RU2311867C2 - Extension tube with pivotal joint for vacuum cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: mechanical engineering, in particular, vacuum cleaner technique allowing user to clean restricted areas, for example, surfaces under furniture such as bed or sofa.

SUBSTANCE: extension tube has first extension pipe with pivot joint, second extension pipe having receptacle part incorporating pivot joint of first extension pipe, isolating housing incorporating first and second extension pipes, and retention button positioned between isolating housing and first extension pipe and provided with at least one connecting protrusion on its outer periphery. There is at least one connecting slot in isolating housing and in first extension pipe, respectively. Upon releasing of retention button, its protrusion is inserted into slots of isolating housing and first extension pipe to thereby fix first extension pipe relative to second extension pipe, and exits from connecting slot of isolating housing upon pressing of retention button for rotation of first extension pipe relative to second extension pipe. Flexible member positioned between retention button and first extension pipe is designed for flexible biasing of retention button in direction away from first extension pipe. Connecting slot has gaps defined by protrusions provided on isolating housing and first extension pipe.

EFFECT: avoiding damage to tube during cleaning of restricted areas under furniture and provision for tight connection between extension pipes when their position is not altered.

10 cl, 9 dwg

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The priority of this application is claimed in accordance with Section 35 §119 (a) of the US Code for Korean Patent Application No. 2005-03689, filed January 14, 2005, and Korean Patent Application No. 2005-12644, filed February 16, 2005 with the Intellectual Property Office Korea, the description of which is fully incorporated into this application by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of Invention

This invention relates to a vacuum cleaner. More specifically, this invention relates to an extension pipe with a swivel joint for a vacuum cleaner, through which the user can clean up confined spaces, such as niches under furniture such as a bed and sofa.

Description of the prior art

Typically, a vacuum cleaner comprises a main body, a vacuum source located in the main body and designed to create a suction force, a dust collector also placed in the main body and designed to receive collected dust, a suction brush designed to move in contact with the surface being cleaned, and an extension channel, connecting the main body to the suction brush. The type of extension duct may vary depending on the type of vacuum cleaner used. For example, for a cylinder-type vacuum cleaner, a flexible hose is usually used connecting the main body to the control handle and an extension pipe connecting the control handle to the suction brush.

To vacuum the small spaces under the sofa or bed, the user first bends down or crouches, having a suction brush under the furniture, and at the same time controls the vacuum cleaner, which leads to fatigue of the user.

In an attempt to solve the above problems, Korean Patent No. 10-0451728 proposes an extension pipe with a swivel joint for a vacuum cleaner that includes a lower extension pipe, an upper extension pipe, a hinge assembly located between the upper and lower extension pipes, allowing movement of the lower extension pipe in within a given range, and fixing means designed to selectively move the hinge assembly.

In a fixed, stationary position, the lower extension tube is held by a single locking protrusion. Therefore, during operation, the lower extension tube must often be released from the stationary position.

The hinge extension tube is inconvenient to use, especially because the user must tighten and then release the locking means to move the lower extension tube. In addition, the lower extension tube also undergoes shaking, which is created by the locking protrusion during the articulated movement to the extended position.

When working under furniture, the protruding part of the hinge assembly can collide with the surface being cleaned, while the protruding part and the surface being cleaned are damaged due to friction. In addition, the presence of frictional force makes it difficult for the user to move the suction brush.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is designed to address the above disadvantages and other problems associated with a conventional device. One aspect of the present invention is to provide an extension tube for a vacuum cleaner that can be articulated due to the connection of a simple structure, while maintaining a tight connection between the extension tubes when their position does not change.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an extension tube for a vacuum cleaner in which there is no friction and resulting damage between the hinge part and the surface to be cleaned, especially during cleaning of small spaces under the furniture, while ensuring uniform movement of the suction brush.

To implement the above aspects and / or other properties of the present invention, an extension pipe with a swivel joint is provided for a vacuum cleaner and comprising a first extension pipe having a hinge, a second extension pipe having a receiving part, into which a hinge of the first extension tube is inserted, an insulating casing accommodating the first and a second extension tube, and a locking button located between the insulating casing and the first extension tube and having at least one connector protrusion on the outer periphery. One of the components is an insulating casing, a first extension tube or a second extension tube, comprising at least one connecting groove into which a connecting protrusion of the locking button is selectively inserted so that the first extension tube can rotate relative to the second extension tube.

