U.S. patent application number 14/283599 was filed with the patent office on 2014-12-18 for vacuum cleaner.
This patent application is currently assigned to SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Tae Gwang KIM, Byung Jo Lee, Dong Hun Yoo.
Application Number | 20140366316 14/283599 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50884301 |
Filed Date | 2014-12-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140366316 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KIM; Tae Gwang ; et
al. |
December 18, 2014 |
VACUUM CLEANER
Abstract
A vacuum cleaner including a multipurpose suction accessory
which includes a cylindrical main body coupled to the handle pipe
and including an introduction port formed on a lateral surface of
the main body and a discharge port formed at one of both
longitudinal end portions of the main body to communicate with the
handle pipe, a cylindrical rotating body rotatably coupled to an
outside of the main body and including a plurality of suction parts
formed on a lateral surface of the rotating body and spaced a
predetermined distance from each other in a circumferential
direction, the suction ports being sequentially positioned to
correspond to the introduction port of the main body by rotating
the rotating body with respect to the main body, and a locker to
restrict rotation of the rotating body with respect to the main
body.
Inventors: |
KIM; Tae Gwang; (Gwangju,
KR) ; Yoo; Dong Hun; (Gwangju, KR) ; Lee;
Byung Jo; (Gwangju, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. |
Suwon-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO.,
LTD.
Suwon-si
KR
|
Family ID: |
50884301 |
Appl. No.: |
14/283599 |
Filed: |
May 21, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/363 ; 15/414;
15/415.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 9/0613 20130101;
A47L 9/244 20130101; A47L 9/068 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/363 ; 15/414;
15/415.1 |
International
Class: |
A47L 5/36 20060101
A47L005/36; A47L 9/24 20060101 A47L009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 12, 2013 |
KR |
10-2013-0066966 |
Claims
1. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a body to generate suction force; a
suction head to contact a surface to be cleaned so as to suction
air and dirt; a handle pipe manipulated by a user; a flexible hose
to connect the handle pipe to the body; an extension pipe to
connect the suction head to the handle pipe; and a multipurpose
suction accessory coupled to the handle pipe to replace the suction
head to perform cleaning, wherein the multipurpose suction
accessory comprises: a cylindrical main body coupled to the handle
pipe, the main body comprising at least one introduction port
formed on a lateral surface of the main body and a discharge port
formed at one of both longitudinal end portions of the main body to
communicate with the handle pipe; a cylindrical rotating body
rotatably coupled to an outside of the main body and comprising a
plurality of suction parts formed on a lateral surface of the
rotating body and spaced a predetermined distance from each other
in a circumferential direction, the suction parts being positioned
to correspond to the introduction port of the main body by rotating
the rotating body with respect to the main body; and a locker to
restrict rotation of the rotating body with respect to the main
body.
2. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the suction
parts include at least one suction port to suction air and dirt on
the surface to be cleaned and a brush to guide suction of the air
and dirt.
3. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, wherein the brushes of
the suction parts include a different shape and a different purpose
of use.
4. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, wherein the plurality
of suction parts comprises four suction parts.
5. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 4, wherein the suction
parts are disposed on the lateral surface of the rotating body and
spaced about 90 degrees from each other in a circumferential
direction.
6. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, wherein the suction
port is provided to both side portions of the brush facing in a
circumferential direction.
7. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, wherein the brush is
provided to both side portions of the suction port facing in the
circumferential direction.
8. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, further comprising a
sealing member provided between the main body and the rotating body
to seal a gap between the main body and the rotating body.
9. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 8, wherein an outer
surface of the sealing member is coated with a film formed of a
smooth material to allow the rotating body to smoothly rotate.
10. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the locker
comprises a plurality of accommodation grooves formed on an outer
surface of the main body and spaced a predetermined distance from
each other in the circumferential direction, and an elastic member
arranged at the rotating body and provided with a protrusion
adapted to be accommodated in the accommodation grooves.
11. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 10, wherein the elastic
member is a plate spring.
12. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the locker
comprises a plurality of locking grooves formed at one longitudinal
end portion of the rotating body and spaced a predetermined
distance from each other in the circumferential direction, an
insertion protrusion slidably arranged on an outer surface of the
main body so as to be inserted into the locking grooves, and an
elastic member to elastically support the insertion protrusion in a
direction of insertion of the insertion protrusion into the locking
grooves.
13. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 12, wherein the elastic
member is a compression spring.
14. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein an opening is
formed at one of the longitudinal end portions of the main body,
and a crevice member for cleaning of crevices is coupled to the
opening.
15. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the main body
is telescopically formed to extend and contract in a longitudinal
direction thereof.
16. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a body to generate suction force;
a suction head to contact a surface to be cleaned so as to suction
air and dirt; a handle pipe manipulated by a user; and a
multipurpose suction accessory coupled to the handle pipe to
replace the suction head to perform cleaning, wherein the
multipurpose suction accessory comprises: a cylindrical main body
comprising at least one introduction port formed on a lateral
surface of the main body; a cylindrical rotating body comprising a
plurality of suction parts formed on a lateral surface of the
rotating body and spaced apart from each other in a circumferential
direction, the rotating body being rotatably coupled to an outside
of the main body; and a sealing member provided between the main
body and the rotating body to seal a gap between the main body and
the rotating body.
17. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 13, further comprising a
locker to restrict rotation of the rotating body with respect to
the main body.
18. A multipurpose accessory for a vacuum cleaner comprising: a
main body including at least one introduction port formed on a
lateral surface of the main body; a rotating body including a
plurality of suction parts formed on a lateral surface of the
rotating body in a circumferential direction, the rotating body
being rotatably coupled to an outer portion of the main body, the
suction parts being positioned to correspond to the introduction
port of the main body by rotating the rotating body with respect to
the main body.
19. The multipurpose accessory according to claim 18, further
comprising a locker to restrict rotation of the rotating body with
respect to the main body,
20. The multipurpose accessory according to claim 19, wherein the
locker includes a plurality of accommodation grooves formed on an
outer portion of the main body, and an elastic member provided at
the rotating body to be accommodated in the accommodation
grooves.
21. The multipurpose accessory according to claim 19, wherein the
locker includes a plurality of locking grooves formed at one end
portion of the rotating body, an insertion protrusion provided at
an outer portion of the main body so as to be inserted into the
locking grooves, and an elastic member to elastically support the
insertion protrusion.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent
Application No. 10-2013-0066966, filed on Jun. 12, 2013 in the
Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a vacuum
cleaner having a multipurpose suction accessory.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] A vacuum cleaner is a home appliance to perform cleaning
operation. The vacuum cleaner generally includes a body to generate
suction force, a suction head to contact a surface to be cleaned so
as to suction air and dirt, a handle pipe manipulated by a user, an
extension pipe to connect the suction head to the handle pipe, and
a flexible hose to connect the handle pipe to the body.
[0006] The vacuum cleaner may be provided with various kinds of
suction accessories to perform cleaning in place of the suction
head depending upon the type, shape and condition of the surface to
be cleaned. The suction accessories are generally separately
provided. They are individually coupled to the handle pipe when in
use.
SUMMARY
[0007] Therefore, it is an aspect of the present disclosure to
provide a vacuum cleaner having a multipurpose suction accessory
that may be provided with various kinds of suction parts and
perform cleaning using one of the suction parts.
[0008] Additional aspects of the disclosure will be set forth in
part in the description which follows and, in part, will be
apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
disclosure.
[0009] In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a
vacuum cleaner includes a body to generate suction force, a suction
head to contact a surface to be cleaned so as to suction air and
dirt, a handle pipe manipulated by a user, a flexible hose to
connect the handle pipe to the body, an extension pipe to connect
the suction head to the handle pipe, and a multipurpose suction
accessory coupled to the handle pipe to replace the suction head to
perform cleaning, wherein the multipurpose suction accessory
includes a cylindrical main body coupled to the handle pipe, the
main body including at least one introduction port formed on a
lateral surface of the main body and a discharge port formed at one
of both longitudinal end portions of the main body to communicate
with the handle pipe, a cylindrical rotating body rotatably coupled
to an outside of the main body and including a plurality of suction
parts formed on a lateral surface of the rotating body and spaced a
predetermined distance from each other in a circumferential
direction, the suction parts being sequentially positioned to
correspond to the introduction port of the main body by rotating
the rotating body with respect to the main body, and a locker to
restrict rotation of the rotating body with respect to the main
body.
[0010] Herein, the suction parts may include a suction port to
suction air and dirt on the surface to be cleaned and a brush to
guide suction of the air and dirt.
[0011] The brushes of the suction parts may have a different shape
and a different purpose of use.
[0012] In addition, the plurality of suction parts may include four
suction parts.
[0013] Herein, the suction parts may be disposed on the lateral
surface of the rotating body and spaced 90 degrees from each other
in a circumferential direction.
[0014] In addition, the suction port may be provided to both sides
of the brush facing in a circumferential direction, or the brush
may be provided to both sides of the suction port facing in the
circumferential direction.
[0015] The vacuum cleaner may further include a sealing member
provided between the main body and the rotating body to seal a gap
between the main body and the rotating body.
[0016] Herein, an outer surface of the sealing member may be coated
with a film formed of a smooth material to allow the rotating body
to smoothly rotate.
