GB2461657A

GB2461657A - Convertible vacuum cleaner

Info

Publication number: GB2461657A
Application number: GB0917636A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Byung-Jo Lee; Joung-Soo Park; Tae-Gwang Kim; Jung-Gyun Han; See-Hyun Kim
Original assignee: Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co Ltd
Current assignee: Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Priority date: 2007-10-08
Filing date: 2009-10-08
Publication date: 2010-01-13
Anticipated expiration: 2028-07-10
Also published as: GB0917637D0; GB0917636D0; GB2461657B; GB2461658A; GB2461658B

Abstract

An upright vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner body (10, fig 1) having a hose (30, fig 1) which has one side in fluid communication with the body frame 11 and the other side in fluid communication with an extension pipe 50 via a manipulation handle (40, fig 1). A suction path diverting valve 200 is disposed on the body frame (11), and has a valve member 259 resiliently arranged in a suction path. As the extension pipe 50 is inserted into, or withdrawn from, a socket 11a on the body frame 11, the valve member 259 selectively diverts the suction path so that either the nozzle (20, fig 1) or the hose 50 is in communication with the dust-collecting unit (15, 17, fig 1). The valve 200 includes a first suction duct 210, a connection duct 220 and a second suction duct 240, wherein valve member 259 is pivotably disposed thereby selectively allowing fluid communication between the first suction duct 210 and the second suction duct 240 or the nozzle (20, fig 1).

Description

S

Upright Vacuum Cleaner This invention relates to an upright vacuum cleaner, and in particular to an upright vacuum cleaner which is capable of selecting a suction path from a nozzle unit or from an extension pipe connected to a cleaner body to draw in dust from a surface to be cleaned using a suction force generated by a motor provided in the cleaner body.

In general, vacuum cleaners can be divided into two main types, namely an upright vacuum cleaner and a canister vacuum cleaner. An upright vacuum cleaner has a nozzle unit directly connected to a cleaner body without passing through an extra hose or an extension pipe, and can improve cleaning efficiency using the weight of the vacuum cleaner, in particular when cleaning a carpet.

A canister vacuum cleaner differs from an upright vacuum cleaner in that a nozzle unit fluidly communicates with a cleaner body through a hose or an extension pipe. Due to this structure, a canister vacuum cleaner provides an unrestricted freedom of manipulating the nozzle unit compared to an upright vacuum cleaner.

Accordingly, a canister vacuum cleaner can easily clean areas such as floors, stairs, and narrow areas that an upright type vacuum cleaner cannot easily reach.

U.S. 4,377,882 and EP1464257 each discloses an upright vacuum cleaner which comprises a hose and an extension pipe in a cleaner body, and employs a suction path diverting structure to guide dust and air drawn in from a surface to be cleaned to a dust-collecting unit through the extension pipe in a canister cleaning mode, thereby acting as both an upright vacuum cleaner and a canister vacuum cleaner.

However, there is a continuing need for suction path diverting structures that have an

improved design over such prior art devices.

The present invention provides an upright vacuum cleaner comprising: a cleaner body comprising a suction motor, a dust-collecting unit and a body frame; a nozzle unit which is pivoted to the lower end of the body frame; a hose which has one side in fluid communication with the body frame, and the other side in fluid communication with an extension pipe; and a suction path diverting valve which is associated with the body frame, and has a valve member arranged in a suction path, wherein, as the extension pipe is inserted into, or withdrawn from, a socket disposed on the body frame, the valve member selectively diverts the suction path to a first suction path flowing from the nozzle unit to the dust-collecting unit, or to a second suction path flowing from the extension pipe to the dust-collecting unit.

Advantageously, the suction path diverting valve is disposed at the rear of the body frame, and the socket is disposed at the rear of body frame. Preferably, the socket extends lengthwise of the body frame.

In a preferred embodiment, the suction path diverting valve comprises: a first suction duct which has one side in fluid communication with the nozzle unit, and the other side in fluid communication with the dust-collecting unit, the first suction duct being disposed on the rear of the body frame parallel with the socket; and a second suction duct which has one side in fluid communication with the hose, and the other side in fluid communication with the first suction duct, wherein the valve member is slidable in the first suction duct, thereby opening and closing the second suction duct, and has a push portion extending from one side of the valve member so that the push portion is pressed by the extension pipe when the extension pipe is inserted into the socket, and released from pressure by the extension pipe when the extension pipe is withdrawn from the socket.

The valve member may be substantially cylindrical, and may have a communication hole fonned on a circumferential surface thereof for fluid communication with the second suction duct. The second suction duct may be arranged at substantially a right-angle to the first suction duct, and a return spring may be disposed on the second suction duct for resiliently supporting the push portion.

