Nozzle for cleaner

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cleaner nozzle, in which a connection tube comprises at least one hinge portion that is hinge-coupled to a nozzle housing, and a pair of rotary shafts parallel to each other. Thus, when a user pushes and pulls the cleaner, the connection tube is bent due to two hinge shafts so as to reduce the application of force in the vertical direction to the cleaner nozzle. Therefore, during the cleaning process, the force in a back-and-forth direction, from the manipulating force of the user, is only transferred to the cleaner nozzle, and the lifting of the cleaner nozzle may be prevented.

Description

vacuum cleaner nozzle

[0001] The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner nozzle, and more particularly, to a vacuum cleaner nozzle that rotates an agitator to suck up dust from a floor surface.

[0002]

[0003] A vacuum cleaner is a device that uses the suction power generated by a suction motor installed inside the body of the vacuum cleaner to suck in dust and air, separate the dust from the air, and collect it.

[0004] The suction nozzle refers to the part that touches the floor and directly sucks up dust and air. The suction power generated by the suction motor mounted inside the vacuum cleaner body is transmitted to the suction motor, which then draws dust and air into the suction nozzle.

[0005] An agitator is installed in the suction nozzle. The agitator rotates to scrape away dust from the floor or carpet, improving cleaning performance.

[0006] Meanwhile, Korean Patent No. 2341735 (published on December 16, 2021) discloses a vacuum cleaner nozzle including a connecting tube hinged to a nozzle housing.

[0007] However, the above-mentioned cleaner nozzle has only one hinge joint between the connecting tube and the nozzle body, so that when the user pushes the cleaner nozzle forward, the front of the nozzle is lifted, and when the user pulls the cleaner nozzle backward, the rear of the nozzle is lifted, so that sufficient negative pressure is not generated at the bottom of the cleaner nozzle, which has a limitation in that the dust suction effect is reduced.

[0008] Meanwhile, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0029283 (published on March 20, 2018) discloses a vacuum cleaner head having two hinge parts.

[0009] However, the cleaner head has two hinge axes arranged perpendicular to each other. Accordingly, the cleaner head rotates the cleaner body and the extension tube around the two hinge axes arranged perpendicular to each other.

[0010] Even when the two hinge axes are perpendicular to each other, there is a limitation that the front or rear end of the cleaner head is lifted from the surface to be cleaned as the cleaner moves forward and backward.

[0011] Meanwhile, Korean Patent Publication No. 2312151 (published on October 30, 2018) discloses a vacuum cleaner including a suction nozzle having one hinge part and one swivel connecting tube.

[0012] The above suction nozzle has a swivel connection pipe arranged between the housing and the hinge, so that the user can lay the main body of the cleaner close to the surface to be cleaned while placing the suction nozzle on the surface to be cleaned.

[0013] However, when the user operates the vacuum cleaner while the main body is lying down, there is no force to press the suction nozzle, so the lower side of the suction nozzle often rises and falls away from the surface to be cleaned, which limits the surface to be cleaned from being sufficiently cleaned.

[0014]

[0015] The present invention was created to improve the problems of conventional vacuum cleaner nozzles as described above, and its purpose is to provide a vacuum cleaner nozzle that is easy for a user to operate.

[0016] Additionally, the purpose is to provide a vacuum cleaner nozzle that can easily enter low cleaning areas such as under furniture.

[0017] In addition, the purpose is to provide a vacuum cleaner nozzle that can be operated by the user even when the vacuum cleaner body is laid down on the surface to be cleaned.

[0018] In addition, the purpose is to provide a vacuum cleaner nozzle that can prevent the suction power on the surface to be cleaned from decreasing during the user's operation.

[0019]

[0020] In order to achieve the above-described purpose, the vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the present invention is characterized by using two parallel hinge structures in a connecting pipe and having a connecting pipe that swivels between a pair of parallel hinge axes.

[0021] Specifically, a vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the present invention may include: a nozzle housing; an intake port formed in the nozzle housing and through which air containing dust is introduced; an agitator rotatably coupled to the nozzle housing; and a connecting pipe having a flow path formed therein that communicates with the intake port.

[0022] At this time, the connecting tube may be hinge-connected to the nozzle housing and may be provided with a pair of hinge axes that are parallel to each other.

[0023] Specifically, the connecting tube may include a first steering member that is pivotally rotatably coupled to the nozzle housing; a second steering member that is swivel-rotatably coupled to the first steering member; and a third steering member that is pivotally rotatably coupled to the second steering member.

[0024] Additionally, the connecting tube may include a first hinge portion hingedly connected to the nozzle housing; a second hinge portion positioned further from the nozzle housing than the first hinge portion; and a swivel portion positioned between the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion.

[0025] At this time, the swivel part is characterized in that it is arranged between the first hinge part and the second hinge part.

[0026] Therefore, there is an effect that can prevent the bottom of the cleaner nozzle from being lifted from the surface to be cleaned when the user pushes and pulls the cleaner nozzle.

[0027] That is, the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion can be arranged in parallel or twisted positions with respect to each other, the second steering portion can be arranged between the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion, and the second steering portion can accommodate the pipe therein and rotate along the circumferential direction of the pipe.

