AU2010347853B2

AU2010347853B2 - Suction nozzle for vacuum cleaner

Info

Publication number: AU2010347853B2
Application number: AU2010347853A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Jung Bae Hwang; Man Tae Hwang
Original assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Current assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Priority date: 2010-03-10
Filing date: 2010-03-10
Publication date: 2013-10-03
Anticipated expiration: 2030-03-10
Also published as: WO2011111884A1; CN102762139A; CN102762139B; AU2010347853A1; KR20120065379A; KR101356530B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner, which comprises: a case, having suction holes to aspirate dust; a punching member, which repeatedly applies pressure to a surface to be cleaned; and a cover plate, which is provided at the bottom of the case and covers the punching member, wherein the cover plate comprises: a first floor member and a second floor member, which face the surface to be cleaned; and a communication port, which enables the bottom surface of the punching member to contact the surface to be cleaned, wherein the bottom surface of the first floor member and the surface to be cleaned are separated from each other, and the bottom surface of the second floor member is grounded to the surface to be cleaned.

Description

[DESCRIPTION] [TITLE] SUCTION NOZZLE FOR VACUUM CLEANER [TECHNICAL FIELD] 5 Embodiments of the invention may relate to a suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner, e.g., to a suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner that includes a cover plate provided in a lower end of a case provided therein to cover a punching member for repeatedly pressing a cleaning-object surface. 0 [BACKGROUND] Generally, a vacuum cleaner is an electric appliance that filters dust and foreign substances sucked in a case together with air by using a suction motor mounted in a case 5 thereof. The vacuum cleaner having such a function may be classified into a canister type having a nozzle part as an inlet that communicates with a case via a connection pipe and an upright type having a nozzle part integrally formed with a o case. The canister type vacuum cleaner includes a vacuum cleaner case where a suction motor for generating a suction force is mounted, a suction nozzle for sucking dust and foreign substances placed on a surface which will be cleaned by using the suction force generated in the cleaner case, an extension pipe and a connection pipe for connecting the case and the suction nozzle with each other. (0006] In other words, when the suction motor is driven by an electric power applied to the case of the vacuum cleaner, the suction force is generated and such the suction force sucks the air having the dust and foreign substances located on the surface that is an object of cleaning. The air having the dust and foreign substances sucked into the cleaner case is circulating in the case and the dust and foreign substances are separated. The separated dust and foreign substances are stored in the cleaner case and the air having the dust and foreign substances separated there from is exhausted outside the cleaner case. (0007] Meanwhile, the vacuum cleaner may be used in cleaning the cleaning-object surface of a carpet or bedding such as a sheet and a cover. Fiber materials containing fine dust and foreign substances are provided in the carpet or the bedding. In other words, bedding such as covers filled with natural and synthetic heat-insulating materials is covered by a cotton cover. Fine dust and foreign substances are contained in the cotton cover. A carpet is a decorative fabric woven from a thick material for a floor mat and hairs such as wool are weaving into a carpet with a long pile. 2 Accordingly, fine dust and foreign substances are stuck between long piles on a carpet or rug. [0008] Accordingly, a conventional vacuum cleaner a mechanism provided in a suction nozzle to press a cleaning object surface to whisk off the dust and foreign substances such that the fine dust and foreign substances located on the cleaning-object surface of the carpet or bedding may be sucked into the cleaner case smoothly. In this instance, an overall bottom surface of a cover plate in opposite to the cleaning-object surface is formed in parallel and contact with respect to the cleaning-object surface. [0009] However, when cleaning the bedding, the cotton cover of the bedding is in close contact with such a bottom surface of the cover plate by the suction force of the suction motor only to close a communication hole for sucking the air containing dust and foreign substances. Accordingly, there might be a disadvantage of failure in sucking the dust smoothly. In addition, the communication hole is closed and the air might not be sucked easily. Because of that, the suction ability of the vacuum cleaner might be weakened and the vibration force for pressing the cleaning-object surface to brush off the dust and foreign substances might be weakened. Accordingly, there might be another disadvantage of deteriorated cleaning performance. 