U.S. patent application number 11/006785 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-15 for vacuum cleaner.
This patent application is currently assigned to LG Electronics Inc.. Invention is credited to Jung, Jae Duck, Min, Young Gun.
Application Number | 20050198771 11/006785 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34923044 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050198771 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Min, Young Gun ; et
al. |
September 15, 2005 |
Vacuum cleaner
Abstract
Disclosed is a vacuum cleaner for easily cleaning an inside of a
dust collector and for easily cleaning and replacing a filter, the
vacuum cleaner including a suction nozzle for drawing in air
containing impurities such as dust; a main body coupled with the
suction nozzle and having suction means for generating a suction
force therein; a dust collector formed in a cylindrical form and
detachably provided at the main body, into which the air drawn in
by the suction nozzle is introduced; a suction tube provided on an
outer surface of the dust collector for guiding the air drawn in by
the suction nozzle to an inside of the dust collector; a separation
plate for dividing an inside of the dust collector into an upper
inner space and a lower inner space; a filter provided in the upper
inner space of the dust collector divided by the separation plate,
filtering the air drawn into the dust collector, and guiding the
filtered air to the lower inner space of the dust collector; and a
lower cover for discharging the air downward by selectively opening
and closing a lower surface of the dust collector, the air guided
by the filter.
Inventors: |
Min, Young Gun;
(Changwon-si, KR) ; Jung, Jae Duck; (Changwon-si,
KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FLESHNER & KIM, LLP
P.O. BOX 221200
CHANTILLY
VA
20153
US
|
Assignee: |
LG Electronics Inc.
|
Family ID: |
34923044 |
Appl. No.: |
11/006785 |
Filed: |
December 8, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/353 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 5/362 20130101;
A47L 9/0444 20130101; A47L 9/183 20130101; A47L 5/30 20130101; A47L
9/1666 20130101; A47L 9/1683 20130101; A47L 9/0477 20130101; A47L
9/106 20130101; A47L 9/127 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/353 |
International
Class: |
A47L 009/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 11, 2004 |
KR |
P2004-0016485 |
Mar 11, 2004 |
KR |
P2004-0016486 |
Mar 11, 2004 |
KR |
P2004-0016488 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a suction nozzle for drawing in air
containing impurities such as dust; a main body coupled with the
suction nozzle and having suction means for generating a suction
force therein; a dust collector formed in a cylindrical form and
detachably provided at the main body, the dust collector into which
the air drawn in by the suction nozzle is entered; a suction tube
provided on an outer surface of the dust collector for guiding the
air drawn in by the suction nozzle to an inside of the dust
collector; a separation plate for dividing the inside of the dust
collector into an upper inner space and a lower inner space; a
filter provided in the upper inner space of the dust collector
divided by the separation plate for filtering the air drawn into
the dust collector and guiding the filtered air to the lower inner
space of the dust collector; and a lower cover for discharging the
air downward by selectively opening and closing a lower surface of
the dust collector, the air guided by the filter.
2. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein a dust collector mounting
member is provided at a central portion of a front surface of the
main body and having the dust collector inserted and fixed
thereto.
3. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein separate cleaning tools
for cleaning corners are detachably provided on the outer surface
of the main body.
4. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein an agitator is provided
in the suction nozzle for scratching the impurities stuck on a
floor.
5. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the lower cover includes
a first end rotatably coupled with the dust collector by a hinge
and a second end detachably provided at the dust collector by
coupling means having a projection and a hook.
6. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the filter is a
pleated-surface filter.
7. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein an opening having the
filter inserted therein is provided on an upper surface of the dust
collector.
8. The vacuum cleaner of claim 7, wherein the filter is detachably
provided at the opening.
9. The vacuum cleaner of claim 7, wherein a coupling rib is
provided on an upper surface of the filter, and a coupling lever
coupled with the coupling rib is provided at one side of the
opening.
10. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein a first discharge tube
is provided in the filter for guiding the filtered air to the lower
inner space of the dust collector.
11. The vacuum cleaner of claim 10, wherein a second discharge tube
is provided at the lower cover, the second discharge tube passing
through the separation plate and communicating with the first
discharge tube.
12. The vacuum cleaner of claim 11, wherein the second discharge
tube is formed as a single body with the lower cover.
13. The vacuum cleaner of claim 11, wherein a discharge tube cover
is detachably provided on an upper surface of the second discharge
tube for preventing impurities from being entered thereto.
14. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the filter is provided
on an upper surface of the separation plate.
15. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein a pass through hole is
formed on a circumference of the separation plate.
16. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein an outside diameter of
the separation plate is formed to be smaller than an inside
diameter of the dust collector.
17. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the separation plate is
formed as a single body with the lower cover.
18. The vacuum cleaner of claim 17, wherein a second discharge tube
is provided between the separation plate and the lower cover for
discharging the air guided by the filter in a downward
direction.
19. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a suction nozzle for drawing in
air containing impurities such as dust; a main body coupled with
the suction nozzle and having suction means generating a suction
force therein; a handle provided at an upper part of the main body;
a dust collector formed in a cylindrical form and detachably
provided at the main body, into which the air drawn in by the
suction nozzle is entered; a separation plate for dividing an
inside of the dust collector into an upper inner space and a lower
inner space; a filter provided in the upper inner space of the dust
collector for filtering the drawn air; a first discharge tube
provided in the filter for guiding the filtered air toward the
lower inner space of the dust collector; a lower cover for
selectively opening and closing the lower surface of the dust
collector; and a second discharge tube provided at an upper part of
the lower cover and communicated with the first discharge tube for
discharging the filtered air in a downward direction of the dust
collector.
20. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a suction nozzle including a lower
plate provided on a lower surface of an inlet that draws in air
containing impurities, and an upper plate covering the lower plate
and protecting parts provided therein; a main body coupled with the
suction nozzle and having suction means for genratin a suction
force; a wheel provided at both sides of the lower plate; a dust
collector formed in a cylindrical form and detachably provided at
the main body, into which the air drawn in by the suction nozzle is
entered; a filter provided in the dust collector for filtering the
drawn air; and a lower cover for selectively opening and closing
the lower surface of the dust collector.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Application
No. P2004-16485, P2004-16486, P2004-16488, filed on Mar. 11, 2004,
which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth
herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner, and more
particularly, to a vacuum cleaner for easily removing impurities
accumulated in a dust collector.
[0004] 2. Discussion of the Related Art
[0005] In general, as an apparatus for removing impurities such as
dust, a vacuum cleaner is used for cleaning a place that is
difficult to clean with a broom or other cleaning tools.
[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view showing a related art
vacuum cleaner. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the related art vacuum
cleaner includes a main body 1 having suction means built therein
for drawing in air, and a suction nozzle 2 for drawing in air on a
floor by a suction force generated at the main body 1.
[0007] The main body 1 includes a lower body 5 with suction means
mounted therein, and an upper body 6 for protecting parts received
in the lower body 5 and having electric components (Not shown)
received therein for controlling the vacuum cleaner.
[0008] Wheels 8 are provided at both sides of the main body 1 such
that the main body freely moves on a floor. The wheel 8 has an
outlet 8a for discharging air drawn in by the suction nozzle 2.
[0009] Between the main body 1 and the suction nozzle 2, a suction
hose 3b, an operating member 4, and an extension tube 3a are
mounted in succession so as to transmit the suction force generated
at the main body 1 to the suction nozzle 2.
[0010] A dust collector 10 is mounted at the main body 1 for
filtering air drawn in through the suction nozzle 2. Accordingly,
the air drawn into an inside of the main body 1 by the suction
nozzle 2 is discharged to an outside of the main body 1 through the
outlet 8a after impurities in the air such as dust is removed by
the dust collector 10.
[0011] However, the related art vacuum cleaner has problems in
cleaning the inside of the dust collector and replacing the filter
provided in the dust collector.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a vacuum
cleaner that substantially obviates one or more problems due to
limitations and disadvantages of the related art.
[0013] An object of the present invention is to provide a vacuum
cleaner enabling cleaning an inside of a dust collector with
ease.
[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
vacuum cleaner enabling cleaning and replacing a filter with
ease.
[0015] Additional advantages, objects, and features of the
invention will be set forth in part in the description which
follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary
skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be
learned from practice of the invention. The objectives and other
advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by the
structure particularly pointed out in the written description and
claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.
[0016] To achieve these objects and other advantages and in
accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and
broadly described herein, a vacuum cleaner includes a suction
nozzle for drawing in air containing impurities such as dust; a
main body coupled with the suction nozzle and having suction means
for generating a suction force therein; a dust collector formed in
a cylindrical form and detachably provided at the main body, into
which the air drawn in by the suction nozzle is introduced; a
suction tube provided on an outer surface of the dust collector for
guiding the air drawn in by the suction nozzle to an inside of the
dust collector; a separation plate for dividing an inside of the
dust collector into an upper inner space and a lower inner space; a
filter provided in the upper inner space of the dust collector
divided by the separation plate, filtering the air drawn into the
dust collector, and guiding the filtered air to the lower inner
space of the dust collector; and a lower cover for discharging the
air downward by selectively opening and closing a lower surface of
the dust collector, the air guided by the filter.