[0017] In addition, the locker may include a plurality of
accommodation grooves formed on an outer surface of the main body
and spaced a predetermined distance from each other in the
circumferential direction, a plate spring arranged at the rotating
body and provided with a protrusion adapted to be accommodated in
the accommodation grooves.
[0018] Alternatively, the locker may include a plurality of locking
grooves formed at one longitudinal end of the rotating body and
spaced a predetermined distance from each other in the
circumferential direction, an insertion protrusion slidably
arranged on an outer surface of the main body so as to be inserted
into the locking grooves, and a compression spring to elastically
support the insertion protrusion in a direction of insertion of the
insertion protrusion into the locking grooves.
[0019] An opening may be formed at one of the longitudinal end
portions of the main body, and a crevice member for cleaning of
crevices may be coupled to the opening.
[0020] In addition, the main body may be telescopically formed to
extend and contract in a longitudinal direction thereof.
[0021] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure,
a vacuum cleaner includes a body to generate suction force, a
suction head to contact a surface to be cleaned so as to suction
air and dirt, a handle pipe manipulated by a user, and a
multipurpose suction accessory coupled to the handle pipe to
replace the suction head to perform cleaning, wherein the
multipurpose suction accessory includes a cylindrical main body
including at least one introduction port formed on a lateral
surface of the main body, a cylindrical rotating body including a
plurality of suction parts formed on a lateral surface of the
rotating body and spaced apart from each other in a circumferential
direction, the rotating body being rotatably coupled to an outside
of the main body, and a sealing member provided between the main
body and the rotating body to seal a gap between the main body and
the rotating body.
[0022] Herein, the vacuum cleaner may further include a locker to
restrict rotation of the rotating body with respect to the main
body.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] These and/or other aspects of the disclosure will become
apparent and more readily appreciated from the following
description of embodiments, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings of which:
[0024] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating the overall configuration of a
vacuum cleaner according to a first embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a
multipurpose suction accessory of the vacuum cleaner according to
the first embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the
multipurpose suction accessory of the vacuum cleaner according to
the first embodiment, which is taken along line I-I of FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the
multipurpose suction accessory of the vacuum cleaner according to
the first embodiment, which is taken along line II-II of FIG.
1;
[0028] FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a first usage mode of the
multipurpose suction accessory of the vacuum cleaner according to
the first embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a second usage mode of the
multipurpose suction accessory of the vacuum cleaner according to
the first embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a third usage mode of the
multipurpose suction accessory of the vacuum cleaner according to
the first embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a fourth usage mode of the
multipurpose suction accessory of the vacuum cleaner according to
the first embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 9 is a view showing the external appearance of a
multipurpose suction accessory of a vacuum cleaner according to a
second embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0033] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the
configuration of the multipurpose suction accessory of the vacuum
cleaner according to the second embodiment;
[0034] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the
multipurpose suction accessory of the vacuum cleaner according to
the second embodiment, which is taken along line III-Ill of FIG.
9;
[0035] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the
multipurpose suction accessory of the vacuum cleaner according to
the second embodiment, which is taken along line IV-IV of FIG.
9;
[0036] FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a multipurpose suction
accessory of a vacuum cleaner according to a third embodiment of
the present disclosure; and
[0037] FIG. 14 is a view illustrating a multipurpose suction
accessory of a vacuum cleaner according to a fourth embodiment of
the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of
the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to
like components throughout.
[0039] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating the overall configuration of a
vacuum cleaner according to a first embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 1, a vacuum cleaner 1 includes a body 10
to generate suction force, a suction head 21 to contact a surface
to be cleaned so as to suction air and dirt, a handle pipe 30
manipulated by a user, an extension pipe 20 to connect the suction
head 21 to the handle pipe 30, a flexible hose 23 to connect the
handle pipe 30 to the body 10, and a multipurpose suction accessory
40 separately provided to be coupled to the handle pipe 30 in place
of the suction head 21.
[0041] The body 10 includes a fan motor unit (not shown) to
generate suction force and a dust collector (not shown) to remove
dirt from the suctioned air.
[0042] The suction head 21 is caused to suction air and dirt by the
suction force generated in the body 10. The suction head 21 may
clean a typical surface and be formed in a relatively wide and flat
shape.
[0043] The air and dirt suctioned through the suction head 21 may
be guided to the extension pipe 20. The extension pipe 20 may be a
pipe formed of resin or metal, for example.
[0044] The handle pipe 30 may be detachably coupled to an end
portion of the extension pipe 20. A user may easily manipulate
orientations of the suction head 21 and the extension pipe 20,
holding the handle pipe 30. Various operational interfaces 32 such
as buttons allowing selection of functions of the vacuum cleaner 1
may be provided to the handle pipe 30.
