VACUUM CLEANER
A vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The vacuum cleaner comprises a cleaner body, a suction nozzle, a connection pipe, a first tool assembly, a second tool assembly, and a pipe assembly. The first tool assembly is detachably fixed to a body suction port of the cleaner body and has a first suction port which communicates with the body suction port. The second tool assembly is detachably fixed to the first tool assembly and has a second suction port which communicates with the body suction port. The pipe assembly is fixed to the rear side of the connection pipe and detachably fixed to the second tool assembly. The first tool assembly, the second tool assembly, or the pipe assembly can be selectively detached from the cleaner body, and each tool (suction port) can be effectively used.
The present disclosure relates to a vacuum cleaner and, more particularly, to a vacuum cleaner having multiple suction ports different from each other.
BACKGROUND ARTA vacuum cleaner refers to a device configured to generate an air pressure difference such that dust and the like are drawn into the vacuum cleaner.
A vacuum cleaner may include a cleaner body and a suction nozzle. The cleaner body may have a motor provided therein and configured to rotate such that suction power is generated. The suction power generated inside the cleaner body may be transferred to the suction nozzle such that external dust and the like are suctioned into the vacuum cleaner through the suction nozzle.
Vacuum cleaners may be classified, according to the configuration thereof, into canister types, upright types, and handy/stick types.
A canister-type cleaner includes a cleaner body having wheels, and a suction nozzle provided separately from the cleaner body and connected to the cleaner body through a hose.
An upright-type cleaner includes a cleaner body and a suction nozzle together coupled to a mop.
A handy/stick-type cleaner includes a cleaner body and a handle provided thereon such that the user can use the same while holding the cleaner body portion. A handy-type cleaner has a cleaner body and a suction nozzle positioned relatively close to each other, and a stick-type cleaner has a cleaner body and a suction nozzle positioned relatively far from each other.
A robotic cleaner, which is another type of vacuum cleaner, is configured to use various sensors such that the same can autonomously move and suction dust and the like.
A vacuum cleaner may include multiple suction nozzles. Respective suction nozzles may come in different types. For example, one of the suction nozzles may have a suction port elongated leftwards/rightwards such that the same is appropriate for common floor cleaning. Another suction nozzle may have a narrow-width suction port such that the same is appropriate for narrow gap cleaning. Still another suction port may have a brush coupled thereto such that the same can brush off dust.
In connection with vacuum cleaners, Registered Korean Patent Publication No. 1841455 (hereinafter, referred to as “Prior Document 1”) discloses a vacuum cleaner having multiple different nozzles that can be replaced and used. In addition, Prior Document 1 discloses a cradle on which idle suction nozzles can be cradled and stored such that the user is not inconvenienced by storage of suction nozzles, loss of which can also be prevented.
In connection with vacuum cleaners, Registered Japanese Patent Publication No. 3545628 (hereinafter, referred to as “Prior Document 2”) discloses a vacuum cleaner, and discloses an auxiliary suction body including an inner pipe, a nozzle body, a brush body, and a pipe cover.
Multiple suction nozzles (suction ports) different from each other are conventionally provided such that vacuum cleaners are conveniently used, as described above, but there still is room for improvement in connection with use convenience and improved utility of suction nozzles.
In the case of Prior Document 1, multiple suction nozzles are individually provided, and need to be individually coupled to the cleaner body and separated therefrom one by one, in order to use respective suction nozzles.
In the case of Prior Document 2, when the extension tube is separated from the auxiliary suction body, the nozzle body or the brush body is available. However, the nozzle body cannot be instantly used, and the nozzle body needs to be pulled forwards in order to use the same. That is, the nozzle body is instantly available when the user holds the handle with one hand and grips the extension hand with the other hand and separates the same. The user needs to move the nozzle body forwards with the hand that holds the extension tube.
In addition, in the case of Prior Document 2, once the nozzle body is moved to the front side of the brush body to use the nozzle body, the brush body may interfere with use of the nozzle body because the brush body is coupled to the periphery of the nozzle body. Nozzle bodies are generally used to clean relative narrow gaps and the like, and the brush body in Prior Document 2 may interfere with the nozzle body when the same enters a relatively narrow gap.
DISCLOSURE Technical ProblemThe present disclosure provides a vacuum cleaner including a suction nozzle having a basic suction port and a cleaner body connected to the suction nozzle through a connection pipe, the vacuum cleaner having a structure and a means such that, when the connection pipe is separated from the cleaner body, different suction ports can be used selectively and instantly.
The present disclosure provides a vacuum cleaner having a structure and a means such that, when a connection pipe is separated from a cleaner body, a means constituting a crevice tool or a crevice nozzle can be used effectively.
The present disclosure provides a vacuum cleaner having a structure and a means such that, when a connection pipe is coupled to a cleaner body, and when multiple suction ports are thus accommodated inside a tube extending from the connection pipe, reduction of a passage along which dust moves can be prevented.
The present disclosure provides a vacuum cleaner having a structure and a means such that, when a connection pipe is separated from a cleaner body, a brush and a suction port can be used effectively, and when the brush is not used, alignment of the brush and removal of dust, hair, and the like from the brush can proceed effectively.
The present disclosure provides a vacuum cleaner having a structure and a means such that exposure of a brush while a connection pipe remains coupled to a cleaner body can be completely prevented, and the brush is not exposed when the connection pipe is coupled to the cleaner body.
Technical SolutionAccording to an aspect of the topic described herein, a vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner body, a connection pipe connected to the cleaner body, and a suction nozzle coupled to the connection pipe.
The connection pipe extends along a first direction which is oriented from the body suction port toward the suction nozzle.
The cleaner body has a first motor provided therein and configured to rotate such that suction power is generated, and a body suction port is provided in front of the cleaner body in the first direction. Suction power generated inside the cleaner body may be transferred to the body suction port, and may be successively transferred to the connection pipe and the suction nozzle.
The body suction port may constitute an entrance of the cleaner body through which outer dust, air, and the like are introduced into the cleaner body. The body suction port may be configured in a pipe shape along the first direction.
The body suction port may have a first engagement groove disposed on an outer surface thereof.
The suction nozzle has a basic suction port through which outer air, dust, and the like are introduced. Suction power inside the cleaner body is transferred to the basic suction portion through the connection pipe. That is, the connection pipe is positioned between the cleaner body and the suction nozzle.
In some embodiments, the connection pipe has a first connection part configuring an entrance, and a second connection part configuring an exit.
The cleaner body is connected to the second connection part.
The suction nozzle is connected to the first connection part. The suction nozzle may be detachably coupled to the first connection part.
According to an aspect of the topic described herein, a vacuum cleaner includes a first tool assembly, a second tool assembly, and a pipe assembly.
The first tool assembly may have a first suction port communicating with the body suction port, and may be detachably fixed to the body suction port.
The first suction port may constitute an entrance of the first tool assembly through which outer dust, air, and the like are introduced into the first tool assembly. The first suction port may be configured in a pipe shape along the first direction.
The second tool assembly has a second suction port communicating with the body suction port. The second tool assembly may be detachably fixed to the first tool assembly.
The second suction port may constitute an entrance of the second tool assembly through which outer dust, air, and the like are introduced into the second tool assembly. The second suction port may be configured in a pipe shape along the first direction.
The pipe assembly may be fixed to a rear side of the connection pipe in the first direction. The pipe assembly may be detachably fixed to the second tool assembly.
According to an aspect of the topic described herein, the first tool assembly may include a first body, a first lever, a first rotation body, and a second rotation body.
The first tool assembly may include a first elastic body.
The first body may have a pipe shape along the first direction, and may be coaxially coupled to the body suction port.
The body suction port may be fitted into the rear side of the first body in the first direction.
The first body may have a second engagement groove configured therein. The second engagement groove is configured on the outer surface of the first body.
The second engagement groove may be configured on the outer surface of the first body in front of the first lever in the first direction.
The first lever may be pivotably coupled to the first body. The first lever may be configured so as to engage with the body suction port or to disengage therefrom.
The first lever may be is coupled to the first body so as to be pivotable about a first lever axis in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first lever may include a first engagement protrusion part. The first engagement protrusion part may protrude inside the first body so as to be inserted into and to engage with the first engagement groove.
The first elastic body elastically supports the first lever so that the first engagement protrusion part protrudes inside the first body.
The first rotation body and the second rotation body may be configured to be symmetrical with each other.
The first rotation body may be coupled to a front side of the first body in the first direction so as to be pivotable about a first rotational axis. The first rotation body may include a first half tube configuring a portion of the first suction port.
The first rotational axis may be configured parallel to a third direction. The third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.
The second rotation body may be coupled to the front side of the first body in the first direction so as to be pivotable about a second rotational axis. The second rotation body may include a second half tube configuring a portion of the first suction port.
The rotational direction of the first rotation body and the rotational direction of the second rotation body may be opposite to each other.
The first tool assembly may include a first rotation spring and a second rotation spring.
The first rotation spring elastically supports the first rotation body such that the first half tube configures the first suction port.
The second rotation spring elastically supports the second rotation body such that the second half tube configures the first suction port.
In some embodiments, the first rotation part includes a first pressing part, and the second rotation body includes a second pressing part.
The first pressing part extends in a direction different from a direction of the first half tube with respect to the first rotational axis, and protrudes out of the first body.
The second pressing part extends in a direction different from a direction of the second half tube with respect to the second rotational axis, and protrudes out of the first body.
The second tool assembly includes a second body.
The second body has a pipe shape along the first direction. The second body may have a front edge in the first direction configuring the second suction port.
The second body may be coaxially coupled to the first body so as to accommodate the first rotation body and the second rotation body.
The second body may be configured to press the first pressing part and the second pressing part so as to spread the first half tube and the second half tube from each other when the second body is coupled to the first tool assembly.
The first body may be fitted into the rear side of the second body in the first direction.
The second body may have a first fixing groove and a second fixing groove arranged thereon. The first fixing groove and the second fixing groove are on the outer surface of the second body and spaced apart from each other in the forward/backward direction along the first direction.
In some embodiments, the second tool assembly may include a second lever and a brush.
The second tool assembly may include a cover lever.
The second lever is pivotably coupled to the second body.
The second lever is configured to engage with the first tool assembly or disengage therefrom. The second lever may be configured to engage with the first body or disengage therefrom.
The second lever may be coupled to the second body so as to be pivotable about a second lever axis in the second direction. The second lever may include a second engagement protrusion part. The second engagement protrusion part is configured to protrude inside the second body so as to be inserted into and engaged with the second engagement groove.
The second tool assembly may include a second elastic body. The second elastic body elastically supports the second lever so that the second engagement protrusion part protrudes inside the second body.
The brush may be fixed along the front edge of the second body so as to protrude forwardly in the first direction beyond the second body.
In some embodiments, the second tool assembly includes a brush cover.
The brush cover is configured in a pipe shape along the first direction. The brush cover is coupled to the second body to be able to move in the first direction or in the opposite direction of the first direction.
The brush cover may configure the second suction port together with the second body.
The brush cover is configured to expose or shield the brush.
The brush cover may have multiple brush reception spaces partitioned along a circumferential direction thereof.
To this end, the brush cover may include an inner tube, an outer tube, and multiple partitioning walls.
The outer tube surrounds the inner tube at the outside of the inner tube so as to be spaced apart from the inner tube. The partitioning walls connect the inner tube and the outer tube between the inner tube and the outer tube. The partitioning walls are repeatedly arranged along the circumferential direction of the brush cover while being spaced apart from each other. A space surrounded by the inner tube, the outer tube, and two of the partitioning walls becomes the brush reception space.
The cover lever may be pivotably coupled to the brush cover. The cover lever may be integrated with the brush cover. The cover lever includes a fixing protrusion part. The fixing protrusion part is configured to be inserted into and engaged with the first fixing groove or the second fixing groove after the brush cover has moved in the first direction or in the opposite direction of the first direction with regard to the second body.
The brush may be accommodated in each of the brush reception spaces and may be configured so as to protrude to the front side of the brush cover when the brush cover moves backwards.
The brush cover may include a lever groove.
The lever groove is a through-hole extending in the inward/outward direction such that the second lever is exposed, and has a shape extending forwardly from a rear edge in the first direction.