[0028] At this time, the axial extension line of the first hinge part may be arranged perpendicular to the extension line of the axis around which the swivel part rotates. In addition, the axial extension line of the second hinge part may be arranged perpendicular to the extension line of the axis around which the swivel part rotates.

[0029] Meanwhile, the cleaner nozzle according to the present invention further includes an agitator rotatably coupled to the nozzle housing, and the first hinge portion can be disposed between the agitator and the swivel portion.

[0030] That is, the first hinge part can be placed rearward of the agitator.

[0031] Meanwhile, when the nozzle housing is placed on the surface to be cleaned, the height from the surface to be cleaned to the second hinge part may be greater than the height from the surface to be cleaned to the first hinge part.

[0032] With this configuration, the operating force applied to the second hinge portion can be stably transmitted to the first hinge portion. In addition, there is an effect of reducing the space that occurs between the bottom surface of the cleaner nozzle and the surface to be cleaned.

[0033] Meanwhile, the cleaner nozzle according to the present invention further includes at least one wheel disposed on the connecting pipe and moving along the surface to be cleaned; and the wheel may be disposed further from the nozzle housing than the first steering unit.

[0034] Accordingly, the user can easily operate the cleaner nozzle regardless of the material of the surface to be cleaned. In addition, the wheel is positioned on the outside of the nozzle housing, which has the effect of lowering the overall height of the cleaner nozzle.

[0035] At this time, at least a portion of the wheel may be positioned between an imaginary line extending from the second hinge axis and the cleaning surface. That is, at least a portion of the wheel is positioned on the lower side of the second hinge portion, so that even if an impact is applied to the second hinge portion according to the user's operating force, the wheel can absorb it.

[0036] Meanwhile, the cleaner nozzle according to the present invention further includes a caster disposed on the lower surface of the nozzle housing; and a damper disposed on the lower surface of the nozzle housing; and the wheel can be disposed to be spaced apart from the surface to be cleaned while the caster and the damper are in contact with the surface to be cleaned.

[0037] Additionally, the rotation axis of the agitator may be positioned further from the ground than the first hinge portion, and the height of the rotation axis of the agitator may be positioned closer to the ground than the second hinge portion.

[0038] Accordingly, according to the present invention, even if the user lifts the main body of the cleaner and the wheel is lifted from the surface to be cleaned to a predetermined height, the cleaner nozzle may not be lifted from the surface to be cleaned.

[0039] Additionally, even if the user lifts the main body of the vacuum cleaner and the wheel is lifted from the surface to be cleaned to a predetermined height, the agitator may come into contact with the surface to be cleaned.

[0040]

[0041] As described above, the vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the present invention has two hinge structures on the connecting tube, so that even when the user pushes and pulls the vacuum cleaner, the vertical force applied to the vacuum cleaner nozzle can be reduced due to the connecting tube being bent by the two hinge axes. Therefore, during the cleaning process, only the force in the front-back direction among the user's operating forces can be transmitted to the vacuum cleaner nozzle, and there is an effect of preventing the vacuum cleaner nozzle from being lifted.

[0042] In addition, by connecting the two hinge axes, the front of the cleaner nozzle does not rise even when the cleaner body is lowered close to the surface to be cleaned, and it has the effect of easily entering low cleaning areas such as under furniture.

[0043] In addition, a swivel-rotatable connecting tube is provided between a pair of hinge axes arranged in parallel, so that the user can operate the cleaner nozzle by pushing or pulling the cleaner body while the cleaner body is laid down on the surface to be cleaned.

[0044]

[0045] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a vacuum cleaner nozzle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 3 is a side view of Figure 2.

[0048] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 2.

[0049] Figure 5 is a perspective view for explaining the connecting pipe in Figure 2.

[0050] Figures 6 and 7 are drawings for explaining the process in which the user's operating force is transmitted to the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

[0051] FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are drawings for explaining a process in which a user's operating force is transmitted from a vacuum cleaner nozzle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052]

[0053] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0054] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. This is not intended to limit the invention to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0055]

[0056] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a vacuum cleaner nozzle according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a side view of FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 2, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a connecting pipe in FIG. 2.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) of the present invention is described as follows.

[0058] The vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) of this embodiment can be used by being connected to, for example, a handheld vacuum cleaner or a canister-type vacuum cleaner.

[0059] Additionally, in this specification, “floor surface” or “surface to be cleaned” may be understood to mean not only the floor surface of a living room or room, but also a cleaning surface such as a carpet.

[0060] That is, the cleaner nozzle (1) can be detachably connected to the cleaner body (2) or the extension tube (3). As the cleaner nozzle (1) is connected to the cleaner body (2) or the extension tube (3), the user can clean the floor using the cleaner nozzle (1). At this time, the cleaner body (2) to which the cleaner nozzle (1) is connected can separate dust in the air using a multi-cyclone method.

[0061] The vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) can be operated by receiving power from the vacuum cleaner body (2). Specifically, the vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) can be operated by receiving power from a battery (not shown) provided in the vacuum cleaner body (2).

[0062] The vacuum cleaner body (2) to which the vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) is connected includes a suction motor (not shown), so that the suction force generated by the suction motor (not shown) can be applied to the vacuum cleaner nozzle (1).

[0063] Therefore, in this embodiment, the cleaner nozzle (1) can perform the role of sucking in foreign substances and air from the floor surface and guiding them to the cleaner body (2).