Preferably, as the push portion is released from the pressure of the extension pipe and upwardly and resiliently supported by the return spring, the valve member is in fluid communication with the second suction duct; and, as the push portion is pressed by the extension pipe, the valve member is in fluid communication with the first suction duct.

In another preferred embodiment, the suction path diverting valve comprises: a first suction duct which has one side in fluid communication with the nozzle unit and is disposed on the rear of the body frame parallel with the socket; a connection duct which has one side in fluid communication with the other side of the first suction duct and is coaxial with the first suction duct, and the other side is in fluid communication with the nozzle unit, and has a path-diverting chamber defined therein; and a second suction duct which has one side in fluid communication with the hose and the other side in fluid communication with the connection duct, the second suction duct being substantially at a right-angle to the connection duct; wherein the valve member is pivotably disposed in the path-diverting chamber, thereby selectively allowing fluid communication between the first suction duct and the second suction duct or the nozzle unit.

The suction path diverting valve may comprise an operating member which is resiliently disposed on an external side of the second suction duct, and can be pressed by, and released from the pressure of, the extension pipe; and a link which has a first side fixed to a rotary shaft of the valve member to pivot the valve member in a normal direction or a reverse direction in cooperation with the operating member.

The link may have a second side slidably connected with the operating member, so that the link is inclined as the operating member moves up and down, and a return spring may be disposed on the second suction duct for resiliently supporting the operating member.

Accordingly, as the operating member is released from the pressure of the extension pipe and is upwardly and resiliently supported by the return spring, the valve member is turned in a normal direction by the link, thereby allowing fluid communication between the first and the second suction ducts; and, as the operating member is pressed by the extension pipe so as to turn the link in a reverse direction, the valve member allows fluid communication between the nozzle unit and the first suction duct.

In another preferred embodiment, the suction path diverting valve comprises a first suction duct which has one side in fluid communication with the nozzle unit, a second suction duct which has one side in fluid communication with the hose, a valve housing which has a lower end in fluid communication with the other side of each of the first and second suction ducts, and is fixedly disposed on a rear surface of the body frame, and a guide duct which has one side in fluid communication with the upper side of the valve housing and the other side in fluid communication with the dust-collecting unit, wherein the valve member is pivotably disposed in the valve housing, and has a first communication hole selectively communicating with the first and second suction ducts, and a second communication hole for guiding dust and air passing through the first communication hole towards the guide duct.

The valve member may be resiliently pivoted in the valve housing by a torsion spring.

The valve member may arc-shaped, and may be disposed in the valve housing which is a cylindrical, and the first and the second communication holes may penetrate through different side surfaces of the valve member.

The suction path diverting valve may comprise a push portion which is disposed above the valve housing and can be pressed by, and released from the pressure of, the extension pipe, and a push rod which extends from the lower end of the push portion, and has a terminal end penetrating through the valve housing and contacting the valve member, so that the push rod presses one side of the valve member with the pressure being applied to the push portion.

As the push portion is released from the pressure of the extension pipe, the valve member is pivoted in a normal direction by the torsion spring, thereby allowing fluid communication between the first communication hole and the second suction duct; and, as the push portion is pressed by the extension pipe, the valve member is pivoted in a reverse direction, thereby allowing fluid communication between the first communication hole and the first suction duct.

The invention will now be described in greater detail, by way of example, with reference to the drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an upright vacuum cleaner constructed according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a suction path diverting valve of the upright vacuum cleaner of Figure 1; Figure 3 and 4 are schematic cross-sections illustrating respectively a first suction path P1 and a second suction path P2, the suction paths being defined by the suction path diverting valve of Figure 2; Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a suction path diverting valve of an upright vacuum cleaner constructed according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figures 6 and 7 are views illustrating part of the suction path diverting valve of Figure 5; Figures 8 and 9 are schematic cross-sections illustrating a first suction path P3 defined by the suction path diverting valve of the upright vacuum cleaner of Figure 5; Figures 10 and 11 are schematic cross-sections illustrating a second suction path P4 defined by the suction path diverting valve of the upright vacuum cleaner of Figure 5; Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a suction path diverting valve of an upright vacuum cleaner constructed according to a third embodiment of the invention; and Figures 13 and 14 are schematic cross-sections illustrating respectively a first suction path PS and a second suction path P6, the suction paths being defined by the suction path diverting valve of the upright vacuum cleaner of Figure 12.

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 its elements, is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of the invention. Thus, it will be apparent that the embodiments described can be carried out without 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 and 2 show an upright vacuum cleaner which comprises a cleaner body 10, a nozzle unit 20, a hose 30, a manipulation handle 40, an extension pipe 50, and a suction path diverting valve 100.

