CLEANER

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a cleaner and more particularly to a vacuum cleaner that can be easily operated.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, a cleaner is a home appliance which sucks tiny trash or dust in a way of sucking air by using electricity and fills the trash or dust in a dust bin included in the cleaner product. The cleaner is usually called a vacuum cleaner.

Such a cleaner can be divided into a manual cleaner which performs cleaning by being moved directly by a user and an automatic cleaner which performs cleaning while travels by itself. The manual cleaner can be divided into a canister vacuum cleaner, an upright vacuum cleaner, a hand vacuum cleaner, and a stick vacuum cleaner, etc., in accordance with the shape thereof.

In the past, the canister vacuum cleaner has been widely used as a household cleaner. However, recently, the hand vacuum cleaner and the stick vacuum cleaner, which include a dust bin formed integrally with the body of the cleaner and provides improved convenience for use, tend to be used a lot.

As for the canister vacuum cleaner, a main body and a suction port are connected by a rubber hose or pipe. In some cases, the canister vacuum cleaner can be used with a brush fitted into the suction port.

The hand vacuum cleaner has the maximized portability, and thus, has a light weight and a short length. Therefore, the cleaning area of the cleaner may be limited. Accordingly, the hand vacuum cleaner is used to clean a local place such as on a desk or sofa, the inside of a vehicle. The hand vacuum cleaner allows a user to use itself with a standing posture, and thus, the cleaning can be made without bending his/her waist forward. Accordingly, it is advantageous for cleaning while moving over a wide area.

A vacuum cleaner head may rotate around multiple axes for steering. Hereinafter, the multiple axes are defined by assuming the forward direction of the vacuum cleaner head is a front. Rolling refers to that the left and right ends of the head rotate up and down about the front-rear axis of the head of the cleaner head. Pitching means that the front and rear ends of the cleaner head rotate up and down about the left and right axis of the cleaner head. Yawing means that the left and right ends of the cleaner head rotate forward and backward about the up and down axis.

A prior art document 1 discloses a cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner. The prior art document 1 includes the first debris opening and the second debris opening disposed above the first debris opening. Accordingly, dust swept by the agitator is sucked into the body of the cleaner through the first debris opening or the second debris opening. According to the prior art document 1, a pitch axis and a yaw axis are disposed between the cleaner head and the extension tube. The body of the cleaner may rotate about the pitch axis and thus change the height. The body of the cleaner may rotate about the yaw axis and thus change the left and right positions.

In general, for left-right steering, the cleaner head performs one of rolling and yawing. In the prior art document 1, yawing is performed instead of rolling. When the cleaner head performs yawing, it has good operability and poor straightness.

The cleaner head according to the prior art document 1 does not have a configuration that resists the movement on the yaw axis. Therefore, when a floor surface is irregular, the cleaner head may be shaken occasionally. As the cleaner head is shaken, the cleaner does not go straight and makes a left or right turning movement. Accordingly, there is a problem that the user has to perform unnecessary operations in order to move the cleaner in a straight line.

Even, when the body of the cleaner according to the prior art document 1 is laid down as far as possible, the above problem becomes more serious. If a low angle between the yaw axis and the ground is formed by standing up the body of the cleaner, the cleaner can be moved forward to some extent by the weight of the body of the cleaner even though the cleaner head is shaken. However, as the angle between the yaw axis and the ground increases by laying down the body of the cleaner, the cleaner head is shaken violently around the yaw axis even though the cleaner head is shaken even a little. For this reason, it is very inconvenient to clean a narrow and low gap.

A prior art document 2 relates to a cleaner head of a canister vacuum cleaner and discloses a cleaner head having a rolling function and a pitching function. According to the prior art document 2, the cleaner head can be mounted on the body of the cleaner by being folded around the pitching axis and being fixed. The cleaner head is unfolded to perform the cleaning.

However, the prior art document 2 relates to a structure in which the cleaner head is folded and fixed in mounting the cleaner after cleaning and the cleaner head is unfolded and fixed for the cleaning, However, the prior art document 2 does not disclose a structure for selectively limiting the rolling or pitching of the cleaner in use, and the cleaner head performs only the rolling instead of the yawing. Accordingly, apart from good straightness, there is a disadvantage of poor operability.

DISCLOSURE
Technical Problem

The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaner equipped with a cleaning module that rotates and turns about a random rotational axis. During the cleaning of a normal area, high operability through yawing rather than rolling can be obtained. During the cleaning of a low and narrow gap, randomly yawing of the cleaning model is prevented, so that high straightness can be secured.

The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaner capable of easily cleaning lower and narrower gaps by pushing the body of the cleaner to the ground as close as possible, during the cleaning of a low and narrow gap.

The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaner capable of preventing from randomly shaking during the cleaning of a low and narrow gap and of quickly returning to a regular position after cleaning, thereby obtaining straightness.

The technical problem to be overcome by the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned technical problems. Other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood from the embodiments of the present invention by a person having ordinary skill in the art.