[0045] The flexible hose 23 is provided between the handle pipe 30
and the body 10. The flexible hose 23 may be formed of a flexible
resin material, for example, allowing the handle pipe 30 to be
freely moved.
[0046] In this configuration, air and dirt on a surface to be
cleaned are suctioned through the suction head 21 by the suction
force generated in the body 10. The suctioned air and dirt
sequentially pass through the extension pipe 20, the handle pipe
30, and the flexible hose 23 and are then guided to the body 10. In
the body 10, dirt in the suctioned air may be filtered out and
purified air may be discharged from the body 10.
[0047] The multipurpose suction accessory 40 is a part that
replaces the suction head 21 formed in a relatively wide and flat
shape when surfaces such as corners, window frames, pet hair, and
fabrics are cleaned.
[0048] The multipurpose suction accessory 40 may be coupled to the
handle pipe 30 in place of the extension pipe 20. When the
multipurpose suction accessory 40 is to be used, the extension pipe
20 may be detached from the handle pipe 30, and then the
multipurpose suction accessory 40 may be coupled to the handle pipe
30. In the case that normal cleaning is to be performed again using
the suction head 21, the multipurpose suction accessory 40 may be
detached from the handle pipe 30 and then the extension pipe 20 may
be coupled to the handle pipe 30.
[0049] As a non-limiting example, the multipurpose suction
accessory 40 of this embodiment is provided with a plurality of
suction parts 81, 82, 83 and 84 (FIG. 2) each of which serves a
different purpose. After coupling the multipurpose suction
accessory 40 to the handle pipe 30, the user may select one of the
suction parts 81, 82, 83 and 84 to perform cleaning. Accordingly,
the multipurpose suction accessory 40 may be a four-in-one
structure. However, the number of suction parts is not limited
thereto. One or more suction parts may be provided for the
multipurpose suction accessory 40. Hereinafter, the configuration
and operation of the multipurpose suction accessory 40 of this
embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the
drawings.
[0050] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a
multipurpose suction accessory of the vacuum cleaner according to
the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating
the multipurpose suction accessory of the vacuum cleaner according
to the first embodiment, which is taken along line I-I of FIG. 1,
and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the multipurpose
suction accessory of the vacuum cleaner according to the first
embodiment, which is taken along line II-II of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a
view illustrating a first usage mode of the multipurpose suction
accessory of the vacuum cleaner according to the first embodiment,
FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a second usage mode of the
multipurpose suction accessory of the vacuum cleaner according to
the first embodiment, FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a third usage
mode of the multipurpose suction accessory of the vacuum cleaner
according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a view
illustrating a fourth usage mode of the multipurpose suction
accessory of the vacuum cleaner according to the first
embodiment.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 8, the multipurpose suction
accessory 40 includes a cylindrical main body 50 coupled to the
handle pipe 30 and a cylindrical rotating body 80 rotatably coupled
to an outside of the main body 50.
[0052] One or more introduction ports 52 through which air and dirt
on a surface to be cleaned are introduced is formed on the lateral
surface 51 of the main body 50, and a discharge port 56 through
which the air and dirt introduced through the introduction port 52
is discharged to the handle pipe 30 is formed at one longitudinal
end portion of the main body 50. A passage 54 (FIG. 3) connecting
the introduction port 52 to the discharge port 56 is formed in the
main body 50.
[0053] The introduction port 52 may be formed at one side portion
of the lateral surface 51 and provided with a reinforcing rib
53.
[0054] An opening 55 may be formed at the other longitudinal end
portion of the main body 50, and a cap 66 may be coupled to the
opening 55 to close the opening 55. The cap 66 may be provided with
a hook 67 to fix the same. By coupling the hook 67 to a restriction
groove 58 provided to the main body 50, the cap 66 may be fixed to
the main body 50.
[0055] The rotating body 80 is rotatably arranged at the outside of
the main body 50 to surround the outer surface of the main body 50.
The lateral surface of the rotating body 80 is provided with a
plurality of suction parts 81, 82, 83 and 84 spaced a predetermined
distance from each other in a circumferential direction.
[0056] Accordingly, when the rotating body 80 rotates, the suction
parts 81, 82, 83 and 84 may sequentially match the introduction
port 52 of the main body 50.
[0057] In this embodiment, the plurality of suction parts 81, 82,
83 and 84 includes four suction parts. The suction parts are
respectively provided with suction ports 81b, 82b, 83b and 84b to
suction air and dirt on the surface to be cleaned and brushes 81a,
82a, 83a and 84a to guide suction of the air and dirt.