The brush cover may have a third engagement groove disposed on the outer surface thereof.
The third engagement groove may be formed on the outer surface of the brush cover in front of the second lever in the first direction.
In some embodiments, the pipe assembly includes a third body and a third lever.
The third body is configured in a pipe shape along the first direction. The third body may be fixed to the rear side of the connection pipe in the first direction and may be configured to accommodate the second tool assembly.
The first tool assembly and the second tool assembly may be fitted into the rear side of the third body.
The third lever is pivotably coupled to the third body.
The third lever may be configured to engage with the second tool assembly or to disengage therefrom.
The third lever may be coupled to the third body to be able to pivot with regard to a third lever axis in the second direction. The third lever may include a third engagement protrusion part. The third engagement protrusion part is configured to protrude into the third body so as to be inserted into and engaged with the third engagement groove.
The pipe assembly may include a third elastic body. The third elastic body elastically supports the third lever such that the third engagement protrusion part protrudes into the third body.
The third engagement protrusion part may engage with the third engagement groove after the brush cover has moved forwards in the first direction with regard to the second body such that the brush cover shields the brush.
The third engagement protrusion part may be configured to contact the outer surface of the brush cover in front of the third engagement groove after the brush cover has moved backwards in the first direction with regard to the second body such that the brush cover exposes the brush.
The pipe assembly may include a first tool button and a second tool button.
The first tool button may be coupled to the third body so as to be able to make reciprocating movements in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first tool button may be configured to rotate the second lever in a direction enabling the second lever to be disengaged.
The second tool button may be coupled to the third body so as to be able to make reciprocating movements in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second tool button may be configured to rotate the third lever in a direction enabling the third lever to be disengaged.
Advantageous EffectsAs described above, a vacuum cleaner includes a first tool assembly, a second tool assembly, and a pipe assembly. The first tool assembly has a first suction port and is detachably fixed to a body suction port of the cleaner body. The second tool assembly has a second suction port and is detachably fixed to the first tool assembly. The pipe assembly is fixed to the rear side of a connection pipe and if detachably fixed to the second tool assembly. When the connection pipe is separated from the cleaner body, the first and second tool assemblies may be separated from each other, or the second tool assembly and the pipe assembly may be separated from each other. Accordingly, the first suction port or the second suction port can be used selectively and instantly.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first and second tool assemblies may be separated from each other while the user grips the cleaner body with one hand and grips the pipe assembly with the other hand, and the first tool assembly is instantly used in this case. In addition, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second tool assembly and the pipe assembly may be separated from each other while the user grips the cleaner body with one hand and grips the pipe assembly with the other hand, and the second tool assembly is instantly used in this case. That is, the first tool assembly may be ready to use after a single operation, and the second tool assembly may be ready to use after a single operation.
In some embodiments, the first tool assembly includes a first rotation body, a second rotation body, a first rotation spring, and a second rotation spring. The first rotation body includes a first half tube, and the second rotation body includes a second half tube. If the second tool assembly is separated from the first tool assembly while being fixed to the pipe assembly, the first half tube and the second half tube rotate toward each other and thus configure a first suction port. The first rotation body and the second rotation body may configure a crevice tool or crevice nozzle, and may be effectively used to clean relatively narrow gaps.
In some embodiments, the first rotation body includes a first pressing part, and the second rotation body includes a second pressing part. When the second body is coupled to the first tool assembly, the second body presses the first pressing part and the second part by using the inner surface thereof, and rotates such that first half tube and the second half tube spread spart from each other. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first half tube and the second half tube may effectively spread spart may from each other even if no means for spreading the first half tube and the second half tube spart from each other is provided inside the first half tube and the second half tube, and a passage having a sectional area sufficient to enable dust to move through may be provided inside the first tool assembly.
In some embodiments, the brush cover is provided with a brush reception space. The brush reception space is provided by an inner tube of the brush cover, an outer tube thereof, and multiple partitioning walls. The brush reception space is repeatedly formed along the circumferential direction of the brush cover. When the brush is not used, the brush cover moves forward with regard to the second body, and respective bristles of the brush are inserted into respective brush reception spaces. As a result, respective bristles constituting the brush may be straightly aligned along the first direction, and overall bending, deformation, and the like of the brush can be prevented. In addition, when the brush is contained in a brush reception space, dust, hair, and the like smeared on the brush may be filtered out by the inner tube, outer tube, and partitioning walls of the brush cover, which constitutes the brush reception space, and effectively removed.
In some embodiments, the third engagement protrusion part engages with the third engagement groove after the brush cover has moved forwards in the first direction with regard to the second body such that the brush cover shields the brush. In addition, the third engagement protrusion part is configured to contact the outer surface of the brush cover in front of the third engagement groove after the brush cover has moved backwards in the first direction with regard to the second body such that the brush cover exposes the brush. The second tool assembly and the pipe assembly may be coupled and fixed after the brush cover has moved to the front side of the second body in this manner. Accordingly, exposure of the brush can be completely prevented while the connection pipe remains fixedly coupled to the cleaner body, and dust, hair, and the like smeared or attached to the brush can be prevented from adhering to the user's hands or the like.
In connection with a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the first suction port of the first tool assembly and the second suction port of the second tool assembly constitutes a suction port other than the basic suction port of the suction nozzle. That is, the first tool assembly and the second tool assembly may configure a nozzle other than the suction nozzle, and may be used as accessories of the vacuum cleaner. The first body of the first tool assembly is partially inserted into and coupled to the second body of the second tool assembly, and the first and second tool assemblies are coupled to a pipe assembly inserted into the third body. While the suction nozzle, the connection pipe, the pipe assembly, the second tool assembly, the first tool assembly, and the cleaner body remain coupled to one another, the first and second tool assemblies constitute a nozzle (accessory) other than the suction nozzle and are inserted and provided in the pipe assembly. Accordingly, the first and second tool assemblies are easily stored, and the first or second tool assembly can be instantly used when necessary.
Hereinafter, in order to describe the present disclosure more specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Same reference numerals will be given to same elements throughout the detailed description.
In describing the embodiments disclosed herein, a detailed description of known relevant technologies will be omitted when it may make the subject matter of the embodiment disclosed herein rather unclear. In addition, the accompanying drawings are merely intended to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein and not to restrict the technical spirit disclosed herein. In addition, the accompanying drawings should be understood as covering all modifications, equivalents, or alternatives included in the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
The terms including ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” may be used to describe various elements, but the elements are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only for distinguishing one element from another element.
When one element is mentioned as being “connected” or “linked” to another element, it should be understood that this means the one element may be directly connected or linked to the other element or another element may be interposed between the elements. On the other hand, when one element is mentioned as being “directly connected” or “directly linked” to another element, it should be understood that this means no other element is interposed between the elements.
When one element is mentioned as being “coupled” to another element, the one element may be directly coupled to the other element, fixedly coupled thereto, or coupled thereto without relative movement, except for a case including a specific limitation.
A singular expression includes a plural expression unless they are definitely different in the context.
It will be understood that the terms “include” and/or “have,” when used in the present application, specify the presence of stated features, numbers, stages, operations, elements, components, or a combination thereof, but do not preclude the possibility of presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, stages, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.
The vacuum cleaner 1 is configured to suction external air and/or foreign objects such as dust and hair.
The vacuum cleaner 1 includes the cleaner body 100, a connection pipe 200, and a suction nozzle 300. The external air, etc. is first introduced through the suction nozzle 300, and then moved to the cleaner body 100 through the connection pipe 200.
The cleaner body 100 is configured to generate suction force.
To this end, the cleaner body 100 includes a motor (a first motor 110).
In an embodiment, each of the motors including the first motor 110, which are described in the embodiments of the present disclosure, may include a DC motor, an AC motor, a universal motor, a BLDC motor, or a step motor.
A rotation shaft 111 of the first motor 110 of the cleaner body 100 may be coupled to a fan or an impeller to be rotated, and accordingly, an air flow is generated when the first motor 110 is rotated.
When the first motor 110 and a fan or an impeller coupled to the first motor 110 are rotated about the rotation shaft 111 in the cleaner body 100, a pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the cleaner body 100 occurs, and accordingly, suction force is generated in the cleaner body 100.
The cleaner body 100 includes a body suction port 140.
The body suction port 140 is an entrance of the cleaner body 100, and the dust, etc. introduced through the body suction port 140 is accommodated in the cleaner body 100.
The suction nozzle 300 includes a basic suction port 311 into which air and/or foreign objects are introduced (see
The connection pipe 200 connects the cleaner body 100 and the suction nozzle 300. The connection pipe 200 has a pipe or tubular shape, and configures a passage through which the external air, etc. introduced through the basic suction port 311 moves toward the cleaner body 100.
The connection pipe 200 may be made of a relatively hard material so as not to be unintentionally bent or deformed. The connection pipe 200 may be made of plastic or metal, or may include same.
The connection pipe 200 includes a first connection part 210 and a second connection part 220.
The first connection part 210 may configure an entrance of the connection pipe 200, through which the external air is introduced into the connection pipe 200, and the second connection part 220 may configure an exit of the connection pipe 200, through which the air inside the connection pipe 200 flows out toward the cleaner body 100.
The first connection part 210 and the second connection part 220 may configure opposite ends of the connection pipe 200.
In an embodiment, the cleaner body 100 may be fixed, and may be fixedly connected to a side of the second connection part 220 of the connection pipe 200. That is, the cleaner body 100 and the connection pipe 200 may be fixed to each other so as not to individually move. In this case, the vacuum cleaner 1 may be “a stick-type cleaner”.
In another embodiment, the shape of the cleaner body may be changeable, and a portion of the cleaner body may be configured to movable relative to the connection pipe 200. In an embodiment, the cleaner body 100 may include a body part 101, the body suction port 140, and a hose 102. In the cleaner body 100, a motor, etc. configured to generate suction force for the body suction port 140 may be disposed in the body part 101. The hose 102 that is flexibly bent may connect the body suction port 140 and the body part 101 of the cleaner body 100. That is, the vacuum cleaner 1 may be configured to enable the body part 101 of the cleaner body 100 and the connection pipe 200 to individually move. A separate handle 103 may be fixedly coupled to the body suction port 140. In this case, the vacuum cleaner 1 may be “a canister-type cleaner” (see
Hereinafter, as illustrated in
In an embodiment, the cleaner body 100 may include a handle 120, a dust cylinder 130, the body suction port 140, and a battery 150.
The handle 120 is disposed at one side of the cleaner body 100. The handle 120 has a shape enabling a user to stably grip the handle with her/his hand. The handle 120 may be disposed to face the body suction port 140 (at the side opposite to the body suction port 140). If the body suction port 140 is disposed in the front of the cleaner body 100, the handle 120 may be disposed in the rear of the cleaner body 100.
A manipulation button 160 enabling manipulation of the vacuum cleaner 1 may be disposed in the cleaner body 100 at a position adjacent to the handle 120.
The dust cylinder 130 is a container configured to collect foreign objects, such as dust, separated from the air in the cleaner body 100. The foreign objects, such as dust introduced into the cleaner body 100, may be separated from the air by a cyclone method. The air from which the foreign objects are separated in the cleaner body 100 may be discharged to the outside of the cleaner body 100 through a separate discharge hole 170.
The dust cylinder 130 may be detachably coupled to the cleaner body 100. The dust cylinder 130 may be transparent so as to enable a user to identify the foreign objects collected therein with the naked eye from the outside.
The battery 150 is configured to supply power to each of the elements included in the vacuum cleaner 1. The battery 150 may be configured to supply power to the first motor 110 of the cleaner body 100.
The body suction port 140 configures an entrance of the cleaner body 100, through which air, duct, etc. are introduced into the cleaner body 100. The body suction port 140 may protrude out of the cleaner body 100.
The second connection part 220 of the connection pipe 200 may be fixedly connected to a side of the body suction port 140.
However, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second connection part 220 of the connection pipe 200 is not directly connected to the body suction port 140, and is fixedly connected thereto through a first tool assembly 400, a second tool assembly 500, and a pipe assembly 600 arranged between the connection pipe and the body suction port.
