GB2455378A - A convertible vacuum cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

A vacuum cleaner 1 convertible between upright and canister modes is provided. The vacuum cleaner 1 includes a nozzle unit 50 that draws in dust from a surface to be cleaned, and a cleaner body 10 for separating and collecting dust from air drawn in through the nozzle unit. An extension pipe 40 fluidly communicates with the nozzle unit 50, and a flexible hose 20 that is detachably connected to the cleaner body 10. A manipulation handle 30 connects the extension pipe 40 and the flexible hose 20 to each other. The nozzle unit 50 houses a drum brush and a drive motor, the drive motor being driven by power supplied from the cleaner body 10. The vacuum cleaner 1 is convertible into an upright cleaner or a canister cleaner by mounting or dismounting the cleaner body 10 to or from the extension pipe 40. The rear surface of the cleaner body 10 may have a plurality of auxiliary wheels.

Description

VACUUM CLEANER

The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner, and in particular to a vacuum cleaner that is convertible between an upright mode and a canister mode.

A vacuum cleaner is generally either an upright cleaner or a canister cleaner. An upright vacuum cleaner has a nozzle unit and a cleaner body that are directly connected to each other without any extra hose or extension pipe, and improves cleaning efficiency due to its own weight when cleaning a carpet.

On the other hand, a canister vacuum cleaner has a nozzle unit and a cleaner body that fluidly communicate with each other through a hose and an extension pipe; and, compared to an upright vacuum cleaner, it has a substantially unrestricted freedom of manipulating the nozzle unit. Therefore, a canister vacuum cleaner is* of benefit in areas, such as narrow spaces or stairs, which impose a restriction on movement of an upright vacuum cleaner or manipulation of its nozzle unit.

In recent years, a vacuum cleaner has been developed that is convertible between upright and canister modes by changing the position of its cleaner body. However, there is a continuing need for such convertible vacuum cleaners.

An aim of the invention is to provide a vacuum cleaner that is capable of cleaning a carpet by rotating a drum brush by a drive motor of a nozzle unit, without any extra manipulation when the vacuum cleaner is operated as a canister cleaner.

The present invention provides a vacuum cleaner comprising: a* nozzle unit for drawing in dust from a surface to be cleaned; a cleaner body for separating and collecting dust from air drawn in through the nozzle unit; an extension pipe that fluidly communicates with the nozzle unit; a flexible hose that is detachably connected to the cleaner body; and a manipulation handle that connects the extension pipe and the flexible hose to each other, wherein the nozzle unit houses a drum brush and a drive motor, the drive motor being drivable by power supplied from the cleaner body, wherein the vacuum cleaner is convertible into an upright cleaner or a canister cleaner by mounting or dismounting the cleaner body to or from the extension pipe, and wherein power is supplied from the cleaner body to the drive motor when the vacuum cleaner is converted into an upright cleaner or a canister cleaner.

The flexible hose, the manipulation handle, and the extension pipe may have electric wires embedded therein to connect them in sequence, and the electric wires may electrically connect a power supply of the cleaner body to the drive motor.

The flexible hose may be pivotably connected to at least one of the cleaner body and the manipulation handle. The flexible hose may have a transport handle formed on a connection portion with the cleaner body to enable a user to carry the cleaner body.

The manipulation handle may be detachably connected with the extension pipe, and a cleaning accessory may be mounted on the manipulation handle if the extension pipe is detached from the manipulation handle.

The extension pipe may have a telescopic structure so that its length is compressible and expandable. Accordingly, the usercan easily adjust the height of the manipulation handle by adjusting the length of the extension pipe when the vacuum cleaner is operated as an upright cleaner. Also, the extension pipe can be compressed so that the vacuum cleaner can be placed in a small space when not in use.

The extension pipe may be detachably connectable to a connection pipe that is pivotably mounted on a rear side of the nozzle unit, so that the extension pipe fluidly communicates with a suction passage of the nozzle unit. If the vacuum cleaner is operated as an upright cleaner, a lower portion of the cleaner body is supported on the extension pipe, and an upper portion thereof is mounted on part of the extension pipe.

Accordingly, the cleaner body can be firmly fixed to the extension pipe.

The cleaner body may be provided with a plurality of auxiliary wheels arranged on a rear side surface thereof to allow the cleaner body to move along the surface to be cleaned if the vacuum cleaner is operated as a canister cleaner.

