted into the connection part 1360 protrude from a top surface of the transmission part 1340. Here, a distance between the hole 1342 and the first guide part 1343 is different from that between the hole 1342 and the second guide part 1344. This is done for a reason that a connection position between each of the guide parts 1343 and 1344 and the connection part 1360 is specified. [00204] An insertion projection 1352 to be inserted into the connection part 1360 is disposed on a center of the fixed part 1350. A first through hole 1352 and a second through hole 1354 through which the guide parts 1343 and 1344 pass respectively are defined in the fixed part 1350. [00205] A distance between the insertion projection 1352 and the first through hole 1353 is equal to that between the hole 51 09FLWV003 1342 and the first guide part 1343. Also, a distance between the insertion projection 1352 and the second through hole 1354 is equal to that between the hole 1342 and the second guide part 1344. [00206] A seat groove 1355 on which the guide rib 1333 is seated is defined in a lower portion of the fixed part 1350. [00207] The fixed part 1350 is coupled to the coupling part 1334 by a coupling member 1390 in a state where the guide parts 1343 and 1344 respectively passes through the through holes 1353 and 1354. When the fixed part 1350 is coupled to the coupling part 1334, the transmission part 1340 is supported by the elastic member 1370 and thus is vertically movable. [00208] The connection part 1360 is coupled to a lower portion of the rotation shaft 1244. A hook 1261 is disposed on the connection part 1360, and a hook insertion hole 1246 in which the hook 1361 is inserted is defined in the rotation shaft 1244. [00209] Also, the connection part 1360 includes a projection receiving part 1362 in which the insertion projection 1352 is inserted and first and second receiving parts 1363 and 1364 in which the guide parts 1343 and 1344 are inserted respectively. 52 09FLWV003 [00210) A distance between the projection receiving part 1362 and the first receiving part 1363 is equal to that between the hole 1342 and the first guide part 1343. A distance between the projection receiving part 1362 and the second receiving part 1364 is equal to that between the hole 1342 and the second guide part 1344. [00211) Thus, the first guide part 1343 is received into only the first receiving part 1363, and the second guide part 1344 is received into only the second receiving part 1364. [00212] Hereinafter, a process in which each of the guide parts is received in each of the receiving parts will be described. [00213] When the lower cover 1220 is rotated downward, the fixed part 1350, the manipulation member 1330, and the transmission part 1340 are rotated together with the lower cover 1220. [00214) In a state as shown in Fig. 18, when the lower cover 1220 is rotated upward, the insertion projection 1352 is inserted into the projection receiving part 1362. [00215) Here, if each of the guide parts 1343 and 1344 is 53 09FLWV003 aligned with each of the receiving parts 1363 and 1364, each of the guide parts 1343 and 1344 is received into each of the receiving parts 1363 and 1364. On the other hand, if each of the guide parts 1343 and 1344 is not aligned with each of the receiving parts 1363 and 1364, each of the guide parts 1343 and 1344 is compressed by a bottom surface of the connection part 1360 and thus the elastic member 1370 is contracted. As a result, the transmission part 1340 is moved downward. (00216] In this state, when the manipulation member 1330 is rotated by user's manipulation, the transmission part 1340 is rotated. Here, since each of the guide parts 1343 and 1344 is not received into each of the receiving parts 1363 and 1364, the first compression member 1240 is maintained in a stop state. [00217) When each of the guide parts 1343 and 1344 is aligned with each of the receiving parts 1363 and 1364 while the transmission part 1340 is rotated, each of the guide parts 1343 and 1344 is received into each of the receiving parts 1363 and 1364. [00218] Thus, the first compression member 1240 is rotated together with the transmission part 1340. 54 09FLWV003 [00219] Fig. 19 is a view illustrating a process of compressing dusts within the dust collection unit according to the fifth embodiment. [00220] Hereinafter, a reason that a received position of each of guide parts 1343 and 1344 is specified will be described. [002211 The reason that the received position of each of the guide parts 1343 and 1344 is specified is for a reason to constantly maintain an angle (including zero degree) between a manipulation part 1332 and a first compression plate 1242 at all times. [00222] In detail, for manipulating the manipulation part 1332 in a state where a dust collection unit is mounted on a cleaner body, the manipulation part 1332 should be exposed to the outside of the cleaner body. [00223] In the current embodiment, a first compression member 1240 is freely rotatably coupled to the dust collection unit, and the manipulation member 1330 is freely rotatably coupled to a lower cover 1220. [00224] Thus, when a structure (each guide part and each receiving part) for uniformly maintaining a relative position 55 09FLWV003 between the manipulation part 1332 and the first compression plate 1242 is not provided, the relative position between the first compression plate 1242 and the manipulation part 1332 may be varied whenever the lower cover 1220 is opened or closed. [00225] In this case, the dust collection unit may not be mounted on the cleaner body or the first compression member may not be smoothly rotated in one direction according to the position of the manipulation part 1242. [00226] Thus, in the current embodiment, the guide parts 1342 and 1344 and the receiving parts 1363 and 1364 are provided, and each of the guide parts 1343 and 1344 is received into only each of the receiving part 1363 and 1364 corresponding to each of the guide parts 1343 and 1344. Therefore, the angle between the manipulation part 1332 and the first compression plate 1242 may be constantly maintained at all times (e.g., zero degree in Fig. 9). [00227] Fig. 20 is a vertical sectional view of a dust collection unit according to a sixth embodiment. Fig. 21 is a view illustrating a disposition relation of a dust compressor according to the sixth embodiment. 