EP4289322A1

EP4289322A1 - Cleaner

Info

Publication number: EP4289322A1
Application number: EP22749875.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Sangchul Lee; Seungyeop Lee; Changhwa Sun; Changgun LEE
Original assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Current assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Priority date: 2021-02-04
Filing date: 2022-01-07
Publication date: 2023-12-13
Also published as: KR20220112425A; WO2022169121A1; US20240090724A1

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a cleaner. Since the cleaner includes: a pitch member configured to rotate the main body about the pitch axis; a yaw member configured to rotate the main body about the yaw axis; and a roll member configured to rotate the main body about the roll axis, and limits a rotation of the roll member when the main body is in a first location, and allows a rotation of the roll member when the main body is in a second location, the cleaner secures excellent operability when the cleaner is in the first location which is higher, and excellent straightness when the cleaner is in the second location which is lower.

Description

The present application claims priority to Korea Patent Application No. 10-2021-0015960, filed on February 4, 2021 , the entire contents of which is incorporated herein for all purposes by this reference.

Field

The present disclosure relates to a cleaner, more particularly, a vacuum cleaner that can be operated with ease.

Background

In general, a cleaner refers to an electrical appliance that draws in small garbage or dust by sucking air using electricity and fills a dust bin provided in a product with the garbage or dust. Such a cleaner is generally called a vacuum cleaner.
The cleaners may be classified into a manual cleaner which is moved directly by a user to perform a cleaning operation, and an automatic cleaner which performs a cleaning operation while autonomously traveling. Depending on the shape of the cleaner, the manual cleaners may be classified into a canister cleaner, an upright cleaner, a handy cleaner, a stick cleaner, and the like.
The canister cleaners were widely used in the past as household cleaners. However, recently, there is an increasing tendency to use the handy cleaner and the stick cleaner in which a dust bin and a cleaner main body are integrally provided to improve convenience of use.
In the case of the canister cleaner, a main body and a suction port are connected by a rubber hose or pipe, and in some instances, the canister cleaner may be used in a state in which a brush is fitted into the suction port.
The handy cleaner (hand vacuum cleaner) has maximized portability and is light in weight. However, because the handy cleaner has a short length, there may be a limitation to a cleaning region. Therefore, the handy cleaner is used to clean a local place such as a desk, a sofa, or an interior of a vehicle. The handy cleaner may be used while standing, so it is possible to clean without bending down. Therefore, it is advantageous to clean while moving a large area.
A cleaner head may rotate about a plurality of axes for streering. Hereinafter, the plurality of axes is defined in an assumption that a direction in which the cleaner head advances forward is a forward direction. Rolling refers to an up-down rotation of a left end and a right end about an axis in forward and rearward directions of the cleaner head. Pitching refers to an up-down rotation of a forward end and a rear end about a vertical axis of the cleaner head. Yawing refers to a rotation of a left end and a right end in forward and rearward directions about a vertical axis.
A prior art document 1 relates to a cleaner head of a vacuum cleaner and has been previously known. The prior art document 1 has a first debris opening and a second debris opening disposed above the first debris opening such that, in use, debris swept past the first debris opening by the agitator is swept towards the second debris opening and sucked into a main body of the cleaner. The main body of the cleaner may rotate about a pitch axis to change its height, and rotate about a yaw axis to change its position in left and right directions.
Generally, for left-right direction steering, the cleaner head rotates either by rolling or yawing. The prior art document 1 performs yawing rather than rolling, and has an advantage of excellent operability when the cleaner head performs yawing, but has a disadvantage of poor straightness.
The cleaner head according to the prior art document 1 has no configuration of resisting against a movement in the yaw axis. Accordingly, the cleaner head may be shaken often when a floor is uneven, and the cleaner cannot move strainght and rotates in a left or right direction. Thus, there was a problem in that a user had to perform an unnecessary operation to make the cleaner move straight.
Moreover, the above problem becomes severe when lying down the main body of the cleaner according to the prior art document 1 as much as possible. When an angle between the yaw axis and the ground is low by standing up the main body of the cleaner, the cleaner can be moved forward to some extent even if the cleaner head shakes due to the weight of the main body of the cleaner. However, as the angle between the yaw axis and the ground gets greater by lying down the main body of the cleaner, the cleaner head shakes severely about the yaw axis when the cleaner head is shaken just a little. Therefore, it becomes very inconvenient when cleaning a narrow and low gap.
A prior art document 2 relates to a cleaner head of a canister cleaner, and has been known previously. The prior art document 2 discloses a cleaner head having a rolling function and a pitching function. According to the prior art document 2, it is possible to make the cleaner head be held on the main body of the cleaner by folding the cleaner head about a pitch axis and to make the cleaner clean up by unfolding the cleaner head.
However, the prior art document 2 has a structure in which the cleaner head is folded and fixed when the cleaner is held after the cleaner finishes cleaning, and the cleaner head is unfolded when a user intends to use the cleaner for cleaning, and a configuration for selectively limiting a rolling or a pitching of the cleaner in use is not disclosed therein, and the cleaner head performs only rolling rather than yawing. Accordingly, apart from the advantage of excellent straightness, there is a disadvantage of poor operability.

