U.S. patent application number 11/935232 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-24 for vacuum cleaner.
This patent application is currently assigned to DAEWOO ELECTRONICS CORPORATION. Invention is credited to IM SUK CHOI, SANG BO KANG.
Application Number | 20080172821 11/935232 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39344477 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080172821 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KANG; SANG BO ; et
al. |
July 24, 2008 |
VACUUM CLEANER
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a handy cleaner-integrated vacuum cleaner.
The vacuum cleaner includes a main body having a body inlet, a body
outlet and a mounting part, and accommodating a motor assembly to
induce air into the main body through the body inlet and then to
discharge the air through the body outlet, a dust container mounted
on the mounting part to filter foreign matter from air, a driving
unit mounted on the mounting part and coupled to the dust container
to generate a suction force in the dust container when the dust
container is detached from the main body, and a power supply device
to supply electrical power to the driving unit. The vacuum cleaner
allows vacuum cleaning without a separate handy cleaner even in a
narrow space, and provides an improved battery-mounting structure
to allow convenient recharge and replacement of the battery, and a
convenient repair.
Inventors: |
KANG; SANG BO; (INCHEON-SI,
KR) ; CHOI; IM SUK; (INCHEON-SI, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET, FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Assignee: |
DAEWOO ELECTRONICS
CORPORATION
SEOUL
KR
|
Family ID: |
39344477 |
Appl. No.: |
11/935232 |
Filed: |
November 5, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/327.5 ;
15/327.2; 15/344; 15/347 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 5/24 20130101; A47L
9/0027 20130101; A47L 9/2873 20130101; A47L 5/362 20130101; A47L
9/22 20130101; A47L 5/225 20130101; A47L 9/2884 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/327.5 ;
15/327.2; 15/344; 15/347 |
International
Class: |
A47L 5/00 20060101
A47L005/00; A47L 5/24 20060101 A47L005/24; A47L 9/10 20060101
A47L009/10; A47L 9/00 20060101 A47L009/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 3, 2006 |
KR |
10-2006-0108288 |
Nov 3, 2006 |
KR |
10-2006-0108289 |
Nov 3, 2006 |
KR |
10-2006-0108290 |
Nov 3, 2006 |
KR |
10-2006-0108291 |
Nov 3, 2006 |
KR |
10-2006-0108292 |
Nov 3, 2006 |
KR |
10-2006-0108293 |
Nov 3, 2006 |
KR |
10-2006-0108294 |
Nov 3, 2006 |
KR |
10-2006-0108295 |
Claims
1. A vacuum cleaner apparatus comprising: a main body comprising a
first mounting station and a first suction source; a first member
releasably secured to the main body on the first mounting station,
wherein the first member comprising a first housing and a dust
container, which is defined by or enclosed in the first housing; a
second member comprising a second housing and a second suction
source enclosed in the second housing; wherein when released from
the main body, the first member is capable of forming an operable
vacuum cleaning connection with the second member so as to provide
a handheld vacuum cleaner; and wherein when secured to the main
body, the first member does not form an operable vacuum cleaning
connection with the second member and rather forms an operable
vacuum cleaning connection with the first suction source so as to
provide another vacuum cleaner.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the main body further
comprises a second mounting station formed on the main housing,
wherein the second member is releasably secured to the main
body.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the main body does not
comprise a mounting station to secure the second member.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first housing comprises a
first inlet and a first outlet in fluid communication with the dust
container.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the main body comprises a
first suction passage and a second suction passage, wherein when
the first member is secured to the main body, the first suction
passage is in fluid communication with the dust container via the
first inlet, and the first suction source and the first outlet are
in fluid communication via the second suction passage.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first housing comprises a
first wall, and the main body comprises a second wall, wherein the
first wall and the second wall oppose and contact each other,
wherein the first inlet and the first outlet are formed through the
first wall.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the second suction passage has
an opening formed through the second wall of the main body, wherein
the first outlet is configured to engage with the opening of the
second suction passage so as to permit an airflow from the dust
container to the first suction source via the second suction
passage.
8. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the second housing comprises a
second inlet and a second outlet, wherein the second suction source
is configured to create a forced airflow from the second inlet to
the second outlet.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein when the first and second
members form the handheld vacuum cleaner, the first outlet is
engaged with the second inlet.
10. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first housing defines an
airflow path between the first inlet and the first outlet, wherein
the apparatus further comprises a filter in the airflow path such
that air flowing into the first housing via the first inlet is
filtered by the filter prior to being discharged from the first
housing via the first outlet.
11. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first housing defines an
airflow path between the first inlet and the first outlet, wherein
the airflow path is configured to generate a swirling airflow as
air flows therethrough.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the other vacuum cleaner is a
canister type vacuum cleaner.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and
second members further comprises a rechargeable battery.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a battery
charging station in the main body and configured to connect to the
rechargeable battery.
15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first member is
configured to be secured to and released from the main body without
use of a tool.
16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first member further
comprises a handle of the handheld vacuum cleaner.
17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the main body further define
a compartment configured to receive at least one selected from the
group consisting of nozzles and extension tubes.
18. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an air intake tube
connected to the second housing, wherein the air intake tube is
configured to initially receive outside air and guide the air to a
conduit defined in the second housing, wherein when the first and
second members form the handheld vacuum cleaner, the conduit of the
second handheld housing interconnects between the air intake tube
and the first housing such that outside air is initially received
by the air intake tube and travels to the first housing via the
conduit of the second housing.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the air intake tube is
configured to hingedly move relative to the second member between a
first position and a second position, wherein the air intake tube
is in fluid communication with the conduit in the first position,
and wherein the air intake tube is not in fluid communication with
the conduit in the second position.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the main body further
comprises a second mounting station, wherein the second member is
releasably secured to the main body, wherein the air intake tube is
in the second position when the second member is secured to the
main body.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of
Korean Patent Application Nos. 10-2006-0108288, filed Nov. 3, 2006,
10-2006-0108289, filed Nov. 3, 2006, 10-2006-0108290, filed Nov. 3,
2006, 10-2006-0108291, filed Nov. 3, 2006, 10-2006-0108292, filed
Nov. 3, 2006, 10-2006-0108293, filed Nov. 3, 2006, 10-2006-0108294,
filed Nov. 3, 2006, and 10-2006-0108295, filed Nov. 3, 2006, the
disclosure of which are incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety. This application is related to and incorporates herein by
reference the entire contents of the following concurrently filed
applications:
TABLE-US-00001 Filing Application Title Atty. Docket No. Date No.
METHOD OF VACUUM DWAJU.010AUS CLEANING HAND-HELD VACUUM
DWAJU.011AUS CLEANER
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] The present disclosure relates to a vacuum cleaner, and more
particularly to a vacuum cleaner having components forming a
hand-held vacuum cleaner.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Technology
[0005] In general, vacuum cleaners can be classified in view of
shapes and usage postures into a canister type vacuum cleaner,
which is convenient in corner cleaning, movement and replacement of
a brush or a nozzle, and an upright type vacuum cleaner, which is
convenient in storage and cleaning of a large space.
