WO2001097672A1 - A length adjustment device of suction extension pipe for vacuum cleaner - Google Patents

A length adjustment device of suction extension pipe for vacuum cleaner Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001097672A1
WO2001097672A1 PCT/KR2000/001066 KR0001066W WO0197672A1 WO 2001097672 A1 WO2001097672 A1 WO 2001097672A1 KR 0001066 W KR0001066 W KR 0001066W WO 0197672 A1 WO0197672 A1 WO 0197672A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
stopper
length adjustment
pipe
spring
grip
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/KR2000/001066
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jong-Mok Ha
Original Assignee
Eunsung Electronics Co. Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from KR1020000034330A external-priority patent/KR20020000094A/en
Priority claimed from KR1020000045092A external-priority patent/KR20020011675A/en
Priority claimed from KR10-2000-0052181A external-priority patent/KR100381220B1/en
Application filed by Eunsung Electronics Co. Ltd filed Critical Eunsung Electronics Co. Ltd
Priority to AU74571/00A priority Critical patent/AU7457100A/en
Priority to DE20021975U priority patent/DE20021975U1/en
Publication of WO2001097672A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001097672A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/24—Hoses or pipes; Hose or pipe couplings
    • A47L9/242—Hose or pipe couplings
    • A47L9/244—Hose or pipe couplings for telescopic or extensible hoses or pipes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a length adjustment device of a suction extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner and more particularly, to a length adjustment device of a suction extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner in a sliding stopper operating manner capable of adjusting, when the inner and outer pipes constituting the suction extension pipe are extended by a telescopic operation to a desired length, the suction extension pipe to the desired length in a fast and safe manner, with a consequence that the adjusted state can be stably kept against external impacts and the length adjustment of the suction extension pipe can be achieved only with one hand of a user on a grip.
  • a stopper which is fitted within a guide pipe coupled to inner and outer pipes, is locked and unlocked relative to a series of locking grooves formed on the inner pipe to thereby adjust the length of the inner and outer pipes.
  • various structural methods for locking/unlocking the stopper are disclosed in US Patent Nos. 5,941 ,575, 5,692,782 and 5,332,266.
  • a grip operation type is disclosed in German Patent Nos. 197 35 273 A1 and 197 38 194 C1 and a knob operation type is disclosed in European Patent No. 0 552 481 A1 and German Patent No. 4101049 A1.
  • each locking groove has to have a big inside insertion angle.
  • each locking groove and the coupling portion of the stopper therewith should have a curved portion and thus, the mutual interference action between the locking groove and the stopper upon the length expansion action of the pipe should be minimized.
  • the pipe coupling force (hereinafter, referred to as pressure force) is readily deviated even in the case where a slight impact is applied to the stopper controller in the state where the stopper has been locked, such that the adjusted length may be undesirably changed.
  • the pressure force may be weakened due to the abrasion of the stopper and the locking grooves by the repetitive use for a long period of time, such that the use functionalities of the stopper and the locking grooves may be lost.
  • a structural friction between the locking grooves and the stopper causes the generation of noise, thereby deteriorating the product compatibility.
  • the present invention strives for avoiding the disadvantages of the length adjustment devices mentioned above.
  • an object of the present invention to provide a length adjustment device of a suction extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner capable of changing a method for assembling/separating a stopper in upward and downward movement, which is used widely in a stopper controller of a conventional telescopic type suction extension pipe, into a new method for moving a stopper in a release area positioned on the both ends in a length direction of a stopper locking groove, whereby the pressure force of the suction extension pipe locked to the stopper can be increased to the full extent thereof.
  • Fig. 1 .1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the construction of a length adjustment device of a suction extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 1.2 is a sectional view illustrating the assembling state of Fig. 1 .1 ;
  • Fig. 1 .3 is a sectional view illustrating the state where the length adjustment stops in the length adjustment device in Fig. 1 .1 ;
  • Fig. 1 .3a is a sectional view taken along the line A — A of Fig.
  • Fig. 1 .3b is a sectional view taken along the line A' — A 1 of Fig. 1 .3a;
  • Fig. 1 .4 is a sectional view illustrating the state where the length is reduced in the length adjustment device in Fig. 1 .1 ;
  • Fig. 1 .4a is a sectional view taken along the line B — B of Fig. 1 .4;
  • Fig. 1.4b is a sectional view taken along the line B 1 — B' of Fig. 1 .4a;
  • Fig. 1 .5 is a sectional view illustrating the state where the length is extended in the length adjustment device in Fig. 1 .1 ;
  • Fig. 1 .5a is a sectional view taken along the line C — C of Fig. 1 .5;
  • Fig. 1 .5b is a sectional view taken along the line C — C of Fig. 1 .5a;
  • Fig. 2.1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the construction of a length adjustment device of a suction extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;
  • Fig. 2.2 is a sectional view illustrating the assembling state of
  • Fig. 2.3 is a sectional view illustrating the state where the length adjustment stops in the length adjustment device in Fig. 2.1 ;
  • Fig. 2.3a is a sectional view taken along the line A — A of Fig. 2.3;
  • Fig. 2.4 is a sectional view illustrating the state where the length is reduced in the length adjustment device in Fig. 2.1 ;
  • Fig. 2.4a is a sectional view taken along the line B — B of Fig. 2.4;
  • Fig. 2.5 is a sectional view illustrating the state where the length is extended in the length adjustment device in Fig. 2.1 ;
  • Fig. 2.5a is a sectional view taken along the line C — C of Fig. 2.5;
  • Fig. 3.1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the construction of a length adjustment device of a suction extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 3.2 is a sectional view illustrating the assembling state of Fig. 3.1
  • Fig. 3.3 is a sectional view illustrating the state where the length adjustment stops in the length adjustment device in Fig. 3.1 ;
  • Fig. 3.3a is a sectional view taken along the line A — A of Fig. 3.3;
  • Fig. 3.4 is a sectional view illustrating the state where the length is reduced in the length adjustment device in Fig. 3.1 ;
  • Fig. 3.4a is a sectional view taken along the line B — B of Fig. 3.4;
  • Fig. 3.5 is a sectional view illustrating the state where the length is extended in the length adjustment device in Fig. 3.1 ;
  • Fig. 3.5a is a sectional view taken along the line C — C of Fig. 3.5;
  • Fig. 4 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of the inner pipe of the length adjustment device according to the present invention.
  • a length adjustment device of a suction extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner comprising an inner pipe having a plurality of locking grooves spaced at predetermined intervals on the upper portion thereof and an indented guide groove in a length direction thereof on the lower portion thereof and a guide pipe having a guide protrusion on the inner peripheral surface thereof, in order to be sliding-fitted to the inner pipe and having a coupling member fitted to a coupling groove on an outer pipe, thereby achieving a desired length adjustment operation, characterized in that upon the operation of the guide pipe and a grip as an outer body of the length adjustment device in a length direction thereof, the guide pipe and the grip are biased by means of an elastic force of a spring, a cover forming the grip is provided at the top end of the interior thereof with a stopper controller for sliding-conveying a stopper and at the bottom end of the interior thereof with a spring operator for an elasticity bias operation of the spring, the stopper fitted on a stopper coupling groove
  • Fig. 1 .1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the construction of a length adjustment device of a suction extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 1.2 is a sectional view illustrating the assembling state of Fig. 1 .1
  • Figs. 1 .3a to 1 .5b are sectional views illustrating the operational states of the length adjustment device according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig.
  • the length adjustment device 1 of a suction extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner comprises an inner pipe 4 having a plurality of indented locking grooves 2 spaced at predetermined intervals on the upper portion thereof and a guide groove 3 in a length direction thereof on the lower portion thereof, a guide pipe 1.7 having a pipe guide protrusion 1 .5a on the inner peripheral surface thereof, in order to be sliding— fitted to the inner pipe 4 and having a coupling member 1 .16a fixedly fitted to a coupling groove 1 .16 on an outer pipe 8.
  • the guide pipe 1 .7 is provided with a cover guide rail 1 .5b in a length direction thereof on the outer peripheral surface of the upper portion thereof, a stopper coupling groove 1.14 in a circumferential direction thereof and a pair of spring fitting protrusions 1.10b arranged symmetrically to a spring insertion protrusion 1 .10a on the outer peripheral surface of the lower portion thereof.
  • a stopper controller 1.6 comprising a stopper returning protrusion 1 .6b, a stopper releasing protrusion 1 .6a and a stopper push member 1 .6c.