Directions X1, Y1, and Z1 described in an embodiment of the present disclosure are perpendicular to each other. Direction X1 may indicate the frontward direction of the vacuum cleaner 1, direction Y1 may indicate the leftward direction of the vacuum cleaner 1, and direction Z1 may be the upward direction of the vacuum cleaner 1. Direction X1 and direction Y1 may be parallel to a floor surface B, and direction Z1 may vertical to the floor surface B.
A user U may use the vacuum cleaner 1 in the state where the user grips the cleaner body 100, the connection pipe 200 may be inclined downwards from the front of the user (U), and the suction nozzle 300 may be positioned on the floor surface B at the front of the user U. Using the vacuum cleaner 1 in this state may correspond to a natural use state of the vacuum cleaner 1.
In an embodiment, the suction nozzle 300 may have a structure suitable to suction dust, etc. in the state where the suction nozzle is placed on the floor surface B at the front of the user U. To this end, the suction nozzle 300 may have distinguishable front and back directions, and the up and down directions thereof may also be distinguishable.
In a case where the suction nozzle 300 is placed on the flat floor surface B in a horizontal direction, the forward direction X1 and the leftward direction Y1 of the suction nozzle 300 may be parallel to the horizontal direction, and the upward direction Z1 of the suction nozzle 300 may be parallel to a vertical direction.
The suction nozzle 300 may be transversely symmetrical.
As described above, the suction nozzle 300 includes the basic suction port 311.
The basic suction port 311 may be an initial entrance through which air and foreign objects are introduced into the vacuum cleaner 1, and the suction nozzle 300 may have various structures including the basic suction port 311.
The passage 301a (a suction nozzle passage) in which air, foreign objects, etc. move is disposed in the suction nozzle 300, and the basic suction port 311 configures the entrance of the passage 301a.
In an embodiment, the suction nozzle 300 may include a nozzle housing 301 and a connection neck 302. The passage 301a communicates with the inside of the connection pipe 200 through the nozzle housing 301 and the connection neck 302.
The nozzle housing 301 may be configured to move on the floor along the floor surface B. The basic suction port 311 may be disposed on a lower surface of the nozzle housing 301.
In order to accomplish smooth movement of the nozzle housing 301 placed on the floor, multiple wheels 303 (casters) may be arranged on the lower surface of the nozzle housing 301.
The nozzle housing 301 may include a nozzle head part 310 and a nozzle neck part 320. The nozzle head part 310 may configure a front portion of the nozzle housing 301, and the nozzle neck part 320 may configure a rear portion of the nozzle head part 310.
The basic suction port 311 may be disposed on a lower surface of the nozzle head part 310.
The nozzle neck part 320 has a pipe shape, and extends backwards from the back side of the nozzle head part 310. The nozzle neck part 320 of the nozzle housing 301 may be coupled to the connection neck 302, and the nozzle neck part 320 and the connection neck 302 may be rotatably coupled to each other.
The connection neck 302 of the suction nozzle 300 may be coupled to the connection pipe 200. The connection neck 302 may be detachably coupled to the first connection part 210, and the connection neck 302 and the first connection part 210 are fixed to each other when coupled to each other. The connection neck 302 may have a pipe shape, and the inside thereof communicates with the basic suction port 311, and with the inside of the connection pipe 200.
The foreign objects introduced through the basic suction port 311 of the suction nozzle 300 may move toward the connection pipe 200 through the inside of the nozzle neck part 320 and the inside of the connection neck 302. A separate ribbed tube 304 may be inserted in the nozzle housing 301 (in particular, the nozzle neck part 320) and the connection neck 302, and if the ribbed tube 304 is inserted, the foreign objects (dust, etc.) introduced through the basic suction port 311 move toward the connection pipe 200 through the inside of the ribbed tube 304.
The connection neck 302 may configure a rear portion of the suction nozzle 300, and may be disposed at the rear of the nozzle housing 301.
As described above, the nozzle housing 301 (the nozzle neck part 320) and the connection neck 302 are rotatably coupled to each other. As described above, the nozzle housing 301 (the nozzle neck part 320) and the connection neck 302 are coupled to each other to be rotatable about a nozzle rotation axis S1. The nozzle rotation axis S1 may be parallel to the floor surface B.
In an embodiment, a rotation cleaner 305 may be disposed at the suction nozzle 300. The rotation cleaner 305 has substantially a roller shape, and are coupled to the nozzle housing 301 (the nozzle head part 310) so as to be rotatable about a center axis 305a thereof. The rotation cleaner 305 may be coupled to a lower surface of the nozzle housing 301 (the nozzle head part 310) at the front of the basic suction port 311 (see
The rotation cleaner 305 may have a shape such as an agitator of a vacuum cleaner.
A motor (a second motor 306) may be disposed in the suction nozzle 300 in order to rotate the rotation cleaner 305.
In an embodiment, an outer circumferential surface layer 305b including a brush and/or cotton flannel may be disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the rotation cleaner 305. The outer circumferential surface layer 305b of the rotation cleaner 305 may be disposed to come into contact with the floor surface B or to be close to the floor surface B, and the rotation cleaner 305 may be configured to sweep up the dust, etc. on the floor toward the basic suction port 311, or adsorb same while rotating.
In another embodiment, a rag 307 may be disposed at the suction nozzle 300 (see
As described above, the connection pipe 200 includes the first connection part 210 and the second connection part 220. The direction from the first connection part 210 to the second connection part 220 may be the lengthwise direction of the connection pipe 200, and the direction from the second connection part 220 to the first connection part 210 may also be the lengthwise direction of the connection pipe 200.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the lengthwise direction (the axial direction) of the connection pipe 200 may be defined to be a first direction X2.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the direction from the body suction port 140 to the suction nozzle 300 may be defined to be the first direction X2.
The direction in which the body suction port 140 protrudes from the cleaner body 100 may be defined to be the first direction X2, and the direction in which the connection pipe is positioned with respect to the cleaner body 100 may be the first direction X2.
The body suction port may have a pipe shape protruding from the cleaner body along the first direction.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the direction from the second connection part 220 to the first connection part 210 may be the first direction X2.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a direction perpendicular to the first direction X2 will be described to be a second direction Y2. In a state where the connection pipe 200 is placed such that the lengthwise direction of the connection pipe 200 is parallel to the floor surface B, the second direction Y2 may be parallel to the floor surface B.
When the first direction X2 is parallel to the front and back directions, the second direction Y2 may be parallel to the left and right directions.
The direction perpendicular to the first direction X2 and the second direction Y2 is determined to be a third direction Z2. Specifically, when the connection pipe 200 is laid down to be parallel to a horizontally flat floor, the third direction Z2 may be a vertical direction, and when the connection pipe 200 is vertically stood up, the third direction Z2 may be the forward direction.
In an embodiment, the connection pipe may be curved in the lengthwise direction thereof.
In another embodiment, the connection pipe 200 may be linear in the lengthwise direction thereof. That is, the connection pipe 200 may be parallel to the first direction X2, and the center axis of the connection pipe 200 may be parallel to the first direction X2.
In the first direction X2, the first connection part 210 configures a front portion of the connection pipe 200, and the second connection part 220 configures a rear portion of the connection pipe 200.
The connection pipe 200 may have a constant section along the lengthwise direction (the first direction X2) thereof, or may have a changing section along the lengthwise direction thereof.
The connection pipe 200 may have a circular pipe shape, or a polygonal pipe shape.
As described above, the connection neck 302 of the suction nozzle 300 is coupled to the first connection part 210 of the connection pipe 200 or is detached therefrom.
In the state where the suction nozzle 300 is detached from the connection pipe 200, another nozzle rather than the suction nozzle 300 may be coupled to the first connection part 210 of the connection pipe 200.
The vacuum cleaner 1 includes the first tool assembly 400, the second tool assembly 500, and the pipe assembly 600.
The inside of each of the first tool assembly 400, the second tool assembly 500, and the pipe assembly 600, which are described in an embodiment of the present disclosure, may configure a passage in which dust, etc. moves. Each of the first tool assembly 400 and the second tool assembly 500, which are described in an embodiment of the present disclosure, may configure a suction port through which dust, etc. is suctioned. To this end, each of the first tool assembly 400, the second tool assembly 500, and the pipe assembly 600, which are described in an embodiment of the present disclosure, may include an element having a pipe shape. The element having a pipe shape may have an axial direction to be parallel to the first direction X2, and to be the same as the first direction X2.
A pipe described in an embodiment of the present disclosure may be a hollow pipe. The pipe described in an embodiment of the present disclosure may have a pipe shape configuring a passage extending in the first direction X2. The pipe described in an embodiment of the present disclosure may have at least partial outer diameter or inner diameter which is constant along the first direction X2, or changes along the first direction X2. The pipe described in an embodiment of the present disclosure may have various shapes of cross-sections and, for example, may be circular, oval, or polygonal.
The vacuum cleaner 1 may be used in a state where the cleaner body 100, the first tool assembly 400, the second tool assembly 500, and the pipe assembly 600 are fixedly coupled to each other.
In the vacuum cleaner 1, the cleaner body 100, the first tool assembly 400, the second tool assembly 500, and the pipe assembly 600 may be separated from each other (see
In the vacuum cleaner 1, the first tool assembly 400, the second tool assembly 500, and the pipe assembly 600 which are coupled to each other may be separated from the cleaner body 100 (see
In the vacuum cleaner 1, the second tool assembly 500 and the pipe assembly 600 may be separated from the first tool assembly 400. In this case, the cleaner body 100 and the first tool assembly 400 may be coupled to each other (see
In the vacuum cleaner 1, the pipe assembly 600 may be separated from the second tool assembly 500. In this case, the cleaner body 100, the first tool assembly 400, and the second tool assembly 500 may be coupled to each other (see
The first tool assembly 400 includes a first suction port 405 communicating with the body suction port 140. The first tool assembly 400 may be detachably fixed to the body suction port 140.
The first tool assembly 400 includes a first body 410, a first lever 420, a first rotation body 450, and a second rotation body 460.
In addition, the first tool assembly 400 includes a first elastic body 430, a first button cover 440, a first rotation spring 470, and a second rotation spring 480.
The body suction port 140 may have a pipe shape along the first direction. A first engagement groove 141 may be disposed on an outer surface of the body suction port 140.
The first engagement groove 141 may have a groove shape which is concave from the outer surface of the body suction port 140.
In an embodiment, the first engagement groove 141 may be disposed on a front side of the body suction port 140 in the third direction Z2. Therefore, when the body suction port 140 is placed to be parallel to the floor surface B, the first engagement groove 141 is positioned on the upper side of the body suction port 140, and when the body suction port 140 is stood up to be vertical to the floor surface B, the first engagement groove 141 is positioned on the front side of the body suction port 140.
The first body 410 is attached to or detached from the body suction port 140.
The first body 410 may have a pipe shape along the first direction. The direction of the center axis of the first body 410 may be parallel to the first direction X2.
The first body 410 may be divided into a first rear part 410a and a first front part 410b.
In the first direction X2, the first rear part 410a configures a rear portion of the first body 410, and the first front part 410b configures a front portion of the first body 410.
The outer diameter of the first front part 410b may be smaller than that of the first rear part 410a.
A first opening 411 which is a through hole may be disposed on the first body 410.
The first opening 411 may be disposed on the first rear part 410a.
The first opening 411 is disposed on a front side of the first body 410 in the third direction Z2. The first opening 411 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the first lever 420, and specifically, may be disposed at a position corresponding to a first engagement protrusion part 421 of the first lever 420.
In an embodiment, as the body suction port 140 is inserted (fitted) into the first body 410, the first body 410 and the body suction port 140 may be coupled to each other. That is, the body suction port 140 may move in the first direction X2 to be inserted into the first body 410 so that the body suction port and the first body are coupled to each other.
The first body 410 and the body suction port 140 are fittedly coupled to each other. That is, in the state where the first body 410 and the body suction port 140 are coupled to each other, the first body 410 and the body suction port 140 may not move in a direction perpendicular to the first direction X2.
The first button cover 440 shields the first opening 411, and is fixedly coupled to the first body 410 at the outside of the first lever 420.