[0064] A vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a nozzle housing (100), an agitator (200), a damper (300), and a connecting pipe (400).

[0065] For reference, the direction used in the present invention is explained as follows.

[0066] In the present invention, the direction of the cleaner nozzle (1) can be defined based on the suction port (121). Specifically, the direction in which the agitator (200) is arranged based on the suction port (121) can be referred to as the front of the cleaner nozzle (1), and the direction in which the damper (300) is arranged based on the suction port (121) can be referred to as the rear of the cleaner nozzle (1). In addition, based on the state in which the cleaner nozzle (1) is placed on the floor surface (surface to be cleaned), the direction away from the floor surface can be referred to as upward (upper side), and the direction approaching the floor surface can be referred to as downward (lower side).

[0067] The nozzle housing (100) is equipped with an agitator (200) and can form the outer shape of a vacuum cleaner nozzle (1). In addition, a connecting pipe (400) can be connected to the nozzle housing (100).

[0068] The nozzle housing (100) may include an upper housing (110) to which a connecting pipe (400) is coupled.

[0069] Specifically, based on the state of contact with the agitator (200), the front of the upper housing (110) may be formed in a curved shape with a predetermined curvature corresponding to the shape of the agitator (200). In addition, the upper housing (110) may be formed in a shape in which the height decreases as it goes toward the rear, with a predetermined angle formed from the agitator (200).

[0070] Therefore, according to this embodiment, there is an advantage in that the rear height of the entire height of the nozzle housing (100) can be reduced. When the rear height is reduced, the connecting pipe (400) hinged to the nozzle housing (100) can be rotated at a greater angle toward the rear of the cleaner nozzle (1). In this case, the height from the ground to the top of the connecting pipe (400) can be reduced. As described above, the lower the height from the ground to the top of the connecting pipe (400), the more the cleaner nozzle can be inserted into narrow spaces under furniture or chairs, and the cleaning area becomes wider.

[0071]

[0072] The nozzle housing (100) may include a lower housing (120) coupled with an upper housing (110) and housing an agitator (200) therein.

[0073] At this time, the lower housing (120) can be placed to face the floor surface while the nozzle housing (100) is placed on the floor surface (surface to be cleaned).

[0074] A suction port (121) may be formed in the nozzle housing (100). Specifically, a suction port (121) may be formed in the lower housing (120). The suction port (121) refers to a space through which air containing dust can be introduced. With this configuration, when the suction motor (not shown) of the cleaner body (2) is operated, dust and air existing around the floor surface can be sucked into the flow path of the cleaner nozzle (1) through the suction port (121).

[0075] Inside the nozzle housing (100), a printed circuit board (not shown) for controlling an agitator motor (not shown) may be installed.

[0076] Additionally, a path may be formed in the nozzle housing (100) that communicates with the suction port (121) and guides air flowing in from the suction port (121) to the cleaner body (2).

[0077] The euro can be placed inside the nozzle housing (100), the lower end of the euro can be connected to the suction port (121), and the upper end of the euro can be connected to the connecting pipe (400).

[0078] At this time, the flow path connecting the suction port (121) and the connecting pipe (400) can be formed approximately along the vertical direction. With this configuration, there is an advantage in that the path through which air containing dust is sucked can be minimized and flow loss can be minimized.

[0079] The lower housing (120) may include a caster receiving portion (122). For example, the caster receiving portion (122) may be formed in a protruding extension at the rear of the lower housing (120).

[0080] The caster receiving portion (122) is rotatably coupled to the caster (123) and may be provided to be rotatable relative to the lower housing (120) of the nozzle housing (100).

[0081] The caster receiving portion (122) may be positioned at the rear side of the nozzle housing (100). For example, the caster receiving portion (122) may be formed to extend rearward from the rear of the lower housing (120).

[0082] Additionally, the caster receiving portion (122) may be formed in a shape capable of accommodating at least a portion of the caster (123). For example, a curved groove may be formed in the caster receiving portion (122) so that the caster (123) can be accommodated.

[0083] As a result, in the present invention, even if the user pushes and pulls the vacuum cleaner nozzle (1), the caster (123) can roll along the floor surface, thereby improving the user's operating power.

[0084] The caster (123) is rotatably connected to the caster receiving portion (122) and is placed on the lower housing (120) so that it can roll along the floor surface (surface to be cleaned).

[0085] At least a portion of the caster (123) may be exposed to the outside of the nozzle housing (100).

[0086] With this configuration, when the cleaner nozzle (1) is placed on the floor, the caster (123) can come into contact with the floor. Therefore, when the cleaner nozzle (1) is moved by the user's operation, the friction between the nozzle housing (100) and the floor can be reduced, and the mobility of the cleaner nozzle (1) can be improved.

[0087]

[0088] Meanwhile, the connecting pipe joint (115) may be formed to protrude and extend from the upper housing (110). Specifically, based on the state in which the agitator (200) is in contact with the floor surface (ground) (the state in which the cleaner nozzle (1) is placed on the floor surface), the connecting pipe joint (115) may be formed to extend rearward from the upper housing (110).