[0017] A dust collector mounting member is provided at a central
portion of a front surface of the main body and having the dust
collector inserted and fixed thereto, and separate cleaning tools
for cleaning corners are detachably provided on the outer surface
of the main body.
[0018] An agitator is provided in the suction nozzle for scratching
the impurities stuck on a floor.
[0019] Meanwhile, the lower cover includes a first end rotatably
coupled with the dust collector by a hinge and a second end
detachably provided at the dust collector by coupling means having
a projection and a hook.
[0020] It is desirable that the filter is a pleated-surface filter,
and an opening having the filter inserted therein is provided on an
upper surface of the dust collector.
[0021] The filter is detachably provided at the opening. A coupling
rib is provided on an upper surface of the filter, and a coupling
lever coupled with the coupling rib is provided at one side of the
opening.
[0022] A first discharge tube is provided in the filter for guiding
the filtered air to the lower inner space of the dust collector,
and a second discharge tube is provided at the lower cover, the
second discharge tube passing through the separation plate and
communicating with the first discharge tube.
[0023] The second discharge tube may be formed as a single body
with the lower cover. A discharge tube cover is detachably provided
on an upper surface of the second discharge tube for preventing
impurities from being entered thereto.
[0024] The filter is provided on an upper surface of the separation
plate.
[0025] In the mean time, a pass through hole may be formed on a
circumference of the separation plate, and an outside diameter of
the separation plate is formed to be smaller than an inside
diameter of the dust collector.
[0026] The separation plate is formed as a single body with the
lower cover, and a second discharge tube is provided between the
separation plate and the lower cover for discharging the air guided
by the filter in a downward direction.
[0027] Meanwhile, in another aspect of the present invention, a
vacuum cleaner includes a suction nozzle for drawing in air
containing impurities such as dust; a main body coupled with the
suction nozzle and having suction means generating a suction force
therein; a handle provided at an upper part of the main body; a
dust collector formed in a cylindrical form and detachably provided
at the main body, the dust collector into which the air drawn in by
the suction nozzle is entered; a separation plate for dividing an
inside of the dust collector into an upper inner space and a lower
inner space; a filter provided in the upper inner space of the dust
collector for filtering the drawn air; a first discharge tube
provided in the filter for guiding the filtered air toward the
lower inner space of the dust collector; a lower cover for
selectively opening and closing the lower surface of the dust
collector; and a second discharge tube provided at an upper part of
the lower cover and communicated with the first discharge tube for
discharging the filtered air in a downward direction of the dust
collector.
[0028] Yet, in another aspect of the present invention, a vacuum
cleaner includes a suction nozzle including a lower plate provided
on a lower surface of an inlet that draws in air containing
impurities, and an upper plate covering the lower plate and
protecting parts provided therein; a main body coupled with the
suction nozzle and having suction means for generating a suction
force; a wheel provided at both sides of the lower plate; a dust
collector formed in a cylindrical form and detachably provided at
the main body, into which the air drawn in by the suction nozzle is
entered; a filter provided in the dust collector for filtering the
drawn air; and a lower cover for selectively opening and closing
the lower surface of the dust collector.
[0029] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description of the present
invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide
further explanation of the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of
the invention and together with the description serve to explain
the principle of the invention. In the drawings;
[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a related art
vacuum cleaner;
[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view showing an upright
vacuum cleaner in accordance with the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view showing an inner
structure of the suction nozzle illustrated in FIG. 2;
[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view showing a dust
collector assembly in a state of being disassembled from the
upright vacuum cleaner in accordance with the present
invention;
[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates a disassembled perspective view showing a
dust collector assembly in accordance with a first embodiment of
the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view showing a dust
collector assembly in accordance with the first embodiment of the
present invention;
[0037] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view showing a lower
cover of the dust collector assembly in accordance with the first
embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 8 illustrates a disassembled perspective view showing a
dust collector assembly in accordance with a second embodiment of
the second embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view showing the dust
collector assembly in accordance with the second embodiment of the
present invention;
[0040] FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view showing an opened
state of the lower cover of the dust collector in accordance with
the second embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view showing an inner
structure of the dust collector in accordance with the second
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0042] FIG. 12 illustrates a disassembled perspective view showing
a canister type vacuum cleaner in accordance with the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0043] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred
embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the
same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to
refer to the same or like parts.
[0044] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view showing an upright
vacuum cleaner in accordance with the present invention, FIG. 3
illustrates a perspective view showing an inner structure of the
suction nozzle illustrated in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 illustrates a
perspective view showing the dust collector assembly in a state of
being disassembled from the upright vacuum cleaner in accordance
with the present invention.