The first lever 420 includes the first engagement protrusion part 421. In addition, the first lever 420 further includes a first rotational center part 422 and a first button part 423. The first engagement protrusion part 421, the first rotational center part 422, and the first button part 423 may be integrally configured.
The first lever 420 is coupled to the first body 410 so as to be rotatable (pivotable) about a first lever axis S2. The first lever 420 may be coupled to the front side of the first body 410 in the third direction Z2. The first lever axis S2 of the first lever 420 may be parallel to the second direction Y2.
The first rotational center part 422 configures a rotational axis (the first lever axis S2) of the first lever 420. The first rotational center part 422 is positioned closer to the cleaner body 100 than the first engagement protrusion part 421. The first rotational center part 422 may be supported by one side of the first body 410.
The first engagement protrusion part 421 protrudes inside the first body 410. That is, the first engagement protrusion part 421 protrudes in the direction opposite to the third direction Z2. The first engagement protrusion part 421 may protrude inside the first body 410 through the first opening 411. According to a rotation degree of the first lever 420 relative to the first body 410, the first engagement protrusion part 421 may protrude inwards beyond the inner surface of the first body 410, or the first engagement protrusion part 421 may be positioned outwardly beyond the inner surface of the first body 410, or positioned to be at the same position as the inner surface.
When the first engagement protrusion part 421 protrudes inwards beyond the inner surface of the first body 410, the first engagement protrusion part 421 is inserted into and engaged with the first engagement groove 141.
The first button part 423 may be disposed to be opposite to the first engagement protrusion part 421 with respect to the first rotational center part 422. The first button part 423 extends from the first rotational center part 422 and protrudes out of the first button cover 440. The first button part 423 is spaced apart from the outer surface of the first body 410 at the outside of the first body 410, and a user may rotate (pivot) the first lever 420 about the first rotational center part 422 as a rotational axis by pushing the first button part 423.
The first elastic body 430 may be configured by various elastically transformable materials and structures, and may have a shape of a leaf spring, a torsion spring, or a coil spring.
The first elastic body 430 elastically supports the first lever 420 such that the first engagement protrusion part 421 protrudes inside the first body 410. The first elastic body 430 elastically supports the first lever 420 such that the first engagement protrusion part 421 is inserted in the first engagement groove 141
A first elastic body coupling part 424 may be provided at the first lever 420. The first elastic body coupling part 424 may be integrally configured with the other elements included in the first lever 420. The first elastic body coupling part 424 configures a space in which the first elastic body 430 is coupled between the first elastic body coupling part and the first button cover 440. When the first engagement protrusion part 421 corresponds to a surface oriented inside the first body 410, the first elastic body coupling part 424 may correspond to a surface oriented outside the first body 410.
In a case where separate external force is not applied in the state where the body suction port 140 is completely inserted in the first body 410 (separate external force is not applied to the first button part 423), the first engagement protrusion part 421 inserted in the first engagement groove 141 is maintained by the first elastic body 430. The fixed coupling (fastening) between the cleaner body 100 (the body suction port 140) and the first tool assembly 400 (the first body 410) is also maintained.
In a state where the body suction port 140 is inserted in the first body 410, if the first lever 420 is rotated by pushing the first button part 423, the first elastic body 430 is compressed, and the first engagement protrusion part 421 escapes from the first engagement groove 141. Accordingly, the body suction port 140 (the cleaner body 100) becomes separable from the first tool assembly 400 (the first body 410), and a user pulls the body suction port 140 from the first tool assembly 400 in the direction opposite to the first direction X2 so as to separate same therefrom.
A second engagement groove 412 may be disposed on an outer surface of the first body 410.
The second engagement groove 412 may be disposed on the first front part 410b.
The second engagement groove 412 may have a groove shape which is concave from the outer surface of the first body 410.
In an embodiment, the second engagement groove 412 may be disposed on a front side of the first body 410 in the third direction Z2. Therefore, when the first body 410 is placed to be parallel to the floor surface B, the second engagement groove 412 is positioned on the upper side of the first body 410, and when the first body 410 is stood up to be vertical to the floor surface B, the second engagement groove 412 is positioned on the front side of the first body 410.
The first engagement groove 141 is disposed at the front of the first lever 420 in the first direction X2.
When the first tool assembly 400 and the second tool assembly 500 are separated from each other, the first tool assembly 400 may be in the state illustrated in
Front ends of the first rotation body 450 and the second rotation body 460 may be arranged at the front of the first body 410 in the first direction X2, and when the first rotation body 450 and the second rotation body 460 are rotated relative to the first body 410 (in opposite directions, respectively), the first rotation body 450 and the second rotation body 460 may configure a first suction port 405.
The first rotation body 450 and the second rotation body 460 are rotatably coupled to the first body 410, respectively. The first rotation body 450 and the second rotation body 460 may be rotatably coupled to the first front part 410b of the first body 410.
The first rotation body 450 and the second rotation body 460 may be arranged to be opposite to each other with respect to the first body 410, and may be symmetric. The first rotation body 450 and the second rotation body 460 may be symmetrical with respect to a center plane CS perpendicular to the second direction Y2.
A rotational axis (a first rotational axis S3) of the first rotation body 450 and a rotational axis (a second rotational axis S4) of the second rotation body 460 may be parallel to the third direction Z2.
The first rotation body 450 and the second rotation body 460 are coupled to a front portion of the first body 410 in the first direction X2. The first rotation body 450 and the second rotation body 460 are coupled to a front end of the first body 410 in the first direction X2.
The first rotation body 450 and the second rotation body 460 may be rotated about the first body 410 in opposite directions, respectively, such that the front ends of the first rotation body 450 and the second rotation body 460 move away from each other (see
As described below, when the first tool assembly 400 and the second tool assembly 500 are coupled to each other, a second body 510 of the second tool assembly 500 press and rotate the first rotation body 450 and the second rotation body 460, and the front ends of the first rotation body 450 and the second rotation body 460 are spread apart from each other by the second body 510.
When the second tool assembly 500 is separated from the first tool assembly 400 (the first body 410), the first rotation body 450 and the second rotation body 460 may not be supported by the second body 510, and accordingly, the first rotation body 450 and the second rotation body 460 may rotate in opposite directions, respectively, so that the front ends thereof become close to each other.
Accordingly, the first rotation body 450 and the second rotation body 460 may configure the first suction port 405 communicating with the inside of the body suction port 140.
When the first rotation body 450 and the second rotation body 460 configure the first suction port 405, the first rotation body 450 and the second rotation body 460 are combined together so as to configure a single pipe. That is, the first suction port 405, which is an open hole, is disposed at a front end of the pipe configured by the combination of the first rotation body 450 and the second rotation body 460, and the first body 410 is coupled to the rear side of the pipe configured by the combination of the first rotation body 450 and the second rotation body 460.
The first suction port 405 configures an entrance through which air, dust, etc. are introduced into the first body 410 and the cleaner body 100, and the first rotation body 450 and the second rotation body 460 may be implemented in various types satisfying this configuration range.
In order to make the first suction port 405, each of the first rotation body 450 and the second rotation body 460 may substantially have a half-tubular shape. That is, when the first rotation body 450 and the second rotation body 460 having symmetric half-tubular shapes are coupled to be in close contact with each other, the first rotation body and the second rotation body may configure a complete single pipe, and when the first rotation body 450 and the second rotation body 460 are spread apart from each other and are thus far away from each other, the first rotation body and the second rotation body may configure two half tubes.
As described above, the first rotation body 450 and the second rotation body 460 configure a “transformable nozzle” in the vacuum cleaner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
The transformable nozzle (the first rotation body 450 and the second rotation body 460) is used as a new nozzle other than the suction nozzle 300, and when the suction nozzle 300 is a first nozzle, the transformable nozzle corresponds to a second nozzle.
The transformable nozzle (the first rotation body 450 and the second rotation body 460) is coupled to the connection pipe 200 and/or the cleaner body 100, and thus there are no concerns about the loss. The transformable nozzle is available immediately after the first tool assembly 400 is separated from the connection pipe 200 to use another nozzle rather than the suction nozzle 300, and thus the convenience in use can be remarkably improved.
Moreover, when the first tool assembly 400 and the second tool assembly 500 are coupled to each other, the first rotation body 450 and the second rotation body 460 can be positioned to be in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the second body 510. Particularly, the first rotation body 450 and the second rotation body 460 have half tubular shapes, and thus can come into close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the second body 510, a volume increase due to the first rotation body 450 and the second rotation body 460 can be minimized, and a passage having a sufficient size to pass dust therethrough can be provided.
The first rotation body 450 includes a first half tube 451 and first pressing parts 452.
The first half tube 451 has substantially a half tubular shape, and includes a first edge 451a and a second edge 451b which are parallel to each other.
The first half tube 451 includes a first half tube wall 451c configuring a wall surface between the first edge 451a and the second edge 451b.
The first pressing parts 452 extend in a direction different from the direction of the first half tube 451 with respect to the first rotational axis S3.
With respect to the first rotational axis S3, when the first half tube 451 substantially configures a front part, the first pressing parts 452 may configure a rear part. The first pressing parts 452 may be much smaller than the first half tube 451.
The first rotation body 450 is coupled to the first body 410 so as to be rotatable about the first rotational axis S3. The first half tube 451 may protrude in the first direction X2 with respect to the first body 410, and the first pressing parts 452 may protrude in the second direction Y2 with respect to the first body 410.
First pressing holes 415 are arranged on the first body 410. The first pressing holes 415 extend through the first body 410, and the first pressing holes 415 may extend through the first body 410 substantially in a direction parallel to the second direction Y2. The first pressing holes 415 may be arranged on the first front part 410b.
In the state where the first rotation body 450 is coupled to the first body 410, the first pressing parts 452 may protrude out of the first body 410 through the first pressing holes 415. When the first half tube 451 and the second half tube 461 has been inwardly rotated to be maximally close to each other so as to configure the first suction port 405, a protruding degree of the first pressing parts 452 through the first pressing holes 415 is maximum. When the first half tube 451 and the second half tube 461 have been maximally outwardly rotated to be far away from each other, the protruding degree of the first pressing parts 452 through the first pressing holes 415 is minimum.
The second rotation body 460 includes a second half tube 461 and second pressing parts 462.
The second half tube 461 has substantially a half tubular shape, and includes a third edge 461a and a fourth edge 461b which are parallel to each other. The second half tube 461 is symmetrical with the first half tube 451 with respect to the center plane CS.
The second half tube 461 includes a second half tube wall 461c configuring a wall surface between the third edge 461a and the fourth edge 461b.
When the first half tube 451 and the second half tube 461 become close to each other and then comes into close contact with each other to configure the first suction port 405, the first half tube wall 451c and the second half tube wall 461c are spaced apart from each other. The first half tube wall 451c and the second half tube wall 461c may have a gap therebetween, which decreases forwardly in the first direction X2. That is, the sectional area of the first half tube 451 and the second half tube 461 configuring the first suction port 405 may decrease forwardly in the first direction X2.
The second pressing parts 462 extend in a direction different from the direction of the second half tube 461 with respect to the second rotational axis S4.
With respect to the second rotational axis S4, when the second half tube 461 substantially configures a front part, the second pressing parts 462 may configure a rear part. The second pressing parts 462 may be much smaller than the second half tube 461.
The second rotation body 460 is coupled to the first body 410 so as to be rotatable about the second rotational axis S4. The second half tube 461 may protrude in the first direction X2 with respect to the first body 410, and the second pressing parts 462 may protrude in the direction opposite to the second direction Y2 with respect to the first body 410.
Second pressing holes 416 are arranged on the first body 410. The second pressing holes 416 extend through the first body 410, and the second pressing holes 416 may extend through the first body 410 substantially in a direction parallel to the second direction Y2. The second pressing holes 416 may be arranged on the first front part 410b.
The first pressing holes 415 and the second pressing holes 416 may be arranged on the first body 410 to be opposite to each other. When the first pressing holes 415 are arranged on a left side of the first body 410, the second pressing holes 416 may be arranged on a right side of the first body 410.