Technical Solution

One embodiment is a cleaner including: a cleaning module which sucks outside air; a body which provides a suction force to the cleaning module; a first rotation member which is disposed between the cleaning module and the body and rotates the body about a first rotational axis disposed in one direction; a second rotation member which is disposed between the first rotation member and the body and rotates the body about a second rotational axis in a direction intersecting the first rotational axis; and a rotation prevention assembly which selectively fixes the first rotation member and the second rotation member. The rotation prevention assembly includes: a catching groove formed in the first rotation member; and a fixing member which is rotatably coupled to the second rotation member, extends in the direction of gravity, has a portion thereof that is inserted into the catching groove when an angle between the second rotational axis and the ground is a first angle, and is not inserted into the catching groove when the angle between the second rotational axis and the ground is a second angle.

The second rotational axis may pass through the cleaning module and the body.

The fixing member may extend in the circumferential direction about the second rotational axis.

The rotation member may include a hollow formed therein in which an air flow path is disposed. The catching groove may be disposed on a radially outer side of the hollow.

The rotation prevention assembly may include: a stopper which is disposed on the second rotation member; and a catching protrusion which is disposed on the first rotation member and by which the stopper is caught when the second rotation member is rotated up to a critical angle. Here, the stopper may be disposed on the fixing member and may extend in a direction intersecting an extension direction of the fixing member.

The cleaner may further include a third rotation member of which the front is rotatably coupled to the cleaning module and which rotates about a third rotational axis intersecting both the second rotational axis and the third rotational axis. Here, a front of the third rotation member may be rotatably coupled to a rear of the first rotation member, and a front of the second rotation member may be rotatably coupled to a rear of the third rotation member.

The first rotational axis may be a pitching axis which rotates the body up and down with respect to the cleaning module. The second rotational axis may be a rolling axis which rotates the body with respect to a moving direction of the cleaning module. The third rotational axis may be a yawing axis which rotates the body left and right with respect to the cleaning module.

The rotation prevention assembly may further include an elastic member which provides a restoring force in the opposite direction when the third rotation member rotates in one direction. Here, the elastic member may be a torsion spring which is fixed to the first rotation member and is disposed about the third rotational axis as the center of rotation.

Another embodiment is a cleaner including: a cleaning module which sucks outside air; a rolling axis which passes through the cleaning module and is disposed to be able to pitch about a connection point with the cleaning module as a pitching axis; a body which is disposed on the rolling axis, provides a suction force to the cleaning module, and is disposed to be able to roll about the rolling axis; and a rotation prevention assembly which is disposed between the cleaning module and the body and selectively limits the rolling of the body. The rotation prevention assembly includes: a fixing member of which a length direction is disposed in the direction of gravity; and a catching groove into which the fixing member is inserted when an angle between the rolling axis and the ground is greater than or equal to a predetermined angle.

The fixing member may be disposed to be able to rotate about a rotation axis parallel to the pitching axis.

The cleaner may include a yawing axis which is disposed between the pitching axis and the rolling axis and is disposed perpendicular to both the pitching axis and the rolling axis.

The rotation prevention assembly may include: a catching protrusion which is disposed on a radially outer side of the rolling axis; and a stopper which is disposed in the circumferential direction of the rolling axis from the catching protrusion and is caught by the catching protrusion.

Other embodiments of the present invention are included in description in detail and accompanying drawings.

Advantageous Effects

The cleaner according to the embodiment of the present disclosure has one or more following effects.

First, the fixing member extends in the direction of gravity and freely rotates. When the angle between the second rotational axis and the ground is the first angle that is greater than a predetermined angle, the fixing member is caught by the catching groove, preventing rolling, and yawing allows the cleaner to be easily operated.

Second, the fixing member extends in the direction of gravity and freely rotates. When the angle between the second rotational axis and the ground is the second angle that is less than a predetermined angle, the fixing member is not inserted into and caught by the catching groove, and rolling prioritizes over yawing. Therefore, the yawing is suppressed maximally and the straightness of the cleaner can be ensured.

Third, the rotation prevention assembly includes the elastic member. When the cleaning module yaws in one direction, the elastic member provides a restoring force in the opposite direction. This prevents the cleaning module from yawing at the second angle that is a low angle, so that straightness can be obtained.

Advantageous effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described effects and other unmentioned effects can be clearly understood from the description of the claims by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cleaning module according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the cleaning module according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a right-side view of the cleaning module according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning module according to the embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from the right side;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the cleaning module according to the embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the cleaning module with the omission of a portion of a cover surrounding an elastic member;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the cleaning module after a first rotation member and a second rotation member are yawed in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a right-side view of the cleaning module with the omission of a portion of a cover surrounding a fixing member;

FIG. 10 is a right-side view of the cleaning module after the first to third rotation members are pitched in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a right-side view of the cleaning module after the second rotation member is rolled in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 shows a rear of the first rotation member as viewed from the rear thereof;

FIG. 13 shows a front of the second rotation member as viewed from the front thereof;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a connecting portion of the third rotation member and the second rotation member in FIG. 10; and

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the connecting portion of the third rotation member and the second rotation member in FIG. 11.

MODE FOR INVENTION

The features, advantages and method for accomplishment of the present invention will be more apparent from referring to the following detailed embodiments described as well as the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment to be disclosed below and is implemented in different and various forms. The embodiments bring about the complete disclosure of the present invention and are provided to make those skilled in the art fully understand the scope of the present invention. The present invention is just defined by the scope of the appended claims. The same reference numerals throughout the disclosure correspond to the same elements.

Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings for describing a cleaner 100 based on embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the cleaner 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing only a cleaning module according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a front view of the cleaning module of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a right-side view of the cleaning module of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 1, the cleaner 100 includes a body 110. The body 110 may include a suction portion 112 which sucks air including dust.

A direction in which a cleaning module 160 is positioned with respect to the body 110 is a forward direction. In other words, the forward direction is a direction in which the cleaner 100 moves forward.

A direction in which the body 110 is positioned with respect to the cleaning module 160 is a backward direction. The backward direction is opposite to the forward direction.

The right and left sides are defined when the cleaner 100 is viewed from the front thereof. The right and left sides are opposite to each other.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the cleaning module may rotate in various directions. More specifically, the cleaning module according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may rotate in at least three directions. The cleaning module is capable of pitching about a first rotational axis (y), of rolling about a second rotational axis (x), and of yawing about a third rotational axis (z).

The first rotational axis (y) is a central axis about which the body 110 rotates up and down. The first rotational axis (y) is orthogonal to the second rotational axis (x) and rotates the second rotational axis (x). The first rotational axis (y) is parallel to a rotational axis of an agitator 162 to be described later.

The second rotational axis (x) is a central axis about which the body 110 rotates. The second rotational axis (x) is an imaginary straight line arranged in the longitudinal direction of an extension tube 150. The second rotational axis (x) coincides with the extension direction of a suction port 161 of the body 110. The second rotational axis (x) mostly coincides with a central axis passing through the center of the body 110 of the cleaner and the center of the cleaning module 160. However, when the second rotational axis (x) rotates, the second rotational axis (x) may not coincide with the central axis.

The third rotational axis (z) is a central axis when the body 110 rotates right and left. The third rotational axis (z) is an imaginary straight line arranged up and down. The third rotational axis (z) is orthogonal to both the second rotational axis (x) and the first rotational axis (y). The third rotational axis (z) may be rotated by the first rotational axis (y).

The suction portion 112 has a cylindrical shape with a hollow formed therein, and is configured to suck air containing dust. The suction portion 112 provides a suction path through which the air including dust can flow. The air including dust is guided to the body 110 through the suction portion 112.

A suction motor 114 is a component which creates a flow of air such that the air including dust is introduced into the suction portion 112.

The suction motor 114 may be a brushless DC (BLDC) motor. The BLDC motor is a DC motor without a brush. Since the BLDC motor has no brush that is an abrasive part, it has low electrical and mechanical noise, rotates at a high speed without problems, and low rotation noise.

A handle 116 allows a user to grip and move the cleaner 100, and is disposed in an opposite direction to the suction portion 112 with respect to a dust bin 120. The handle 116 may include a grip portion that the user grips with his/her hand. Here, the grip portion may have a substantially cylindrical shape.

Referring to FIG. 1, the body 110 includes an operation part 118. The operation part 118 is a component for the user to input instructions to the cleaner 100.

The operation part 118 may be disposed on an extension line in the longitudinal direction of the handle 116. Through such an arrangement, the user may input instructions by touching the operation part 118 with his/her thumb while holding the handle 116.

Referring to FIG. 1, the body 110 includes the dust bin 120 for storing dust separated from air. The dust bin 120 includes a cylindrical dust collection body. Since the dust bin 120 is in communication with the suction portion 112, the dust included in the air sucked through the suction portion 112 is separated from the air and collected in the dust bin 120.

Referring to FIG. 1, the cleaner 100 includes a battery 140. The battery 140 is a component that supplies power to the body 110. The body 110 may have a receiving portion for receiving the battery 140. The battery 140 is inserted and installed in the receiving portion.

The battery 140 is disposed under the handle 116. The battery 140 may be disposed on a longitudinal extension line of the handle 116. Through such an arrangement, the battery 140 is arranged so as not to be biased to one of the left and right directions, and the user may grip the cleaner 100 and easily transport it.

Referring to FIG. 1, the cleaner 100 includes the extension tube 150. The extension tube 150 is a component that communicates the body 110 and the cleaning module 160.

The lower end of the extension tube 150 is coupled to the cleaning module 160 and is in communication with the cleaning module 160. Referring to the drawings, the extension tube 150 is coupled to a second rotation member 164 and rotates about the second rotational axis (x). Alternatively, unlike what is shown in the drawing, the extension tube 150 may be coupled to a first rotation member 163 and rotate about the first rotational axis (y), and may be coupled to a third rotation member 165 and rotate about the third rotational axis (z).

The lower end of the extension tube 150 communicates with a corrugation tube 166.

The upper end of the extension tube 150 is coupled to the suction portion 112 of the body 110 and communicates with the suction portion 112.

The extension tube 150 may be divided into a lower tube and an upper tube. The length of the upper tube is variable by being inserted into or withdrawn from the lower tube. The lower tube is connected to the cleaning module 160, and the upper tube is connected to the suction portion 112 of the body 110.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the cleaner 100 includes the cleaning module 160. The cleaning module 160 is a component that sucks outside air.

Referring to FIG. 1, the cleaning module 160 communicates with the extension tube 150. Accordingly, by a suction force generated from the body 110 of the cleaner 100, external air passes through the cleaning module 160 and the extension tube 150 and is introduced into the body 110 of the cleaner 100.