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary vacuum
cleaner.
[0007] Referring to FIG. 1, the exemplary vacuum cleaner generally
includes a suction unit 11 which is brought into close contact with
a floor, a pipe 12 connected to the suction unit 11 and having a
predetermined length, a handle 13 connected to the pipe 12, a hose
14 connected to the handle 13, and a body 20 connected to the
handle 14.
[0008] The suction unit 11 is provided at a lower surface with
wheels so that the suction unit 11 can be moved along with the body
20 for vacuuming operation, and the pipe 12 and handle 13 are used
to manipulate and move the suction unit 11 to desired
locations.
[0009] The pipe 12 and hose 14 serve to guide air containing
foreign matter into the body 20, which in turn sucks the air
containing the foreign matter and collects the foreign matter while
discharging filtered air to an outside of the body 20.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the body shown
in FIG. 1.
[0011] Referring to FIG. 2, the body 20 is provided at a front side
with a hose attaching part 21 to which the hose 14 is coupled.
[0012] The body 20 has a dust collection unit 22 located in a
central region of the body 20 and communicated with the hose
attaching part 21.
[0013] In more detail, the dust collection unit 22 includes a dust
container 24, which is inserted into an accommodation recess 23
defined in the central region of the body 20 and provided with a
filter 25 to separate foreign matter from air.
[0014] The dust container 24 is provided at an upper side with a
knob 26 and can be separated from the accommodation recess 23 by a
separation button 27 formed on the knob 26.
[0015] A motor 28 is disposed adjacent the accommodation recess 23
inside the body 20 and driven by power supplied via a power cable
29.
[0016] When the motor 28 is driven, air containing foreign matter
is drawn into the dust container 24 and passes through the filter
25 in the dust container 24, so the foreign matter is filtered by
the filter 25 and collected in the container 24 while filtered air
is discharged outside the vacuum cleaner.
[0017] Then, when filled with the foreign matter, the dust
container 24 is pulled out of the accommodation recess 23 by
pushing the separation button 27, and opened to remove the foreign
matter by means of a separate button (not shown).
[0018] The foregoing discussion is to provide general background
information, and does not constitute an admission of prior art.
SUMMARY
[0019] One aspect of the invention provides a vacuum cleaner
apparatus, which comprise: a main body comprising a first mounting
station and a first suction source; a first member releasably
secured to the main body on the first mounting station, wherein the
first member comprising a first housing and a dust container, which
is defined by or enclosed in the first housing; a second member
comprising a second housing and a second suction source enclosed in
the second housing; wherein when released from the main body, the
first member is capable of forming an operable vacuum cleaning
connection with the second member so as to provide a handheld
vacuum cleaner; and wherein when secured to the main body, the
first member does not form an operable vacuum cleaning connection
with the second member and rather forms an operable vacuum cleaning
connection with the first suction source so as to provide another
vacuum cleaner.
[0020] In the foregoing apparatus, the main body may further
comprise a second mounting station formed on the main housing,
wherein the second member is releasably secured to the main body.
The main body may not comprise a mounting station to secure the
second member. The first housing may comprise a first inlet and a
first outlet in fluid communication with the dust container. The
main body may comprise a first suction passage and a second suction
passage, wherein when the first member is secured to the main body,
the first suction passage may be in fluid communication with the
dust container via the first inlet, and the first suction source
and the first outlet are in fluid communication via the second
suction passage. The first housing may comprise a first wall, and
the main body may comprise a second wall, wherein the first wall
and the second wall may oppose and contact each other, wherein the
first inlet and the first outlet may be formed through the first
wall. The second suction passage may have an opening formed through
the second wall of the main body, wherein the first outlet may be
configured to engage with the opening of the second suction passage
so as to permit an airflow from the dust container to the first
suction source via the second suction passage.
[0021] Still in the foregoing apparatus, the second housing may
comprise a second inlet and a second outlet, wherein the second
suction source is configured to create a forced airflow from the
second inlet to the second outlet. When the first and second
members form the handheld vacuum cleaner, the first outlet may be
engaged with the second inlet. The first housing may define an
airflow path between the first inlet and the first outlet, wherein
the apparatus may further comprise a filter in the airflow path
such that air flowing into the first housing via the first inlet is
filtered by the filter prior to being discharged from the first
housing via the first outlet. The first housing may define an
airflow path between the first inlet and the first outlet, wherein
the airflow path may be configured to generate a swirling airflow
as air flows therethrough.
[0022] Yet in the foregoing apparatus, the other vacuum cleaner may
be a canister type vacuum cleaner. At least one of the first and
second members may further comprise a rechargeable battery. The
apparatus may further comprise a battery charging station in the
main body and configured to connect to the rechargeable battery.
The first member may be configured to be secured to and released
from the main body without use of a tool. The first member may
further comprise a handle of the handheld vacuum cleaner. The main
body may further define a compartment configured to receive at
least one selected from the group consisting of nozzles and
extension tubes.
[0023] Further in the foregoing apparatus, the apparatus may
further comprise an air intake tube connected to the second
housing, wherein the air intake tube may be configured to initially
receive outside air and guide the air to a conduit defined in the
second housing, wherein when the first and second members form the
handheld vacuum cleaner, the conduit of the second handheld housing
may interconnect between the air intake tube and the first housing
such that outside air is initially received by the air intake tube
and travels to the first housing via the conduit of the second
housing. The air intake tube may be configured to hingedly move
relative to the second member between a first position and a second
position, wherein the air intake tube may be in fluid communication
with the conduit in the first position, and wherein the air intake
tube may be not in fluid communication with the conduit in the
second position. The main body may further comprise a second
mounting station, wherein the second member may be releasably
secured to the main body, wherein the air intake tube may be in the
second position when the second member is secured to the main
body.
[0024] Another aspect of the invention provides a method of vacuum
cleaning, which comprises: providing a vacuum cleaner device
comprising a main body, a first member releasably secured to the
main body, a second member releasably secured to the main body, and
a suction hose connected to the main body, wherein the main body
comprises a first suction source, wherein the first member
comprises a first housing and a dust container defined by or
enclosed in the first housing, wherein the dust container is in
fluid communication with the first suction source, wherein the
second member comprises a second housing and a second suction
source enclosed in the second housing, wherein the dust container
is not in fluid communication with the second suction source,
wherein the suction hose is in fluid communication with the dust
container of the first member; and running the first suction source
so as to create a negative pressure in the dust container and in
the suction hose, thereby cleaning a surface.