[0089] A connecting pipe (400) can be rotatably connected to the connecting pipe joint (115). Specifically, the connecting pipe joint (115) can be hinge-connected to the connecting pipe (400). That is, a pair of connecting pipe joints (115) can be provided with a hinge axis that is connected to the first steering part (410), and the first steering part (410) can be rotated (pivoted) around the hinge axis.

[0090] With this configuration, a sufficient angle for the connecting tube (400) to rotate can be secured. In addition, since the upper housing (110) is formed to be inclined backward, the overall height of the cleaner nozzle (1) can be lowered, and there is an advantage in that even low-height accessible spaces such as beds and sofas can be cleaned.

[0091]

[0092] The agitator (200) is installed in the nozzle housing (100) and serves to separate foreign substances from the object to be cleaned. The agitator (200) can be positioned forward of the cleaner nozzle (1). The agitator (200) can be rotatably coupled to the nozzle housing (100).

[0093] The agitator (200) is formed in a cylindrical shape and can be arranged along the left and right directions of the nozzle housing (100). That is, the longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the agitator (200) can be arranged in a direction intersecting the front and rear directions of the cleaner nozzle (1).

[0094] The outer surface of the agitator (200) may be provided with a brush or a member capable of increasing friction.

[0095] The agitator (200) is equipped with at least one gear to receive rotational power from an agitator motor (not shown).

[0096] The agitator (200) can guide external dust and air to the suction port (121) by rotation. The agitator (200) can be rotated in a direction in which the outer surface facing the floor moves toward the suction port (121). In other words, when looking at the vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) from the left side of the vacuum cleaner nozzle (1), the agitator (200) can be rotated counterclockwise. With this configuration, external dust and air can be guided toward the suction port (121) by friction with the agitator (200).

[0097] Meanwhile, the agitator (200) can be replaceably connected to the nozzle housing (100). Therefore, the agitator (200) can be replaced and cleaned depending on the cleaning environment.

[0098]

[0099] Meanwhile, the vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) may be equipped with a damper (300) to improve the suction power of the vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) and may be equipped with a cover (125) to protect the damper (300).

[0100] A damper (300) may be provided to block the flow of air flowing from the rear to the front when suction power is generated from the cleaner nozzle (1). In addition, the damper (300) prevents dust from being sucked into the suction port (121) between the cleaner nozzle (1) and the surface to be cleaned from escaping to the rear, thereby enabling the cleaner nozzle (1) to effectively suck up dust on the surface to be cleaned.

[0101] This damper (300) is provided in the nozzle housing (100) so as to come into contact with the surface to be cleaned. In addition, the damper (300) can apply a supporting force to the surface to be cleaned so as to come into contact with the surface to be cleaned without a gap. In other words, the damper (300) can be provided so as to elastically support the surface to be cleaned.

[0102] In addition, the damper (300) may be provided at a position adjacent to the suction port (121) of the nozzle housing (100). The damper (300) may be provided at the rear of the suction port (121) of the nozzle housing (100) to block the flow of air flowing from the rear to the front when suction force is generated from the cleaner nozzle (1). In particular, the damper (300) may be provided between the suction port (121) of the lower housing (120) and the caster (123).

[0103] The damper (300) can be provided along the left and right directions of the nozzle housing (100) at the rear of the suction port (121) of the nozzle housing (100).

[0104] When the vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) is not placed on the surface to be cleaned, a part of the damper (300) is in a protruding form from the lower surface of the vacuum cleaner nozzle (1).

[0105] On the other hand, the damper (300) is elastically deformed by being supported (pressed) on the surface to be cleaned when the nozzle housing (100) is placed on the surface to be cleaned. That is, the damper (300) may first come into contact with the surface to be cleaned before at least one of the wheel (500) and the caster (123) of the nozzle housing (100) comes into contact with the surface to be cleaned. Then, when at least one of the wheel (500) and the caster (123) comes into contact with the surface to be cleaned, the damper (300) is elastically deformed by being pressed against the surface to be cleaned.

[0106] Here, the damper (300) can be elastically deformed by being extended in the forward and backward directions while being compressed in a direction perpendicular to the surface to be cleaned. Specifically, the damper (300) can be extended backward while being compressed in a direction perpendicular to the surface to be cleaned and come into contact with the cover (125) described below.

[0107] The damper (300) may be formed in a hollow shape and coupled to the lower housing (120), or may be coupled to the lower housing (120) and formed with an empty space on the inside. The damper (300) forms an empty space on the inside together with a part of the lower housing (120), and the empty space may be formed to be open in the left and right directions of the cleaner nozzle (1).

[0108] The damper (300) can be formed with a thicker thickness at the part that collides with an obstacle to prevent the damper (300) from being excessively deformed when colliding with an obstacle.

[0109] A cover (125) is provided in the nozzle housing (100) to protect the damper (300). The cover (125) is formed along the left-right direction and is provided at the rear of the damper (300) of the nozzle housing (100), and is provided to cover at least a portion of the damper (300). This cover (125) is provided to cover the upper space of the damper (300) and prevents a portion of the rear end of the damper (300) from colliding with an obstacle. That is, when the cleaner nozzle (1) moves backward, it prevents an obstacle placed on the surface to be cleaned from colliding with the damper (300).

[0110] The cover (125) can be placed spaced apart from the damper (300) in the front-rear direction.