3 Meanwhile, when cleaning the carpet or rug, the fine dust and foreign substances sucked between long piles on the surface of the carpet might be brushed off easily by pressing of the mechanism provided in the suction nozzle. The cover 5 plate in parallel and contact with the cleaning-object surface just presses the long pile on the surface of the carpet to perform cleaning. Because of that, the fine dust and foreign substances existing between the long piles might not be separated from the surface of the carpet easily. o It is desired to address or ameliorate one or more disadvantages or limitations associated with the prior art, or to at least provide a useful alternative. [SUMMARY] 5 In accordance with the present invention there is provided a suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner comprising: a case comprising a suction hole formed therein to suck dust; a punching member configured to repeatedly press a o cleaning-object surface; and a cover plate provided in a lower end of the case to cover the punching member, wherein the cover plate comprises a first bottom portion and a second bottom portion that face the cleaning-object 5 surface and a communication hole configured to enable a lower surface of the punching member to contact with the cleaning object surface, and a lower surface of the first bottom portion is spaced apart a predetermined distance from the cleaning-object 5 surface and a lower surface of the second bottom portion contacts with the cleaning-object surface and wherein the cover plate is inclined upwardly from the second bottom portion to the first bottom portion such that the suction nozzle can easily move toward a surface faced by 0 the first bottom portion. The present invention also provides a suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner comprising: a case comprising a suction hole formed therein to suck dust; 5 a punching member configured to repeatedly press a cleaning-object surface; and a cover plate provided in a lower end of the case to cover the punching member, wherein the cover plate comprises a first bottom 0 portion and a second bottom portion that face the cleaning object surface, a communication hole configured to enable a lower surface of the punching member to contact with the cleaning-object surface, a plurality of ribs provided in the communication hole to connect a lower surface of the first 5 bottom portion and a lower surface of the second bottom portion with each other, and at least one hooking protrusion provided between the lower surface of the first bottom portion and the ribs or the lower surface of the second bottom portion and the ribs and 5 wherein the hooking protrusion is formed as a step to hook piles of a carpet. [BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS] o Preferred embodiments of the present invention are hereinafter described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the invention; 5 FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a suction nozzle according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a cover plate according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a side view of the cover plate according to o the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the cover plate according to the embodiment of the present invention, along A-A' shown in FIG. 3; FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the cover plate according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a suction nozzle 5 according to another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a cover plate according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7; FIG. 9 is a side view of the cover plate according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7; and 0 FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the cover plate according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7; [DETAILED DESCRIPTION] Embodiments of the invention may provide a suction 5 nozzle for a vacuum cleaner that includes a case, a punching member and a cover plate which has a front end spaced apart from a cleaning-object surface or a hooking protrusion provided therein to suck fine dust and foreign substances placed on a cleaning-object surface of bedding such as a 0 duvet or a carpet into a case of a vacuum cleaner smoothly. In embodiments, a suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner includes a case comprising a suction hole formed therein to suck dust; a punching member configured to repeatedly press a cleaning-object surface; and a cover plate provided in a 5 lower end of the case to cover the punching member, wherein the cover plate comprises a first bottom portion and a second bottom portion that face the cleaning-object surface and a communication hole configured to enable a lower surface of the punching member to contact with the cleaning-object 5 surface, and a lower surface of the first bottom portion is spaced apart a predetermined distance from the cleaning object surface and a lower surface of the second bottom portion contacts with the cleaning-object surface. In another embodiment, a suction nozzle for a vacuum 0 cleaner includes a case comprising a suction hole formed therein to suck dust; a punching member configured to repeatedly press a cleaning-object surface; and a cover plate provided in a lower end of the case to cover the punching member, wherein the cover plate comprises a first bottom 5 portion and a second bottom portion that face the cleaning object surface, a communication hole configured to enable a lower surface of the punching member to contact with the cleaning-object surface, a plurality of ribs provided in the communication hole to connect a lower surface of the first 0 bottom portion and a lower surface of the second bottom portion with each other, and at least one hooking protrusion provided between the lower surface of the first bottom portion and the ribs or the lower surface of the second bottom portion and the ribs.