[0058] When the suction parts 81, 82, 83 and 84 of the rotating
body 80 are positioned to correspond to the introduction port 52 of
the main body 50, the suction ports 81b, 82b, 83b and 84b of the
suction parts 81, 82, 83 and 84 are allowed to communicate with the
introduction port 52.
[0059] The spirit of the present disclosure is not restricted by
the number of suction parts. Nor is it restricted by the shapes of
the suction parts and kinds of the brushes. Accordingly, the
present disclosure should be viewed as covering a certain degree of
variation in the number of suction parts, the shape of suction
parts, and the kind of brushes.
[0060] The suction parts 81, 82, 83 and 84 may include a first
suction part 81, a second suction part 82, a third suction part 83,
and a fourth suction part 84. The first suction part 81, the second
suction part 82, the third suction part 83, and the fourth suction
part 84 may be disposed, for example, about 90 degrees from each
other in a clockwise direction.
[0061] The first suction part 81 may include a first brush 81a and
a first suction port 81b, and the second suction part 82 may
include a second brush 82a and a second suction port 82b. The third
suction part 83 may include a third brush 83a and a third suction
port 83b, and the fourth suction part 84 may include a fourth brush
84a and a fourth suction port 84b.
[0062] The first brush 81a may be a spacer 81a, and the second
brush 82a may be a pet hair remover 82a. The third brush 83a may be
an upholstery 83a for cleaning of fabrics, and the fourth brush 84a
may be a dusting brush 84a.
[0063] The spacer 81a may include relatively short hair, and the
pet hair remover 82a may include multiple protrusions. The
upholstery 83a may include a continuous bumpy part, and the dusting
brush 84a may include relatively long hairs.
[0064] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the suction ports 81b, 82b and 84b
may be provided to both sides of each of the spacer 81a, the pet
hair remover 82a, and the dusting brush 84a in a circumferential
direction to suction air and dirt in two directions. On the other
hand, in the case of the upholstery 83a, the suction port 83b may
be arranged at the center portion of the suction port 83a and the
upholstery 83a may be provided to both side portions of the suction
port 83b in the circumferential direction such that air and dirt
are suctioned through the center.
[0065] In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the spacer 81a, the pet
hair remover 82a, and the dusting brush 84a may be mounted, through
an adhesive member, to a brush mounting part 89 provided to the
lateral surface of the rotating body 80. The upholstery 83, on the
other hand, may be integrated with the rotating body 80.
[0066] The multipurpose suction accessory 40 may further include a
sealing member 70 to seal the gap between the main body 50 and the
rotating body 80 such that the air and dirt suctioned through the
suction parts 81, 82, 83 and 84 of the rotating body 80 do not leak
but are discharged through the discharge port 56 of the main body
50.
[0067] The sealing member 70 may be disposed between the main body
50 and the rotating body 80 to closely contact the main body 50 and
the rotating body 80. The sealing member 70 may be provided with an
opening 71 corresponding to the introduction port 52 to allow the
air and dirt suctioned through the suction parts 81, 82, 83 and 84
of the rotating body 80 to be introduced into the introduction port
52 of the main body 50.
[0068] The sealing member 70 may have rubber such as Ethylene
Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM). To prevent the sealing member 70
from rotating when the rotating body 80 rotates, the outer surface
72 of the sealing member 70 which the rotating body 80 contacts may
be coated with a film formed of a relatively smooth material.
Thereby, when the rotating body 80 rotates, the sealing member 70
may be prevented from rotating by friction between the sealing
member 70 and the main body 50 when the rotating body 80
rotates.
[0069] The multipurpose suction accessory 40 may include a locker
73 to restrict rotation of the rotating body 80 with respect to the
main body 50. The locker 73 may include accommodation grooves 59
formed on the outer surface of the main body 50 and spaced a
predetermined distance from each other in a circumferential
direction, and a plate spring 96 arranged at the rotating body 80
and provided with a protrusion 99 (FIG. 4) adapted to be
accommodated in the accommodation grooves 59.
[0070] The accommodation grooves 59 are provided equal in number to
the number of the suction parts 81, 82, 83 and 84 and spaced apart
from each other in the circumferential direction to approximately
correspond to the spacing between the suction parts 81, 82, 83 and
84.
[0071] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the rotating body 80 may include a
manipulation part 86 protruding in a radial direction, and the
manipulation part 86 may include an accommodation space 87 to
accommodate the plate spring 96 and a support 88 to support a base
97 of the plate spring 96.
