US20240215784A1

US20240215784A1 - Cleaner

Info

Publication number: US20240215784A1
Application number: US18/553,938
Authority: US
Inventors: Sangchul Lee; Seungyeop Lee; Changgun LEE
Original assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Current assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Priority date: 2021-04-09
Filing date: 2022-03-16
Publication date: 2024-07-04
Also published as: TW202243638A; KR20220140231A; TWI825624B; WO2022215886A1

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a cleaner, more particularly, a cleaner which includes: a first rotation member configured to rotate the main body about the first rotation axis; a second rotation member configured to rotate the main body about the second rotation axis; and an anti-rotation assembly having one end coupled to the second rotation member and another end locked by the first rotation member, thereby preventing any shaking of the cleaning module about the second rotation axis, preventing the straightness deterioration of the cleaner, and securing excellent operability.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a cleaner, more particularly, a cleaner that can be easily operated.

BACKGROUND

In general, a cleaner refers to an electrical appliance that draws in small garbage or dust by sucking air using electricity and fills a dustbin provided in a product with the garbage or dust. Such a cleaner is generally called a vacuum cleaner.
The cleaners may be classified into a manual cleaner which is moved directly by a user to perform a cleaning operation, and an automatic cleaner which performs a cleaning operation while autonomously traveling. Depending on the shape of the cleaner, the manual cleaners may be classified into a canister cleaner, an upright cleaner, a handy cleaner, a stick cleaner, and the like.
The canister cleaners were widely used in the past as household cleaners. However, recently, there is an increasing tendency to use the handy cleaner and the stick cleaner in which a dustbin and a cleaner main body are integrally provided to improve convenience of use.
In the case of the canister cleaner, a main body and a suction port are connected by a rubber hose or pipe, and in some instances, the canister cleaner may be used in a state in which a brush is fitted into the suction port.
The handy cleaner (hand vacuum cleaner) has maximized portability and is light in weight. However, because the handy cleaner has a short length, there may be a limitation to a cleaning region. Therefore, the handy cleaner is used to clean a local place such as a desk, a sofa, or an interior of a vehicle. The handy cleaner may be used while the user is standing, so it is possible to clean without bending the waist of the user down. Therefore, it is advantageous to clean while moving in a large area.
A cleaner head may rotate about a plurality of axes for streering. Hereinafter, the plurality of axes is defined in an assumption that a direction in which the cleaner head advances forward is a forward direction. Rolling refers to an up-down rotation of a left end and a right end about an axis in forward and rearward directions of the cleaner head. Pitching refers to an up-down rotation of a forward end and a rearward end about an axis in left and right directions of the cleaner head. Yawing refers to a rotation of the left end and the right end in forward and rearward directions about a vertical axis.
A prior art document 1 relates to a cleaner head of a vacuum cleaner.
A prior art document 1 relates to a cleaner head of a vacuum cleaner, and includes an agitator, a chamber at least partially surrounding the agitator, an air inlet disposed at a lower part of the chamber, and a housing forming an air outlet. A partition wall is formed between the agitator and the air outlet; thus, the partition wall and the housing form a settling area for the chamber adjacent to the air outlet. In the partition wall, a first debris opening and a second debris opening disposed upward of the first debris opening are provided such that, in use, debris swept past the first debris opening is swept by the agitator toward the second debris opening. A debris direction switcher is disposed inside the chamber above the second debris opening, and the debris direction switcher is disposed to switch over a direction of the debris through the second debris opening.
Accordingly, the debris swept by the agitator passes through the first debris opening or the second debris opening to be sucked into the main body of the cleaner. According to the prior art document 1, a pitch axis and a yaw axis are disposed between the cleaner head and the extension tube. The main body of the cleaner may rotate about the pitch axis to adjust a height, and may rotate about a yaw axis to change its position in left and right directions.
Generally, for left-right direction steering, the cleaner head rotates either by rolling or yawing. The prior art document 1 performs yawing rather than rolling, and has an advantage of excellent operability when the cleaner head performs yawing, but there is a disadvantage of poor straightness.
The cleaner head according to the prior art document 1 has no configuration of resisting against a movement on the yaw axis. Accordingly, the cleaner head may be shaken often when a floor is uneven, and the cleaner cannot move straight and turns to rotate in left or right directions. Thus, there was a problem in that a user had to perform an unnecessary operation to make the cleaner move straight.
Moreover, the above problem becomes severe when lying down the main body of the cleaner according to the prior art document 1 by as much as possible. When an angle between the yaw axis and the ground is low by standing up the main body of the cleaner, the cleaner can be moved forward to some extent even if the cleaner head shakes due to the weight of the main body of the cleaner. However, as the angle between the yaw axis and the ground gets greater by lying down the main body of the cleaner, the cleaner head shakes severely about the yaw axis when the cleaner head is shaken just a little. Therefore, it becomes very inconvenient when cleaning a narrow and low gap.
A prior art document 2 relates to a cleaner head of a canister cleaner, and the prior art document 2 discloses a cleaner head having a rolling function and a pitching function.
The cleaner head of a cleaner according to the prior art document 2 includes a housing having a bottom connecting surface, a roll structure allowing the housing to move across a floor surface, and an outlet into which a wand of a cleaner is fitted. The outlet includes a connection part by which the housing is connected to a wand. A connection apparatus includes a storage position configured to allow the outlet to be movable between operation positions, to allow the outlet to extend at a positive angle or parallel to the bottom connecting surface, and to allow a discharge port to extend at a negative angle to the bottom connection surface of the cleaner head. However, the prior art document 2 has a configuration in which the cleaner head is folded and fixed when the cleaner is held after finishing cleaning, and the cleaner head is unfolded when the user uses the cleaner for cleaning, however, a configuration for selectively limiting a rolling or a pitching of the cleaner in use is not disclosed therein, and the cleaner head performs only rolling rather than yawing. Accordingly, let alone the advantage of excellent straightness, there is a disadvantage of poor operability.