The cleaner body 10 comprises a body frame 11, a suction motor 13, and a dust-collecting unit 14. The nozzle unit 20 is hinged on a lower end of the body frame 11, and the suction motor 13 is disposed in a motor casing 12. The dust-collecting unit 14, which comprises a dust receptacle 15 and a dust separator 17, is disposed above the suction motor 13. The body frame 11 has a socket 11 a disposed on the rear thereof in a lengthwise direction, and the extension pipe 50 is insertable into the socket 11 a. The socket 11 a has a lower end fixed to the outer circumference of a second suction duct (see Figure 2), which will be described below.

The suction motor 13 is disposed in the motor casing 12 disposed under the body frame 11, and the motor casing fluidly communicates with the dust separator 17 so that air separated from dust in the dust separator is discharged to the outside through an air discharge hole l2a of the motor casing.

The dust separator 17 separates dust from air drawn in by the suction force of the suction motor 13, and the dust is collected in the dust receptacle 15 disposed under the dust separator 17. The dust separator 17 may be a cyclonic separator that separates dust from air using centrifugal force. However, this should not be considered as limiting and a dust-bag (not shown) may be employed to collect dust instead of the cyclonic separator.

The nozzle unit 20 has a suction inlet (not shown) disposed on its bottom surface to draw in dust and air from a surface to be cleaned to a first suction duct 110 (see Figure 2), and has a pair of wheels 21a and 21b disposed at opposite rear sides of the nozzle unit for facilitating travel over the surface to be cleaned.

The hose 30 is flexible, and has one end in fluid communication with one end of the manipulation handle 40, the other end being in fluid communication with a suction port 121 disposed at the rear of the body frame 11. The manipulation handle 40 has a grip 41 to be held by a user, and is located between the hose 30 and the extension pipe to allow fluid communication therebetween.

The extension pipe 50 has a predetermined length; and, when in use in canister mode, it is withdrawn from the socket I la, and an extra accessory nozzle (not shown) is attached to a free end 51 (see Figure 4) of the extension pipe, so that the vacuum cleaner acts as a canister vacuum cleaner using the extension pipe. On the other hand, when not in use in canister mode, the extension pipe 50 is inserted into the socket 11 a and is fixed to the body frame 11, thereby simultaneously diverting the suction path so that the vacuum cleaner acts as an upright vacuum cleaner, drawing in dust and air through the nozzle unit 20. That is, a push portion 143 (see Figure 3) is subjected to, or released from, pressure as the extension pipe 50 is inserted into, or withdrawn from, the socket I la. Accordingly, to the operation of the push portion 143, the suction path for the dust and the air is diverted to a first suction path P1 or to a second suction path P2.

The extension pipe 50 may have a telescopic structure, so that its length can be adjusted when the vacuum cleaner acts as a canister vacuum cleaner. Also, the extension pipe 50 may be designed to extend above the body frame 11 when it is inserted into the socket 11 a, so that a user can easily push and pull the nozzle unit 20 in an upright cleaning mode.

Referring to Figures 2 to 4, the suction path diverting valve 100 will now be described.

The suction path diverting valve 100 comprises the first suction duct 110, the second suction duct 120, and a valve member 140. The first suction duct 110 is disposed at the rear of the body frame 11 parallel with the socket 11 a, and is fixed at a lower portion thereof by a pipe fixing portion I 2b. The first suction duct 110 has its lower end in fluid communication with the nozzle unit 20, and its upper end in fluid communication with the dust separator 17.

The second suction duct 120 has the suction port 121 formed at one side thereof to connect with the hose 30, and the other side of the second suction duct is in fluid communication with a middle portion of the first suction duct 110 substantially at a right-angle thereto. Also, the second suction duct 120 has a support protrusion 123 extending from its upper outer circumference to a predetermined height, this protrusion being upwardly insertable into the socket 11 a. A return spring 144 is disposed around the support protrusion 123 for resiliently supporting the push portion 143.

The valve member 140 is pipe-shaped and is slidably inserted into the first suction duct 110. The valve member 140 is connected to the push portion 143 through an extension portion 141 formed on the outer circumference of the valve member 140.

The push portion 143 is formed to allow the support protrusion 123 to penetrate therethrough, so that the push portion slides down along the support protrusion 123 when pressed by the free end 51 of the extension pipe 50, and is resiliently supported by the return spring 144. Also, the valve member 140 has a communication hole 145 formed at one side thereof for fluid communication with the second suction duct 120 when the push portion 143 is released from pressure by the extension pipe 50.