The embodiments may have following advantageous effects. When cleaning a cleaning-object with mobility such as a duvet or the other types of bedding, the front portion of the cover plate is spaced apart a predetermined distance from a surface 5 of a cleaning-object and the guide groove is formed to guide the air passing between the lower surface of the cover plate and the cleaning-object surface. Accordingly, an external cover of the cleaning object is in close contact with the cover plate by the suction force of the suction motor, to 0 prevent the communication hole for sucking the dust and foreign substances there through from being closed. Meanwhile, when cleaning a cleaning object with long hairs such as a carpet, the hooking protrusion is provided in the lower surface of the cover plate to bounce off hairs 5 positioned on the surface of the cleaning object. Accordingly, fine dust and foreign substances stuck between thin long hairs may be sucked into the case of the vacuum cleaner smoothly. As a result, when cleaning cleaning-objects having 0 different characteristics, the cover plate having different structures and operations can be selectively used and the cleaning ability of the vacuum cleaner may be enhanced accordingly. Embodiments of the present invention will be described 5 in detail in reference to the accompanying drawings and contents disclosed in the drawings and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. The sizes and shapes of elements shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of description. Furthermore, terminology used 5 in the present specification selects common expressions well known and used currently, and the terminology may be varied by intensions of those who skilled in the air the present invention pertain to, practices or emergence of new technologies. In a specific case, there may be terminology 0 selected by the applicant of the present specification on his or her own discretion and meaning of corresponding terminology will be described in the detailed description. As a result, the terminologies used in the present specification has to be understood based on substantial meaning possessed thereby and contents of the specification, not based on simple titles of the terminologies. [0034] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. [0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the invention. In reference to FIG. 1, the structure and operation of the vacuum cleaner will be described in detail. [0036) The vacuum cleaner shown in FIG. 1 includes a case 30 having a suction motor mounted therein to generate a suction force, a connection part 20 for transmitting the suction force generated in the case 30 and a suction nozzle 10 provided in an end of the connection part 20 to suck dust and foreign substances scattered on a surface which will be cleaned (hereinafter, a cleaning-object surface, together with air. [0037] The suction motor is mounted in the case 30. When the suction motor is driven, the suction force is generated 9 and dust and foreign substances together with air are sucked into the case 30. The sucked dust and foreign substances are filtered in the case 30. [0038] The connection part 20 may be configured of an extendable pipe 22 having an adjustable length, with an end where the suction nozzle 10 is coupled and a connection pipe 24 for connecting the extended pipe 22 and the case 30 with each other. The extendable pipe 22 may be extendable based on the user's height and a location of the surface which will be cleaned. During the cleaning, the suction nozzle 10 connected to the extendable pipe 22 may be moving in all. directions with respect to the surface which will be cleaned. Accordingly, the connection pipe 24 may be formed of a flexible material to enable the user to perform cleaning smoothly. [0039] [0040] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a suction nozzle according to the embodiment of the present invention. In reference to FIG. 1, the suction nozzle will be described in detail. [0041] The suction nozzle 10 shown in FIG. 2 shows a case 100, a punching member 200 and a cover plate 300 in detail. [0042] The suction nozzle 10 may by defined by a case member 100. The case member 100 may be integrally formed as one body or it may include an upper case 102 and a lower case 10 104 that are coupled to each other. A joint portion 26 is provided in a rear end, with a predetermined diameter corresponding to a diameter of the extendable pipe 22 to insertedly couple the joint portion 26 to the extendable pipe 22. [0043] Meanwhile, a dust collection visualization mechanism 500 may be provided adjacent to the case member 100 to visualize a collection state of foreign substances, with located at an end of a transmission passage of the suction force generated in the case 30.