Referring to FIG. 5, the cleaning module 160 includes the suction port 161. The suction port 161 is a hole for sucking dust together with air. The suction port 161 communicates with the extension tube 150, and thus, the dust flows into the body 110. More specifically, the suction port 161 is connected to one side of the corrugation tube 166, and the other side of the corrugation tube 166 is connected to the extension tube 150.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the cleaning module 160 includes the agitator 162. The agitator 162 is a component that rubs the dust attached to the floor and separates the dust from the floor.

The agitator 162 is formed to have a cylindrical shape centered on the rotational axis. The rotational axis of the agitator 162 is arranged in the left and right direction.

The agitator 162 is disposed in front of the suction port 161. The agitator 162 sweeps away dust adsorbed on the floor in front of the suction port 161. By the agitator 162, the dust adsorbed on the floor can be separated from the floor and can be more easily sucked into the suction port 161.

Referring to FIG. 5, the agitator 162 rotates counterclockwise.

The cleaning module 160 may further include a motor (not shown) for rotating the agitator 162. Although not shown, the motor may be disposed on the inner right side of the cleaning module 160. Through such an arrangement, the center of gravity 160G of the cleaning module 160 may be disposed biased to the right.

Referring to FIG. 2, the cleaner 100 includes the first rotation member 163. The first rotation member 163 rotates the body 110 and changes the height of the body 110.

FIG. 9 shows a state before the first rotation member 163 rotates, and FIG. 10 shows a state after the first rotation member 163 rotates. Referring to FIG. 10, when the first rotation member 163 rotates, the first rotation member 163 rotates the second rotation member 164, the third rotation member 165, the extension tube 150, and the body 110, and results in more reduction in height of the body 110 than that of FIG. 9.

The front of the first rotation member 163 is rotatably coupled to the cleaning module 160 and rotates about the first rotational axis (y) that intersects both the second rotational axis (x) and the third rotational axis (z).

The first rotation member 163 is disposed between the cleaning module 160 and the body 110, has the first rotational axis (y) arranged in the left and right direction, and rotates the body 110 about the first rotational axis (y).

The front of the first rotation member 163 is rotatably connected to the cleaning module 160. The rear of the first rotation member 163 is rotatably connected to the third rotation member 165.

The first rotation member 163 has a hollow formed therein, and the corrugation tube 166 passes through the hollow.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the first rotation member 163 rotates counterclockwise and increases the height of the body 110 and an angle between the extension tube and the ground. Conversely, the first rotation member 163 rotates clockwise and decreases the height of the body 110 and the angle between the extension tube and the ground.

When the angle between the extension tube and the ground decreases, the corrugation tube 166 may be deformed to be upwardly convex. According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the cleaning module 160 and the first rotation member 163 are connected by the first rotational axis (y), so that the height from the ground to the top surface of the extension tube 150 can be minimized and the cleaning module can be inserted into a lower gap and clean the gap.

Referring to FIG. 3, the center of gravity 160G of the cleaning module may be disposed on the first rotational axis (y). Through such an arrangement, when the cleaner moves forward, the cleaning module 160 may not be shaken about the first rotational axis (y). Therefore, the user is able to operate the cleaner more easily.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the third rotational axis (z) is disposed at the front of the third rotation member 165, and the first rotation member 163 is hinge-coupled to the rear of the cleaning module 160 through the first rotational axis (y).

Referring to FIG. 2, the cleaning module 160 has a depressed portion formed by depressing the rear surface of the cleaning module forward, and first rotational axis (y) and the first rotation member 163 are disposed in the depressed portion. A hole through which the first rotational axis (y) passes is formed in the inner wall of the depressed portion, and a hinge which is coincident with the first rotational axis (y) is rotatably inserted into the hole.

Since the first rotational axis (y) is disposed at the front of the first rotation member 163, the front of the third rotation member 165 is fixed and the rear performs a circular motion.

Through such an arrangement, the height of a connection portion between the cleaning module 160 and the extension tube 150 can be reduced. In particular, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, in FIG. 5, when the extension tube 150 is rotated clockwise as much as possible, the height of the cleaning module 160 and the height of the first rotation member 163 are almost the same. Therefore, the cleaning module can be inserted into a narrow gap under the sofa and clean the gap.

Referring to FIG. 2, the cleaner 100 includes the third rotation member 165. The third rotation member 165 rotates the body 110 and changes the position of the body 110 in the left and right direction.

FIG. 7 shows a state before the third rotation member 165 rotates, and FIG. 8 shows a state after the third rotation member 165 rotates. Referring to FIG. 8, when the third rotation member 165 rotates, the third rotation member 165 rotates the second rotation member 164, the extension tube 150, and the body 110 to the left or right. Conversely, when the user rotates the body 110 to the left or right, the third rotation member 165 rotates the first rotation member 163 and the cleaning module 160 to the left or right about the third rotational axis (z).

The third rotation member 165 is disposed between the cleaning module 160 and the body 110, has the third rotational axis (z) arranged in the up and down direction, and rotates the body 110 about the third rotational axis (z).

Referring to FIG. 4, the third rotational axis (z) is disposed at the front of the third rotation member 165, and the third rotation member 165 is hinge-coupled to the rear of the first rotation member 163 through the third rotational axis (z). The rear of the third rotation member 165 is coupled to the front of the body 110.