As described above, the valve member 140 is designed to set up the first suction path P1 or the second suction path P2 (see Figures 3 and 4) as the extension pipe 50 is inserted into, or withdrawn from, the socket 11 a.

Operation of the suction path diverting valve 100 will now be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. As shown in Figure 3, in order to draw in dust and air from a surface to be cleaned through the nozzle unit 20, the extension pipe 50 is inserted into the socket 11 a. In this case, the push portion 143 is pressed down by the free end 51 of the extension pipe 50 so that the push portion moves down along the support protrusion 123, and is resiliently supported by the return spring 144.

Accordingly, the valve member 140 slides down along the first suction duct 110, and thus the communication hole 145 is located under the second suction duct 120 so that the second suction duct is closed by part of the valve member and the first suction pathPlissetup.

If the suction motor 13 is driven in this state, dust and air are drawn in by the nozzle unit 20 through a suction inlet (not shown) facing the surface to be cleaned, and flow into the dust separator 17 through the first suction duct 110. Then, the dust is separated from the air in the dust separator 17 by centrifugal force and falls under gravity to be collected in the dust receptacle 15. The air separated from the incoming dust and air is discharged to the outside through the suction motor 13 via a discharge outlet (not shown) of the dust separator 17, the discharge outlet being in fluid communication with the suction motor.

On the other hand, in order to perform a canister cleaning operation, the extension pipe 50 is withdrawn from the socket 11 a as shown in Figure 4. Then, the push portion 143 is released from the pressure by the extension pipe 50 and moves up due to the resilient force of the return spring 144, the valve member 140 thereby also moving up.

As the valve member 140 moves up, the communication hole 145 returns to an upper position where it is in fluid communication with the second suction duct 120, so that the suction path is diverted from the first suction path P1 to the second suction path P2.

In this state, if an appropriate accessory nozzle (not shown) is mounted at the free end 51 of the extension pipe 50 after it is withdrawn from the socket 11 a and the suction motor 13 is driven, dust and air flow into the second suction duct 120 after passing sequentially through the accessory nozzle, the extension pipe 50, the manipulation handle 40, and the hose 30.

The dust and air drawn into the second suction duct 120 flow into the dust separator 17 through the first communication hole 145, and then along the first suction duct 110.

The dust is separated from the air by centrifi.igal force in the dust separator 17, and falls under gravity to be collected in the dust receptacle 15. The air separated from the drawn-in air and dust is discharged to the outside through the suction motor 12 with the discharge outlet (not shown) of the dust separator 17 which is in fluid communication with the suction motor 13.

As described above, the suction path can be diverted simply by moving up and down the valve member 140 slidably disposed in the first suction duct 110, not by closing and opening an extra space.

The second embodiment of an upright vacuum cleaner will now be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. This upright vacuum cleaner has a similar structure to that of the first embodiment except it has a suction path diverting valve 200. Therefore, the same parts as those of the first embodiment will not be described, and only the suction path diverting valve 200 will be described in detail.

As shown in Figure 5, the suction path diverting valve 200 comprises a first suction duct 210, a connection duct 220, a path-diverting chamber 230 (see Figure 6), a second suction duct 240, and a valve member 259 (see Figure 6).

The first suction duct 210 is disposed at the rear of the body frame 11 parallel with the socket 11 a, and has its upper end in fluid communication with the dust separator 17 (see Figure 1) and its lower end in fluid communication with the connection duct 220.

The connection duct 220 has the path diverting chamber 230 defined therein, and has one side in fluid communication with the second suction duct 240, a connection port 221 being disposed at the lower end of the connection duct for fluid communication with the nozzle unit 20 (see Figure 1).

As shown in Figure 6, the path-diverting chamber 230 has a holding depression 231, which is formed on an inner circumference thereof opposite the second suction duct 240, for receiving a leading end of the valve member 259. The valve member 259 is pivotably disposed in the path-diverting chamber 230 for pivotal movement through a predetermined angle. The valve member 259 comprises a plate-like flap.

The second suction duct 240 has one end in fluid communication with the hose 30 (see Figure 1) the other end being in fluid communication with the connection duct 220 substantially at a right-angle thereto. The second suction duct 240 has a guide protrusion 243 formed on an upper portion thereof for insertion into the socket 11 a, and a support member 241 is disposed around the guide protrusion and is resiliently supported by a return spring 245.

Referring to Figures 6 and 7, an operating member 251 and a link 255 are disposed on the outside of the second suction duct 240 to pivot the valve member 259. The operating member 251 engages with the support member 241 and resiliently slides up and down along the guide protrusion 243 as it is pressed by the extension pipe 50 and released from pressure by the extension pipe. Also, the operating member 251 has an insert portion 252 downwardly extending from a lower end thereof, and a sliding protrusion 253 is formed on at least one side surface of the insert portion.