[0044] In other words, the dust collection visualization mechanism 500 may partially accommodate the air collected via the suction nozzle 10 and the dust and foreign substances contained in the air to make an accommodation state of the dust visible outside. The dust collection visualization mechanism 500 may partially close a passage of the air moving to the case 30. Accordingly, a predetermined amount of the air moving to the case 30 may be drawn into the dust visualization mechanism 500. [0045] As mentioned above, the case member 100 defines an overall appearance of the suction nozzle 10. [0046) A driving part (not shown) is provided in the case 100 to drive the punching member 200. The punching member 200 for pressing the cleaning-object surface to separate dust and foreign substances existing on the surface is connected with 11 the driving part at an outer bottom surface of the lower case 104. (0047] The suction nozzle 10 may suck dust and foreign substances together with air, using the suction force of the motor mounted in a case (30, see FIG. 1). Accordingly, a suction hole 110 and an inlet hole 120 are formed in the case member 100 to suck the dust and foreign substances together with the air. [0048] The suction hole 110 may be integrally formed with a lower surface of the case member 100 or independently. [0049] According to this embodiment, the suction hole 110 may be integrally formed with the lower case 104 to suck the dust and foreign substances separated by the pressing of the punching member 200 provided in the outer bottom surface of the case 100. [0050] The dust and foreign substances separated from the cleaning-object surface can be sucked immediately, because the suction hole 110 is provided adjacent to the punching member 200. [0051] The punching member 200 repeatedly presses the cleaning-object surface to suck fine dust and foreign substances located on the cleaning-object surface into the case (30, see FIG. 1) of the vacuum cleaner. [0052] In other words, when the punching member 400 repeatedly presses the surface, the fine dust and foreign 12 substances are separated from the surface and the separated dust and foreign substances are sucked into the case (30, see FIG. 1) via the suction hole 110 formed in the case member 100. [0053] Meanwhile, a projection 202 is formed in the punching member 200 to ease the contact between the punching member 200 and the cleaning-object surface. In other words, the projection 202 is projected from the punching member 200 to make the punching member 200 in contact with the cleaning object surface. The projection 202 may be formed in an approximately hemispheric shape. A plurality of small projections may be further projected from the projection 202 to enhance a cleaning effect. [0054] A nose prevention material 204 formed of an elastic material may be provided in each end of the punching member 200 to prevent the noise generated when the punching member 200 presses the cleaning-object surface. [0055) The cover plate 200 is formed in a rectangular shape and it is provided on a lower end of the case 100 to cover the punching member 200. A communication hole 330 is formed in the cover plate 300 to make the lower surface of the punching member 200 communicate with the cleaning-object surface along a longitudinal direction of the punching member 200. 13 [0056] In other words, when performing the cleaning, the suction nozzle 10 is moving in back/forth and right/left directions with respect to the cleaning-object surface. When the cleaning-object surface is bedding such as a cover or carpet, edges of the punching member 200 and the cavity 106 are hooked by the cleaning-object surface and the movement of the suction nozzle 10 might be difficult accordingly. [0057] The cover plate 300 is provided on the lower end of the case 100 and the movement of the suction nozzle 10 can be eased remarkably with respect to the cleaning-object surface. [0058] [0059] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a cover plate according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a side view of the cover plate according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the cover plate according to the embodiment of the present invention, along A-A' shown in FIG. 3. In reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, the structure and operation of the cover plate according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. [0060] As mentioned above, the cover plate 300 is provided on the lower end of the case 100 and it includes a first bottom portion 310, a second bottom portion 320 and the communication hole 330. 14 [0061] The first bottom portion 310 defines a front portion of the bottom surface of the cover plate 300 provided on the lower surface of the suction nozzle 10 and it faces the cleaning-object surface. A front end of the first bottom portion 310 is gently curved and an edge of the first bottom portion 310 is rounded, such that the cover plate 310 may enable the suction nozzle 10 to move on the cleaning-object surface in back and forth and right and left directions, without being hooked by the bedding such as a cover or a carpet. [0062] The second bottom portion 320 defines a rear portion of the bottom surface of the cover plate 300 and it faces the cleaning-object surface. [0063] The communication hole 330 is formed to make the lower surface of the punching member 200 contact with the cleaning-object surface between the first bottom portion 310 and the second bottom portion 320. (0064] In other words, the punching member 200 removes dust and foreign substances by pressing the cleaning-object surface repeatedly. For that, the punching member 200 is exposed to an outer surface of the cover plate 300 via the communication hole 330, to make the lower surface of the punching member 200 contact with the cleaning-object surface to press the cleaning-object surface. 