Between the locking button and the first extension tube, an elastic element may be arranged for elastically pressing the locking button away from the first extension tube. The insulating casing may preferably have a button hole through which a portion of the locking button protrudes.

The connecting groove can be made in the form of gaps, the boundaries of which are defined by protrusions located on the insulating casing and the first extension tube. The connecting groove includes a first connecting groove made on the periphery of the hole for the button of the insulating casing, and a second and third connecting groove made in a place corresponding to the first connecting groove on the hinge of the first connecting tube. The third connecting groove may include straight projections.

The insulating casing may further comprise a wheel that rolls in contact with the surface being cleaned. A cotton flannel may preferably be located on the outer periphery of the wheel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above aspects and other properties of the present invention will be more apparent from the detailed description of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 is a perspective view of an extension tube with a swivel in accordance with a variant implementation of the present invention;

figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of an extension tube with a swivel shown in figure 1;

figure 3 is a rear view of the first insulating casing shown in figure 2;

figa is a view illustrating the relationship between the first, second and third connecting grooves and protrusions before bending the swivel of the first extension tube;

figv is a partial section illustrating the main part shown in figa;

figa is a view illustrating the relationship between the first, second and third connecting grooves and protrusions after bending the connection of the first extension tube;

figv is a partial section illustrating the main part shown in figa;

6 is a perspective view of an extension tube in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig.7 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner that uses an extension pipe with a swivel, shown in Fig.6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Some embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the following description, like reference numerals refer to like elements even in different drawings. The objects defined in the description, such as constructive implementation and elements, are only means of a better understanding of the invention. Thus, it is obvious that the present invention can be performed without these objects. In addition, well-known functions or designs are not described in detail since they interfere with the understanding of the description by introducing non-essential details.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, it is shown that an extension pipe 100 with a hinge in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention comprises a first extension pipe 110, a second extension pipe 120, an insulating jacket 130, a locking button 140, and an elastic member 150.

The first tube 110 comprises a cylindrical hinge J1 intended to be inserted into the receiving hinge portion J2 of the second tube 120.

The hinge J1 on the front side has an elongated hole 117, designed to maintain flow communication with the suction hole 121, even when the first tube 110 is in the bent position.

The peripheral hinge J1 comprises a second connecting groove 112 at a location corresponding to the first connecting groove 131c of the first casing 131. The lower hinge J1 comprises a third connecting groove 114 at a location corresponding to the first connecting groove 131c.

The boundaries of the second groove 112 are determined by the interaction of the protrusions 111. A pair of protrusions 111 defines one second connecting groove 112. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, all eight (8) protrusions 111 are used to define the boundaries of all four (4) connecting grooves 112.

The boundaries of the third connecting groove 114 are determined by the interaction of straight or curved protrusions 113. A pair of straight protrusions 113 defines a third connecting groove 114. That is, a pair of protrusions 113 forms a third connecting groove 114, and as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2, all four (4 ) rectilinear protrusions 113 are used to define the boundaries of all four (4) connecting grooves 114. The hinge J1 in the center of the lower part has a first mounting hole 115, designed to accommodate the elastic element 150.

The second extension tube 120 comprises a receiving part J2 corresponding to the cylindrical hinge J1 of the first tube 110 so that the hinge J1 can be combined with it to form a hinge.

Part J2 on its front side has a cut oval part 122 and a connecting part 123. The cut oval part 122 limits the angle (θ) of the articulated movement of the first tube 110. By means of the connecting part 123, the hinged part J1 of the first tube 110 can be inserted into the part J2 in the direction indicated by arrow A. Number 125 indicates a button for attaching or disconnecting another extension tube to the second tube 120.

The casing 130 prevents the loss of suction force between the hinge parts J1 and J2 of the first and second tubes 110 and 120, and also prevents the button 140 from being separated. For this purpose, the casing 130 comprises first and second casing 131 and 132.