The invention will now be described in greater detail, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a vacuum cleaner constructed according to the invention; Figure 2 is a plan view of the interior of the nozzle unit of the vacuum cleaner of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner of Figure 1 when operated in an upright mode, and shows its manipulation handle in a compressed state; Figure 4 is a side view of the vacuum cleaner of Figure 1, and shows how the height of the manipulation handle is adjusted when the vacuum cleaner is operated in an upright mode; and Figure 5 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner of Figure 1 after conversion into the canister mode.

In the following description, the same drawing reference numerals are used for the same elements in different figures. The matter defined in the description, such as the detailed construction and elements, is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of the invention. Thus, it is apparent that the exemplary embodiment can be carried out without all this specifically defined matter. Also, well- known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the

disclosure with unnecessary detaiL

Referring to the drawings Figures 1 to 3 show a vacuum cleaner I which includes a cleaner body 10, a flexible hose 20, a manipulation handle 30, an extension pipe 40, and a nozzle unit 50.

The cleaner body 10 housing a suction motor (not shown) in an inner and lower portion thereof, and a dust separator 11 is disposed on an upper portion thereof to separate dust from air drawn in through the nozzle unit 50. A dust receptacle 13 is removably mounted between the suction motor and the dust separator 11, to collect the dust separated from the air by the dust separator.

The cleaner body 10 has an inflow hole 15 disposed on an upper portion thereof, for fluid communication with the dust separator 11, and for detachable connection with one end of the flexible hose 20. A first connector 17 is formed around the inflow hole 15 and is electrically connected to a power supply (not shown). The cleaner body 10 has a plurality of auxiliary wheels 19 (see Figure 4) that are arranged at predetermined intervals on the rear side surface of the cleaner body 10 opposite a surface to be cleaned in case the vacuum cleaner I is operated as a canister cleaner.

The flexible hose 20 has first and second adaptors 21, 22 disposed at opposite ends thereof. The first and the second adaptors 21, 22 are electrically connected to the opposite ends of the flexible hose 20 and pivotably connected to them.

The first adaptor 21 has a locking protrusion 21a, formed on one side thereof, for detachable connection to the cleaner body 10, and has a unlocking button 21 b to unlock the locking protrusion from a locking recess (not shown) of the cleaner body into which the locking protrusion 21 a is locked. The first adaptor 21 has an insertion portion 23 for detachable insertion into the inflow hole 15 of the cleaner body 10. The first adapter 21 also has a second connector 24 electrically connected to the first connector 17 of the cleaner body 10, and a transport handle 25 extending from one side thereof towards the insertion portion 23. A free end 25a of the transport handle 25 is insertable into a fixing recess I Oa formed in the cleaner body 10 as the first adaptor 21 is connected with the cleaner body, so that a user can easily mount and dismount the cleaner body to, and from, the extension pipe 40, and can easily carry the cleaner body using the transport handle.

The second adaptor 22 is fixedly connected to one side 32a of the manipulation handle 30. Alternatively, the second adaptor 22 may be detachably connected to one side 32a of the manipulation handle 30.

A first electric wire 27 is spirally wound inside the flexible hose 20. The first electric wire 27 has one end connected to the first connector 17, and the other end connected to a connection terminal (not shown) in the second adaptor 22.

The manipulation handle 30 has a grip portion 31 for gripping by the user, and has one end 32a to which the second adaptor 22 of the flexible hose 20 is connected, and another end 32b to which an insertion portion 41 of the extension pipe 40 is detachably connected. The other end 32b of the manipulation handle 30 has a locking member (not shown) to lock and unlock with respect to the extension pipe 40. The opposite ends 32a and 32b of the manipulation handle 30 fluidly communicate with each other via a channel 35, thereby to guide dust-carrying air from the extension pipe to the flexible hose 20.

The manipulation handle 30 has a second electric wire 37 arranged therein, for electrically connecting its opposite ends 32a and 32b. A third connector 33 is disposed at the other end 32b of the manipulation handle 30.

If the other end 32b of the manipulation handle 30 is detached from the extension pipe 40, a cleaning accessory such as a motorised mini brush may be attached to the manipulation handle.

The extension pipe 40 has fourth and fifth connectors 43, 45 disposed at opposite ends thereof. The fourth connector 43 is electrically connected to the third connector 33, and the fifth connector 45 is electrically connected to a sixth connector 53 disposed on a connection pipe 51 of the nozzle unit 50.