15 [0065] A plurality of communication holes 330 divided into a plurality of ribs 340 may be formed longer and wider than the punching member 300. [0066] In other words, the punching member 200 is vibrated in back/forth and right/left direction by the driving part provided in the suction nozzle 10. In this instance, a predetermined space that is as large as a vibration amplitude of the punching member 200 is provided in the communication hole 330, to prevent the noise generated by the collision between the punching member 200 and the cover plate 300. [0067] Meanwhile, when cleaning a cleaning object such as bedding such as a cover or the other items that is movable, a lower surface of the first bottom portion 310 is spaced apart a predetermined distance from a cleaning-object surface to suck the air containing dust and foreign substances passing between the lower surface of the cover plate 300 and the cleaning-object surface into the suction nozzle 10 smoothly. [0068] That is, the cleaning object such as the movable cover or other bedding items is filled with natural and synthetic heat-insulating materials, with a light external cover. Accordingly, the cleaning object has a good mobility. The cleaning object having the good mobility might be in close contact with the cover plate 300 by the suction force of the suction motor and it might close the communication hole 330. 16 [0069] As a result, the lower surface of the first bottom portion 310 may be spaced apart a predetermined distance from the cleaning-object surface, to prevent the communication hole 330 from being closed and to suck the air containing the dust and foreign substances passing between the lower surface of the cover plate 300 and the cleaning-object surface into the suction nozzle 10. [0070] As the air suction area is getting smaller, the air suction velocity is getting higher. Accordingly, the lower surface of the second bottom portion 320 may be formed to contact with the cleaning-object surface and the second bottom portion 320 may be spaced apart a predetermined distance from the cleaning-object surface. In this instance, the area of air suction might be enlarged and the air suction velocity might be lowered such that the suction efficiency of the vacuum cleaner might be deteriorated. [0071] The cover plate 300 may be inclined upwardly in a reverse direction of the cleaning-object surface as getting closer to the first bottom portion 310 from the second bottom portion 320. As mentioned above, the lower surface of the first bottom portion 310 is spaced apart a predetermined distance from the cleaning-object surface to suck the dust and foreign substances from the cleaning-object surface efficiently and the lower surface of the second bottom portion 320 may contact with the cleaning-object surface. 17 [0072] The cover plate 300 further include a plurality of ribs 340 provided in the communication hole 330 to connect the lower surface of the first bottom portion 310 and the lower surface of the second bottom portion 320 with each other. [0073] The ribs 340 for connecting the first bottom portion 310 and the second bottom portion 320 with each other are provided in the cover plate 300. Accordingly, the cover plate 300 having the first bottom portion 310, the second bottom portion 320 and the ribs 340 may be integrally formed as one body. [0074] It is also preferable that a lower surface of the ribs 340 have the same slope as the slope surface formed in the reverse direction of the cleaning-object surface from the second bottom portion 320 toward the first bottom portion 310. Accordingly, the suction nozzle 10 may be moving in back/forth and right/left directions with respect to the cleaning-object surface smoothly during the cleaning. [0075] When it is vibrated to press the cleaning-object surface, the punching member 200 may contact with the plurality of the ribs 340 to limit the moving toward the cleaning-object surface and the punching member 200 exposed outside the case 100 may be prevented from being hooked by the bedding such as the cover. 18 [0076] Meanwhile, when the movement of the punching member 200 is limited by the ribs 340 contacting with the punching member 200, the projection 202 of the punching member 200 has to contact with the cleaning-object surface to press the cleaning-object surface. It is preferable that the height of the projection 202 is larger than the thickness of the rib 340. [0077] Also, to optimize the amount of the air containing the dust and foreign substances sucked into the suction nozzle 10 when the cover is cleaned, the cover plate 300 further includes a guide groove 350 formed behind the first bottom portion 310 spaced apart a predetermined distance from the cleaning-object surface. [0078] In other words, guide grooves 350 are provided between the lower surface of the first bottom portion 310 and the ribs 340, to guide the air passing between the lower surface of the first bottom portion 310 and the cleaning object surface. As shown in FIG. 5, the plurality of the guide grooves 350 may be provided between the plurality of the ribs 340, respectively, and the number of the guide grooves 350 may be corresponding to the number of the ribs 340. [0079] According to an embodiment of the guide groove 350 in reference to FIG. 3, the guide groove 350 may be formed by lateral walls 340a of the rib 340 provided in the cover plate 19 300 and a guide surface 352 extended from a rear end of the first bottom portion 310. [0080] The guide groove 350 guides the air passing between the lower surface of the first bottom portion 310 and the cleaning-object surface and it is provided higher than a lower surface of the rib 340. (0081] The lateral walls 340a of the rib 340 prevent the air sucked into the guide groove 350 from leaking along a lateral direction of the suction nozzle 10. The guide surface 352 guides the air sucked into the guide groove 350 to be sucked into the suction hole 110 provided in the case 100 of the suction nozzle 100. [0082] Meanwhile, the guide surface 352 is formed by a first inclined surface 354 and a second inclined surface 356. The first and second inclined surfaces 354 and 356 have a different slope, only to suck the air passing between the lower surface of the first bottom portion 310 and the cleaning-object surface into the suction nozzle 10. [0083] In other words, the first inclined surface 354 is inclined from the rear end of the first bottom portion 310 and the second inclined surface is extended from a rear portion of the first inclined surface 354, with a smaller slope than a slope of the first inclined surface. The air flowing along the first inclined surface 354 collides with 20 the second inclined surface 356, to flow toward the suction hole 110 formed in the bottom surface of the case 100. [0084] Accordingly, the air passing between the lower surface of the first bottom portion 310 and the cleaning object