In the state where the second rotation body 460 is coupled to the first body 410, the second pressing parts 462 may protrude out of the first body 410 through the second pressing holes 416. When the first half tube 451 and the second half tube 461 has been inwardly rotated to be maximally close to each other so as to configure the first suction port 405, a protruding degree of the second pressing parts 462 through the second pressing holes 416 is maximum. When the first half tube 451 and the second half tube 461 have been maximally outwardly rotated to be far away from each other, the protruding degree of the second pressing parts 462 through the second pressing holes 416 is minimum.
The second pressing parts 462 are symmetrical with the first pressing parts 452 with respect to the center plane CS.
The vacuum cleaner 1 may include a first rotation spring 470 and a second rotation spring 480.
Each of the first rotation spring 470 and the second rotation spring 480 may has various spring shapes which are elastically transformable. Each of the first rotation spring 470 and the second rotation spring 480 may has a leaf spring shape. The first rotation spring 470 and the second rotation spring 480 may be symmetrical with respect to the center plane CS.
The first rotation spring 470 has a portion fixed to the first rotation body 450, and the other portion fixed to the first body 410, and elastically support the first rotation body 450 so that a front end (in the first direction X2) of the first rotation body 450 is rotated toward the second rotation body 460.
The second rotation spring 480 has a portion fixed to the second rotation body 460, and the other portion fixed to the first body 410, and elastically support the second rotation body 460 so that a front end (in the first direction X2) of the second rotation body 460 is rotated toward the first rotation body 450.
As described below, the second body 510 may have substantially a pipe shape along the first direction. When the first tool assembly 400 and the second tool assembly 500 are coupled to each other, a front side of the first body 410 is inserted into the second body 510 at the backside of the second body in the first direction X2.
The second body 510 includes a pressing surface 515 configuring a rear inner circumferential surface in the first direction X2. The pressing surface 515 may configure an inner circumferential surface of a second rear part 510a. The pressing surface 515 may have an inner diameter increasing backwardly in the first direction X2.
In a case where the first body 410 and the second body 510 are coupled, when a front side of the first body 410 in the first direction X2 is inserted into the second body 510 at the backside of the second body, the pressing surface 515 presses the first pressing parts 452 and the second pressing parts 462 and rotates the first rotation body 450 and the second rotation body 460.
When the first body 410 and the second body 510 are coupled to each other, the first pressing parts 452 are pressed by the pressing surface 515 so that the first half tube 451 is rotated outwardly, and the second pressing parts 462 are pressed by the pressing surface 515 so that the second half tube 461 is rotated outwardly. When coupling between the first body 410 and the second body 510 are complete, the first half tube 451 and the second half tube 461 are spread apart from each other, and are maintained to be in close contact with an inner surface of the second body 510.
When the first body 410 and the second body 510 are separated from each other, the first rotation body 450 is rotated by the first rotation spring 470, the second rotation body 460 is also rotated by the second rotation spring 480, and the first half tube 451 and the second half tube 461 become close to each other to configure the first suction port 405.
When the first rotation body 450 and the second rotation body 460 configure the first suction port 405, the first edge 451a is in close contact with the third edge 461a, and the second edge 451b is in close contact with the fourth edge 461b.
When the first rotation body 450 and the second rotation body 460 configure the first suction port 405, the sectional area of the inner space between the first rotation body 450 and the second rotation body 460 may decrease forwardly in the first direction X2. That is, the first suction port 405 may have a relatively narrow gap, and the width of the first suction port 405 may be smaller than the inner diameter of the first body 410.
When the first rotation body 450 and the second rotation body 460 configure the first suction port 405, the first rotation body 450 and the second rotation body 460 combined with each other may configure a single crevice tool (nozzle) shape.
The second tool assembly 500 includes a second suction port 505 communicating with the first body 410. The second tool assembly 500 may be detachably fixed to the first tool assembly 400.
The second tool assembly 500 includes a second body 510 and a second lever 520.
In addition, the second tool assembly 500 includes a second elastic body 530.
The second body 510 has a pipe shape along the first direction. A front edge of the second body 510 in the first direction X2 may configure the second suction port 505.
The direction of the center axis of the second body 510 may be parallel to the first direction X2.
The front edge of the second body 510 in the first direction X2 may have a shape allowing a front portion thereof in the third direction protrudes further than a back portion thereof in the third direction, forwardly in the first direction X2. That is, the front edge of the second body 510 in the first direction X2, which configures the second suction port 505 of the second tool assembly 500, may have an oblique line shape when viewed from one side thereof.
The second body 510 is attached to or detached from the first body 410. The first body 410 is inserted into a rear side of the second body 510 in the first direction X2. The second body 510 may be coaxially coupled to the first body 410 so as to accommodate the first rotation body 450 and the second rotation body 460.
The second body 510 may be divided into a second rear part 510a and a second front part 510b.
In the first direction X2, the second rear part 510a configures a rear portion of the second body 510, and the second front part 510b configures a front portion of the second body 510.
The outer diameter of the second front part 510b may be smaller than that of the second rear part 510a.
When the second body 510 and the first body 410 are coupled to each other, the first front part 410b of the first body 410 may be fittedly inserted into the second rear part 510a of the second body 510.
The outer circumferential surface of the second rear part 510a of the second body 510 may be substantially or perfectly matched to that of the first front part 410a of the first body 410. That is, when the first body 410 and the second body 510 are coupled to each other, there may be no stepped portion between the outer circumferential surfaces of the first rear part 410a and the second rear part 510a.
A first fixing groove 517 and a second fixing groove 518 may be arranged on an outer surface of the second body 510 (see
The first fixing groove 517 and the second fixing groove 518 may be arranged on the second front part 510b.
A second opening 511 which is a through hole may be disposed on the second body 510. The second opening 511 may be disposed on the second rear part 510a.
The second opening 511 is disposed on a front side of the second body 510 in the third direction Z2. The second opening 511 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the second lever 520, and particularly, may be disposed at a position corresponding to a second engagement protrusion part 521 of the second lever 520.
The second opening 511 is disposed on a rear side of the second body 510 in the first direction X2. The second opening 511 may be disposed on a rear end of the second body 510 in the first direction X2.
In an embodiment, as the first body 410 is inserted (fitted) into the second body 510, the second body 510 and the first body 410 may be coupled to each other. That is, the first body 410 may move in the first direction X2 to be inserted into the second body 510 so that the first body and the second body are coupled to each other.
The second body 510 and the first body 410 are fittedly coupled to each other. That is, in the state where the second body 510 and the first body 410 are coupled to each other, the second body 510 and the first body 410 may not move in a direction perpendicular to the first direction X2.
The second lever 520 includes the second engagement protrusion part 521. In addition, the second lever 520 further includes a second rotational center part 522 and a second button part 523. The second engagement protrusion part 521, the second rotational center part 522, and the second button part 523 may be integrally configured.
The second lever 520 is coupled to the second body 510 so as to be rotatable (pivotable) about a second lever axis S5. The second lever 520 may be coupled to the front side of the second body 510 in the third direction Z2. The second lever axis S5 of the second lever 520 may be parallel to the second direction Y2.
The second rotational center part 522 configures a rotational axis (the second lever axis S5) of the second lever 520. The second rotational center part 522 is positioned to be farther from the cleaner body 100 than the second engagement protrusion part 521 is positioned. The second rotational center part 522 may be supported by one side of the second body 510.
The second engagement protrusion part 521 protrudes inside the second body 510. That is, the second engagement protrusion part 521 protrudes in the direction opposite to the third direction Z2. The second engagement protrusion part 521 may protrude inside the second body 510 through the second opening 511. According to a rotation degree of the second lever 520 relative to the second body 510, the second engagement protrusion part 521 may protrude inwards beyond the inner surface of the second body 510, or the second engagement protrusion part 521 may be positioned outwardly beyond the inner surface of the second body 510 or positioned to be at the same position as the inner surface.
In a state where the second lever 510 has been rotated so that the second engagement protrusion part 521 is oriented inside the second body 510, the second engagement protrusion part 521 is inserted into and engaged with the second engagement groove 412.
The second button part 523 may be disposed to be opposite to the second engagement protrusion part 521 with respect to the second rotational center part 522. The second button part 523 is spaced apart from the outer surface of the second body 510 at the outside of the second body 510, and a user may rotate (pivot) the second lever 520 about the second rotational center part 522 as a rotational axis by pushing the second button part 523.
The second elastic body 530 may be configured by various elastically transformable materials and structures, and may have a shape of a leaf spring, a torsion spring, or a coil spring.
The second elastic body 530 elastically supports the second lever 520 such that the second engagement protrusion part 521 protrudes inside the second body 510. The second elastic body 530 elastically supports the second lever 520 such that the second engagement protrusion part 521 is inserted in the second engagement groove 412
A second elastic body coupling part 524 may be disposed on the second lever 520A. The second elastic body coupling part 524 may be integrally configured with the other elements included in the second lever 520. The second elastic body coupling part 524 may be an inner surface of the second button part 523.
In a case where separate external force is not applied in the state where the first body 410 is inserted in the second body 510 (separate external force is not applied to the second button part 523), the second engagement protrusion part 521 inserted in the second engagement groove 412 is maintained by the second elastic body 530. The fixed coupling (fastening) between the first tool assembly 400 (the first body 410) and the second tool assembly 500 (the second body 510) is also maintained.
In a state where the first body 410 is inserted in the second body 510, if the second lever 520 is rotated by pushing the second button part 523, the second elastic body 530 is elastically transformed, and the second engagement protrusion part 521 escapes from the second engagement groove 412. Accordingly, the first body 410 (the first tool assembly 400) becomes separable from the second tool assembly 500 (the second body 510), and a user pulls the first body 410 from the second tool assembly 500 in the direction opposite to the first direction X2 so as to separate same therefrom.
The second tool assembly 500 may include a brush 540 and the brush cover 550.
The second tool assembly 500 may include a cover lever 554.
The brush 540 includes multiple bristles 541. The bristles 541 included in the brush 540 may be configured by or may include fiber, hair, plastic, wires, or the like. Each of the bristles 541 is substantially disposed in the first direction X2 (the lengthwise direction of the bristles is parallel to the first direction X2).
The brush 540 may be fixedly coupled along the front edge of the second body 510 so as to protrude forwardly in the first direction X2 beyond the second body 510. The brush 540 may be disposed along a part or the entirety of the front edge of the second body 510 in the first direction X2. The brush 540 may be disposed to have a predetermined pattern or a predetermined gap along the circumferential direction of the front edge of the second body 510 in the first direction X2.
The brush cover 550 has a pipe shape along the first direction. The brush cover 550 may configure the second suction port 505 together with the second body 510.
The brush cover 550 is coupled to the second body 510 so as to be movable in the first direction X2 or the direction opposite to the first direction X2.
When the brush cover 550 has been moved relative to the second body 510 forwardly in the first direction X2, a front end of the brush cover 550 in the first direction X2 protrudes further than a front end of the second body 510. When the brush cover 550 has been maximally moved relative to the second body 510 forwardly in the first direction X2, the front end of the brush cover 550 in the first direction X2 protrudes equal to or further than a front end of the brush 540.
The brush cover 550 may be configured to expose or shield the brush 540 fixed to the second body 510. The brush cover 550 may be configured to expose or shield a front side of the brush 540 in the first direction X2, which is fixed to the second body 510.
When the brush cover 550 is moved relative to the second body 510 backwardly in the first direction X2, the brush 540 is exposed. When the brush cover 550 has been maximally moved relative to the second body 510 backwardly in the first direction X2, the brush 540 is exposed.
Hereinafter, when the brush cover 550 has been maximally moved relative to the second body 510 forwardly in the first direction X2, and thus the brush 540 is accommodated in the brush cover 550, the position of the brush cover 550 is a first position (see
The second tool assembly 500 configuring the second suction port 505 is used as a new nozzle other than the suction nozzle 300, and the second tool assembly 500 may correspond to a third nozzle.
The second tool assembly 500 is coupled to the connection pipe 200 and/or the cleaner body 100, and thus there are no concerns about the loss. The second tool assembly 500 configuring the third nozzle is available immediately after the second tool assembly 500 is separated from the connection pipe 200 to use another nozzle rather than the suction nozzle 300, and thus the convenience in use can be remarkably improved.