[0025] In the foregoing method, the method may further comprise:
releasing the first member from the main body; releasing the second
member from the main body; and engaging the first housing and the
second housing to assemble a handheld vacuum cleaner such that the
dust container and the second suction source are in fluid
communication. The handheld vacuum cleaner may comprise an air
intake tube in fluid communication with the dust container, wherein
the method may further comprise running the second suction source
so as to create airflows from the air intake tube to the dust
container and from the dust container to the suction source,
thereby cleaning a surface. Outside air may be drawn into the air
intake tube and flow to the dust container generally in a first
direction, wherein air in the dust container may flow to the
suction source generally in a second direction, which crosses the
first direction when viewed from the top of the handheld vacuum
cleaner. The first and second directions may cross at about a right
angle. The second housing may define a conduit interconnecting
between the air intake tube and the dust container of the first
member, wherein the outside air drawn into the air intake tube
flows through the conduit of the second housing to reach the dust
container. The air intake tube may be hingedly connected to the
second housing, and wherein the method may further comprise
hingedly rotating the air intake tube between a first position and
a second position.
[0026] In the foregoing method, the first member may be released
from the main body without use of a tool. The method may further
comprise: disengaging the first member from the second member;
securing the first member to the main body such the dust container
may be in fluid communication with the first suction source; and
securing the second member to the main body. Securing the first
member to the main body does not require a tool. The main body may
further comprise a storage compartment and may further comprise at
least one of a nozzle and an extension tube stored in the storage
compartment, wherein the method may further comprise connecting at
least one of the nozzle and the extension tube to the suction hose.
The vacuum cleaner device may be a canister type vacuum cleaner.
The first member may comprise partitioning walls configured to
generate a swirling airflow within the dust container. The first
housing may comprise a first inlet and a first outlet, wherein the
dust container may be positioned in a path between the first inlet
and the first outlet, wherein the main body may comprise a first
suction passage and a second suction passage, wherein the first
suction passage may be in fluid communication with the dust
container via the first inlet, and the first suction source and the
first outlet are in fluid communication via the second suction
passage.
[0027] Another aspect of the invention provides a method of vacuum
cleaning. The method comprises: providing a first member comprising
a first housing and a dust container defined by or enclosed in the
first housing; providing a second member comprising a second
housing and a suction source enclosed in the second housing;
engaging the first and second members so as to form a single body
handheld vacuum cleaner, in which the dust container and the
suction source are in fluid communication with each other, wherein
the handheld vacuum cleaner comprises an air intake tube in fluid
communication with the dust container; and running the suction
source so as to create airflows from the air intake tube to the
dust container and from the dust container to the suction source,
wherein outside air is drawn into the air intake tube and flows to
the dust container generally in a first direction, wherein air in
the dust container flows to the suction source generally in a
second direction, which crosses the first direction when viewed
from the top of the handheld vacuum cleaner.
[0028] In the foregoing method, the first and second direction may
cross at about a right angle. The handheld vacuum cleaner may
further comprise an elongated handle, wherein when viewed from the
top, the first housing may be generally on one side of the
elongated handle and the second housing may be generally on the
other side of the elongated handle. The elongated handle may be
fixed to the first housing. The second housing may define a conduit
interconnecting between the air intake tube and the dust container
of the first member, wherein the outside air drawn into the air
intake tube may flow through the conduit of the second housing to
reach the dust container. The first member may comprise
partitioning walls configured to generate a swirling airflow within
the dust container.
[0029] Another aspect of the invention provides a hand-held vacuum
cleaner device. The device comprises: a first member comprising a
first housing and a dust container defined by or enclosed in the
first housing; a second member comprising a second housing and a
suction source enclosed in the second housing, wherein the first
and second housings are engaged with each other to form a single
body handheld vacuum cleaner; an air intake tube configured to
initially receive outside air, wherein the air intake tube is in
fluid communication with the first housing, wherein a first airflow
is to be formed via the air intake tube to the dust container when
the suction source is operating; and wherein the first and second
members are arranged such that a second airflow is to be formed
from the first housing to the second housing when the suction
source is operating, wherein directions of the first and second
airflows generally cross each other when viewed from the top of the
handheld vacuum cleaner.
[0030] The foregoing device may further comprise an elongated
handle of the handheld vacuum cleaner, and wherein when viewed from
the top, the first member may be generally on one side of the
elongated handle and the second member may be generally on the
other side of the elongated handle. The elongated handle may be
fixed to the first housing. The directions of the first and second
air may flow may cross each other at about a right angle. The
directions of the first and second air may flow may cross each
other at an angle other than a right angle. The first member may
comprise a first inlet and a first outlet formed in the first
housing, wherein the first inlet may be configured to receive the
first airflow. The second member may comprise a second inlet and a
second outlet formed in the second housing, wherein the second
inlet and the first outlet may be engaged so as to permit the
second airflow from the first housing to the second housing, and
wherein the second member may be configured to discharge air
reaching the suction source through the second outlet. The second
inlet and outlet may be substantially opposingly positioned in the
second housing. The second member may further comprise a conduit
provided in the second housing and interconnecting between the air
intake tube and the first inlet of the first member.
[0031] In the foregoing device, the first housing may define an
internal airflow path between the first inlet and the first outlet,
wherein the internal airflow path may be configured to generate a
swirling airflow therethrough. The first housing may define an
internal airflow path between the first inlet and the first outlet,
wherein the device may further comprise a filter in the internal
airflow path such that air flowing into the first housing via the
first inlet may be filtered by the filter prior to being discharged
from the first housing via the first outlet. The first housing may
comprise a first wall, and the second housing may comprise a second
wall, wherein the first wall and the second wall may oppose and
contact each other, wherein the first inlet and the first outlet
are formed through the first wall. The second member may comprise a
second inlet formed in the second housing and configured to engage
with the first outlet so as to permit the second airflow from the
first housing to the second housing, wherein the second inlet may
be formed through the second wall. The second member may further
comprise a conduit provided in the second housing, wherein the
conduit may have a first opening through the second wall, wherein
the opening of the conduit may be positioned to engage with the
first inlet. The conduit has a second opening connected to the air
intake tube, wherein the first airflow may be configured to made to
the dust container through the air intake tube, the second opening,
the conduit, the first opening, and the first inlet in order. The
device may further comprise a rechargeable battery housed in either
the first housing or the second housing.
[0032] Another aspect of the invention provides a hand-held vacuum
cleaner device. The device comprises: a first member comprising a
first housing and a dust container defined by or enclosed in the
first housing; a second member comprising a second housing and a
suction source enclosed in the second housing, wherein the first
and second housings are engaged with each other to form a single
body handheld vacuum cleaner; and an air intake tube hingedly
connected to the first member or the second member, and configured
to hingedly rotate between a first position and a second position,
wherein in the first position the air intake tube is in full fluid
communication with the dust container, wherein in the second
position the air intake tube is substantially not in fluid
communication with the dust container. The second member may
comprise a conduit formed in the second housing, wherein the
conduit interconnects between the air intake tube and the dust
container. The air intake tube may comprise a distal end, wherein
in the first position the distal end may be at a first distance,
wherein in the second position the distal end may be at a second
distance, and wherein the second distance may be greater than the
first distance. The device may further comprise an elongated handle
of the handheld vacuum cleaner, and wherein when viewed from the
top, the first member may be generally on one side of the elongated
handle and the second member may be generally on the other side of
the elongated handle.
[0033] An aspect of the present invention provides a vacuum cleaner
that has a handy cleaner integrated thereto so as to allow vacuum
cleaning without a separate handy cleaner even in a narrow space or
a place where a power cable cannot be provided.
[0034] Another aspect of the present invention provides a handy
cleaner-integrated vacuum cleaner that provides an improved battery
mounting structure to allow convenient recharge and replacement of
a battery, and a convenient repair of the vacuum cleaner.
[0035] A further aspect of the present invention provides a handy
cleaner-integrated vacuum cleaner that allows recharge of the handy
cleaner during use of the vacuum cleaner.
[0036] An aspect of the present invention provides a handy
cleaner-integrated vacuum cleaner includes: a main body having a
body inlet, a body outlet and a mounting part, and accommodating a
motor assembly to induce air into the main body through the body
inlet and then to discharge the air through the body outlet; a dust
container mounted on the mounting part to filter foreign matter
from air which enters the main body through the body inlet; a
driving unit mounted on the mounting part and coupled to the dust
container to generate a suction force in the dust container; and a
power supply device to supply electrical power to the driving
unit.
[0037] Preferably, the body inlet is formed on a front portion of
the main body, the body outlet is formed on a rear portion of the
main body, and the motor assembly is located near the body
outlet.
[0038] Preferably, the mounting part includes a first mounting part
to receive the dust container and a second mounting part to receive
the driving unit.
[0039] Preferably, the dust container constitutes a closed space,
and has an intake port and an exhaust port formed at one side
thereof to correspond to the first mounting part.
[0040] Preferably, the driving unit includes a suction device and
is coupled to the dust container to constitute a handy cleaner when
the dust container is detached from the first mounting part.
[0041] Preferably, the power supply device includes a terminal
provided on the second mounting part to supply electrical energy, a
contact point provided to the driving unit to correspond to the
terminal, and a battery to store the electrical energy supplied
through the contact point and to supply the electrical energy to
the suction device.
[0042] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
a handy cleaner-integrated vacuum cleaner includes a main body
having a body inlet, a body outlet and a mounting part, and
accommodating a motor assembly to induce air into the main body
through the body inlet and then to discharge the air through the
body outlet; a dust container mounted on the mounting part to
filter foreign matter from air which enters the main body through
the body inlet; a driving unit mounted on the mounting part and
coupled to the dust container to generate a suction force in the
dust container; a power supply device to supply electrical power to
the driving unit; and a battery case provided to the driving unit
to receive the power supply device.
[0043] Preferably, the body inlet is formed on a front portion of
the main body, the body outlet is formed on a rear portion of the
main body, and the motor assembly is located near the body
outlet.
[0044] Preferably, the mounting part includes a first mounting part
to receive the dust container and a second mounting part to receive
the driving unit.
[0045] Preferably, the dust container constitutes a closed space,
and has an intake port and an exhaust port formed at one side
thereof to correspond to the first mounting part.
[0046] Preferably, the driving unit has a coupling recess into
which the battery case is detachably inserted.
[0047] Preferably, the driving unit includes a suction device and
is coupled to the dust container to constitute a handy cleaner when
the dust container is detached from the first mounting part.
[0048] Preferably, the power supply device includes a terminal
provided on the second mounting part to supply electrical energy, a
contact point provided to the driving unit to correspond to the
terminal, and a battery received in the battery case to store the
electrical energy supplied through the contact point and to supply
the electrical energy to the suction device.
[0049] Preferably, the vacuum cleaner further includes a coupling
device provided to the driving unit and the battery case.
[0050] Preferably, the coupling device includes a connection
terminal provided to the coupling recess to supply electrical
energy to the suction device, and a coupling portion provided to
the battery case to correspond to the connection terminal.
[0051] Preferably, the coupling device further includes a holding
groove provided on the battery case, a lever having a coupling
protrusion corresponding to the holding groove at one end of the
lever, the lever being provided to the coupling recess such that
the other end of the lever is disposed outside the battery case,
and an elastic member disposed between the lever and the coupling
recess.
[0052] A further aspect of the present invention, a handy
cleaner-integrated vacuum cleaner includes: a main body having a
body inlet, a body outlet and a mounting part, and accommodating a
motor assembly to induce air into the main body through the body
inlet and then to discharge the air through the body outlet; a dust
container mounted on the mounting part to filter foreign matter
from air which enters the main body through the body inlet; a
driving unit mounted on the mounting part and coupled to the dust
container to generate a suction force in the dust container; a
power supply device to supply electrical power to the driving unit;
a battery case provided to the driving unit to receive the power
supply device; and a recharger connected to the battery case
separable from the driving unit to supply electrical energy.
[0053] Preferably, the body inlet is formed on a front portion of
the main body, the body outlet is formed on a rear portion of the
main body, and the motor assembly is located near the body
outlet.
[0054] Preferably, the mounting part includes a first mounting part
to receive the dust container and a second mounting part to receive
the driving unit.
[0055] Preferably, the dust container constitutes a closed space,
and has an intake port and an exhaust port formed at one side
thereof to correspond to the first mounting part.
[0056] Preferably, the driving unit includes a suction device and
is coupled to the dust container to constitute a handy cleaner when
the dust container is detached from the first mounting part.