[0045] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the upright type vacuum cleaner in
accordance with the present invention includes a suction nozzle 60
moving along a floor and drawing in air containing impurities such
as dust, a main body 70 coupled with the suction-nozzle 60 and
provided with suction means generating a suction force therein, and
a handle 80 provided at an upper part of the main body 70.
[0046] The suction nozzle 60 includes an upper plate 61 and a lower
plate 62 forming an exterior thereof, and parts provided therein.
Wheels 63 are provided at both sides of the lower plate 62, and an
inlet 62a (refer to FIG. 3) is formed on a lower surface thereof
for drawing air therein. The upper plate 61 covers the lower plate
62 so as to protect the parts provided therein.
[0047] In the mean time, an agitator 64 is provided in the suction
nozzle 60 for scraping the impurities stuck on the floor as
illustrates in FIG. 3.
[0048] In more detail, the agitator 64a includes a rotary body
formed in a cylindrical form, and a brush formed in a spiral form
on an outer surface of the rotary body 64a for removing impurities
being stuck on the floor. The brush 64b comes into contact with a
floor to be cleaned through the inlet 62a.
[0049] The agitator 61 is coupled with a rotary axis (Ms) of a
motor (Not shown) provided at a lower end of the main body 70 by
means of a coupling belt (V). Accordingly, the agitator is rotated
together with the rotary axis when the rotary axis is rotated in
accordance with an operation of the motor.
[0050] At this time, the brush 64b scrapes off the impurities on
the floor, and the impurities scraped off by the brush 64b are
drawn in through the inlet 62a.
[0051] In this case, it is desirable that the rotary axis (Ms) and
the agitator 64 are provided to be parallel to each other for a
smooth power transmission, and the coupling belt (V) is made of a
flexible material such as a rubber.
[0052] Meanwhile, a temperature sensor (Not shown) is mounted at a
side of the motor. The temperature sensor operates on a bimetal
principle and automatically cuts off power supply to the motor when
the motor is overheated and a temperature of the motor is raised to
a temperature higher than a predetermined temperature.
[0053] The main body 70 is includes a motor (Not shown) for
generating the suction force, and suction means such as a suction
fan (Not shown) therein. The main body 70 is rotatably provided to
be able to rotate in a rear direction within a predetermined angle
by a rotary lever 65 provided at a rear of the suction nozzle
60.
[0054] In other words, when a user holds the handle 80 with a hand
and pulls the main body rearward in a state of steeping on the
rotary lever, the main body 70 is inclined rearward. Accordingly,
the user can adjust the angle of the main body 70 to be suitable
for the height of the user by manipulating the rotary lever 65 when
the user cleans the floor.
[0055] An electric wire reel 71 is provided at a rear surface of
the main body 70 for winding the electric wire thereon. It is
desirable that a couple of the electric wire reels 71 are provided
respectively at an upper rear part and a lower rear part of the
main body 70 to be symmetric to each other.
[0056] In the mean time, a lamp (L) is provided at a front end of
the main body 70 for lightening the front of the vacuum cleaner,
and an exhaust cover 70a is provided at an upper part of the lamp
(L) through which the air being discharged to an outside thereof is
passed finally.
[0057] An exhaust filter (Not shown) is provided in the exhaust
cover 70a. The exhaust filter filters the air to be discharged to
the outside (Interior space) and discharges refreshed air. A motor
(Not shown) is located at a rear of the exhaust filter for
providing a driving force for drawing air.
[0058] Meanwhile, a dust collector assembly 100 is provided in a
front center of the main body 70 for filtering the impurities
contained in the air drawn in through the suction nozzle 60.
[0059] The dust collector assembly 100 filters impurities by using
a cyclone using centrifugal force, or a separate filter. The dust
collector assembly can of course filter impurities by using both
the cyclone and the filter at the same time.
[0060] The dust collector assembly 100 includes a dust collector
110 formed in a cylindrical form for drawing air therein, the air
drawn in by the suction nozzle 60, a filter 152, and a lower cover
180 as illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0061] The dust collector 110 is detachably provided at the main
body 70. In more detail, the dust collector 110 is detachably
provided at the dust collector mounting member 72. A coupling loop
79 is formed at the main body 70, and a coupling groove the
coupling loop is coupled thereto is formed at the dust collector
110. A dust collector handle 130 is provided at an outer surface of
the dust collector 110.
[0062] Accordingly, the dust collector 110 is easily separated from
the dust collector 110 when the user separates the coupling loop 78
from the coupling groove 79 and pulls the dust collector handle
130.
[0063] The abovementioned process is of course inversely performed
when the dust collector 110 is coupled to the dust collector
mounting member 72.