[0111]

[0112] The connecting pipe (400) forms a path that communicates with the suction port (121) and connects the nozzle housing (100) and the extension pipe (3) or the nozzle housing (100) and the cleaner body (2).

[0113] The connecting pipe (400) includes a pipe (not shown), a first steering part (410), a second steering part (420), and a third steering part (430).

[0114] A pipe (not shown) may have a flow path formed therein that communicates with the suction port (121). The pipe (not shown) may be coupled to the nozzle housing (100) and communicate with the flow path inside the nozzle housing (100).

[0115] The pipe (not shown) may be formed of a deformable material. Specifically, the pipe (not shown) may be formed of a bendable material. Accordingly, the pipe (not shown) may be bent and deformed according to the rotation of each of the first steering section (410), the second steering section (420), and the third steering section (430) of the connecting pipe (400).

[0116] The first steering member (410) accommodates at least a portion of a pipe (not shown) therein and is hingedly connected to the nozzle housing (100).

[0117] The first steering part (410) is formed hollow so that a pipe (not shown) passes through the inside, and is provided with a first hinge part (411) on one side to be hinge-connected with a connecting pipe joint part (115), and the other side is connected to the second steering part (420) so as to be relatively rotatable.

[0118] At this time, the first steering unit (410) can rotate with respect to the connecting pipe joint (115) with the first hinge unit (411) as the rotation axis. That is, the axial extension line (first hinge axis) of the first hinge unit (411) can be the rotation axis about which the first steering unit (410) rotates with respect to the connecting pipe joint (115). At this time, the rotation axis can be arranged along a direction parallel to the floor surface (ground). The hinge axis of the first steering unit (410) can be arranged along the left-right direction of the cleaner nozzle (1).

[0119] With this configuration, when a user places the cleaner nozzle (1) on the floor and lifts or lowers the cleaner body (2), the cleaner body (2) and the connecting tube (400) can rotate around the rotation axis.

[0120] Meanwhile, the first hinge part (411) may be positioned rearward of the agitator (200). That is, the first hinge part (411) may be positioned between the agitator (200) and the second steering part (420). In addition, the first hinge part (411) may be positioned closer to the cleaning surface than the upper end of the nozzle housing (100).

[0121] Accordingly, the operating force applied through the first steering unit (410) is applied to the lower rear portion of the nozzle housing (100), and at least a portion of the operating force can be applied as a force to move the cleaner nozzle (1) in the forward and backward direction.

[0122] With this configuration, the user can easily move the cleaner nozzle (1) forward or backward.

[0123]

[0124] The second steering unit (420) is rotatably coupled to the first steering unit (410) and hinge-coupled to the third steering unit (430).

[0125] Specifically, the second steering unit (420) is formed hollow so that a pipe (not shown) passes through the inside, and one side is swivel-rotatably coupled to the first steering unit (410), and the other side is hinge-coupled to the third steering unit (430).

[0126] A swivel portion may be provided on one inner surface of the second steering portion (420). The swivel portion may be coupled by receiving the other end of the first steering portion (410). At this time, a protrusion may be formed on the other end of the first steering portion (410) to prevent separation of the first steering portion (410) and the second steering portion (420).

[0127] The second steering unit (420) is formed in a cylindrical shape and can be coupled to be swivelable along the circumferential direction with respect to a central axis penetrating the interior of the second steering unit (420). That is, the second steering unit (420) can be rotated relative to the first steering unit (410) along the circumferential direction of the pipe.

[0128] With this configuration, when a user places the cleaner nozzle (1) on the floor and turns the cleaner body (2), the second steering unit (420) can rotate. This allows the user to clean the floor by laying down the cleaner body (2) while lying face down, when cleaning a place where the space for the cleaner nozzle to enter is narrow, such as the bottom of a bed or furniture.

[0129] With this configuration, the user can operate the cleaner nozzle (1) by pushing or pulling the cleaner body while laying the cleaner body (2) down on the surface to be cleaned, thereby moving it back and forth.

[0130] Meanwhile, the direction in which the first steering unit (410) rotates (pivots) with respect to the nozzle housing (100) may intersect with the direction in which the second steering unit (420) rotates (swivels) with respect to the first steering unit (410).

[0131] The direction of the first hinge axis (hereinafter, referred to as the 'first steering axis (X)') through which the first steering unit (410) and the connecting pipe coupling unit (115) are connected and the direction of the rotation axis (hereinafter, referred to as the 'second steering axis (Y)') through which the second steering unit (420) rotates relative to the first steering unit (410) may be perpendicular to each other.

[0132] With this configuration, when a user places the cleaner nozzle (1) on the floor and rotates the cleaner body (2) in the left and right directions, the cleaner body (2) and the connecting pipe (400) can be rotated around the second steering axis (Y).

[0133] Therefore, in the vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) of the present invention, the connecting pipe (400) has the advantage of being able to bend at various angles by combining the rotation direction of the first steering part (410) and the rotation direction of the second steering part (420).

[0134] Meanwhile, a hinge portion (421) coupled with a third steering portion (430) is provided on the longitudinal other side of the second steering portion (420). For example, a hinge hole may be formed on the outer circumference of the longitudinal other side of the second steering portion (420). As another example, a hinge protrusion may be formed protruding on the inner circumference of the longitudinal other side of the second steering portion (420).