Referring to FIG. 6, the third rotation member 165 is formed to have a U-shape with an open front. The top surface of the third rotation member 165 covers the top surface of the first rotation member 163, and the bottom surface of the third rotation member 165 covers the bottom surface of the first rotation member 163.

The third rotation member 165 has a hollow formed therein, the corrugation tube 166 passes through the inside of the third rotation member 165 and is connected to the extension tube 150. through such an arrangement, even when the third rotation member 165 rotates left and right, dust can be easily sucked through the corrugation tube 166.

The third rotational axis (z) is disposed at the front of the third rotation member 165. The third rotational axis (z) is disposed in the up and down direction of the third rotation member 165. The third rotational axis (z) is disposed in the up and down direction of the first rotation member 163.

The third rotational axis (z) extends up and down. Referring to FIG. 4, the third rotation member 165 is rotatably connected to the first rotational axis (y), and the third rotational axis (z) is not fixed up and down with respect to the ground.

The third rotational axis (z) is perpendicular to the first rotational axis (y). Referring to FIG. 2, since the first rotational axis (y) is arranged left and right and the third rotational axis (z) is arranged up and down, the third rotational axis (z) is perpendicular to the first rotational axis (y) when viewed from the front thereof. Referring to FIG. 5, since the third rotational axis (z) is disposed behind the first rotational axis (y), the third rotational axis (z) and the first rotational axis (y) do not intersect each other.

The third rotational axis (z) is perpendicular to the longitudinal straight line of the extension tube 150. The extension tube 150 is rotatably disposed on the first rotational axis (y), and the third rotational axis (z) is always perpendicular to the longitudinal straight line of the extension tube 150.

If the cleaner 100 does not include the extension tube 150, the rear of the third rotation member 165 is coupled to the front of the body 110. Unlike this, when the extension tube 150 is provided to the front of the body 110 as in the present disclosure, the rear of the third rotation member 165 is coupled to the front of the extension tube 150. Through such an arrangement, the position of the body 110 may be changed left and right about the third rotational axis (z).

Referring to FIG. 2, the cleaner includes the second rotation member 164. The second rotation member 164 rotates the body 110 to change the angle of the body 110.

FIG. 10 shows a state before the second rotation member 164 rotates, and FIG. 11 shows a state after the second rotation member 164 rotates. Referring to FIG. 11, when the second rotation member 164 rotates, the second rotation member 164 rotates the extension tube 150 and the body 110 to the left or right. The body 110 is formed to be long vertically and narrow horizontally. Therefore, as the body 110 is rotated, the angle between the extension tube 150 and the ground can be made smaller, thereby cleaning a narrower gap.

The front of the second rotation member 164 is rotatably coupled to the first rotation member 163, and rotates about the second rotational axis (x) passing through the cleaning module 160 and the body 110.

The second rotation member 164 is disposed between the cleaning module 160 and the body 110, and rotates the body 110 about the second rotational axis (x).

The second rotation member 164 has a hollow formed therein and communicates with the corrugation tube 166.

The second rotation member 164, together with the third rotation member 165, enables cleaning of a lower gap. Specifically, the cleaner body 110 is formed to have an up and down length longer than a left and right length thereof due to the dust bin 120. Therefore, when the second rotation member 164 rotates by 90 degrees, the height of the body 110 is reduced, obtaining an effect of being able to clean a lower gap.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the third rotational axis (z) is disposed behind the first rotational axis (y). Since the first rotational axis (y) is arranged left and right, a connection portion of the first rotational axis (y) is required to have a lower height than that of a connection portion of the third rotational axis (z). Therefore, by disposing the connection portion of the first rotational axis (y) in front of the connection portion of the third rotational axis (z), the height of the connection portion between the cleaning module 160 and the extension tube 150 can be minimized, so that the cleaning module 160 can enter a narrow gap. In addition, through such an arrangement, the axis can be arranged as forward as possible. In particular, unlike that the center of gravity 160G of the cleaning module of conventional cleaners 100 is located in front of the first rotational axis (y) or the third rotational axis (z), the center of gravity 160G of the cleaning module of the present invention may be arranged on the first rotational axis (y).

Referring to FIG. 9, the cleaner 100 includes a rotation prevention assembly 170. The rotation prevention assembly 170 is a component that prevents the cleaner 100 from rolling in a specific condition.

The rotation prevention assembly 170 selectively fixes the first rotation member 163 and the second rotation member 164. Referring to FIG. 9, the rotation prevention assembly 170 selectively fixes the second rotation member 164 and the third rotation member 165. However, unlike the drawing, when the cleaner 100 does not include the third rotation member 165, the rotation prevention assembly 170 may selectively fix the second rotation member 164 and the first rotation member 163.

One end of the rotation prevention assembly 170 is disposed on the first rotation member 163, and the other end is disposed on the second rotation member 164. Referring to the drawing, the rotation prevention assembly 170 is disposed between the second rotation member 164 and the third rotation member 165. However, unlike the drawing, when the cleaner 100 does not include the third rotation member 165, the rotation prevention assembly 170 may be disposed between the second rotation member 164 and the first rotation member 163.

If no rotation prevention assembly 170 is provided, the cleaner 100 according to the embodiment may pitch by the first rotation member 163, may roll by the second rotation member 164, and may yaw by the third rotation member 165.