[0057] Preferably, the power supply device includes a terminal
provided on the second mounting part to supply electrical power, a
recharging PCB connected in parallel to a driving PCB to supply the
electrical power to the terminal, the driving PCB determining
supply of the electrical power to the motor assembly, a contact
point provided to the driving unit to correspond to the terminal,
and a battery received in the battery case to store the electrical
energy supplied through the contact point and to supply the
electrical energy to the suction device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0058] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent from the following
description of exemplary embodiments given in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0059] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary vacuum
cleaner;
[0060] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a body of the
exemplary vacuum cleaner shown in FIG. 1;
[0061] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a handy cleaner-integrated
vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present
invention
[0062] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a main body of the handy
cleaner-integrated vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of
the present invention;
[0063] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a handy cleaner of
the handy cleaner-integrated vacuum cleaner according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0064] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the handy cleaner-integrated vacuum
cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0065] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of
FIG. 6, illustrating a suction path of the handy cleaner-integrated
vacuum cleaner;
[0066] FIG. 8 is a side view of the handy cleaner-integrated vacuum
cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0067] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of
FIG. 8, illustrating a discharge path of the handy
cleaner-integrated vacuum cleaner;
[0068] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the handy cleaner of the
handy cleaner-integrated vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0069] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a dust container
of the handy cleaner-integrated vacuum cleaner according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0070] FIG. 12 is a plan view of the handy cleaner of the handy
cleaner-integrated vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0071] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of
FIG. 12, illustrating a suction path of the handy cleaner;
[0072] FIG. 14 is a side view of the handy cleaner of the handy
cleaner-integrated vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0073] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of
FIG. 14, illustrating a discharge path of the handy cleaner;
[0074] FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of a driving unit of
the handy cleaner-integrated vacuum cleaner according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0075] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a power supply device
of the handy cleaner-integrated vacuum cleaner according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0076] FIG. 18 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the power
supply device of the vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0077] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the power supply device of
the handy cleaner-integrated vacuum cleaner according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0078] FIG. 20 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the power
supply device of the handy cleaner-integrated vacuum cleaner
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0079] FIG. 21 is a side sectional view of the power supply device
of the handy cleaner-integrated vacuum cleaner according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0080] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a connection device of the
handy cleaner-integrated vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment
of the present invention;
[0081] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an accommodation part of
the handy cleaner-integrated vacuum cleaner according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0082] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the accommodation part
of the handy cleaner-integrated vacuum cleaner according to an
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0083] FIG. 25 is a schematic view of the power supply device of
the handy cleaner-integrated vacuum cleaner according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0084] Various embodiments of the present invention will be
described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings
hereinafter.
[0085] For convenience of description, a handy cleaner-integrated
vacuum cleaner will be described by way of examples. Here, it
should be noted that the drawings are not to precise scale and may
be exaggerated in thickness of lines or size of components for
descriptive convenience and clarity only.
[0086] Furthermore, terms used herein are defined by taking
functions of an embodiment of the present invention into account
and can be changed according to the custom or intention of users or
operators.
[0087] Therefore, definition of the terms should be made according
to overall disclosures herein.
[0088] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner having a
handy cleaner according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a main body of the handy
cleaner-integrated vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of
the present invention; and FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view
of a handy cleaner of the handy cleaner-integrated vacuum cleaner
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0089] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the handy cleaner-integrated vacuum
cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7
is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 6,
illustrating a suction path of the handy cleaner-integrated vacuum
cleaner; and FIG. 8 is a side view of the handy cleaner-integrated
vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0090] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of
FIG. 8, illustrating a discharge path of the handy
cleaner-integrated vacuum cleaner; FIG. 10 is a perspective view of
the handy cleaner of the handy cleaner-integrated vacuum cleaner
according to an embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 11 is
an exploded perspective view of a dust container of the handy
cleaner-integrated vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0091] FIG. 12 is a plan view of the handy cleaner of the handy
cleaner-integrated vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the
present invention; FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along
line C-C of FIG. 12, illustrating a suction path of the handy
cleaner; and FIG. 14 is a side view of the handy cleaner of the
handy cleaner-integrated vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0092] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of
FIG. 14, illustrating a discharge path of the handy cleaner; FIG.
16 is a bottom perspective view of a driving unit of the handy
cleaner-integrated vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of
the present invention; and FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a
power supply device of the handy cleaner-integrated vacuum cleaner
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0093] FIG. 18 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the power
supply device of the vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of
the present invention; FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the power
supply device of the vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of
the present invention; and FIG. 20 is an exploded cross-sectional
view of the power supply device of the vacuum cleaner according to
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0094] FIG. 21 is a side sectional view of the power supply device
of the handy cleaner-integrated vacuum cleaner according to an
embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 22 is a perspective view
of a connection device of the handy cleaner-integrated vacuum
cleaner according to one embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an accommodation part of the handy
cleaner-integrated vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0095] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the accommodation part
of the handy cleaner-integrated vacuum cleaner according to an
embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 25 is a schematic
view of the power supply device of the handy cleaner-integrated
vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0096] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 9, the vacuum cleaner according to
one embodiment of the invention includes a main body 30 having a
body inlet 31, a body outlet 32, and a mounting part 33 formed
thereon; a motor assembly 40 (see FIG. 9) disposed in the main body
30 to force air induced into the main body 30 through the body
inlet 31 to be discharged outside through the body outlet 32; a
dust container 50 detachably mounted on the mounting part 33 to
filter foreign matter from air which enters the main body 30
through the body inlet 31; a driving unit 60 detachably mounted on
the mounting part 33 and coupled to the dust container 50 to
generate a suction force in the dust container 50 when the dust
container 50 is detached from the main body 30; and a power supply
device 90 (see FIG. 19) provided to the main body 30 and the
driving unit 60.
[0097] When power is supplied to the vacuum cleaner with the dust
container 50 and the driving unit 60 mounted on the main body 30,
the motor assembly 40 is driven to force air to be induced into the
main body 30 through a nozzle 110 via an extension duct (not shown)
connected to the body inlet 31.
[0098] Then, with foreign matter separated from air in the dust
container 50, air is discharged to the outside through the body
outlet 32, thereby enabling a vacuuming operation of the vacuum
cleaner.
[0099] Electrical power is stored in the driving unit 60 via the
power supply device 90. Thus, with the dust container 50 and the
driving unit 60 separated from the main body 30 and coupled to each
other, the driving unit 60 can be operated by turning on a power
switch 67, enabling a vacuuming operation of a handy cleaner.
[0100] Here, since a principle of storing the electrical power in
the driving unit 60 via the power supply device 90 is the same as
that of a typical recharger, a detailed description thereof will be
omitted herein.
[0101] The body inlet 31 is formed at a front central region of the
main body 30, and the body outlet 32 is formed at one side on the
rear of the main body 30. The motor assembly 40 is located inside
the body outlet 32.
[0102] The mounting part 33 includes a first mounting part 35
depressed on one side of the main body 30 with respect to the
center of the main body 30, and a second mounting part 36 depressed
on the other side of the main body 30.
[0103] After being induced into the main body 30 through the body
inlet 31, air is removed of foreign matter while passing through
the dust container 50 mounted on the first mounting part 35, and is
then discharged to the outside through the body outlet 32 by the
motor assembly 40.
[0104] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 14, and 22, the dust container 50
includes a case 51 defining a closed space therein; a cover 52
provided to one side of the case 51 and having an intake port 55
and an exhaust port 56; a filter 57 provided to the exhaust port
56; a knob 53 extending from one side of the cover 52; a knob-cover
54 provided to the knob 53; and a first mounting device 80a
provided to the knob 53 and the knob-cover 54 to couple the dust
container 50 to the first mounting part 35.
[0105] A curved guide duct 55a is located inside the intake port 55
and extends to partially surround the filter 57.