  • a spring operator 1 .9 comprising a spring locking protrusion 1 .9a and a guide pipe guide groove 1 .9b.
  • a pair of stoppers 1.15 which is disposed into the stopper coupling groove 1 .14 to conduct an opening/closing operation, is controlled by the stopper controller 1 .6 on the inner surface of the upper end cover 1 .13, and a loop type spring 1 .11 , which is intervened between the spring insertion protrusion 1 .10a and the pair of spring fitting protrusions 1.10b, is coupled to the spring operator 1.9 on the lower end cover 1.12.
  • the pair of stoppers 1.15 has been inclined at a predetermined angle on the connected portions to the stopper controller 1 .6 for the purpose of exerting an induction sliding movement and is of a symmetrical shape adequate to the symmetrical structure of the present invention.
  • the pair of stoppers 1 .15 is inserted into the stopper coupling groove 1.14 formed in the circumferential direction on the guide pipe 1.7 and then, the upper cover 1 .13 having the stopper controller 1.6 on the inner surface thereof is coupled on the upper portion of the guide pipe 1.7.
  • the loop type spring 1 .1 1 is mounted on the spring insertion protrusion 1.10 and then elastically installed between the pair of spring locking protrusions 1.9.
  • the lower cover 1.12 having the spring operator 1 .9 on the inner surface thereof is coupled on the lower portion of the guide pipe 1.7, and the guide pipe 1 .7 is biased by means of the elastic force of the spring.
  • a grip G as an outer body of the length adjustment device is formed with an outer cap 1.18 and an inner cap 1.17.
  • the outer body comprised of the outer cap 1 .18, the inner cap 1.17 and the upper and lower covers 1.13 and 1 .12, which has the pair of stoppers 1 .15, the spring 1 .1 1 and the guide pipe 1 .7 in the interior thereof, functions as the length adjustment grip G of the suction extension pipe for adjusting the mutual length between the inner pipe 4 and the outer pipe 8.
  • the stopper controller 1 .6 and the spring operator 1 .9 are formed as an integral body with the inner surface of each cover, but may be formed as separate components from each cover.
  • the guide pipe 1 .7 is provided with the cover guide rail 1.5b in the length direction thereof on the outer peripheral surface of the upper portion thereof and the stopper coupling groove 1.14 in a circumferential direction thereof perpendicularly to the cover guide rail 1 .5b on the intermediate position thereof, the groove 1.14 being passed through the cover guide rail 1 .5b with an appropriate interval and length.
  • the pair of stoppers 1.15 inserted into the stopper coupling groove 14 is released and separated by means of the stopper releasing protrusion 1.6a of the stopper controller 1.6, and then, the separated stoppers 1.15 are slidingly moved along the locking protrusion 2 of the inner pipe 4 to the end portion of the locking protrusion 2 on which the separation and release of the stoppers 1.15 are completed.
  • the stoppers 1 .15 which have been positioned on the both end portions of the locking groove 2 according to the sliding separation movement, complete the movement to the release area of the locking groove 2 on the inner pipe 4.
  • the linear movement provides the release area of the locking groove 2 to the stopper 1.15, which prevents the friction interference between the stoppers 1 .15 and each of the locking grooves 2 caused due to the gravity or sliding operation of the stoppers 1.15.
  • the inner pipe 4 is provided with the plurality of locking grooves 2 into each of which the stopper is inserted on the circumferential surface thereof.
  • the plurality of locking grooves 2 are composed of a series of press grooves spaced at predetermined intervals on the outer peripheral surface on the circular inner pipe.
  • Each of the plurality of locking grooves 2 is designed to be reduced in depth symmetrically as it is gradually distant from the center thereof. Therefore, the locking groove 2 on the both ends thereof does not have any function as the locking groove.
  • the pair of stoppers is under the construction of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention slidingly moved on the locking groove 2 and thus disposed on the release area on the both ends of the locking groove, if an external force is directly applied to the stoppers.
  • the spring compression force applied to the grip G is changed into a restoring force for returning to its equilibrium state at a fast speed, which is thus applied to the stoppers 1 .15 positioned on the both ends of the locking groove 2 along the stopper restoring protrusion 1.6b formed on the upper cover 1.13, such that the pair of stoppers 1 .15 moves to the center of the locking groove 2, thereby conducting a stopper coupling operation.
  • the stoppers 1 .15 should be returned along the locking groove 2 of the inner pipe 4 by means of a stopper push member 1 .9c.
  • FIG. 1 .3b illustrates the equilibrium state of the loop type spring 1 1 , where the compression force and the elastically restoring force by means of the loop type spring 1 .1 1 are not generated on the grip G.
  • the loop type spring 1 1 has the equilibrium angle to the spring locking protrusions 1.9, and the pair of opening/closing stoppers 1 .15 is assembled to each other on the center of the locking groove 2 of the inner pipe 4, as shown in Fig. 1 .3a, which means the coupling state of the inner pipe 4 and the outer pipe 8.
  • Figs. 1 .4b and 1.5b illustrate the biased state of the loop type spring 1 1 , where the compression force and the elastically restoring force by means of the loop type spring 1.1 1 mounted on the grip G are generated in the length direction in proportion to the relative position to the grip G and the guide pipe 1 .7.
  • the loop type spring 1.1 1 is deviated from the left or right spring insertion protrusion 1 .10b and then locked to the left or right spring locking protrusion 1 .9a, with a result that the spring applies the compression force in left or right length direction.
  • the stopper release protrusion 1 .6a of the stopper controller 1 .6 operates between the pair of stoppers 1.15 positioned on the center of the locking groove 2 to thereby move the stoppers on the both ends of the locking groove 2, i. e. the release area.
  • the compression force of the spring 1 .1 1 is continuously applied to the length direction of the pipe, thereby carrying out the length adjustment operation.
  • the pair of stoppers is returned by the elastic restoring force of the spring installed in the interior of the grip G, such that it is locked to the corresponding locking groove. This is achieved by the operation of the stopper returning protrusion 1 .6b and the stopper push member 1 .6c of the stopper controller 1 .6 in a fast manner.
  • the elastic restoring force of the spring returns the stopper controller 1.6 formed on the upper end cover 1 .13 to the center position of an initial equilibrium state, and upon the returning of the stopper controller 1 .6, the stoppers on the release area is guided and returned to its original position of the stopper assembling state by the operation of the protrusion wall portions formed inclinedly left and right of the stopper returning protrusions 1 .6b.
  • the pair of stoppers 1 .15 is positioned rapidly in the locking groove 2 by means of the stopper push member 1 .6c formed in the stopper controller 1 .6 and then moves to the center portion of the locking groove 2 along the groove direction thereof, with a consequence that the stoppers 1.15 is stably locked in the locking groove 2 of the inner pipe 4.
  • Fig. 2.1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the construction of a length adjustment device of a suction extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 2.2 is a sectional view illustrating the assembling state of Fig. 2.1
  • Figs. 2.3 to 2.5a are sectional views illustrating the operational states of the length adjustment device according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the length adjustment device 1 of a suction extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner comprises an inner pipe 4 having a plurality of indented locking grooves 2 spaced at predetermined intervals on the upper portion thereof and a guide groove 3 in a length direction thereof on the lower portion thereof and a guide pipe 2.7 having a guide rail 2.5 on the inner peripheral surface thereof, through which the inner pipe 4 is slidingly fitted and having a coupling member 2.16a fixedly fitted to a coupling groove 2.16 on an outer pipe 8.
  • the guide pipe 7 is provided with a stopper coupling groove 2.14 in a circumferential direction on the outer peripheral upper surface thereof and a protrusion 2.12 in an axial direction on the outer peripheral lower surface thereof.
  • a stopper 2.15 is disposed in the stopper coupling groove 2.14 for guiding the stopper and then, a slide protrusion 2.15a and a slide base 2.6 are coupled in an engaging manner.
  • the slide base 2.6 is provided with an obliquely slide indented groove 2.9 on the inner surface thereof, into which the slide protrusion 2.15a formed on the upper surface of the stopper 2.15 is assembled in the sliding manner.
  • a coil spring 2.1 1 is elastically installed on the front and back portions of the protrusion 2.1 , with a result that the guide pipe 2.7 is biased by the tension of the coil spring 2.1 1 and then, the outer body is formed with an outer cap 2.18, an inner cap 2.17 and a cover 2.10.