The link 255 has a cutaway portion 265 of a predetermined length formed in one side thereof to allow for insertion of the insert portion 252, and also has a slit 257 formed on a side surface thereof for slidably engaging with the sliding protrusion 253. The other side of the link 255 is fixedly connected to a rotary shaft 258 integrally formed with the valve member 259.

Accordingly, the link 255 pivots to a predetermined angle as the operating member 251 moves up and down, thereby pivoting the rotary shaft 258 and accordingly.

pivoting the valve member 259. In this case, the valve member 259 closes or opens a communication bole 223 (see Figure 9) of the second suction duct 240 so that the suction path is diverted into a first suction path P3 (see Figures 8 and 9) or into a second suction path P4 (see Figures 10 and 11).

Operation of the suction path diverting valve 200 will now be described with reference to Figures 8 to 11. Figures 8 and 9 illustrate the first suction path P3 as a result of diverting the suction path, but Figure 8 omits the operating member 251 and the link 255 for clarity of understanding. Figures 10 and 11 illustrate the second suction path P4 as a result of diverting the suction path, but Figure 10 omits the operating member 251 and the link 255 for clarity of understanding.

Referring to Figures 8 and 9, in order to draw in dust and air from a surface to be cleaned through the nozzle unit 20 (see Figure 1), the extension pipe 50 is inserted into the socket 11 a. Then, the operating member 251 is pressed down by the extension pipe 50, and accordingly the sliding protrusion 253 moves down.

As the sliding protrusion 253 slides along the slit 257 of the link 255, the link pivots downwardly on the rotary shaft 258. Due to this pivotal movement of the link 255, the rotary shaft 258 turns in the same direction as the link 255, thereby pivoting the valve member 259 towards the communication hole 223. As a result, the communication hole 223 is closed by the valve member 259, so as to set up the first suction path P3 leading from the suction inlet body 20 to the connection duct 220 and the first suction duct 210.

In this state, if the suction motor 13 is driven, dust and air are drawn in through the suction inlet (not shown) of the nozzle unit 20 facing the surface to be cleaned, and flows into the dust separator 17 through the first suction path P3, as shown in Figures 8 and 9. After that, the dust is separated from the air by centrifugal force in the dust separator 17, and falls under gravity to be collected in the dust receptacle 15, and the air separated from the dust is discharged to the outside through the suction motor 13 -12 -via the discharge outlet of the dust separator 17 which is in fluid communication with the suction motor 13.

On the other hand, in order to perform a canister cleaning operation, the extension pipe 50 is withdrawn from the socket 11 a as shown in Figures 10 and 11. Accordingly, the operating member 251 is released from pressure exerted by the extension pipe 50, and so moves up by the elastic force of the return spring 245. In this case, the sliding protrusion 253 slides up along the slit 257 together with the operating member 251.

Accordingly, the link 255 pivots upwardly on the rotary shaft 258. Due to this pivotal movement of the link 255, the rotary shaft 258 turns in the same direction as the link 255, thereby pivoting the valve member 259.

The valve member 259 pivots until its leading end is received in the holding depression 231, thereby blocking the path from the nozzle unit 20 in the path-diverting chamber 230, and completely opening the communication hole 223 at the same time.

Accordingly, the second suction path P4, which leads from the second suction duct 240 to the connection duct 220 and the first suction duct 210, is set up.

In this state, if an appropriate accessory nozzle (not shown) is mounted on the free end of the extension pipe 50 after the extension pipe is withdrawn from the socket 11, and then the suction motor 13 is driven, dust and air drawn into the second suction duct 240 flow into the dust separator 17 through the second suction path P4.

The dust is separated from the air by centrifugal force in the dust separator 17, and falls under gravity to be collected in the dust receptacle 15, and the air separated from the dust is discharged to the outside through the suction motor 13 via the discharge outlet (not shown) of the dust separator 17 which is in fluid communication with the suction motor.

The third embodiment of upright vacuum cleaner will now be described with reference to Figures 12 to 14. This upright vacuum cleaner has a similar structure to those of the vacuum cleaners of the first and the second embodiments, but includes suction path diverting valve 300 which differs from those of the first and the second -13 -embodiments. Therefore, the same elements as those of the first and the second embodiments will not be described, and only the suction path diverting valve 300 will be described in detail.

Referring to Figure 12, the suction path diverting valve 300 is fixedly disposed at the rear of the body frame 11 (see Figure 1). The suction path diverting valve 300 comprises a first suction duct 310, a second suction duct 320, a valve housing 330, a valve member 340, and a guide duct 350.