[0064] Meanwhile, an inflow tube 74 is formed at the dust collector
mounting member 72. A first end of the inflow tube 74 is coupled
with the dust collector 110, and a second end thereof is coupled
with the inlet 62a of the suction nozzle 60. Therefore, the air
drawn in by the suction nozzle 60 is guided into the dust collector
110 along the inflow tube 74.
[0065] An outflow tube 76 is formed at a lower surface of the dust
collector mounting member 72. The outflow tube 76 guides the air
being discharged form the dust collector 110 to an outside (Room).
In this case, the air flowed along the outflow tube 76 is
discharged to the outside thorough the exhaust filter and the
exhaust cover 70a.
[0066] Hereinafter, each component of the dust collector assembly
is described in more detail referring to the accompanying
drawings.
[0067] FIG. 5 illustrates a disassembled perspective view showing
the dust collector assembly in accordance with a first embodiment
of the present invention, FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view
showing the dust collector in accordance with the first embodiment
of the present invention, and FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional
view showing a lower cover of the dust collector assembly in
accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0068] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7, a suction pipe 112 is
provided on an outer surface of thee dust collector 110 for guiding
the air drawn in by the suction nozzle 60 into the dust collector
110.
[0069] The suction pipe 112 is provided in a tangential direction
such that the air drawn into the dust collector 110 spirally flows
along an inner wall of the dust collector 110.
[0070] A separation plate 120 is provided at the dust collector 110
for dividing an inner space into an upper inner space and a lower
inner space. The separation plate 120 plays a role of dividing the
impurities contained in the air drawn into the dust collector 110
according to masses.
[0071] In more detail, the impurities with relatively large masses
drawn into the dust collector 110 drop down toward the lower inner
space of the dust collector 110 by gravity. In this case, a pass
through hole 120a is formed on a circumference of the separate
plate 120 for communicating with both the upper inner space and the
lower inner space of the dust collector 110 such that impurities
with large masses pass therethrough.
[0072] Accordingly, impurities with large masses drop down toward
the lower inner space of the dust collector 110, pass through the
pass through hole 120a, and accumulate in the lower inner space of
the dust collector 110. In the end, small mass of impurities
accumulates in the upper inner space of the dust collector 110 that
is divided by the separation plate 120, and impurities with large
masses accumulate in the lower inner space thereof.
[0073] Meanwhile, the filter 152 is provided in the upper inner
space of the dust collector 110 that is divided by the separation
plate so as to filter the air drawn into the dust collector 110. It
is desirable that the filter 152 includes a pleated-surface filter
that enlarges an area in contact with air to the utmost.
[0074] The filter 152 is made of a material having stiffness more
than predetermined stiffness with due regard to strong airflow so
as to maintain the form during washing.
[0075] An opening 142 is provided on an upper surface of the dust
collector 110. The opening 142 has a same form as a section of the
filter 152 so as to insert the filter therein. In other words, when
the filter has a round section, the opening is also formed in a
round form.
[0076] In this case, the filter 152 is detachably provided at the
opening 152. For this, a coupling rib 156 is provided on an upper
surface of the filter 152, and a coupling lever 148 coupled with
the coupling rib 156 is rotatably provided at one side of the
opening 142.
[0077] In more detail, an upper end fixing member 157 is formed on
the upper surface of the filter 152, and the coupling rib 156 is
formed at one side of the upper end fixing member 157. A downwardly
recessed loading portion 146 is formed at one side of the opening
142 and the coupling lever 146 is rotatably provided at the
downwardly recessed loading portion 146.
[0078] The upper end fixing member 156 is fastened to the
circumference of the opening 142, and the coupling lever 148 is
rotated on a lever hinge 149 at one side thereof and coupled with
the coupling rib 156 so as to fix the filter to the opening
142.
[0079] A filter handle 158 is provided at the upper end fixing
member 156 for the user to easily hold the filter 150. It is
desirable that a couple of the filter handles 158 are formed on the
upper surface of the upper end fixing member 156.
[0080] In the mean time, the lower cover 180 selectively
opens/closes a lower surface of the dust collector 110. For this,
as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, a first end of the lower cover 180
is rotatably coupled with the dust collector 110 by the cover hinge
182, and a second end thereof is detachably coupled with the dust
collector 110.
[0081] In this case, the coupling means 190 includes a projection
192 formed at the lower cover 180, a hook 194 coupled with the
projection 192, and a support 196 formed on an outer surface of the
dust collector 110.
[0082] The hook 192 includes a first coupling member 194a and a
second coupling member 194b, and coupled with the support 196 by
the hinge axis 198. Accordingly, when the user presses the first
coupling member 194a, the first and second coupling members 194a,
194b rotate on the hinge axis 198.