Referring to FIG. 9, when the cleaner 100 equipped with the rotation prevention assembly 170 is located at a position higher than a predetermined height, the rotation prevention assembly 170 fixes the second rotation member 164 and the third rotation member 165. Here, since the cleaner 100 is capable of pitching or yawing while not being capable of rolling, there is an effect of ensuring easy operability.

On the contrary, referring to FIG. 10, when the cleaner 100 equipped with the rotation prevention assembly 170 is located at a position lower than a predetermined height, the rotation prevention assembly 170 releases the fixing of the second rotation member 164 and the third rotation member 165. Here, the cleaner 100 is capable of rolling, pitching, and yawing. However, since the angle between the third rotation member 165 and the ground is small, it is difficult for the cleaner 100 to yaw. Eventually, as shown in FIG. 11, the cleaner 100 is capable of rolling or pitching other than yawing, so that there is an effect of ensuring easy straightness.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the rotation prevention assembly 170 includes a catching groove 172 and a fixing member 171.

The catching groove 172 is a component that limits the rolling by allowing the fixing member 171 to be inserted thereinto.

The catching groove 172 is formed in the first rotation member 163. The catching groove 172 is formed on the rear surface of the first rotation member 163 facing the second rotation member 164.

Specifically, referring to FIG. 12, the catching groove 172 is formed on the rear surface of the third rotation member 165. Alternatively, unlike the drawing, when the cleaner 100 does not include the third rotation member 165 and the second rotation member 164 is connected to the first rotation member 163, the catching groove 172 may be formed on the rear surface of the first rotation member 163.

Referring to FIG. 12, the rotation member may include a hollow in which an air flow path can be arranged. The catching groove 172 is arranged on the radially outer side of the hollow. The catching groove 172 may be formed in an arc shape.

The catching groove 172 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the fixing member 171. Referring to FIG. 12, the catching groove 172 may extend in the circumferential direction about the second rotational axis and may be formed in a C-shape with an open bottom.

The fixing member 171 is a component that is inserted into the catching groove 172 and limits the rolling.

Referring to FIG. 13, the fixing member 171 is rotatably coupled to the second rotation member 164 and extends in the direction of gravity. Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, when the second rotation member 164 rotates, the fixing member 171 is always disposed in the same direction as gravity, so that the angle between the fixing member 171 and the second rotation member 164 or between the fixing member 171 and the second rotational axis may change.

Referring to FIG. 9, when the angle between the second rotational axis and the ground is a first angle, a portion of the fixing member 171 is inserted into the catching groove 172. For example, the first angle may be 45 degrees. At the first angle, the fixing member 171 is caught in the catching groove 172, so that rolling does not occur about the second rotational axis.

Referring to FIG. 10, when the angle between the second rotational axis and the ground is a second angle, the fixing member 171 is not inserted into the catching groove 172. For example, the second angle may be 15 degrees. At the second angle, the fixing between the fixing member 171 and the catching groove 172 is released, so that rolling may, as shown in FIG. 11, about the second rotational axis.

The fixing member 171 may be formed of a metal material. Accordingly, the fixing member 171 may be always disposed in the direction of gravity with its own sufficient weight.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 13, the fixing member 171 extends in the circumferential direction about the second rotational axis (x). For example, the fixing member 171 may be formed in a C-shape. Through such an arrangement, when the second rotation member 164 rotates, the fixing member 171 may not be obstructive to other components, and the diameter of a cover that surrounds the fixing member 171 may be designed to be small. Also, when the fixing member 171 is caught in the catching groove 172, the fixing member is supported in a direction matching the circumferential direction, so that the rolling can be more strongly limited.

The rotational axis of the fixing member 171 may be arranged parallel to the first rotational axis. For example, the rotational axis of the fixing member 171 may be arranged in the left and right direction.

The fixing member 171 may be coupled to the side end of the second rotation member 164 by a bushing and a fixing pin.

Referring to FIG. 9, the second rotational axis (x) passes through the cleaning module 160 and the body 110. The rotational axis of the fixing member 171 is orthogonal to the second rotational axis (x). By having such an arrangement, when the fixing member 171 yaws about the third rotational axis (z), the fixing between the fixing member 171 and the catching groove 172 is not released, and only when the fixing member 171 pitches about the first rotational axis (y), the fixing between the fixing member 171 and the catching groove 172 is released. Therefore, the operability of the cleaner 100 can be improved.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 14, the rotation prevention assembly 170 may include a stopper 1711. By the stopper, the angle at which the body 110 can roll is limited. For example, the body 110 can roll up to a maximum of 90 degrees.

FIG. 14 shows a state before the second rotation member 164 rotates based on the third rotation member 165. A catching protrusion 173 is disposed on the flow path, and the stopper 1711 is disposed on the left and right sides of the flow path. Therefore, the second rotation member 164 can easily rotate to roll the body 110.

FIG. 15 shows a state after the second rotation member 164 rotates based on the third rotation member 165. For example, when the second rotation member 164 rotates 90 degrees counterclockwise, the stopper 1711 is caught by the catching protrusion 173, and thus, the second rotation member 164 cannot rotate any more and cannot roll the body 110. Conversely, although not shown, even when the second rotation member 164 rotates 90 degrees clockwise, it is obvious that the second rotation member 164 cannot rotate any more.

The stopper 1711 is a component that limits the rotation of the second rotation member 164 or the body 110 by being caught by the catching protrusion 173.