The extension pipe 40 has a telescopic structure, so that its length is compressible and expandable (see Figure 4). Accordingly, if the vacuum cleaner I is operated as an upright cleaner, the user appropriately adjusts the height of the manipulation handle 30, by adjusting the length of the extension pipe 40. The extension pipe 40 can be compressed so that the vacuum cleaner I can be placed in a small space when not in use (see Figure 3). A clamping portion 49 is disposed on the circumference of the extension pipe 40 for detachably fixing the extension pipe to an upper portion of the cleaner body 10.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the connection pipe 51 is pivotably disposed at the rear end of the nozzle unit 50. The connection pipe 51 fluidly communicates with a suction passage 50a disposed inside the nozzle unit 50.

The connection pipe 51 has an insertion portion 51a for insertion into the adjacent end of the extension pipe 40. The sixth connector 53 is arranged around the insertion portion 51 a for electrical connection to the fifth connector 45. The connection pipe 51 has a support protrusion Sib protruding forwardly therefrom for securely supporting that pipe on the lower portion of the cleaner body 10. The support protrusion 51 b and the clamping portion 49 of the extension pipe 40 firmly fix the lower portion and the upper portion of the cleaner body 10 respectively to the connection pipe 51 and the extension pipe 40. The connection pipe 51 has a snap connection portion SIc protruding rearwardly therefrom for resiliently holding the flexible hose 20. The connection pipe 51 has a unlocking lever 51 d disposed at one side thereof for unlocking a locking protrusion 40a of the extension pipe 40 as the extension pipe is connected to the connection pipe.

The nozzle unit 50 houses a drum brush 56 and a drive motor 57. The drum brush 56 is rotatably disposed within a suction port (not shown) formed in the base of the nozzle unit 50. The drive motor 57 transmits a drive force generated by a drive shaft 58 to the drum brush 56 via a drive belt 59.

The drive motor 57 is electrically connected to the sixth connector 53 through a fourth electric wire 52 (see Figure 2). Accordingly, the drive motor 57 is supplied with power from a power supply (not shown) through the first and the second connectors 17, 24, the' first and the second electric wires 27, 37, the third and the fourth connectors 33, 43,a third electric wire 47, the fifth and the sixth connectors 45, 53, and the fourth electric wire 52. These wire arrangements enable the drum brush 56 of the nozzle unit 50 to rotate without changing electric and mechanical connections and configuration, even if conversion is made between upright and canister modes.

Therefore, it is possible to clean a carpet using the drum brush 56 under optimal conditions, even when the vacuum cleaner I is operated as a canister cleaner.

Operation of the vacuum cleaner I will now be described with reference to Figures 3 toS.

If the vacuum cleaner I is operated as an upright cleaner, the cleaner body 10 is secured to the extension pipe 40 as shown in Figure 3. More specifically, the lower portion of the cleaner body 10 is fixed to the extension pipe 40 by the support protrusion Sib of the connection pipe 51, and the upper portion thereof is fixed to the extension pipe 40 by the clamping portion 49 of the extension pipe.

In this state, as shown in Figure 4, the user can grip the grip portion 31 of the manipulation handle 30, and pull up the grip portion, thereby extending the length of the extension pipe 40 to adjust the height of the manipulation handle in consideration of his/her height.

Next, the user grps the grip portion 31 of the manipulation handle 30 and pivots the extension pipe 40 to a predetermined angle with respect to the nozzle unit 50 to perform a cleaning operation.

If the vacuum cleaner I is operated as a canister cleaner, as shown in Figure 5, in order to detach the cleaner body 10 from the extension pipe 40, the upper portion of the cleaner body is separated from the clamping portion 49, and then the lower portion thereof is separated from the support protrusion 51 b by lifting the cleaner body by the transport handle 25.

After that, the cleaner body 10 is placed on a surface to be cleaned with its rear side surface on that surface. Then, the user drags the cleaner body 10 to perform a cleaning operation. At this time, the auxiliary wheels 19 enable the cleaner body 10 to travel smoothly on the surface to be cleaned.

As described above, the vacuum cleaner I can supply power to the drive motor 57 of the nozzle unit 50 without any electric/mechanical manipulation, even when being converted from aji uprigJt mode to a canister mode, and so can perform a carpet cleaning operation using the drum brush 56 under optimal conditions.