  • the grip G as the outer body comprised of the outer cap 2.18, the inner cap 2.17 and the cover 2.10 installs the components composed of the slide base 2.6, the stopper 2.15, the spring 2.1 1 and the guide pipe 2.7 in relation with the engagement with each other in the interior thereof, such that the grip G functions to adjust the mutual length between the inner pipe 4 and the outer pipe 8 for the length adjustment of the suction extension pipe.
  • the stopper 2.15 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is of a polyhedral shape and forms the slide protrusion 2.15a for sliding movement on the top portion thereof and an inclined portion on an oblique surface 2.15b in a height direction on the both ends thereof.
  • the slide protrusion 2.15a of the stopper 2.15 is closely inserted into the slide groove 2.9 formed on the slide base 2.6, thereby conducting the sliding movement.
  • the body of the stopper 2.15 is contacted and connected to the locking groove 2 of the inner pipe 4, thereby being guided and slid on the locking groove 2.
  • the slide groove 2.9 is formed in an oblique direction when viewed in the direction of the movement of the grip G to convert the reciprocating linear movement as the operating external force applied to the grip G into the circumferential direction movement perpendicularly thereto, thereby applying the converted movement to the stopper 2.15.
  • the stopper 2.15 is released as induced in the perpendicular direction to the direction of the force applied initially to the grip G. After the stopper 2.15 reaches the release area, the force applied continuously to the grip G is applied to the outer pipe 8, thereby conducting the telescopic length extension of the suction extension pipe in an mechanical structure.
  • Fig. 3.1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the construction of a length adjustment device of a suction extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner according to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 3.2 is a sectional view illustrating the assembling state of Fig. 3.1
  • Figs. 3.3 to 3.5a are sectional views illustrating the operational states of the length adjustment device according to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the length adjustment device 1 of a suction extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner comprises an inner pipe 4 having a plurality of indented locking grooves 2 spaced at predetermined intervals on the upper portion thereof and a guide groove 3 in a length direction thereof on the lower portion thereof and a guide pipe 3.7 having a guide rail 5 on the inner peripheral surface thereof, through which the inner pipe 4 is slidingly fitted and having a protruded rail 3.6 in an oblique direction of the axis thereof on the outer peripheral surface thereof, the guide pipe 3.7 fixedly fitted to an outer pipe 8, and a lower cover 3.10 having a guide groove 3.9 through which the protruded rail 3.6 on the guide pipe 3.7 is induced on the inner peripheral surface thereof.
  • a spring 3.1 1 is disposed at the front and back portions of the guide pipe 3.7, i. e. on the inner and outer pipes 4 and 8, for elastically supporting the guide pipe 3.7 left and right on an internal space portion 3.13 where the upper and lower covers 3.12 and 3.10 have been formed, upon the assembling of the upper and lower covers 3.12 and 3.10.
  • the assembled upper and lower covers 3.12 and 3.10 function as the grip G adjusting the length of the suction extension pipe.
  • the guide pipe 3.7 is provided with a stopper coupling groove 3.14 in a circumferential direction perpendicular to the length direction on the outer peripheral upper surface thereof, into which a stopper 3.15 is disposed.
  • the stopper 3.15 takes a three-dimensional parallelogram shape and has an inclined portion 3.15a of an oblique side in a height direction thereof, with a consequence that the stopper 15 is coupled to a stopper push member 3.16 formed on the corresponding portion thereto on the inner peripheral surface of the upper cover 3.12.
  • the stopper push member 16 is composed of a protrusion formed as an integral body with the upper cover 12 on the inner peripheral surface of the center of the upper cover 12 and takes a trapezoid shape in the section thereof.
  • the side shape of the stopper push member 3.16 is appropriately inclined as being consistent to the oblique side shape of the stopper 3.15, and when the grip G is twisted in the oblique direction, the inclined surface of the stopper push member 3.16 is coupled to the inclined surface on the side section formed on the stopper 3.15, such that the stopper 3.15 moves to the release area along the stopper coupling groove 3.14.
  • the movement direction of the stopper 3.15 to the release area is exerted in the direction perpendicular to the direction of force applied initially for releasing the stopper 3.15.
  • the stopper 3.15 and the stopper coupling groove 3.14 do not need the formation of the curved portion for the purpose of obtaining a high pressure force, and as discussed above, they need a big inside insertion angle for the purpose of moving the stopper 3.15 in a smooth manner in the direction of length of the stopper coupling groove 3.14 within the stopper coupling groove 3.14.
  • the stopper 3.15 of the present invention does not need any curved surface on the lower portion where the curved portion is formed, as embodied in the conventional stopper.
  • the guide pipe 3.7 which is fixed on the inner pipe 4 and the outer pipe 8, is elastically supported by means of the left and right springs 3.1 1 within the upper and lower covers 3.12 and 3.10.
  • inner and outer caps 3.17 and 3.18 are fixedly assembled on the both ends of the upper and lower covers 3.12 and 3.10.
  • the inner pipe 4 as shown in Fig.
  • the upper and lower covers 3.12 and 3.10 may be formed as an unified body to each other.
  • the grip G when the grip G is pressed with one hand of a user in order to expand the suction extension pipe in a length direction thereof, an initial external force is exerted to pull or push the grip G in the axis direction thereof.
  • the exerted external force in the lower or upper directions of the axis by the operation of the grip G is induced by means of the protruded rail 3.6 formed in the oblique direction of the axis on the circumferential surface of the guide pipe 3.7 and the guide groove 3.9 formed on the inner peripheral surface of the lower cover 3.10, such that the external force is converted into an oblique movement force being turning. That is, the external force upon the initial operation is induced to a twisting movement where the grip G carries out a turning movement for a predetermined moment by the guide action as mentioned above.
  • the twisting movement is biased by the spring 3.11 elastically installed symmetrically in the front and back portions in the interior of the grip G and at the same time, a force of restoring the grip G at a fast speed to an equilibrium state as a coupling state is exerted.
  • the stopper 3.15 moves up to the end portion in the length direction of the stopper coupling groove 3.14 and at this time, the stopper 3.15 is disposed in the release area relative to the stopper coupling groove 14.
  • the plurality of locking grooves 2 into each of which the stopper 3.15 is inserted, formed on the circumferential surface of the inner pipe 4, are composed of a series of press grooves spaced at predetermined intervals on the circular pipe 4.
  • Each of the plurality of locking grooves 2 is formed to be reduced in depth symmetrically as it is gradually distant from the center thereof. Therefore, the both ends of the locking groove 2 do not have any function as the locking groove.
  • the stopper 3.15 positioned on the ends of the locking groove 2 moves to a safe area where the interference of the locking groove 2 does not exist and at this time, by applying a continuous external force to the grip G or an additional external force to the inner pipe 4 or the outer pipe 8, the telescopic type suction extension pipe can be rapidly expanded and adjusted in length.
  • the stopper 3.15 is of the three-dimensional parallelogram shape and has the inclined portion 3.15a of an oblique side in a height direction thereof, thereby being coupled to the stopper push member 3.16.
  • the stopper push member 3.16 comprises the protrusion formed as an integral body with the upper cover 3.12 on the inner peripheral surface of the center of the upper cover 3.12 and takes the trapezoid shape in the section thereof.
  • the trapezoid side shape of stopper push member 3.16 is appropriately inclined as being consistent to the oblique side shape of the stopper 3.15 and when the grip G is twisted in the oblique direction, the inclined surface of the stopper push member 3.16 is coupled to the inclined surface on the side section formed on the stopper 3.15, such that the stopper 3.15 moves to the release area along the locking groove 2.
  • the movement direction of the stopper 3.15 to the release area is exerted in the direction perpendicular to the direction of force applied initially for releasing the stopper 3.15.
  • the stopper 3.15 is released as induced in the perpendicular direction to the direction of the force applied initially to the grip G. After the stopper 3.15 reaches the release area, the force applied continuously to the grip G is applied to the outer pipe 8, thereby conducting the telescopic length extension of the suction extension pipe in an mechanical structure.
  • the stopper 3.15 and the locking groove 2 do not need the formation of the curved portion on the connected portion therebetween for the purpose of obtaining a high pressure force, and they need a big inside insertion angle for the purpose of moving the stopper 3.15 in a smooth manner in the direction of length of the stopper coupling groove 3.14.
  • the preferred embodiments of the present invention have the different construction from the conventional construction where the stopper moves up and down or the upper release area for the stopper is provided, thereby drastically increasing the pressure force.
  • the external force applied to the grip G is exerted to push or pull the suction extension pipe in the advancing direction of the initial external force, and by the above-mentioned continuous operation, a desired extension pipe length is adjusted.
  • the above length adjustment can be continuously achieved with the one hand of the user on the grip G, without suffering any inconvenience.
  • a length adjustment device of a suction extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner has the following advantages: firstly, a stopper is moved along a length direction of each of a plurality of locking grooves formed on an inner pipe, thereby increasing the pressure force of the suction extension pipe coupled to the stopper to the full extent thereof; secondly, the force exerted on an adjusting grip is applied directly to the stopper for the purpose of releasing the stopper, thereby leading the stopper to a release area at a fast speed, and at the same time the force continuously exerted on the adjusting grip is applied to carry out a telescopic length adjustment of the suction extension pipe, thereby achieving the pipe expansion operation with one hand of a user on the adjusting grip in a fast and smooth manner; and thirdly, the friction between each locking groove of the inner pipe and the stopper is minimized, thereby remarkably reducing the generation of noise caused due to the friction and minimizing the abrasion of the stopper

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Electric Vacuum Cleaner (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a length adjustment device of a suction extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner capable of adjusting, when the inner and outer pipes constituting the suction extension pipe are extended by a telescopic operation to a desired length, the suction extension pipe to the desired length in a fast and safe manner, in a sliding stopper operating manner, with a consequence that the adjusted state can be stably kept against external impacts and the length adjustment of the suction extension pipe can be achieved only with one hand of a user on a grip. The device is characterized in that upon the operation of a guide pipe (7) and a grip as an outer body of the length adjustment device in a length direction thereof, the guide pipe (7) and the grip are biased by means of an elastic force of a spring, a cover forming the grip is provided at the top end of the interior thereof with a stopper controller (6) for sliding-conveying a stopper (15) and at the bottom end of the interior thereof with a spring operator (9) for an elasticity bias operation of the spring (11), the stopper (15) fitted on a stopper coupling groove (14) formed in a circumferential length direction to pass through the guide pipe (7) on the top end portion of the guide pipe (7) and controlled under the stopper controller (6) formed on the top end of the interior of the cover, each of the locking grooves (2) is coupled to be closely contacted on the bottom end of the stopper, whereby the stopper (15) carries out an opening/closing movement in the stopper coupling groove (14) relative to the movement of a grip in forward and backward length directions, thereby carrying out the desired length adjustment of the inner pipe (4).

Description

A LENGTH ADJUSTMENT DEVICE OF SUCTION EXTENSION PIPE FOR VACUUM CLEANER
Technical Field The present invention relates to a length adjustment device of a suction extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner and more particularly, to a length adjustment device of a suction extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner in a sliding stopper operating manner capable of adjusting, when the inner and outer pipes constituting the suction extension pipe are extended by a telescopic operation to a desired length, the suction extension pipe to the desired length in a fast and safe manner, with a consequence that the adjusted state can be stably kept against external impacts and the length adjustment of the suction extension pipe can be achieved only with one hand of a user on a grip.
Background Art
In a general structure of conventionally developed length adjustment devices of a suction extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner, a stopper, which is fitted within a guide pipe coupled to inner and outer pipes, is locked and unlocked relative to a series of locking grooves formed on the inner pipe to thereby adjust the length of the inner and outer pipes. Under the above structure, various structural methods for locking/unlocking the stopper are disclosed in US Patent Nos. 5,941 ,575, 5,692,782 and 5,332,266.
Particularly, from the viewpoint of the outward appearance of a stopper controller, a grip operation type is disclosed in German Patent Nos. 197 35 273 A1 and 197 38 194 C1 and a knob operation type is disclosed in European Patent No. 0 552 481 A1 and German Patent No. 4101049 A1.
In the above-mentioned conventional various methods, however, even if the stopper is locked and unlocked to/from the locking groove formed on the inner pipe, an external force is basically applied to a stopper push member for fixing the stopper coupling the inner and outer pipes and thus, the stopper leads to a release area formed on the top portion thereof to thereby induce the ascending attachment/detachment movement of the stopper with the mutual drawing and inserting operations between the inner and outer pipes. So, the stopper is slid and moved along the center axis of the locking groove formed in the inner pipe.
In other words, the conventional stopper releasing and coupling method puts many restrictions on the shapes of the locking grooves formed on the inner pipe and the stopper. In more detail, for an easy operation of the detachment of the stopper upon the length expansion adjustment, each locking groove has to have a big inside insertion angle. In order to induce the coupling in a fast and stable manner upon the locking of the stopper in the locking groove, each locking groove and the coupling portion of the stopper therewith should have a curved portion and thus, the mutual interference action between the locking groove and the stopper upon the length expansion action of the pipe should be minimized.
Under the above operation principle, however, there still occur some structural problems that during the length adjustment is carried out, the friction between the stopper and the locking grooves is essentially produced, which causes the generation of noise and the reduction of pressure forces.
In more detail, in the conventional length adjustment device of the extension pipe the pipe coupling force (hereinafter, referred to as pressure force) is readily deviated even in the case where a slight impact is applied to the stopper controller in the state where the stopper has been locked, such that the adjusted length may be undesirably changed. In addition, the pressure force may be weakened due to the abrasion of the stopper and the locking grooves by the repetitive use for a long period of time, such that the use functionalities of the stopper and the locking grooves may be lost. Furthermore, a structural friction between the locking grooves and the stopper causes the generation of noise, thereby deteriorating the product compatibility.
To solve the above problems that the pressure force is reduced and the noise are generated, another prior art device is disclosed in Germany Patent No. 197 06 210 and US Patent No. 5,692,782 according to which the stopper is locked to a plurality of grooves at the same time. Furthermore, the shape of each groove is made stably against the direction where an external force is applied to the extension pipe, and the stopper is smoothly unlocked from the locking grooves upon the releasing. However, these prior art arises some problems that the limitations in the stopper detachment manner according to the stopper ascending suffered under the conventional operation principle remain still without any solution.
Disclosure of the Invention
The present invention strives for avoiding the disadvantages of the length adjustment devices mentioned above.
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a length adjustment device of a suction extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner capable of changing a method for assembling/separating a stopper in upward and downward movement, which is used widely in a stopper controller of a conventional telescopic type suction extension pipe, into a new method for moving a stopper in a release area positioned on the both ends in a length direction of a stopper locking groove, whereby the pressure force of the suction extension pipe locked to the stopper can be increased to the full extent thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a length adjustment device of a suction extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner capable of applying the force exerted on an adjusting grip upon the length expansion operation of the suction extension pipe directly to a stopper for the purpose of releasing the stopper, thereby leading the stopper on a release area at a fast speed and at the same time, applying the force continuously exerted on the adjusting grip in an axial direction corresponding to a telescopic operation of the suction extension pipe, whereby the pipe expansion operation can be completed in a fast and smooth manner with one hand of a user on the adjusting grip.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a length adjustment device of a suction extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner capable of reducing the generation of friction between each of the locking grooves of an inner pipe and a stopper upon a length adjustment operation at its minimum, whereby the generation of noise caused due to the friction can be remarkably reduced and the abrasion of the stopper and the locking grooves caused due to the repeated use for a long period of time can be minimized.
Brief Description of the Drawings
A few preferred embodiment of the length adjustment device according to the present invention will be described below, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 .1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the construction of a length adjustment device of a suction extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 1.2 is a sectional view illustrating the assembling state of Fig. 1 .1 ;
Fig. 1 .3 is a sectional view illustrating the state where the length adjustment stops in the length adjustment device in Fig. 1 .1 ; Fig. 1 .3a is a sectional view taken along the line A — A of Fig.
1 .3;
Fig. 1 .3b is a sectional view taken along the line A' — A1 of Fig. 1 .3a;
Fig. 1 .4 is a sectional view illustrating the state where the length is reduced in the length adjustment device in Fig. 1 .1 ;
Fig. 1 .4a is a sectional view taken along the line B — B of Fig. 1 .4;
Fig. 1.4b is a sectional view taken along the line B1 — B' of Fig. 1 .4a; Fig. 1 .5 is a sectional view illustrating the state where the length is extended in the length adjustment device in Fig. 1 .1 ;
Fig. 1 .5a is a sectional view taken along the line C — C of Fig. 1 .5;
Fig. 1 .5b is a sectional view taken along the line C — C of Fig. 1 .5a; Fig. 2.1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the construction of a length adjustment device of a suction extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2.2 is a sectional view illustrating the assembling state of
Fig. 2.1 ;
Fig. 2.3 is a sectional view illustrating the state where the length adjustment stops in the length adjustment device in Fig. 2.1 ;
Fig. 2.3a is a sectional view taken along the line A — A of Fig. 2.3;
Fig. 2.4 is a sectional view illustrating the state where the length is reduced in the length adjustment device in Fig. 2.1 ;
Fig. 2.4a is a sectional view taken along the line B — B of Fig. 2.4; Fig. 2.5 is a sectional view illustrating the state where the length is extended in the length adjustment device in Fig. 2.1 ;
Fig. 2.5a is a sectional view taken along the line C — C of Fig. 2.5;
Fig. 3.1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the construction of a length adjustment device of a suction extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 3.2 is a sectional view illustrating the assembling state of Fig. 3.1 ; Fig. 3.3 is a sectional view illustrating the state where the length adjustment stops in the length adjustment device in Fig. 3.1 ;
Fig. 3.3a is a sectional view taken along the line A — A of Fig. 3.3;
Fig. 3.4 is a sectional view illustrating the state where the length is reduced in the length adjustment device in Fig. 3.1 ;
Fig. 3.4a is a sectional view taken along the line B — B of Fig. 3.4;
Fig. 3.5 is a sectional view illustrating the state where the length is extended in the length adjustment device in Fig. 3.1 ; Fig. 3.5a is a sectional view taken along the line C — C of Fig. 3.5; and
Fig. 4 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of the inner pipe of the length adjustment device according to the present invention.
Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
To accomplish these and other objects of the present invention, there is provided a length adjustment device of a suction extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner comprising an inner pipe having a plurality of locking grooves spaced at predetermined intervals on the upper portion thereof and an indented guide groove in a length direction thereof on the lower portion thereof and a guide pipe having a guide protrusion on the inner peripheral surface thereof, in order to be sliding-fitted to the inner pipe and having a coupling member fitted to a coupling groove on an outer pipe, thereby achieving a desired length adjustment operation, characterized in that upon the operation of the guide pipe and a grip as an outer body of the length adjustment device in a length direction thereof, the guide pipe and the grip are biased by means of an elastic force of a spring, a cover forming the grip is provided at the top end of the interior thereof with a stopper controller for sliding-conveying a stopper and at the bottom end of the interior thereof with a spring operator for an elasticity bias operation of the spring, the stopper fitted on a stopper coupling groove formed in a circumferential length direction to pass through the guide pipe on the top end portion of the guide pipe and controlled under the stopper controller formed on the top end of the interior of the cover, each of the locking grooves is coupled to be closely contacted on the bottom end of the stopper, whereby the stopper carries out an opening/closing movement in the stopper coupling groove relative to the movement of a grip in forward and backward length directions, thereby carrying out the desired length adjustment of the inner pipe.
A First Preferred Embodiment ;
Firstly, an explanation of the construction and operation of the length adjustment device according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention will be in detail discussed with reference to Figs. 1 .1 to 1.5b.
Fig. 1 .1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the construction of a length adjustment device of a suction extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 1.2 is a sectional view illustrating the assembling state of Fig. 1 .1 , and Figs. 1 .3a to 1 .5b are sectional views illustrating the operational states of the length adjustment device according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1.1 , the length adjustment device 1 of a suction extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises an inner pipe 4 having a plurality of indented locking grooves 2 spaced at predetermined intervals on the upper portion thereof and a guide groove 3 in a length direction thereof on the lower portion thereof, a guide pipe 1.7 having a pipe guide protrusion 1 .5a on the inner peripheral surface thereof, in order to be sliding— fitted to the inner pipe 4 and having a coupling member 1 .16a fixedly fitted to a coupling groove 1 .16 on an outer pipe 8. The guide pipe 1 .7 is provided with a cover guide rail 1 .5b in a length direction thereof on the outer peripheral surface of the upper portion thereof, a stopper coupling groove 1.14 in a circumferential direction thereof and a pair of spring fitting protrusions 1.10b arranged symmetrically to a spring insertion protrusion 1 .10a on the outer peripheral surface of the lower portion thereof.
On the inner surface of the upper end cover 1 .13 coupling on the upper outer peripheral surface of the guide pipe 1 .7, there is provided a stopper controller 1.6 comprising a stopper returning protrusion 1 .6b, a stopper releasing protrusion 1 .6a and a stopper push member 1 .6c. On the other hand, On the inner surface of the lower end cover 1.12 coupling on the lower outer peripheral surface of the guide pipe 1 .7, there is provided a spring operator 1 .9 comprising a spring locking protrusion 1 .9a and a guide pipe guide groove 1 .9b.
A pair of stoppers 1.15, which is disposed into the stopper coupling groove 1 .14 to conduct an opening/closing operation, is controlled by the stopper controller 1 .6 on the inner surface of the upper end cover 1 .13, and a loop type spring 1 .11 , which is intervened between the spring insertion protrusion 1 .10a and the pair of spring fitting protrusions 1.10b, is coupled to the spring operator 1.9 on the lower end cover 1.12.
The pair of stoppers 1.15 has been inclined at a predetermined angle on the connected portions to the stopper controller 1 .6 for the purpose of exerting an induction sliding movement and is of a symmetrical shape adequate to the symmetrical structure of the present invention.
In other words, the pair of stoppers 1 .15 is inserted into the stopper coupling groove 1.14 formed in the circumferential direction on the guide pipe 1.7 and then, the upper cover 1 .13 having the stopper controller 1.6 on the inner surface thereof is coupled on the upper portion of the guide pipe 1.7. On the other hand, the loop type spring 1 .1 1 is mounted on the spring insertion protrusion 1.10 and then elastically installed between the pair of spring locking protrusions 1.9. Under the above state, the lower cover 1.12 having the spring operator 1 .9 on the inner surface thereof is coupled on the lower portion of the guide pipe 1.7, and the guide pipe 1 .7 is biased by means of the elastic force of the spring. Then, a grip G as an outer body of the length adjustment device is formed with an outer cap 1.18 and an inner cap 1.17.
The outer body comprised of the outer cap 1 .18, the inner cap 1.17 and the upper and lower covers 1.13 and 1 .12, which has the pair of stoppers 1 .15, the spring 1 .1 1 and the guide pipe 1 .7 in the interior thereof, functions as the length adjustment grip G of the suction extension pipe for adjusting the mutual length between the inner pipe 4 and the outer pipe 8. On the other hand, the stopper controller 1 .6 and the spring operator 1 .9 are formed as an integral body with the inner surface of each cover, but may be formed as separate components from each cover.
For the more accurate understanding of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, an explanation of the operation principle and state of the length adjustment device of the present invention will be in detail discussed.
As previously mentioned, the guide pipe 1 .7 is provided with the cover guide rail 1.5b in the length direction thereof on the outer peripheral surface of the upper portion thereof and the stopper coupling groove 1.14 in a circumferential direction thereof perpendicularly to the cover guide rail 1 .5b on the intermediate position thereof, the groove 1.14 being passed through the cover guide rail 1 .5b with an appropriate interval and length. If the grip G is linearly moved in forward and backward directions by an operator upon the length adjustment operation, the pair of stoppers 1.15 inserted into the stopper coupling groove 14 is released and separated by means of the stopper releasing protrusion 1.6a of the stopper controller 1.6, and then, the separated stoppers 1.15 are slidingly moved along the locking protrusion 2 of the inner pipe 4 to the end portion of the locking protrusion 2 on which the separation and release of the stoppers 1.15 are completed.
The stoppers 1 .15, which have been positioned on the both end portions of the locking groove 2 according to the sliding separation movement, complete the movement to the release area of the locking groove 2 on the inner pipe 4. Thus, the length adjustment operation on the release area is carried out by the linear movement applied continuously to the grip G. The linear movement provides the release area of the locking groove 2 to the stopper 1.15, which prevents the friction interference between the stoppers 1 .15 and each of the locking grooves 2 caused due to the gravity or sliding operation of the stoppers 1.15. In other words, in the state where the pair of stoppers 1 .15 has been completely moved to the both end portions of each locking groove 2 by means of the stopper controller 1 .6, the spring compression force of the grip G conducts length movement, such that the friction between the stoppers 1.15 and the corresponding locking groove 2 is not generated.
In more detail, the inner pipe 4 is provided with the plurality of locking grooves 2 into each of which the stopper is inserted on the circumferential surface thereof. The plurality of locking grooves 2 are composed of a series of press grooves spaced at predetermined intervals on the outer peripheral surface on the circular inner pipe. Each of the plurality of locking grooves 2 is designed to be reduced in depth symmetrically as it is gradually distant from the center thereof. Therefore, the locking groove 2 on the both ends thereof does not have any function as the locking groove.
While under the conventional construction the stopper is passed over the upper portion of each locking groove of the inner pipe by the formation of the release area on the upper portion thereof, the pair of stoppers is under the construction of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention slidingly moved on the locking groove 2 and thus disposed on the release area on the both ends of the locking groove, if an external force is directly applied to the stoppers. After the pipe is at a desired length position, the spring compression force applied to the grip G is changed into a restoring force for returning to its equilibrium state at a fast speed, which is thus applied to the stoppers 1 .15 positioned on the both ends of the locking groove 2 along the stopper restoring protrusion 1.6b formed on the upper cover 1.13, such that the pair of stoppers 1 .15 moves to the center of the locking groove 2, thereby conducting a stopper coupling operation. Upon the exertion of the restoring force, the stoppers 1 .15 should be returned along the locking groove 2 of the inner pipe 4 by means of a stopper push member 1 .9c. As components for generating the spring compression force and elastic force of the grip G to be applied to the stoppers 1 .15, there are provided the spring insertion protrusion 1 .10 and the spring locking protrusions 1 .9 on the guide pipe 1 .7 on which the loop type spring 1 1 is mounted and the spring operator 9 formed on the inner surface of the lower cover 1.12. An explanation of the operation principle of the mounted loop type spring 1.1 1 and the spring insertion protrusion 1 .9a and the guide pipe guide groove 1 .9b in the spring operator 1.9 will be in detail discussed with reference to Figs. 1 .3b to 1 .5b. Fig. 1 .3b illustrates the equilibrium state of the loop type spring 1 1 , where the compression force and the elastically restoring force by means of the loop type spring 1 .1 1 are not generated on the grip G. In other words, the loop type spring 1 1 has the equilibrium angle to the spring locking protrusions 1.9, and the pair of opening/closing stoppers 1 .15 is assembled to each other on the center of the locking groove 2 of the inner pipe 4, as shown in Fig. 1 .3a, which means the coupling state of the inner pipe 4 and the outer pipe 8.
Figs. 1 .4b and 1.5b illustrate the biased state of the loop type spring 1 1 , where the compression force and the elastically restoring force by means of the loop type spring 1.1 1 mounted on the grip G are generated in the length direction in proportion to the relative position to the grip G and the guide pipe 1 .7. In other words, the loop type spring 1.1 1 is deviated from the left or right spring insertion protrusion 1 .10b and then locked to the left or right spring locking protrusion 1 .9a, with a result that the spring applies the compression force in left or right length direction. This means the elastic restoring force having the same strength is applied in each opposite direction. In other words, as shown in Fig. 1 .4a, the stopper release protrusion 1 .6a of the stopper controller 1 .6 operates between the pair of stoppers 1.15 positioned on the center of the locking groove 2 to thereby move the stoppers on the both ends of the locking groove 2, i. e. the release area. After the pair of stoppers 1 .15 has been moved on the release area, the compression force of the spring 1 .1 1 is continuously applied to the length direction of the pipe, thereby carrying out the length adjustment operation.
After the desired length adjustment has been completed, the pair of stoppers is returned by the elastic restoring force of the spring installed in the interior of the grip G, such that it is locked to the corresponding locking groove. This is achieved by the operation of the stopper returning protrusion 1 .6b and the stopper push member 1 .6c of the stopper controller 1 .6 in a fast manner. In other words, after the completion of the desired length adjustment if the external force applied to the grip G is removed, the elastic restoring force of the spring returns the stopper controller 1.6 formed on the upper end cover 1 .13 to the center position of an initial equilibrium state, and upon the returning of the stopper controller 1 .6, the stoppers on the release area is guided and returned to its original position of the stopper assembling state by the operation of the protrusion wall portions formed inclinedly left and right of the stopper returning protrusions 1 .6b. At this time, the pair of stoppers 1 .15 is positioned rapidly in the locking groove 2 by means of the stopper push member 1 .6c formed in the stopper controller 1 .6 and then moves to the center portion of the locking groove 2 along the groove direction thereof, with a consequence that the stoppers 1.15 is stably locked in the locking groove 2 of the inner pipe 4.
A Second Preferred Embodiment ;
Now, an explanation of the construction and operation of the length adjustment device according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention will be in detail discussed with reference to Figs. 2.1 to 2.5a.
Fig. 2.1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the construction of a length adjustment device of a suction extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2.2 is a sectional view illustrating the assembling state of Fig. 2.1 , and Figs. 2.3 to 2.5a are sectional views illustrating the operational states of the length adjustment device according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in Fig. 2.1 , the length adjustment device 1 of a suction extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises an inner pipe 4 having a plurality of indented locking grooves 2 spaced at predetermined intervals on the upper portion thereof and a guide groove 3 in a length direction thereof on the lower portion thereof and a guide pipe 2.7 having a guide rail 2.5 on the inner peripheral surface thereof, through which the inner pipe 4 is slidingly fitted and having a coupling member 2.16a fixedly fitted to a coupling groove 2.16 on an outer pipe 8. The guide pipe 7 is provided with a stopper coupling groove 2.14 in a circumferential direction on the outer peripheral upper surface thereof and a protrusion 2.12 in an axial direction on the outer peripheral lower surface thereof. A stopper 2.15 is disposed in the stopper coupling groove 2.14 for guiding the stopper and then, a slide protrusion 2.15a and a slide base 2.6 are coupled in an engaging manner. The slide base 2.6 is provided with an obliquely slide indented groove 2.9 on the inner surface thereof, into which the slide protrusion 2.15a formed on the upper surface of the stopper 2.15 is assembled in the sliding manner. On the other hand, on the lower surface of the guide pipe 2.7 a coil spring 2.1 1 is elastically installed on the front and back portions of the protrusion 2.1 , with a result that the guide pipe 2.7 is biased by the tension of the coil spring 2.1 1 and then, the outer body is formed with an outer cap 2.18, an inner cap 2.17 and a cover 2.10.
In other words, the grip G as the outer body comprised of the outer cap 2.18, the inner cap 2.17 and the cover 2.10 installs the components composed of the slide base 2.6, the stopper 2.15, the spring 2.1 1 and the guide pipe 2.7 in relation with the engagement with each other in the interior thereof, such that the grip G functions to adjust the mutual length between the inner pipe 4 and the outer pipe 8 for the length adjustment of the suction extension pipe. The stopper 2.15 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is of a polyhedral shape and forms the slide protrusion 2.15a for sliding movement on the top portion thereof and an inclined portion on an oblique surface 2.15b in a height direction on the both ends thereof. The slide protrusion 2.15a of the stopper 2.15 is closely inserted into the slide groove 2.9 formed on the slide base 2.6, thereby conducting the sliding movement. The body of the stopper 2.15 is contacted and connected to the locking groove 2 of the inner pipe 4, thereby being guided and slid on the locking groove 2. The slide groove 2.9 is formed in an oblique direction when viewed in the direction of the movement of the grip G to convert the reciprocating linear movement as the operating external force applied to the grip G into the circumferential direction movement perpendicularly thereto, thereby applying the converted movement to the stopper 2.15.
In other words, according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention the stopper 2.15 is released as induced in the perpendicular direction to the direction of the force applied initially to the grip G. After the stopper 2.15 reaches the release area, the force applied continuously to the grip G is applied to the outer pipe 8, thereby conducting the telescopic length extension of the suction extension pipe in an mechanical structure. A Third Preferred Embodiment ;
Next, an explanation of the construction and operation of the length adjustment device according to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention will be in detail discussed with reference to Figs. 3.1 to 3.5a.
Fig. 3.1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the construction of a length adjustment device of a suction extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner according to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 3.2 is a sectional view illustrating the assembling state of Fig. 3.1 , and Figs. 3.3 to 3.5a are sectional views illustrating the operational states of the length adjustment device according to the third preferred embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in Fig. 3.1 , the length adjustment device 1 of a suction extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises an inner pipe 4 having a plurality of indented locking grooves 2 spaced at predetermined intervals on the upper portion thereof and a guide groove 3 in a length direction thereof on the lower portion thereof and a guide pipe 3.7 having a guide rail 5 on the inner peripheral surface thereof, through which the inner pipe 4 is slidingly fitted and having a protruded rail 3.6 in an oblique direction of the axis thereof on the outer peripheral surface thereof, the guide pipe 3.7 fixedly fitted to an outer pipe 8, and a lower cover 3.10 having a guide groove 3.9 through which the protruded rail 3.6 on the guide pipe 3.7 is induced on the inner peripheral surface thereof. Further, a spring 3.1 1 is disposed at the front and back portions of the guide pipe 3.7, i. e. on the inner and outer pipes 4 and 8, for elastically supporting the guide pipe 3.7 left and right on an internal space portion 3.13 where the upper and lower covers 3.12 and 3.10 have been formed, upon the assembling of the upper and lower covers 3.12 and 3.10. The assembled upper and lower covers 3.12 and 3.10 function as the grip G adjusting the length of the suction extension pipe. Also, the guide pipe 3.7 is provided with a stopper coupling groove 3.14 in a circumferential direction perpendicular to the length direction on the outer peripheral upper surface thereof, into which a stopper 3.15 is disposed. The stopper 3.15 takes a three-dimensional parallelogram shape and has an inclined portion 3.15a of an oblique side in a height direction thereof, with a consequence that the stopper 15 is coupled to a stopper push member 3.16 formed on the corresponding portion thereto on the inner peripheral surface of the upper cover 3.12.
The stopper push member 16 is composed of a protrusion formed as an integral body with the upper cover 12 on the inner peripheral surface of the center of the upper cover 12 and takes a trapezoid shape in the section thereof.
The side shape of the stopper push member 3.16 is appropriately inclined as being consistent to the oblique side shape of the stopper 3.15, and when the grip G is twisted in the oblique direction, the inclined surface of the stopper push member 3.16 is coupled to the inclined surface on the side section formed on the stopper 3.15, such that the stopper 3.15 moves to the release area along the stopper coupling groove 3.14. In other words, the movement direction of the stopper 3.15 to the release area is exerted in the direction perpendicular to the direction of force applied initially for releasing the stopper 3.15.
According to the present invention, the stopper 3.15 and the stopper coupling groove 3.14 do not need the formation of the curved portion for the purpose of obtaining a high pressure force, and as discussed above, they need a big inside insertion angle for the purpose of moving the stopper 3.15 in a smooth manner in the direction of length of the stopper coupling groove 3.14 within the stopper coupling groove 3.14.
In other words, the stopper 3.15 of the present invention does not need any curved surface on the lower portion where the curved portion is formed, as embodied in the conventional stopper. On the other hand, the guide pipe 3.7, which is fixed on the inner pipe 4 and the outer pipe 8, is elastically supported by means of the left and right springs 3.1 1 within the upper and lower covers 3.12 and 3.10. In the state where the stopper 15 is connected up and down, via the stopper coupling groove 3.14, to the stopper push member 3.16 of the upper cover 3.12 and to the locking groove 2 on the inner pipe 4, inner and outer caps 3.17 and 3.18 are fixedly assembled on the both ends of the upper and lower covers 3.12 and 3.10. According to the present invention, the inner pipe 4, as shown in Fig. 4, may have a protruded portion 4a, on which the plurality of locking grooves 2 spaced at predetermined intervals are formed. Also, A plurality of the obliquely protruded rail 3.6 on the guide pipe 3.7 and a plurality of the guide groove 3.9 on the lower cover 3.10 may be formed. Of course, the upper and lower covers 3.12 and 3.10 may be formed as an unified body to each other.
Under the above construction, when the grip G is pressed with one hand of a user in order to expand the suction extension pipe in a length direction thereof, an initial external force is exerted to pull or push the grip G in the axis direction thereof. In this case, according to the present invention, the exerted external force in the lower or upper directions of the axis by the operation of the grip G is induced by means of the protruded rail 3.6 formed in the oblique direction of the axis on the circumferential surface of the guide pipe 3.7 and the guide groove 3.9 formed on the inner peripheral surface of the lower cover 3.10, such that the external force is converted into an oblique movement force being turning. That is, the external force upon the initial operation is induced to a twisting movement where the grip G carries out a turning movement for a predetermined moment by the guide action as mentioned above.
At the time when the twisting movement where the grip G turns in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction is exerted, the twisting movement is biased by the spring 3.11 elastically installed symmetrically in the front and back portions in the interior of the grip G and at the same time, a force of restoring the grip G at a fast speed to an equilibrium state as a coupling state is exerted.
At the portion where the twisting movement of the grip G ends, that is, at the time point when the protruded rail 3.6 reaches the end portion of the guide groove 3.9 formed on the lower cover 3.10, the stopper 3.15 moves up to the end portion in the length direction of the stopper coupling groove 3.14 and at this time, the stopper 3.15 is disposed in the release area relative to the stopper coupling groove 14.
The plurality of locking grooves 2 into each of which the stopper 3.15 is inserted, formed on the circumferential surface of the inner pipe 4, are composed of a series of press grooves spaced at predetermined intervals on the circular pipe 4. Each of the plurality of locking grooves 2 is formed to be reduced in depth symmetrically as it is gradually distant from the center thereof. Therefore, the both ends of the locking groove 2 do not have any function as the locking groove. In other words, the stopper 3.15 positioned on the ends of the locking groove 2 moves to a safe area where the interference of the locking groove 2 does not exist and at this time, by applying a continuous external force to the grip G or an additional external force to the inner pipe 4 or the outer pipe 8, the telescopic type suction extension pipe can be rapidly expanded and adjusted in length.
For the more accurate understanding of the operation of the present invention, an explanation of the shapes of the stopper 3.15 and the stopper push member 3.16, which are closely concerned with the shape of the locking groove 2, will be in detail discussed. As mentioned above, the stopper 3.15 is of the three-dimensional parallelogram shape and has the inclined portion 3.15a of an oblique side in a height direction thereof, thereby being coupled to the stopper push member 3.16. The stopper push member 3.16 comprises the protrusion formed as an integral body with the upper cover 3.12 on the inner peripheral surface of the center of the upper cover 3.12 and takes the trapezoid shape in the section thereof.
The trapezoid side shape of stopper push member 3.16 is appropriately inclined as being consistent to the oblique side shape of the stopper 3.15 and when the grip G is twisted in the oblique direction, the inclined surface of the stopper push member 3.16 is coupled to the inclined surface on the side section formed on the stopper 3.15, such that the stopper 3.15 moves to the release area along the locking groove 2. In other words, the movement direction of the stopper 3.15 to the release area is exerted in the direction perpendicular to the direction of force applied initially for releasing the stopper 3.15.
As appreciated from the third preferred embodiment of the present invention the stopper 3.15 is released as induced in the perpendicular direction to the direction of the force applied initially to the grip G. After the stopper 3.15 reaches the release area, the force applied continuously to the grip G is applied to the outer pipe 8, thereby conducting the telescopic length extension of the suction extension pipe in an mechanical structure. In addition, the stopper 3.15 and the locking groove 2 do not need the formation of the curved portion on the connected portion therebetween for the purpose of obtaining a high pressure force, and they need a big inside insertion angle for the purpose of moving the stopper 3.15 in a smooth manner in the direction of length of the stopper coupling groove 3.14.
The preferred embodiments of the present invention have the different construction from the conventional construction where the stopper moves up and down or the upper release area for the stopper is provided, thereby drastically increasing the pressure force. According to the present invention, the external force applied to the grip G is exerted to push or pull the suction extension pipe in the advancing direction of the initial external force, and by the above-mentioned continuous operation, a desired extension pipe length is adjusted. At this time, even at the state where the vacuum cleaner is used by the operation of the nozzle portion closely contacted onto the ground, the above length adjustment can be continuously achieved with the one hand of the user on the grip G, without suffering any inconvenience.
Industrial Applicability As clearly explained above, a length adjustment device of a suction extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention has the following advantages: firstly, a stopper is moved along a length direction of each of a plurality of locking grooves formed on an inner pipe, thereby increasing the pressure force of the suction extension pipe coupled to the stopper to the full extent thereof; secondly, the force exerted on an adjusting grip is applied directly to the stopper for the purpose of releasing the stopper, thereby leading the stopper to a release area at a fast speed, and at the same time the force continuously exerted on the adjusting grip is applied to carry out a telescopic length adjustment of the suction extension pipe, thereby achieving the pipe expansion operation with one hand of a user on the adjusting grip in a fast and smooth manner; and thirdly, the friction between each locking groove of the inner pipe and the stopper is minimized, thereby remarkably reducing the generation of noise caused due to the friction and minimizing the abrasion of the stopper and the locking grooves caused due to the repeated use for a long period of time. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that these and various other modifications and changes may be made to the present invention without strictly following the exemplary application illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:
1. A length adjustment device of a suction extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner comprising an inner pipe (4) having a plurality of locking grooves (2) spaced at predetermined intervals on the upper portion thereof and an indented guide groove (3) in a length direction thereof on the lower portion thereof and a guide pipe (7) having a guide protrusion (5a) on the inner peripheral surface thereof, in order to be sliding-fitted to the inner pipe and having a coupling member fitted to a coupling groove on an outer pipe (8), thereby achieving a desired length adjustment operation, characterized in that upon the operation of the guide pipe and a grip as an outer body of the length adjustment device in a length direction thereof, the guide pipe and the grip are biased by means of an elastic force of a spring, a cover forming the grip is provided at the top end of the interior thereof with a stopper controller for sliding-conveying a stopper and at the bottom end of the interior thereof with a spring operator for an elasticity bias operation of the spring, the stopper fitted on a stopper coupling groove formed in a circumferential length direction to pass through the guide pipe on the top end portion of the guide pipe and controlled under the stopper controller formed on the top end of the interior of the cover, each of the locking grooves is coupled to be closely contacted on the bottom end of the stopper, whereby the stopper carries out an opening/closing movement in the stopper coupling groove relative to the movement of a grip in forward and backward length directions, thereby carrying out the desired length adjustment of the inner pipe.
2. A length adjustment device as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that the opening/closing sliding movement of the stopper is carried out in such a manner that the guide pipe (7) forming the stopper coupling groove (14) and a cover guide rail (5b) on the outer peripheral surface on the upper portion thereof and a spring insertion protrusion (10a) and a spring fitting protrusion (10b) on the outer peripheral surface on the lower portion thereof is coupled to one end of the outer pipe (8), and upon the assembling of the upper cover (13) having the stopper controller (6) and the lower cover (12) having the spring operator (9) with the guide pipe the pair of stoppers (15) is closely connected on the stopper controller (6) within the stopper coupling groove (14) of the guide pipe (7) and is locked the corresponding locking groove (2) on the inner pipe (4) on the other end thereof and at the same time, the spring (1 1 ) is positioned on the spring fitting protrusion (10b) and the spring insertion protrusion (10a) on the guide pipe to couple the spring operator (9), with a consequence that the grip is biased by the elastic formation of the spring (1 1 ), thereby carrying out the length adjustment of the inner pipe (4).
3. A length adjustment device as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the stopper controller (6) comprises a stopper releasing protrusion (6a) in a length direction thereof and a stopper returning protrusion (6b) and a stopper push member (6c) in a circumferential direction thereof, all of which are formed as separate components or as an integral body from/with the inner surface of the upper cover.
4. A length adjustment device as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the spring operator (9) comprises a guide pipe guide groove (9b) in a length direction thereof and a spring locking protrusion (9a) in a circumferential direction thereof, all of which are formed as separate components or as an integral body from/with the inner surface of the lower cover.
5. A length adjustment device as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that the opening/closing sliding movement of the stopper is carried out in such a manner that the guide pipe forms the stopper coupling groove (14) on the outer peripheral surface on the upper portion thereof, along which the stopper (15) is linearly moved, a slide base (6) has an oblique slide groove (9) for being closely contacted with the stopper (15), a spring (1 1 ) is interposed between the front and back portion of a protrusion (12) in an axial direction of the guide pipe (7) on the outer peripheral surface of the lower end thereof and elastically installed on an internal space portion (13) of the grip formed upon the assembling of the cover (10), thereby carrying out the length adjustment of the inner pipe (4).
6. A length adjustment device as claimed in claim 5, characteπzed in that the stopper (15) is of a polyhedral shape and forms a slide protrusion (15a) on the top portion thereof and an inclined portion on an oblique surface (15b) in a height direction on the both ends thereof.
7. A length adjustment device as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the slide base (6) forms the oblique slide groove (9) on the inner surface thereof, the wall surface of the groove being high at the center thereof and being gradually low as it reaches the both ends thereof.
8. A length adjustment device as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the guide pipe (7) and the slide base (6) form a plurality of stopper coupling grooves (14) and slide grooves (9) thereon, for engagement with a plurality of stoppers (15).
9. A length adjustment device as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that the opening/closing sliding movement of the stopper is carried out in such a manner that the guide pipe forms the stopper coupling groove (14) on the outer peripheral surface on the upper portion thereof, along which the stopper (15) is linearly moved and forms one or more protruded rail (6) in an oblique direction of the axis on the outer peripheral surface thereof, through which one or more guide groove (9) formed on the lower cover (10) is guided, a spring (1 1 ) is interposed between the front and back portion of the guide pipe (7) and elastically installed on an internal space portion (13) of the grip formed upon the assembling of the upper and lower covers (12, 10), thereby carrying out the length adjustment of the inner pipe (4).
10. A length adjustment device as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the stopper (15) takes a parallelogram shape and has an inclined portion of an oblique side (15a) as the connected surface with the locking groove (2) of the inner pipe (4).
1 1 . A length adjustment device as claimed in claims 2, 5 and 9, characterized in that the inner pipe (4) comprises a protruded portion (4a) in a length direction thereon, on which the plurality of locking grooves (2) spaced at predetermined intervals are formed.
PCT/KR2000/001066 2000-06-21 2000-09-25 A length adjustment device of suction extension pipe for vacuum cleaner WO2001097672A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU74571/00A AU7457100A (en) 2000-06-21 2000-09-25 A length adjustment device of suction extension pipe for vacuum cleaner
DE20021975U DE20021975U1 (en) 2000-09-25 2000-12-28 Length adjustment device of a suction extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR2000/34330 2000-06-21
KR1020000034330A KR20020000094A (en) 2000-06-21 2000-06-21 A length control device for a telescopic extension pipe of vacuum cleaner
KR1020000045092A KR20020011675A (en) 2000-08-03 2000-08-03 A length control device for a telescopic extension pipe of vacuum cleaner
KR2000/45092 2000-08-03
KR10-2000-0052181A KR100381220B1 (en) 2000-09-04 2000-09-04 A length control device for a telescopic extension pipe of vacuum cleaner
KR2000/52181 2000-09-04

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2001097672A1 true WO2001097672A1 (en) 2001-12-27

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PCT/KR2000/001066 WO2001097672A1 (en) 2000-06-21 2000-09-25 A length adjustment device of suction extension pipe for vacuum cleaner

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CN (1) CN1150852C (en)
AU (1) AU7457100A (en)
WO (1) WO2001097672A1 (en)

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WO2004049891A1 (en) * 2002-12-04 2004-06-17 Ismail Yakici Locking mechanism of interconnected extension pipe for the vacuum cleaner
WO2005082221A1 (en) * 2004-03-01 2005-09-09 Roxxan Gmbh Device for the continuously variable adjustment of vacuum cleaner tubes
WO2007112839A1 (en) * 2006-03-31 2007-10-11 Omec S.P.A. Telescopic extension for an electric household appliance

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CN1307931C (en) * 2005-02-05 2007-04-04 马卫宏 Telescoping dust collector suction pipe
CN100367902C (en) * 2005-10-24 2008-02-13 徐为尔 Telescopic sucking tube of vacuum cleaner
KR101304606B1 (en) * 2011-11-02 2013-09-05 강소국신금속제품유한회사 Telescopic pipe of vacuum cleaner
CN102652653B (en) * 2012-05-09 2014-10-08 江苏国新金属制品有限公司 Expansion pipe for vacuum cleaner
CN112128494B (en) * 2020-08-24 2023-12-01 上海齐耀动力技术有限公司 Flange joint for vacuum interlayer pipeline and vacuum interlayer pipeline assembly
CN114343476B (en) * 2021-11-24 2023-02-17 苏州市龙士威金属制品有限公司 Detachable dust collection pipe joint of hose and using method thereof

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2004049891A1 (en) * 2002-12-04 2004-06-17 Ismail Yakici Locking mechanism of interconnected extension pipe for the vacuum cleaner
WO2005082221A1 (en) * 2004-03-01 2005-09-09 Roxxan Gmbh Device for the continuously variable adjustment of vacuum cleaner tubes
WO2007112839A1 (en) * 2006-03-31 2007-10-11 Omec S.P.A. Telescopic extension for an electric household appliance
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AU2007234116B2 (en) * 2006-03-31 2011-11-10 Omec S.P.A. Telescopic extension for an electric household appliance

Also Published As

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CN1368861A (en) 2002-09-11
AU7457100A (en) 2002-01-02
CN1150852C (en) 2004-05-26

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