The catching protrusion 173 is a component that limits the rotation of the second rotation member 164 or the body 110 by that the stopper 1711 is caught by the catching protrusion 173.

The catching protrusion 173 is disposed on the first rotation member 163, and the stopper 1711 is caught by the catching protrusion 173 when the second rotation member 164 is rotated up to a critical angle.

Specifically, referring to the drawing, the catching protrusion 173 is formed on the rear surface of the third rotation member 165. Alternatively, unlike the drawing, when the cleaner 100 does not include the third rotation member 165 and the second rotation member 164 is connected to the first rotation member 163, the catching protrusion 173 may be formed on the rear surface of the first rotation member 163.

The stopper 1711 is disposed on the second rotation member 164, and the catching protrusion 173 is disposed on the first rotation member 163. When the second rotation member 164 rotates, one end of the stopper 1711 is caught by the catching protrusion 173, so that the second rotation member 164 can no longer be rotated.

Specifically, referring to the drawing, the stopper 1711 is disposed on the second rotation member 164, and the catching protrusion 173 is disposed on the third rotation member 165. Alternatively, unlike the drawing, when the cleaner 100 does not include the third rotation member 165 and the second rotation member 164 is connected to the first rotation member 163, the stopper 1711 may be disposed on the second rotation member 164, and the catching protrusion 173 may be disposed on the first rotation member 163.

Referring to FIG. 9, The stopper 1711 is disposed on the fixing member 171 and extends in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the fixing member 171. The fixing member 171 may extend in the direction of gravity, and the stopper 1711 may extend in a direction perpendicular direction to the direction of gravity.

When the fixing member 171 extends downward, the stopper 1711 may extend forward. Accordingly, the extension direction of the fixing member 171 does not coincide with the direction of gravity but may be disposed slightly inclined toward the rear.

A radially protruding flange may be formed on the rear of the fixing member 171 with respect to the second rotation axis. Accordingly, when the stopper 1711 is supported on the catching protrusion 173, the end of the fixing member 171 may be supported in contact with the flange.

Referring to FIG. 2, the front of the third rotation member 165 is rotatably coupled to the rear of the first rotation member 163, and the front of the second rotation member is rotatably coupled to the rear of the third rotation member 165. Accordingly, pitching occurs at the rear of the cleaning module 160, yawing occurs behind the pitching, and rolling occurs behind the pitching.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the rotation prevention assembly 170 includes an elastic member 174. When the first rotation member 163 rotates in one direction, the elastic member 174 provides a restoring force in the opposite direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cleaning module 160 from shaking and randomly yawing due to friction with the ground and to enable the yawing only by the user's operation.

For example, taking FIG. 2 as an example, when the third rotation member 165 rotates to the right, the elastic member 174 applies a restoring force in the left direction. Conversely, when the third rotation member 165 rotates to the left, the elastic member 174 applies a restoring force in the right direction.

Referring to FIG. 8, the elastic member 174 may be a torsion spring. The elastic member 174 is disposed on the first rotation member 163 and is disposed about the third rotational axis (z) as the center of rotation. The elastic member 174 may be wound along the third rotational axis (z).

One leg of the elastic member 174 is supported on one side of the third rotation member 165, and the other leg is supported on the other side of the third rotation member 165. The left end of the elastic member 174 is supported on the left side surface of the third rotation member 165. Therefore, when the third rotation member 165 rotates to the right, the elastic member 174 pushes the left side surface of the third rotation member 165 to the left. The right end of the elastic member 174 is supported on the right side surface of the third rotation member 165. Therefore, when the third rotation member 165 rotates to the left, the elastic member 174 pushes the right side surface of the third rotation member 165 to the right.

For example, referring to FIG. 8, when the third rotation member 165 rotates to the right, the left end of the elastic member 174 moves to the right, and the left end of the elastic member 174 applies a restoring force to the left side surface of the third rotation member 165 to the left. Conversely, although not shown, when the third rotation member 165 rotates to the left, the right end of the elastic member 174 moves to the left, and the right end of the elastic member 174 applies a restoring force to the right side surface of the third rotation member 165 to the right.

Referring to FIGS. 7 to 10, the rotation prevention assembly 170 of the cleaner 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can be specified by a rolling axis, a pitching axis, and a yawing axis.

The rolling axis passes through the cleaning module 160 and is disposed to be able to pitch about a connection point with the cleaning module 160 as a pitching axis. The pitching axis corresponds to the first rotational axis, and the rolling axis corresponds to the second rotational axis. The front of the rolling axis may intersect the pitching axis, and the rolling axis may perform a pitching motion while the rear of the rolling axis rotates up and down.

The body 110 is disposed on the rolling axis, provides a suction force to the cleaning module 160, and is disposed to be able to roll about the rolling axis.

The rotation prevention assembly 170 is disposed between the cleaning module 160 and the body 110, and selectively limits the rolling of the body 110.

The length direction of the fixing member 171 is disposed in the direction of gravity. The rolling axis performs a pitching motion about the pitching axis, but the fixing member 171 is always disposed in the direction of gravity. The fixing member 171 rotates relatively about the rolling axis.