[0072] The plate spring 96 may include the base 97 and a movable
part 98. The plate spring 96 may be elastically deformed such that
the angle between the base 97 and the movable part 98 increases and
decreases. The protrusion 99 may be formed at the movable part 98
so as to be accommodated in the accommodation grooves 59 of the
main body 50.
[0073] When the protrusion 99 of the plate spring 96 is
accommodated in one of the accommodation grooves 59 of the main
body 50, rotations of the rotating body 80 with respect to the main
body 50 may be restricted.
[0074] When the rotating body 80 remaining in the aforementioned
position is rotated with respect to the main body 50 by applying a
force greater than the elastic force of the plate spring 96, the
plate spring 96 may be compressed, causing the protrusion 99 of the
plate spring 96 to be released from the accommodation groove
59.
[0075] In this manner, the protrusion 99 of the plate spring 96 may
be sequentially accommodated in the accommodation grooves 59 of the
main body 50 according to rotation of the rotating body 80.
Rotation of the rotating body 80 may be restricted every time the
rotating body 80 rotates about 90 degrees.
[0076] Next, operation of multipurpose suction accessory 40 of the
vacuum cleaner according to the first embodiment will be described
below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8.
[0077] In FIG. 5 showing the first usage mode in which the first
suction part 81 is used among the plurality of suction parts, the
first suction part 81 of the rotating body 80 is positioned to
correspond to the introduction port 52 of the main body 50 (FIG.
2). In this position, the protrusion 99 of the plate spring 96 is
accommodated in the accommodation groove 59 of the main body 50.
Thereby, the rotating body 80 is fixed to the main body 50.
[0078] The user may clean a surface to be cleaned through the
spacer 81a. Through the suction ports 81b formed on both sides of
the spacer 81a facing in the circumferential direction, air and
dirt on the surface to be cleaned may be suctioned (A), and the
suctioned air and dirt may be guided to the handle pipe 30 by
sequentially passing through the introduction port 52 of the main
body 50, the internal passage 54, and the discharge port 56
(B).
[0079] In FIG. 6 showing the second usage mode in which the second
suction part 82 is used among the plurality of suction parts, the
rotating body 80 has rotated about 90 degrees counterclockwise (C)
from the position of the first usage mode of FIG. 5 such that the
second suction part 82 of the rotating body 80 corresponds to the
introduction port 52 of the main body 50 (FIG. 2). At this time,
the protrusion 99 of the plate spring 96 is accommodated in the
accommodation groove 59 of the main body 50. Thereby, the rotating
body 80 is fixed to the main body 50.
[0080] The user may conduct cleaning by sweeping out hairs of pets
with the pet hair remover 82a. Air and dirt may be suctioned
through the suction ports 82b formed on both sides of the pet hair
remover 82a facing in the circumferential direction (A), and the
suctioned air and dirt may be guided to the handle pipe 30 by
sequentially passing through the introduction port 52 of the main
body 50, the internal passage 54, and the discharge port 56
(B).
[0081] In FIG. 7 showing the third usage mode in which the third
suction part 83 is used among the plurality of suction parts, the
rotating body 80 has further rotated about 90 degrees
counterclockwise (C) from the position of the second usage mode of
FIG. 6 such that the third suction part 83 of the rotating body 80
corresponds to the introduction port 52 of the main body 50 (FIG.
2). At this time, the protrusion 99 of the plate spring 96 is
accommodated in the accommodation groove 59 of the main body 50.
Thereby, the rotating body 80 is fixed to the main body 50.
[0082] The user may clean fabrics such as sofas, bedding, and
clothing with the upholstery 83a. Air and dirt may be suctioned
through the suction port 83b formed at the center of the upholstery
83a (A), and the suctioned air and dirt may be guided to the handle
pipe 30 by sequentially passing through the introduction port 52 of
the main body 50, the internal passage 54, and the discharge port
56 (B).
[0083] In FIG. 8 showing the fourth usage mode in which the fourth
suction part 84 is used among the plurality of suction parts, the
rotating body 80 has further rotated about 90 degrees
counterclockwise (C) from the position of the third usage mode of
FIG. 7 such that the fourth suction part 84 of the rotating body 80
corresponds to the introduction port 52 of the main body 50 (FIG.
2). At this time, the protrusion 99 of the plate spring 96 is
accommodated in the accommodation groove 59 of the main body 50.
Thereby, the rotating body 80 is fixed to the main body 50.
[0084] The user may conduct cleaning by sweeping out window frames
and corners with the dusting brush 84a. Air and dirt may be
suctioned through the suction ports 84b formed on both sides of the
dusting brush 84a facing in the circumferential direction (A), and
the suctioned air and dirt may be guided to the handle pipe 30 by
sequentially passing through the introduction port 52 of the main
body 50, the internal passage 54, and the discharge port 56
(B).