After detaching the nozzle unit 50 from the extension pipe 40, the user can use the extension pipe as it is, or can attach a cleaning accessory for a specific purpose.

Likewise, after detaching the extension pipe 40 from the manipulation handle 30, the user may attach a cleaning accessory to the manipulation handle 30 for a specific purpose.

The foregoing embodiment and advantages are merely exemplary, and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention. The present invention can be readily applied to other types of apparatus. Also, the description of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims, and many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. VACUUM CLEANER

The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner, and in particular to a vacuum cleaner that is convertible between an upright mode and a canister mode.

A vacuum cleaner is generally either an upright cleaner or a canister cleaner. An upright vacuum cleaner has a nozzle unit and a cleaner body that are directly connected to each other without any extra hose or extension pipe, and improves cleaning efficiency due to its own weight when cleaning a carpet.

On the other hand, a canister vacuum cleaner has a nozzle unit and a cleaner body that fluidly communicate with each other through a hose and an extension pipe; and, compared to an upright vacuum cleaner, it has a substantially unrestricted freedom of manipulating the nozzle unit. Therefore, a canister vacuum cleaner is* of benefit in areas, such as narrow spaces or stairs, which impose a restriction on movement of an upright vacuum cleaner or manipulation of its nozzle unit.

In recent years, a vacuum cleaner has been developed that is convertible between upright and canister modes by changing the position of its cleaner body. However, there is a continuing need for such convertible vacuum cleaners.

An aim of the invention is to provide a vacuum cleaner that is capable of cleaning a carpet by rotating a drum brush by a drive motor of a nozzle unit, without any extra manipulation when the vacuum cleaner is operated as a canister cleaner.

The present invention provides a vacuum cleaner comprising: a* nozzle unit for drawing in dust from a surface to be cleaned; a cleaner body for separating and collecting dust from air drawn in through the nozzle unit; an extension pipe that fluidly communicates with the nozzle unit; a flexible hose that is detachably connected to the cleaner body; and a manipulation handle that connects the extension pipe and the flexible hose to each other, wherein the nozzle unit houses a drum brush and a drive motor, the drive motor being drivable by power supplied from the cleaner body, wherein the vacuum cleaner is convertible into an upright cleaner or a canister cleaner by mounting or dismounting the cleaner body to or from the extension pipe, and wherein power is supplied from the cleaner body to the drive motor when the vacuum cleaner is converted into an upright cleaner or a canister cleaner.

The flexible hose, the manipulation handle, and the extension pipe may have electric wires embedded therein to connect them in sequence, and the electric wires may electrically connect a power supply of the cleaner body to the drive motor.

The flexible hose may be pivotably connected to at least one of the cleaner body and the manipulation handle. The flexible hose may have a transport handle formed on a connection portion with the cleaner body to enable a user to carry the cleaner body.

The manipulation handle may be detachably connected with the extension pipe, and a cleaning accessory may be mounted on the manipulation handle if the extension pipe is detached from the manipulation handle.

The extension pipe may have a telescopic structure so that its length is compressible and expandable. Accordingly, the usercan easily adjust the height of the manipulation handle by adjusting the length of the extension pipe when the vacuum cleaner is operated as an upright cleaner. Also, the extension pipe can be compressed so that the vacuum cleaner can be placed in a small space when not in use.

The extension pipe may be detachably connectable to a connection pipe that is pivotably mounted on a rear side of the nozzle unit, so that the extension pipe fluidly communicates with a suction passage of the nozzle unit. If the vacuum cleaner is operated as an upright cleaner, a lower portion of the cleaner body is supported on the extension pipe, and an upper portion thereof is mounted on part of the extension pipe.

Accordingly, the cleaner body can be firmly fixed to the extension pipe.

The cleaner body may be provided with a plurality of auxiliary wheels arranged on a rear side surface thereof to allow the cleaner body to move along the surface to be cleaned if the vacuum cleaner is operated as a canister cleaner.

The invention will now be described in greater detail, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a vacuum cleaner constructed according to the invention; Figure 2 is a plan view of the interior of the nozzle unit of the vacuum cleaner of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner of Figure 1 when operated in an upright mode, and shows its manipulation handle in a compressed state; Figure 4 is a side view of the vacuum cleaner of Figure 1, and shows how the height of the manipulation handle is adjusted when the vacuum cleaner is operated in an upright mode; and Figure 5 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner of Figure 1 after conversion into the canister mode.