56 09FLWV003 [00228] The current embodiment is same as the fifth embodiment except a structure of a transmission unit for transmitting a manipulation force of a manipulation member. Therefore, only features of the current embodiment will be described herein. [00229] Referring to Figs. 20 and 21, a dust compressor according to the current embodiment includes a first compression member 1240, a second compression member 1250, a manipulation member 1410, and a transmission unit. [00230) The manipulation member 1410 is rotatably disposed on a lower portion of a lower cover 1220. [00231] The transmission unit includes a first transmission part 1420 disposed under the lower cover 1220 and connected to the manipulation member 1410, a second transmission part 1430 disposed above the lower cover 1220 and rotated together with the first transmission part 1420, a fixed part 1440 coupled to the first transmission part 1420 above the second transmission part 1430, a connection part 1450 coupled to the first compression member 1240 and selectively connected to the fixed part 1440, and an elastic member 1460 disposed above the first transmission part 1420 to elastically support the second transmission part 1430. 57 09FLWV003 [00232] Here, the second transmission part 1430 has the same function as the transmission part 1340 of the fourth embodiment. Also, the connection part 1450 has the same function as the connection 1360 of the fourth embodiment, and the fixed part 1440 has the same function as the fixed part 1350 of the fourth embodiment. Thus, their detailed descriptions will be omitted. [00233] The manipulation member 1410 includes a manipulation part 1412 to be manipulated by a user and a coupling part 1414 integrated with the manipulation part 1412 and coupled to the first transmission part 1420. For example, each of the coupling part 1414 and the first transmission part 1420 may be a gear. [00234] The number of gear tooth of the coupling part 1414 may be greater than that of the first transmission part 1420. Thus, a rotation angle of the coupling part 1414 for rotating the first transmission part 1420 at about 360 degrees may be reduced. [00235] That is, when the first coupling part 1414 is rotated at a first angle, the first transmission part 1420 is rotated at a second angle greater than the first angle. [00236] Thus, according to the current embodiment, a manipulation time of the manipulation member 1410 for compressing 58 09FLWV003 the dusts may be reduced. [00237] Fig. 22 is a front view of a dust separator according to a seventh embodiment. Fig. 23 is a perspective view of a dust collection unit constituting the dust separator according to the seventh embodiment. Fig. 24 is an explode perspective view of the dust collection unit according to the seventh embodiment. [00238] Referring to Figs. 22 to 24, a dust separator 1300 according to the current embodiment includes a dust separation unit 1510 for separating dusts, a discharge guide unit 1520 for guiding a flow of air discharged from the dust separation unit 1510, a dust collection unit 1600 for storing the dusts separated by the dust separation unit 1510. [00239] The discharge guide unit 1520 is coupled to an upper portion of the dust separation unit 1510, and the dust collection unit 1600 is coupled to a lower portion of the dust separation unit 1510. [00240] In detail, the dust collection unit 1600 includes a dust collection body 1610 defining a storage part, an upper cover 1620 for covering an upper side of the dust collection body 1610, a lower cover for covering a lower side of the dust collection 59 09FLWV003 body 1610, a compression member 1640 for compressing dusts stored in the dust collection body 1610, and a driving unit 1650 for driving the compression member 1640. [00241) The lower cover 1630 has one side connected to the dust collection body 1610 by a hinge 1630 and the other side selectively coupled to the dust collection body 1610 by a hook part 1634. When the lower cover 1620 is rotated to open the opened lower side of the dust collection body 1610, the dusts within the dust collection body 1610 may easily drop down. [00242) A sealer 1632 for sealing is disposed on a circumference part of a top surface of the lower cover 1630. A guide projection for guiding a rotation of the compression member 1640 is disposed on a center of the lower cover 1630. The guide projection is inserted into a lower portion of a rotation shaft 1644 (that will be described alter) of the compression member 1640. [00243] The dust collection body 1610 includes a hinge coupling part 1612 to which a hinge 1633 of the lower cover 1630 is coupled and a plurality of hook projections 1614 on which the hook part 1634 is hooked. The plurality of hook projections 1614 60 09FLWV003 are horizontally spaced from each other. [00244] Also, a release unit 1660 for releasing the hooked state between the hook part and the hook projections is coupled to the dust collection body 1610. A coupling rib 1613 for guiding a movement of the