[0085] FIG. 9 is a view showing the external appearance of a
multipurpose suction accessory of a vacuum cleaner according to a
second embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 10 is an exploded
perspective view illustrating the configuration of the multipurpose
suction accessory of the vacuum cleaner according to the second
embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the
multipurpose suction accessory of the vacuum cleaner according to
the second embodiment, which is taken along line III-Ill of FIG. 9,
and FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the multipurpose
suction accessory of the vacuum cleaner according to the second
embodiment, which is taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 9.
[0086] Hereinafter, a multipurpose suction accessory of a vacuum
cleaner according to the second embodiment will be described with
reference to FIGS. 9 to 12. Components disclosed in the previous
embodiment will be assigned with the same reference numerals as
above and a description thereof may be omitted.
[0087] Most of the components of the vacuum cleaner of the second
embodiment are identical to those of the first embodiment. A
different type of a locker to restrict relative rotation of the
rotating body with respect to the main body is shown in the second
embodiment component.
[0088] A multipurpose suction accessory 240 includes a cylindrical
main body 250 coupled to the handle pipe 30, and a cylindrical
rotating body 280 rotatably coupled to an outside of the main body
250.
[0089] An introduction port 252 through which air and dirt on a
surface to be cleaned are introduced is formed on the lateral
surface 251 of the main body 250, and a discharge port 256 through
which the air and dirt introduced through the introduction port 252
is discharged to the handle pipe 30 is formed at one longitudinal
end portion of the main body 250.
[0090] An opening 255 may be formed at the other longitudinal end
portion of the main body 250, and a cap 266 may be coupled to the
opening 255 to close the opening 255. The cap 256 may be provided
with a hook 267 to fix the same. By coupling the hook 267 to a
restriction groove 258 provided to the main body 250, the cap 266
may be fixed to the main body 250.
[0091] The rotating body 280 is rotatably arranged at the outside
of the main body 250 to surround the outer surface of the main body
250. The lateral surface of the rotating body 280 is provided with
a plurality of suction parts 281, 282, 283 and 284 spaced a
predetermined distance from each other in a circumferential
direction.
[0092] The suction parts 281, 282, 283 and 284 may include a first
suction part 281, a second suction part 282, a third suction part
283, and a fourth suction part 284.
[0093] The first suction part 281 may include a first brush 281a
and a first suction port 281b, and the second suction part 282 may
include a second brush 282a and a second suction port 282b. The
third suction part 283 may include a third brush 283a and a third
suction port 283b, and the fourth suction part 284 may include a
fourth brush 284a and a fourth suction port 284b.
[0094] The multipurpose suction accessory 240 may further include a
sealing member 270 to seal the gap between the main body 250 and
the rotating body 280 such that the air and dirt suctioned through
the suction parts 281, 282, 283 and 284 of the rotating body 280 do
not leak but are discharged through the discharge port 256 of the
main body 250.
[0095] The sealing member 270 may be provided with an opening 271
corresponding to the introduction port 252 to allow the air and
dirt suctioned through the suction parts 281, 282, 283 and 284 of
the rotating body 280 to be introduced into the introduction port
252 of the main body 250. The outer surface 272 of the sealing
member 270 may be coated with a film formed of a relatively smooth
material.
[0096] The multipurpose suction accessory 240 may include a locker
273 to restrict rotation of the rotating body 280 with respect to
the main body 250.
[0097] As shown in FIG. 10, the locker 273 may include locking
grooves 291 formed at one longitudinal end portion of the rotating
body 280 and spaced a predetermined distance from each other in a
circumferential direction, an insertion protrusion 287 slidably
provided to the outer surface of the main body 250 to be inserted
into the locking grooves 291, and an elastic member 299, for
example, a compression spring to elastically support the insertion
protrusion 287 in the direction in which the insertion protrusion
287 is inserted into the locking grooves 291.
[0098] The number of the locking grooves 291 corresponds to that of
the number of the suction parts 281, 282, 283 and 284. The locking
grooves 291 are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential
direction to approximately correspond to the spacing between the
suction parts 281, 282, 283 and 284.
[0099] The insertion protrusion 287 may protrude from a
manipulation part 286 slidably arranged on the outer surface of the
main body 250.
[0100] An installation groove 259 may be provided to the outer
surface of the main body 250, and an installation plate 292 may be
mounted to the installation groove 259.
[0101] The installation plate 292, which serves to slidably support
the manipulation part 286, includes an installation protrusion 293,
a spring support 294, and a second restriction protrusion 295 (FIG.
11).