SUMMARY

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaner having a cleaner head rotating about any rotation axis, more particularly, a cleaner that can prevent a cleaning module from unnecessary shaking in left and right directions about a certain rotation axis when the cleaner moves straight.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaner that secures straightness by returning to its regular position quickly after rotating a main body of the cleaner to clean a narrow gap.
Technical objects to be achieved by the present disclosure are not limited to the aforementioned objects, and those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains may evidently understand other technical objects from the following description.
One embodiment is a cleaner, including: a cleaning module configured to suck in outside air; a main body configured to provide a suction force to the cleaning module; a first rotation member disposed between the cleaning module and the main body, having a first rotation axis disposed in left and right directions, and configured to rotate the main body about the first rotation axis; a second rotation member disposed between the cleaning module and the main body, having a second rotation axis vertically disposed, and configured to rotate the main body about the second rotation axis; and an anti-rotation assembly having one end coupled to the second rotation member and another end locked by the first rotation member.
The first rotation axis may be disposed at a forward end of the first rotation member, and the first rotation member may be hingedly coupled to a rearward end of the cleaning module through the first rotation axis.
The anti-rotation assembly may include: a support member disposed in the first rotation member; and a fixing member coupled to the second rotation member, and having at least a portion thereof locked by the support member.
At this time, the support member may protrude in a direction of the second rotation axis from the first rotation member, and the fixing member may be locked by a side surface of the support member.
Alternatively, the support member may include an insertion groove into which the fixing member is inserted, and the fixing member may include a fixing protrusion inserted into the insertion groove.
Alternatively, the fixing member may include: a rotation member coupling part coupled to the second rotation member; a fixing member arm extending along an outer circumference of the support member from the rotation member coupling part; and a fixing protrusion extending inward from an end of the fixing member arm and configured to be locked by the support member.
Alternatively, at least a portion of the fixing member may include an elastic material. The anti-rotation assembly may further include: an elastic member configured to provide a restoration force to an opposite direction, when the second rotation member rotates in one direction.
The second rotation axis may be disposed at a rearer position than the first rotation member.
Another embodiment is a cleaner, including: a cleaning module configured to suck in outside air; a main body configured to provide a suction force to the cleaning module; an extension tube having a forward end configured to be communicated with the cleaning module and a rearward end configured to be communicated with the main body; a first rotation member having a first rotation axis disposed perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the extension tube, and rotatably connected to the cleaning module about the first rotation axis; a second rotation member having a second rotation axis disposed perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction of the extension tube and the first rotation axis, and having one end thereof rotatably connected to the first rotation member about the second rotation axis, and another end thereof coupled to the extension tube; and an anti-rotation assembly having one end coupled to the second rotation member, and another end locked by the first rotation member.
The details of other embodiments of the present disclosure are included in the written description hereof as well as the appended drawings.
The cleaner of the present disclosure has one or more advantageous effects as below.
First, in a cleaning module disposed rotatably in at least one direction, as the cleaner has an anti-rotation assembly having one end coupled to a second rotation member, and another end locked by a first rotation member, there is an advantage in that straightness deterioration of the cleaner may be prevented by preventing the cleaning module from any shaking.
Second, a fixing member extends in an arc shape from an outer circumference of a support member, and accordingly the locking of the support member can be released as being parted easily by a force applied by the user, thereby an advantageous effect of securing the operability according to the user's will is achieved.
Third, as the anti-rotation assembly includes an elastic member providing a restoration force in a reverse direction when it rotates in one direction, there is an advantage in that it is possible to secure straightness by returning the cleaner to its regular position quickly after rotating the main body of the cleaner.
The effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-described effects and other effects which are not described herein may be derived by those skilled in the art from the following description of the embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaner according to the present disclosure,

FIG. 2 is a front view of a cleaning module according to the present disclosure,

FIG. 3 is a rear view of a cleaning module according to the present disclosure,

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a cleaning module according to the present disclosure when viewed from the right side,

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of an anti-rotation assembly,

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a cleaning module according to the present disclosure,

FIG. 7 is a view showing when a second rotation member is rotated,

FIG. 8 shows an elastic member included according to an embodiment in an anti-rotation assembly,

FIG. 9 shows an elastic member included according to another embodiment in an anti-rotation assembly, and

FIG. 10 shows an elastic member included according to still another embodiment in an anti-rotation assembly.