release unit 1660 is disposed on the dust collection body 1610. The release unit 1660 may be movable downward in a state where it 1660 is coupled to the coupling rib 1613. [00245] A dust inflow part 1662 in which the dust separated in the dust separation unit 1510 is introduced is disposed in the upper cover 1620. A hollow coupling part 1621 in which the rotation shaft of the compression member 1640 is inserted is disposed in the upper cover 1620. The coupling part 1621 protrudes downward from the upper cover 1620. [00246] A plurality of guide parts for guiding a movement of the driving unit 1650 are disposed on a top surface of the upper cover 1620. The plurality of guide parts include an outer guide part 1623 and an inner guide part 1624 spaced from the outer guide part 1623. [00247] Here, the driving unit 1650 may be movable between the 61 09FLWV003 outer guide part 1623 and the inner guide part 1624. [00248] The compression member 1640 includes a compression plate 1642 for compressing the dusts stored in a dust storage part 1611 and a rotation shaft 1644 integrated with the compression plate 1642. An upper portion of the rotation shaft 1644 is inserted into the coupling part 1621. Thus, the compression member 1640 may be guided by the coupling part 1621. [00249] Here, the dust collection body 1610 has a noncircular shape in vertical section. That is, a pair of recessed parts 1615 in which portions of an outer surface of the dust collection body 1610 are recessed toward in a center is defined. Thus, the compression member 1610 may be rotatable in both directions within a first angle (a range between the pair of recessed parts) inside the dust collection body 1610. That is, in the current embodiment, the single compression member may be rotated in both directions, and the dusts may be stored within the dust collection body corresponding to a second angle (about 360 degrees to the first angle) [00250] The driving unit 1650 includes a body 1651 disposed on the top surface of the upper cover 1620 and a manipulation part 62 09FLWV003 1652 disposed on the body 1651 and manipulated by a user. [00251] The body 1651 has a ring shape. The manipulation part 1652 is disposed on an outer circumference of the body 1651. An extension part 1653 extending in a center direction of the body 1651 is disposed on an inner circumference of the body 1651. A connection part 1654 inserted into the coupling part 1621 and connected to the rotation shaft 1644 is disposed on the extension part 1653. [00252] In a state where the connection part 1654 and the rotation shaft 1644 are inserted into the coupling part 1621, the connection part 1654 and the rotation shaft 1644 may be coupled to each other by a coupling member S. Thus, when the manipulation part 1652 is grasped by the user and then moved in one or the other direction, the rotation shaft 1644 connected to the connection part 1654 may be rotated to compress the dusts stored in the dust storage part. [00253] Thus, in the current embodiment, since the body 1651, the extension part 1653, and the connection part 1654 transmit a manipulation force of the manipulation part to the rotation shaft 1644, the body 1651, the extension part 1653, and the connection 63 09FLWV003 part 1654 may be called transmission units. [00254] A plurality of projections 1656 are disposed on the inner circumference of the body 1651. The plurality of projections 1656 are horizontally spaced from each other. [00255) A fixed part 1625 for fixing a position of the driving unit 1650 is disposed on the inner guide part 1624 adjacent to the dust inflow part 1622. [00256] The fixed part 1625 is elastically movable. Also, the fixed part 1625 is rotated while the plurality of projections 1656 rub against each other when the driving unit 1650 is rotated. When the operation of the driving unit 1650 is stopped, a portion of the fixed part 1625 is disposed between the pair of projections 1656. In this case, the stopped state of the driving unit 1650 may be stably maintained. [00257] As described above, according to the current embodiment, since a frictional sound due to the friction between the fixed part 1625 and the plurality of projections 1656 occurs during the rotation of the driving unit 1650, the rotation of the driving unit 1650 may be easily recognized. [00258] Although the upper cover 1620 is provided as a 64 09FLWV003 separate part and coupled to the dust collection body 1610 in the current embodiment, the upper cover 1620 may be integrated with the dust collection body 1610. [00259] According to the proposed embodiments, since the dusts stored in the dust collection unit are manually or automatically compressed to minimize their volume, the capacity of the dust collection unit for storing the dusts may be maximized. [00260] Also, since the dust collection capacity of the dust collection unit is maximized due to the compression of the dusts, it may be unnecessary to frequently empty the dusts stored in the dust collection unit. [00261] Also, since the lower cover for opening or closing the dust storage part is disposed under the dust collection unit, the dusts may be easily discharged in the state where the lower cover is rotated. [00262] Also, since the amount of dusts stored in the dust collection unit is displayed to the outside, the user may easily confirm the current amount of dusts. [00263] Also, when the dusts stored in the dust collection unit exceed a predetermined amount, since the dust empty request 65 09FLWV003 signal is generated, the user may easily recognize a time at which the user should empty the dust collection unit containing the dusts. [00264] Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art. 66