surface may be flowing toward the suction hole 110 to be sucked into the suction nozzle 10 smoothly. [0085] The guide groove 350 is in communication with the communication hole 330 provided in the cover plate 300 and the air passing between the lower surface of the first bottom portion 310 and the cleaning-object surface is sucked into the suction nozzle 10 via the communication hole 330. [0086] As mentioned above, the cover plate 300 is provided at the lower end of the case 100 and it contacts with the cleaning-object surface while the suction nozzle 10 is moving in back-and-forth and right-and-left directions with respect to the cleaning-object surface during the cleaning. [0087] The cover plate 300 contacting with the cleaning object surface has to be fixed to the bottom surface of the lower case 104 to prevent the separation of the cover plate 300 from the case 100 for forming the exterior appearance of the suction nozzle 10. (0088] Accordingly, a projected portion 370 may be provided in a front end of the first bottom portion 310 provided in the cover plate 300, to be inserted in the bottom surface of the lower case 104. The projected portion 370 is 21 projected from a predetermined area of the front end possessed by the first bottom portion 310. It is preferable that a plurality of projected portions 370 are provided to fix the cover plate 300 to the case 100 and to enhance stability simultaneously. [0089] Insertion holes (not shown) are provided in the bottom surface of the lower case 104 to insert the projected portions 370 therein, corresponding to the projected portions 370 provided in the cover plate 300. (0090] A coupling portion 380 is formed in a rear end of the second bottom portion 320 provided in the cover plate 300 to be elastically coupled to the case 100. [0091] In other words, the projected portion 370 of the first bottom portion 310 is inserted in the insertion hole formed in the bottom surface of the case 100 and the coupling portion 380 of the second bottom portion 320 is elastically coupled to the bottom surface of the lower case 104, only to fix the cover plate 300 to the bottom surface of the lower case 104. The coupling between the coupling portion 380 and the bottom surface of the lower case 104 may be any elastically fitting or separating methods such as snap fit and variations thereof. [0092] When using the snap fit, a user can exchange the cover plate 300 with a new one easily, without additional tools. 22 [0093] [0094] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the cover plate according to the embodiment of the present invention. In reference to FIG. 6, the process of sucking the air containing dust and foreign substances when the suction nozzle according to the present invention is used for the bedding such as a cover will be described in detail. [0095] The user may use the vacuum cleaner to remove dust and foreign ,substances existing on a surface of the cover. In this instance, the user places the bottom surface of the suction nozzle 10 on the surface of the cover which will be cleaned. [0096] After that, the bottom surface of the suction nozzle 10 contacts with the cleaning-object surface and the suction nozzle 10 is moved in back-and-force and right-and left directions. When the cleaning-object surface is the surface of the bedding such as a cover or duvet, the bedding such as the cover or duvet is typically filled with natural and synthetic heat-insulating materials and a cotton cover covers the heat-insulating materials, with the mobility. When it receives the load of the suction nozzle 10, the shape of the cleaning-object surface is transformed corresponding to the shape of the bottom surface of the suction nozzle 10. (0097] However, the suction nozzle 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the first bottom 23 portion 310 gently curved to space the suction nozzle 10 apart a predetermined distance from the cleaning-object surface and the guide groove 350 for guiding the air passing between the lower surface of the first bottom portion 310 and the cleaning-object surface, such that the cover of the duvet or quilt may be in close contact with the cover plate 300 to prevent the communication hole 330 from being shut off. [0098] As a result, even when cleaning the bedding having the mobility such as the duvet or quilt, the suction nozzle 10 according to the embodiment of the invention may suck the air containing the dust and foreign substances via the communication hole 330 efficiently and the cleaning ability may be optimized. [0099] [00100] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a suction nozzle according to another embodiment of the present invention. The suction nozzle shown in FIG. 7 according to this embodiment is the same as the suction nozzle according to the embodiment described above in reference to FIG. 2, except a structure and operation of a cover plate, and detailed description of the same elements will be omitted accordingly. [00101] [00102] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a cover plate according to this embodiment shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a side view of the cover plate according to the embodiment of the present 24 invention. In reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, different configuration between the cover plate according to this embodiment and the cover plate according to the embodiment described above will be described. [00103] As mentioned above, the cover plate 1300 according to this embodiment of the present invention is provided in a lower end of the case 100. The cover plate 1300 includes a first bottom portion 1310, a second bottom portion 1320, a communication hole 1330 and a plurality of ribs 1340. [00104] When cleaning a carpet, at least one hooking protrusion 360 is provided between a lower surface of the first bottom portion 1310 of the cover plate 1300 and the ribs 1340 or between a lower surface of the second bottom portion 1320 and the ribs, to suck air containing dust and foreign substances passing between a lower surface of the cover plate 1300 and the cleaning-object surface into the suction nozzle 10 smoothly. [00105] In other words, when the suction nozzle 10 is moved in back-and-forth and right-and-left directions with respect to the cleaning-object surface, the hooking protrusion 1360 is formed in the cover plate 1300 contacting with the cleaning-object