The first suction duct 310 has one end in fluid communication with the nozzle unit 20, and the other end in fluid communication with one side of a lower end of the valve housing 330. The second suction duct 320 has one end in fluid communication with the hose 30, and the other end in fluid communication with the other side of the lower end of the valve housing 330. A connection port 321 is disposed at a region where the second suction duct 320 is connected to the hose 30 to facilitate the connection with, and disconnection from, the hose 30.

The valve housing 330 is fixedly disposed on a rear surface of the body frame 11, and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The valve housing 330 has a space 331 defined therein to allow a valve member 340 to pivot through a predetermined angle in that space. The space 331 has a centrally-disposed rotary shaft 333, and the valve member 340 is pivoted on the rotary shaft. A vertical partition 335 is disposed in the upper portion of the space 331, and a stopper 337 extends from an end of the partition to restrict the rotation of the valve member 340. The valve housing 330 has a guide pipe 339 disposed on an upper side thereof, the guide pipe leading inwardly in a vertical direction.

The valve member 340 is formed in a substantially arc shape, and has a first penetrating hole 341 selectively communicating with the first and the second suction ducts 310 and 320. The valve member 340 has a second penetrating hole 343 to guide the dust and air passing through the first penetrating hole 341 to the guide duct 350. -14-

The valve member 340 is resiliently supported by a torsion spring 345 disposed between a rotary hole 344 and the rotary shaft 333. If the valve member 340 is released from the pressure of the extension pipe 50, the valve member pivots so that the first penetrating hole 341 fluidly communicates with the second suction duct 320.

A push portion 361 is disposed above the valve housing 330 for pressing by the free end 51 of the extension pipe 50. A push rod 363 extends from the lower end of the push portion 361 to transmit pressure exerted on the push portion to the valve member 340. A terminal end of the push rod 363 presses against a protrusion 347 formed on a surface of the valve member 340 when the push rod presses against the valve member.

Accordingly, the terminal end of the push rod 363 is prevented from slipping on a pressure surface 340a of the valve member 340, which pressure surface is inclined as the valve member turns, and so the valve member turns without losing pressure.

Operation of the suction path diverting valve 300 will now be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. Figure 13 illustrates a first suction path P5 set up as a result of diverting the suction path, and Figure 14 illustrates a second suction path P6 set up as a result of diverting the suction path.

Referring to Figure 13, in order to draw in dust and air from a surface to be cleaned through the nozzle unit 20, the extension pipe 50 is inserted into the socket 11 a. In this case, the push portion 361 is pressed by the free end 51 of the extension pipe 50, and accordingly the push rod 363 moves down through a predetermined distance, thereby pressing against the pressure surface 340a of the valve member 340.

Then, the valve member 340, which is supported by the torsion spring 345, pivots in a counter-clockwise direction, and the first penetrating hole 341 is displaced from a position where it is in fluid communication with the second suction duct 320, to a position where it is in fluid communication with the first suction duct 310.

Accordingly, a first suction path P5, which leads from the suction inlet body 20 to the guide duct 350 through the first suction duct 310 and the first and the second penetrating holes 341 and 343, is set up.

In this state, if the suction motor 13 is driven, dust and air are drawn in through the suction inlet (not shown) of the nozzle unit 20 which faces a surface to be cleaned, and flow into the dust separator 17 through the first suction path P5, as shown in Figure 13. After that, the dust is separated from the air by centrifugal force in the dust separator 17, and falls under gravity to be collected in the dust receptacle 15. The air separated from the incoming air and dust is discharged to the outside through the suction motor 13 via the discharge outlet (not shown) of the dust separator 17 which is in fluid communication with the suction motor.

Referring to Figure 14, if the extension pipe 50 is withdrawn from the socket 11 a in order to perform a canister cleaning operation using the extension pipe 50, the push portion 361 is released from pressure by the extension pipe 50, and so the push rod 363 moves up along with the push portion by the resilient force of the return spring 245.

Accordingly, the valve member 340 turns on the rotary shaft 346 in a clockwise direction, thereby closing the first suction duct 310 and displacing the first penetrating hole 341 into fluid communication with the second suction duct 320. Accordingly, the second suction path P6, which leads from the extension pipe 50 to the guide duct 350 through the second suction duct 320 and the first and the second penetrating holes 341 and 343, is set up.

In this state, if the suction motor 13 is driven after an appropriate accessory nozzle (not shown) is mounted on the free end 51 of the extension pipe 50 after it is withdrawn from the socket 11 a, dust and air are sequentially drawn into the second suction duct 320 through the accessory nozzle, the extension pipe 50, the manipulation handle 40, and the hose 30. The dust and the air drawn into the second suction duct 320 flow into the dust separator 17 through the second suction path P6.