SUMMARY

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaner having a cleaner head rotating about a yaw axis and a roll axis, more particularly, a cleaner configured to rotate and turn about the yaw axis during general cleaning to ensure excellent operability and rotate about the roll axis when a location of a main body of the cleaner is low to ensure excellent straightness.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaner configured to prevent a cleaning module from unnecessary shaking in left and right directions about the yaw axis when the cleaner moves straight.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaner configured to secure straightness by returning to its regular position quickly after rotating a main body of the cleaner to clean a narrow gap up.
Technical objects to be achieved by the present disclosure are not limited to the aforementioned objects, and those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains may evidently understand other technical objects from the following description.
One embodiment is a cleaner, including: a cleaning module for sucking in an outside air; a main body for providing a suction force to the cleaning module; a pitch member; a yaw member; and a roll member configured to rotate the main body; and an anti-roll assembly configured to selectively limit a rotation of the roll member. The pitch member is disposed between the cleaning module and the main body, has a pitch axis disposed in left and right directions, and rotates the main body about the pitch axis. The yaw member is disposed between the cleaning module and the main body, has a yaw axis disposed in left and right directions, and rotates the main body about the yaw axis. The roll member is disposed between the cleaning module and the main body, has a roll axis disposed in left and right directions, and rotates the main body about the roll axis. The anti-roll assembly is disposed in the roll member, limits a rotation of the roll member when the main body is in a first location, and allows a rotation of the roll member when the main body is in a second location.
A height of the main body in the first location may be higher than a height of the main body in the second location.
The cleaner may further include: an anti-yaw assembly having one end coupled to the yaw member and another end locked by the pitch member.
At this time, when the main body is in the first location, a force with which the anti-yaw assembly limits a rotation of the yaw member may be smaller than a force with which the roll member limits a rotation of the roll member.
Or, the anti-yaw assembly may include: a support member disposed in the pitch member; and a fixing member coupled to the yaw member and having at least a portion thereof locked by the support member.
At least a portion of the fixing member may include an elastic material.
The anti-yaw assembly may further include: an elastic member providing a restoration force in an opposite direction, when the yaw member rotates in one direction.
The anti-roll assembly according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure may have one end coupled to the anti-yaw member and another end locked by the roll member.
At this time, the anti-roll assembly may include: a support member disposed in the roll member and protruding toward the yaw member; and a fixing member coupled to the yaw member and having at least a portion thereof locked by the support member.
The anti-roll assembly according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a locking ball disposed movably inside the roll member and having at least one portion locked by the yaw member when the main body is in the first direction, and unlocked when the main body is in the second location.
At this time, the anti-roll assembly may further include: a locking ball guide tube disposed in the roll member and having a hollow hole allowing the locking ball to be moved therein.
Or, the anti-rollinng assembly may include: a locking ball stopper formed to be recessed in the support member and allowing at least a portion of the EEO locking ball to be inserted thereinto when the roll member critically rotates in one direction.
A center of mass of the cleaning module may be disposed on an extension line of the pitch axis.
Another embodiment is a cleaner, including: a cleaning module for sucking in an outside air; and a main body for providing a suctioning force to the cleaning module. In addition, the cleaner includes a pitch member disposed between the cleaning module and the main body, having a pitch axis disposed in left and right directions, and configured to rotate the main body about the pitch axis. In addition, the cleaner includes a yaw member disposed between the cleaning module and the main body, having a yaw axis disposed in left and right directions, and configured to rotate the main body about the yaw axis when the main body is in a first location. In addition, a roll member disposed between the cleaning module and the main body, having a roll axis disposed in left and right directions, and configured to rotate the main body about the roll axis when the main body is in a second location. At this time, the main body in the first location is positioned higher than the main body in the second location.
The details of other embodiments of the present disclosure are included in the written description hereof as well as the appended drawings.
The cleaner of the present disclosure has one or more advantageous effects as below.
First, a cleaning module configured to perform pitching, yawing, and rolling may secure excellent operability by limiting a rotation of a roll member when a main body thereof is in a first location which is relatively a higher location and may secure excellent straightness by turning by a rotation of the roll member when the main body thereof is in a second location which is relatively a lower location.
Second, as the cleaner has an anti-yaw assembly having one end coupled to a yaw member, and another end locked by a pitch member, there is an advantage in that straightness of the cleaner may be prevented as shaking of a cleaning module about a yaw axis is limited arbitrarily.
Third, a fixing member of the anti-yaw assembly extends in an arc shape from an outer circumference of a support member of the anti-yaw assembly, and accordingly the locking of the support member of the anti-yaw assembly can be released as being parted easily by a force applied by a user, thereby the user may operate the cleaner precisely according to the user's will.
Fourth, according to an embodiment, the fixing member of the anti-roll assembly extends in an arc shape from the outer circumference of the anti-roll assembly, the locking of the anti-yaw assembly is first released by a force applied by the user in a first location and is yawed, and the locking of the anti-roll assembly is first released by a force applied by the user in a second location and is rolled, accordingly, there is an advantage in that the cleaner may be easily operated according to a location of the main body.
Fifth, as the anti-yaw assembly or the anti-roll assembly includes an elastic member providing a restoration force in a reverse direction when it rotates in one direction, there is an advantage in that it is possible to secure straightness by returning the cleaner to its regular position quickly after rotating the main body of the cleaner.
Sixth, according to another embodiment, the anti-roll assembly includes a locking ball locked and fixed by the yaw member when the main body is in the first location, and allowing the locking to be released when the main body is in the second location, and accordingly, the cleaner is yawed by a force applied by the user in the first location, and is rolled by the force applied by the user in the second location. Therefore, there is an advantage in that it is possible to operate the cleaner easily according to the location of the main body.
The effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-described effects and other effects which are not described herein may be derived by those skilled in the art from the following description of the embodiments of the present invention.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a general cleaner,
FIG. 2 is a front view of a cleaning module according to the present disclosure,
FIG. 3 is a rear view of a cleaning module according to the present disclosure,
FIG. 4 is a top view of a cleaning module according to the present disclosure,
FIG. 5 is a view showing when a yaw member of FIG. 4 is rotated right,
FIG. 6 is a view showing when a roll member of FIG. 4 is rotated right,
FIG. 7 is a right side view showing when a main body is disposed in a first or a second location,
FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of an anti-yaw assembly,
FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a cleaning module according to a first embodiment,
FIG. 10 is a view showing an elastic member according to an embodiment,
FIG. 11 is a view showing an elastic member according to another embodiment,
FIG. 12 is a right side cross-sectional view according to a first embodiment,
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of part A of FIG. 12,
FIG. 14 is a view showing when the roll member of FIG. 13 is rotated in a clockwise direction,
FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a cleaning module according to a second embodiment,
FIG. 16 shows a roll member viewed from a top,
FIG. 17 is a right side cross-sectional view of a cleaning module according to a second embodiment when a main body is in a first location,
FIG. 18 is a right side cross-sectional view of a cleaning module according to a second embodiment when a main body is in a second location,
FIG. 19 is a plan cross-sectional view of a roll member when a roll member rotates in a counter-clockwise direction or clockwise direction.