surface closely and fine dust and foreign substances sucked between long piles are separated from the carpet then. During the separation, the air having the fine dust and foreign substances is sucked into a case (30, see 25 FIG. 1) of the vacuum cleaner via the suction nozzle 10 efficiently and a cleaning ability with respect to the carpet is enhanced. [00106] According to an embodiment, the suction nozzle 10 is typically moved in back-and-forth and right-and-left directions with respect to the cleaning-object surface. To maximize the cleaning ability on the carpet, hooking protrusions 1360 may be provided between the lower surface of the first bottom portion 1310 and the ribs 1340 and between a lower surface of the second bottom portion 1320 and the ribs 1340, respectively. [00107] The hooking protrusions 1360 are integrally formed with the first bottom portion 1310, the second bottom portion 1320 and the plurality of the ribs 1340. [00108] In other words, the hooking protrusion 1360 is stepped to differentiate the height of a rear end portion possessed by the lower surface of the first bottom portion 1310 from the height of a front end possessed by the lower surface of the ribs 1340 or the height of a front end possessed by the lower surface of the second bottom portion 1320 from the height of a rear end possessed by the lower surface of the ribs 1340. [00109] Meanwhile, in reference to an enlarged view of the hooking protrusion 1360 shown in FIG. 9, a position of the lower surface of the cover plate 1300 where the hooking 26 protrusion 1360 is formed may be in contact with the cleaning-object surface when the suction nozzle 10 is moved in the back-and-forth and right-and-left directions. [00110] Specifically, the rear end possessed by the lower end of the first bottom portion 1310 and the front end possessed by the lower surface of the second bottom portion 1320 are in contact with the surface of the carpet as the cleaning-object surface. The lower surface of the ribs 1340 is spaced apart a predetermined distance from the cleaning object surface as far as the difference between the height of the hooking protrusions 1360, to hook the long pile of the carpet to the hooking protrusion 1360 smoothly. Accordingly, the dust and foreign substances existing between thin long piles on the carpet may be separated from the carpet. [00111] The lower surface of the first bottom portion 1310 provided in the cover plate 1300 is upwardly inclined from the rear end toward the front end in a reverse direction of the cleaning-object surface. The lower surface of the second bottom portion 1320 is upwardly inclined front the front end toward the rear end in a reverse direction of the cleaning object surface. - (00112] As shown in FIG. 9, the first bottom portion 1310 and the second bottom portion 1320 are gently curved with respect to a center of the ribs 1340. 27 [00113] In other words, the position of the lower surface of the where the hooking protrusion 1360 starts to be formed may contact with the cleaning-object surface. However, the first bottom portion 1310 and the second bottom portion 1320 are gently curved with an upward slope and the friction force with the cleaning-object surface may be reduced, such that the movement of the suction nozzle 10 may be performed efficiently with respect to the cleaning-object surface such as the carpet. (00114] Also, the ribs 1340 are gently curved and upwardly inclined from the center of the lower surface thereof toward both ends thereof in a reverse direction of the cleaning object surface. Accordingly, the suction nozzle 10 may be moved in the back-and-forth and right-and-left directions with respect to the cleaning-object surface efficiently during the cleaning. (00115] [00116] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the cover plate according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7. In reference to FIG. 10, the process of sucking the air containing dust and foreign substances via the suction nozzle according to this embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail when the suction nozzle is used for cleaning a cleaning-object surface such as a carpet. 28 [00117) The user may use the vacuum cleaner to remove dust and foreign substances existing on a surface of the carpet. In this instance, the user places the bottom surface of the suction nozzle 10 on the surface of the carpet which will be cleaned. [00118] The bottom surface of the suction nozzle 10 contacts with the cleaning-object surface and the suction nozzle 10 is moved in the back-and-forth and right-and-left directions. In this instance, when the cleaning-object surface is a carpet, typically there are thin long piles on the surface of the carpet. The rear end possessed by the lower surface of the first bottom portion 1310 and the front end possessed by the lower surface of the second bottom portion 1320, where the hooking protrusion 1360 is formed, contact with the long piles of the carpet to press by using the load of the suction nozzle 10. [00119] In contrast, the lower surface of the ribs 1340 is spaced apart from the cleaning-object surface as far as the difference with the height of the hooking protrusion 1360. Accordingly, the shape of the piles of the carpet positioned under the lower surface of the ribs 1340 is not transformed. [00120] As a result, when the suction nozzle 10 is moved in the back-and-forth and right-and-left directions, the long piles of the carpet positioned under the lower surface of the ribs 1340 are hooked to the protrusion 1360 and fine dust and 29 foreign substances existing between the surface and the lower surface are separated and sucked into the suction nozzle 10. The hooking protrusion 1360 of the suction nozzle 10 presses the long piles having the dust and foreign substances separated there from. [00121] When cleaning a cleaning-object having long hairs such as a carpet, the suction nozzle 10 including the cover plate 1300 according to this embodiment may suck the air containing dust and foreign substances therein via the communication hole 330 smoothly and efficiently. Accordingly, the cleaning ability may be maximized. [00122] [00123] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 30 Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a 5 stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any 0 matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates. 5