BEST MODE

Advantages and characteristics of the present disclosure and a method of achieving the advantages and characteristics will be clear by referring to exemplary embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to exemplary embodiment disclosed herein but will be implemented in various forms. The exemplary embodiments are provided by way of example only so that a person of ordinary skilled in the art can fully understand the disclosures of the present disclosure and the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure will be defined only by the scope of the appended claims. Like reference numerals generally denote like elements throughout the specification.
Hereinafter, a cleaner 100 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaner 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 1 , the cleaner 100 may include a main body 110. The main body 110 may include a suction unit 112 that sucks in air containing dust.
A direction in which a cleaning module 160 is disposed with respect to the main body 110 is a forward direction. In other words, the forward direction is a direction in which the cleaner 100 moves forward.
A direction in which the main body 110 is located with respect to the cleaning module 160 is a rearward direction. The rearward direction is a direction opposite to the forward direction.
A right side and a left side are defined on the basis of a state in which a frontal surface of the cleaner 100 is viewed from the front. The right side and the left side are opposed with each other.
The cleaning module may rotate in various directions. More particularly, the cleaning module according to the present disclosure may rotate in at least three directions. The cleaning module may pitch about a first rotation axis y, yaw about a second rotation axis z, and roll about a third rotation axis x.
The third rotation axis x is a center axis about which the main body 110 rotates, and is an imaginary straight line disposed in a longitudinal direction of an extension tube 150. The third rotation axis x corresponds to an extension direction of a suction port 161 of the main body 110. The third rotation axis x largely corresponds to a center axis passing through a center of the main body 110 of the cleaner and a center of the cleaning module 160. However, if the third rotation axis x is rotated, the third rotation axis x may not correspond to the center axis.
The first rotation axis y is a center axis about which the main body 110 vertically rotates, and is an imaginary straight line disposed in left and right directions of the cleaning module 160. The first rotation axis y crosses the third rotation axis x at right angles, and rotates the third rotation axis x. The first rotation axis y is parallel to a rotation axis of an agitator 162 to be described later.
The second rotation axis z is a center axis about which the main body 110 rotates in left and right directions, and is an imaginary straight line vertically disposed. The second rotation axis z crosses both the third rotation axis x and the first rotation axis y at right angles. The second rotation axis z may be rotated by the first rotation axis y.
The suction unit 112 is in a cylindrical form having a hollow hole formed inside, and configured to suck in air containing dust. The suction unit 112 provides a suction flow path through which the air containing dust may flow. The air containing dust is guided to the main body 110 through the suction unit 112.
The suction motor 114 is configured to form a flow of the air such that the air containing dust may be introduced into the suction unit 112.
The suction motor 114 may be the Brushless DC (BLDC) motor. The BLDC motor is a type of a DC motor without a brush. Since the BLDC motor does not have a brush, which is a wearable part, the BLDC motor not only has an advantage of having little electrical and mechanical noise, but also has no problem in a high-speed rotation and generates low rotation noise.
The handle 116 is configured to be gripped by a user to move the cleaner 100, and is disposed in the opposite direction to the suction unit 112 with respect to a dustbin 120, and may include a grip part which is a portion that a user grips by hand. Here, the grip part may have a substantially cylindrical shape.
Referring to FIG. 1 , the main body 110 may include an operating part 118. The operating part 118 is a component by which the user inputs instructions to the cleaner 100.
The operating part 118 may be disposed on an extension line in a longitudinal direction of the handle 116. By this arrangement, the user may input instructions by touching the operating part 118 with a thumb while gripping the handle 116.
Referring to FIG. 1 , the main body 110 includes a dustbin 120 for storing dust separated from the air. The dustbin 120 may include a dust collecting body having a cylindrical form. The dustbin 120 is communicated with the suction unit 112, and accordingly the dust contained in the air that has been sucked in through the suction unit 112 is separated from the air and collected in the dustbin 120.
Referring to FIG. 1 , the cleaner 100 includes a battery 140. The battery 140 is configured to supply power to the main body 110. A battery storage section may be formed in the main body 110 to store the battery 140, and the battery 140 is inserted into and installed in the battery storage section.
The battery 140 is disposed below the handle 116. The battery 140 may be disposed on an extension line in a longitudinal direction of the handle 116. By this arrangement, the battery 140 may be disposed not to be leaned in one direction among the right and the left, and the user may transfer the cleaner easily by gripping the cleaner 100.
Referring to FIG. 1 , the cleaner 100 includes an extension tube 150. The extension tube 150 is configured to communicate the main body 110 and the cleaning module 160 with each other.
A lower end of the extension tube 150 is coupled to the cleaning module 160, and is communicated with the cleaning module 160. According to the present disclosure, the extension tube 150 may be coupled to the first rotation member to rotate about the first rotation axis y, and may be coupled to the second rotation member 164 to rotate about the second rotation axis z.
The lower end of the extension tube 150 communicates with a corrugate tube 166.
An upper end of the extention tube 150 is coupled to the suction unit 112 of the main body 110, and is communicated with the suction unit 112.
The extension tube 150 may be divided into a lower tube and an upper tube. The upper tube has a variable length by being inserted into the lower tube or being drawn from the lower tube. The lower tube is connected to the cleaning module 160 and the upper tube is connected to the suction unit 112 of the main body 110.
Referring to FIG. 1 , the cleaner 100 includes the cleaning module 160. The cleaning module 160 is configured to suck in the outside air.
Referring to FIG. 1 , the cleaning module 160 may communicate with the extension tube 150. Therefore, the outside air may be introduced into the main body 110 of the cleaner 100 via the cleaning module 160 and the extension tube 150 by the suction force generated in the main body 110 of the cleaner 100.
Referring to FIG. 4 , the cleaning module 160 includes the suction port 161. The suction port 161 is a hole for sucking in dust along with the air. The suction port 161 is communicated with the extension tube 150, so that the dust flows to the main body 110. More particularly, the suction port 161 is connected to one side of the corrugate tube 166, and another end thereof is connected to the extension tube 150.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the cleaning module 160 includes the agitator 162. The agitator is configured to rub the dust adhered to the floor to separate the dust from the floor.
The agitator 162 is in a cylindrical form that is disposed about a rotation axis. The rotation axis of the agitator 162 is disposed in left and right directions.
The agitator 162 is disposed at a front of the suction port 161. The agitator 162 sweeps the dust adhered to the floor at a forward end of the suction port 161. Through the agitator 162, the dust adhered to the floor may be separated from the floor and the dust can be easily sucked into the suction port 161.
Referring to FIG. 4 , the agitator 162 rotates in a counter-clockwise direction.
The cleaning module 160 may further include a motor (not illustrated) for rotating the agitator 162. Although not illustrated, referring to FIG. 2 , the motor may be dislosed on a right side inside the cleaning module 160. By this arrangement, a center of mass 160G of the cleaning module 160 may be lean to a right side.
Referring to FIG. 2 , the cleaner 100 includes the first rotation member 163. The first rotation member 163 is configured to rotate the main body 110 to change a height of the main body 110.
The first rotation member 163 is disposed between the cleaning module 160 and the main body 110, has the first rotation axis y disposed in left and right directions, and rotates the main body 110 about the first rotation axis y.
A forward end of the first rotation member 163 is rotatably connected to the cleaning module 160. A rearward end of the first rotation member 163 is rotatably connected to the second rotation member 164.
The first rotation member 163 has a hollow hole formed to allow the corrugate tube 166 to penetrate the first rotation member 163.
Referring to FIG. 4 , the first rotation member 163 rotates in a counter-clockwise direction, and a height of the main body 110 rises and an angle between the extension tube and the ground increases. Conversely, the first rotation member 163 rotates in a clockwise direction, and the height of the main body 110 falls, and the angle between the the extension tube and the ground decreases.
When the angle between the the extension tube and the ground decreases, the corrugate tube 166 may be deformed convexly upward. According to the present disclosure, since the cleaning module 160 and the first rotation member 163 are connected by the first rotation axis y, a height from the ground to the upper surface of the extension tube 150 may be minimized, and thus, the cleaning module may be inserted into a lower gap to clean it up.
Referring to FIG. 2 , the center of mass 160G of the cleaning module is disposed on the first rotation axis y. By this arrangement, when advancing forward, the cleaning module 160 may not be shaken about the second rotation axis z. Accordingly, the user may operate the cleaner more easily.
Referring to FIG. 2 , the first rotation axis y is disposed in a forward end of the first rotation member 163, and the first rotation member 163 is hingedly coupled to a rearward end of the cleaning module 160 through the first rotation axis y.
Referring to FIG. 2 , the cleaning module 160 has a recessed portion which is a rear surface recessed forward, and the first rotation axis y and the first rotation member 163 are disposed in the recessed portion. On an inner wall of the recessed portion, a hole through which the first rotation axis passes is formed, and a hinge corresponding to the first rotation axis y is rotatably inserted into the hole.
A forward end of the first rotation member 163 is fixed and a rearward end thereof performs a circular motion since the first rotation axis y is disposed in the forward end of the first rotation member 163.
By this arrangement, it becomes possible to lower a height of a connecting member between the cleaning module 160 and the extension tube 150. Particulary, according to the present disclosure, if the extention tube 150 is fully rotated in a clockwise direction in FIG. 4 , a height of the cleaning module 160 and a height of the first rotation member 163 become almost identical. Therefore, the cleaning module may enter a narrow gap below a sofa and the like to clean it up.
Referring to FIG. 2 , the cleaner 100 includes the second rotation member 164. The second rotation member 164 is configured to rotate the main body 110 to change a location of the main body 110 in left and right directions.
The second rotation member 164 is disposed between the cleaning module 160 and the main body 110, has the second rotation axis z vertically disposed, and rotates the main body 110 about the second rotation axis z.
Referring to FIG. 4 , the second rotation axis z is disposed in a forward end of the second rotation member 164, the second rotation member 164 is hingedly coupled to a rearward end of the first rotation member 163 through the second rotation axis z, and a rearward end of the second rotation member 164 is coupled to a forward end of the main body 110.
Referring to FIG. 5 , the second rotation member 164 is formed in a U-shape with an open front. An upper surface of the second rotation member 164 covers an upper surface of the first rotation member 163, and a lower surface of the second rotation member 164 covers a lower surface of the first rotation member 163.
A protrusion is formed on an inside of the upper surface of the second rotation member 164. A support member 172 of an anti-rotation assembly 170 is inserted into the protrusion, and the support member 172 of the anti-rotation assembly 170 rotates along the protrusion. A protrusion is formed on an inside of the lower surface of the second rotation member 164, and has the same function as that of the protrusion formed on the inside of the upper surface of the second rotation member 164.
The second rotation member 164 has a hollow hole formed inside. The corrugate tube 166 penetrates the inside of the second rotation member 164 to be connected to the extension tube 150. By this arrangement, dust may be smoothly sucked in through the corrugate tube 166 although the second rotation member 164 rotates in the left and right directions.
The second rotation axis z is disposed in the forward end of the second rotation member 164. The second rotation axis z is disposed above and below the second rotation member 164. The second rotation axis z is disposed above and below the first rotation member 163. The second rotation axis z passes through a center of the support member 172 of the anti-rotation assembly 170.
The second rotation axis z vertically extends. Referring to FIG. 4 , the second rotation member 164 is rotatably connected to the first rotation axis y, accordingly, the second rotation axis z is not fixed vertically with respect to the ground.
The second rotation axis z is perpendicular to the first rotation axis y. Referring to FIG. 2 , the first rotation axis y is disposed in left and right directions, and the second rotation axis z is disposed vertically, and accordingly, the second rotation axis z is perpendicular to the first rotation axis y when viewed from the front. Referring to FIG. 4 , the second rotation axis z is disposed at a rear of the first rotation axis y, and the second rotation axis z and the first rotation axis y do not cross each other.
The second rotation axis z is perpendicular to a longitudinal straight line of the extension tube 150. The extension tube 150 is disposed rotatably on the first rotation axis y, the second rotation axis z is always perpendicular to the longitudinal straight line of the extension tube 150.
If the extension tube 150 is not provided in the cleaner 100, a rearward end of the second rotation member 164 is coupled to a forward end of the main body 110. Unlike the above, if the extension tube 150 is provided in a forward end of the main body 110 like the present disclosure, the rearward end of the second rotation member 164 is coupled to a forward end of the extension tube 150. By this arrangement, the location of the main body 110 may be changed in left and right directions about the second rotation axis z.
According to the present disclosure, the second rotation axis z is disposed at a more rearward position than the first rotation axis y. As the first rotation axis y is disposed in left and right directions, a connecting portion of the first rotation axis y has a lower height than that of a connecting portion of the second rotation axis z. Therefore, by disposing the connecting portion of the first rotation axis y at a more forward position than the connecting portion of the second rotation axis z, the height of the connecting portion between the cleaning module 160 and the extension tube 150 can be minimized, thereby the cleaning module 160 can enter a narrow gap. In addition, by this arrangement, the axis may be disposed as far forward as possible, and particularly, unlike the prior art cleaners whose centers of mass 160G of the cleaning modules are disposed more forward than the first rotation axis y or second rotation axis z, the center of mass 160G of the cleaning module of the present disclosure may be disposed on the first rotation axis y.
Referring to FIG. 5 , the cleaner 100 includes the anti-rotation assembly 170. The anti-rotation assembly 170 is configured to prevent the cleaner 100 from yawing more than necessary.
The anti-rotation assembly 170 has one end coupled to the second rotation member 164, and another end locked by the first rotation member 163. By having this arrangement, the straightness may be secured since the cleaning module 160 will not be shaken even if the cleaner 100 is slightly shaken. In addition, the main body 110 may be rotated to the left and right and the angle of the cleaning module 160 may be changed by a force at a certain level or higher applied by the user.
Referring to FIG. 5 , the anti-rotation assembly 170 may be composed of the support member 172 and a fixing member 171. The support member 172 is disposed in the first rotation member 163. The fixing member 171 is coupled to the second rotation member 164, and at least a portion thereof is locked by the support member 172.
Referring to FIG. 6 , the support member 172 protrudes in a direction of the second rotation axis z from the first rotation member 163, and the fixing member 171 is locked by a side surface of the support member 172.
The support member 172 is disposed in the first rotation member 163. The support member 172 of the anti-rotation assembly protrudes upward in a direction of the second rotation axis z from the upper surface of the first rotation member 163. The support member 172 may protrude downward in a direction of the second rotation axis z from the lower surface of the first rotation member 163.
The support member 172 includes an upper surface 1721 further protruding upward from the upper surface of the second rotation member 164. In addition, the support member 172 includes a lower surface 1721 further protruding downward from the lower surface of the second rotation member 164. Further, the support member 172 includes a side surface 1722 of the support member, which forms a stepped portion between the upper surface 1721 of the support member and the second rotation member 164.
The support member 172 is disposed on the second rotation axis z. The support member 172 may have a circular form about the second rotation axis z. By this arrangement, the second rotation member 164 may rotate about the second rotation axis z by being locked by the support member 172. Since the support members 172 protrude upward and downward about the second rotation axis z, the second rotation member 164 may be supported at both ends of the first rotation member 163.
One side of the fixing member 172 is coupled to the second rotation member 164 and rotates along with the second rotation member 164. Another side of the fixing member 171 is locked by a side surface of the support member 172. By this arrangement, the straightness may be maintained without severe bending of the cleaning module 160 even when a disturbance occurs. Here, examples of the disturbance are irregular ground shapes, change in a ground state such as a carpet and the like, and shaking generated when the user operates the cleaner.
When the user moves the main body 110 to the left and right by applying a force at a certain level or higher, the locking of the fixing member 171 of the anti-yaw assembly is released. When the locking of the fixing member 171 is released, the fixing member 171 moves along an outer circumferential surface of the support member 172. At this time, the fixing member 171 rotates to the left and right about the second rotation axis z.
Referring to FIG. 5 , the support member 172 includes an insertion groove 1723 into which the fixing member 171 is inserted. The fixing member 171 includes a fixing protrusion 1713 being inserted into the insertion groove 1723.
The insertion groove 1723 is formed in the support member 172. The insertion groove 1723 is formed to be recessed inward from the side surface 1722 of the support member 172. The insertion groove 1723 may be formed in an arc shape.
The insertion grooves 1723 may be disposed symmetrically. Referring to FIG. 5 , the insertion grooves 1723 may be disposed on left and right sides, respectively, about the third rotation axis x. Unlike this, the insertion grooves 1723 may be disposed at forward and rearward positions, respectively, about the third rotation axis y.
The fixing protrusion 1713 is inserted into the insertion groove 1723. Referring to FIG. 5 , the fixing protrusion 1713 may be formed in a protruding arc shape such that the fixing protrusion 1713 corresponds to a sectional shape of the insertion groove 1723.
The fixing protrusion 1713 may be symmetrically disposed. Referring to FIG. 5 , the fixing protrusions 1713 may be disposed on left and right sides, respectively, about the roll axis x. Unlike this, the fixing protrusions 1713 may be disposed at forward and rearward positions, respectively, about the first rotation axis y.
Referring to FIG. 5 , the insertion grooves 1723 are disposed at least as a pair on left and right sides, and an imaginary line L1 passing through the pair of the insertion grooves 1723 is parallel to the first rotation axis y. By this arrangement, the same load may be transferred to the left and right sides of the fixing member 171. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the cleaner from being broken due to a load lean too much toward one side of the fixing member 171. In addition, the operability may be improved, since the same amount of force should be applied to the left and right sides when the user shakes the main body 110 of the cleaner to the left and right sides.
Referring to FIG. 5 , the fixing members 171 may be divided into a rotation member coupling part 1711, a fixing member arm 1712, and the fixing protrusion 1713.
The rotation member coupling part 1711 is disposed on the third rotation axis x when viewed from the front. The rotation member coupling part 1711 is fixed in the second rotation member 164, and rotates along with the second rotation member 164.
The fixing member arms 1712 extend along an outer circumferential surface of the support member 172 from the rotation member coupling part 1711. The fixing member arms 1712 extend to the left and right sides of the rotation member coupling part 1711. The fixing member arms 1712 extend along an outer circumferential surface of the support member 172 in a state being spaced apart from the support member 172 by a certain distance.
The fixing protrusions 1713 extend inward from ends of the fixing member arms 1712, and are locked by the support member 172. The fixing protrusions 1713 extend inward, towards the second rotation axis z. Since an inner end of the fixing protrusion 1713 is convex inward, the fixing protrusions 1713 are locked and fixed by the insertion groove 1723 of the support member 172.
The fixing member arm 1712 is formed in an outwardly convex arc shape. More particularly, the arm of the fixing member is formed in a semicircular arc shape. By this arrangement, the fixing member arm 1712 may have an elasticity in a radial direction. Therefore, when a force at a certain level or higher is applied thereto, the fixation of the fixing member 171 may be released as the fixing member arm 1712 is deformed radially outward.
The fixing member arm 1712 is provided as a pair disposed on left and right sides, respectively, based on an imaginary straight line extending in a longitudinal direction of the second rotation member 164. Here, the imaginary straight line extending in the longitudinal direction of the second rotation member 164 means the third rotation axis x. Since the fixing member arm 1712 is formed to have a symmetry on the left and right sides about the third rotation axis x, a force required for rotating the second rotation member 164 to the left side and a force required for rotating the second rotation member 164 to the right side are identical. Therefore, the operability can be improved.
The rotation member coupling part 1711 is disposed on the imaginary straight line extending in a longitudinal direction of the second rotation member 164. Here, the imaginary straight line extending in the longitudinal direction of the second rotation member 164 may correspond to the third rotation axis x.
Referring to FIG. 5 , the fixing member arm 1712 extends along a circumference of an imaginary circle, and the fixing protrusion 1713 extends toward a center of the imaginary circle. Here, the center of the imaginary circle may correspond to the second rotation axis z. More particularly, the fixing member arm 1712 may be formed in a semicircular shape.
At least a portion of the fixing member 171 includes an elastic material. According to an embodiment, the fixing member 171 may be made of a rubber material. Alternatively, the fixing member 171 may be made of a resin material having an elasticity. Alternatively, it may be possible to configure only the fixing member arm 1712 among the fixing members 171 to be made of an elastic material. The fixing member 171 may include an elastic material, accordingly, it may be possible to fix the second rotation member 164 to the first rotation member 163 when a slight shaking occurs, and the fixation thereof may be released when the user turns the cleaner 100 to move the cleaner 100.
Referring to FIGS. 8 and 10 , the anti-rotation assembly 170 includes an elastic member 173. When the second rotation member 164 rotates in one direction, the elastic member 173 provides a restoration force in the opposite direction. When the second rotation member 164 rotates to the right, the elastic member 173 applies the restoration force to the left side. Conversely, when the second rotation member 164 rotates to the left, the elastic member 173 applies the restoration force to the right side.
Referring to FIG. 8 , the elastic member 173 a may be a torsion spring. The elastic member 173 a is wound on the second rotation axis z, and one end thereof is supported by one side of the second rotation member 164 and another end thereof is supported by another side of the second rotation member 164. The elastic member 173 a may be wound on the support member 172. The elastic member 173 a may be disposed on an inner side surface of the first rotation axis y. A left side end of the elastic member 173 a is supported by a left side surface of the the second rotation member 164, and accordingly, pushes the left side surface of the second rotation member 164 to the left side when the second rotation member 164 rotates to the right. A right side end of the elastic member 173 a is supported by a right side surface of the second rotation member 164, and accordingly, pushes the right side surface of the second rotation member 164 to the right side when the second rotation member 164 rotates to the left. Referring to FIG. 8 , if the second rotation member 164 rotates to the right, the left side end of the elastic member 173 a moves to the right, and the left side end of the elastic member 173 a applies a restoration force to be restored to the left to the left side surface of the second rotation member 164. Conversely, although not illustrated, if the second rotation member 164 rotates to the left, the right side end of the elastic member 173 a moves to the right, and the right side end of the elastic member 173 a applies a restoration force to be restored to the right to the right side surface of the second rotation member 164.
Referring to FIG. 9 , the elastic member 173 b may be a spiral spring. An inner side end of the elastic member 173 b is supported by the first rotation member 163, and an outer side end thereof is supported by the second rotation member 164. The inner side end of the elastic member 173 b is supported by the first rotation member 163. Referring to FIG. 9 , when the second rotation member 164 rotates to the right, the outer side end of the elastic member 173 b rotates to the right, the spiral spring is wound, and the restoration force to be restored to the left is applied to the second rotation member 164. Conversely, although not illustrated, when the second rotation member 164 rotates to the left, the outer side end of the elastic member 173 b rotates to the left, the spiral spring is unwound, and the restoration force to be restored to the right is applied to the second rotation member 164.
Referring to FIG. 10 , the elastic member 173 b may be a plate spring. While the elastic member 173 c extends in a longitudinal direction of the second rotation member 164, a forward end thereof is supported by the first rotation member 163, and at least one side of a rear part thereof is supported by the second rotation member 164. Referring to FIG. 10 , when the second rotation member 164 rotates to the right, the forward end of the second rotation member 164 pushes the elastic member 173 c to the left, the elastic member 173 c is bent to the left, and the elastic member 173 c applies the restoration force to be restored to the right to the second rotation member 164. Conversely, although not illustrated, when the forward end of the second rotation member 164 pushes the elastic member 173 c to the right, the the elastic member 173 b is bent to the right, and the elastic member 173 c applies the restoration force to be restored to the left to the second rotation member 164.
Although not illustrated in the drawings, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the cleaner may not include the first rotation member 163, but include the second rotation member 164 only. In this case, the second rotation member 164 may be disposed between the cleaning module 160 and the main body 110, and rotate the main body 110 about the rotation axis y disposed in one direction. In addition, one end of the anti-rotation assembly 170 may be coupled to the second rotation member 164, and another end thereof may be locked by the cleaning module 160 or the main body 110 to suppress rotation of the main body 110.
According to still another embodiment of the present disclosure, a rearward end of the second rotation member 164 may be coupled to the extension tube 150 connected to the main body 110, and rotate along with the main body 110 about the second rotation axis y.
According to still another embodiment of the present disclosure, the fixing member 171 among the anti-rotation assembly 170 may be coupled to the rotation member 164 and rotate along with the rotation member 164. The support member 172 among the anti-rotation assembly 170 may be disposed in the cleaning module. Therefore, the fixing member 171 disposed in the second rotation member 164 may be locked by the support member 172 disposed in the cleaning module 160 to suppress rotation of the main body 110 and the second rotation member 164.
The operation of the cleaner 100, configured as described above according to the present disclosure, is now described below.
According to the present disclosure, the first rotation member 163 and the second rotation member 164 are disposed between the cleaning module 163 and the extension tube 150. When the user pushes the main body 110 to drop the main body 110, the first rotation member 163 rotates about the first rotation axis y. When the user transfers the main body 110 to the left or right side, the second rotation member 164 rotates about the second rotation axis z.
According to the present disclosure, the anti-rotation assembly includes the fixing member 171 disposed in the second rotation member 164, and the support member 172 disposed in the first rotation member 163. At least one portion of the fixing member 171 is locked by the support member 172 to be fixed. When a force at a certain level or less is applied to the anti-rotation assembly 170 due to shaking and the like, the straightness is maintained since the fixing member 171 is still locked by the support member 172. When the user applies a force at a certain level or higher to the anti-rotation assembly 170 to operate the cleaner, the fixing member 171 is deformed and the fixation of the fixing member 172 is released, thereby the main body 110 of the cleaner may move to the left or right, or the cleaning module 160 may rotate.
According to the present disclosure, the fixing member 171 of the anti-rotation assembly 170 may be composed of the rotation member coupling part 1711, the fixing member arm 1712, and the fixing protrusion 1713. The anti-rotation assembly 170 may be formed of an elastic material. By this arrangement, the fixing member 171 may be fixed continuously even when an external force at a certain level or less is applied to the fixing member 171, and the user may transfer the cleaner to any desired location when an external force at a certain level or higher is applied to the fixing member 171.
According to the present disclosure, a pitch module having the first rotation axis y is connected to the rearward end of the cleaning module 160, and a yaw module having the second rotation axis z is connected to a rearward end of the first rotation axis y. By this arrangement, a height of a connecting portion of the rearward end of the cleaning module 160 may be further lowered, thereby the cleaning module may easily enter and clean a narrow gap.
Although some embodiments have been illustrated and described above, this specification is not limited to the aforementioned specific embodiments, and a person having ordinary skill in the art to which this specification pertains may modify the present invention in various ways without departing from the gist of the claims. Such modified embodiments should not be individually interpreted from the technical spirit or prospect of this specification.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A cleaner, comprising:

a cleaning module configured to suck in outside air;

a main body configured to provide a suction force to the cleaning module;

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

a second rotation member disposed between the cleaning module and the main body, having a second rotation axis vertically disposed, and configured to rotate the main body about the second rotation axis; and

an anti-rotation assembly having one end coupled to the second rotation member and another end locked by the first rotation member.

2. The cleaner of claim 1,

wherein the first rotation axis is disposed at a forward end of the first rotation member, and

wherein the first rotation member is hingedly coupled to a rearward end of the cleaning module through the first rotation axis.

3. The cleaner according to claim 2,

wherein the second rotation axis is disposed at a forward end of the second rotation member,

wherein the second rotation member is hingedly coupled to a rearward end of the first rotation member through the second rotation axis, and

wherein a rearward end of the second rotation member is coupled to a forward end of the main body.

4. The cleaner according to claim 1,

wherein the anti-rotation assembly comprises:

a support member disposed in the first rotation member; and

a fixing member coupled to the second rotation member, and having at least a portion thereof locked by the support member.

5. The cleaner of claim 4,

wherein the support member protrudes in a direction of the second rotation axis from the first rotation member, and

wherein the fixing member is locked by a side surface of the support member.

6. The cleaner of claim 4,

wherein the support member comprises an insertion groove into which the fixing member is inserted, and

wherein the fixing member comprises a fixing protrusion inserted into the insertion groove.

7. The cleaner of claim 6,

wherein the insertion groove is disposed at least as a pair on left and right sides, and

wherein an imaginary straight line passing through the pair of insertion grooves is parallel to the first rotation axis.

8. The cleaner of claim 4,

wherein the fixing member comprises:

a rotation member coupling part coupled to the second rotation member;

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

a fixing protrusion extending inward from an end of the fixing member arm and configured to be locked by the support member.

9. The cleaner of claim 8,

wherein the fixing member arm is formed in an outwardly convex arc shape.

10. The cleaner of claim 8,

wherein the fixing member arm is disposed at least as a pair on left and right sides based on an imaginary straight line extending in a longitudinal direction of the second rotation member.

11. The cleaner of claim 8,

wherein the rotation member coupling part is disposed on an imaginary straight line extending in a longitudinal direction of the second rotation member.

12. The cleaner of claim 8,

wherein the fixing member arm extends along a circumference of an imaginary circle; and

wherein the fixing protrusion extends toward a center of the imaginary circle.

13. The cleaner of claim 4,

wherein at least a portion of the fixing member comprises an elastic material.

14. The cleaner of claim 1,

wherein the anti-rotation assembly further comprises:

an elastic member configured to provide a restoration force to an opposite direction, when the second rotation member rotates in one direction.

15. The cleaner of claim 14,

wherein the elastic member is wound on the second rotation axis, and

wherein one end thereof is supported by one side of the second rotation member, and another end thereof is supported by another side of the second rotation member.

16. The cleaner of claim 14,

wherein the elastic member is a spiral spring having an inner side end thereof supported by the first rotation member, and

an outer side end thereof supported by the second rotation member.

17. The cleaner of claim 14,

wherein the elastic member extends in a longitudinal direction of the second rotation member, and

wherein a forward end of the elastic member is supported by the first rotation member, and at least one side of a rear part thereof is supported by the second rotation member.

18. The cleaner of claim 1,

wherein the second rotation axis is disposed at a rearer position than the first rotation member.

19. A cleaner, comprising:

a cleaning module configured to suck in outside air;

a main body configured to provide a suction force to the cleaning module;

an extension tube having a forward end configured to be communicated with the cleaning module and a rearward end configured to be communicated with the main body;

a first rotation member having a first rotation axis disposed perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the extension tube, and rotatably connected to the cleaning module about the first rotation axis;

a second rotation member having a second rotation axis disposed perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction of the extension tube and the first rotation axis, and having one end thereof rotatably connected to the first rotation member about the second rotation axis, and another end thereof coupled to the extension tube; and

an anti-rotation assembly having one end coupled to the second rotation member, and another end locked by the first rotation member.

20. A cleaner, comprising:

a cleaning module configured to suck in outside air;

a main body configured to provide a suction force to the cleaning module;

a rotation member disposed between the cleaning module and the main body, and configured to rotate the main body about a rotation axis disposed in one direction; and

an anti-rotation assembly having one end thereof coupled to the rotation member, and another end thereof locked by the cleaning module or the main body so as to suppress rotation of the main body.