BEST MODE

Advantages and characteristics of the present disclosure and a method of achieving the advantages and characteristics will be clear by referring to exemplary embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to exemplary embodiment disclosed herein but will be implemented in various forms. The exemplary embodiments are provided by way of example only so that a person of ordinary skilled in the art can fully understand the disclosures of the present disclosure and the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure will be defined only by the scope of the appended claims. Like reference numerals generally denote like elements throughout the specification.
Hereinafter, a cleaner 100 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaner 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 1, the cleaner 100 may include a main body 110. The main body 110 may include a suction unit 112 that sucks air containing dust.
A direction in which a cleaning module 160 is disposed with respect to a main body is a forward direction. In other words, the forward direction is a direction in which the cleaner 100 moves forward.
A direction in which the main body 110 is located with respect to the cleaning module 160 is a rearward direction. The rearward direction is a direction opposite to the forward direction.
A right side and a left side are defined on the basis of a state in which a frontal surface of the cleaner 100 is viewed from the front. The right side and the left side are opposed with each other.
A roll axis x is a center axis about which the main body 110 rotates, and is a virtual straight line disposed in a longitudinal direction of an extension tube 150. The roll axis x corresponds to an extension direction of a suction port 161 of the main body 110. The roll axis x mostly corresponds to a central line L0 passing through a center of the main body 110 and a center of the cleaning module 160. However, when the roll axis x is rotated, the roll axis x may not correspond to the central line L0.
The central line L0 is a virtual line that passes through a center of the cleaning module and extends in a forward and rearward direction. When viewed from the front, the central line L0 corresponds to a longitudinal direction of the extension tube, and to the roll axis x. However, when the yaw member 164 is rotated about a yaw axis z, the central line L0 does not correspond to the roll axis x.
A pitch axis y is a center axis about which the main body 110 vertically rotates, and is a virtual line disposed in left and right directions of the cleaning module 160. The pitch axis y crosses the roll axis x at right angles, and rotates the roll axis x. The pitch axis y is parallel to a rotation axis of an agitator 162 to be described later.
The yaw axis z is a center axis about which the main body 110 rotates in left and right directions, and is a virtual line that is vertically disposed. The yaw axis z crosses the roll axis x and the pitch axis y both at right angles. The yaw axis z may be rotated by the pitch axis y.
The suction unit 112 is a cylindrical form having a hollow hole formed inside, and sucks air containing dust. The suction unit 112 provides a suction flow path through which the air containing dust may flow. The air containing dust is guided to the main body 110 through the suction unit 112.
The suction motor 114 forms a flow of the air such that the air containing dust may be introduced into the suction unit 112.
The suction motor 114 may be the Brushless DC (BLDC) motor. The BLDC motor is a type of a DC motor without a brush. Since the BLDC motor does not have a brush, which is a wearable part, the BLDC motor not only has an advantage of having little electrical and mechanical noise, but also has no problem in a high-speed rotation and generates low rotation noise.
The handle 116 is configured to be gripped by a user to move the cleaner 100, and is disposed in the opposite direction to the suction unit 112 with respect to a dust bin 120, and may include a grip part which is a portion that a user grips by hand. Here, the grip part may have a substantially cylindrical shape.
Referring to FIG. 1, the main body 110 may include an operating part 118. The operating part 118 is a component for a user to input instructions to the cleaner 100.
The operating part 118 may be disposed on an extension line in a longitudinal direction of the handle 116. By having such an arrangement, the user may input instructions by touching the operating part 118 with a thumb while gripping the handle 116.
Referring to FIG. 1, the main body 110 includes a dust bin 120 for storing dust separated from the air. The dust bin 120 may include a dust collecting body having a cylindrical form. The dust bin 120 is communicated with the suction unit 112, and accordingly the dust contained in the air that has been sucked in through the suction unit 112 is separated from the air and collected in the dust bin 120.
Referring to FIG. 1, the cleaner 100 includes a battery 140. The battery 140 is a component for supplying power to the main body 110. A battery storage section may be formed in the main body 110 to store the battery 140, and the battery 140 is inserted into and installed in the battery storage section.
The battery 140 is disposed below the handle 116. The battery 140 may be disposed on an extension line in a longitudinal direction of the handle 116. By having such an arrangement, the battery 140 may be disposed not to be biased in one direction among the right and the left, and the user may transfer the cleaner easily by gripping the cleaner 100.
Referring to FIG. 1, the cleaner 100 includes an extention tube 150. The extension tube 150 is a component for communicating the main body 110 and the cleaning module 160 with each other.
A lower end of the extension tube 150 is coupled to the cleaning module 160, and is communicated with the cleaning module 160. According to the present disclosure, the extension tube 150 may rotate about the pixting axis y by being coupled to the pitch member, and may rotate about the yaw axis z by being coupled to the yaw member 164.
The lower end of the extension tube 150 communicates with a corrugate tube 166.
An upper end of the extention tube 150 is coupled to the suction unit 112 of the main body 110, and is communicated with the suction unit 112.
The extension tube 150 may be divided into a lower tube and an upper tube. The upper tube has a length that varies by being inserted to the lower tube or being drawn from the lower tube. The lower tube is connected to the cleaning module 160 and the upper tube is connected to the suction unit 112 of the main body 110.
Referring to FIG. 1, the cleaner 100 includes the cleaning module 160. The cleaning module 160 is a component for sucking in the outside air.
Referring to FIG. 1, the cleaning module 260 may communicate with the extension tube 150. Therefore, the outside air may be introduced into the main body 110 of the cleaner 100 via the cleaning module 160 and the extension tube 150 by the suction force in the main body 110 of the cleaner 100.
The cleaning module includes the suction port 161. The suction port 161 is a hole for sucking in dust along with the air. The suction port 161 is communicated with the extensuin tube 150, so the dust flows to the main body 110. More particularly, the suction port 161 is connected to one side of the corrugate tube 166, and another end thereof is connected to the extension tube 150.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the cleaning module 160 includes an agitator 162. The agitator is a component for rubbing the dust adhered to the floor to separate the dust from the floor.
The agitator 162 is in a cylindrical form that is disposed about a rotation axis. The rotation axis of the agitator 162 is disposed in left and right directions.
The agitator 162 is disposed at a front of the suction port 161. The agitator 162 sweeps the dust adhered to the floor at a forward end of the suction port 161. Through the agitator 162, the dust adhered to the floor may be separated from the floor and the dust can be easily sucked into the suction port 161.
The agitator 162 rotates in a counter-clockwise direction when viewed from a right side.
The cleaning module 160 may further include a motor (not illustrated) for rotating the agitator 162. Although not illustrated, referring to FIG. 2, the motor may be dislosed in an inner right side of the cleaning module 160. By having such an arrangement, a center of mass 160G of the cleaning module 160 may be biased to a right side.
Referring to FIG. 2, the cleaner 100 includes a pitch member 163. The pitch member 163 is a component for changing a height of the main body 110 by rotating the main body 110.
The pitch member 163 is disposed between the cleaning module 160 and the main body 110, has the pitch axis y disposed in left and right directions, and rotates the main body 110 about the pitch axis y.
The pitch member 163 is disposed between the cleaning module 160 and the main body 110, has the pitch axis y disposed in left and right directions, and rotates the main body 110 about the pitch axis y.
A forward end of the pitch member 163 is rotatably connected to the cleaning module 163. A rear end of the pitch member 162 is rotatably connected to the yaw member 164.
The pitch member 163 has a hollow hole formed inside to allow the corrugate tube 166 to penetrate the pitch member 163.
Referring to FIG. 7, the pitch member 163 rotates in a counter-clockwise direction, and a height of the main body 110 rises and an angle between the extension tube and the ground increases. Conversely, the pitch member 163 rotates in a clockwise direction, and the height of the main body 110 falls, and the angle between the the extension tube and the ground decreases.
When the angle between the the extension tube and the ground decreases, the corrugate tube 166 may be deformed convexly upward. According to the present disclosure, since the cleaning module 160 and the pitch member 163 are connected by the pitch axis y, a height from the ground to the upper surface of the extension surface 150 may be minimized, and thus, the cleaning module may be inserted into a lower gap to clean it up.
Referring to FIG. 2, the center of mass 160G of the cleaning module is disposed in the pitch axis y. By such an arrangement, when advancing forward, the cleaning module 160 may not be shaken about the yaw axis z. Accordingly, the user may operate the cleaner more easily.
Referring to FIG. 2, the pitch axis y is disposed in a forward end of the pitch member 163, and the pitch member 163 is hingedly coupled to a rear end of the cleaning module 160 through the pitch axis y.
Referring to FIG. 2, the cleaning module 160 has a recessed portion which is a rear surface recessed forward, and the pitch axis and the pitch member 163 are disposed in the recessed portion. In an inner wall of the recessed portion, a hole through which the pitch axis passes is formed, and a hinge corresponding to the pitch axis y is rotatably inserted into the hole.