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a cleaner body; a dust collection unit comprising a dust collection body selectively mounted on the cleaner body and defining a dust storage part for storing dusts and a lower cover coupled to a lower portion of the dust collection body to open or close the dust storage part; a compression member for compressing the dusts stored in the dust collection part; and a driving unit disposed on the lower cover to drive the compression member, and having a transmission unit selectively connected to the compression member 5 wherein the transmission unit is connected to the compression member in a state where the lower cover closes the dust storage part, and the transmission unit is disconnected to the compression member in a state where the lower cover opens the dust storage part. 0 Doc ID 1000044414 67

2. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the driving unit further comprises: a driving motor for generating a driving force; wherein transmission unit transmits the driving force of the driving motor to the compression member.

3. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the transmission unit comprises: a transmission part connected to the driving motor; and a connection part disposed on the compression member, the connection part being selectively connected to the transmission part.

4. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 3, wherein the 5 transmission part is disposed above the lower cover and the driving motor is disposed under the lower cover.

5. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, wherein the driving unit comprises a terminal part for supplying a power, and 0 the cleaner body comprises a power supply terminal Doc ID 1000044414 68 selectively and electrically connected to the terminal part.

6. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the driving unit comprises: a manipulation member disposed outside the lower cover, the manipulation member being manually manipulated; and a transmission unit for transmitting a manipulation force of the manipulation member to the compression member.

7. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 6, wherein the transmission unit comprises: at least one transmission part rotated together with the manipulation member; and a connection part selectively connected to the transmission 5 part, the connection part being disposed on the compression member.

8. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the compression member comprises a compression plate and a rotation 0 shaft connected to the compression plate, and Doc ID 1000044414 69 a fixed shaft to support the rotation shaft is extended downward from a top surface of the dust collection body.

9. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, further comprising a fixed plate integrated with the rotation shaft within the dust collection body.

10. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a cleaner body; a dust collection unit comprising a dust collection body selectively mounted on the cleaner body and defining a dust storage part for storing dusts and a lower cover coupled to a lower portion of the dust collection body to open or close the dust storage part, and an upper cover defining a top surface of 5 the dust storage part; a compression member for compressing the dusts stored in the dust collection part; and a driving unit disposed on the dust collection body to drive the compression member, wherein the driving unit is disposed on 0 the upper cover. Doc ID 1000044414 70

11. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 10, wherein the upper cover comprises a fixed shaft in which a portion of the compression member is inserted, the fixed shaft extending downward from the upper cover.

12. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 10, wherein the driving unit comprises: a driving motor for generating a driving force; and a transmission unit for transmitting the driving force of the driving motor to the compression member.

13. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 10, wherein the driving unit comprises: 5 a manipulation part for manually manipulating and operating the compression member; a body disposed above the upper cover, the body being connected to the manipulation part; and a connection part connected to the compression member. 0 Doc ID 1000044414 71

14. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a cleaner body; a dust collection unit comprising a dust collection body separably mounted on the cleaner body and defining a dust storage part for storing dusts and a lower cover coupled to a lower portion of the dust collection body to open or close the dust storage part; a compression member for compressing the dusts stored in the dust collection part; a driving source disposed on the cleaner body to operate the compression member; at least one transmission part disposed on the lower cover to transmit a power of the driving source; and a connection part disposed on the compression member, 5 wherein the transmission part is connected to the connection part in a state where the lower cover closes the dust storage part.

15. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 14, wherein the 0 transmission part comprises: Doc ID 1000044414 72 a first transmission part disposed on the cleaner body; a second transmission part disposed on one side of the lower cover, the second transmission part being selectively connected to the first transmission part; and a third transmission part disposed on the other side of the lower cover, the third transmission part being selectively connected to the connection part.

16. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 15, wherein each of the connection part and the third transmission part has an unevenness shape.

17. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 15, wherein, when the dust collection unit is mounted on the cleaner body, the 5 first transmission part and the second transmission part are connected to each other.

18. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 14, wherein the compression member is rotated in a state where the compression 0 member is supported by a top surface of the dust collection body. Doc ID 1000044414 73

19. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 14, wherein the dust collection unit further comprises an upper cover for covering an upper side of the dust storage part, and the upper cover comprises a fixed shaft in which a portion of the compression member is inserted, the fixed shaft extending downward from the upper cover. Doc ID 1000044414 74