The first and second casings 131 and 132 are connected by screws, while the first casing 131 has a first cutout 131d, and the second casing 132 has a second cutout 132d. When assembling the first and second casings 131 and 132, the first and second cutouts 131d and 132d determine, in a typical embodiment, the boundaries of the holes with the shape and size corresponding to the oval shape of the cut oval portion 122. Accordingly, due to the presence of the first and second cutouts 131d and 132d, the first tube 110 is movable in the direction of arrow G or arrow H, as shown in FIG. 5A, even when the first and second housings 131 and 132 are connected to each other.

The first casing 131 has a button hole 131a with a size corresponding to the outer diameter of the button 140. Accordingly, the button 140 is brought out through this hole 131a.

The hole 131a at its periphery has a first connecting groove 131c formed by the interaction of the protrusions 131b. That is, a pair of protrusions 131b forms a first connecting groove 131c, and as shown in this embodiment, all four (4) protrusions 131b can be used to create all four (4) first connecting grooves.

Each protrusion 131b is stepped to create a friction part 131bb (see FIG. 3). Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 5A, when the button 140 is pressed in the direction of arrow A, the upper part 143aa (see FIG. 2) of the connecting protrusion 143 makes sliding contact with the friction part 131bb.

Referring to FIG. 2, it is shown that the button 140 comprises a pressure portion 141 that prevents the separation portion 142 and a connecting protrusion 143.

The pressing portion 141 is a cylindrical protrusion inserted into the hole 131a in the direction indicated by arrow B. When pressed by the user, the portion 141 pushes the locking button 140. The pressing portion 141 has a second seating hole 141a on the rear side for receiving the elastic member 150 therein, and there is also a cross-shaped portion 141aa made in the center of the second landing hole 141a, into which a part of the elastic element 150 is inserted to create a more reliable support for it.

The detachment portion 142 is an annular plate that surrounds the portion 141 so that the latter can obstruct the locking button 140 to pass through the hole 131a in the direction of arrow B after the locking button 140 has been inserted into it.

The connecting protrusion 143 has a first and second connecting protrusions 143a and 143b.

The first protrusion 143a has the shape of a quadrangle, which is formed on the periphery of the pressure portion 141 and above the part 142. Referring to FIGS. 4B and 5B, it is shown that the first connecting protrusion 143a remains inserted into the first connecting groove 131c while releasing the locking button 140 ( figv), and when the button 140 is pressed in the direction of the arrow A (figv) is separated from the first connecting groove 131c.

The second connecting protrusion 143b is connected to the first connecting protrusion 143a. The second protrusion 143b also has the shape of a quadrangle, but thinner than the first protrusion 143a. Referring again to Figs. 4B and 5B, it is shown that the second protrusion 143b remains inserted into the second groove 112 while releasing the locking button 140 (Fig. 4B), and when the locking button 140 is pressed in the direction of arrow A (Fig. 5B) is inserted in both the second and third grooves 112 and 114.

By pressing a button 140 sufficient to insert the second protrusion 143b into the third groove 114, the first protrusion 143a can be separated from the first groove 131c, and therefore, the first tube 110 is allowed to move.

In this embodiment, four protrusions 143 are shown having a radius around part 141. However, it should be borne in mind that this condition is given only as an example, and therefore the number of protrusions 143 can be changed if necessary. For example, two protrusions 143 can be made symmetrically relative to each other.

Referring to FIG. 2, it is shown that the elastic member 150 may be a coil spring mounted between the first and second mounting holes 115 and 141a. The element 150 biases the button 140 in the direction of arrow B, in which it further moves the button 140 further away from the first tube 110. Accordingly, when the force pushing the button 140 is removed, it is automatically released.

The following is a description of the operation of the extension tube with a swivel in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 illustrates the relationship between the first, second and third connecting grooves 131c, 112, 114 and the connecting protrusion 114 before the hinged bending of the first tube 110. In order to more clearly show the connection of these elements, the image of the insulating casing 130 is omitted except for the area where the first connecting groove 131c is made. On figv, in particular, shows a cross section of the main part shown in figa.

Turning to FIGS. 4A and 4B, it is shown that during normal operation in places such as the floor, the angle (θ) of the articulated movement (FIG. 5A) is fixed and equal to 0 °. In this case, the first protrusion 143a is inserted into the first groove 131c, and the second protrusion 143b is inserted into the second groove 112. Accordingly, the first tube 110 is limited in movement in the direction indicated by arrow G, since the first protrusion 143a is inserted into the first groove 131c of the first casing 131, which is fixed relative to the first tube 110.

On figa shows the relationship between the first, second and third connecting grooves 131C, 112, 114 and the connecting protrusion 141 after the articulated movement of the first tube 110. In order to more clearly show the connection of these elements, the image of the insulating casing 130 is omitted except for the area where the first connecting groove 131c is made. On figv, in particular, shows a cross section of the main part shown in figa.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, it is seen that the user can bend the first extension tube 110 in the direction of arrow G to facilitate cleaning of surfaces under the bed or sofa.

To move the first extension tube 110 in the direction of arrow G, the user presses the button 140 in the direction of arrow A. When pressing the button 140 from the state shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the first protrusion 143 is separated from the first groove 131c and the second protrusion 143b is inserted in both the second and third connecting grooves 112 and 114 (FIGS. 5A and 5B).

Referring to FIG. 5B, it is shown that when the first protrusion 143a is separated from the first groove 131c, the upper side 143aa of the first protrusion 143a, occupying the position shown by arrow E in FIG. 4A, comes into contact with the friction part 131bb and moves to the position shown by arrow F in FIG. 5A. Therefore, in contrast to the situation shown in FIG. 5A, the first tube 110 is no longer limited to the first casing 131, but moves freely in the direction of arrow G.

The angle (θ) of the articulated movement can preferably be a maximum of 45 °. The angle of rotation (θ) of the articulated movement after assembly can be adjusted by means of the cut out part 122 (FIG. 2) of the part J2 of the second extension tube 120 and / or by the first and second cutouts 131d and 132d of the first and second casings 131 and 132.

Upon completion of cleaning on the surface under the furniture, the user bends the first tube 110 at an angle (θ) of articulated movement equal to 0 °. The user can directly bend the first tube 110 in the direction of arrow H. Alternatively, the user can hold the first tube 110 at a predetermined height so that the second tube 120 can be lowered by its own weight, so that the first tube 110 bends in the direction of arrow N.

As the first tube 110 is folded back, the connecting protrusion 143 moves from the position shown by arrow F (FIG. 5A) to the position shown in FIG. 4A by arrow E.

At this time, the button 140 exits through the hole 131a (FIG. 2) due to the restoring force of the elastic member 150 (FIG. 20), and at the same time, the first protrusion 143a is reinserted into the first groove 131c. As a result, the first tube 110 is folded.

The following is a description of the extension tube 200 with a swivel in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention with reference to Fig.6 and 7. In the following description, elements similar or identical to the elements of the first embodiment have the same item numbers, and the description of the elements is already discussed in the first embodiment, omitted.

Referring to FIG. 6, it is shown that the insulating casing 130 further comprises a wheel 160 moving in contact with a surface to be cleaned 10. A cotton flannel 170 is located on the outer periphery of the wheel 160.

Referring to Fig. 7, it is shown that the wheel 160 is rotatably located on the lower end of the insulating casing 130. The wheel 160 can preferably be made of rubber or urethane with the possibility of uniform rolling, without leading to any damage to the surface being cleaned 10.

The wheel 160 rotates in the direction of arrow C when the user presses the suction brush 20 in the direction of arrow X with a bent tube 200 to clean the space under the furniture. When the suction brush is pulled in the direction of the arrow Y, the wheel 160 rotates in the direction of the arrow D. In this embodiment, the cotton flannel 170 is placed on the outer periphery of the wheel 160, and therefore, the wheel 160 rotates in the direction of the arrow C or D due to friction between the cotton flannel 170 and the surface to be cleaned 10.

Due to such operation of the wheel 160, as described above, the insulating casing 130 does not touch the surface to be cleaned directly 10 when cleaning in the space under the furniture by the bent extension tube 200. In other words, the hinge part does not come into direct contact with the surface being cleaned 10. Accordingly, damage the surface to be cleaned, especially the carpet, or the insulating casing 130 occurs due to friction between them. In addition, the suction brush 20 is moved uniformly. It is more convenient for the user to work with the vacuum cleaner, since it becomes easier to push or pull the suction brush 20.