The dust is separated from the air by centrifugal force in the dust separator 17, and falls under gravity to be collected in the dust receptacle 15. The air separated from the incoming air and dust is discharged to the outside through the suction motor 13 via the -16 -discharge outlet (not shown) of the dust separator 17 which is in fluid communication with the suction motor.

The suction path diverting valves 100, 200, 300 described above can be operated, and thus can divert the suction path, simply by inserting or withdrawing the extension pipe into, or out of, the socket I la.

The embodiments and advantages described above 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 embodiments 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

CLAIMSI. An upright vacuum cleaner comprising: a cleaner body comprising a suction motor, a dust-collecting unit and a body frame; a nozzle unit which is pivoted to the lower end of the body frame; a hose which has one side in fluid communication with the body frame, and the other side in fluid communication with an extension pipe; and a suction path diverting valve which is associated with the body frame, and has a valve member arranged in a suction path, wherein, as the extension pipe is inserted into, or withdrawn from, a socket disposed on the body frame, the valve member selectively diverts the suction path to a first suction path flowing from the nozzle unit to the dust-collecting unit, or to a second suction path flowing from the extension pipe to the dust-collecting unit.
2. A cleaner as claimed in claim 1, wherein the suction path diverting valve is disposed at the rear of the body frame, and the socket is disposed at the rear of body frame.
3. A cleaner as claimed in claim I or claim 2, wherein the socket extends lengthwise of the body frame.
4. A cleaner as claimed in claim 3, wherein the suction path diverting valve comprises: a first suction duct which has one side in fluid communication with the nozzle unit, and the other side in fluid communication with the dust-collecting unit, the first suction duct being disposed on the rear of the body frame parallel with the socket; and a second suction duct which has one side in fluid communication with the hose, and the other side in fluid communication with the first suction duct, wherein the valve member is slidable in the first suction duct, thereby opening and closing the second suction duct, and has a push portion extending from one side of the valve member so that the push portion is pressed by the extension pipe when the -18 -extension pipe is inserted into the socket, and released from pressure by the extension pipe when the extension pipe is withdrawn from the socket.
5. A cleaner as claimed in claim 4, wherein the valve member is substantially cylindrical, and has a communication hole formed on a circumferential surface thereof for fluid communication with the second suction duct.
6. A cleaner as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the second suction duct is arranged at substantially a right-angle to the first suction duct, and a return spring is disposed on the second suction duct for resiliently supporting the push portion.
7. A cleaner as claimed in claim 6, wherein, as the push portion is released from the pressure of the extension pipe and is upwardly and resiliently supported by the return spring, the valve member is in fluid communication with the second suction duct; and, as the push portion is pressed by the extension pipe, the valve member is in fluid communication with the first suction duct.
8. A cleaner as claimed in claim 2, wherein the suction path diverting valve comprises: a first suction duct which has one side in fluid communication with the nozzle unit and is disposed on the rear of the body frame parallel with the socket; a connection duct which has one side in fluid communication with the other side of the first suction duct and is coaxial with the first suction duct, and the other side is in fluid communication with the nozzle unit, and has a path-diverting chamber defined therein; and a second suction duct which has one side in fluid communication with the hose and the other side in fluid communication with the connection duct, the second suction duct being substantially at a right-angle to the connection duct; wherein the valve member is pivotably disposed in the path-diverting chamber, thereby selectively allowing fluid communication between the first suction duct and the second suction duct or the nozzle unit.

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9. A cleaner as claimed in claim 8, wherein the valve member is plate-shaped.
10. A cleaner as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the suction path diverting valve comprises: an operating member which is resiliently disposed on an external side of the second suction duct, and can be pressed by, and released from the pressure of, the extension pipe; and a link which has a first side fixed to a rotary shaft of the valve member to pivot the valve member in a normal direction or a reverse direction in cooperation with the operating member.
11. A cleaner as claimed in claim 10, wherein the link has a second side slidably connected with the operating member, so that the link is inclined as the operating member moves up and down.
12. A cleaner as claimed in claim 10 or claim ii, further comprising a return spring disposed on the second suction duct for resiliently supporting the operating member.
13. A cleaner as claimed in claim 12, wherein, as the operating member is released from the pressure of the extension pipe and is upwardly and resiliently supported by the return spring, the valve member is turned in a normal direction by the link, thereby allowing fluid communication between the first and the second suction ducts; and as the operating member is pressed by the extension pipe so as to turn the link in a reverse direction, the valve member allows fluid communication between the nozzle unit and the first suction duct.