[0135] Meanwhile, the second steering unit (420) may be equipped with a wheel (500). For example, the wheel (500) may be equipped on the other longitudinal side of the second steering unit (420).

[0136] Accordingly, the wheel (500) can rotate together with the connecting tube (400) according to the rotation of the connecting tube (400). This is different from the caster (123) arranged in the nozzle housing (100).

[0137] The wheel (500) may include a cylindrical or disc-shaped wheel body and a tire surrounding the outer periphery of the wheel body. With this configuration, the wheel (500) can increase the contact force with the surface to be cleaned, thereby improving the driving performance of the cleaner nozzle (1).

[0138] The wheel (500) may be positioned further from the nozzle housing (100) than the first steering unit (410). Specifically, the wheel (500) may be positioned adjacent to the hinge unit (421) of the second steering unit (420). For example, at least a portion of the wheel (500) may be positioned between an imaginary line extending from the rotation axis of the third steering unit (430) and the cleaning surface.

[0139] With this configuration, the present invention has the effect of lowering the height of the nozzle housing (100) compared to a nozzle housing equipped with a wheel. Therefore, it has the advantage of being able to clean low-height accessible spaces such as beds and sofas.

[0140] Additionally, even if the user's operating force is momentarily applied to the hinge portion (421) of the second steering portion (420), the wheel (500) can absorb the shock.

[0141] The wheel (500) can roll along the floor surface (surface to be cleaned) by the user's operation. Even when the vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) is adsorbed on the surface to be cleaned by the operation of the suction motor (not shown), if the user's operating force is applied, the wheel (500) can roll along the surface to be cleaned and assist the forward and backward movement of the vacuum cleaner nozzle (1). Therefore, the user's operating convenience can be increased by the wheel (500).

[0142] Therefore, the user can easily operate the cleaner nozzle (1) without being affected by the material of the surface to be cleaned.

[0143] Meanwhile, at least a portion of the wheel (500) may be positioned between an imaginary line extending from the rotation axis (second hinge axis) of the third steering unit (430) and the cleaning surface. Accordingly, at least a portion of the wheel (500) is positioned below the second hinge axis, so that even if an impact according to the user's operating force is applied to the rotation axis of the third steering unit (430), the wheel (500) can absorb it.

[0144]

[0145] The third steering part (430) is rotatably coupled to the second steering part (420). For example, the third steering part (430) may be formed in a similar shape to a pipe, and a hinge part (431) may be provided on one longitudinal side of the third steering part (430) to be hinge-coupled to the second steering part (420). For example, a hinge protrusion may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of one longitudinal side of the third steering part (430). As another example, a hinge hole may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of one longitudinal side of the third steering part (430).

[0146] Meanwhile, the hinge part (421) of the second steering part (420) and the hinge part (431) of the third steering part (420) can be combined with each other to form one second hinge part.

[0147] The vacuum cleaner of the present invention has a swivel portion provided between a first hinge axis and a second hinge axis which are arranged in a parallel or skewed position with respect to each other.

[0148] That is, the vacuum cleaner of the present invention has a swivel portion arranged between a first hinge portion (411) and a second hinge portion (421, 431) arranged in a parallel or skewed position with respect to each other.

[0149] At this time, the second hinge axis (hereinafter, referred to as the 'third steering axis (Z)') may be perpendicular to the direction of the second steering axis (Y). In addition, the third steering axis (Z) may be arranged in a position parallel to or twisted with the direction of the first steering axis (X).

[0150] With this configuration, the user can operate the cleaner nozzle by pushing or pulling the cleaner body even when the cleaner body is laid down on the surface to be cleaned.

[0151] As a result, the connecting tube (400) of the present invention has the advantage of being able to rotate through three rotation axes and be bent at various angles, thereby facilitating user operation.

[0152] Meanwhile, when the nozzle housing (100) is placed on the surface to be cleaned, the height from the surface to be cleaned to the second hinge portion (421, 431) may be greater than the height from the surface to be cleaned to the first hinge portion (411).

[0153] When a user operates the main body of the vacuum cleaner, operating force is applied to the third steering unit (430), and the second steering unit (420) and the first steering unit (410) rotate around the rotation axis of the third steering unit (430). At this time, the front end of the first steering unit (410) may be lowered due to gravity. Accordingly, the nozzle housing (100) hingedly connected to the front end of the first steering unit (410) can be maintained so as to be positioned at the lowest position in the direction of gravity.

[0154] Accordingly, the operating force applied to the second hinge axis can be stably transmitted to the first hinge axis. In addition, there is an effect of reducing the space that occurs between the lower surface of the cleaner nozzle (1) and the surface to be cleaned.

[0155] The other side of the third steering unit (430) is detachably connected to the extension pipe (3) or the cleaner body (2).

[0156] The third steering section (430) has a flow path formed therein through which air can flow. For example, the third steering section (430) may accommodate a pipe (not shown) therein. As another example, the third steering section (430) may have a space formed therein that communicates with the pipe (not shown).

[0157]

[0158] Meanwhile, FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate drawings for explaining the process by which the user's operating force is transmitted to the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

[0159] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the process by which a user operates a typical vacuum cleaner nozzle is described as follows.

