WO2016089040A1

WO2016089040A1 - Nozzle of cleaner and vacuum cleaner

Info

Publication number: WO2016089040A1
Application number: PCT/KR2015/012738
Authority: WO
Inventors: Seongjun Kim; Jinwoo Lee; Seogyong Kim
Original assignee: Lg Electronics Inc.
Priority date: 2014-12-01
Filing date: 2015-11-25
Publication date: 2016-06-09
Also published as: KR20160065611A

Abstract

Provided is a nozzle of a cleaner. The nozzle of the cleaner includes a suction part comprising a rotatable cleaning part for cleaning a bottom surface by a rotation operation thereof and a nozzle frame separably connected to the suction part, the nozzle frame including a driving device for driving the rotatable cleaning part.

Description

NOZZLE OF CLEANER AND VACUUM CLEANER

The present disclosure relates to a nozzle of a cleaner and a vacuum cleaner.

In general, a vacuum cleaner is a device that suctions air containing dusts using suction force generated by a suction motor mounted in a cleaner main body to filter the dusts in a dust separation device.

The vacuum cleaner may be classified into a canister type vacuum cleaner in which a suction nozzle for suctioning dusts is detachably disposed on the main body and then connected to the main body through a connection device and an upright type vacuum cleaner in which a suction nozzle is rotatably connected to the main body.

A nozzle of a cleaner is disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2009-0121813 that is a prior document.

The nozzle of the cleaner includes a main nozzle having a main suction hole and an auxiliary nozzle which is selectively accommodated in the main nozzle and has an auxiliary suction hole. Also, the main nozzle is provided with an agitator.

According to the nozzle of the cleaner as described above, since the whole suction area increases in a state in which the auxiliary nozzle is withdrawn from the main nozzle, a cleanable bottom area may increase. However, the agitator may not clean the bottom on an area corresponding to the suction hole of the auxiliary nozzle.

Also, in case of the prior document, since the nozzle is connected to the main body, nozzles having various shapes may not be used.

Also, in case of the prior document, since the nozzle has a long left/right width, it may be impossible to clean a narrow gap.

Embodiments provide a nozzle of a cleaner which is capable of using a suction part having various shapes and a vacuum cleaner.

Embodiments also provide a nozzle of a cleaner which is capable of cleaning a narrow gap and a vacuum cleaner.

Embodiments also provide a nozzle of a cleaner having improved user cleaning convenience and a vacuum cleaner.

Embodiment also provide a nozzle of a cleaner, which has a variable area of a suction hole and is capable of cleaning the bottom through the whole area of the suction hole even though the suction hole increases in area, and a vacuum cleaner.

In one embodiment, a vacuum cleaner includes: a cleaner body including a suction motor; a suction nozzle communicating with the cleaner body to suction air on a bottom surface; and a connection mechanism connecting the suction nozzle to the cleaner body.

The suction nozzle may include: a suction part including a rotatable cleaning part cleaning a bottom surface by a rotation operation thereof; and a nozzle frame separably connected to the suction part, the nozzle frame including a driving device driving the rotatable cleaning part in a state where the rotatable cleaning part is connected thereto.

The suction part may have a shape of which a front/rear length is greater than a left/right width.

Air introduced into the suction part may flow in a direction parallel to an extension direction of the rotatable cleaning part.

When the suction part is connected to the nozzle frame, the rotatable cleaning part may be connected to the driving device.

The driving device may include a rotatable driving part and a transmission part for transmitting power of the rotatable driving part, and the transmission part may be exposed to the outside in a state in which the suction part is separated from the nozzle frame.

The rotatable driving part may rotate by air flowing through the nozzle frame.

The rotatable driving part may include a hollow through which air flows, and a plurality of blades may be disposed on an inner circumferential surface of the rotatable driving part.

A plurality of gear teeth engaged with the transmission part may be disposed on the rotatable driving part.

The suction part may further include a connection part connected to the rotatable cleaning part and connected to the transmission part in the state in which the suction part is coupled to the nozzle frame.

The transmission part may include a gear, and a plurality of gear teeth engaged with the transmission part may be disposed on the connection part.

The suction part may include an air passage through which suctioned air flows, and the nozzle frame may include a flow hole through which the air passing through the air passage is introduced.

The suction part may include a fixed nozzle connected to the nozzle frame and a movable nozzle slidably connected to the fixed nozzle in a front/rear direction of the suction part.

The rotatable cleaning part may include a plurality of cleaning parts that ajust a length of the rotatable cleaning part by a movament of the nozzle.

The plurality of cleaning parts may include: a first cleaning part rotatably supported by the fixed nozzle; and a second cleaning part slidably connected to the first cleaning part, the second cleaning part being rotatably supported by the movable nozzle.

The nozzle may further include: a joint part connected to the nozzle frame; and a connection tube connected to the joint part, the connection tube communicating with the nozzle frame, wherein the joint part may allow the nozzle frame to be rotatable about at least two axes with respect to the connection tube.

The joint part may include: a first rotatable part rotatably connected to the nozzle frame; and a second rotatable part rotatably connected to the first rotatable part and the connection tube.

The first rotatable part may be connected to the nozzle frame so that the first rotatable part is rotatable at an angle of about 360 degrees, and the second rotatable part may be connected to the connection tube so that the second rotatable part is rotatable at an angle of about 360 degrees.

The nozzle may further include a connection hose allows the nozzle frame to communicate with the connection tube and passes through the first and second rotatable parts.

In another embodiment, a nozzle of a cleaner includes: a suction part having a suction hole through which air is suctioned; a connection hose connected to the suction part; a connection tube connected to the connection hose; and a joint part connecting the suction part to the connection tube, the joint part allowing the suction part to be bendable with respect to the connection tube, wherein the joint part includes: a first rotatable part rotatably connected to the suction part; and a second rotatable part rotatably connected to the connection tube and the first rotatable part.

The joint part may allow the nozzle frame to be rotatable about at least two axes with respect to the connection tube.

The connection hose may pass through the first and second rotatable parts.

According to the proposed embodiments, since the suction part is separably coupled to the nozzle frame, the suction part having various shapes may be used by being connected to the nozzle fame.

Also, since the body of the suction nozzle has the front/rear length greater than the left/right width thereof, the user may move the suction nozzle forward and backward and also clean the bottom surface while moving the suction nozzle in the left/right direction. Thus, the moving configuration of the suction nozzle may be changed by the user to improve the cleaning convenience for the user. That is, the user may clean the bottom surface while moving the suction nozzle in the left/right direction, like that the user sweeps the bottom by using the broom.

Also, since the front/rear length of the body is greater than the left/right width of the body, the suction nozzle may be inserted into the narrow gap to perform the cleaning.

In addition, when the suction part increases in length, the whole area of the suction hole may increases, and also, the rotatable cleaning part may increase in length according to the increasing area of the suction hole. Thus, the cleanable bottom area may increase, and simultaneously, the increasing cleanable bottom area may be effectively cleaned.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to a first embodiment.

Figs. 2 and 3 are exploded perspective views of a suction nozzle according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a rotatable driving part and a support part on which the rotatable driving part is disposed.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a suction part according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an inner structure of the suction nozzle according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a suction nozzle according to a second embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a view illustrating a lower structure of the suction nozzle of Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a rotatable cleaning part according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a view illustrating a state in which a second cleaning part is supported by a movable nozzle according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a view illustrating a state in which the movable nozzle is coupled to a fixed nozzle according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B’ of Fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a suction nozzle according to a third embodiment.

Fig. 14 is a view illustrating a state in which the suction nozzle is horizontally bent according to the third embodiment.

Fig. 15 is a view of a joint part according to the third embodiment.

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is noted that the same or similar components in the drawings are designated by the same reference numerals as far as possible even if they are shown in different drawings. In the following description of the present disclosure, a detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted to avoid making the subject matter of the present disclosure unclear.

In the description of the elements of the present disclosure, the terms `first`, `second`, `A`, `B`, `(a)`, and `(b)` may be used. However, since the terms are used only to distinguish an element from another, the essence, sequence, and order of the elements are not limited by them. When it is described that an element is "coupled to", "engaged with", or "connected to" another element, it should be understood that the element may be directly coupled or connected to the other element but still another element may be "coupled to", "engaged with", or "connected to" the other element between them.

In this specification, it may be understood that the term “bottom surface” denotes a bottom surface of a living room or a room and a surface to be cleaned such as a carpet.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to a first embodiment, and Figs. 2 and 3 are exploded perspective views of a suction nozzle according to a first embodiment.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 3, a vacuum cleaner 1 according to an embodiment may include a cleaner body 10 including a suction motor (not shown) for generating suction force and a suction device 20 connected to the cleaner body 10 to suction air and foreign substances on the bottom surface.

The cleaner body 10 may include at least a wheel and a dust container 110 in which the dusts separated from the air are stored.

The suction device 20 may include a suction nozzle 30 that is movable along the bottom surface and a connection mechanism for connecting the suction nozzle 30 to the cleaner body 10.

The connection mechanism may include an extension tube 24 connected to the suction nozzle 30, a handle 22 connected to the extension tube 24, and a connection hose 23 connecting the handle 22 to the cleaner body 10.

The suction nozzle 30 may include a nozzle frame 310 and a suction part 340 separably connected to the nozzle frame 310.

Also, the suction nozzle 30 may further include a connection tube 380 connected to a rear portion of the nozzle frame 310. The extension tube 24 may be connected to the connection tube 380. The connection tube 380 may be rotatably connected to the nozzle frame 310.

The suction part 340 may further include a body 341 defining an outer appearance thereof. Although the body 341 is not limited to a shape thereof, the body 341 may have a rectangular shape. Alternatively, the body 241 may have a cylindrical shape having an approximately semicircular cross-section.

The body 341 may have a front/rear length greater than a left/right width thereof. In the current embodiment, if the body 341 has the front/rear length greater than the left/right width thereof, the body 341 is not limited to a shape thereof.

According to the current embodiment, since the body 341 has the front/rear length greater than the left/right width thereof, a user may move the suction nozzle 30 forward and backward and also clean the bottom surface while moving the suction nozzle in a left/right direction. Thus, the moving configuration of the suction nozzle 30 may be changed by the user to improve the cleaning convenience for the user. That is, the user may clean the bottom surface while moving the suction nozzle in the left/right direction, like that the user sweeps the bottom by using a broom.

Also, since the front/rear length of the body 341 is greater than the left/right width of the body, the suction nozzle 30 may be inserted into the narrow gap to perform the cleaning.

The body 341 may include a suction hole 343 for suctioning air. The suction hole 343 may be defined in a bottom surface of the body 341. The suction hole 343 may have a front/rear length greater than a left/right width thereof.

The nozzle frame 310 may include a frame body 311.

A first coupling part 312 may be disposed on one of the nozzle frame 310 and the suction part 340, and a second coupling part 342 coupled to the first coupling part 312 may be disposed on the other one of the nozzle frame 310 and the suction part 340. For example, the first coupling part 312 may be a hook, and the second coupling part 342 may be a hole or groove to which the hook is coupled.

The suction part 340 may further include a rotatable cleaning part 350 for cleaning the bottom surface. The rotatable cleaning part 350 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the suction hole 343 and rotatably disposed on the body 341.

The rotatable cleaning part 350 may include a brush hair 351. While the rotatable cleaning part 350 rotates, the brush hair 351 may sweep and lift dusts on the bottom surface toward the suction hole 343.

The frame body 311 may include a flow hole 314 through which the air suctioned through the suction hole 343 flows. Also, a passage through which the air and dusts introduced through the flow hole 314 flow may be defined in the frame body 311. The passage may communicate with the connection tube 380.

The nozzle frame 310 may further include a driving device 320 for driving the rotatable cleaning part 350.

When the suction part 340 is connected to the nozzle frame 310, power of the driving device 320 may be transmitted to the rotatable cleaning part 350.

The driving device 320 may include a rotatable driving part 321 and a transmission part 330 connected to the rotatable driving part 321.

The driving device 320 will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the rotatable driving part and a support part on which the rotatable driving part is disposed, Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a suction part according to the first embodiment, and Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an inner structure of the suction nozzle according to the first embodiment.

Referring to Figs. 3 to 6, the rotatable driving part 321 may be rotatably disposed on a support part 332. The support part 332 may be fixed to the frame body 311.

A hole 333 through which the rotatable driving part 321 passes may be defined in the support part 332. The rotatable driving part 321 may be disposed in the hole 333.

The rotatable driving part 321 may have a cylindrical shape with a hollow 322. Also, the air passing through the flow hole 314 of the frame body 311 may pass the hollow 322 of the rotatable driving part 321.

A plurality of blades 323 disposed inclined with respect to a flow direction of the air may be disposed on an inner circumferential surface of the rotatable driving part 321. The plurality of blades 323 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other on the inner circumferential surface in a circumferential direction.

While the air passes through the hollow 322 of the rotatable driving part 321, the rotatable driving part 321 may rotate by the plurality of blades 323.

The rotatable driving part 321 may have an external diameter less than an internal diameter of the support part 332. Also, at least a bearing 336 may be disposed between an outer circumferential surface of the rotatable driving part 321 and an inner circumferential surface of the support part 332.

An accommodation groove into which the bearing 336 is accommodated may be defined in the outer circumferential surface of the rotatable driving part 321. The accommodation groove 325 may be defined in a circumferential direction of the rotatable driving part 321.

An accommodation groove 334 into which the bearing 336 is accommodated may be defined in the inner circumferential surface of the support part 332. The accommodation groove 334 may be defined in the inner circumferential surface of the support part 332 in a circumferential direction.

Thus, the rotatable driving part 321 may smoothly rotate by the bearing 336 in the state where the rotatable driving part 321 is supported by the support part 332 while the air flows.

A plurality of gear teeth may be disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the rotatable driving part 321 in a circumferential direction.

The transmission part 330 may be engaged with the gear teeth 324 of the rotatable driving part 321. The transmission part 330 may be, for example, a bevel gear. The transmission part 330 may be rotatably disposed on the frame body 311.

Also, when the suction part 340 is separated from the nozzle frame 310, the transmission part 330 may be exposed to the outside.

The suction part 340 may further include a connection part 354 to which the rotatable cleaning part 350 is connected and a support part 353 supporting the connection part 354.

The support part 353 may be fixed to the body 341 in the state where the support part 353 is accommodated into the body 341.

The connection part 354 may have a cylindrical shape. The connection part 354 may include a plurality of gear teeth 355 engaged with the transmission part 355.

The support part 353 may include a hole 353a through which the connection part 354 passes. A bearing 356 may be disposed between an inner circumferential surface of the support part 353 and an outer circumferential surface of the connection part 354.

An accommodation groove 353b into which the bearing 356 is accommodated may be defined in the inner circumferential surface of the support part 353. An accommodation groove 357 into which the bearing 356 is accommodated may be defined in the outer circumferential surface of the connection part 354.

An air passage 346 may be defined between the support part 353 and the bottom surface of the body 341 in the state where the support part 353 is accommodated into the body 341.

Hereinafter, an operation of the suction nozzle will be described in detail.

When a suction motor disposed on the cleaning body 10 operates, air containing dusts may be suctioned into the suction part 340 through the suction hole 343 by suction force generated by the suction motor.

The air introduced into the suction part 340 through the suction hole 343 may flow through the air passage 346 to pass through the flow hole 314 of the nozzle frame 310.

That is, in the current embodiment, the air introduced into the suction part 340 through the suction hole 343 may flow in a direction parallel to an extension direction of the rotatable cleaning part 350 within the suction part 340.

The air passing through the flow hole 314 of the nozzle frame 310 flows into the connection tube 380 after passing through the hollow 322 of the rotatable driving part 321.

While the air passes through the hollow 322 of the rotatable driving part 321, the rotatable driving part 321 rotates. When the rotatable driving part 321 rotates, rotation force of the rotatable driving part 321 is transmitted to the rotatable cleaning part 350 by the transmission part 330 and the connection part 354.

Thus, the rotatable cleaning part 350 may be rotatable, and thus, the rotatable cleaning part 350 may clean the bottom surface while the rotatable cleaning part 350 rotates.

According to the current embodiment, the suction part 340 may vary in shape. Since the suction part 340 is separably coupled to the nozzle frame 310, the suction part 340 having the various shapes may be used by being connected to the nozzle frame 310.

For example, the suction part having a first configuration is separated from the nozzle frame, and then, the suction part having a second configuration may be used by being connected to the nozzle frame. Thus, the suction part may be replaced according to an area to be cleaned.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a suction nozzle according to a second embodiment, and Fig. 8 is a view illustrating a lower structure of the suction nozzle of Fig. 7.

Constituents according to the current embodiment are the same as those of the forgoing embodiment except that a suction part having an adjustable length.

That is, since a structure of a nozzle frame, a connection structure between the nozzle frame and a suction part, and a structure in rotation force of a driving device disposed on a nozzle frame is transmitted to a rotatable cleaning part disposed on the suction part are the same those according to the first embodiment, their detailed descriptions will be omitted.

Referring to Figs. 7 and 8, a suction nozzle 40 according to the current embodiment may include a nozzle frame 410 and a suction part 420 separably connected to the nozzle frame 410.

The suction part 420 may include a fixed nozzle 430 and a movable nozzle 440 movably connected to the fixed nozzle 430. The movable nozzle 440 may be slidably connected to the fixed nozzle 430.

Thus, the suction part 420 may have a front/rear length that is variable by the movement of the movable nozzle 440 with respect to the fixed nozzle 430.

The fixed nozzle 430 may include a first suction hole 431, and the movable nozzle 440 may include a second suction hole 441. The whole area of each of the suction holes 431 and 441 may vary by the movement of the movable nozzle 440.

The suction part 420 may further include a rotatable cleaning part 450 for cleaning a bottom surface by the rotation operation thereof.

The rotatable cleaning part 450 may have a length that is variable by the movement of the movable nozzle 440.

Hereinafter, a structure of the rotatable cleaning part 450 will be described in detail.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the rotatable cleaning part according to the second embodiment.

Referring to Figs. 7 to 9, the rotatable cleaning part 450 according to the current embodiment may include a first cleaning part 451 and a second cleaning part 461 movably connected to the first cleaning part 451.

The first cleaning part 451 may be rotatably disposed within the fixed nozzle 430. The second cleaning part 461 may be slidably connected to the first cleaning part 451 in a longitudinal direction of the first cleaning part 451. Also, the second cleaning part 461 may be rotatably supported by the movable nozzle 440.

The first cleaning part 451 may include a brush member 452. For example, the brush member 452 may be slidably connected to the first cleaning part 451 in the longitudinal direction of the first cleaning part 451.

The first cleaning part 451 may include a first connection part 453 connected to the second cleaning part 461. The second cleaning part 461 may include a second connection part 462 connected to the first connection part 453.

One of the first and

second connection parts

453 and 462 may be a protrusion, and the other one may be an accommodating groove in which the protrusion is inserted.

For example, Fig. 9 illustrates a structure in which the first connection part 453 is the accommodating groove, and the second connection part 462 is the protrusion.

The second connection part 462 may be connected to the first connection part 453 in the sliding manner at a side of the first cleaning part 451.

Thus, in the state in which the second connection part 462 is connected to the first connection part 453, the second cleaning part 461 may be slidable in a longitudinal direction of the first cleaning part 451. That is, each of the first and

second connection parts

453 and 462 may serve as a guide rail for the sliding movement of the second cleaning part 461.

Here, to smoothly slide the second cleaning part 461, a contact surface between the first and

second connection parts

453 and 462 may be rounded.

Each of the second cleaning part 461 may further include a brush support 463 to which a brush member 464 is connected.

A shaft 465 may be disposed on the second connection part 462. The shaft 465 provides a rotation center of the rotatable cleaning part 450.

Fig. 10 is a view illustrating a state in which the second cleaning part is supported by the movable nozzle according to the second embodiment.

Referring to Fig. 10, the movable nozzle 440 may include a bearing 444 to which the shaft 465 of the second cleaning part 461 is connected.

A bearing installation part 442 on which the bearing 444 is installed is disposed on the movable nozzle 440. In the state in which the bearing 444 is installed on the bearing installation part 442, the bearing 327 may be prevented from moving in longitudinal and radius directions of the rotatable cleaning mechanism 450 with respect to the bearing installation part 444. Also, the bearing 444 may move together with the movable nozzle 440 by the movement of the movable nozzle 440.

Since the bearing 444 moves together with the movable nozzle 440, the second cleaning part 461 including the shaft 465 connected to the bearing 440 may move together.

That is, according to the current embodiment, the second cleaning part 461 may be rotatably supported by the movable nozzle 440 to move together with the movable nozzle 440.

When the movable nozzle 440 moves in a direction in which the fixed nozzle 430 increases in length, the second cleaning part 461 may be withdrawn from the fixed nozzle 430.

Thus, in the state where the movable nozzle is slid with respect to the fixed nozzle 430, the second cleaning part 461 may be maintained to the state in which the second cleaning part 461 is connected to the movable nozzle 440. In this state, the second cleaning part 461 may rotate together with the first cleaning part 451 to clean a bottom surface facing the second suction hole 441. That is, the first cleaning part 451 may clean the bottom surface facing the first suction hole 431, and the second cleaning part 461 may clean the bottom surface facing the second suction hole.

Fig. 11 is a view illustrating a state in which the movable nozzle is coupled to the fixed nozzle according to the second embodiment, and Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B’ of Fig. 11.

Referring to Figs. 9 to 12, the suction nozzle 40 according to the current embodiment may further include

restriction mechanisms

432 and 446 for restricting the movement of the movable nozzle 440 while the movable nozzle 440 moves in the direction in which the movable nozzle 440 increases in length with respect to the fixed nozzle 430.

The

restriction mechanisms

432 and 446 may include a guide groove 446 defined in one of an inner surface of a body of the movable nozzle 440 and an outer surface of a body of the fixed nozzle 430 and a guide protrusion 432 disposed on the other one and accommodated in the guide groove 446.

For example, Fig. 12 illustrates a structure in which the guide groove 446 is defined in the movable nozzle 440, and the guide protrusion 432 is disposed on the fixed nozzle 430.

The guide groove 446 may be lengthily defined in a front/rear direction of the suction nozzle 40. Thus, in the state in which the guide protrusion 432 is accommodated in the guide groove 446, the guide protrusion 432 may move within the guide groove 446.

In a state where the suction part 420 has a maximum length, the guide protrusion 432 is disposed at a left end of the guide groove 446 in Fig. 12. On the other hand, in a state where the suction part 420 has a minimum length, the guide protrusion 432 may be disposed at a right end of the guide groove 446 in Fig. 12.

Also, as illustrated in Fig. 9, in the state where the suction part 420 has the maximum length, the second cleaning part 461 may be maintained to the state in which the second cleaning part 461 is connected to the first cleaning part 451.

Thus, according to the current embodiment, the movable nozzle 440 may be prevented from being separated from the fixed nozzle 430 by the

restriction mechanisms

432 and 446.

Although the

restriction mechanisms

432 and 446 are respectively disposed on the fixed nozzle and the movable nozzle in the foregoing embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the

restriction mechanisms

432 and 446 may be disposed on the first and second cleaning parts, respectively. That is, the guide groove may be defined in one of the first and second cleaning parts, and the guide protrusion accommodated in the guide groove may be disposed on the other one of the first and second cleaning parts.

Thus, according to the current embodiment, when the suction part increases in length, the whole area of the suction hole may increases, and also, the rotatable cleaning part may increase in length according to the increasing area of the suction hole. Thus, the cleanable bottom area may increase, and simultaneously, the increasing cleanable bottom area may be effectively cleaned.

Although the movable nozzle is manually slid with respect to the fixed nozzle in the foregoing embodiment, the preset disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the movable nozzle may be automatically slide by the driving device. For example, the driving device may be disposed on the fixed nozzle. Thus, when the driving device operates, the movable nozzle may be slid with respect to the fixed nozzle. For example, the driving device may further include a motor. To transmit power of the motor to the movable nozzle, the driving device may include at least a gear. For example, a pinion gear may be connected to the motor, and a rack gear may be disposed on the body of the movable nozzle.

In this case, an input part for inputting a command for driving the driving device may be disposed on the handle.

For another example, an elastic member may be connected to the movable nozzle. The elastic member may be fixed to the fixed nozzle and the movable nozzle to provide elastic force for allowing the movable nozzle to move in the direction in which the suction part increases in length to the movable nozzle.

In this case, the suction nozzle may include a fixing mechanism for fixing a position of the movable nozzle in the state where the suction part has the minimum length. For example, a hook may be disposed on the fixed nozzle, and a hook coupling part to which the hook is coupled may be disposed on the movable nozzle. Also, in the state in which the suction part has the minimum length, the hook may be coupled to the hook coupling part.

In this case, when the coupling between the hook and the hook coupling part is released, the movable nozzle may be slid by the elastic force of the elastic member, and thus the suction part may increase in length.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a suction nozzle according to a third embodiment, Fig. 14 is a view illustrating a state in which the suction nozzle is horizontally bent according to the third embodiment, and Fig. 15 is a view of a joint part according to the third embodiment.

Constituents according to the current embodiment are the same as those of the second embodiment except that a joint part is connected to a suction part so that the suction part is horizontally bendable with respect to a connection tube. Thus, only characterized parts in the current embodiment will be described below.

Referring to Figs. 13 to 15, a suction nozzle 50 according to the current embodiment may include a suction part, a joint part 540 connected to the suction part, and a connection tube 530 connected to the joint part 540.

The suction part may includes a first nozzle 510 and a second nozzle 520 slidably connected to the first nozzle 510.

The suction nozzle 50 may further include the rotatable cleaning part that is described in the second embodiment. However, unlike the second embodiment, the driving device 320 according to the first embodiment may be provided in the first nozzle 510.

The joint part 540 may include a first rotatable part 541 rotatably connected to the first nozzle 510 and a second rotatable part 543 rotatably connected to the connection tube 530.

For example, each of the

rotatable parts

541 and 543 may have a cylindrical shape with a hollow. The first rotatable part 541 may rotate at an angle of about 360 degrees with respect to a rotation center that extends in a direction parallel to a flow direction of air flowing through the first nozzle 510.

A groove 541a may be defined in an outer circumferential surface of the first rotatable part 541 in a circumferential direction, and a protrusion 511 accommodated into the groove 541a may be disposed on the first nozzle 510.

The second rotatable part 543 may rotate at an angle of about 360 degrees with respect to a rotation center that extends in a direction parallel to a flow direction of air flowing through the connection tube 530.

A groove 545 may be defined in an inner circumferential surface of the second rotatable part 543 in a circumferential direction. A protrusion 531 accommodated into the groove 545 may be disposed on the connection tube 531.

The second rotatable part 543 may be rotatably connected to the first rotatable part 541. A first connection part 542 may be disposed on the first rotatable part 541, and a second connection part 544 connected to the first connection part 542 may be disposed on the second rotatable part 543. In the state in which the second connection part 544 is connected to the first connection part 542, the second rotatable part 543 may be rotatable with respect to the first rotatable part 541.

Here, the second rotatable part 543 may rotate about the first rotatable part 541 with respect to the rotation center that extends in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the air in the first nozzle.

The suction nozzle 50 may further include a connection hose 550 including a passage for allowing the first nozzle 510 to communicate with the connection tube 530. For example, the connection hose 550 may be a hose formed of a flexible material. The connection hose 550 may have one end fixed to the first nozzle 510 and the other end fixed to the connection tube 530. Also, the connection hose 550 may pass through the first and second

rotatable parts

541 and 543.

Thus, according to the current embodiment, since the suction part is bendable to various angles about at least two axes with respect to the connection tube by the joint part 540, the cleaning convenience may be improved.

Although the driving device is disposed within the suction part in the foregoing embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the suction nozzle 50 may include the nozzle frame according to the first embodiment, and the suction part may be connected to the nozzle frame. In this case, the joint part 540 may connect the nozzle frame to the connection tube.

That is, the connection tube having the structure according to the first embodiment may be connected to the nozzle frame by the joint part. In this case, a first rotatable part may be connected to the nozzle frame, and the second rotatable part may be connected to the connection tube.

The above-disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments, which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the embodiment of the present invention is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the technical spirit of the present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiment.

Claims

A nozzle of a cleaner, the nozzle comprising:

a suction part comprising a rotatable cleaning part for cleaning a bottom surface by a rotation operation thereof; and

a nozzle frame separably connected to the suction part, the nozzle frame comprising a driving device for driving the rotatable cleaning part.
The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein, when the suction part is connected to the nozzle frame, the rotatable cleaning part is connected to the driving device.
The nozzle according to claim 2, wherein the driving device comprises a rotatable driving part and a transmission part for transmitting power of the rotatable driving part, and

the transmission part is exposed to an outside in a state in which the suction part is separated from the nozzle frame.
The nozzle according to claim 3, wherein the rotatable driving part rotates by air flowing through the nozzle frame.
The nozzle according to claim 4, wherein the rotatable driving part comprises a hollow through which air flows, and

a plurality of blades are disposed on an inner circumferential surface of the rotatable driving part.
The nozzle according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of gear teeth engaged with the transmission part are disposed on the rotatable driving part.
The nozzle according to claim 3, wherein the suction part further comprises a connection part connected to the rotatable cleaning part and connected to the transmission part in the state in which the suction part is coupled to the nozzle frame.
The nozzle according to claim 7, wherein the transmission part comprises a gear, and

a plurality of gear teeth engaged with the transmission part are disposed on the connection part.
The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the suction part comprises an air passage through which suctioned air flows, and

the nozzle frame comprises a flow hole through which the air passing through the air passage is introduced.
The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the suction part has a shape of which a front/rear length is greater than a left/right width.
The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein air introduced into the suction part flows in a direction parallel to an extension direction of the rotatable cleaning part.
The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the suction part comprises a fixed nozzle connected to the nozzle frame and a movable nozzle slidably connected to the fixed nozzle in a front/rear direction of the suction part.
The nozzle according to claim 12, wherein the rotatable cleaning part comprises a plurality of cleaning parts that adjusts a length of the cleaning part by a movement of the nozzle.
The nozzle according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of cleaning parts comprise:

a first cleaning part rotatably supported by the fixed nozzle; and

a second cleaning part slidably connected to the first cleaning part, the second cleaning part being rotatably supported by the movable nozzle.
The nozzle according to claim 1, further comprising:

a joint part connected to the nozzle frame; and

a connection tube connected to the joint part, the connection tube communicating with the nozzle frame,

wherein the joint part allows the nozzle frame to be rotatable about at least two axes with respect to the connection tube.
The nozzle according to claim 15, wherein the joint part comprises:

a first rotatable part rotatably connected to the nozzle frame; and

a second rotatable part rotatably connected to the first rotatable part and the connection tube.
The nozzle according to claim 16, wherein the first rotatable part is connected to the nozzle frame so that the first rotatable part is rotatable at an angle of about 360 degrees, and

the second rotatable part is connected to the connection tube so that the second rotatable part is rotatable at an angle of about 360 degrees.
The nozzle according to claim 17, further comprising a connection hose allows the nozzle frame to communicate with the connection tube and passes through the first and second rotatable parts.
A nozzle of a cleaner, the nozzle comprising:

a suction part having a suction hole through which air is suctioned;

a connection hose connected to the suction part;

a connection tube connected to the connection hose; and

a joint part connecting the suction part to the connection tube, the joint part allowing the suction part to be bendable with respect to the connection tube,

wherein the joint part comprises:

a first rotatable part rotatably connected to the suction part; and

a second rotatable part rotatably connected to the connection tube and the first rotatable part.
A vacuum cleaner comprising:

a cleaner body comprising a suction motor;

a suction nozzle communicating with the cleaner body to suction air on a bottom surface; and

a connection mechanism connecting the suction nozzle to the cleaner body,

wherein the suction nozzle comprises:

a suction part comprising a rotatable cleaning part cleaning a bottom surface by a rotation operation thereof; and

a nozzle frame separably connected to the suction part, the nozzle frame comprising a driving device driving the rotatable cleaning part in a state where the rotatable cleaning part is connected thereto.