In the following description, the same drawing reference numerals are used for the same elements in different figures. The matter defined in the description, such as the detailed construction and elements, is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of the invention. Thus, it is apparent that the exemplary embodiment can be carried out without all this specifically defined matter. Also, well- known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the

disclosure with unnecessary detaiL

Referring to the drawings Figures 1 to 3 show a vacuum cleaner I which includes a cleaner body 10, a flexible hose 20, a manipulation handle 30, an extension pipe 40, and a nozzle unit 50.

The cleaner body 10 housing a suction motor (not shown) in an inner and lower portion thereof, and a dust separator 11 is disposed on an upper portion thereof to separate dust from air drawn in through the nozzle unit 50. A dust receptacle 13 is removably mounted between the suction motor and the dust separator 11, to collect the dust separated from the air by the dust separator.

The cleaner body 10 has an inflow hole 15 disposed on an upper portion thereof, for fluid communication with the dust separator 11, and for detachable connection with one end of the flexible hose 20. A first connector 17 is formed around the inflow hole 15 and is electrically connected to a power supply (not shown). The cleaner body 10 has a plurality of auxiliary wheels 19 (see Figure 4) that are arranged at predetermined intervals on the rear side surface of the cleaner body 10 opposite a surface to be cleaned in case the vacuum cleaner I is operated as a canister cleaner.

The flexible hose 20 has first and second adaptors 21, 22 disposed at opposite ends thereof. The first and the second adaptors 21, 22 are electrically connected to the opposite ends of the flexible hose 20 and pivotably connected to them.

The first adaptor 21 has a locking protrusion 21a, formed on one side thereof, for detachable connection to the cleaner body 10, and has a unlocking button 21 b to unlock the locking protrusion from a locking recess (not shown) of the cleaner body into which the locking protrusion 21 a is locked. The first adaptor 21 has an insertion portion 23 for detachable insertion into the inflow hole 15 of the cleaner body 10. The first adapter 21 also has a second connector 24 electrically connected to the first connector 17 of the cleaner body 10, and a transport handle 25 extending from one side thereof towards the insertion portion 23. A free end 25a of the transport handle 25 is insertable into a fixing recess I Oa formed in the cleaner body 10 as the first adaptor 21 is connected with the cleaner body, so that a user can easily mount and dismount the cleaner body to, and from, the extension pipe 40, and can easily carry the cleaner body using the transport handle.

The second adaptor 22 is fixedly connected to one side 32a of the manipulation handle 30. Alternatively, the second adaptor 22 may be detachably connected to one side 32a of the manipulation handle 30.

A first electric wire 27 is spirally wound inside the flexible hose 20. The first electric wire 27 has one end connected to the first connector 17, and the other end connected to a connection terminal (not shown) in the second adaptor 22.

The manipulation handle 30 has a grip portion 31 for gripping by the user, and has one end 32a to which the second adaptor 22 of the flexible hose 20 is connected, and another end 32b to which an insertion portion 41 of the extension pipe 40 is detachably connected. The other end 32b of the manipulation handle 30 has a locking member (not shown) to lock and unlock with respect to the extension pipe 40. The opposite ends 32a and 32b of the manipulation handle 30 fluidly communicate with each other via a channel 35, thereby to guide dust-carrying air from the extension pipe to the flexible hose 20.

The manipulation handle 30 has a second electric wire 37 arranged therein, for electrically connecting its opposite ends 32a and 32b. A third connector 33 is disposed at the other end 32b of the manipulation handle 30.

If the other end 32b of the manipulation handle 30 is detached from the extension pipe 40, a cleaning accessory such as a motorised mini brush may be attached to the manipulation handle.

The extension pipe 40 has fourth and fifth connectors 43, 45 disposed at opposite ends thereof. The fourth connector 43 is electrically connected to the third connector 33, and the fifth connector 45 is electrically connected to a sixth connector 53 disposed on a connection pipe 51 of the nozzle unit 50.