[0102] The installation protrusion 293 serves to fix the
installation plate 292 to the installation groove 259. The
installation protrusion 293 is inserted into an insertion groove
260 formed around the installation groove 259. The spring support
294 supports one end portion of the compression spring 299. The
second restriction protrusion 295 guides movement of the
manipulation part 286 and at the same time prevents separation of
the manipulation part 286.
[0103] The manipulation part 286 includes an insertion protrusion
287 to lock the rotating body 280 by being inserted into the
locking grooves 291, a spring pressing portion 289 (FIG. 12)
pressed by elastic force of the compression spring 299, and a first
restriction protrusion 288 (FIG. 11) interfering with the second
restriction protrusion 295 of the installation plate 292.
[0104] Due to this configuration, rotation of the rotating body 280
with respect to the main body 250 may be restricted when the
insertion protrusion 287 of the manipulation part 286 is inserted
into one of the locking grooves 291 of the rotating body 280.
[0105] When the manipulation part 286 is pressed downward by a
force stronger than the elastic force of the compression spring 299
with the insertion protrusion 287 in the inserted position, the
insertion protrusion 287 may be released from the locking groove
291, and the rotating body 280 may be rotated with respect to the
main body 250.
[0106] FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a multipurpose suction
accessory of a vacuum cleaner according to a third embodiment of
the present disclosure.
[0107] Hereinafter, a multipurpose suction accessory of a vacuum
cleaner according to the third embodiment will be described with
reference to FIG. 13. Constituents disclosed in the previous
embodiments will be assigned with the same reference numerals as
above and a description thereof may be omitted.
[0108] A multipurpose suction accessory 340 includes a cylindrical
main body 50 coupled to the handle pipe 30 and a cylindrical
rotating body 80 rotatably coupled to the outside of the main body
50.
[0109] A discharge port 56 is formed at one longitudinal end of the
main body 50 and an opening 55 is formed at the other end portion
of the main body 50. A crevice member 310 to clean crevices may be
coupled to the opening 55.
[0110] The crevice member 310 may be formed in a long and slim
shape to clean crevices and coupled to the opening 55 in the
longitudinal direction of the main body 50. The crevice member 310
may be provided with a hook 311. By coupling the hook 311 to the
restriction groove 58 of the main body 50, the crevice member 310
may be fixed to the main body 50.
[0111] When the crevice member 310 is used to perform cleaning, the
introduction port 52 (FIG. 2) of the main body 50 and the suction
parts 81, 82, 83 and 84 of the rotating body 80 (FIG. 2) may be
disposed at positions where the introduction port does not
correspond to the suction parts. That is, the suction parts 81, 82,
83 and 84 of the rotating body 80 may be closed, and air and dirt
may be suctioned only through the crevice member 310, so as not to
cause loss of suction force. Here, as a non-limiting example, the
crevice member 310 is shown to describe a part that may be coupled
to the opening 55, however, the present disclosure is not limited
thereto. Any form or shape of the part that has an opening to suck
the air in may be coupled to the opening 55.
[0112] FIG. 14 is a view illustrating a multipurpose suction
accessory of a vacuum cleaner according to a fourth embodiment of
the present disclosure.
[0113] Hereinafter, a multipurpose suction accessory of a vacuum
cleaner according to the fourth embodiment will be described with
reference to FIG. 14. Constituents disclosed in the previous
embodiments will be assigned with the same reference numerals as
above and a description thereof may be omitted.
[0114] A multipurpose suction accessory 440 includes a cylindrical
main body 450 coupled to the handle pipe 30 and a cylindrical
rotating body 80 rotatably coupled to the outside of the main body
450.
[0115] Herein, the main body 450 may be formed to be telescopic
such that the length thereof may increase and decrease.
[0116] As shown in FIG. 14, the main body 450 may include, for
example, a first body 451, a second body 452 slidably coupled to
the first body 451, and a third body 453 slidably coupled to the
second body 452.
[0117] Herein, the sliding structure may employ various commonly
known structures and may not be specifically limited. This
configuration may enhance cleaning efficiency and usability of the
multipurpose suction accessory 440.
[0118] As is apparent from the above description, a vacuum cleaner
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided
with a multipurpose suction accessory having a plurality of suction
parts. Accordingly, various types of surfaces to be cleaned may be
efficiently cleaned using simply one multipurpose suction
accessory.
[0119] In addition, a multipurpose suction accessory according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided with a
plurality of suction parts arranged on a lateral surface of a
rotating body in a circumferential direction. Accordingly, the
multipurpose suction accessory may come in a compact and simple
form even though it has multiple suction parts.
[0120] Although a few embodiments of the present disclosure have
been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled
in the art that changes may be made to the embodiments without
departing from the principles and spirit of the disclosure, the
scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *