Cordless vacuum cleaner

Abstract

 A cordless vacuum cleaner includes a main body (100) comprising a chargeable battery (101) and a first suction unit (101) operated by the chargeable battery; and a suction nozzle (210) assembly comprising a suction port connected to the main body (100) to draw in dust from a surface being cleaned, and a second suction unit (220) to force dust-laden air drawn in through the suction port to flow towards the main body (100).

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2008-0023947, filed on March 14, 2008, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner, and more particularly, to a cordless vacuum cleaner.

2. Description of the Related Art

[0003] Vacuum cleaners generally draw in dust-laden air from surfaces being cleaned, using the vacuum pressure of vacuum suction motors in cleaner main bodies, and dust-collectors of vacuum cleaners collect dust. To draw dust-laden air and collect dust, cleaner main bodies include power supply devices, power cords of which are connected to wall sockets to receive power sources.

[0004] Movement of cleaners is restricted by limitations on the length of the power cord, so users may need to connect the power cord to a wall socket in each room whenever they clean a room, which causes user inconvenience.

[0005] In order to remove such inconvenience, cordless vacuum cleaners have been developed using a battery charging method. As such cordless vacuum cleaners do not require power cords, there is no limitation on the movement of vacuum cleaners due to the limited length of power cords, so users can easily perform cleaning anywhere.

[0006] However, in such cordless vacuum cleaners, batteries chargeable with direct current (DC) power source may be used only for approximately 10 minutes. Additionally, the suction force of motors driven by the DC power source is less than that of wired vacuum cleaners used while being directly connected to an alternating current (AC) power source, so it is difficult to draw in large dust.

[0007] The present invention has been developed in order to solve the above described and other problems in the related art. Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention is to provide a cordless vacuum cleaner having an improved structure which enables the suction force of the vacuum cleaner to be increased.

[0008] The above aspects are achieved by providing a cordless vacuum cleaner including a main body including a chargeable battery and a first suction unit operated by the chargeable battery; and a suction nozzle assembly including a suction port connected to the main body to draw in dust from a surface being cleaned, and a second suction unit to force dust-laden air drawn in through the suction port to flow towards the main body.

[0009] The first suction unit may be a direct current (DC) vacuum suction motor, and the second suction unit may be an air pump system.

[0010] The air pump system may include a pump housing including an inlet connected to the suction port and an outlet connected to the main body; an impeller which is rotatably mounted inside the pump housing; and a driving motor to cause the impeller to rotate. The driving motor may be operated by the chargeable battery.

[0011] The main body may further include a power unit in which the first suction unit is mounted; and a cyclone dust-collecting device in which dust is collected by a whirling air current.

[0012] The cyclone dust-collecting device may include a cyclone dust-collecting unit into which air is drawn in via the suction nozzle assembly while tending towards one side of the cyclone dust-collecting unit; and a dust receptacle in which dust separated by the cyclone dust-collecting unit is collected.

[0013] The cyclone dust-collecting unit may be connected to the first suction unit via two end openings of an exhaust pipe having a plurality of pores formed on an outer circumference thereof.

[0014] The cyclone dust-collecting unit and dust receptacle may have wall surfaces formed of transparent material.

[0015] The main body may further include a first body in which the power unit and cyclone dust-collecting device are mounted; a second body attached to a bottom portion of the first body, the second body having a traveling unit; and a bumper unit disposed between the first body and second body.

[0016] The bumper unit may include a bumper frame mounted rotatably to the first body and second body; a plurality of rollers disposed facing the second body to reduce friction between the second body and the bumper frame while rotating; and an elastic band attached around an outer circumference of the bumper frame. The elastic band may be formed in the shape of a loop.

[0017] As described above, both the air pump system mounted in the suction nozzle assembly and the DC vacuum suction motor mounted in the main body are able to drawn in dust-laden air, so it is possible to increase the dust-collecting efficiency of the cordless vacuum cleaner.

[0018] Additionally, the flow rate of dust flowing into the vacuum cleaner may increase so that the rotation force of air in the cyclone dust-collecting device may also increase. Accordingly, dust may be centrifugally separated with greater efficiency.

[0019] The above and other advantages of the present invention will be more apparent by describing exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which:

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cordless vacuum cleaner according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 2 is a front view of a main body of a cordless vacuum cleaner according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 3 is an explosive, perspective view of the main body shown in FIG. 2;

[0023] FIG. 4 is a plane view of the main body shown in FIG. 2;

[0024] FIG. 5 is a front sectional view of the main body shown in FIG. 2;

[0025] FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of the main body shown in FIG. 2;

[0026] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a first body of a main body of a cordless vacuum cleaner according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0027] FIG. 8 is a side sectional view of a suction nozzle assembly of a cordless vacuum cleaner according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals will be understood to refer to like parts, components and structures.

[0029] Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a cordless vacuum cleaner according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a main body 100 and a suction nozzle assembly 200.

[0031] The main body 100 includes a first body 110, a second body 120, and a bumper unit 130, which is disposed between the first body 110 and second body 120.

[0032] The first body 110 has a hemispherical shape, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and includes a power unit 111 and a cyclone dust-collecting device 112, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0033] The power unit 111 may desirably be disposed in the rear of the main body 100. The power unit 111 includes a chargeable battery 101 and a first suction unit 102, as shown in FIG. 3. The first suction unit 102 is operated by the power source supplied by the chargeable battery 101, and may be a DC vacuum suction motor operated by a direct current (DC) power source from the chargeable battery 101.

[0034] Additionally, the power unit 111 may include a locking unit 111a which is able to lock or unlock the cyclone dust-collecting device 112. The locking unit 111a may be variously configured, so the present invention is equally applicable to any unit capable of locking or releasing the cyclone dust-collecting device 112 by a simple operation of pressing a button.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, the cyclone dust-collecting device 112 is mounted in the front of the first body 110. The cyclone dust-collecting device 112 includes a cyclone dust-collecting unit 113, a dust receptacle 114 and a handle 115. The cyclone dust-collecting unit 113 and dust receptacle 114 may be disposed symmetrically to the left and right of the cyclone dust-collecting device 112, and the handle 115, by which a user is able to grip the cyclone dust-collecting device 112, may be disposed on top of the cyclone dust-collecting device 112.

[0036] The cyclone dust-collecting device 112 is detachably mounted above the first body 110, as shown in FIG. 3. The cyclone dust-collecting unit 113 and dust receptacle 114 have wall surfaces formed of transparent material so that the cyclone dust-collecting device 112 is visible therethrough. Additionally, windows 103 and 104 are formed on wall surfaces of the first body 110 facing the wall surface of the cyclone dust-collecting unit 113 and dust receptacle 114, so that a user can view inside the cyclone dust-collecting device 112 through the windows 103 and 104.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the cyclone dust-collecting unit 113 includes an air inlet opening 113a through which air is drawn via the suction nozzle assembly 200 while tending towards one side of the cyclone dust-collecting unit 113, and an exhaust pipe 113b connected to the first suction unit 102, namely the DC vacuum suction motor. The exhaust pipe 113b has a plurality of pores 113c formed on an outer circumference thereof. The cyclone dust-collecting unit 113 is connected to the first suction unit 102 through two end openings of the exhaust pipe 113b. In this situation, air from which dust discharged through the two end openings of the exhaust pipe 113b has been separated is filtered by a filter 102a and then flows into the first suction unit 102.

[0038] The dust receptacle 114 may face the cyclone dust-collecting unit 113. In more detail, the dust receptacle 114 may desirably be disposed opposite the cyclone dust-collecting unit 113 so as to collect dust which is centrifugally separated by the cyclone dust-collecting unit 113.

[0039] The cyclone dust-collecting device 112 may desirably include a cover 112a (see FIG. 4) which is disposed on the top thereof and by which the cyclone dust-collecting device 112 may be opened and closed. The cover 112a may be opened by a user to remove dust from the cyclone dust-collecting unit 113 and dust receptacle 114, when the cyclone dust-collecting unit 113 and dust receptacle 114 are full of dust. The cover 112a may be connected by a snapping motion to the cyclone dust-collecting device 112, so it is possible to lock the cover 112a to the cyclone dust-collecting device 112. Alternatively, the cover 112 may be locked by a separate locking unit.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 2, the second body 120 is securely mounted below the first body 110. The second body 120 includes a plurality of wheels 121 disposed on the bottom thereof, so that the main body 100 may travel across the bottom surface.

[0041] The bumper unit 130 includes a bumper frame 131, a plurality of rollers 132 and an elastic band 133, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 7.

[0042] The bumper frame 131 has a ring shape and is mounted rotatably on the first body 110 and second body 120, as shown in FIG. 7. A receiving groove in which the ring-shaped bumper frame 131 is rotatably inserted and which has a shape corresponding to the bumper frame 131 may be formed in a connection portion between the first body 110 and second body 120.

[0043] The plurality of rollers 132 may be in contact with the receiving groove in the second body 120 which faces the bumper frame 131, and may travel across a contact area. Accordingly, the plurality of rollers 132 may rotatably support the bumper frame 131 using the contact area as a guide rail. Therefore, the bumper frame 131 may rotate smoothly to the first body 110 and second body 120.

[0044] The elastic band 133 may be attached around the outer circumference of the bumper frame 131, and may be disposed at the furthest point from the main body 100. The elastic band 133 may be made of elastic material such as rubber, sponge, silicone or urethane, and may be formed in the shape of a loop. Accordingly, even when the main body 100 comes into contact with or collides with furniture, the elastic band 133 may prevent the furniture from being damaged. Additionally, the bumper frame 131 may be made to rotate to the first body 110 and second body 120 by the surface friction generated between the furniture and the main body 100, so it is possible to prevent shocks from reaching the main body 100.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 8, the suction nozzle assembly 200 includes a suction nozzle body 210 and a second suction unit 220.

[0046] The suction nozzle body 210 has a suction port 201 through which dust is drawn in from a surface being cleaned. The suction nozzle body 210 is connected to the main body 100 via an extension pipe 240 and a flexible hose 250.

[0047] The second suction unit 220 forces dust-laden air drawn in through the suction port 201 to flow towards the main body 100. According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second suction unit 220 may be an air pump system, and may include a pump housing 221, an impeller 222 and a driving motor 223.

[0048] The pump housing 221 is disposed inside the suction nozzle body 210 and on an air passage between the suction port 201 and the extension pipe 240. The pump housing 221 may be formed integrally with the suction nozzle body 210. The pump housing 221 includes an inlet 221a which is formed on one side thereof and is connected to the suction port 201, and an outlet 221b which is formed on the opposite side thereof and is connected to the extension pipe 240.

[0049] The impeller 222 is rotatably mounted inside the pump housing 221, and a vacuum pressure may thus be generated by rotation of the impeller 222. Accordingly, the impeller 222 may force dust-laden air drawn in via the inlet 221a to flow towards the main body 100 through the outlet 221b, extension pipe 240 and flexible hose 250 using the vacuum pressure.

[0050] The driving motor 223 is mounted outside the pump housing 221 and causes the impeller 222 to rotate. The driving motor 223 may be operated by the power source of the chargeable battery 101, or operated by a separate power unit such as a dry cell.

[0051] Hereinafter, an operation of the cordless vacuum cleaner according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] Since the cordless vacuum cleaner is used when the chargeable battery 101 is charged for a predetermined period of time, it does not require a separate power supply.

[0053] The chargeable battery 101 supplies power to the first suction unit 102, namely the DC vacuum suction motor, mounted in the main body 100, and the second suction unit 220, namely the air pump system, mounted in the suction nozzle assembly 200, so that it is possible to again draw in dust-laden air that has been drawn in via the suction port 201.

[0054] If a user operates the vacuum cleaner, the first suction unit 102 forms a vacuum pressure and thereby draws dust-laden air via the suction port 201 into the cyclone dust-collecting unit 113.

[0055] Separately from the above suction operation, dust-laden air adjacent to the suction port 201 is compulsorily made to flow towards the main body 100 by a pumping operation of the second suction unit 220, namely the air pump system, mounted near the suction port 201.

[0056] In more detail, a rotation force generated by rotation of the impeller 222 is added to the vacuum pressure of the first suction unit 102, so dust-laden air drawn in through the suction port 201 may be compulsorily transferred to the main body 100 more rapidly using a much stronger force.

[0057] As described above, if all the suction forces exerted by both the first and second suction units 102 and 220 are used, the flow rate of air flowing into the cyclone dust-collecting device 112 may increase so that the rotation force of air in the cyclone dust-collecting unit 113 may also increase. Accordingly, dust contained in the air in the cyclone dust-collecting unit 113 may be centrifugally separated with greater efficiency, and the vacuum cleaner may draw in relatively large dust using a stronger suction force.

[0058] Additionally, the main body 100 is substantially hemispherical in shape, so it is possible to prevent the main body 100 from being blocked by furniture or wall edges. Furthermore, the ring-shaped bumper unit 130 is rotatably mounted between the first body 110 and second body 120 of the main cleaner 100, so even when the main body 100 is in contact with furniture or walls, the bumper unit 130 may prevent the main body 100 from being unable to move due to being caught on furniture or wall edges. This is because the bumper unit 130 is able to rotate to the first body 110 and second body 120.

[0059] Moreover, the bumper unit 130 includes the elastic band 133, which is made of elastic material such as rubber, sponge, silicone or urethane and is disposed at the furthest point from the main body 100. Accordingly, even when the main body 100 collides with furniture or walls, the elastic band 133 may prevent furniture or walls from being damaged.

[0060] The foregoing exemplary embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention. The present teaching can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses. Also, the description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims, and many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A cordless vacuum cleaner comprising:

a main body comprising a chargeable battery and a first suction unit operated by the chargeable battery; and

a suction nozzle assembly comprising a suction port connected to the main body to draw in dust from a surface being cleaned, and a second suction unit to force dust-laden air drawn in through the suction port to flow towards the main body.

2. The cordless vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first suction unit is a direct current (DC) vacuum suction motor, and the second suction unit is an air pump system.

3. The cordless vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 2, wherein the air pump system comprises:

a pump housing comprising an inlet connected to the suction port and an outlet connected to the main body;

an impeller which is rotatably mounted inside the pump housing; and

a driving motor to cause the impeller to rotate.

4. The cordless vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 3, wherein the driving motor is operated by the chargeable battery.

5. The cordless vacuum cleaner as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the main body further comprises:

a power unit in which the first suction unit is mounted; and

a cyclone dust-collecting device in which dust is collected by a whirling air current.

6. The cordless vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 5, wherein the cyclone dust-collecting device comprises:

a cyclone dust-collecting unit into which air is drawn in via the suction nozzle assembly while tending towards one side of the cyclone dust-collecting unit; and

a dust receptacle in which dust separated by the cyclone dust-collecting unit is collected.

7. The cordless vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 6, wherein the cyclone dust-collecting unit is connected to the first suction unit via two end openings of an exhaust pipe having a plurality of pores formed on an outer circumference thereof.

8. The cordless vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the cyclone dust-collecting unit and dust receptacle have wall surfaces formed of transparent material.

9. The cordless vacuum cleaner as claimed in any of the claims 5 to 8, wherein the main body further comprises:

a first body in which the power unit and cyclone dust-collecting device are mounted;

a second body attached to a bottom portion of the first body, the second body having a traveling unit; and

a bumper unit disposed between the first body and second body.

10. The cordless vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 9, wherein the bumper unit comprises:

a bumper frame mounted rotatably to the first body and second body;

a plurality of rollers disposed facing the second body to reduce friction between the second body and the bumper frame while rotating; and

an elastic band attached around an outer circumference of the bumper frame.

11. The cordless vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 10, wherein the elastic band is formed in the shape of a loop.

Drawing