A forward end of the pitch member 163 is fixed and a rear end thereof performs a circular motion since the pitch axis y is disposed in the forward end of the pitch member 163.
By having such an arrangement, it becomes possible to lower a height of a connecting member between the cleaning module 160 and the extension tube 150. Particulary, according to the present disclosure, if the extention tube 150 is fully rotated in a clockwise direction in FIG. 4, a height of the cleaning module 160 and a height of the pitch member 163 becomes almost identical. Therefore, the cleaning module may enter a narrow gap below a sofa and the like to clean it up.
Referring to FIG. 2, the cleaner 100 includes the yaw member 164. The yaw member 164 is a component for rotating the main body 110 to change a location of the main body 110 in left and right directions.
The yaw member 164 is disposed between the cleaning module 160 and the main body 110, has the yaw axis z vertically disposed, and rotates the main body 110 about the yaw axis z.
The yaw member 164 is disposed between the cleaning module 160 and the main body 110, has the yaw axis z vertically disposed, and rotates the main body 110 about the yaw axis z when the main body is in a first location.
Referring to FIG. 9, the yaw member includes an upper surface 160a, a lower surface 160b, and a rear surface 160c.
Referring to FIG. 4, the yaw axis z is disposed in a forward end of the yaw member 164, the yaw member 164 is hingedly coupled to a rear end of the pitch member 163 through the yaw axis z, and a rear end of the yaw member 164 is coupled to a forward end of the main body 110.
Referring to FIG. 9, the yaw member 164 is formed in a U-shape with an open front. The upper surface 164a of the yaw member 164 covers an upper surface of the pitch member 163, and the lower surface 164b of the yaw member 164 covers a lower surface of the pitch member 163.
A protrusion is formed on an inside of the upper surface 164a of the yaw member 164. A support member 172 of an anti-yaw assembly 170 is inserted into the protrusion, and the support member 172 of the anti-yaw assembly 170 rotates along the protrusion. A protrusion is formed on an inside of the lower surface 164b of the yaw member 164, and has the same function as the protrusion formed on the inside of the upper surface 164a of the yaw member 164.
The yaw member 164 has a hollow hole formed inside. The corrugate tube 166 penetrates the inside of the yaw member 164 to be connected to the extension tube 150. By having such an arrangement, dust may be smoothly sucked in through the corrugate tube 166 although the yaw member 164 rotates in the left and right directions.
The yaw axis z is disposed in the forward end of the yaw member 164. The yaw axis z is disposed above and below the yaw member 164. The yaw axis z is disposed above and below the pitch member 163. The yaw axis z passes through a center of the support member 172 of the anti-yaw assembly 170.
The yaw axis z vertically extends. Referring to FIG. 4, the yaw member 163 is rotatably connected to the pitch axis y, accordingly, the yaw axis z is not fixed vertically with respect to the ground.
The yaw axis z is perpendicular to the pitch axis y. Referring to FIG. 2, the pitch axis y is disposed in left and right directions, and the yaw axis z is disposed vertically, and accordingly, the yaw axis z is perpendicular to the pitch axis y when viewed from the front. Referring to FIG. 4, the yaw axis z is dislosed at a rear of the pitch axis y, and the yaw axis z and the pitch axis y do not cross each other.
The yaw axis z is perpendicular to a longitudinal straight line of the extension tube 150. The extension tube 150 is disposed rotatably in the pitch axis y, the yaw axis z is always perpendicular to the longitudinal straight line of the extension line 150.
If the extension tube 150 is not provided in the cleaner 100, a rear end of the yaw member 164 is coupled to a forward end of the main body 110. Unlike the above, if the extension tube 150 is provided in a forward end of the main body 110 like the present disclosure, the rear end of the yaw member 164 is coupled to a forward end of the extension tube 150. By having such an arrangement, the location of the main body 110 may be changed in left and right directions about the yaw axis z.
According to the present disclosure, the yaw axis z is disposed behind the pitch axis y. As the pitch axis y is disposed in left and right directions, a connecting portion of the pitch axis y has a lower height than a connecting portion of the yaw axis z. Therefore, by disposing the connecting portion of the pitch axis y more foward than the connecting portion of the yaw axis z, the height of the connecting portion between the cleaning module 160 and the extension tube 150 can be minimized, thereby the cleaning module 160 can enter a narrow gap. In addition, by having such an arrangement, the axis may be disposed fully forward, and particularly, unlike the prior art cleaners whose centers of mass 160G of the cleaning modules are disposed more forward of the pitch axis y or yaw axis z, the center of mass 160G of the cleaning module of the present disclosure may be disposed in the pitch axis y.
Referring to FIG. 4, the cleaner 100 includes the anti-yaw assembly 170. The anti-yaw assembly 170 is a component for preventing the cleaner 100 from yawing more than necessary.
The anti-yaw assembly 170 has one end coupled to the yaw member 164, and another end locked by the pitch member 163. By having such an arrangement, the straightness may be secured since the cleaning module 160 will not be shaken even if the cleaner 100 is slightly shaken. In addition, the main body 110 may be rotated left and right and the angle of the cleaning module 160 may be changed by a force at a certain level or higher applied by the user.
Referring to FIG. 5, the anti-yaw assembly 170 may consist of the support member 172 and a fixing member 171. The support member 172 is disposed in the pitch member 163. The fixing member 171 is coupled to the yaw member 164, and at least a portion thereof is locked by the support member 172.
Referring to FIG. 6, the support member 172 of the anti-yaw assembly protrudes in a direction of the yaw axis z from the pitch member 163, and the support member 171 of the anti-yaw assembly is locked by a side surface of the support member 172 of the anti-yaw assembly.
The support member 172 of the anti-yaw assembly is disposed in the pitch member 163. The support member 172 of the anti-yaw assembly protrudes upward in a direction of the yaw axis z from an upper surface of the pitch member 163. The support member 172 of the anti-yaw assembly may protrude downward in a direction of the yaw axis z from a lower surface of the pitch member 163.
The support member 172 of the anti-yaw assembly includes an upper surface 1721 further protruding upward from an upper surface of the yaw member 164. In addition, the support member 172 of the anti-yaw assembly includes a lower surface 1721 further protruding downward from a lower surface of the yaw member 164. Further, the support member 172 of the anti-yaw assembly includes a side surface 1722 of the support member, which forms a stepped portion between the upper surface 1721 of the support member and the yaw member 164.
The support member 172 of the anti-yaw assembly is disposed in the yaw axis z. The support member 172 of the anti-yaw assembly may have a circular form about the yaw axis z. By having such an arrangement, the yaw member 164 may rotate about the yaw axis z by being locked by the support member 172 of the anti-yaw assembly. Since the support members 172 of the anti-yaw assembly are formed in the pitch member 163 and protrude upward and downward about the yaw axis z, the yaw member 164 may be supported in both ends of the pitch member 163.
One side of the fixing member 172 of the anti-yaw assembly is coupled to the yaw member 164 and rotates along with the yaw member 164. Another side of the fixing member 171 of the anti-yaw assembly is locked by a side surface of the support member 172 of the anti-yaw assembly. By having such an arrangement, the straightness may be maintained without severe bending of the cleaning module 160 even when a disturbance occurs. Here, examples of the disturbance are irregular ground shapes, change in a ground state such as a carpet and the like, and shaking generated when the user operates the cleaner.
When the user moves the main body 110 left and right by applying a force at a certain level or higher, the locking of the fixing member 171 of the anti-yaw assembly is released. When the locking of the fixing member of the anti-yaw assembly is released, the fixing member of the anti-yaw assembly moves along an outer circumferential surface of the support member 172 of the anti-yaw assembly. At this time, the fixing member 171 of the anti-yaw assembly rotates left and right about the yaw axis z.
Referring to FIG. 5, the support member 172 of the anti-yaw assembly includes an insertion groove 1723 into which the fixing member 171 of the anti-yaw assembly is inserted. The fixing member 171 of the anti-yaw assembly includes a fixing protrusion 1713 being inserted into the insertion groove 1723.
The insertion groove 1723 is formed in the support member 172 of the anti-yaw assembly. The insertion groove 1723 is formed to be recessed inward from the side surface 1722 of the support member 172 of the anti-yaw assembly. The insertion groove 1723 may be formed in an arc shape.
The insertion grooves 1723 may be disposed symmetrically. Referring to FIG. 5, the insertion grooves 1723 may be disposed left and right, respectively, about the roll axis x. Unlike this, the insertion grooves 1723 may disposed forward and rearward, respectively, about the pitch axis y.
The fixing protrusion 1713 is inserted into the insertion groove 1723. Referring to FIG. 5, the fixing protrusion 1713 may be formed in a protruding arc shape such that the fixing protrusion 1713 corresponds to a sectional shape of the insertion groove 1723.
The fixing protrusion 1713 may be symmetrically disposed. Referring to FIG. 5, the fixing protrusions 1713 may be disposed left and right, respectively, about the roll axis x. Unlike this, the fixing protrusions 1713 may be disposed forward and rearward, respectively, about the pitch axis y.
Referring to FIG. 5, the insertion grooves 1723 are disposed left and right at least as a pair, and a virtual line L1 passing through the pair of the insertion grooves 1723 is parallel to the pitch axis y. By having such an arrangement, the same load may be transferred to the left side of the fixing member 171 and the right side of the fixing member 171. Accordingly, the operability may be improved, since the same amount of force should be applied to the left side and the right side when the user shakes the main body 110 of the cleaner.
Referring to FIG. 5, the fixing members 171 may be divided into a yaw member coupling part 1711, a fixing member arm 1712, and the fixing protrusion 1713.