The extension pipe 40 has a telescopic structure, so that its length is compressible and expandable (see Figure 4). Accordingly, if the vacuum cleaner I is operated as an upright cleaner, the user appropriately adjusts the height of the manipulation handle 30, by adjusting the length of the extension pipe 40. The extension pipe 40 can be compressed so that the vacuum cleaner I can be placed in a small space when not in use (see Figure 3). A clamping portion 49 is disposed on the circumference of the extension pipe 40 for detachably fixing the extension pipe to an upper portion of the cleaner body 10.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the connection pipe 51 is pivotably disposed at the rear end of the nozzle unit 50. The connection pipe 51 fluidly communicates with a suction passage 50a disposed inside the nozzle unit 50.

The connection pipe 51 has an insertion portion 51a for insertion into the adjacent end of the extension pipe 40. The sixth connector 53 is arranged around the insertion portion 51 a for electrical connection to the fifth connector 45. The connection pipe 51 has a support protrusion Sib protruding forwardly therefrom for securely supporting that pipe on the lower portion of the cleaner body 10. The support protrusion 51 b and the clamping portion 49 of the extension pipe 40 firmly fix the lower portion and the upper portion of the cleaner body 10 respectively to the connection pipe 51 and the extension pipe 40. The connection pipe 51 has a snap connection portion SIc protruding rearwardly therefrom for resiliently holding the flexible hose 20. The connection pipe 51 has a unlocking lever 51 d disposed at one side thereof for unlocking a locking protrusion 40a of the extension pipe 40 as the extension pipe is connected to the connection pipe.

The nozzle unit 50 houses a drum brush 56 and a drive motor 57. The drum brush 56 is rotatably disposed within a suction port (not shown) formed in the base of the nozzle unit 50. The drive motor 57 transmits a drive force generated by a drive shaft 58 to the drum brush 56 via a drive belt 59.

The drive motor 57 is electrically connected to the sixth connector 53 through a fourth electric wire 52 (see Figure 2). Accordingly, the drive motor 57 is supplied with power from a power supply (not shown) through the first and the second connectors 17, 24, the' first and the second electric wires 27, 37, the third and the fourth connectors 33, 43,a third electric wire 47, the fifth and the sixth connectors 45, 53, and the fourth electric wire 52. These wire arrangements enable the drum brush 56 of the nozzle unit 50 to rotate without changing electric and mechanical connections and configuration, even if conversion is made between upright and canister modes.

Therefore, it is possible to clean a carpet using the drum brush 56 under optimal conditions, even when the vacuum cleaner I is operated as a canister cleaner.

Operation of the vacuum cleaner I will now be described with reference to Figures 3 toS.

If the vacuum cleaner I is operated as an upright cleaner, the cleaner body 10 is secured to the extension pipe 40 as shown in Figure 3. More specifically, the lower portion of the cleaner body 10 is fixed to the extension pipe 40 by the support protrusion Sib of the connection pipe 51, and the upper portion thereof is fixed to the extension pipe 40 by the clamping portion 49 of the extension pipe.

In this state, as shown in Figure 4, the user can grip the grip portion 31 of the manipulation handle 30, and pull up the grip portion, thereby extending the length of the extension pipe 40 to adjust the height of the manipulation handle in consideration of his/her height.

Next, the user grps the grip portion 31 of the manipulation handle 30 and pivots the extension pipe 40 to a predetermined angle with respect to the nozzle unit 50 to perform a cleaning operation.

If the vacuum cleaner I is operated as a canister cleaner, as shown in Figure 5, in order to detach the cleaner body 10 from the extension pipe 40, the upper portion of the cleaner body is separated from the clamping portion 49, and then the lower portion thereof is separated from the support protrusion 51 b by lifting the cleaner body by the transport handle 25.

After that, the cleaner body 10 is placed on a surface to be cleaned with its rear side surface on that surface. Then, the user drags the cleaner body 10 to perform a cleaning operation. At this time, the auxiliary wheels 19 enable the cleaner body 10 to travel smoothly on the surface to be cleaned.

As described above, the vacuum cleaner I can supply power to the drive motor 57 of the nozzle unit 50 without any electric/mechanical manipulation, even when being converted from aji uprigJt mode to a canister mode, and so can perform a carpet cleaning operation using the drum brush 56 under optimal conditions.

After detaching the nozzle unit 50 from the extension pipe 40, the user can use the extension pipe as it is, or can attach a cleaning accessory for a specific purpose.

Likewise, after detaching the extension pipe 40 from the manipulation handle 30, the user may attach a cleaning accessory to the manipulation handle 30 for a specific purpose.

