EP1508292B1

EP1508292B1 - Nozzle assembly for vacuum cleaner for both wet and dry cleaning

Info

Publication number: EP1508292B1
Application number: EP20040018474
Authority: EP
Inventors: Byeong-Sun Yang; Jong-Hyun Seo; Sung-Guen Kim; Jong-Min Lee
Original assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Current assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Priority date: 2003-08-18
Filing date: 2004-08-04
Publication date: 2011-03-23
Anticipated expiration: 2024-08-04
Also published as: EP1508292A3; CN1582835A; EP1508292A2; CN100502749C

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner, and more particularly, to a nozzle assembly for a vacuum cleaner for both wet and dry cleaning, which can clean an area to be cleaned by spraying and sucking water while moving on and along a surface of the area to be cleaned.

2. Description of the Prior Art

As is well known, a vacuum cleaner is one of household electric appliances, which can perform cleaning by generating a strong suction force in a main body of the vacuum cleaner, sucking external contaminants existing on a floor or the like into the main body and collecting them therein. Recently, there has been proposed a vacuum cleaner that can perform cleaning with a wet duster mounted thereon, or perform wet cleaning by exchanging a simple accessory tool such as a nozzle assembly, spraying water and a detergent from the vacuum cleaner itself and sucking the water and detergent, even while performing the basic function of collecting dry dust and the like.
Fig. 1 shows the configuration of a conventional nozzle assembly of a vacuum cleaner for wet cleaning as described above, as for example disclosed in US 5797161 . Referring to this figure, the nozzle assembly comprises a suction head 2 fixed to an end of an extension tube 1 to suck water on a floor such as a carpet, and a sprayer 3 mounted on a back surface of the suction head 2 to spray water or a detergent.
In performing wet cleaning, a user manipulates a handle or a water/detergent spraying handle (not shown) mounted on a main body of the vacuum cleaner, so that the water or detergent is sprayed onto the carpet though the sprayer 3 mounted on the back surface of the suction head 2 and the suction head 2 sucks the water while moving on the carpet in a fore and aft direction, thereby cleaning the carpet.
However, the conventional nozzle assembly of the vacuum cleaner for wet cleaning described above has the following problems.
Since the sprayer 3 is installed on the back surface of the suction head 2 and the water and/or detergent sprayed from the sprayer 3 are deposited on a region of the carpet on the side of the back surface of the suction head 2, the user should pull the suction head 2 abutting against the carpet in order to perform cleaning by sufficiently sucking the water and/or detergent deposited on the carpet.
When the cleaning is performed by pulling the extension tube 1 in such a manner, it depends on only a force of the user's arm without loading the user's weight on the suction head 2. Thus, greater efforts are required as compared with a case where cleaning is performed by pushing the extension tube 1.
Further, since the moving direction of the nozzle assembly is a direction facing the user's body, there is inconvenience in that a phenomenon in which the extension tube or a hose connected thereto interferes with the user's body occurs. Moreover, there is a problem in that sufficient cleaning cannot be performed due to deterioration of close contact of the suction head with the surface of the carpet.
In addition, since the water sprayed from the sprayer 3 is not dispersed but concentrated on a certain region in case of the conventional nozzle assembly for wet cleaning, an area cleaned upon passage of the nozzle assembly is narrow. Therefore, there is a problem in that a cleaning efficiency is lowered.
Furthermore, since the sprayed water is directed to the surface of the carpet in case of the conventional nozzle assembly for wet cleaning, the water permeates up to the bottom of the carpet. Even though the nozzle assembly passes through the water-sprayed region and sucks the water, the water that has permeated up to the bottom of the carpet cannot be completely sucked and thus remains in the carpet until the remaining water evaporates by means of natural drying. Therefore, the complete drying of the carpet cannot be achieved for a long time on a rainy or cloudy day. Thus, there are problems in that an unpleasant smell lasts and a possibility of propagation of bacteria or the like is raised, resulting in poor hygiene.
A nozzle assembly according to the preamble of claim 1 is disclosed in US 5 555 598 .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is conceived to solve the aforementioned problems in the prior art. An object of the present invention is to provide a nozzle assembly for a vacuum cleaner for both wet and dry cleaning, which can more easily perform the wet cleaning.
Another object of the present invention is to allow water and/or a detergent to be sprayed from a nozzle assembly onto a wider area.
A further object of the present invention is to allow water and/or a detergent sprayed from a nozzle assembly onto a cleaned area to be sucked within a shorter period of time.
According to an aspect of the present invention for achieving the objects, there is provided a nozzle assembly for a vacuum cleaner for both wet and dry cleaning, comprising a suction head to be installed at an end of an extension tube connected to a main body of the vacuum cleaner to suck a cleaning fluid and foreign substances while moving on a floor; a sprayer installed on an upper surface of the suction head to spray the cleaning fluid toward a front end of the suction head; a nozzle cover for defining a spray flow passage on the upper surface of the suction head, the cleaning fluid sprayed from the sprayer flowing through the spray flow passage; and downstream ribs provided at a downstream side of the spray flow passage defined by the nozzle cover and having penetrating portions formed at predetermined intervals between adjacent downstream ribs, the cleaning fluid passing through the penetrating portions.
Preferably, an upstream rib provided across the spray flow passage corresponding to a space between the sprayer and the downstream ribs to disperse the cleaning fluid sprayed from the sprayer and deliver the cleaning fluid to the downstream ribs.
More preferably , the upstream rib is formed to protrude from a recessed portion of the suction head and there is a gap between the upstream rib and the nozzle cover.
Still more preferably , the upstream rib is formed on a lower surface of the nozzle cover, and a sealing material is provided between the upstream rib and the upper surface of the suction head.
Still more preferably, an installation guide for guiding the sealing material to a seated position is formed on the upper surface of the suction head.
Still more preferably, the upstream rib blocks the spray flow passage corresponding to the space between the sprayer and the downstream ribs except both lateral ends of the spray flow passage, and the upstream rib is formed with a penetrating portion for enabling passage of the cleaning fluid therethrough at a position offset toward each of the both ends of the upstream rib from a portion to which the cleaning fluid sprayed from the sprayer is directly delivered.
Still more preferably, a plurality of penetrating portions are formed at positions on the upstream rib relatively close to the portion to which the cleaning fluid is directly delivered, between each of the both ends of the upstream rib and the portion to which the cleaning fluid is directly delivered.
Still more preferably, the spray flow passage defined by the nozzle cover and the upper surface of the suction head has a width gradually increasing from the sprayer to the downstream side.
Still more preferably, a central portion of the upstream rib and central ones of the downstream ribs are formed to be biased toward a relatively upstream side of the spray flow passage, and both ends of the upstream rib and ones of the downstream ribs positioned at both lateral ends of the spray flow passage are formed to be biased toward the downstream side.
Still more preferably, the assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein radii of curvature are defined from the central downstream ribs to the downstream ribs at the both lateral ends and from the central portion to the both ends of the upstream rib, respectively.
Still more preferably, some of the downstream ribs over a predetermined length at the both lateral ends are formed to define a straight line.
Still more preferably, the nozzle cover is made of a transparent material.
Still more preferably, the upper surface of the suction head is formed to be inclined toward the floor at the front end of the suction head, and the downstream ribs are formed on a portion of the upper surface inclined toward the floor such that one surface of each of the downstream ribs faces the floor.
Preferably an upstream rib is provided across the spray flow passage corresponding to a space between the sprayer and the downstream ribs, formed on a lower surface of the nozzle cover, and installed such that a tip thereof is in close contact with the suction head, so as to disperse the cleaning fluid sprayed from the sprayer and deliver the cleaning fluid to the downstream ribs.
Preferably, at least a front end of the nozzle cover is mounted on the suction head in such a manner that hooks are caught in hook holes formed in the suction head, and shield members are provided in the spray flow passage at the both ends of the upstream rib and the series of downstream ribs to prevent the cleaning fluid from flowing to the hook holes.
More preferably, blocking ribs are further formed at positions from which the linear downstream ribs begin between the both ends of the upstream rib and the series of downstream ribs, and blocking members are provided adjacent to the blocking ribs, thereby blocking movement of the cleaning fluid through spaces between the both ends.
With the present invention constructed as above, the installation of the sprayer on the upper surface of the suction head allows the water and/or the detergent to be sprayed onto an area in front of the suction head, so that a user can perform cleaning by pushing the suction head. Thus, less cleaning efforts are required and the user can perform cleaning while directly viewing the operation of the sprayer, resulting in improvement of a cleaning efficiency.
Further, since the water and/or the detergent sprayed from the sprayer are sprayed while being dispersed uniformly over the entire suction head, the cleaning efficiency can be further enhanced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side view schematically showing the structure of a conventional nozzle assembly of a vacuum cleaner for both wet and dry cleaning;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of a nozzle assembly of a vacuum cleaner for both wet and dry cleaning according to the present invention;
Fig. 3 is a sectional side view schematically showing the structure of the first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the structure of a second embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 5 is a sectional view showing the structure of the second embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of a third embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing an assembled state of the third embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 8 is a sectional view schematically showing the structure of a major portion of the third embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing the structure of the fourth embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 11 is a operational view showing an operation of the first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 12 is a operational view showing an operation of the second embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 13 is a operational view showing an operation of the third embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 14 is a operational view showing an operation of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, preferred embodiment of a nozzle assembly of a vacuum cleaner for both wet and dry cleaning according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Figs. 2 and 3 show a first embodiment of the nozzle assembly of the vacuum cleaner for both wet and dry cleaning according to the present invention. Referring to these figures, the nozzle assembly comprises a suction head 20 coupled to an end of an extension tube 10 connected to a main body (not shown) of the vacuum cleaner; and a sprayer 30 fixedly installed on an upper surface of the suction head 20 to spray water and/or a detergent (hereinafter, referred to as "cleaning fluid") supplied through a hose 31 connected to the main body (not shown) of the vacuum cleaner.
The suction head 20 serves to suck the cleaning fluid and foreign substances on an area to be cleaned by means of a suction force generated within the main body of the vacuum cleaner while moving on the area to be cleaned such as a carpet. The suction head 20 is shaped to gradually flare from a portion thereof connected to the extension tube 10 toward a front end thereof. A suction opening 21 through which the cleaning fluid and the foreign substances are sucked is formed at a front end portion of a lower surface of the suction head facing an area to be cleaned. The suction opening 21 communicates with the extension tube 10.
A recessed portion 23 corresponding to the shape of the suction head 20, which gradually flares toward the front end of the suction head, is formed in the upper surface of the suction head 20. The recessed portion 23 forms a spray flow passage 27 in cooperation with a nozzle cover 26 to be described later. A front end of the recessed portion 23, i.e. a front end of the upper surface of the suction head 20, is formed to be inclined toward a floor.
Downstream ribs 24 are formed to protrude from a portion of the suction head corresponding to the front end of the recessed portion 23. The downstream ribs 24 are laterally formed at the front end of the recessed portion 23 of the suction head 20. Ones of the downstream ribs 24 positioned at the center of the recessed portion 23 are formed at a relatively upstream side of the recessed portion 23 and ones of the downstream ribs 24 positioned at both lateral ends of the recessed portion 23 are formed at a relatively downstream side of the recessed portion. That is, the respective downstream ribs 24 have different heights from the floor, which gradually decrease from the central ones of the downstream ribs to ones thereof positioned at the lateral ends, so that the cleaning fluid sprayed to the center can be smoothly guided to the both lateral ends. Penetrating portions 25 are formed between adjacent downstream ribs 24. Therefore, the cleaning fluid delivered to the downstream ribs 24 are discharged through the penetrating portions 25.
Meanwhile, the downstream ribs 24 are formed on the front end surface of the recessed portion 23 of the suction head 20, so that front surfaces of the downstream ribs 24 face the floor. Consequently, the downstream ribs 24 positioned at the center and the both lateral ends, respectively, have different heights from the floor. That is, the downstream ribs 24 positioned at the center are placed on a relatively higher level, whereas those positioned at the both lateral ends are placed on a relatively lower level with respect to the floor.
The front end of the upper surface of the suction head 20 is formed to be inclined toward the floor, and the downstream ribs are formed on the front end inclined toward the floor such that one surface of each of the downstream ribs faces the floor.
The nozzle cover 26 is installed on the recessed portion 23. The nozzle cover 26 is installed such that there is a predetermined gap between a lower surface of the nozzle cover 26 and a bottom surface of the recessed portion 23. Therefore, the spray flow passage 27 is formed between the nozzle cover 26 and the bottom surface of the recessed portion 23. The cleaning fluid flows through the spray flow passage 27. It is apparent that upper ends of the downstream ribs 24 are in close contact with the lower surface of the nozzle cover 26.
It is preferred that the nozzle cover 26 be made of a transparent material. This is to allow a user to visually check the flow of the cleaning fluid through the spray flow passage 27.
Meanwhile, two fixing stands 28 are formed to protrude from upstream portions of the recessed portion 23. The fixing stands 28 are shielded by the nozzle cover 26. Opposite surfaces of the fixing stands 28 are formed with guide grooves 29.
The sprayer 30 is installed on the fixing stands 28. The sprayer 30 is a portion for spraying the cleaning fluid through the spray flow passage 27. Fixing projections 32 are formed at both ends of the sprayer 30 to be fixedly inserted into the guide grooves 29. The sprayer 30 is mounted on the suction head 20 without using screws or the like in such a manner that the fixing projections 32 are inserted into the guide grooves of the fixing stands 28 downward from above the guide grooves and seated therein. The cleaning fluid is supplied to the sprayer 30 through the hose 31.
Wheels 50 are provided at both lateral sides of a rear end of the suction head 20. The wheels 50 serve to ensure smooth movement of the nozzle assembly.
Next, Figs. 4 and 5 show a second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to these figures, the nozzle assembly comprises a suction head 120 coupled to an end of an extension tube 110 connected to a main body (not shown) of the vacuum cleaner; and a sprayer 130 fixedly installed on an upper surface of the suction head 120 to spray a cleaning fluid supplied through a hose 131 connected to the main body (not shown) of the vacuum cleaner.
The suction head 120 is shaped to gradually flare from a portion thereof connected to the extension tube 110 toward a front end thereof. A suction opening 121 through which the cleaning fluid and foreign substances are sucked is formed at a front end portion of a lower surface of the suction head facing an area to be cleaned. The suction opening 121 communicates with the extension tube 110.
A recessed portion 123 is formed in the upper surface of the suction head 120 such that it gradually flares toward the front end of the suction head. The recessed portion 123 forms a spray flow passage 127 in cooperation with a nozzle cover 126 to be described later.
Downstream ribs 124 are formed to protrude from a portion of the suction head corresponding to a front end of the recessed portion 123. The downstream ribs 124 are formed widthwise at the front end of the recessed portion 123 of the suction head 120. Ones of the downstream ribs 124 positioned at the center of the recessed portion 123 are formed at a relatively upstream side of the recessed portion 123 and ones of the downstream ribs 124 positioned at both lateral ends of the recessed portion 123 are formed at a relatively downstream side of the recessed portion. Penetrating portions 125 are formed between adjacent downstream ribs 124. Therefore, the cleaning fluid is discharged through the penetrating portions 125.
The recessed portion 123 is covered by the nozzle cover 126. The nozzle cover 126 is installed such that there is a predetermined gap between a lower surface of the nozzle cover 126 and a bottom surface of the recessed portion 123. Therefore, the spray flow passage 127 is formed between the nozzle cover 126 and the bottom surface of the recessed portion 123. The cleaning fluid flows through the spray flow passage 127. It is apparent that upper ends of the downstream ribs 124 are in close contact with the lower surface of the nozzle cover 126. It is preferred that the nozzle cover 126 be made of a transparent material.
Meanwhile, two fixing stands 128 are formed to protrude from upstream portions of the recessed portion 123. Opposite surfaces of the fixing stands 128 are formed with guide grooves 129. The sprayer 30 is installed on the fixing stands 128. The sprayer 130 is a portion for spraying the cleaning fluid through the spray flow passage 127. Fixing projections 132 are formed at both ends of the sprayer 130 to be fixedly inserted into the guide grooves 129. The sprayer 130 is mounted on the suction head 120 without using screws or the like in such a manner that the fixing projections 132 are inserted into the guide grooves of the fixing stands 128 downward from above the guide grooves and seated therein. The cleaning fluid is supplied to the sprayer 130 through the hose 131.
An upstream rib 140 is formed in the spray flow passage 127 between the sprayer 130 and the downstream ribs 124. That is, the upstream rib 140 is formed at a side on the bottom surface of the recessed portion 123 so that the cleaning fluid sprayed from the sprayer 130 can be delivered to the entire spray flow passage 127. A central portion of the upstream rib 140 is formed to be biased toward a relatively upstream side of the spray flow passage 127, and both ends thereof are formed to be biased toward a relatively downward side of the spray flow passage 127. Therefore, when the recessed portion 123 is viewed in a plan view, the upstream rib 140 takes the shape of a bamboo hat.
Meanwhile, as shown in Fig. 5, there is a predetermined gap between an upper end of the upstream rib 140 and the nozzle cover 126. Therefore, the cleaning fluid sprayed from the sprayer 130 is delivered to the downstream ribs 124 though the gap between the upstream rib 140 and the nozzle cover 126 and through sections of the recessed portion 123 at the both ends of the upstream rib 140.
Wheels 150 are provided at both lateral sides of a rear end of the suction head 120. The wheels 150 serve to ensure smooth movement of the nozzle assembly.
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 6 to 8. Referring to these figures, the nozzle assembly comprises a suction head 220 coupled to an end of an extension tube 210 connected to a main body (not shown) of the vacuum cleaner; and a sprayer 230 fixedly installed on an upper surface of the suction head 220 to spray a cleaning fluid supplied through a hose 231 connected to the main body (not shown) of the vacuum cleaner.
The suction head 220 serves to suck the cleaning fluid and foreign substances on an area to be cleaned by means of a suction force while moving on the area to be cleaned, and is shaped to gradually flare from a portion thereof connected to the extension tube 210 toward a front end thereof. A suction opening 221 through which the cleaning fluid and foreign substances are sucked is formed at a front end portion of a lower surface of the suction head facing an area to be cleaned. The suction opening 221 communicates with the extension tube 210.
A recessed portion 223 corresponding to the shape of the suction head 220, which gradually flares toward the front end of the suction head, is formed in the upper surface of the suction head 220. Downstream ribs 224 are formed to protrude from a portion of the suction head corresponding to the front end of the recessed portion 223. The downstream ribs 224 are formed across the front end of the recessed portion 223 of the suction head 220. Ones of the downstream ribs 224 positioned at the center of the recessed portion 223 are formed to be biased toward a relatively upstream side of the recessed portion 223 and ones of the downstream ribs 224 positioned at both lateral ends of the recessed portion 23 are formed to be biased toward a downstream side of the recessed portion. That is, the respective downstream ribs 224 have different heights from a floor, which gradually decrease from the central ones of the downstream ribs to ones thereof positioned at the lateral ends, so that the cleaning fluid sprayed to the center of the suction head 220 can be smoothly guided to the both lateral ends.
Meanwhile, the downstream ribs 224 are formed on the front end surface of the recessed portion 223 of the suction head 220, so that front surfaces of the downstream ribs 224 face the floor. Consequently, the downstream ribs 224 positioned at the center and the both lateral ends, respectively, have different heights with respect to the floor. In other words, the downstream ribs 224 positioned at the center are placed on a relatively higher level, whereas those positioned at the both lateral ends are placed on a relatively lower level with respect to the floor.
The downstream ribs 224 positioned at the both ends are formed to define a straight line. That is, the downstream ribs 224 positioned at the both ends are formed such that there is no difference in height. Penetrating portions 225 are formed between adjacent downstream ribs 224. The penetrating portions 225 are formed at an almost regular interval. Thus, the cleaning fluid delivered to the downstream ribs 224 is discharged through the penetrating portions 225.
The nozzle cover 226 is installed on the recessed portion 223. The nozzle cover 226 is installed such that there is a predetermined gap between a lower surface of the nozzle cover 226 and a bottom surface of the recessed portion 223 and edges of the nozzle cover are in close contact with edges of the recessed portion 223. Therefore, a spray flow passage 227 is formed between the nozzle cover 226 and the bottom surface of the recessed portion 223. The cleaning fluid flows through the spray flow passage 227. It is apparent that upper ends of the downstream ribs 224 are in close contact with the lower surface of the nozzle cover 226.
It is preferred that the nozzle cover 226 be made of a transparent material. This is to allow a user to visually check the flow of the cleaning fluid through the spray flow passage 227. Reference numeral 226' designates a fixing rib formed with a fastening hole for use in fastening the nozzle cover 226 to the suction head 220.
Meanwhile, two fixing stands 228 are formed to protrude from upstream portions of the recessed portion 223. The fixing stands 228 are shielded by the nozzle cover 226. Opposite surfaces of the fixing stands 228 are formed with guide grooves 229.
The sprayer 230 is installed on the fixing stands 228. The sprayer 230 is a portion for spraying the cleaning fluid through the spray flow passage 227. Fixing projections 232 are formed to protrude from both ends of the sprayer 230 so as to be fixedly inserted into the guide grooves 229. The sprayer 230 is mounted on the suction head 220 without using screws or the like in such a manner that the fixing projections 232 are inserted into the guide grooves 229 of the fixing stands 228 downward from above the guide grooves and seated therein. The cleaning fluid is supplied to the sprayer 230 through the hose 231.
An upstream rib 240 is formed in the spray flow passage 227 between the sprayer 230 and the downstream ribs 224. In this embodiment, the upstream rib 240 is formed to protrude from the lower surface of the nozzle cover 226. The upstream rib 240 is formed over a substantially entire portion of the spray flow passage 227 except some sections of both end portions thereof. A central portion of the upstream rib 240 is formed to be biased toward a relatively upstream side of the spray flow passage 227, and both ends thereof are formed to be biased toward a relatively downward side of the spray flow passage 227.
Penetrating portions 241 are formed in the upstream rib 240. The penetrating portions 241 are portions for allowing the cleaning fluid to pass through the upstream rib 240. In this embodiment, the penetrating portions 241 formed in the upstream rib 240 are provided at positions except a position directly opposite to the sprayer 230 and positions of the ends of the upstream rib 240. That is, the penetrating portions 241 are formed close to the central portion of the upstream rib 240 between the central portion and each of the both ends of the upstream rib. In this embodiment, the penetrating portions are formed in a pair at each side so that they are formed at four positions in total. This is to cause the cleaning fluid to be uniformly dispersed and delivered to the downstream rib 224.
Meanwhile, as can be seen from Fig. 8, there is no gap between a tip of the upstream rib 240 and the recessed portion 223. To this end, an installation guide 245 is formed in the recessed portion 223. A sealing material 247 is provided in the installation guide 245. The installation guide 245 has an area or space in which the entire tip of the upstream rib 240 can be accommodated. The sealing material 247 provided within the installation guide is compressed by the tip of the upstream rib 240. Therefore, the cleaning fluid delivered to the upstream rib 240 flows the penetrating portions 241 and sections of the spray flow passage 227 at the both ends of the upstream rib 240.
Wheels 250 are provided at both lateral sides of a rear end of the suction head 220. The wheels 250 serve to ensure smooth movement of the nozzle assembly.
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 9 and 10. Referring to theses figures, the nozzle assembly of the embodiment comprises a suction head 320 coupled to an end of an extension tube 310; and a sprayer 330 fixedly installed on an upper surface of the suction head 320 to spray a cleaning fluid supplied through a hose 331 connected to a main body (not shown) of the vacuum cleaner.
The suction head 320 serves to suck the cleaning fluid and foreign substances on an area to be cleaned by means of a suction force while moving on the area to be cleaned, and is shaped to gradually flare from a portion thereof connected to the extension tube 310 toward a front end thereof. A suction opening through which the cleaning fluid and foreign substances are sucked is formed at a front end portion of a lower surface of the suction head 320 facing an area to be cleaned. The suction opening communicates with the extension tube 310.
A recessed portion 323 that gradually flares toward the front end of the suction head is formed in the upper surface of the suction head 320. The recessed portion 323 forms a spray flow passage in cooperation with a nozzle cover 326 to be described later. The recessed portion 323 is formed with a plurality of rib holes 323r for use in coupling the nozzle cover 326 thereto, and with hook holes 323h at both lateral ends of a downstream side thereof.
Downstream ribs 324 are formed to protrude from a portion of the suction head corresponding to a front end of the recessed portion 323. The downstream ribs 324 are formed throughout the front end of the recessed portion 323 of the suction head 320. Ones of the downstream ribs 324 positioned at the center of the recessed portion 323 are formed to be biased toward a relatively upstream side of the recessed portion 323 and ones of the downstream ribs 324 positioned at both lateral ends of the recessed portion 323 are formed to be biased toward a relatively downstream side of the recessed portion. In other words, the downstream ribs 324 positioned at the center are placed on a relatively higher level, whereas those positioned at the both lateral ends are placed on a relatively lower level with respect to the floor, so that the cleaning fluid sprayed toward the center can be smoothly guided to the both lateral ends.
Further, the downstream ribs 324 positioned at the both ends are formed to define a straight line. Penetrating portions 325 are formed between adjacent downstream ribs 324. The penetrating portions 325 are formed at an almost regular interval. Thus, the cleaning fluid delivered to the downstream ribs 324 is discharged through the penetrating portions 325.
The nozzle cover 326 is installed on the recessed portion 323. The nozzle cover 326 is installed such that there is a predetermined gap between a lower surface of the nozzle cover 326 and a bottom surface of the recessed portion 323 and edges of the nozzle cover are in close contact with edges of the recessed portion 323. Therefore, a spray flow passage is formed between the nozzle cover 326 and the bottom surface of the recessed portion 323. The cleaning fluid flows through the spray flow passage. It is apparent that upper ends of the downstream ribs 324 are in close contact with the lower surface of the nozzle cover 326. It is preferred that the nozzle cover 326 be made of a transparent material.
A plurality of fixing ribs 326' are formed on the lower surface of the nozzle cover 326 to fasten the nozzle cover 326 to the suction head 320. The fixing ribs 326' are formed with fastening holes to which screws passing through a lower surface of the suction head 320 are fastened. Although the nozzle cover 326 can be fastened to the suction head by using only screws, both lateral ends of a relatively wide front end of the nozzle cover 326 are formed with hooks 326h that are inserted into and caught in the hook holes 323h.
Meanwhile, two fixing stands 328 are formed to protrude from upstream portions of the recessed portion 323. The fixing stands 328 are shielded by the nozzle cover 326. Opposite surfaces of the fixing stands 328 are formed with guide grooves 329.
The sprayer 330 is installed on the fixing stands 328. The sprayer 330 is a portion for spraying the cleaning fluid through the spray flow passage 227. Fixing projections 332 are formed to protrude from both ends of the sprayer 330 so as to be fixedly inserted into the guide grooves 329. The sprayer 330 is mounted on the suction head 320 without using screws or the like in such a manner that the fixing projections 332 are inserted into the guide grooves 329 of the fixing stands 328 downward from above the guide grooves and seated therein. The cleaning fluid is supplied to the sprayer 330 through the hose 331.
An upstream rib 340 is formed in the spray flow passage between the sprayer 330 and the downstream ribs 324. In this embodiment, the upstream rib 340 is formed to protrude from the lower surface of the nozzle cover 326. The upstream rib 340 is formed over a substantially entire portion of the spray flow passage except some sections of both end portions thereof. A central portion of the upstream rib 340 is formed to be biased toward a relatively upstream side of the spray flow passage, and both ends thereof are formed to be biased toward a relatively downward side of the spray flow passage.
Penetrating portions 341 are formed in the upstream rib 340. The penetrating portions 341 are portions for allowing the cleaning fluid to pass through the upstream rib 340. In this embodiment, the penetrating portions 341 formed in the upstream rib 340 are provided at positions except a position directly opposite to the sprayer 330 and positions of the ends of the upstream rib 340. That is, the penetrating portions 341 are formed close to the central portion of the upstream rib 340 between the central portion and each of the both ends of the upstream rib. In this embodiment, the penetrating portions are formed in a pair at each side so that they are formed at four positions in total. This is to cause the cleaning fluid to be uniformly dispersed and delivered to the downstream rib 324.
Meanwhile, there is no gap between a tip of the upstream rib 340 and the recessed portion 323. To this end, an installation guide 345 is formed in the recessed portion 323. A sealing material 347 is provided in the installation guide 345. The installation guide 345 has an area or space in which the entire tip of the upstream rib 340 can be accommodated. The sealing material 347 provided within the installation guide is compressed by the tip of the upstream rib 340. Therefore, the cleaning fluid delivered to the upstream rib 340 flows the penetrating portions 341 and sections of the spray flow passage at the both ends of the upstream rib 340.
To prevent the cleaning fluid to leaking through the hook holes 323h, portions corresponding to the both ends of the downstream ribs 324 are provided with shield members 348 between the bottom surface of the recessed portion 323 and the lower surface of the nozzle cover 326.
Blocking ribs 349 are provided between the ends of the downstream and upstream ribs 324 and 340. The blocking ribs 349 are formed to protrude from the bottom surface of the recessed portion 323. However, there may be a certain gap between the blocking ribs 349 and the lower surface of the nozzle cover 326. It is preferred that the blocking ribs 349 be formed at positions from which the linear downstream ribs 324 at the both lateral ends begin. The blocking ribs 349 serve to allow the cleaning fluid delivered to the linear and curved downstream ribs 324 to be discharged without being mixed with each other. Particularly, the blocking ribs 349 serve to allow the cleaning fluid, which has passed by the both ends of the upstream rib 340, to be completely discharged through the linear downstream ribs 324.
Meanwhile, additional blocking members 349' may be provided adjacent to the blocking ribs 349. The additional blocking members 349' serve to ensure uniform discharge of the cleaning fluid in cooperation with the blocking ribs 349. Wheels 350 are provided at both lateral sides of a rear end of the suction head 220. The wheels 350 serve to ensure smooth movement of the nozzle assembly.
The operation of the nozzle assembly of the vacuum cleaner for both wet and dry cleaning according to the present invention constructed as above will be described in detail below.
First, the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to Fig. 11. When a user operates the vacuum cleaner, a strong suction force is generated by a driving source provided in the main body of the vacuum cleaner. When the user manipulates a water/detergent spraying handle or button (not shown) mounted on a grip portion (not shown) of the extension tube 10 in such a state, water or a detergent is selectively sprayed from the sprayer 30 installed on the upper surface of the suction head 20. The sprayed cleaning fluid is sucked back together with foreign substances, air and the like through the suction opening 21.
The sprayed cleaning fluid sprayed from the sprayer 30 is guided along the spray flow passage 27 that gradually flares toward the front end of the suction head. Then, the cleaning fluid is dispersed by the downstream ribs 24 and discharged onto an area to be cleaned. That is, as the cleaning fluid flows toward a downstream side of the spray flow passage 27, the flow width of the cleaning fluid increases, and the cleaning fluid is more uniformly dispersed by the downstream ribs 24 and then finally discharged. In other words, the downstream ribs 24 prevent the cleaning fluid to flow randomly and cause it to flow through the penetrating portions 25 between the downstream ribs 24, thereby dispersing the cleaning fluid as a whole and delivering it to the area to be cleaned.
For reference, it is preferred that a water-cleaning accessory be mounted at the front end of the suction head 20. The accessory uniformly disperses the cleaning fluid and simultaneously generates a friction force while coming into contact with the area to be cleaned, thereby performing cleaning.
Then, the cleaning fluid and foreign substances are sucked through the suction opening 21 by means of the suction force transmitted from the main body of the vacuum cleaner. The cleaning fluid and foreign substances sucked through the suction opening 21 are transferred through the extension tube 10 to the main body of the vacuum cleaner.
Meanwhile, Fig. 12 shows that the cleaning fluid is dispersed and discharged in the second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the cleaning fluid sprayed from the sprayer 130 is dispersed by the upstream rib 140. The upstream rib 140 first guides the cleaning fluid to the both ends thereof and thus disperses the cleaning fluid. Further, the cleaning fluid flows through the gap between the upper end of the upstream rib 140 and the lower surface of the nozzle cover 126.
Thus, the cleaning fluid sprayed from the sprayer 130 is first dispersed by the upstream rib 140 and then delivered to the downstream ribs 124. The cleaning fluid delivered to the downstream rib 124 is dispersed while flowing through the penetrating portions 125 formed between adjacent downstream ribs 124. In this embodiment, the upstream rib 140 allows the cleaning fluid to be more dispersed and delivered to the downstream ribs 124.
Next, Fig. 13 shows the operation of the third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a large amount of the cleaning fluid sprayed from the sprayer 230 to the spray flow passage 227 reaches the center of the upstream rib 240. Since the center of the upstream rib 240 is formed to be relatively biased toward the sprayer 230 and the both ends thereof are formed to be biased toward the downstream side, the cleaning fluid is guided along the upstream rib 240.
A part of the cleaning fluid flows through the penetrating portions 241 of the upstream rib 240 into a space between the upstream and downstream ribs 240 and 224. The remainder of the cleaning fluid flows to the both ends of the upstream rib 240 and toward the downstream ribs 224 through regions where the upstream rib 240 has not been formed.
First, the cleaning fluid that has passed through the penetrating portions 241 of the upstream rib 240 flows to the substantially central ones of the downstream ribs 224. Since the central ones of the downstream ribs 224 are formed to be relatively biased toward the sprayer 230 and ones of the downstream ribs positioned at the both lateral ends are formed to be relatively biased toward the downstream side, the cleaning fluid that has flowed to the central ones of the downstream ribs 224 can flow toward the ones of the downstream ribs 224 positioned at the both lateral ends to a certain extent. The cleaning fluid delivered to the downstream ribs 224 in such a manner leaves the nozzle assembly through the penetrating portions 225 of the downstream ribs 224 and is then discharged onto the area to be cleaned.
Further, the cleaning fluid delivered to the ones of the downstream ribs 224 positioned at the both lateral ends flows toward the central ones thereof to a certain extent. This is because the cleaning fluid flowing through the both ends of the upstream rib 240 cannot be fully discharged through the relevant penetrating portions 225 formed at the both ends of the series of downstream ribs 224. Particularly, since the downstream ribs 224 positioned at the both lateral ends are formed to define a straight line without difference in height, the cleaning fluid that has passed through the both ends of the upstream rib 240 can flow toward the central downstream ribs 224 from the linear downstream ribs 224 positioned at the both lateral ends.
If a user pushes the suction head 220 forward upon discharge of the cleaning fluid from the nozzle assembly in such a manner, the discharged cleaning fluid first drops onto the area to be cleaned and then is sucked together with air and foreign substances through the suction opening 221 by means of the suction force transmitted therethrough.
At this time, if an additional water-cleaning accessory (not shown) is mounted at the front end of the suction head 220, the accessory uniformly disperses the cleaning fluid and simultaneously generates a friction force while coming into contact with the area to be cleaned, thereby performing cleaning. The cleaning fluid, foreign substances and air sucked through the suction opening 221 are delivered into the main body (not shown) of the vacuum cleaner through the extension tube 210. The cleaning fluid and the foreign substances are collected within the main body and only the air is discharged to the outside.
Next, the operation of the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 13. A large amount of the cleaning fluid sprayed from the sprayer 330 to the spray flow passage reaches the center of the upstream rib 340. Since the center of the upstream rib 340 is formed to be relatively biased toward the sprayer 330 and the both ends thereof are formed to be biased toward the downstream side, the cleaning fluid is guided along the upstream rib 340.
A part of the cleaning fluid flows through the penetrating portions 341 of the upstream rib 340 into a space between the upstream and downstream ribs 340 and 324. The remainder of the cleaning fluid flows to the both ends of the upstream rib 340 and toward the downstream ribs 324 through regions where the upstream rib 340 has not been formed.
First, the cleaning fluid that has passed through the penetrating portions 341 of the upstream rib 340 flows to the substantially central ones of the downstream ribs 324. Since the central ones of the downstream ribs 324 are formed to be relatively biased toward the sprayer 330 and ones of the downstream ribs positioned at the both lateral ends are formed to be relatively biased toward the downstream side, the cleaning fluid that has flowed to the central ones of the downstream ribs 324 can flow toward the ones of the downstream ribs 324 positioned at the both lateral ends to a certain extent. The cleaning fluid delivered to the downstream ribs 324 in such a manner leaves the nozzle assembly through the penetrating portions 325 of the downstream ribs 324 and is then discharged onto an area to be cleaned.
Further, the cleaning fluid delivered to the ones of the downstream ribs 324 positioned at the both lateral ends flows toward the central ones thereof to a certain extent. This is because the cleaning fluid flowing through the both ends of the upstream rib 340 cannot be fully discharged through the relevant penetrating portions 325 formed at the both ends of the series of downstream ribs 324. Particularly, since the downstream ribs 324 positioned at the both lateral ends are formed to define a straight line without difference in height, the cleaning fluid that has passed through the both ends of the upstream rib 340 can flow toward the central downstream ribs from the linear downstream ribs 324 positioned at the both lateral ends.
However, the blocking ribs 349 and the blocking members 349' block the linear downstream ribs 324 from the curved downstream ribs 324 to prevent the cleaning fluid from flowing therebetween, thereby more uniformly dispersing and discharging the cleaning fluid.
Meanwhile, the cleaning fluid that has passed through the both ends of the upstream rib 340 and has been delivered toward the both lateral ends of the series of downstream ribs 324 is blocked by the shield members 348 and thus prevented from being delivered to the hook holes 323h. This is indispensable to a structure using the hooks 326h for causing the both ends of the front end of the nozzle cover 326 to be in closer contact with the suction head 320, since the front end of the nozzle cover has a relatively larger width.
If a user pushes the suction head 320 forward upon discharge of the cleaning fluid from the nozzle assembly in such a manner, the discharged cleaning fluid first drops onto the area to be cleaned and then is sucked together with air and foreign substances through the suction opening by means of the suction force transmitted therethrough.
At this time, if an additional water-cleaning accessory (not shown) is mounted at the front end of the suction head 320, the accessory uniformly disperses the cleaning fluid and simultaneously generates a friction force while coming into contact with the area to be cleaned, thereby performing cleaning.
The cleaning fluid, foreign substances and air sucked through the suction opening are delivered into the main body (not shown) of the vacuum cleaner through the extension tube 310. The cleaning fluid and the foreign substances are collected within the main body and only the air is discharged to the outside.
According to the present invention described in detail above, it can be expected to obtain the following advantages.
Since the cleaning fluid is discharged through the upper surface of the suction head of the nozzle assembly, a user can perform cleaning while exerting a large force upon pushing the nozzle assembly. Therefore, a less force is required and cleaning can be more firmly performed as compared with a conventional vacuum cleaner that requires a large force when a user pulls a suction head.
Further, since the cleaning fluid sprayed from the sprayer is dispersed by the upstream rib and the downstream ribs in the present invention, the cleaning fluid can be uniformly delivered to an entire area on which the nozzle assembly passes. Thus, a wider area can be cleaned at one time, resulting in improvement of a cleaning efficiency.
Moreover, the sprayed water is not discharged directly to an area to be cleaned but is delivered thereto via the upstream rib and the downstream ribs so that, for example, upon cleaning of a carpet, the pressure of the cleaning fluid sprayed to the carpet can be relatively lowered. Thus, the cleaning fluid properly sprayed to the surface of the carpet can be immediately sucked through the suction opening, thereby greatly shortening a drying time.
Finally, since there is no leakage through structures for fixing the nozzle cover in a configuration in which edges of the nozzle cover are in closer contact with the suction head, the reliability of the product can be further improved.
The scope of the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments but is defined by the appended claims. It will be apparent that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and adaptations within the scope of the invention defined by the claims.

Claims

A nozzle assembly for a vacuum cleaner for both wet and dry cleaning, comprising:
a suction head (20) to be installed at an end of an extension tube (10) connected to a main body of the vacuum cleaner to suck a cleaning fluid and foreign substances while moving on a floor;

a sprayer (30) installed on an upper surface of the suction head to spray the cleaning fluid toward a front end of the suction head;
characterised by

a nozzle cover (26) for defining a spray flow passage (27) on the upper surface of the suction head, the cleaning fluid sprayed from the sprayer flowing through the spray flow passage (27), and

downstream ribs (24) provided at a downstream side of the spray flow passage defined by the nozzle cover (26) and having penetrating portions (25) formed at predetermined intervals between adjacent downstream ribs (24), the cleaning fluid passing through the penetrating portions (25).
The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein an upstream rib (140) provided across the spray flow passage (127) corresponding to a space between the sprayer (130) and the downstream ribs (124) to disperse the cleaning fluid sprayed from the sprayer (130) and deliver the cleaning fluid to the downstream ribs (124).
The assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the upstream rib (140) is formed to protrude from a recessed portion of the suction head and there is a gap between the upstream rib (140) and the nozzle covert (126).
The assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the upstream rib (240) is formed on a lower surface of the nozzle cover (226), and a sealing material (247) is provided between the upstream rib (240) and the upper surface of the suction head (220).
The assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein an installation guide (245) for guiding the sealing material (247) to a seated position is formed on the upper surface of the suction head (220).
The assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the upstream rib (140) blocks the spray flow passage corresponding to the space between the sprayer and the downstream ribs (124) except both lateral ends of the spray flow passage, and the upstream rib (140) is formed with a penetrating portion (125) for enabling passage of the cleaning fluid therethrough at a position offset toward each of the both ends of the upstream rib from a portion to which the cleaning fluid sprayed from the sprayer is directly delivered.
The assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein a plurality of penetrating portions (241) are formed at positions on the upstream rib (240) relatively close to the portion to which the cleaning fluid is directly delivered, between each of the both ends of the upstream rib (240) and the portion to which the cleaning fluid is directly delivered.
The assembly as claimed in one of claims 1 through 7, the spray flow passage defined by the nozzle cover (26) and the upper surface of the suction head (20) has a width gradually increasing from the sprayer (30) to the downstream side.
The assembly as claimed in one of claims 1 through 7, wherein a central portion of the upstream rib (240) and central ones of the downstream ribs (224) are formed to be biased toward a relatively upstream side of the spray flow passage, and both ends of the upstream rib (240) and ones of the downstream ribs (224) positioned at both lateral ends of the spray flow passage are formed to be biased toward the downstream side.
The assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein radii of curvature are defined from the central downstream ribs (224) to the downstream ribs (224) at the both lateral ends and from the central portion to the both ends of the upstream rib (240), respectively.
The assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein some of the downstream ribs (224) over a predetermined length at the both lateral ends are formed to define a straight line.
The assembly as claimed in one of claims 1 through 7, wherein the nozzle cover (26,126,226,326) is made of a transparent material.
The assembly as claimed in one of claims 1 through 7, wherein the upper surface of the suction head (20) is formed to be inclined toward the floor at the front end of the suction head, and the downstream ribs (24) are formed on a portion of the upper surface inclined toward the floor such that one surface of each of the downstream ribs faces the floor.
A nozzle assembly as claimed in claim 1, comprising
an upstream rib (340) provided across the spray flow passage corresponding to a space between the sprayer and the downstream ribs (324), formed on a lower surface of the nozzle cover (326), and installed such that a tip thereof is in close contact with the suction head (320), so as to disperse the cleaning fluid sprayed from the sprayer (330) and deliver the cleaning fluid to the downstream ribs (324).
The assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein at least a front end of the nozzle cover (326) is mounted on the suction head (320) in such a manner that hooks (3264) are caught in hook holes (3234) formed in the suction head (300), and shield members (342) are provided in the spray flow passage at the both ends of the upstream rib (340) and the series of downstream ribs (324) to prevent the cleaning fluid from flowing to the hook holes (3234).
The assembly as claimed in claims 14 or 15, wherein blocking ribs (349) are further formed at positions from which the linear downstream ribs (324) begin between the both ends of the upstream rib (340) and the series of downstream ribs (324), and blocking members (349') are provided adjacent to the blocking ribs (349), thereby blocking movement of the cleaning fluid through spaces between the both ends.
A nozzle assembly for a vacuum cleaner for both wet and dry cleaning, comprising:
a suction head (320) to be installed at an end of an extension tube and having a suction opening communicating with the extension tube to suck a cleaning fluid and foreign substances while moving on a floor;

a sprayer (330) installed on an upper surface of the suction head to spray the cleaning fluid toward a front end of the suction head;
characterized by

a nozzle cover (326) for defining a spray flow passage has a width gradually increasing to the downstream side on the upper surface of the suction head, the cleaning fluid sprayed from the sprayer flowing through the spray flow passage;

downstream ribs (324) provided at a downstream side of the spray flow passage defined by the nozzle cover and having penetrating portions formed at predetermined intervals between adjacent downstream ribs, the cleaning fluid passing through the penetrating portions;

an upstream rib (340) provided across the spray flow passage corresponding to a space between the sprayer and the downstream ribs, formed on a lower surface of the nozzle cover, and installed such that a tip thereof is in close contact with the suction head, so as to disperse the cleaning fluid sprayed from the sprayer through a plurality of penetrating portions and deliver the cleaning fluid to the downstream ribs; and

a sealing material (347) provided between the tip of the upstream rib and the upper surface of the suction head to perform sealing therebetween.