[0160] When the user pushes or pulls the vacuum cleaner body, the user's operating force is transmitted to the vacuum cleaner nozzle through the vacuum cleaner body and / or the extension tube.

[0161] In the case of a typical vacuum cleaner nozzle, when a user pushes the vacuum cleaner nozzle, the user's operating force is applied to the main body of the vacuum cleaner nozzle and the hinge part of the connecting tube. At this time, the user's operating force may be applied toward the lower front.

[0162] In this case, the user's operating force is concentrated on the main body of the cleaner nozzle and the hinge of the connecting pipe and the point of contact between the cleaner nozzle and the surface to be cleaned, and as the cleaner nozzle moves forward, the front end of the cleaner nozzle can be lifted upward (see Fig. 6).

[0163] In particular, the force of the user's operating force pressing the surface to be cleaned can press the caster. At this time, depending on the material of the surface to be cleaned, the caster positioned at the rear of the cleaner nozzle can move downward while being buried in the surface to be cleaned, and the front of the cleaner nozzle can be lifted upward.

[0164] As a result, when the cleaner nozzle is pushed forward using a single hinge, the angle between the lower surface of the cleaner nozzle and the surface to be cleaned can exceed 10 degrees.

[0165] In this case, the space between the lower surface of the vacuum cleaner nozzle and the surface to be cleaned becomes wider, and the space to which the suction power of the suction motor is applied also becomes wider, so the suction power of the vacuum cleaner nozzle on the surface to be cleaned may decrease.

[0166] Meanwhile, when the user pulls the vacuum cleaner nozzle, the user's operating force is applied to the main body of the vacuum cleaner nozzle and the hinge part of the connecting tube. At this time, the user's operating force may be applied toward the rear upper side.

[0167] In this case, the user's operating force is applied to the main body of the cleaner nozzle and the hinge part of the connecting pipe, and as the cleaner nozzle moves upwardly rearward, the rear end of the cleaner nozzle can be lifted upward (see Fig. 7).

[0168] As a result, when pulling the vacuum cleaner nozzle rearward using a single hinge, the angle between the bottom of the vacuum cleaner nozzle and the surface to be cleaned can exceed 10 degrees.

[0169] In this case, the space between the lower surface of the vacuum cleaner nozzle and the surface to be cleaned becomes wider, and the space to which the suction power of the suction motor is applied also becomes wider, so the suction power of the vacuum cleaner nozzle on the surface to be cleaned may decrease.

[0170] To solve this problem, the present invention provides two hinges in parallel on the connecting pipe so that the cleaner nozzle can be prevented from being lifted upward from the surface to be cleaned while the user reciprocates the cleaner nozzle to clean the surface to be cleaned.

[0171]

[0172] FIGS. 8 and 9 are drawings illustrating a process in which a user's operating force is transmitted from a vacuum cleaner nozzle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0173] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the state in which a cleaner nozzle according to one embodiment of the present invention reciprocates while in close contact with a surface to be cleaned is described as follows.

[0174] When a user operates the vacuum cleaner body (2), the extension tube (3) and the connection tube (400) can press or lift the nozzle housing (100) as the user pushes or pulls the vacuum cleaner body (2). At this time, the operating force applied by the user is transmitted to the nozzle housing (100) through the extension tube (3) and the connection tube (400), and the nozzle housing (100) is moved on the surface to be cleaned (ground) by the user's operating force.

[0175] At this time, the user's operating force can be applied through the second hinge portion (421, 431) connecting the second steering portion (420) and the third steering portion (430), and can be transmitted along the second steering portion (420) and the first steering portion (410) to the first hinge portion (411) connecting the first steering portion (410) and the nozzle housing (100).

[0176] With this configuration, when the user pushes the cleaner body (2) while the cleaner nozzle (1) is in contact with the surface to be cleaned, the user's operating force can be applied to the second hinge part (421, 431). At this time, the user's operating force can be applied forward and downward.

[0177] At this time, a momentary force may be applied downward. However, in the present invention, the force pressing the nozzle housing (100) can be distributed through the second hinge portion (431) and the first hinge portion (411). Therefore, the user's operating force can be prevented from being momentarily concentrated on the second hinge portion (431).

[0178] In addition, since the wheel (500) is provided on the lower side of the gravity direction of the second hinge portion (431) in the present invention, it is possible to absorb an impact momentarily applied through the hinge portion (431). Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the momentary lifting of the nozzle housing (100).

[0179] Additionally, in the connecting pipe (400) of the present invention, the nozzle housing (100) can be lowered downward by gravity with the first hinge portion (411) as the axis.

[0180] As a result, even when the user pushes the cleaner nozzle (1) forward, the angle between the bottom of the cleaner nozzle (1) and the surface to be cleaned can be maintained within 10 degrees. In addition, the lower end of the damper (300) protruding from the bottom of the cleaner nozzle (1) can be maintained in contact with the surface to be cleaned. Furthermore, the bottom of the cleaner nozzle (1) and the surface to be cleaned can be brought into close contact by the suction power of the cleaner body (2).

[0181] This means that the vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) can stably suck up dust on the surface to be cleaned without falling off the surface to be cleaned during cleaning, unless the user intentionally lifts the vacuum cleaner nozzle (1).