In addition, when the brush 540 is exposed by moving the brush cover 550 backwardly in the first direction X2, a nozzle having another type can be provided, and thus the convenience in use can be further improved.
The brush cover 550 may be coupled to the second body 510 to surround the second body 510. To this end, the outer diameter of the brush cover 550 may be greater than that of the second body 510
The brush cover 550 and the second body 510 are fittedly coupled to each other. That is, in the state where the brush cover 550 and the second body 510 are coupled to each other, the brush cover 550 and the second body 510 may not move in a direction perpendicular to the first direction X2.
When the second body 510 and the first body 410 are coupled to each other, the first front part 410b of the first body 410 may be fittedly inserted into the second rear part 510a of the second body 510.
The brush cover 550 may be coupled to the second front part 510b of the second body 510. When the brush cover 550 is moved relative to the second body 510 in the first direction X2 or the second direction Y2, the second rear part 510a may be always exposed.
The outer circumferential surface of the brush cover 550 may be substantially or perfectly matched to that of the second rear part 510a of the second body 510. That is, when the brush cover 550 and the second body 510 are coupled to each other, and the brush cover 550 has been maximally moved backwardly in the first direction X2, there may be no stepped portion between the outer surfaces of the brush cover 550 and the second rear part 510a.
The brush cover 550 may include multiple brush reception spaces 550a partitioned along the circumferential direction thereof. The brush reception spaces 550a may be arranged on a front portion of the brush cover 550 in the first direction X2.
The brush cover 550 may include an inner tube 551, an outer tube 552, and multiple partitioning walls 553.
Each of the inner tube 551 and the outer tube 552 has a pipe shape along the first direction.
In a state where the second body 510 and the brush cover 550 are coupled to each other, the inner tube 551 may be positioned inside the second body 510, and the outer tube 552 may be positioned outside the second body 510. In this state, the inner tube 551 may be in contact with the inner surface of the second body 510, and the outer tube 552 may be in contact with the outer surface of the second body 510.
Front ends of the inner tube 551 and the outer tube 552 in the first direction X2 may protrude by the same amounts.
The outer tube 552 surrounds the inner tube 551 at the outside of the inner tube 551 so as to be spaced apart from the inner tube 551.
The partitioning walls 553 connect the inner tube 551 and the outer tube 552 between the inner tube 551 and the outer tube 552. The partitioning walls 553 are repeatedly arranged along the circumferential direction of the brush cover 550. The partitioning walls 553 are spaced apart from each other.
The partitioning walls 553 may be arranged at frond sides of the inner tube 551 and the outer tube 552 in the first direction X2.
A space surrounded by the inner tube 551, the outer tube 552, and two partitioning walls 553 is a brush reception space 550a.
The sectional areas, volumes, shapes, etc. of the brush reception spaces 550a may be the same or substantially the same along the circumferential direction of the brush cover 550.
A portion of brush 540 is accommodated in each of the brush reception spaces 550a included in the brush cover 550.
The cover lever 554 may be rotatably (pivotably) coupled to the brush cover 550. The cover lever 554 may be rotatably coupled to the outer tube 552 of the brush cover 550.
When an external force is applied to the cover lever 554 coupled to the brush cover 550, the cover lever 554 may be rotated relative to the brush cover 550, and when the applied external force is removed, the cover lever 554 may be reversely rotated to be at the original position. To this end, the second tool assembly 500 includes an elastic means, and the brush cover 550 and the cover lever 554 may be connected to each other by the elastic means. That is, when an external force is applied to the cover lever 554, and thus the cover lever 554 is rotated relative to the brush cover 550, the elastic means may be elastically transformed to store an elastic force. When the applied external force is removed, the elastic means may be elastically recovered, and thus the cover lever 554 may be reversely rotated to be at the original position.
In an embodiment, the cover lever 554 may be configured separately from the brush cover 550, and then may be pivotably coupled to the brush cover 550. The separate elastic means connecting the brush cover 550 and the cover lever 554 may be provided.
In another embodiment, the cover lever 554 may be integrally configured with the brush cover 550. The cover lever 554 and the brush cover 550 may be connected to each other by a pair of connection bridges 554c. In addition, the cover lever 554, the brush cover 550, and the connection bridges 554c may be made of a material such as plastic or metal, which is elastically transformable. The connection bridges 554c are elastically transformable. The connection bridges 554c configure the elastic means. The connection bridges 554c configure a rotational axis of the cover lever 554. The pair of connection bridges 554c is disposed at two opposite sides of the cover lever 554, respectively, and is connected to the brush cover 550.
The cover lever 554 includes a fixing button 554a and a fixing protrusion part 554b. The fixing button 554a and the fixing protrusion part 554b are arranged at two opposite sides of the rotational axis (e.g., the connection bridges 554c) of the cover lever 554.
The fixing protrusion part 554b protrudes inside the cover lever 554, and inside the brush cover 550.
When the brush cover 550 moves relative to the second body 510 in the first direction X2 or the direction opposite to the first direction X2, the fixing protrusion part 554b is inserted into and engaged with the first fixing groove 517 or the second fixing groove 518.
When the brush cover 550 is at the first position, the fixing protrusion part 554b is inserted into and engaged with the first fixing groove 517. When separate external force is not applied to the cover lever 554, the brush cover 550 is fixed at the first position.
When the brush cover 550 is at the second position, the fixing protrusion part 554b is inserted into and engaged with the second fixing groove 518. When separate external force is not applied to the cover lever 554, the brush cover 550 is fixed at the second position.
When a user pushes the fixing button 554a to rotate the cover lever 554, the fixing protrusion part 554b may escape from the first fixing groove 517 or the second fixing groove 518, and thus disengaged therefrom, and the brush cover 550 may move relative to the second body 510 in the first direction X2 or the direction opposite to the first direction X2. Accordingly, the brush cover 550 may be controlled to be at the first position or the second position.
In a state where the fixing protrusion part 554b escapes and is disengaged from the first fixing groove 517 or the second fixing groove 518 by a user pushing the fixing button 554a, when the brush cover 550 is moved relative to the second body 510 forwardly in the first direction X2, the brush cover 550 may be completely separated from the second body 510. Accordingly, the second tool assembly 500 which is easy to maintain and manage can be provided.
The brush cover 550 includes a lever groove 555.
The lever groove 555 is a through hole enabling the second lever 520 to be exposed, and has a shape extending forwardly from a rear edge in the first direction X2. The lever groove 555 may have a shape extending inside out through the outer tube 552.
The brush cover 550 may include a third engagement groove 556.
The third engagement groove 556 is disposed on an outer surface of the brush cover 550. The third engagement groove 556 may have a groove shape concave from the outer surface of the brush cover 550, or may have a hole shape extending through the brush cover 550.
In an embodiment, the third engagement groove 556 may be disposed on a front side of the second tool assembly 500 (the brush cover 550) in the third direction Z2. Therefore, when the center axis of the brush cover 550 is placed to be parallel to the floor surface B, the third engagement groove 556 is positioned on the upper side of the second tool assembly 500, and when the center axis of the brush cover 550 is stood up to be vertical to the floor surface B, the third engagement groove 556 is positioned on the front side of the second tool assembly 500.
The third engagement groove 556 may be disposed on the outer tube 552 of the brush cover 550. The third engagement groove 556 and the lever groove 555 may connect to each other.
The third engagement groove 556 may be disposed on the outer surface of the brush cover 550 forwardly beyond the second lever 520 in the first direction X2.
The pipe assembly 600 is fixedly coupled to a rear side of the connection pipe 200 in the first direction X2. The pipe assembly 600 may be fixedly coupled to the second connection part 220 of the connection pipe 200. The pipe assembly 600 may be detachably fixed to the second tool assembly 500.
The pipe assembly 600 may be attached to or detached from the cleaner body 100. To this end, a first body coupling part 180 may be provided at the cleaner body 100, and a second body coupling part 680 may be provided at the pipe assembly 600.
The first body coupling part 180 may be disposed directly under the body suction port 140, and the second body coupling part 680 may be disposed at the rear side of the pipe assembly 600 in the first direction X2.
One of the first body coupling part 180 and the second body coupling part 680 may have a protrusion shape, and the other one may have a groove shape into which the protrusion is inserted. In an embodiment, the first body coupling part 180 may have a groove shape, and the second body coupling part 680 may have a protrusion shape which is fittedly inserted in the first body coupling part 180.
The vacuum cleaner is provided with the first body coupling part 180 and the second body coupling part 180, and thus can have a generally more stable coupling structure.
The cleaner body 100 and the suction nozzle 300 may be electrically connected to each other, and the electrical connection between the cleaner body 100 and the suction nozzle 300 may be accomplished by the first body coupling part 180 and the second body coupling part 180. In an embodiment, a first terminal is provided at the first body coupling part 180, and a second terminal is provided at the second body coupling part 680. When the first body coupling part 180 and the second body coupling part 680 are coupled to each other, the first terminal and the second terminal come into contact with each other, whereby the electrical connection between the cleaner body 100 and the suction nozzle 300 can be established.
The pipe assembly 600 includes a third body 610 and the third lever 620.
In addition, the pipe assembly 600 includes a second button cover 650, the first tool button 660, and the second tool button 670.
The third body 610 is attached to or detached from the second tool assembly 500.
The third body 610 may have a pipe shape along the first direction. The direction of the center axis of the third body 610 may be parallel to the first direction X2.
The first tool assembly 400 and the second tool assembly 500 may be inserted into a rear side of the third body 610 in the first direction X2.
A third opening 611 which is a through hole may be disposed on the third body 610.
The third opening 611 is disposed on a front side of the third body 610 in the third direction Z2. The third opening 611 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the third lever 620, and particularly, may be disposed at a position corresponding to a third engagement protrusion part 621 of the third lever 620.
A fourth opening 612 which is a through hole may be disposed on the third body 610.
The fourth opening 612 is disposed on a front side of the third body 610 in the third direction Z2. The fourth opening 612 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the second lever 520 when the second tool assembly 500 and the pipe assembly 600 are coupled to each other, and particularly, may be disposed at a position corresponding to the second button part 523 of the second lever 520.
The fourth opening 612 may be disposed directly behind the third opening 611 in the first direction X2.
In an embodiment, as the second tool assembly 500 is inserted (fitted) into the third body 610, the third body 610 and the second tool assembly 500 may be coupled to each other. That is, the second tool assembly 500 may move in the first direction X2 to be inserted into the third body 610 so that the second tool assembly and the third body are coupled to each other.
In a state where the second tool assembly 500 is inserted in the third body 610 of the pipe assembly 600, the entirety or most of the first tool assembly 400 may be accommodated in the third body 610 of the pipe assembly 600. To this end, the length of the third body 610 in the first direction X2 may be greater than the length of the first body 410 and the length of the second body 510.
The third body 610 and the second tool assembly 500 are fittedly coupled to each other. That is, in the state where the third body 610 and the second tool assembly 500 are coupled to each other, the third body 610 and the second tool assembly 500 may not move in a direction perpendicular to the first direction X2.
The second button cover 650 is fixedly coupled to the third body 610 at the outside of the third lever 620.
The second button cover 650 includes a first button hole 651 and a second button hole 652.
Each of the first button hole 651 and the second button hole 652 is a hole extending through the second button cover, and is spaced apart from each other in the first direction X2. The first button hole 651 is disposed at a relatively back side in the first direction X2, and the second button hole 652 is disposed at a relatively front side in the first direction X2.
The first tool button 660 is inserted into the first button hole 651, and is configured to move in the third direction or the direction opposite to the third direction.
The second tool button 670 is inserted into the second button hole 652, and is configured to move in the third direction or the direction opposite to the third direction.
The third lever 620 includes the third engagement protrusion part 621. In addition, the third lever 620 further includes a third rotational center part 622 and a third button part 623. The third engagement protrusion part 621, the third rotational center part 622, and the third button part 623 may be integrally configured.
The third lever 620 is coupled to the third body 610 so as to be rotatable (pivotable) about a third lever axis S6. The third lever 620 may be coupled to the front side of the third body 610 in the third direction Z2. The third lever axis S6 of the third lever 620 may be parallel to the second direction Y2.