[0083] A compression spring (S) is provided between the first
coupling member 194a and the dust collector 110. The compression
spring (S) returns the first and second coupling members 194a and
194b to original places when an external force applied to the first
coupling member 194a is removed. It is obvious that the projection
192 is formed at the dust collector 110, and the support 196 and
the hook 194 are formed at the lower cover 180.
[0084] The lower cover 180 includes an anti-rotation plate 185 as
illustrated in FIG. 7. The anti-rotation plate 185 supports a lower
surface of the separation plate 120. The anti-rotation plate 185
blocks a convection current and prevents the impurities accumulated
in the lower inner space of the dust collector 110 from
scattering.
[0085] In the mean time, as illustrated FIG. 6, the filter 152
filters the air drawn into the dust collector 110 and guides the
air to the lower inner space of the dust collector 110, and the
lower cover 180 discharges the air guided by the filter 152 toward
the lower portion of the dust collector 110.
[0086] For this, a first discharge tube 152a is provided in the
filter 152 for guiding the filtered air toward the lower inner
space of the dust collector 110, and a second discharge tube 178
passing thorough the separation plate 120 and communicating with
the first discharge tube 152a is provided at the lower cover
180.
[0087] In this case, it is desirable that an inside diameter of the
second discharge tube 178 is same as that of the first discharge
tube 152a, and the second discharge tube 178 and the lower cover
180 are formed as a single body.
[0088] A discharge tube cover 178a is detachably provided on an
upper surface of the second discharge tube 178. The discharge tube
cover 178a is made of a flexible material such as rubber, and is
radially incised a plurality of times.
[0089] The outflow cover 178a prevents the impurities stuck on the
filter 152 and the impurities accumulated up in the upper inner
space of the dust collector 110 from being flowed into the second
discharge tube 178 when the filter 152 is separated from the
opening 142 of the dust collector 110. The second discharge tube
178 communicates with an outflow tube 76 (Refer to FIG. 4) formed
at the dust collector mounting member 72.
[0090] In the mean time, a liquid sprayer 160 is provided on an
inner surface of the dust collector 110 for preventing static
electricity. The liquid sprayer 160 includes a body 162 formed in a
cylindrical form and having liquid therein, a spray button 164
provided at an upper end of the body 162, and an injection pipe 166
extended from the body 162 toward the filter 152. In this case, the
spray button 164 is passed though the upper surface of the dust
collector 110 and is projected to the outside thereof.
[0091] Accordingly, when the user presses the spray button 164, the
liquid stored in the body 162 is raised along a passage (Not shown)
therein and sprayed through the injection pipe 166.
[0092] In this case, water is normally used for the liquid, and the
liquid has an insecticide or germicide aromatic agent, or the like
added thereto.
[0093] The liquid sprayer 160 is fixed to the dust collector 110 by
a sprayer fixing member 170. The sprayer fixing member 170 includes
a fist supporting plate 172 for supporting the body 162 of the
liquid sprayer 160, a second supporting plate 174 for supporting a
lower surface of the liquid sprayer 160, and a holder 176 extended
from a central portion on both sides of the first supporting plate
172 for covering the body 162 of the liquid sprayer 160.
[0094] In this case, the first supporting plate 172 is formed in an
up and down direction with a long length and adhered on an inner
surface of the dust collector 110, and the second supporting plate
174 is formed in a round plate so as to support the lower surface
of the liquid sprayer 160.
[0095] The holder 176 is formed to be a little smaller than the
body 162 of the sprayer 160 so as to tightly cover the central
portion of the body 162 of the liquid sprayer 160. It is desirable
that the fist and second supporting plates 172 and 174 are formed
as a single body with the holder 176.
[0096] FIG. 8 illustrates a disassembled perspective view showing a
dust collector assembly in accordance with a second embodiment of
the second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 illustrates
a cross-sectional view showing the dust collector assembly in
accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view showing an opened state
of the lower cover of the dust collector in accordance with the
second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 illustrates
a perspective view showing an inner structure of the dust collector
in accordance with the second embodiment of the present
invention.
[0097] As illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 10, the dust collector assembly
in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention
includes a dust collector 110, a filter 52, and a lower cover
180.
[0098] In this case, an outside diameter of the separation plate
220 is formed to be smaller that the inside diameter of the dust
collector 110. Accordingly, a gap 220a is formed between the
separation plate 220 and the dust collector 110. The gap 220a plays
the same role as the pass through hole 120a. In other words,
impurities with large masses among the impurities drawn into the
dust collector 110 are accumulated in the lower inner space of the
dust collector 110.