The yaw member coupling part 1711 is disposed in the roll axis x when viewed from the front. The yaw member coupling part 1711 is fixed in the yaw member 164, and rotates along with the yaw member 164.
The fixing member arm 1712 extends along an outer circumferential surface of the support member 172 from the yaw member coupling part 1711. The fixing member arm 1712 extends left and right of the yaw member coupling part 1711. The fixing member arm 1712 extends along an outer circumferential surface of the support member 172 in a state being spaced apart from the support member 172 by a certain distance.
The fixing protrusion 1713 extends inward from an end of the fixing member arm 1712, and is locked by the support member 172. The fixing protrusion 1713 extends inward, towards the yaw axis z. Since an inner end of the fixing protrusion 1713 is convex inward, and the fixing protrusion 1713 is locked and fixed by the insertion groove 1723 of the support member 172.
The fixing member arm 1712 is formed in an arc shape that is convex outward. More particularly, the arm of the fixing member is formed in a semicircular arc shape. By having such an arrangement, the fixing member arm 1712 may have an elasticity in a radial direction. Therefore, when a force at a certain level or higher is applied thereto, the fixation of the fixing member 171 may be released as the fixing member arm 1712 is deformed radially outward.
The fixing member arm 1712 is provided as a pair disposed left and right, respectively, based on a virtual straight line extending in a longitudinal direction of the yaw member 164. Here, the virtual straight line extending in the longitudinal direction of the yaw member 164 means the roll axis x. Since the fixing member arm 1712 is formed to have a symmetry on left and right sides about the roll axis x, a force required for rotating the yaw member 164 to the left and a force required for rotating the yaw member 164 to the right are identical. Therefore, the operability can be improved.
The yaw member coupling part 1711 is disposed in a virtual straight line extending in a longitudinal direction of the yaw member 164. Here, the virtual straight line extending in the longitudinal direction of the yaw member 164 may correspond to the roll axis x.
Referring to FIG. 5, the fixing member arm 1712 extends along a circumference of a virtual circle, and the fixing protrusion 1713 extends toward a center of the virtual circle. Here, the center of the virtual circle may correspond to the yaw axis z. More particularly, the fixing member arm 1712 may be formed in a semicircular shape.
At least a portion of the fixing member 171 include an elastic material. According to an embodiment, the fixing member 171 may be made of a rubber material. Alternatively, the fixing member 171 may be made of a resin material having an elasticity. Alternatively, it may be possible to configure only the fixing member arm 1712 among the fixing members 171 to be made of an elastic material. The fixing member 171 includes an elastic material, accordingly, it is possible to fix the yaw member 164 to the pitch member 163 when a slight shaking occurs, and the fixation thereof may be released when the user turns the cleaner 100 to move the cleaner 100.
Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the anti-yaw assembly 170 includes an elastic member 173. When the yaw member 164 rotates in one direction, the elastic member 173 provides a restoration force in the opposite direction. When the yaw member 164 rotates to the right, the elastic member 173 applies the restoration force to the left side. Conversely, when the yaw member 164 rotates to the left, the elastic member 173 applies the restoration force to the right side.
Referring to FIG. 10, the elastic member 173a may be a torsion spring. The elastic member 173a is wound on the yaw axis z, and one end thereof is supported on one side of the yaw member 164 and another end thereof is supported on another side of the yaw member 164.
The elastic member 173a may be wound on the support member 172. The elastic member 173a may be disposed on an inner side surface of the pitch axis y. A left side end of the elastic member 173a is supported on a left side surface of the the yaw member 164, and accordingly, the left side surface of the yaw member 164 is pushed to the left side when the yaw member rotates to the right. A right side end of the elastic member 173a is supported on a right side surface of the yaw member 164, and accordingly, the right side surface of the yaw member is pushed to the right side when the yaw member rotates to the left. Referring to FIG. 8, if the yaw member 164 rotates to the right, the left side end of the elastic member 173a moves to the right, and the left side end of the elastic member 173a applies a restoration force to be restored to the left to the left side surface of the yaw member 164. Conversely, although not illustrated, if the yaw member 164 rotates to the left, the right side end of the elastic member 173a moves to the right, and the right side end of the elastic member 173a applies a restoration force to be restored to the right to the right side surface of the yaw member 164.
Referring to FIG. 11, the elastic member 173b may be a spiral spring. An inner side end of the elastic member 173b is supported on the pitch member 163, and an outer side end thereof is supported on the yaw member 164. The inner side end of the elastic member 173b is supported on the pitch member 163. Referring to FIG. 9, when the yaw member 164 rotates to the right, the outer side end of the elastic member 173b rotates to the right, the spiral spring is wound, and the restoration force to be restored to the left is applied to the yaw member 164. Conversely, although not illustrated, when the yaw member 164 rotates to the left, the outer side end of the elastic member 173b rotates to the left, the spiral spring is unwound, and the restoration force to be restored to the right is applied to the yaw member 164.
Referring to FIG. 2, the cleaner according to the present disclosure includes a roll member 165. The roll member 165 is a component for rotating the main body 110 about the roll axis x.
The roll member 165 is disposed between the cleaning module and the main body 110, and has the roll axis x disposed in the forward and rearward direction.
The roll member 165 is disposed between the cleaning module and the main body 110, has the roll axis x disposed in the forward and rearward direction, and rotates the main body 110 about the roll axis x when the main body 110 is in a second location.
FIG. 4 is a top view of the cleaning module 160, and FIG. 6 is a view showing when the roll member 165 of FIG. 4 is rotated. The roll member 165 is connected to the rear end of the yaw member 164, and rotates about the roll axis x.
A forward end of the roll member 165 is rotatably connected to the yaw member 164. Accordingly, the roll member 165 rotates separately from the yaw member 164.
A rear end of the roll member 165 is connected to the extension tube 150. Accordingly, the extension tube 150 rotates integrally with the roll member 165.
Referring to FIG. 2, the cleaner 100 according to the present disclosure includes the anti-roll assemblies 180 and 190. The anti-roll assembly is a component for selectively limiting a rotation of the roll member 165 about the roll axis x.
The anti-roll assembly is disposed in the roll member, and limits a rotation of the roll member 165 when the main body is in the first location, and allows a rotation of the roll member 165 when the main body 110 is in the second location.
Referring to FIG. 7, a height of the main body 110 in the first location is higher than a height of the main body 110 in the second location.
For example, when the main body 110 is in the first location, it is generally assumed that the user performs cleaning with the cleaner, and an angle (angle 1) formed between the roll axis and the ground in the first ground may be about around 40 degrees. When the main body 110 is in the second location, it is generally assumed that the user performs cleaning a narrow gap below a furniture, and an angle (angle 2) formed between the roll axis and the ground in the second location may be about around 10 degrees.
The anti-roll assembly limits a rotation of the roll member 165 when the main body 110 is in the first location. At this time, when the user rotates the main body about the roll axis x, the roll member 165 does not rotate about the roll axis x, but instead, the yaw member rotates about the yaw axis. Since the cleaning module 160 is steered while rotating about the yaw axis rather than the roll axis x, there is an advantage in that the operability is excellent.
The anti-roll assembly allows the roll member 165 to rotate when the main body is in the second location. When the main body 110 is in the second location, a force required for the yaw member to be rotated about the yaw axis is greater than a force required for the roll member 165 to be rotated about the roll axis x.
Therefore, when the user rotates the main body 110 about the roll axis x, the yaw member does not rotate, but the roll member 165 may rotate about the roll axis.
When the main body 110 is in the first location, a force limiting a rotation of the yaw member 164 is smaller than a force used by the anti-roll assemblies 180 and 190 to limit a rotation of the roll member 165. By having such an arrangement, when the main body 110 is in the first location, a fixation of the anti-yaw assembly is first released before a fixation of the anti-roll assemblies 180 and 190 is released, thereby the main body 110 of the cleaner may rotate about the yaw axis z.
A force required for the anti-yaw assembly 170 to limit the rotation of the yaw member 164 is generated by an elasticity of the fixing member 171 of the anti-yaw assembly, accordingly, the above-mentioned requirement for the elasticity may be achieved by forming the fixing member 171 of the anti-yaw assembly of a more flexible material than a material of a fixing member 181 of the anti-roll assembly.
In addition, when the user rotates the main body 110 about the roll axis x in a state where the main body 110 is in the first location, the fixation of the anti-yaw assembly may be released. However, when the user rotates the main body 110 about the roll axis x in a state where the main body 110 is in the second location, the cleaning module 160 cannot rotate and the fixation of the anti-yaw assembly 170 cannot be released since the anti-yaw assembly 170 and the cleaning module are disposed in parallel to each other.
Referring to FIGS. 9 to 14, the anti-roll assembly 180 according to the first embodiment will be described.
The anti-roll assembly 180 has one end that is coupled to the yaw member 164, and another end that is locked by the roll member 165. Therefore, the yaw member 164 and the roll member 165 may rotate simultaneously about the roll axis x.
Referring to FIG. 9, the anti-roll assembly 180 may consist of a support member 182 and a fixing member 181. The support member 182 is disposed in the roll member 165, and protrudes toward the yaw member 164. The fixing member 181 is coupled to the yaw member 164, and at least a portion thereof is locked by the support member 182.