The foregoing embodiment and advantages are merely exemplary, and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention. The present invention can be readily applied to other types of apparatus. Also, the description of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims, and many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims (10)

I CLAIMS

1. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a nozzle unit for drawing in dust from a surface to be cleaned; a cleaner body for separating and collecting dust from air drawn in through the nozzle unit; an extension pipe that fluidly communicates with the nozzle unit; a flexible hose that is detachably connected to the cleaner body; and a manipulation handle that connects the extension pipe and the flexible hose to each other, wherein the nozzle unit houses a drum brush and a drive motor, the drive motor being drivable by power supplied from the cleaner body, wherein the vacuum cleaner is convertible into an upright cleaner or a canister cleaner by mounting or dismounting the cleaner body to, or from, the extension pipe, and wherein power is supplied from the cleaner body to the drive motor when the vacuum cleaner is converted into an upright cleaner or a canister cleaner.

2. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flexible hose, the manipulation handle, and the extension pipe have electric wires embedded therein to connect them in sequence, and the electric wires electrically connect a power supply of the cleaner body to the drive motor.

3. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim I or claim 2, wherein the flexible hose is pivotably connected to at least one of the cleaner body and the manipulation handle.

4. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flexible hose has a transport handle formed on a connection portion with the cleaner body to enable a user to carry the cleaner body.

5. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the manipulation handle is detachably connectable to the extension pipe, and a cleaning accessory mountable on the manipulation handle if the extension pipe is detached from the manipulation handle.

6. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in any one of claims I to 5, wherein the extension pipe has a telescopic structure so that its length is compressible and expandable.

7. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the extension pipe is detachably connectable to a connection pipe that is pivotally mounted on a rear side of the nozzle unit, so that the extension pipe fluidly communicates with a suction passage of the nozzle unit.

8. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 7, wherein, if the vacuum cleaner is operated as an upright cleaner, a lower portion of the cleaner body is supported on the extension pipe, and an upper portion thereof is mounted on part of the extension pipe.

9. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cleaner body is provided with a plurality of auxiliary wheels arranged on a rear side surface thereof to allow the cleaner body to move along the surface to be cleaned if the vacuum cleaner is operated as a canister cleaner.

10. A vacuum cleaner substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as illustrated by, the drawings.

10. A vacuum cleaner substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as illustrated by, the drawings.

I

1. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a nozzle unit for drawing in dust from a surface to be cleaned; a cleaner body for separating and collecting dust from air drawn in through the nozzle unit; an extension pipe that fluidly communicates with the nozzle unit; a flexible hose that is detachably connected to the cleaner body; and a manipulation handle that connects the extension pipe and the flexible hose to each other, wherein the nozzle unit houses a drum brush and a drive motor, the drive motor being drivable by power supplied from the cleaner body, wherein the vacuum cleaner is convertible into an upright cleaner or a canister cleaner by mounting or dismounting the cleaner body to, or from, the extension pipe, and wherein power is supplied from the cleaner body to the drive motor when the vacuum cleaner is converted into an upright cleaner or a canister cleaner.

2. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flexible hose, the manipulation handle, and the extension pipe have electric wires embedded therein to connect them in sequence, and the electric wires electrically connect a power supply of the cleaner body to the drive motor.

3. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim I or claim 2, wherein the flexible hose is pivotably connected to at least one of the cleaner body and the manipulation handle.

4. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flexible hose has a transport handle formed on a connection portion with the cleaner body to enable a user to carry the cleaner body.

5. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the manipulation handle is detachably connectable to the extension pipe, and a cleaning accessory mountable on the manipulation handle if the extension pipe is detached from the manipulation handle.

6. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in any one of claims I to 5, wherein the extension pipe has a telescopic structure so that its length is compressible and expandable.

7. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the extension pipe is detachably connectable to a connection pipe that is pivotally mounted on a rear side of the nozzle unit, so that the extension pipe fluidly communicates with a suction passage of the nozzle unit.

8. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 7, wherein, if the vacuum cleaner is operated as an upright cleaner, a lower portion of the cleaner body is supported on the extension pipe, and an upper portion thereof is mounted on part of the extension pipe.

9. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cleaner body is provided with a plurality of auxiliary wheels arranged on a rear side surface thereof to allow the cleaner body to move along the surface to be cleaned if the vacuum cleaner is operated as a canister cleaner.