Referring to FIG. 9, when an angle between the rolling axis and the ground is greater than or equal to a predetermined angle, the fixing member 171 is inserted into the catching groove 172. When the angle between the rolling axis and the ground is greater than or equal to a predetermined angle, at least a portion of the fixing member 171 is inserted into and caught by the catching groove 172, and the body 110 cannot rotate about the rolling axis. Here, the vacuum cleaner 100 is able to pitch or yaw.

Referring to FIG. 10, when the angle between the rolling axis and the ground is less than or equal to a predetermined angle, the fixing between the fixing member 171 and the catching groove 172 is released, and the body 110 is able to rotate about the rolling axis. Here, the cleaner 100 is able to roll, pitch, and yaw, but it is difficult for the cleaner 100 to yaw at a low angle. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, yawing is impossible, and only rolling or pitching is possible.

The fixing member 171 is disposed to be able to rotate about the rotation axis parallel to the pitching axis. The rotation axis of the fixing member 171 is disposed in the left and right direction. Through such an arrangement, the fixing member 171 does not separate from the catching groove 172 when the position of the body 110 is lowered while yawing. The fixing member 171 can separate from the catching groove 172 only when the position of the body 110 is lowered while pitching.

The yawing axis is disposed between the pitching axis and the rolling axis and is disposed perpendicular to both the pitching axis and the rolling axis. In other words, the yawing axis is disposed in front of the rolling axis. A yawing member has a characteristic in which the length of the yawing member is less than that of a rolling member. Therefore, the yawing axis is disposed in front of the rolling axis, and thus, the three rotational axes are disposed as close as possible to the cleaning module 160, so that the operability of the cleaner 100 can be improved.

The catching protrusion 173 is disposed on the radially outer side of the rolling axis. The stopper 1711 is disposed in the circumferential direction of the rolling axis from the catching protrusion 173 and is caught by the catching protrusion 173. The catching protrusion 173 and the stopper 1711 are disposed along an imaginary circle disposed in the radial direction of the rolling axis.

Although not shown in the drawings, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the cleaner 100 may include only the rolling second rotation member 164 without the yawing third rotation member 165. Accordingly, the second rotation member 164 may be disposed between the cleaning module 160 and the body 110 and may rotate the body 110 about the rotational axis (x) arranged in one direction. In addition, one end of the rotation prevention assembly 170 is coupled to the second rotation member 164, and the other end is caught by the cleaning module 160, thereby restricting the rotation of the body 110. Specifically, the fixing member 171 may be disposed on the second rotating member 164, and the catching groove 172 may be disposed on the cleaning module 160.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the rear of the second rotation member 164 is coupled to the extension tube 150 connected to the body 110, and thus, can rotate together with the body 110 about the second rotational axis (x).

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the cleaner 100 may include only the rolling second rotation member 164 and the pitching first rotation member 163 without the yawing third rotation member 165. Accordingly, the first rotation member 163 may be disposed at the rear of the cleaning module 160, and the second rotation member 164 may be disposed at the rear of the third rotation member 165. Here, the fixing member 171 may be disposed on the second rotation member 164. and the catching groove 172 may be disposed on the third rotation member 165.

The operation of the cleaner 100 configured as described above according to the present disclosure will be described as follows.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, between the cleaning module 160 and the body 110, there are disposed the first rotation member 163 that can rotate (pitch) about the first rotational axis (y), the second rotation member 164 that can rotate (roll) about the second rotational axis (x), and the third rotation member 165 that can rotate (yaw) about the third rotational axis (z).

Referring to FIG. 9, when the angle between the second rotational axis and the ground is the first angle that is greater than or equal to a predetermined angle, the fixing member 171 is caught by the catching groove 172, and thus, the second rotation member 164 cannot rotate, so that the cleaner 100 does not roll. When the user rotates the body 110 clockwise or counterclockwise about the second rotational axis, the third rotation member 165 can yaw about the third rotational axis (z) and make a turning movement. When the user pulls down the body 110, the body pitches about the first rotation axis (y) to clean narrow gaps. In this case, the operability of the cleaner 100 is improved.

Referring to FIG. 10, when the user pulls down the body 110 and the angle between the second rotational axis and the ground becomes the second angle that is less than or equal to a predetermined angle, the fixing between the fixing member 171 and the catching groove 172 is released, and thus, the second rotation member 164 is able to rotate freely, so that the cleaner 100 can, as shown in FIG. 11, roll. When the user rotates the body 110 clockwise or counterclockwise about the second rotational axis, the second rotation member 164 rolls about the second rotational axis to clean narrower gaps. In this case, since rolling prioritizes over yawing due to the low angle, the yawing is suppressed, resulting in improved straightness of the cleaner 100.

However, in this case, the rolling angle can be limited by the stopper 1711 and the catching protrusion 173. Specifically, referring to FIG. 14, when the second rotation member 164 rolls, the stopper 1711 is caught by the catching protrusion 173, so that the rotation beyond a predetermined angle is limited, and the operability of the cleaner 100 can be ensured.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, when the third rotation member 165 rotates in one direction, the elastic member 174 provides a restoring force in the opposite direction. Accordingly, the cleaning module 160 is prevented from randomly yawing at the second angle due to friction with the ground, thereby improving the straightness of the cleaner 100.

In the foregoing, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention has been illustrated and described. However, the present invention is not limited to the described specific embodiment. Various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the subject matter of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. Also, these modifications should not be understood individually from the spirit or perspective of the present invention.

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CPC

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