Claims

1. A suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner comprising: a case comprising a suction hole formed therein to suck 5 dust; a punching member configured to repeatedly press a cleaning-object surface; and a cover plate provided in a lower end of the case to cover the punching member, o wherein the cover plate comprises a first bottom portion and a second bottom portion that face the cleaning-object surface and a communication hole configured to enable a lower surface of the punching member to contact with the cleaning object surface, and 5 a lower surface of the first bottom portion is spaced apart a predetermined distance from the cleaning-object surface and a lower surface of the second bottom portion contacts with the cleaning-object surface and wherein the cover plate is inclined upwardly from the O second bottom portion to the first bottom portion such that the suction nozzle can easily move toward a surface faced by the first bottom portion.

2. The suction nozzle for the vacuum cleaner according 5 to claim 1, wherein the first bottom portion is provided in a front portion of the cover plate and the second bottom portion is provided in a rear portion of the cover plate.

3. The suction nozzle for the vacuum cleaner according 5 to claim 1, wherein the cover plate further comprises a plurality of ribs provided in the communication hole to connect the lower surface of the first bottom portion and the lower surface of the second bottom portion with each other. 0

4. The suction nozzle for the vacuum cleaner according to claim 3, wherein the cover plate further comprises a guide groove provided between the lower surface of the first bottom portion and the plurality of the ribs to guide air passing between the lower surface of the first bottom portion and the 5 cleaning-object surface.

5. The suction nozzle for the vacuum cleaner according to claim 4, wherein the guide groove is in communication with the communication hole. 0

6. The suction nozzle for the vacuum cleaner according to claim 4, wherein the guide groove is formed by lateral walls of a rib and a guide surface extended from a rear end of the first bottom portion, positioned above a lower surface 5 of the ribs.

7. The suction nozzle for the vacuum cleaner according to claim 6, wherein the guide surface is formed by a first inclined surface inclinedly formed in a rear end of the first 5 bottom portion and a second inclined surface formed behind the first inclined surface, with a predetermine slope smaller than a slope of the first inclined surface.

8. A suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner comprising: 0 a case comprising a suction hole formed therein to suck dust; a punching member configured to repeatedly press a cleaning-object surface; and a cover plate provided in a lower end of the case to 5 cover the punching member, wherein the cover plate comprises a first bottom portion and a second bottom portion that face the cleaning object surface, a communication hole configured to enable a lower surface of the punching member to contact with the 0 cleaning-object surface, a plurality of ribs provided in the communication hole to connect a lower surface of the first bottom portion and a lower surface of the second bottom portion with each other, and at least one hooking protrusion provided between the lower surface of the first bottom portion and the ribs or the lower surface of the second bottom portion and the ribs and wherein the hooking protrusion is formed as a step to hook piles of a carpet. 5

9. The suction nozzle for the vacuum cleaner according to claim 8, wherein the first bottom portion is provided in a front portion of the cover plate and the second bottom portion is provided in a rear portion of the cover plate, and 0 the hooking protrusion is formed by a difference between the height of a rear end possessed by the lower surface of the first bottom portion and the height of a front end possessed by the lower end of the ribs or between the height of a front end possessed by the lower surface of the 5 second bottom portion and the height of a rear end possessed by the rear surface of the ribs.

10. The suction nozzle for the vacuum cleaner according to claim 9, wherein the rear end possessed by the lower 0 surface of the first bottom portion and the front end possessed by the lower surface of the second bottom portion are in contact with the cleaning-object surface, and the lower surface of the ribs is spaced apart from the cleaning-object surface as far as the difference between the 5 heights.

11. The suction nozzle for the vacuum cleaner according to claim 8, wherein the first bottom portion is upwardly inclined from the rear end toward the front end possessed by 5 the lower surface of the first bottom portion, and the second bottom portion is upwardly inclined from the front end toward the rear end possessed by the lower surface of the first bottom portion. 0

12. The suction nozzle for the vacuum cleaner according to claim 8, wherein the ribs are gently curved and upwardly inclined from a center of the lower surface toward ends thereof. 5

13. The suction nozzle for the vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 8, wherein the cover plate further comprises at least one projection projected from the front end of the first bottom portion to be inserted in the case and at least one coupling portion formed in a rear end of the second 0 bottom portion to be elastically coupled to the case.

14. A suction nozzle substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.