[0099] It is desirable that the separation plate 220 and the lower
cover 180 are formed as a single body. In this case, as illustrated
in FIG. 10, the separation plate 220 rotates together with the
lower cover 1880 and escapes to the outside of the dust collector
110 when the lower surface of the dust collector 110 is opened. At
this time, for preventing the separation plate 220 from being in
contact with the inner surface of the dust collector 110, the
outside diameter of the separation plate 220 is formed to be
smaller enough than the inside diameter of the dust collector 110.
The separation plate 220 may of course be detachably coupled with
the lower cover 180.
[0100] A second discharge tube 178 for discharging the air guided
by the filter 152 toward a bottom of the dust collector 110 is
provided between the separation plate 220 and the lower cover 180.
In this instance, the separation plate 220 is formed as a single
body with the second discharge tube 178, or detachably coupled with
an upper surface of the second discharge tube 178.
[0101] As illustrate in FIG. 11, a discharge tube cover 178a is
provided on the upper surface of the second discharge tube 178. The
discharge tube cover 178a has a same structure as that in the
aforementioned first embodiment.
[0102] Hereinafter, the operation of the vacuum cleaner in
accordance with the present invention will be described as
follows.
[0103] First, when the vacuum cleaner is operated, a suction force
is transmitted to a suction nozzle 60 by the operation of a motor
(Not shown) built in the body 70. Accordingly, air with impurities
is drawn in through an inlet 62a of the suction nozzle 60.
[0104] The air is flowed into the dust collector 110 through an
inflow tube 74 coupled with the inlet 62a and a suction pipe 112
formed on an outer surface of the dust collector.
[0105] In this case, impurities with large masses among the
impurities contained in the air are accumulated in the lower inner
space of the dust collector 120 through the pass through hole 120a
or the gap 220a, and the impurities with relatively small masses
are filtered while being entered into the filter 152, and
accumulated in the upper inner space of the dust collector 110.
Therefore, the impurities with large masses are accumulated on the
upper surface of a lower cover 180 and the impurities with a small
mass on an upper surface of the separation plate 120 and 220.
[0106] The air passed through the filter 150 is discharged toward a
bottom of the dust collector 100 along the first discharge tube
152a and the second discharge tube 178. The air is then discharged
to the outside through the exhaust filter and the exhaust cover 70a
after being passed through a motor (Not shown) along the outflow
tube 76 formed at the main body 70.
[0107] In the mean time, when the vacuum cleaner is operated for a
predetermined time and the large amount of impurities are
accumulated in the dust collector 110, a user opens a lower surface
of the dust collector 110 for cleaning the inside of the dust
collector 110.
[0108] Hereinafter, a process of opening the lower surface of the
dust collector 110 is as follows. First, as illustrated in FIGS. 7
and 10, when the user presses the first coupling member 194a of the
hook 194, the second coupling member 194b is rotated around the
hinge 198 and separated from the projection 192. Accordingly, the
lower cover 180 is rotated around the cover hinge 182 so as to open
the lower surface of the dust collector 110.
[0109] When the lower cover 180 is opened, the user can easily
remove the impurities accumulated in the lower inner space, i.e.,
on the upper surface of the lower cover 180.
[0110] In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 10, when the separation
plate 220 having an outside diameter smaller than an inside
diameter of the dust collector 110 is formed as a single body with
a lower cover 180, or fixed to the second discharge tube 178, the
separation plate 220 rotates together with the lower cover 180 and
escapes to an outside of the dust collector 110. Accordingly, the
user can remove not only the impurities accumulated on the upper
surface of the lower cover 180 but also the impurities accumulated
on the upper surface of the separation plate 220.
[0111] When the user releases pressure on the first coupling member
194a, the first coupling member 194a and the second coupling member
194b are returned to original places by the compression spring
(S).
[0112] A process of coupling the lower cover 180 with the dust
collector 110 is described as follows. First, when the lower cover
180 is lifted upward, the lower cover 180 rotates around the axis
of the cover hinge 182 and closely adhered to the dust collector
110. In this instance, the user needs to continuously presses the
lower cover 180 upwardly with a stronger power than elasticity of
the compression spring (S) such that the projection 192 is coupled
with the second coupling member 194b of the hook 194.
[0113] As aforementioned, when the projection 192 is coupled with
the second coupling member 194b of the hook 194, the lower cover
186 closes the lower surface of the dust collector 110.
[0114] In the mean time, the filter 152 has been supposed as a
pleated-surface filter. However, the filter 152 may include a net
filter, or a filter in a form of a combination net filter and the
pleated-surface filter.
[0115] Instead of the pleated-surface filter, the filter 152 may be
formed not only in a form wherein the net filter is coupled with a
sponge, but also in a form wherein a plurality of the
pleated-surface filers or the net filters are overlapped.