A cotton flannel 170, attached or pressed onto the outer periphery of the wheel 160, comprises bristles. Thanks to the cotton flannel, it is possible to effectively prevent damage to the cleaning surface 10, especially the carpet. More specifically, since the soft texture of the cotton flannel protects the surface being cleaned 10, it is possible to reduce the effect of the wheel 160 on the surface being cleaned compared to when it is in direct contact with the surface being cleaned.

Number 30 of the position indicates the body of the vacuum cleaner, 40 - a flexible hose, and 50 - the control part.

When using the proposed extension pipe with a swivel for vacuum cleaner, the following advantages are achieved.

Firstly, the user has the ability to bend the extension tube with a simple control of the locking button, and therefore, the user is freed from physical activity associated with bending the body or squats. Accordingly, it is more convenient for the user to work, and he can easily carry out cleaning even in confined spaces under furniture such as a bed or sofa.

Secondly, during normal operation, that is, when cleaning, which does not require articulating movement of the extension tube, the connecting protrusion of the locking button is inserted in both the first and second connecting grooves. Therefore, the first and second extension tubes can be firmly bonded to each other, while reliability increases.

Thirdly, the first and second extension tubes can be freely moved or fixed relative to each other by simple interaction between the connecting protrusion and the first, second and third connecting grooves. Accordingly, the articulated extension tube may have a simple structure, so that cost is reduced.

Fourth, due to the wheel that rolls in contact with the surface being cleaned, as well as the cotton flannel made on the outer periphery of the wheel, damage to the hinge part and the surface being cleaned during cleaning of a limited area, such as the space under the furniture, can be prevented, while the user can easy to operate with a suction brush.

The above embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and cannot be construed as limiting the invention. The described concept can be easily applied to other types of devices. Also, the description of embodiments of the present invention is intended to illustrate and does not limit the scope of legal protection of the claims, and many specialists, modifications and changes will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims (12)

1. Extension tube with swivel, designed for a vacuum cleaner and containing a first extension tube having a hinge; a second extension tube having a receiving portion in which a hinge of the first extension tube is located; an insulating casing containing the first and second extension tubes; and a locking button located between the insulating casing and the first extension tube and having at least one connecting protrusion on the outer periphery, while at least one connecting groove is made in the insulating casing and, accordingly, in the first extension tube, and the protrusion of the fixing button, when released, can be placed in the grooves of the insulating casing and the first extension tube for fixing the first extension tube relative to the second extension tube and the possibility of exiting the connecting groove the insulating casing when you press the locking button to rotate the first extension tube relative to the second extension tube. 2. The extension tube according to claim 1, additionally containing an elastic element located between the locking button and the first extension tube and designed to elasticly compress the locking button in the direction from the first extension tube. 3. The extension tube according to claim 2, in which the insulating casing has an opening for the button through which part of the locking button can protrude. 4. The extension tube according to claim 3, in which the connecting groove has gaps, the boundaries of which are determined by the protrusions made on the insulating casing and the first extension tube. 5. The extension tube according to claim 4, in which the connecting groove has: the first connecting groove made on the periphery of the hole for the button of the insulating casing; and second and third connecting grooves made in a place corresponding to the first connecting groove on the hinge of the first connecting tube. 6. The extension tube according to claim 5, in which the third connecting groove has straight projections. 7. The extension tube according to claim 1, in which the insulating casing further comprises a wheel that rolls in contact with the surface being cleaned. 8. The extension tube according to claim 7, in which on the outer periphery of the wheel is a cotton flannel. 9. The extension tube according to claim 1, in which the hinge of the first extension tube is located in the receiving part of the second extension tube with flow communication of the first and second extension tubes with one another and the possibility of rotation of the first extension tube relative to the second extension tube. 10. The extension tube according to claim 1, additionally containing a spring located between the locking button and the first extension tube and designed to compress the locking button in the direction from the first extension tube to ensure that the spring compresses the specified at least one connecting protrusion into at least one connecting groove. Priority on points: 01/14/2005 according to claims 1-6, 9, 10; 02.16.2005 according to claims 7, 8.

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