[0182] Therefore, according to the present invention, even if the cleaner nozzle (1) moves forward, the cleaner nozzle (1) is not lifted upward, so that the lower surface of the cleaner nozzle (1) can maintain contact with the surface to be cleaned. As a result, there is an effect of preventing a decrease in suction power during the forward movement of the cleaner nozzle (1).

[0183] On the other hand, when the user pulls the cleaner body (2) while the cleaner nozzle (1) is in contact with the surface to be cleaned, the user's operating force can be applied to the hinge part (431) of the third steering part (430). At this time, the user's operating force can be applied toward the rear upper side.

[0184] At this time, the first steering unit (410) and the second steering unit (420) can be raised upwards while the third steering unit (430) moves rearward.

[0185] At this time, in the present invention, the connecting pipe (400) is composed of two joints, a second hinge portion (431) and a first hinge portion (411). Therefore, the rear side of the nozzle housing (100) can be lowered downward by gravity, with the first hinge portion (411) positioned at the rear end of the nozzle housing (100) as an axis.

[0186] As a result, even when the user pulls the vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) backward, the angle between the bottom of the vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) and the surface to be cleaned can be maintained within 10 degrees. In addition, the lower end of the damper (300) protruding from the bottom of the vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) can be maintained in contact with the surface to be cleaned. Furthermore, the bottom of the vacuum cleaner nozzle (1) and the surface to be cleaned can be brought into close contact by the suction power of the vacuum cleaner body (2).

[0187] Therefore, according to the present invention, even when the wheel (500) is lifted and placed away from the surface to be cleaned, the caster (123) and damper (300) can be maintained in contact with the surface to be cleaned.

[0188] Therefore, according to the present invention, even if the cleaner nozzle (1) moves backward, the cleaner nozzle (1) is not lifted upward, so that the lower surface of the cleaner nozzle (1) can maintain contact with the surface to be cleaned. As a result, there is an effect of preventing a decrease in suction power during the backward movement of the cleaner nozzle (1).

[0189]

[0190] Although the present invention has been described in detail through specific examples, this is for the purpose of specifically explaining the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is clear that the present invention can be modified or improved by a person having ordinary knowledge in the relevant field within the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0191] All simple modifications or changes of the present invention fall within the scope of the present invention, and the specific scope of protection of the present invention will be made clear by the appended claims.

Claims

1. Nozzle housing; An intake port formed in the above nozzle housing and through which air containing dust is introduced; an agitator rotatably coupled to the nozzle housing; and A connecting pipe having a flow path formed therein that communicates with the above suction port; Including, The above connector is, A vacuum cleaner nozzle characterized in that it is hingedly connected to the nozzle housing and has a pair of hinge axes that are parallel to each other.

2. In paragraph 1, The above connector is, A first steering member pivotally rotatably coupled to the nozzle housing; A second steering unit swivel-rotatably coupled to the first steering unit; and A third steering unit pivotally rotatably coupled to the second steering unit; A vacuum cleaner nozzle including:

3. In paragraph 2, The above second steering unit, A cleaner nozzle characterized in that it houses a pipe inside, with a flow path formed inside that communicates with the suction port, and rotates along the circumferential direction of the pipe.

4. In paragraph 1, The above connector is, A first hinge portion hingedly connected to the nozzle housing; a second hinge portion positioned further from the nozzle housing than the first hinge portion; and A swivel portion disposed between the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion; A vacuum cleaner nozzle including:

5. In paragraph 4, A cleaner nozzle characterized in that, when the nozzle housing is placed on a surface to be cleaned, the height from the surface to be cleaned to the second hinge portion is greater than the height from the surface to be cleaned to the first hinge portion.

6. In paragraph 4, At least one wheel disposed on the above connecting pipe and moving along the cleaning surface; Including more, The above wheel, A vacuum cleaner nozzle characterized in that it is positioned further from the nozzle housing than the hinge portion.

7. In paragraph 6, At least a portion of said wheel, A cleaner nozzle characterized in that it is positioned between an imaginary line extending from a second hinge portion and the surface to be cleaned.

8. In paragraph 6, A caster arranged on the bottom of the nozzle housing; and A damper disposed on the lower surface of the nozzle housing; Including more, A vacuum cleaner nozzle characterized in that the wheel can be positioned apart from the surface to be cleaned while the caster and the damper are in contact with the surface to be cleaned.

9. In paragraph 4, A cleaner nozzle characterized in that the axial extension line of the first hinge part is arranged perpendicular to the extension line of the axis along which the swivel part rotates.

10. In paragraph 4, A cleaner nozzle characterized in that the axial extension line of the second hinge part is arranged perpendicular to the extension line of the axis along which the swivel part rotates.

11. Nozzle housing; An intake port formed in the above nozzle housing and through which air containing dust is introduced; an agitator rotatably coupled to the nozzle housing; and A connecting pipe having a flow path formed therein that communicates with the above suction port; Including, The above connector is, A first hinge portion hingedly connected to the nozzle housing; A second hinge portion positioned further from the nozzle housing than the first hinge portion; Includes, A vacuum cleaner nozzle characterized in that the rotation axis of the agitator is positioned further from the ground than the first hinge portion.

12. In paragraph 11, A vacuum cleaner nozzle characterized in that the height of the rotation axis of the agitator is positioned closer to the ground than the second hinge part.

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