[0106] After being sucked into the main body 30 through the body
inlet 31, air is induced into the dust container 50 through the
intake port 55, filtered of foreign matter by the filter 57 in the
dust container 50, and is discharged again into the main body 30
through the exhaust port 56.
[0107] After being discharged into the main body 30, air is finally
discharged to the outside through the body outlet 32 by the motor
assembly 40.
[0108] In order to constitute an air path as described above, the
first mounting part 35 is formed with a discharge port 35a
corresponding to the intake port 55 and communicated with the body
inlet 31, and formed with a suction port 35b corresponding to the
exhaust port 56 and communicated with the body outlet 32.
[0109] Referring to FIGS. 4, 11 and 16, the mounting device 80
includes the first mounting device 80a provided to the dust
container 50, a second mounting device 80b provided to the first
mounting part 35 and coupled to the first mounting device 80a, and
a third mounting device 80c provided to the driving unit 60 and
coupled to the first mounting device 80a.
[0110] The first mounting device 80a includes a latch protrusion 84
configured to be inserted into or protrude from the cover 52, a
knob-button 82 movably provided to the knob 53 to move the latch
protrusion 84 into the cover 52, and an elastic member (not shown)
disposed between the latch protrusion 84 and an inner wall of the
knob 53 to apply force to the latch protrusion 84 toward a groove
35c.
[0111] The second mounting device 80b includes a groove 35c formed
corresponding to the latch protrusion 84 on the first mounting part
35, and the third mounting device 80c includes a groove 68 formed
corresponding to the latch protrusion 84 on the driving unit
60.
[0112] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 22, a first connection device 70 is
provided to the dust container 50 and the first mounting part 35.
The first connection device 70 includes a circular jaw 72 extending
from the periphery of the exhaust port 56, a sliding protrusion 74
protruding from an end of the jaw 72 in a lateral direction, a
circular insertion groove 76 formed corresponding to the jaw 72
around the periphery of the suction port 35b, a catch protrusion 77
formed at an outer end of the insertion groove 76 to catch the
sliding protrusion 74, and a sealing member (not shown) of an
elastic material fitted into the insertion groove 76.
[0113] When mounting the dust container 50 on the first mounting
part 35, the dust container 50 is inclined at a predetermined angle
on the first mounting part 35 so as to prevent the sliding
protrusion 74 from interfering with the catch protrusion 77, and
the jaw 72 is inserted into the insertion groove 76. Then, the dust
container 50 is rotated and seated on the first mounting part
35.
[0114] At this time, the sliding protrusion 74 is slid along the
insertion groove 76 and is then disposed between the catch
protrusion 77 and the insertion groove 76 by the rotation of the
dust container 50, which leads to a close contact between the
exhaust port 56 and the suction port 35b.
[0115] Further, when the dust container 50 is rotated, the elastic
member (not shown) is compressed to allow the latch protrusion 84
to be inserted into the cover 52. Then, when the dust container 50
is mounted on the first mounting part 35, the latch protrusion 84
protrudes from the cover 52 by a restoration force of the elastic
member and inserted into the groove 35c, thereby restricting the
rotation of the dust container 50 to prevent separation of the dust
container 50 from the main body 30.
[0116] The driving unit 60 is detachably mounted on the second
mounting part 36 and has a suction device 61, so that when the dust
container 50 is separated from the first mounting part 35, the
driving unit 60 can be coupled to the dust container 50 to
constitute the handy cleaner.
[0117] The driving unit 60 is provided with a suction duct 62 for
sucking air, and an exhaust opening 63 for discharging air from
which foreign matter is removed.
[0118] The driving unit 60 is formed with a discharge port 64 that
corresponds to the intake port 55 of the dust container 50 and
communicates with the suction duct 62.
[0119] The driving unit 60 is formed with a suction port 65 that
corresponds to the exhaust port 56 of the dust container 50 and
communicates with the exhaust opening 63.
[0120] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 11, a mounting device 80' provided
to the dust container 50 and driving unit 60 includes a latch
protrusion 84' capable of being inserted into or protruding from
the surface of the cover 52, a groove 68' formed corresponding to
the latch protrusion 84' on the driving unit 60, a knob-button 82'
movably provided to the knob 53 to allow the latch protrusion 84'
to be inserted into the cover 52 when pushed down by the user, and
an elastic member (not shown) disposed between the latch protrusion
84' and an inner wall of the knob 53 to allow the latch protrusion
84' to be inserted into the groove 68'.
[0121] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 22, a second connection device 70'
having the same configuration as that of the first connection
device 70 is provided to the dust container 50 and driving unit
60.
[0122] The second connection device 70' includes a circular jaw 72'
extending outward from the periphery of the exhaust port 56, a
sliding protrusion 74' protruding from the end of the jaw 72' in
the lateral direction, a circular insertion groove 76' formed
corresponding to the jaw 72' around the periphery of the suction
port 65, a catch protrusion 77' formed at the outer end of the
insertion groove 76' to catch the sliding protrusion 74', and a
sealing member (not shown) of an elastic material fitted into the
insertion groove 76'.
[0123] When coupling the dust container 50, separated from the
first mounting part 35, to the driving unit 60, the dust container
50 is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the driving
unit 60 so as to prevent the sliding protrusion 74' from
interfering with the catch protrusion 77', and the jaw 72' is
inserted into the insertion groove 76'. Then, the dust container 50
is rotated to be coupled to the driving unit 60.
[0124] At this time, the sliding protrusion 74' is slid along the
insertion groove 76' and is then disposed between the catch
protrusion 77' and the insertion groove 76' by the rotation of the
dust container 50, which leads to a close contact between the
exhaust port 56 and the suction port 65.
[0125] Further, when the dust container 50 is rotated, the elastic
member (not shown) is compressed to allow the latch protrusion 84'
to be inserted into the cover 52. Then, when the dust container 50
is coupled to the driving unit 60, the latch protrusion 84'
protrudes from the cover 52 by the restoration force of the elastic
member and inserted into the groove 68, thereby restricting the
rotation of the dust container 50 to prevent separation of the dust
container 50 from the driving unit 60.
[0126] Referring to FIGS. 18 to 21, the power supply device 90
includes a terminal 92 formed on an inner wall of the second
mounting part 36 to supply electrical power, a contact point 94
formed corresponding to the terminal 92 on the driving unit 60, and
a battery 96 to store electrical power supplied through the contact
point 94 and to supply the electrical power to the suction device
61.
[0127] The battery 96 is received in a battery case 99, which is
detachably coupled to the driving unit 60, such that the battery 96
can store electrical power supplied through the contact point 94
and supply the electrical power to the suction device 61.
[0128] A coupling device 100 is provided to the driving unit 60 and
the battery case 99 to allow detachable coupling of the battery
case 99 to the driving unit 60, and a coupling recess 66 is formed
on the driving unit 60 to receive the battery case 99.
[0129] Referring to FIGS. 16 to 18, the coupling device 100
includes a holding groove 102 formed on the battery case 99, a
lever 104 having a coupling protrusion 105 formed corresponding to
the holding groove 102 at one end of the lever 104 such that the
lever 104 can be hingably coupled to the coupling recess 66 of the
driving unit 60, an elastic member (not shown) disposed between the
lever 104 and the coupling recess 66, a connection terminal 108
provided to an inner wall of the coupling recess 66 to supply
electrical power to the suction device 61, and a coupling portion
109 provided to the battery case 99 and corresponding to the
connection terminal 108.
[0130] Here, since the other end of the lever is located outside
the battery case 99, the coupling protrusion 105 can be separated
outside the holding groove 102 by pushing the other end of the
lever 104 when separating the battery case 99 from the coupling
recess 66 of the driving unit 60.
[0131] When coupling the battery case 99 to the driving unit 60,
the battery case 99 having a plurality of batteries 96 is inserted
into the coupling recess 66. Then, the elastic member is compressed
to force the coupling protrusion 105 to be pushed out of the
coupling recess 66, so the battery case 99 is seated on the
coupling recess 66. When the battery case 99 is inserted into the
coupling recess 66, the lever 104 is rotated by the restoration
force of the elastic member, allowing the coupling protrusion 105
to be inserted into the holding groove 102. As a result, the
battery case 99 can be completely mounted to the driving unit
60.
[0132] Then, when the driving unit 60 is mounted on the second
mounting part 36, the terminal 92 is electrically connected to the
contact point 94 so that the electrical power can be stored in the
batteries 96.
[0133] Referring to FIG. 25, the power supply device 90 includes a
recharging printed circuit board (PCB) 98 connected in parallel to
a driving PCB 98a to supply electrical power to the terminal
92.
[0134] The driving PCB 98a is a PCB to determine whether or not
power is to be supplied to the motor assembly 40.
[0135] Therefore, when the driving unit 60 is mounted on the second
mounting part 36 with the battery case 99 coupled to the driving
unit 60, the terminal 92 is brought into contact with the contact
point 94 to obtain an electrical connection therebetween.
[0136] At this time, electrical power is stored in the batteries 96
via the recharging PCB 98.
[0137] The recharging PCB 98 is connected in parallel between a
power plug 97 and the driving PCB 98a. Thus, when power is applied
to the driving PCB 98a by coupling the power plug 97 to a wall
socket (not shown), the power is also applied to the recharging PCB
98, thereby accomplishing a charging operation.
[0138] As such, when the power plug 97 is coupled to the wall
socket with the driving unit 60 mounted on the second mounting part
36, the batteries 96 can be charged irrespective of whether or not
the motor assembly 40 is driven, so that the handy cleaner can be
prepared for the vacuuming operation.
[0139] Additionally, since the handy cleaner-integrated vacuum
cleaner further includes a recharger 99a connected to the battery
case 99 separated from the driving unit 60 to supply electrical
power, the batteries 96 can be easily charged even in the case of
employing only the handy cleaner constituted by coupling the
driving unit 60 to the dust container 50.
[0140] Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, the technical constitution
described above is to filter foreign matter from air by the dust
container 50 when the air is sucked into the main body 30 through
the body inlet 31. At this time, an extension duct (not shown) is
provided to the body inlet 31, and is selectively provided at one
end with one of nozzles 110, which may have various shapes,
enabling effective vacuuming operations at various locations.
[0141] In order to accommodate the nozzles 110 of the various
shapes, an accommodation part 34 is formed on the bottom of the
main body 30 and has a plurality of accommodation grooves 39
corresponding to the shapes of the nozzles 110 on an inner wall of
the accommodation part 34.
[0142] Further, to prevent the nozzles 110 from being detached from
the accommodation grooves 39 of the accommodation part 34, the
cover 37 is hingably coupled at one end to an edge of the
accommodation part 34, and an opening-closing device 38 is provided
to the other end of the cover 37 and the accommodation part 34.
[0143] The opening-closing device 38 includes a hook protrusion 38a
formed on the cover 37, and a fastening groove 38b formed on the
accommodation part 34 to receive the hook protrusion 38a.
[0144] When the hook protrusion 38a is inserted into the fastening
groove 38b by rotating the cover 37 with the nozzles 110 fitted
into the accommodation grooves 39, the hook protrusion 38a is
suppressed from being released from the fastening groove 38b, which
prevents the cover 37 from being opened.
[0145] The fastening groove 38b is a typical fastening means to
hold a protrusion inserted thereto in one-touch manner, and thus a
detailed description thereof will be omitted herein.
[0146] When converting the vacuum cleaner constructed as above into
the handy cleaner for the vacuuming operation, the dust container
50 is coupled to the driving unit 60 to constitute the handy
cleaner, in which the suction duct 62 is drawably provided to the
driving unit 60 to suck air and foreign matter during the vacuuming
operation.
[0147] Further, when mounting the driving unit 60 and the dust
container 50 on the main body 30, the suction duct 62 is located so
as not to protrude from the driving unit 60, allowing the driving
unit 60 and dust container 50 to be easily mounted thereon.
[0148] Such a suction duct 62 is rotatably provided to a hole 62a
communicated with the discharge port 64, and is constituted by a
curved pipe. Therefore, when the driving unit 60 is mounted on the
second mounting part 36, the suction duct 62 is rotated so as to be
brought into close contact with the lower surface of the driving
unit 60 so that the driving unit 60 can be easily mounted on the
second mounting part 36.
[0149] Additionally, the second mounting part 36 is formed with a
curved seat groove 36a (see FIG. 19) on the bottom of the second
mounting part 36 corresponding to the suction duct 62, thereby
allowing easier mounting of the driving unit 60 on the main body
30.
[0150] Next, operation of the vacuum cleaner constructed as above
according to one embodiment of the present invention will be
described.
[0151] First, when vacuuming a large area with the vacuum cleaner,
the jaw 72 is inserted into the insertion groove 76 of the first
mounting part 35, with the dust container 50 slanted at a
predetermined angle on the first mounting part 35. Then, by
rotating the dust container 50 into the first mounting part 35, the
sliding protrusion 74 is rotated along the insertion groove 76 and
is then fitted between the catch protrusion 77 and the insertion
groove 76, so the dust container 50 is coupled to the first
mounting part 35.
[0152] Further, after being rotated downwardly and brought into
close contact with the lower surface of the driving unit 60, the
suction duct 62 of the driving unit 60 is inserted into the seat
groove 36a on the second mounting part 36, allowing the driving
unit 60 to be mounted on the second mounting part 36 with the
terminal 92 electrically connected to the contact point 94.
[0153] With the dust container 50 and driving unit 60 mounted on
the main body of the vacuum cleaner as described above, the power
plug 97 is pulled out of the main body 30 and connected to a wall
socket to supply electrical power to the driving PCB 98a and the
recharging PCB 98, thereby charging the batteries 96.
[0154] Of course, even in a state where the driving unit 60 is not
mounted on the second mounting part 36, the vacuum cleaner can be
driven since power is applied to the motor assembly 40.
[0155] Then, when a user starts vacuum cleaning, power is supplied
from the driving PCB 98a to the motor assembly 40 to generate a
suction force, which causes air to be induced through one of the
nozzles 110 and the extension duct (not shown).
[0156] After being induced into the main body 30 through the body
inlet 31, air flows into the dust container 50 along the discharge
port 35a, intake port 55, and a guide duct 55a.
[0157] After being induced into the dust container 50, air flows
from the periphery of the filter 57 to the center thereof, during
which foreign matter is removed from the air by the filter 57.
[0158] The air filtered of the foreign matter flows again to a flow
passage 32a defined at the central region of the main body 30
through the exhaust port 56 and suction port 35b.
[0159] In this manner, as air is discharged from the main body 30
through the body outlet 32 via the motor assembly 40, the vacuuming
operation of the vacuum cleaner can be performed.
[0160] With such an operation as described above, the vacuum
cleaner is used to vacuum the large area.
[0161] Next, when vacuuming narrow areas such as a gap between
pieces of furniture, a channel of a door, etc., it can be
accomplished by preparing the handy cleaner after separating the
dust container 50 and the driving unit 60 from the main body
30.
[0162] When the user pushes down the knob-button 82 to constitute
the handy cleaner, the elastic member (not shown) is compressed to
allow the latch protrusion 84 to be inserted into the knob-cover
54. Then, by rotating the knob 53 upwardly with the knob-button 82
pushed down, the dust container 50 is rotated and the sliding
protrusion 74 is released from the catch protrusion 77.
[0163] As a result, the dust container 50 can be separated from the
first mounting part 35.
[0164] Then, the separated dust container 50 is connected to the
driving unit 60 separated from the second mounting part 36 as in
the manner of connecting the dust container 50 to the first
mounting part 35, thereby constituting the handy cleaner.
[0165] Finally, by rotating the suction duct 62 closely contacting
the lower surface of the driving unit 60 forwardly, the hole 62a of
the driving unit 60 formed corresponding to the suction duct 62 is
connected to the suction duct 62, and the suction duct 62 is thus
communicated with the discharge port 64.
[0166] When turning on the power switch 67 of the handy cleaner
constituted as described above, the suction device 61 is driven to
force air to be sucked into the handy cleaner along the suction
duct 62, and the sucked air flows into the dust container 50
through the discharge port 64 and intake port 55.
[0167] After being induced into the dust container 50, air flows
from the periphery of the filter 57 to the center thereof, during
which foreign matter is removed from the air by the filter 57.
[0168] The air filtered of the foreign matter flows again to the
driving unit 60 through the exhaust port 56 and suction port 65,
and is then discharged from the driving unit 60 through the exhaust
opening 63 via the suction device 61.
[0169] In this manner, the vacuuming operation of the handy cleaner
is performed.
[0170] In order to allow the vacuuming operation of the handy
cleaner to be performed for a long period of time, the batteries 96
is recharged.
[0171] First, the dust container 50 is separated from the driving
unit 60 as in the method of separating the dust container 50, and
the separated driving unit 60 is mounted on the second mounting
part 36.
[0172] As a result, the terminal 92 is brought into contact with
and electrically connected to the contact point 94, electrical
power is supplied from the recharging PCB 98 to the driving unit
60, and thereby charges the batteries 96.
[0173] In order to charge the batteries 96 without separating the
driving unit 60 from the dust container 50, the lever 104 is pushed
down to allow the coupling protrusion 105 to be released from the
holding groove 102.
[0174] Next, after taking the battery case 99 out of the driving
unit 60, the charging operation of the batteries 96 can be
performed by connecting the recharger 99a to the coupling portion
109.
[0175] The handy cleaner-integrated vacuum cleaner according to one
embodiment of the present invention has been described above.
However, it should be noted that the present invention is not
limited to this embodiment of the vacuum cleaner. For example, a
vacuum cleaner can be constituted by the main body 30, the motor
assembly 40, and the dust container 50 without the driving unit 60,
and can be used to perform the vacuuming operation of the vacuum
cleaner described above.
[0176] Further, a handy cleaner can be constituted by a driving
unit 60, a dust container 50 and a recharger 99a without the main
body 30 and the motor assembly 40 of the vacuum cleaner according
to an embodiment of the invention, and can be used to perform the
vacuuming operation of the handy cleaner described above.
[0177] Such a handy cleaner includes the dust container 50 having
an intake port 55 and an exhaust port 56, and a filter 57 located
inside the dust container 50; the driving unit 60 detachably
attached to the dust container 50 to generate a suction force in
the dust container 50; a suction duct 62 provided to the driving
unit 60 and communicated with the intake port 55; and an exhaust
opening 63 formed in the driving unit 60 and communicated with the
exhaust port 56.
[0178] The filter 57 has a cylindrical shape and is located inside
the exhaust port 56. The intake port 55 extends to partially
surround the filter 57 as shown in FIGS. 11 and 15.
[0179] A curved guide duct 55a is located inside the intake port 55
of the dust container 50 and extends to partially surround the
filter 57.
[0180] With the handy cleaner including a cyclone type dust
container constructed as described above, it is possible to perform
vacuuming operation as in the handy cleaner.
[0181] As apparent from the above description, the handy
cleaner-integrated vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the
present invention includes a dust container and a driving unit
detachably mounted to a main body such that when the dust container
is mounted on the main body, vacuuming operation of the vacuum
cleaner can be easily performed for a large area, and when the dust
container is coupled to the driving unit, vacuuming operation of
the handy cleaner can be easily performed for a narrow area,
thereby enabling vacuum cleaning of various locations with a single
cleaner.
[0182] Further, according to an embodiment of the invention, a
battery case detachably mounted to the driving unit is provided to
receive a battery, thereby allowing a convenient recharge and
replacement of the battery, and a convenient repair of the vacuum
cleaner.
[0183] Further, according to an embodiment of the invention, a
power supply device and a coupling device are provided to allow the
driving unit to store electrical energy without a separate
recharging operation during operation of the vacuum cleaner by
supplying electrical power to the battery during operation of the
motor assembly, such that the handy cleaner can be used at any time
during the vacuuming operation with the vacuum cleaner, improving
convenience of the user.
[0184] Although embodiments of the present invention has been
described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments are given
by way of illustration, and that various modifications and
equivalent embodiments can be made without departing from the
spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0185] Further, although the handy cleaner-integrated vacuum
cleaner has been described, this vacuum cleaner is given by way of
one example, and the dust container, driving unit and main body can
be applied to other vacuum cleaners.
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