[0116] Although the filter 152 is mounted at an opening 142 formed
on the upper surface of the dust collector 110 in the
abovementioned embodiment, the filter 152 may be mounted on the
upper surface of the separation plate 120. A separate structure for
fixing the filter may be installed in the dust collector 110.
[0117] FIG. 12 illustrates a disassembled perspective view showing
a canister type vacuum cleaner in accordance with the present
invention. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the canister type vacuum
cleaner in accordance with the present invention includes a suction
nozzle 310, a main body 300 coupled with the suction nozzle 310 and
having suction means for generating a suction force therein, and a
dust collector assembly 100.
[0118] The main body 300 includes a lower body 300a having suction
means, and an upper body 300b for protecting the suction means
built in the lower body 300a and collecting electric parts (Not
shown) controlling the vacuum cleaner.
[0119] A dust collector mounting member 302 having the dust
collector 110 inserted and fixed thereto is formed between the
lower main body 300a and the upper main body 300b. The dust
collector mounting member 302 is formed in a size corresponding to
the dust collector 110, and an outflow tube 302a is formed on a
lower surface thereof for guiding air discharged from the lower
surface of the dust collector 110.
[0120] A coupling button 304 is provided at the upper body 300b for
coupling the dust collector with the main body 300. The coupling
button 304 is coupled with a coupling groove 79 formed on an upper
surface of the dust collector 110 and secures the dust collector
110 to the main body. The coupling button 304 performs the same
role as the coupling rib 78 formed at the main body 70 of the
aforementioned upright type vacuum cleaner.
[0121] Meanwhile, wheels (W) are provided on both rear sides of the
lower body 300a so as to smoothly move the main body 300 on a
floor. An outlet 306 is formed on the wheels (W) for discharging
the air filtered by passing through the filter of the dust
collector assembly 100. The outlet 306 is communicated with the
outflow tube 302a. A suction hose 320, an operating member 330, and
n extension tube 340 are provided between the main body 300 and the
suction nozzle 310.
[0122] In this case, the suction nozzle 320 is coupled with a
coupling tube 360. The coupling tube 360 is communicated with the
suction pipe 112 formed on the outer surface of the dust collector
110.
[0123] On a rear surface of the main body 300, a power cord 350 is
provided for supplying power source to the suction means received
in the main body 300.
[0124] The operation of the canister type vacuum cleaner in
accordance with the present invention is described as follows.
First, when the power source is supplied to the suction means
received in the main body 300 through the power cord 350 provided
on a rear surface of the main body 300, the vacuum cleaner is in a
standby mode, and when the user operates a button of the operating
member 330, a suction force is generated by the suction means built
in the main body 300.
[0125] In this instance, the suction force is transmitted to the
suction nozzle 310 through the suction hose 320 and the extension
tube 340 coupled with the coupling tube 360 of the man body 300.
Accordingly, the impurities such as dust or shag are drawn into the
main body together with air through the suction nozzle 310 and
accumulated at the dust collector assembly 100. The air from which
the impurities are removed is discharged to an outside thereof
through the outflow tube 302a and a discharging member 306 formed
at the lower body 300a.
[0126] When the process is repeated, impurities are accumulated at
the dust collector assembly 100. Accordingly, after a predetermined
period of time of using the vacuum cleaner, the dust collector
assembly 100 is separated from the dust collector mounting member
302 and the impurities therein are removed.
[0127] The process of removing the impurities accumulated at the
dust collector assembly is described in the embodiment of the
upright type vacuum cleaner and will be omitted hereinafter.
[0128] The vacuum cleaner in accordance with the present invention
has following effect. First, since the vacuum cleaner in accordance
with the present invention has a filter detachably provided at the
dust collector, it is easy to clean and replace the filter.
[0129] Second, since the vacuum cleaner in accordance with the
present invention has a sprayer provided on an inner surface of the
dust collector, humidity in the dust collector is constantly
maintained. Therefore, static electricity generated when the filter
is separated from the dust collector is prevented from
generating.
[0130] Third, the vacuum cleaner in accordance with the present
invention enables to maximize work efficiency because an
appropriate filter such as pleated-surface filter and a net filter
is selectively used according to the kind of impurities.
[0131] Fourth, the vacuum cleaner in accordance with the present
invention enables selectively opening and closing a lower surface
of the dust collector by a lower cover, and therefore it is easy to
remove impurities accumulated in the dust collector.
[0132] When a separation plate is formed as a single body with the
lower cover, the separation plate is separated from the dust
collector together with the lower cover. In this case, the
impurities accumulated on the upper surface of the lower cover as
well as the impurities accumulated on the upper surface of the
separation plate are removed together.
[0133] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the present invention
without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus,
it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications
and variations of this invention provided they come within the
scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *