EP2234533A1

EP2234533A1 - Vacuum cleaner and hose connection unit thereof

Info

Publication number: EP2234533A1
Application number: EP08766287A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jung-Bae Hwang
Original assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Current assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Priority date: 2007-12-14
Filing date: 2008-06-13
Publication date: 2010-10-06
Anticipated expiration: 2028-06-13
Also published as: EP2234533A4; EP2234533B1; WO2009078517A1

Abstract

Disclosed is a vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner according to the present embodiment includes a connecting hose through which air containing dusts is flowed; a cleaner main body into which the air of connecting hose is introduced; and a hose connection unit composed of a first connecting unit which connects the connecting hose to the cleaner main body and is fastened to the cleaner main body, and a second connecting unit which is connected with the connecting hose and is rotatably connected to the first connecting unit, wherein the first connecting unit includes a first connection terminal for supplying power, and a connecting part which is to be connected with the second connecting unit, and wherein the second connecting unit includes a second connection terminal contacted with the first connection terminal, and an accommodation space which is formed along a periphery of the second connecting unit to accommodate the connecting part.

Description

VACUUM CLEANER AND HOSE CONNECTION UNIT

THEREOF

Technical Field

[1] This document relates to a vacuum cleaner and a hose connection unit thereof.

Background Art [2] Generally, a vacuum cleaner is an apparatus which sucks air containing dusts using vacuum pressure generated by a suction motor mounted in a main body and filters off the dusts in a main body. [3] And, the vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner main body, a dust collection unit detachably installed in the cleaner main body, and a suction unit which sucks air containing dusts and moves the sucked air to the cleaner main body. [4] The suction unit includes a suction nozzle which sucks air containing dusts, an extension pipe which is connected to the suction nozzle, a handle connected to the extension pipe, a connecting hose connected to the handle, and a connecting unit which connects the connecting hose to the cleaner main body. [5] The connecting unit is provided with a release button for releasing the connecting unit from the cleaner main body. Therefore, the connecting unit may be connected or separated to/from the cleaner main body by the operation of the release button.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem [6] An object of the present embodiment is to propose a vacuum cleaner which allows a connecting unit, to which a connecting hose is connected, to be fixedly fastened to a cleaner main body. [7] Another object of the present embodiment is to propose a vacuum cleaner and a hose connection unit thereof, which allow a connecting hose to be rotated with respect to a connecting unit. [8] Further another object of the present embodiment is to propose a vacuum cleaner and a hose connection unit thereof, which prevent an electric wire, through which electric current flows, from being twisted while a connecting hose rotates.

Technical Solution [9] To achieve the objects of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, there is provided a hose connection unit of a vacuum cleaner, including: a first connecting unit which is connected to a cleaner main body and from which a connecting part is inwardly protruded; and a second connecting unit which is connected with a connecting hose and is rotatably connected to the first connecting unit, wherein the second connecting unit includes an accommodation space in which the connecting part is received in order to prevent the interference with the connecting part during the rotation of the second connecting unit.

[10] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vacuum cleaner, including: a connecting hose through which air containing dusts is flowed; a cleaner main body into which the air of connecting hose is introduced; and a hose connection unit composed of a first connecting unit which connects the connecting hose to the cleaner main body and is fastened to the cleaner main body, and a second connecting unit which is connected with the connecting hose and is rotatably connected to the first connecting unit, wherein the first connecting unit includes a first connection terminal for supplying power, and a connecting part which is to be connected with the second connecting unit, and wherein the second connecting unit includes a second connection terminal contacted with the first connection terminal, and an accommodation space which is formed along a periphery of the second connecting unit to accommodate the connecting part.

[11] In further another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a acuum cleaner, including: a cleaner main body in which a suction portion is formed; a hose connection unit which is connected with a connecting hose and connects the connecting hose with the suction portion; a button inserting hole formed in the suction portion; a release button which is provided at the hose connection unit and is provided with an inserting portion to be inserted in the button inserting hole; and a detachment preventing means which prevents the inserting portion from being detached in a state where the inserting portion is inserted in the button inserting hole, wherein the detachment preventing means includes a detachment preventing projection protruded from the inserting portion, and a projection inserting groove, formed as an inner circumferential surface of the button inserting hole is depressed, in which the detachment preventing projection is inserted, and wherein the projection inserting groove is depressed in a direction that separates the hose connection unit from the inner circumferential surface of the button inserting hole.

Advantageous Effects

[12] According to the proposed embodiments, since a second connecting unit can be rotated with respect to a first connecting unit while it is connected to the first connecting unit by a connecting part, a connecting hose may be prevented from being twisted while cleaning.

[13] Also, since a second connection terminal is connected to the second connecting unit in a peripheral direction, and a first connection terminal provided at the first connecting unit is contacted to the second connection terminal, power may be supplied via the first and second connection terminals while the second connecting unit is rotated. [14] Also, since the first and second connecting units are connected not by the electric wire but by the first and second connection terminals, the electric wire may be prevented from being twisted when rotating the second connecting unit. [15] Also, since a detachment preventing projection is further inserted into a projection inserting hole in a state where an inserting part of a release button is inserted in a button inserting hole formed in the cleaner main body, there is an advantage in that the hose connection unit is fixedly fastened to the suction portion. [16] Also, since the release button is rotated by the button guide while the release button is pressed, the detachment preventing projection may be easily separated from the projection inserting hole.

Brief Description of the Drawings [17] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [18] Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a suction portion of a cleaner main body according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.. [19] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a hose connection unit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[20] Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the hose connection unit in Fig. 3.

[21] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a connecting pipe.

[22] Fig. 6 is a bottom perspective view of a cover element.

[23] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a release button according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[24] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a hose connecting part.

[25] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a terminal connecting part.

[26] Figs. 10 to 14 are views showing assembling processes of the hose connection unit.

[27] Fig. 15 is a vertical cross-section view of the hose connection unit.

[28] Fig. 16 is a cross-section view showing a state where the hose connection unit is connected to a suction portion. [29] Fig. 17 is a view showing an aspect where a release button in Fig. 16 is detached from a button-inserting hole.

Mode for the Invention [30] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [31] FIGURE 1 shows a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention in a perspective view. [32] Referring to Fig. 1, the vacuum cleaner 1 according to the preferred embodiment includes a cleaner main body 10 in which a suction motor for generating vacuum pressure in the vacuum cleaner is provided, and a dust collection unit 20 for separating the dusts included in the air introduced into the cleaner main body 10.

[33] In addition, the vacuum cleaner 1 includes a suction nozzle 30 sucking the air containing the dusts, a handle 50 which allows users to operate the vacuum cleaner 1, an extension pipe 40 connecting the suction nozzle 30 with the handle 50, a connecting hose 60 connected to the handle 50, and a hose connection unit 100 which is connected with the connecting hose 60 and is selectively connected to the cleaner main body 10.

[34] In detail, a suction portion 12 into which the air sucked through the suction nozzle 30 is introduced is formed at the cleaner main body 10. One side of the hose connection unit 100 is connected to the suction portion 12, and the other side thereof is connected with the connecting hose 60.

[35] The connecting hose 60 is formed of a flexible material. And, the connecting hose 60 is rotated with respect to the cleaner main body 10 while being connected to the hose connection unit 100.

[36] FIGURE 2 shows a suction portion of a cleaner main body according to an embodiment of the present invention in an enlarged perspective view.

[37] Referring to Fig. 2, an inserting hole 13 into which the hose connection unit 100 is inserted is formed at the suction portion 12. Accordingly, in case the hose connection unit 100 is inserted into the inserting hole 13, the air sucked through the suction nozzle 30 may be flowed to the cleaner main body 10.

[38] Further, a plurality of terminal connecting holes 14 to which a connection terminal, which will be described below, of the hose connection unit 100 is connected are formed at the suction portion 12. In case the connection terminal is connected to the connecting hole 14, power of the cleaner main body 10 may be supplied to the handle through the connection terminal.

[39] In addition, a button inserting hole 15 to which a release button, which will be described below, is connected is formed at the suction portion 12. Accordingly, in case the release button is connected to the button inserting hole 15, the hose connection unit 100 is fixedly fastened to the suction portion 12.

[40] Hereinafter, the hose connection unit 100 will be explained in detail.

[41] FIGURE 3 shows a hose connection unit according to an embodiment of the present invention in a perspective view, and FIGURE 4 shows the hose connection unit of FIGURE 3 in an exploded perspective view.

[42] Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, the hose connection unit 100 according to the present embodiment includes a first connecting unit 200 connected to the suction portion 12, and a second connecting unit 300 connected to the connecting hose 60. And, the second connecting unit 300 is rotatably connected to the first connecting unit 200.

[43] Therefore, the connecting hose 60 is prevented from being twisted, since the second connecting unit 300, to which the connecting hose 60 is connected, is rotated with respect to the first connecting unit 200 in a state where the first connecting unit 200 is fixed to the suction portion 12.

[44] In detail, the first connecting unit 200 includes a connecting pipe 210 connected to the suction portion 12, a cover element 230 connected to an upper part of the connecting pipe 210, and a release button 280 for selectively fastening the first connecting unit 200 to the suction portion 12.

[45] In addition, the first connecting unit 200 includes a connection terminal 250 which is selectively connected to the terminal connecting hole 14, a plurality of first connection terminals 260 which are contacted with a second connection terminal 330 of the second connecting unit 300, a fixing element 270 which fastens the plurality of first connection terminals 260 to the cover element 230, and an elastic element 290 which elastically supports the release button 280.

[46] Further, the first connection terminal 260 and the connection terminal 250 are connected by an electric wire which is not illustrated.

[47] Meanwhile, the second connecting unit 300 includes a hose connecting part 310 to which the connecting hose 60 is connected, a terminal connecting part 320 which surrounds an external surface of the hose connecting part 310 and the second connection terminal 330 for transferring power is connected thereto, a hose cover 350 which surrounds some of the connecting hose 60 in a state where the connecting hose 60 is connected to the hose connecting part 310, a connecting element 340 which allows the hose connecting part 310 and the terminal connecting part 320 to be connected and has an insulating material, and a sealing element 360 which is connected to the hose connecting part 310 in order to seal a contact area where the hose connecting part 310 and the connecting pipe 210 are contacted.

[48] Hereinafter, each structural constituent of the hose connection unit will be explained in detail. First, the first connecting unit will be explained.

[49] FIGURE 5 shows a connecting pipe in a perspective view, and FIGURE 6 shows a cover element in a bottom perspective view.

[50] Referring to Figs. 4 to 6, the connecting pipe 210 is formed in the shape of an approximate cylinder, and an air channel is formed in the connecting pipe. And, one side 212 of the connecting pipe 210 is inserted into the inserting hole 13 of the suction portion 12, and some of the hose connecting part 310 is inserted into the other side 213 of the connecting pipe 210.

[51] A mounting portion 215 on which the cover element 230 is mounted is formed at the exterior of the connecting pipe 210. [52] In detail, a plurality of fastening bosses 216, which are to be fastened with the cover element 230 by a fastening element (not illustrated) such as a screw, are formed at the mounting portion 215.

[53] Also, an elastic element inserting portion 217 into which one end of the elastic element 290 is inserted is formed at the mounting portion 215. At the mounting portion 215, a connecting rib 218 connecting with the elastic element 290 is protruded and formed.

[54] At the mounting portion 215, a through hole 219, through which a connecting part

235 for connecting the connecting pipe 210 with the hose connecting part 310 is passed, is formed.

[55] A plurality of openings 220, through which both ends of the first connection terminal

260 are passed, are formed at the mounting portion 215. The plurality of openings 220 are spaced at specific intervals. According to the present embodiment, 4 openings 220 are formed, however it should be noted that the number of the opening 220 is not restricted thereto.

[56] Also, a support rib 221 which supports a side surface of the cover element 230 is formed at the mounting portion 215. A plurality of connecting holes 222, into which a connecting projection (see reference numeral 242 in Fig. 14) formed at the cover element 230 is connected, are formed at the support rib 221. Accordingly, the cover element 230 is fastened to the connecting pipe 210 by the connecting projection (see reference numeral 242 in Fig. 14) and the screw.

[57] At the other side 213 of the connecting pipe 210, a cover guide 214 surrounding some of the hose cover 350 is formed.

[58] Meanwhile, a button through hole 231, through which the release button 280 is passed, is formed at the cover element 230. The release button 280 passes through the button through hole 231 at the lower part of the cover element 230. And, a plurality of seat ribs 241 on which the release button 280 is seated are formed at a contour of the button through hole 231. At the contour of the button through hole 231, a guide rib 240, which guides the vertical movement of the release button 280 and prevents the horizontal movement, is formed.

[59] Also, seat grooves 232, on which the plurality of connection terminals 250 are seated, are formed at the cover element 230 in parallel. And, an electric wire support rib 233, which supports an electric wire 252 connected with the connection terminal 250, is formed at the cover element 230. A seat groove 234 on which the electric wire 252 is seated is formed at the electric wire support rib 233.

[60] Further, a plurality of fastening holes 243, which are to be fastened with screws, are formed at the cover element 230.

[61] The connecting part 235 which connects the connecting pipe 210 with the hose connecting part 310 is formed at a middle of the cover element 230. The connecting part 235 is extended downwardly from a bottom surface of the cover element 230 for a predetermined length.

[62] Also, a pair of connecting projections 238a, 238b, to which the first connection terminal 260 is connected, are formed at the cover element 230 in numbers. That is, a pair of connecting projections 238a, 238b are connected to a first connection terminal 260, and the pair of connecting projections 238a, 238b are formed in numbers identical to the number of the first connection terminal 260.

[63] And, a fixing element 270 is connected to the connecting projections 238a, 238b in a state where the connecting projections 238a, 238b are connected to the first connection terminal 260. A plurality of connecting projections 238a, 238b are connected to the fixing element 270 simultaneously. And, a through hole, through which the connecting projections 238a, 238b are passed, is formed at the first connection terminal 260 and the fixing element 270.

[64] Further, connecting holes 236, 237, into which the fixing element 270 is connected, are formed at the connecting part 235 and a rear of the cover element 230. That is, the connecting projections 238a, 238b are inserted into the fixing element 270, and some of the fixing element 270 is inserted into the connecting holes 236, 237.

[65] At the respective first connection terminal 260, an electric wire 252 connected with the respective connection terminal 250 is connected. And, a plurality of electric wire guides 239, which fixes the position of electric wire 252 connected with the first connection terminal 260, are formed at the cover element 230.

[66] FIGURE 7 shows a release button according to the present embodiment in a perspective view.

[67] Referring to Figs. 6 and 7, the release button 280 includes a pressing part 282 which allows for the user to press it, and a hook 284 which is extended from the pressing part 282 and is selectively connected to a button inserting hole 15 of the suction portion 12. And, a plurality of locking ribs 288, which are fastened to seat ribs 241 of the cover element 230, are formed at both sides of the release button 280.

[68] In detail, a slanted surface 283, which allows for the user to press the pressing part

282 with ease, is formed at an upper part of the pressing part 282.

[69] The hook 284 includes an inserting portion 285 which is selectively inserted into the button inserting hole 15. The inserting portion 285 includes a contact surface 286 which is contacted with an inner circumferential surface of the button inserting hole 15.

[70] Further, a detachment preventing projection 287, which prevents the inserting portion

285 from separating from the button inserting hole 15, is formed at the contact surface 286. The detachment preventing projection 287 is protruded from the contact surface 286 toward the pressing part 282.

[71] In the next place, a second connecting unit will be explained.

[72] FIGURE 8 shows a hose connecting part in a perspective view, and FIGURE 9 shows a terminal connecting part in a perspective view.

[73] Referring to Figs. 4, 8 and 9, the hose connecting part 310 is formed in the shape of a cylinder. A sealing element connecting part 311, to which the sealing element 360 is connected, is formed at a front end of the hose connecting part 310.

[74] A pair of guide ribs 312a, 312b are formed at a rear of the sealing element connecting part 311. The pair of guide ribs 312a, 312b are formed along a periphery of the hose connecting part 310, and they are protruded at a predetermined height from the hose connecting part 310. And, the pair of guide ribs 312a, 312b are spaced apart at a specific distance. Accordingly, an accommodation space 313, in which the connecting part 235 is accommodated, is formed between the pair of guide ribs 312a, 312b.

[75] Here, the accommodation space 313 is also formed along the periphery of the hose connecting part 310, since the pair of guide ribs 312a, 312b are formed along the periphery of the hose connecting part 310.

[76] Therefore, the hose connecting part 310 is prevented from being moved in the back- and-forth direction in a state where the connecting part 235 is received in the accommodation space 313, while the hose connecting part 310 may rotate. That is, the interference with the connecting part 235 is prevented by the accommodation space 313 during the rotation of the second connecting unit 300.

[77] A pair of insertion guides 316a, 316b for guiding the insertion of the connecting element 340 are formed at the hose connecting part 310. The pair of insertion guides 316a, 316b are spaced apart at a specific distance. Accordingly, a connecting element accommodating portion 317, in which the connecting element 340 is received, is formed between the pair of insertion guides 316a, 316b.

[78] Also, a plurality of support ribs 315, which support the terminal connecting part 320 in a state where the terminal connecting part 320 is connected to the hose connecting part 310, are formed at the hose connecting part 310. The support ribs 315 are formed along the periphery of the hose connecting part 310 and prevent the terminal connecting part 320 from being deformed in a radial direction.

[79] Further, a plurality of guide grooves 315a for guiding the connection of the terminal connecting part 320 are respectively formed at each of the plurality of support ribs 315.

[80] Meanwhile, the terminal connecting part 320 is formed in the shape of a cylinder.

And, the terminal connecting part 320 surrounds an exterior of the hose connecting part 310. An connecting element inserting hole 321, in which the connecting element is inserted, is formed at the terminal connecting part 320. And, a support surface 326, which supports the connecting element 340 in a state where the connecting element 340 is inserted into the inserting hole 321, is formed at the terminal connecting part 320.

[81] Further, some of the connecting element 340 is disposed at the connecting element accommodating portion 317 in a state where the connecting element 340 is inserted into the inserting hole 321. Therefore, the hose connecting part 310 and the terminal connecting part 320 are connected by the connecting element 340.

[82] A plurality of terminal seating grooves 322 on which the second connection terminal

330 is seated are formed along the periphery of the terminal connecting part 320. The plurality of terminal seating grooves 322 are spaced apart at a specific distance. And, the terminal connecting part 320 is formed in the shape of a ring.

[83] In detail, a pair of terminal seating grooves 322 are formed at both sides of the connecting element inserting hole 321, respectively. And, a through hole 323, through which some of the second connection terminal 330 is passed in a state where the second connection terminal 330 is seated, is formed in the terminal seating grooves 322. And, an electric wire (not illustrated) provided at the connecting hose 60 is connected to the second connection terminal 330 passed through the through hole 323.

[84] A plurality of guide ribs 324 are formed at an inner circumferential surface of the terminal connecting part 320. Each of the guide ribs 324 guides the connection of the hose connecting part 310 and the terminal connecting part 320 and is inserted into the guide groove 315a of the hose connecting part 310.

[85] Therefore, by means of the guide rib 324 and the guide groove 315a, the terminal connecting part 320 is connected to the hose connecting part 310 with a certain d irectivity. And, in case the terminal connecting part 320 is connected to the hose connecting part 310, the connecting element inserting hole 321 and the connecting element accommodating portion 317 are vertically arranged.

[86] At one end of the terminal connecting part 320, a locking jaw 325, to which the hose cover 350 is fastened, is formed in a peripheral direction.

[87] FIGURES 10 to 14 show assembling processes of the hose connection unit, and

FIGURE 15 shows the hose connection unit in a vertical cross-section view.

[88] Referring to Figs. 10 to 15, the assembling processes of the hose connection unit will be explained.

[89] First, as shown in Fig. 10, the second connection terminal 330 is connected to the terminal connecting part 320. After that, the terminal connecting part 320, to which the second connection terminal 330 is connected, is connected to the hose connecting part 310.

[90] And then, the guide rib 324 is inserted into the guide groove 315a, and the connecting element inserting hole 321 and the connecting element accommodating portion 317 are vertically arranged. And, the terminal connecting part 320 surrounds some of the hose connecting part 310.

[91] After that, as shown in Fig. 11, the hose cover 350 is connected to the terminal connecting part 320. In that case, the terminal connecting part 320 perforates the hose cover 350, and the hose cover 350 is fastened to the locking jaw 325 of the terminal connecting part 320 as shown in Fig. 12. Here, a locking rib (see reference numeral 352 in Fig. 15), to which the locking jaw 325 is fastened, is formed at an inner circumferential surface of the hose cover 350.

[92] And then, the hose connecting part 310 and the terminal connecting part 320 are connected by the connecting element 340 as shown in Fig. 12. Specifically, at one side of the terminal connecting part 320, the connecting element 340 is slidingly inserted into the connecting element inserting hole 321.

[93] In that case, the connecting element 340 is accommodated in the connecting element accommodating portion 317 while being inserted into the connecting element inserting hole 321, and therefore the assembly of the second connecting unit 300 is completed. And, a lower surface of the connecting element 340 is seated on the support surface 326 in a state where the connecting element 340 is inserted into the connecting element inserting hole 321.

[94] Here, the distance between the connecting element inserting hole 321 and the connecting element accommodating portion 317 is formed to correspond to the width of the connecting element 340. Accordingly, the connecting element 340 is interference-fitted into the connecting element inserting hole 321 and connecting element accommodating portion 317.

[95] And, as shown in Fig. 13, some of the second connecting unit 300 is inserted into the connecting pipe 210. Into the connecting pipe 210, the hose connecting part 310 and the terminal connecting part 320 are inserted.

[96] And then, as shown in Fig. 14, the second connecting unit 300 is disposed below the opening 220, and the accommodation space 313 in which the connecting part 235 is accommodated is disposed below the through hole 219 through which the connecting part 235 is passed.

[97] Next, one end of the elastic element 290 is inserted into the elastic element inserting portion 217. And, the cover element 230 is connected to the connecting pipe 210 while the release button 280 is seated on the cover element 230. In this case, the connecting part 235 passes the through hole 219 and is accommodated in the accommodation space 313, and a connecting projection 242 is connected to the connecting hole 222.

[98] And, a fastening element S is fastened into the cover element 230 and the hose connecting part 310. Then, the first connecting unit 200 and the second connecting unit 300 are connected as soon as the assembly of the first connecting unit 200 is finished. [99] And, in case the first connecting unit 200 and the second connecting unit 300 are connected, both ends of the first connection terminal 260 are contacted to the second connection terminal 330 via the opening 220. [100] According to the present embodiment, the second connecting unit 300 may rotate with respect to the first connecting unit 200 in a state where the second connecting unit

300 is connected to the first connecting unit 200 by the the connecting part 235, since the accommodation space 313 accommodating the connecting part 235 is formed at the hose connecting part 310 along the periphery thereof. [101] Therefore, the connecting hose 60 may be prevented from being twisted while cleaning, as the second connecting unit 300 is rotated with respect to the first connecting unit 200. [102] And, the first connection terminal 260 and the second connection terminal 330 can be contacted to each other even though the second connection terminal 330 rotates, since the second connection terminal 330 is connected to the terminal connecting part 320 along the perihery thereof and the first connection terminal 260 is contacted to the second connection terminal 330 via the opening 220. [103] Further, an electric wire may be prevented from being twisted when the second connecting unit 300 rotates, since the first connecting unit 200 and the second connecting unit 300 are connected not by the electric wire but by the first connection terminal 260 and second connection terminal 330. [104] FIGURE 16 shows a state where the hose connection unit is connected to a suction portion in a cross-section view, and FIGURE 17 shows an aspect where a release button in Fig. 16 is detached from a button-inserting hole. [105] Referring to Figs. 16 and 17, the suction portion 12 includes an outer case 12a and an inner case 12b. And, the inserting hole 13 and the button inserting hole 15 are formed in the inner case 12b. [106] In detail, a pressing projection 18, which presses an upper surface of the inserting portion 285 while the hose connection unit 100 is connected, is formed at a front surface of the outer case 12a. [107] And, a projection inserting groove 17, into which the detachment preventing projection 287 is inserted, is formed in an inner circumferential surface 16 of the button inserting hole 15. The projection inserting groove 17 is depressed and formed into the inner circumferential surface 16 of the button inserting hole 15 in a direction for separating the the hose connection unit 100. [108] Therefore, in case the the hose connection unit 100 is inserted in the suction portion

12, the elastic element 290 is constricted as the pressing projection 18 pushes the upper surface of the inserting portion 285, and the release button 280 is moved inside the hose connection unit 100. [109] And, the upper surface of the inserting portion 285 is slid along an inner surface of the inner case 12b. Here, while the hose connection unit 100 is inserted in the suction portion 12, the inserting portion 285 is maintained to be pressed by the inner surface of the inner case 12b.

[110] In case the hose connection unit 100 is fully inserted in the suction portion 12, the inserting portion 285 is aligned with the button inserting hole 15. In this case, the elastic element 290 is elongated, as the force exerted on the inserting portion 285 is released.

[I l l] And, the release button 280 is moved out of the hose connection unit 100 by the restoring force of the elastic element 290. And then, the inserting portion 285 is inserted into the button inserting hole 15.

[112] In case the inserting portion 285 is inserted into the button inserting hole 15, a contact surface 286 of the inserting portion 285 is tightly contacted to the inner circumferential surface 16 of the button inserting hole 15, and the detachment preventing projection 287 is inserted into the projection inserting groove 17.

[113] Therefore, in case the hose connection unit 100 is pulled without pressing the release button 280, the hose connection unit 100 is not separated from the suction portion 12 because the detachment preventing projection 287 is forced toward the projection inserting groove 17.

[114] Meanwhile, a button guide 223, which guides the movement of the release button 280 while the release button 280 is pressed, is formed at the connecting pipe 210.

[115] In detail, a slanted surface 224 is formed at an upper part of the button guide 223.

The slanted surface 224 is formed at a region adjacent to the pressing part 282 so that it is downwardly inclined toward the hook 284. That is, a vertical distance between the slanted surface 224 and the pressing part 282 is longer than a distance between the slanted surface 224 and the hook 284.

[116] Accordingly, the release button 280 is spaced apart from the button guide 223 in a state where the inserting portion 285 is inserted into the button inserting hole 15. In this state, if the release button is pressed, a bottom surface of the release button 280 will be contacted with a top point 225 of the slanted surface 224.

[117] And then, the release button 280 is rotated to a bottom point 226 while being contacted with the top point 225. And, the detachment preventing projection 287 is separated from the projection inserting groove 17 during the rotation of the release button 280, and the pressing part 282 is separated from the button inserting hole 15, and therefore the hose connection unit 100 may be separated from the suction portion 12.

[118] According to the present embodiment, since the detachment preventing projection 287 is further inserted into the projection inserting groove 17 in a state where the pressing part 282 is inserted in the button inserting hole 15, the hose connection unit 100 may be fixedly fastened to the suction portion 12.

[119] In addition, since the release button 280 is rotated by the button guide 223 while the release button 280 is pressed, the detachment preventing projection 287 may be easily detached from the projection inserting groove 17 when separating the hose connection unit 100.

[120] Here, since the detachment preventing projection 287 and the projection inserting groove 17 serve to prevent the detachment of the inserting portion 285 when the inserting portion 285 is inserted into the button inserting hole 15, the detachment preventing projection 287 and projection inserting groove 17 may be referred to as a detachment preventing means.

[121] Further, a region 19 contacting with the inserting portion at the inner circumferential surface of the inserting hole 15 serves as a locking part to which the hook 284 is fastened. And, as shown in Fig. 16, the detachment preventing projection 287 surrounds some of the locking part. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the detachment preventing projection 287 serve to maintain the connection between the hook 284 and the locking part.

Claims

[1] A hose connection unit of a vacuum cleaner, comprising: a first connecting unit which is connected to a cleaner main body and from which a connecting part is inwardly protruded; and a second connecting unit which is connected with a connecting hose and is rotatably connected to the first connecting unit, wherein the second connecting unit comprises an accommodation space in which the connecting part is received in order to prevent the interference with the connecting part during the rotation of the second connecting unit.

[2] The hose connection unit of the vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the accommodation space is formed along a periphery of the second connecting unit.

[3] The hose connection unit of the vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the first connecting unit comprises a connecting pipe in which a through hole, through which the connecting part is passed, is formed, and a cover element which is connected to the connecting pipe and is provided with the connecting part.

[4] The hose connection unit of the vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the second connecting unit comprises a hose connecting part which is inserted into the connecting pipe and is provided with the accommodation space, and wherein the connecting part of the cover element is received in the accommodation space in a state where it passes the through hole.

[5] The hose connection unit of the vacuum cleaner according to claim 3, wherein the first connecting unit comprises a first connection terminal for supplying power, and wherein the second connecting unit comprises a second connection terminal which is contacted with the first connection terminal during the rotation thereof.

[6] The hose connection unit of the vacuum cleaner according to claim 5, wherein the cover element comprises a connecting projection to which the first connection terminal is connected, and a fixing element which fixes the location of the first connection terminal as it is connected to the connecting projection in a state where the first connection terminal is connected to the connecting projection.

[7] The hose connection unit of the vacuum cleaner according to claim 5, wherein an opening for passing the first connection terminal is formed in the connecting pipe, and the first connection terminal is contacted to the second connection terminal by passing through the opening.

[8] The hose connection unit of the vacuum cleaner according to claim 5, wherein the second connecting unit comprises, a hose connecting part to which the connecting hose is connected, a terminal connecting part which is connected to the hose connecting part and to which the second connection terminal is connected in a peripheral direction, and a connecting element which connects the hose connecting part with the terminal connecting part.

[9] The hose connection unit of the vacuum cleaner according to claim 8, wherein the hose connecting part comprises a support rib which supports the terminal connecting part and in which a guide groove is formed, and wherein the terminal connecting part comprises a guide rib which is to be inserted into the guide groove.

[10] The hose connection unit of the vacuum cleaner according to claim 8, wherein an inserting hole in which the connecting element is inserted is formed in the terminal connecting part, and an accommodating portion in which the connecting element is received in a state where the connecting element is inserted in the inserting hole is formed at the hose connecting part.

[11] A vacuum cleaner, comprising: a connecting hose through which air containing dusts is flowed; a cleaner main body into which the air of connecting hose is introduced; and a hose connection unit connecting the connectin hose to the cleaner main body, induing a first connecting unit fixed to the cleaner main body, and a second connecting unit which is connected with the connecting hose and is rotatably connected to the first connecting unit, wherein the first connecting unit includes a first connection terminal for supplying power, and a connecting part which is to be connected with the second connecting unit, and wherein the second connecting unit includes a second connection terminal contacted with the first connection terminal, and an accommodation space which is formed along a periphery of the second connecting unit to accommodate the connecting part.

[12] The vacuum cleaner according to claim 11, wherein the second connection terminal is connected to an outer periphery of the second connecting unit.

[13] The vacuum cleaner according to claim 11, wherein the second connecting unit is inserted into the first connecting unit, and wherein an opening for passing the first connection terminal is formed in the first connecting unit.

[14] The vacuum cleaner according to claim 11, wherein the first connecting unit comprises a connecting pipe in which a through hole for passing the connecting part is formed, and a cover element which is connected to the connecting pipe and is provided with the connecting part.

[15] The vacuum cleaner according to claim 11, wherein the second connecting unit comprises, a hose connecting part to which the connecting hose is connected, a terminal connecting part which is connected to the hose connecting part, and a second connection terminal is connected to an exterior thereof, and a connecting element which connects the hose connecting part with the terminal connecting part.

[16] The vacuum cleaner according to claim 15, wherein an inserting hole in which the connecting element is inserted is formed in the terminal connecting part, and an accommodating portion in which the connecting element is received in a state where the connecting element is inserted in the inserting hole is formed at the hose connecting part.

[17] A vacuum cleaner, comprising: a cleaner main body in which a suction portion is formed; a hose connection unit which is connected with a connecting hose and connects the connecting hose with the suction portion; a button inserting hole formed in the suction portion; a release button which is provided at the hose connection unit and is provided with an inserting portion to be inserted in the button inserting hole; and a detachment preventing means which prevents the inserting portion from being detached in a state where the inserting portion is inserted in the button inserting hole, wherein the detachment preventing means comprises a detachment preventing projection protruded from the inserting portion, and a projection inserting groove, formed as an inner circumferential surface of the button inserting hole is depressed, in which the detachment preventing projection is inserted, and wherein the projection inserting groove is depressed in a direction that separates the hose connection unit from the inner circumferential surface of the button inserting hole.

[18] The vacuum cleaner according to claim 17, wherein a pressing projection, which presses the release button while the hose connection unit is inserted, is formed at the suction portion.

[19] The vacuum cleaner according to claim 17, wherein the hose connection unit comprises a button guide which guides the movement of the release button while the release button is pressed, and wherein a slanted surface, which allows the release button to be rotated, is formed at the button guide.

[20] The vacuum cleaner according to claim 19, wherein the hose connection unit is provided with an elastic element for elastically supporting the release button, and wherein the release button is spaced apart from the button guide in a state where the inserting portion is inserted in the button inserting hole.