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14. A cleaner as claimed in claim 2, wherein the suction path diverting valve comprises: a first suction duct which has one side in fluid communication with the nozzle unit; a second suction duct which has one side in fluid communication with the hose; a valve housing which has its lower end in fluid communication with the other side of each of the first and the second suction ducts and is fixedly disposed on a rear surface of the body frame; and a guide duct which has one side in fluid communication with the upper side of the valve housing, and the other side in fluid communication with the dust-collecting unit, wherein the valve member is pivotably disposed in the valve housing, and has a first communication hole selectively communicating with the first and second suction ducts, and a second communication hole for guiding dust and air passing through the first communication hole towards the guide duct.
15. A cleaner as claimed in claim 14, wherein the valve member is resiliently pivotable in the valve housing by a torsion spring.
16. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the valve member is arc-shaped, and is disposed in the valve housing which is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the first and the second communication holes penetrate through different side surfaces of the valve member.
17. A cleaner as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the suction path diverting valve comprises: a push portion which is disposed above the valve housing and can be pressed by, and released from the pressure of, the extension pipe; and a push rod which extends from the lower end of the push portion, and has a terminal end penetrating through the valve housing and contacting the valve member, so that the push rod presses one side of the valve member with the pressure being applied to the push portion.
18. A cleaner as claimed in claim 17, wherein, as the push portion is released from the pressure of the extension pipe, the valve member is pivoted in a normal direction by the torsion spring, thereby allowing fluid communication between the first communication hole and the second suction duct, and as the push portion is pressed by the extension pipe, the valve member is pivoted in a reverse direction, thereby allowing fluid communication between the first communication hole and the first suction duct.
19. An upright vacuum cleaner substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as illustrated by Figures 1 to 4, Figures 1 and 5 to 11, or Figures 1, 12 and 13 of the drawings.-22 -Amendment to the claims have been filed as follows CLAIMS 23 1. An upright vacuum cleaner comprising: a cleaner body comprising a suction motor, a dust-collecting unit and a body frame; a nozzle unit which is pivoted to the lower end of the body frame; a hose which has one side in fluid communication with the body frame, and the other side in fluid communication with an extension pipe; and a suction path diverting valve which is associated with the body frame, and has a valve member arranged in a suction path, wherein, as the extension pipe is inserted into, or withdrawn from, a socket disposed on the body frame, the valve member selectively diverts the suction path to a first suction path flowing from the nozzle unit to the dust-collecting unit, or to a second suction path flowing from the extension pipe to the dust-collecting unit, and wherein the suction path diverting valve comprises: a first suction duct which has one end in fluid communication with the nozzle unit; a connection duct which has one end in fluid communication with the other end of the first suction duct and is coaxial with the first suction duct, and the other end is in fluid communication with the nozzle unit, and has a path-diverting chamber defined therein; and a second suction duct which has one end in fluid communication with the hose and the other end in fluid communication with the connection duct, the second suction duct being substantially at a right-angle to the connection duct; wherein the valve member is pivotably disposed in the path-diverting chamber, thereby selectively allowing fluid communication between the first suction duct and the second suction duct or the nozzle unit.2. A cleaner as claimed in claim 1, wherein the suction path diverting valve is disposed at the rear of the body frame, and the socket is disposed at the rear of body frame.3. A cleaner as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the socket extends lengthwise of the body frame.4. A cleaner as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first suction duct is disposed on the rear of the body frame parallel with the socket.5. A cleaner as claimed in any one of claims I to 4, wherein the valve member is plate-shaped.6. A cleaner as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the suction path diverting valve comprises: an operating member which is resiliently disposed on an external side of the second suction duct, and can be pressed by, and released from the pressure of, the extension pipe; and a link which has a first side fixed to a rotary shaft of the valve member to pivot the valve member in a normal direction or a reverse direction in cooperation with the operating member.7. A cleaner as claimed in claim 6, wherein the link has a second side slidably connected with the operating member, so that the link is inclined as the operating member moves up and down.8. A cleaner as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, further comprising a return spring disposed on the second suction duct for resiliently supporting the operating member.9. A cleaner as claimed in claim 8, wherein, as the operating member is released from the pressure of the extension pipe and is upwardly and resiliently supported by the return spring, the valve member is turned in a normal direction by the link, thereby allowing fluid communication between the first and the second suction ducts; and as the operating member is pressed by the extension pipe so as to turn the link in a reverse direction, the valve member allows fluid communication between the nozzle unit and the first suction duct.10. An upright vacuum cleaner substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as illustrated, by Figures 1 and 5 to 11 of the drawings.