Referring to FIG. 12, the support member 182 of the anti-roll assembly protrudes from the roll member 165 in a direction of the roll axis x, and at least a portion thereof is inserted into the yaw member 164. The fixing member 181 of the anti-roll assembly is locked by a side of the support member 182 of the anti-roll assembly.
The support member 182 of the anti-roll assembly is disposed in the roll member 165. The support member 182 of the anti-roll assembly protrudes forward in the direction of the roll axis x from a frontal surface of the roll member 165.
A forward end of the support member 182 of the anti-roll assembly is communicated with a rear end of the corrugate tube 166. Accordingly, dust sucked in by the cleaning module passes through insides of the corrugate tube 166 and the support member 182 of the anti-roll assembly and is introduced into the extention tube 150.
One side of the support member 181 of the anti-roll assembly is coupled to the yaw member 164, and rotates along with the yaw member 164. Another side of the fixing member 181 of the anti-roll assembly is locked by a side of the support member 182 of the anti-roll assembly. By having such an arrangement, when the user moves the main body 110 in a state the main body 110 is in the first location, the roll member 165 may not roll during yawing of the yaw member and the operability of the cleaner 100 may be improved. In addition, the cleaning module 160 may maintain the straightness without severe bending even when a disturbance occurs. Here, examples of the disturbance are irregular ground shapes, change in a ground state such as a carpet and the like, and shaking generated when the user operates the cleaner.
When the user moves the main body 110 left and right by applying a force at a certain level or higher, the locking of the fixing member 171 of the anti-yaw assembly is released. When the locking of the fixing member 171 of the anti-yaw assembly is released, the fixing member 171 of the anti-yaw assembly moves along the outer circumferential surface of the support member 172 of the anti-yaw assembly. At this time, the fixing member 171 of the anti-yaw assembly also rotates left and right about the yaw axis z. While the lock of the anti-yaw assembly 170 is released, the lock of the anti-roll assembly 180 is not released, accordingly, the cleaner 100 is only yawed, without being rolled.
Referring to FIG. 13, the support member 182 of the anti-yaw assembly includes an insertion groove 1823 into which the fixing member 181 of the anti-yaw assembly is inserted. The fixing member 181 of the anti-yaw assembly includes a fixing protrusion 1813 being inserted into the insertion groove 1823.
The insertion groove 1823 is formed in the support member 182 of the anti-yaw assembly. The insertion groove 1823 is formed to be recessed inward from a side surface 1822 of the support member 172 of the anti-yaw assembly. The insertion groove 1823 may be formed in an arc shape.
The insertion grooves 1823 may be disposed symmetrically. Referring to FIG. 13, the insertion grooves 1823 may disposed up and down, respectively. Unlike this, the insertion grooves 1823 may be disposed left and right, respectively.
The fixing protrusion 1813 of the anti-roll assembly is inserted into the insertion groove 1823. Referring to FIG. 13, the fixing protrusion 1813 may be formed in a protruding arc shape such that the fixing protrusion 1813 corresponds to a sectional shape of the insertion groove 1823.
The fixing protrusion 1813 may be symmetrically disposed. Referring to FIG. 13, the fixing protrusions 1313 may be disposed up and down, respectively, about the roll axis x. Unlike this, the fixing protrusions 1813 may be disposed left and right, respectively.
Referring to FIG. 13, the fixing member 181 of the roll member 165 may be divided into a roll member coupling part 1811, a fixing member arm 1812, and the fixing protrusion 1813.
Referring to FIG. 13, the roll member coupling part 1811 is disposed in the yaw axis z when viewed from the rear. The roll member coupling part 1811 is fixed in the yaw member 164, and rotates along with the yaw member 164.
The fixing member arm 1812 extends along an outer circumferential surface of the support member 182 of the roll member from the roll member coupling part 1811. The fixing member arms 1812 extend left and right of the roll member coupling part 1811, respectively. The fixing member arm 1812 extends along an outer circumferential surface of the support member 182 of the roll member in a state being spaced apart from the support member 182 by a certain distance.
The fixing protrusion 1813 extends inward from an end of the fixing member arm 1812, and is locked by the support member 182. The fixing protrusion 1813 extends inward, towards the roll axis x. Since an inner end of the fixing protrusion 1813 is convex inward, and the fixing protrusion 1813 is locked and fixed by the the insertion groove 1823 of the support member 182 of the roll member.
The fixing member arm 1812 is formed in an arc shape that is convex outward. More particularly, the arm of the fixing member is formed in a semicircular arc shape. By having such an arrangement, the fixing member arm 1812 may have an elasticity in a radial direction. Therefore, when a force at a certain level or higher is applied thereto, the fixation of the fixing member 181 may be released as the fixing member arm 1812 is deformed radially outward.
The fixing member arm 1812 is provided at least as a pair disposed symmetrically in the support member 182. By having such an arrangement, a force required for rotating the roll member 165 to the left and a force required for rotating the roll member 165 to the right are identical. Therefore, the operability may be improved.
Referring to FIG. 13, the fixing member arm 1812 extends along a circumference of a virtual circle, and the fixing protrusion 1813 extends toward a center of the virtual circle. Here, the center of the virtual circle may correspond to the roll axis x. More particularly, the fixing member arm 1812 may be formed in a semicircular shape.
The anti-roll assembly 180 is disposed perpendicular to the anti-yaw assembly 170. Referring to FIG. 12, the anti-roll assembly 180 is disposed perpendiculalr to the roll axis x, and parallel to the yaw axis z. The anti-yaw assembly 170 is disposed perpendicular to the yaw axis z, and parallel to the roll axis x. By having such an arrangement, force components are distributed to the anti-roll assembly 180 or the anti-yaw assembly 170 when the main body 110 of the cleaner rotates or the cleaning module 160 is shaken.
The anti-roll assembly 180 is disposed on an outer circumference of an air flow path inside the cleaning module 160. The air flow path inside the cleaner 100 consists of the suction port 161, the corrugate tube 166, the support member 182 of the anti-roll assembly, and the extension tube 150. The air flow path is formed on an inner side of the support member 182 of the anti-roll assembly, and the fixing member 191 of the anti-roll assembly is formed on an outer side of the support member 182 of the anti-roll assembly. By having such an arrangement, it is advantageous that a diameter of a tubing that connects the cleaning module 160 and the main body 110 to each other can be made smaller.
At least a portion of the fixing member 181 of the anti-roll assembly include an elastic material. According to an embodiment, the fixing member 181 of the anti-roll assembly may be made of a rubber material. Alternatively, the fixing member 181 of the anti-roll assembly may be made of a resin material having an elasticity. Alternatively, it may be possible to configure only the fixing member arm 1812 among the fixing members 181 of the anti-roll assembly to be made of an elastic material. The fixing member 181 of the anti-roll assembly includes an elastic material, accordingly, it is possible to fix the roll member 165 to the yaw member 164 when a slight shaking occurs, and the fixation thereof may be released when the user turns the cleaner 100 to move the cleaner 100.
Although not illustrated, the anti-roll assembly 180 includes an elastic member (not illustrated). When the roll member 165 rotates in one direction, the elastic member provides a restoration force in the opposite direction. When the roll member 165 rotates to the right, the elastic member applies the restoration force to the left side. Conversely, when the roll member 165 rotates to the left, the elastic member applies the restoration force to the right side.
The elastic member (not illustrated) that may be disposed in the anti-roll assembly 180 may be the torsion spring 173a illustrated in FIG. 10. The torsion spring 173a may be wound on the support member 182 of the anti-roll assembly, and one end thereof may be supported on one side of the roll member 165 and another end thereof may be supported on another side of the yaw member 164.
A left side end of the torsion spring 173a is supported on the a left side surface of the the yaw member 164, and accordingly, the left side surface of the yaw member 164 may be pushed to the left side when the roll member rotates to the right. A right side end of the torsion spring 173a is supported on the a right side surface of the the yaw member 164, and accordingly, the right side surface of the yaw member 164 may be pushed to the right side when the roll member rotates to the left.
An elastic member (not illustrated) that may be disposed in the anti-roll assembly 180 may be a spiral spring. An inner side end of the spiral spring 173b may be supported on the support member 182 of the anti-roll assembly, and an outer side end thereof may be supported on the yaw member 164. Referring to FIG. 11, when the roll member 165 rotates to the right, the outer side end of the spiral spring 173b rotates to the right, the spiral spring is wound, and the restoration force to be restored to the left is applied to the roll member 165. Conversely, when the roll member 164 rotates to the left, the outer side end of the spiral spring 173b rotates to the left, the spiral spring is unwound, and the restoration force to be restored to the right is applied to the roll member 165.
Referring to FIG. 13, the anti-roll assembly 180 includes a fixing member stopper 1824 that is formed in the support member 182 of the anti-roll assembly and supports the fixing member 181 of the anti-roll assembly when the roll member 165 critically rotates in one direction.
The fixing member stopper 1824 is formed by protruding outward from the outer circumferential surface of the support member of the anti-roll assembly.
Referring to FIG. 14, one among the fixing member stoppers 1824 protrudes to the left from the outer circumferential surface of the support member 182 of the anti-roll assembly. The fixing member stopper 1824 is supported by a lower end of the fixing member 181 of the anti-roll assembly when the main body 110 is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction, and accordingly prevents the cleaning module 160 from being rolled further. Or, the fixing member 181 of the anti-roll assembly is supported by the fixing member stopper 1824 when the main body 110 is rotated in a clockwise direction, and accordingly prevents the cleaning module 160 from being rolled further.
Referring to FIG. 13, the other among the fixing member stoppers 1824 protrudes upward from the outer circumferential surface of the support member 182 of the anti-roll assembly. The fixing member stopper 1824 is supported by an upper end of the fixing member 181 of the anti-roll assembly when the main body 110 is rotated in a clockwise direction, and accordingly prevents the main body 110 from being rolled further. Or, the fixing member 181 of the anti-roll assembly is supported by the fixing member stopper 1824 when the cleaning module 160 is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction, and accordingly prevents the cleaning module 160 from being rolled further.
One and the other of the fixing member stoppers 1824 may be disposed at an acute angle.
The fixing member stopper limits rolling in a certain range or higher from the roll member 165. Accordingly, when cleaning narrow gaps in a furniture, there is an effect that the main body 110 of the cleaner may be tilted 90 degrees and the narrow gaps in the furniture may be cleaned while the main body 110 is positioned lower.
Referring to FIG. 15, the anti-roll assembly 190 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure includes a locking ball. The locking ball 191 is a component for fixing the roll member 165 and limiting rolling from the roll member 165 when the main body 110 is in the first location, and allowing the roll member 165 to be rolled by releasing a fixation of the roll member 165 when the main body 110 is in the second location.
The locking ball is disposed movably inside the roll member 165 and having at least one portion being locked by the yaw member when the main body 110 is in the first direction and being unlocked when the main body 110 is in the second location.
FIG. 16 is view of a rear surface of the roll member viewed from the rear. The rear surface of the yaw member 165 faces the roll member 165. A fixing groove 193 and a stopper insertion groove 194 are formed on the rear surface of the yaw member.
The fixing groove 193 is a component for allowing the locking ball 191 to be inserted thereinto when the main body 110 is in the first location. Referring to FIG. 17, a first half of the locking ball 191 is inserted into the fixing groove 193. Accordingly, the yaw member and the roll member 165 are fixed and integrally rolled.
Two fixing grooves 193 may be disposed left and right. However, the fixing groove 193 is not limited thereto, and may be formed one to three or more in a range that can be easily adopted by a person skilled in the art.
Referring to FIG. 17, the anti-roll assembly includes a locking ball guide tube 192. The locking ball guide tube 192 is a component for disposing the locking ball 191 therein and guiding the locking ball 191.
The locking ball guide tube 192 has a hollow hole in which the locking ball moves in its inside. The locking ball is disposed inside the locking ball guide tube 192, and moves inside the locking ball guide tube 192 according to the gravity.
Referring to FIG. 17, when the main body 110 is in the first location, a forward end of the locking ball guide tube 192 is disposed lower than a rear end thereof. Therefore, the locking ball 191 is disposed at the forward end of the locking ball guide tube 192.
Referring to FIG. 18, when the main body 110 is in the second location, the rear end of the locking ball guide tube 192 is disposed lower than the forward end thereof. Therefore, the locking ball 191 is disposed at the rear end of the locking ball guide tube 192.
An angle between the locking ball guide tube 192 and the ground is smaller than an angle between the roll axis x and the ground.
When the main body 110 is in the second location, the angle between the locking ball guide tube 192 and the ground is a negative angle.
Referring to FIG. 17, when the main body 110 is in the first location, the angle between the locking ball guide tube 192 and the ground (angle 3) is smaller than the angle between the roll axis x and the ground (angle 1). Referring to FIG. 18, when the main body 110 is in the second location, the angle between the locking ball guide tube 192 and the ground (angle 4) is smaller than the angle between the roll axis x and the ground (angle 2). At this time, the angle between the locking ball guide tube 192 and the ground (angle 3) is a negative angle smaller than zero.
By having such an arrangement, there is an advantage in that the rolling is easily performed when lowering the main body 110 of the cleaner to the second location during cleaning of a narrow gap of a furniture, since the locking ball 191 moves to the rear end of the locking ball guide tube 192 by the gravity, and the fixation of the anti-roll assembly 190 is released.
Referring to FIGS. 16 and 19, the anti-roll assembly 190 includes a locking ball stopper 194. The locking ball stopper 194 is a groove into which a portion of the locking ball 191 is inserted, and is a component for limiting rolling in a certain range or more from the roll member 165.
The locking ball stopper 194 is formed to be recessed in the yaw member 164 and allows at least a portion of the locking ball to be inserted thereinto when the roll member 165 critically rotates in one direction. For example, based on a left view of FIG. 19, a view at a center of FIG. 19 is a case when the roll member 165 is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction, and since the locking ball 191 is inserted into the locking ball stopper 194, the locking ball 191 is not rolled 90 degrees or more. Conversely, based on the left view of FIG. 19, a right view of FIG. 19 is a case when the roll member 165 is rotated in a clockwise direction and since the locking ball 191 is inserted into the locking ball stopper 194, the locking ball 191 is not rolled 90 degrees or more.
The locking ball stopper 194 limits rolling in a certain range or more from the roll member 165. Therefore, there is an advantage in that a narrow gap of a furniture can be cleaned by tilting the main body 110 of the cleaner 90 degrees or more to make the main body 110 position further lower when cleaning the narrow gap of a furniture.
Referring to FIG. 2, the center of mass 160G of the cleaning module is disposed on an extension line of the pitch axis. By having such an arrangement, the cleaning module 160 may not be shaken about the yaw axis z when the cleaning module 160 advances forward.
In the case of the prior art, there is a problem in that the cleaning module 160 is shaken left and right about the yaw axis z when the cleaning module 160 advances forward since the center of mass 160G of the cleaning module is disposed forward than the pitch axis y. Further, when the main body 110 is positioned lower to clean a narrow gap of a furniture, the shaking of the cleaning modile 160G gets worse. According to the present disclosure, the operability is improved since the center of mass 160G of the cleaning module is disposed on the extension line of the pitch axis y and the shaking is reduced when the cleaning module 160 advances forward.
The operation of the cleaner 100, configured as described above, is now described below.
According to the present disclosure, the pitch member 164, the yaw member 163, and the roll member 165 are disposed between the cleaning module 160 and the main body 110. When the main body 110 is in the first location, the cleaner 100 is pitched about the pitch axis y or yawed about the yaw axis z since the anti-roll assemblies 180 and 190 limit rolling of the roll member 165. As a result, the operability is improved.
When the main body 110 is in the second location, the yaw member 164 does not rotate but only the roll member 165 is rotated as the user rolls the cleaner 100. Therefore, the cleaner 100 is pitched about the pitch axis y or rolled about the roll axis x. As a result, the cleaning module 160 is not yawed arbitrarily, and the straightness is secured.
According to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the anti-roll assembly 180 includes the support member 182 disposed in the roll member 165 and protruding toward the yaw member 164, and the support member 181 coupled to the yaw member 164 and allowing at least a portion thereof to be locked by the support member 182. At this time, the fixing member 181 of the anti-roll assembly may be formed of a harder material than the fixing member 171 of the anti-yawing assembly.
When the main body 110 is in the first location, as the user rolls the main body 110, the fixation of the anti-roll assembly is not released but the fixation of the anti-yaw assembly is first released. Therefore, there is an advantage in that the operability is improved since the cleaner 110 can be yawed about the yaw axis z.
When the main body 110 is in the second location, as the user rolls the main body 110, the fixation of the anti-yaw assembly is not released but the fixation of the anti-roll assembly is first released. Therefore, there are advantages in that the straightness is secured and the cleaning module 160 is not shaken about the yaw axis z, since the cleaner 110 can be rolled about the roll axis x.
According to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the anti-roll assembly 190 includes the locking ball 191 allowing at least a portion thereof to be locked and fixed by the yaw member 164, and the locking ball guide tube 192 having a hollow hole in which the locking ball 191 can move.
When the main body 110 is in the first location, the locking ball 191 is disposed at the forward end of the locking ball guide tube 192, and at least a portion thereof is locked by the fixing groove 193, thereby the roll member 165 is not rolled. Therefore, there is an advantage in that the operability is improved since the cleaner can be yawed about the yaw axis z.
When the main body 110 is in the second location, the locking ball guide tube 192 is disposed at a negative angle on the ground, and the locking ball 191 is disposed at the rear end of the locking ball guide tube 192 by the gravity and the fixation is released, thereby the roll member 165 may be rolled freely.
Accordingly, since the cleaner 100 can be yawed about the roll axis x, the straightness is secured and the cleaning module is not shaken about the yaw axis z.
Although some embodiments have been illustrated and described above, this specification is not limited to the aforementioned specific embodiments, and a person having ordinary skill in the art to which this specification pertains may modify the present invention in various ways without departing from the gist of the claims. Such modified embodiments should not be individually interpreted from the technical spirit or prospect of this specification.