The third rotational center part 622 configures a rotational axis (the third lever axis S6) of the third lever 620. The third rotational center part 622 is positioned closer to the cleaner body 100 than the third engagement protrusion part 621. The third rotational center part 622 may be supported by one side of the third body 610.
The third engagement protrusion part 621 protrudes inside the third body 610. That is, the third engagement protrusion part 621 protrudes in the direction opposite to the third direction Z2. The third engagement protrusion part 621 may protrude inside the third body 610 through the third opening 611. According to a rotation degree of the third lever 620 relative to the third body 610, the third engagement protrusion part 621 may protrude inwards beyond the inner surface of the third body 610, or the third engagement protrusion part 621 may be positioned to be further out than or to be at the same position as the inner surface of the third body 610.
When the third engagement protrusion part 621 protrudes inwards beyond the inner surface of the third body 610, the third engagement protrusion part 621 is inserted into and engaged with the third engagement groove 556.
The third button part 623 may be disposed to be opposite to the third engagement protrusion part 621 with respect to the third rotational center part 622. The third button part 623 extends from the third rotational center part 622 and protrudes out of the third body 610. The third button part 623 is spaced apart from the outer surface of the third body 610 at the outside of the third body 610.
In the state where the second button cover 650 and the second tool button 670 are coupled to the third body 610, the third opening 611 and the third lever 620 are not exposed to the outside. The third button part 623 is positioned directly at the inner side of the second tool button 670, and the inner side of the second tool button 670 may come into contact with the outer side of the third button part 623.
A user may press the third button part 623 by pushing the second tool button 670 inwards so that the third lever 620 can be rotated (pivoted) about the third rotational center part 622 as a rotational axis.
The third elastic body 630 may be configured by various elastically transformable materials and structures, and may have a shape of a leaf spring, a torsion spring, or a coil spring.
The third elastic body 630 elastically supports the third lever 620 such that the third engagement protrusion part 621 protrudes inside the third body 610. The third elastic body 630 elastically supports the third lever 620 such that the third engagement protrusion part 621 is inserted in the third engagement groove 556.
A third elastic body coupling part 624 may be disposed on the third lever 620. The third elastic body coupling part 624 may be integrally configured with the other elements included in the third lever 620. The third elastic body coupling part 624 configures a space in which the third elastic body 630 is coupled between the third elastic body coupling part and the second tool button 670. The third elastic body coupling part 624 may configure an opposite portion of the third engagement protrusion part 621. When the third engagement protrusion part 621 corresponds to a portion oriented inside the third body 610, the third elastic body coupling part 624 may correspond to a portion oriented outside the third body 610.
In a case where separate external force is not applied in the state where the brush cover 550 of the second tool assembly 500 is inserted in the third body 610 (separate external force is not applied to the third button part 623), the third engagement protrusion part 621 inserted in the third engagement groove 556 is maintained by the third elastic body 630. The coupling (fastening) between the brush cover 550 (the second tool assembly 500) and the pipe assembly 600 (the third body 610) is also maintained.
In a state where the second tool assembly 500 is inserted in the third body 610, if the second tool button 670 is pushed to press the third button part 623 and rotate the third lever 620, the third elastic body 630 is compressed, and the third engagement protrusion part 621 escapes from the third engagement groove 556. Accordingly, the second tool assembly 500 (the brush cover 550) becomes separable from the pipe assembly 600 (the third body 610), and a user pulls the second tool assembly 500 from the pipe assembly 600 in the direction opposite to the first direction X2 so as to separate same therefrom.
In the state where the second button cover 650 and the first tool button 660 are coupled to the third body 610, the fourth opening 612 is not exposed to the outside. In a state where the second tool assembly 500 and the pipe assembly 600 are coupled to each other, the second button part 523 is positioned directly at the inner side of the first tool button 660, and the inner side of the first tool button 660 may come into contact with the outer side of the second button part 523.
A pressing protrusion 662 protruding inwards may be disposed on the inner side of the first tool button 660. The pressing protrusion 662 of the first tool button 660 may be inserted into the fourth opening 612 and may thus protrude inside the third body 610.
A user may press the second button part 523 by pushing the first tool button 660 inwards, and accordingly, the pressing protrusion 662 may press the second button part 523, and rotate (pivot) the second lever 520 about the second rotational center part 522 as a rotational axis.
The pipe assembly 600 may include a fourth elastic body 640.
The fourth elastic body 640 may be configured by various elastically transformable materials and structures, and may have a shape of a leaf spring, a torsion spring, or a coil spring.
The fourth elastic body 640 is configured to press the first tool button 660 outside the third body 610. The fourth elastic body 640 may be interposed between the first tool button 660 and the third body 610.
As described above, even in the state where the second tool assembly 500 and the pipe assembly 600 are coupled to each other, the first tool assembly 400 and the second tool assembly 500 can be uncoupled (disengaged) from each other by pushing the first tool button 660.
In a state where the second tool assembly 500 is inserted in the third body 610, if the first tool button 660 is pushed to press the second button part 523 and rotate the second lever 520, the second elastic body 530 is compressed, and the second engagement protrusion part 521 escapes from the second engagement groove 412. Accordingly, the first tool assembly 400 (the first body 410) becomes separable from the second tool assembly 500 (the second body 510) and the pipe assembly 600 (the third body 610), and a user pulls the first tool assembly 400 from the pipe assembly 600 and the second tool assembly 500, which are coupled to each other, in the direction opposite to the first direction X2 so as to separate same therefrom.
A first mark 661 may be disposed on the outer surface of the first tool button 660, and a second mark 671 may be disposed on the outer surface of the second tool button 670.
The first mark 661 may be printed or carved on the outer surface of the first tool button 660, and second mark 671 may be printed or carved on the outer surface of the second tool button 670.
The first mark 661 may have a figure or shape identical or similar to the first suction port 405 to intuitively remind a user of the first suction port 405. The second mark 671 may have a figure or shape identical or similar to the second suction port 505 to intuitively remind a user of the second suction port 505.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, in the state where the brush cover 550 has been moved relative to the second body 510 forwardly in the first direction X2 so that the brush cover 550 shields the brush 540, the third engagement protrusion part 621 may be engaged with the third engagement groove 556. When the second tool assembly 500 is inserted in the third body 610, and the brush cover 550 is at the first position, the third engagement protrusion part 621 of the third lever 620 may be inserted into and engaged with the third engagement groove 556. That is, the pipe assembly 600 and the second tool assembly 500 are fastened to each other.
In the state where the brush cover 550 has been moved relative to the second body 510 backwardly in the first direction X2 so as to expose the brush 540, the third engagement protrusion part 621 may come into contact with the outer surface of the brush cover 550 at the front of the third engagement groove 556. When the second tool assembly 500 is inserted in the third body 610, and the brush cover 550 is at the second position, the third engagement protrusion part 621 of the third lever 620 may be not engaged with the third engagement groove 556, and may be positioned at the front of the third engagement groove 556 in the first direction X2. That is, the pipe assembly 600 and the second tool assembly 500 are not completely fastened to each other. In this state, when the second tool assembly 500 is moved relative to the pipe assembly 600 backwardly in the first direction X2, the pipe assembly 600 and the second tool assembly 500 are separated from each other.
When the brush cover 550 is at the second position, if the second tool assembly 500 is inserted into the third body 610, the brush 540 of the second tool assembly 500 may come into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the third body 610. In this state, the second third assembly 500 and the pipe assembly 600 may not be coupled properly, and the brush 540 may be bent. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, in order to prevent occurrence of this problem, the second tool assembly 500 and the pipe assembly 600 can be completely coupled when the brush cover 550 is at the first position.
A first guide 513 and a second guide 514 may be arranged on the inner surface of the second tool assembly 500 so as to guide the first rotation body 450 and the second rotation body 460 to be spread apart from each other.
In an embodiment, the first guide 513 and the second guide 514 may be arranged on the inner surface of the second body 510 of the second tool assembly 500. In another embodiment, when the brush cover 550 is provided, the first guide 513 and the second guide 514 may be arranged on the inner surface of the brush cover 550.
The first guide 513 and the second guide 514 are arranged at two opposite sides on the inner surface of the second tool assembly 500, respectively. When the first guide 513 is disposed on an upper side of the inner surface of the second tool assembly 500, the second guide 514 may be disposed on a lower side thereof. When the first guide 513 is disposed at a relatively front side in the third direction Z2 on the inner surface of the second tool assembly 500, the second guide 514 may be disposed at a relatively rear side in the third direction Z2.
The first guide 513 and the second guide 514 protrude inwardly from the inner surface of the second tool assembly 500, respectively. Each of the first guide 513 and the second guide 514 may have a wedge shape which is pointed in the direction opposite to the first direction X2.
When the first tool assembly 400 and the second tool assembly 500 are coupled to each other, the first guide 513 is introduced between the first edge 451a and the third edge 461a, and enables the first edge 451a and the third edge 461a to be spread apart from each other, and the second guide 514 is introduced between the second edge 451b and the fourth edge 461b, and enables the second edge 451b and the fourth edge 461b to be spread apart from each other.
The first guide 513 and the second guide 514 maintain the first half tube 451 and the second half tube 461 to be spread apart from each other and come into close contact with the inner surface of the second tool assembly 500.
In the foregoing, while specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been described and illustrated, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made to other specific embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure should be defined not by the above-described embodiments but by the technical spirit defined in the following claims.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITYA vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first tool assembly, a second tool assembly, and a pipe assembly. The first tool assembly, the second tool assembly, or the pipe assembly can be selectively separated from the cleaner body, and each of tools (suction ports) can be effectively used, and thus the industrial applicability may be significantly high.
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A vacuum cleaner comprising:
- a cleaner body configured to generate suction force;
- a body suction port connected to the cleaner body;
- a suction nozzle having a nozzle suction port configured to receive dust;
- a connection pipe that is disposed between the cleaner body and the suction nozzle and extends along a first direction from a first side facing the suction nozzle to a second side facing the body suction port;
- a first tool assembly detachably coupled to the body suction port, the first tool assembly having a first suction port in fluid communication with the body suction port;
- a second tool assembly detachably coupled to the first tool assembly, the second tool assembly having a second suction port in fluid communication with the first suction port; and
- a pipe assembly fixed to the second side of the connection pipe and detachably coupled to the second tool assembly.
22. The vacuum cleaner of claim 21, wherein the first tool assembly comprises:
- a first body that has a pipe shape extending along the first direction, the first body being coaxially coupled to the body suction port;
- a first lever that is pivotably coupled to the first body, the first lever being configured to engage with and disengage from the body suction port;
- a first rotation body that is coupled to a front portion of the first body facing the second tool assembly, the first rotation body being configured to rotate about a first rotational axis and comprising a first half tube that defines a first portion of the first suction port; and
- a second rotation body that is coupled to the front portion of the first body and configured to rotate about a second rotational axis parallel to the first rotational axis, the second rotation body comprising a second half tube that defines a second portion of the first suction port.
23. The vacuum cleaner of claim 22, wherein the first tool assembly further comprises:
- a first rotation spring configured to elastically support the first rotation body; and
- a second rotation spring configured to elastically support the second rotation body, wherein the first rotation spring and the second rotation spring are configured to couple the first half tube and the second half tube to each other to thereby define the first suction port,
- wherein the first rotation body comprises a first pressing part that protrudes away from the first half tube in a direction different from an axis direction of the first rotational axis, the first pressing part being configured to pass through at least a portion of the first body,
- wherein the second rotation body comprises a second pressing part that protrudes away from the second half tube in a direction different from the axis direction, the second pressing part being configured to pass through at least a portion of the first body,
- wherein the second tool assembly comprises a second body that has a pipe shape extending along the first direction, the second body having a front edge that faces the pipe assembly in the first direction and defines the second suction port, and
- wherein the second body is configured to, based on the second body being coupled to the first tool assembly, press the first pressing part and the second pressing part to thereby separate the first half tube and the second half tube from each other.