Claims

A cleaner, comprising:
a cleaning module for sucking in an outside air;

a main body for providing a suction force to the cleaning module;

a pitch member disposed between the cleaning module and the main body, having a pitch axis disposed in left and right directions, and configured to rotate the main body about the pitch axis;

a yaw member disposed between the cleaning module and the main body, having a yaw axis disposed in left and right directions, and configured to rotate the main body about the yaw axis;

a roll member disposed between the cleaning module and the main body, having a roll axis disposed in left and right directions, and configured to rotate the main body about the roll axis; and

an anti-roll assembly disposed in the roll member and configured to limit a rotation of the roll member when the main body is in a first location, and allow a rotation of the roll member when the main body is in a second location.
The cleaner of claim 1,
wherein a height of the main body in the first location is higher than a height of the main body in the second location.
The cleaner of claim 1, further comprising:
an anti-yaw assembly having one end coupled to the yaw member and another end locked by the pitch member.
The cleaner of claim 3,
wherein when the main body is in the first location, a force with which the anti-yaw assembly limits a rotation of the yaw member is smaller than a force with which the roll member limits a rotation of the roll member.
The cleaner of claim 3,
wherein the anti-yaw assembly comprises:
a support member disposed in the pitch member; and

a fixing member coupled to the yaw member and having at least a portion thereof locked by the support member.
The cleaner of claim 5,
wherein the fixing member comprises:
a yaw member coupling part coupled to the yaw member;

a fixing member arm extending along an outer circumference of the support member from the yaw member coupling part; and

a fixing protrusion extending inward from an end of the fixing member arm and locked by the support member.
The cleaner of claim 3,
wherein at least a portion of the fixing member comprises an elastic material.
The cleaner of claim 3,
wherein the anti-yaw assembly further comprises:
an elastic member providing a restoration force in an opposite direction, when the yaw member rotates in one direction.
The cleaner of claim 1,
wherein the anti-roll assembly has one end coupled to the anti-yaw member and another end locked by the roll member.
The cleaner of claim 9,
wherein the anti-roll assembly comprises:
a support member disposed in the roll member and protruding toward the yaw member; and

a fixing member coupled to the yaw member and having at least a portion thereof locked by the support member.
The cleaner of claim 10,
wherein the fixing member comprises:
a roll member coupling part coupled to the yaw member;

a fixing member arm extending along an outer circumference of the fixing member from the roll member coupling part; and

a fixing protrusion extending inward from an end of the fixing member arm and locked by the support member.
The cleaner of claim 10,
wherein the the anti-roll assembly is disposed in an outer circumference of an air flow path inside the cleaning module.
The cleaner of claim 10,
wherein at least a portion of the fixing member comprises an elastic material.
The cleaner of claim 10,
wherein the anti-roll assembly comprises:
a fixing member stopper formed in the support member and supporting the fixing member when the roll member is critically rotated in one direction.
The cleaner of claim 1,
wherein the anti-roll assembly comprises:
a locking ball disposed movably inside the roll member and having at least one portion locked by the yaw member when the main body is in the first direction, and unlocked when the main body is in the second location.
The cleaner of claim 15,
wherein the anti-roll assembly further comprises:
a locking ball guide tube disposed in the roll member and having a hollow hole allowing the locking ball to be moved therein.
The cleaner of claim 16,
wherein an angle between the locking ball guide tube and a ground is smaller than an angle between the roll axis and a ground.
The cleaner of claim 16,
wherein an angle between the locking ball guide tube and a ground is a negative angle when the the main body is in the second location,
The cleaner of claim 15,
wherein the anti-rollinng assembly comprises:
a locking ball stopper formed to be recessed in the support member and allowing at least a portion of the locking ball to be inserted thereinto when the roll member critically rotates in one direction.
The cleaner of claim 1,
wherein a center of mass of the cleaning module is disposed on an extension line of the pitch axis.
A cleaner, comprising:
a cleaning module for sucking in an outside air;

a main body for providing a suctioning force to the cleaning module;

a pitch member disposed between the cleaning module and the main body, having a pitch axis disposed in left and right directions, and configured to rotate the main body about the pitch axis;

a yaw member disposed between the cleaning module and the main body, having a yaw axis disposed in left and right directions, and configured to rotate the main body about the yaw axis when the main body is in a first location; and

a roll member disposed between the cleaning module and the main body, having a roll axis disposed in left and right directions, and configured to rotate the main body about the roll axis when the main body is in a second location,

wherein the main body in the first location is positioned higher than the main body in the second location.