24. The vacuum cleaner of claim 21, wherein the second tool assembly comprises:
- a second body that has a pipe shape extending along the first direction, the second body having a front edge that faces the pipe assembly in the first direction and defines the second suction port;
- a second lever that is pivotably coupled to the second body and configured to engage with and disengage from the first tool assembly; and
- a brush that is coupled to the front edge of the second body and configured to protrude forward toward the pipe assembly relative to the front edge of the second body in the first direction.
25. The vacuum cleaner of claim 24, wherein the second tool assembly further comprises a brush cover that has a pipe shape extending along the first direction and is coupled to the second body, the brush cover being configured to move relative to the brush along the first direction to thereby accommodate the brush or expose the brush out of the brush cover.
26. The vacuum cleaner of claim 21, wherein the second tool assembly comprises:
- a second body that has a pipe shape extending along the first direction, the second body having a front edge that faces the pipe assembly in the first direction and defines the second suction port;
- a second lever that is pivotably coupled to the second body and configured to engage with and disengage from the first tool assembly;
- a brush cover that has a pipe shape extending along the first direction and is configured to move relative to the second body along the first direction, the brush cover defining a plurality of brush reception spaces that are partitioned along a circumferential direction of the brush cover; and
- a brush disposed along the front edge of the second body and configured to protrude forward toward the pipe assembly relative to the second body in the first direction, the brush being configured to be received in the plurality of brush reception spaces, and
- wherein the brush is configured to protrude outward from the brush cover toward the pipe assembly based on the brush cover moving relative to the brush rearward toward the first tool assembly.
27. The vacuum cleaner of claim 26, wherein the brush cover defines a lever groove that is a through hole configured to expose the second lever, the lever groove extending in the first direction from a rear edge of the brush cover facing the first tool assembly toward the pipe assembly.
28. The vacuum cleaner of claim 22, wherein the second tool assembly comprises:
- a second body that has a pipe shape extending along the first direction, the second body having a front edge that faces the pipe assembly in the first direction and defines the second suction port, wherein the second body is configured to coaxially coupled to the first body and accommodate the first rotation body and the second rotation body of the first body;
- a second lever that is pivotably coupled to the second body and configured to engage with and disengage from the first body; and
- a brush disposed along the front edge of the second body and configured to protrude forward toward the pipe assembly relative to the second body in the first direction.
29. The vacuum cleaner of claim 28, wherein the pipe assembly comprises:
- a third body that has a pipe shape extending along the first direction, the third body being coupled to the second side of the connection pipe and configured to accommodate the second tool assembly; and
- a third lever that is pivotably coupled to the third body and configured to engage with and disengage from the second tool assembly.
30. The vacuum cleaner of claim 29, wherein the pipe assembly further comprises:
- a first tool button that is coupled to the third body and configured to reciprocate in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, the first tool button being configured to rotate the second lever to thereby disengage the second lever from the first body; and
- a second tool button that is coupled to the third body and configured to reciprocate in the direction perpendicular to the first direction, the second tool button being configured to rotate the third lever to thereby disengage the third lever from the second tool assembly.
31. The vacuum cleaner of claim 21, wherein the body suction port has a pipe shape extending along the first direction, the body suction port defining a first engagement groove at an outer surface of the body suction port, and
- wherein the first tool assembly comprises:
- a first body that has a pipe shape extending along the first direction, the first body having a rear opening configured to receive the body suction port in the first direction,
- a first lever that is coupled to the first body and configured to pivot about a first lever axis extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the first lever comprising a first engagement protrusion configured to protrude to an inside of the first body and to insert into and engage with the first engagement groove,
- a first elastic body configured to elastically support the first lever based on the first engagement protrusion protruding to the inside of the first body,
- a first rotation body that is coupled to a front side of the first body facing the second tool assembly in the first direction and that is configured to pivot about a first rotational axis extending in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, the first rotation body comprising a first half tube that defines a first portion of the first suction port, and
- a second rotation body that is coupled to the front side of the first body and configured to pivot about a second rotational axis parallel to the first rotational axis, the second rotation body comprising a second half tube that defines a second portion of the first suction port.
32. The vacuum cleaner of claim 21, wherein the first tool assembly comprises a first body that has a pipe shape extending along the first direction, the first tool assembly being configured to coaxially couple to the body suction port and defining a second engagement groove at an outer surface of the first tool assembly,
- wherein the second tool assembly comprises: a second body that has a pipe shape extending along the first direction, the second body having (i) a front edge that faces the pipe assembly in the first direction and defines the second suction port and (ii) a rear side that faces the first body and is configured to receive the first body, a second lever that is coupled to the second body and configured to pivot about a second lever axis extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the second lever comprising a second engagement protrusion that is configured to protrude to an inside of the second body and to insert into and engage with the second engagement groove, a second elastic body that is configured to elastically support the second lever based on the second engagement protrusion protruding to the inside of the second body, a brush that is coupled to the front edge of the second body and configured to protrude forwardly toward the pipe assembly in the first direction relative to the second body, and a brush cover that has a pipe shape extending along the first direction and defines a third engagement groove at an outer surface of the brush cover, the brush cover being coupled to the second body and configured to move along the first direction to thereby accommodate the brush or expose the brush out of the brush cover, and wherein the pipe assembly comprises: a third body that has a pipe shape extending along the first direction and is coupled to the rear side of the connection pipe, the third body having a rear side configured to accommodate the first tool assembly and the second tool assembly, a third lever that is coupled to the third body and configured to pivot about a third lever axis extending in the second direction, the third lever comprising a third engagement protrusion configured to protrude to an inside of the third body and to insert into and engage with the third engagement groove, and a third elastic body that is configured to elastically support the third lever based on the third engagement protrusion protruding to the inside of the third body.
33. The vacuum cleaner of claim 32, wherein the brush cover is configured to:
- accommodate the brush based on the brush cover moving relative to the second body forward toward the pipe assembly along the first direction; and
- expose the brush out of the brush cover based on the brush cover moving relative to the second body backward toward the first tool assembly along the first direction, and
- wherein the third engagement protrusion is configured to: engage with the third engagement groove based on the brush being accommodated in the brush cover, and come into contact with the outer surface of the brush cover at a front of the third engagement groove based on the brush being exposed out of the brush cover.
34. The vacuum cleaner of claim 22, wherein the second tool assembly comprises:
- a second body that has a pipe shape extending along the first direction, the second body defining a first fixing groove and a second fixing groove that are arranged at an outer surface of the second body and spaced apart from each other in the first direction, wherein the second body has a front edge that faces the pipe assembly in the first direction and defines the second suction port;
- a second lever that is pivotably coupled to the second body and configured to engage with and disengage from the first tool assembly;
- a brush that is coupled to the front edge of the second body and configured to protrude forward toward the pipe assembly in the first direction relative to the second body;
- a brush cover that has a pipe shape extending along the first direction and is coupled to the second body, the brush cover being configured to move relative to the brush along the first direction to thereby accommodate the brush or expose the brush out of the brush cover; and
- a cover lever that is pivotably coupled to the brush cover, the cover lever comprising a fixing protrusion configured to insert into and engage with the first fixing groove or the second fixing groove.
35. A vacuum cleaner comprising:
- a cleaner body configured to generate suction force;
- a body suction port connected to the cleaner body;
- a suction nozzle having a nozzle suction port configured to receive dust;
- a connection pipe that is disposed between the cleaner body and the suction nozzle and extends along a first direction from a first side facing the suction nozzle toward a second side facing the body suction port;
- a first tool assembly comprising: a first body that has a pipe shape extending along the first direction and is configured to coaxially couple to the body suction port, a first lever that is pivotably coupled to the first body and configured to engage with and disengage from the body suction port, and a first rotation body and a second rotation body that are symmetrical to each other and pivotably coupled to a front portion of the first body facing away from the body suction port in the first direction, wherein the first rotation body and the second rotation body are configured to couple to each other to thereby define a first suction port;
- a second tool assembly comprising: a second body that has a pipe shape extending along the first direction and that is configured to coaxially couple to the first body and accommodate the first rotation body and the second rotation body, the second body having a front edge that faces away from the first tool assembly in the first direction and defines a second suction port, a second lever that is pivotably coupled to the second body and configured to engage with and disengage from the first body, and a brush coupled to the front edge of the second body; and
- a pipe assembly comprising: a third body that has a pipe shape extending along the first direction, that is coupled to a rear side of the connection pipe facing the second body, and that is configured to coaxially couple to the second body and accommodate the second body, a third lever that is pivotably coupled to the third body and configured to engage with or disengage from the second body, a first tool button that is configured to rotate the second lever to thereby disengage the second lever from the first body, and a second tool button that is configured to rotate the third lever to thereby disengage the third lever from the second body.
36. The vacuum cleaner of claim 35, wherein the first rotation body comprises:
- a first half tube that is coupled to the front portion of the first body and configured to pivot about a first rotational axis, the first half tube defining a first portion of the first suction port; and
- a first pressing part that protrudes away from the first half tube in a direction different from an axis direction of the first rotational axis, the first pressing part being configured to pass through at least a portion of the first body,
- wherein the second rotation body comprises: a second half tube that is coupled to the front portion of the first body and configured to pivot about a second rotational axis parallel to the first rotational axis, the second half tube defining a second portion of the first suction port, and a second pressing part that protrudes away from the second half tube in a direction different from the axis direction, the second pressing part being configured to pass through at least a portion of the first body, and
- wherein the second body is configured to, based on the second body being coupled to the first tool assembly, press the first pressing part and the second pressing part to thereby separate the first half tube and the second half tube from each other.
37. The vacuum cleaner of claim 35, wherein the second tool assembly comprises a brush cover that has a pipe shape extending along the first direction, the brush cover being coupled to the second body and configured to move relative to the brush along the first direction to thereby accommodate the brush or expose the brush out of the brush cover.
38. The vacuum cleaner of claim 35, wherein the second tool assembly comprises a brush cover that has a pipe shape extending along the first direction, the brush cover defining a plurality of brush reception spaces partitioned along a circumferential direction of the brush cover and configured to accommodate respective portions of the brush, and
- wherein the brush cover is coupled to the second body and configured to move relative to the brush along the first direction.
39. The vacuum cleaner of claim 37, wherein the body suction port has a pipe shape extending along the first direction and defines a first engagement groove at an outer surface of the body suction port,
- wherein the first body defines a second engagement groove at an outer surface of the first body, the second engagement groove being defined at a position forward toward the second tool assembly relative to the first lever in the first direction,
- wherein the first lever is coupled to the first body and configured to pivot about a first lever axis extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the first lever comprising a first engagement protrusion that is configured to protrude to an inside of the first body and to insert into and engage with the first engagement groove,
- wherein the first tool assembly further comprises a first elastic body configured to elastically support the first lever based on the first engagement protrusion protruding to the inside of the first body,
- wherein the second lever is coupled to the second body and configured to pivot about a second lever axis extending in the second direction, the second lever comprising a second engagement protrusion that is configured to protrude to an inside of the second body and to insert into and engage with the second engagement groove,
- wherein the second tool assembly comprises a second elastic body configured to elastically support the second lever based on the second engagement protrusion protruding to the inside of the second body,
- wherein the brush cover defines a third engagement groove at an outer surface of the brush cover, the third engagement groove being defined at a position forward toward the pipe assembly relative to the second lever in the first direction,
- wherein the third lever is coupled to the third body and configured to pivot about a third lever axis extending in the second direction, the third lever comprising a third engagement protrusion that is configured to protrude to an inside of the third body and to insert into and engage with the third engagement groove, and
- wherein the pipe assembly comprises a third elastic body configured to elastically support the third lever based on the third engagement protrusion protruding to the inside of the third body.
40. The vacuum cleaner of claim 37, wherein the second body defines a first fixing groove and a second fixing groove that are arranged at an outer surface of the second body and spaced apart from each other along the first direction, and
- wherein the second tool assembly further comprises a cover lever that is pivotably coupled to the brush cover, the cover lever comprising a fixing protrusion configured to insert into and engage with the first fixing groove or the second fixing groove.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 20, 2021
Publication Date: Dec 21, 2023
Inventors: Kook Haeng LEE (Seoul), Moo Hyun KO (Seoul), Jae Sung YANG (Seoul)
Application Number: 18/029,831
