Suction nozzle for vacuum cleaner

Suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner including a suction nozzle body including; a main air flow passage having a main suction hole for drawing external air and a discharge hole for providing the drawn air to a body of the vacuum cleaner, and a supplementary air flow passage having a supplementary air flow passage for drawing external air and an opening for providing the external air drawn through the supplementary suction hole to the main air flow passage, and vibration generating means mounted in the supplementary air flow passage for generating a vibrating force by an air flow drawn through the supplementary suction hole, thereby facilitating an automatic removal of various foreign matters stuck to a surface of bedding, whereby improving a cleaning efficiency.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner, and more particularly, 
to a suction nozzle for drawing air containing dust and the like. 
2. Background of the Related Art 
A related art vacuum cleaner will be explained with reference to the 
attached drawings. FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective disassembled view of 
the related art vacuum cleaner. 
Referring to FIG. 1, a body 1 of the vacuum cleaner 1 is provided with a 
lower cover 1a and an upper cover 1b. A suction hose 3 has one end coupled 
to a suction hole 2 in the upper cover 1b of the body 1 and another end 
coupled to a hand grip 4 with a control unit. One end of an extension tube 
5 is detachably coupled to the hand grip 4, and the other end is connected 
to one end of a connection tube 63. The other end of the connection tube 
63 is coupled to the suction nozzle 6. 
Various components in the body 1 will be explained, with reference to FIG. 
2. 
The body 1 is provided with a suction hole 2 for drawing in external air 
and a discharge hole 11 for discharging the air. There is a dust 
collecting bag 9 surrounding one end of the suction hose 3, which is 
inserted in the suction hole 2. The dust collecting bag 9 is used for 
filtering dust and foreign matters drawn into the body along with the air. 
An air filter 12 is provided in front of the discharge hole 11 for 
filtering fine particles which are not filtered out of the air flow by the 
dust collecting bag 9. A motor 7 and a fan 8 are provided between the dust 
collecting bag 9 and the discharge hole 11 for generating a suction force. 
A motor protection filter 10 is located in front of the fan 8. 
There are many kinds of suction nozzles 6 which can be used with a device 
as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. A user would select an appropriate suction 
nozzle 6 depending on what functions are to be performed. For example, 
when bedding, such as blankets and mattresses are to be cleaned, a suction 
nozzle for bedding may be used. 
A background art bedding suction nozzle will be explained with reference to 
FIGS. 3 and 4. The bedding suction nozzle 60 has an internal cavity and is 
provided with a suction nozzle body 61, which forms an outside shell of 
the suction nozzle 60. Wheels are rotatably fitted at both sides of the 
suction nozzle body 61. A connection tube 63 is coupled at a rear of the 
suction nozzle body 61. The suction nozzle body 61 has a main suction hole 
61a at a bottom thereof for drawing in external air, and a bypass hole 61b 
at top thereof for drawing in external air. 
The operation of the related art vacuum cleaner will be explained with 
reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. Upon putting the vacuum cleaner into 
operation, the motor 7 in the body 1 is driven to rotate the fan 8, to 
generate a suction force. Then, external air carrying dust and the like is 
drawn through the suction nozzle 6 and flows into the dust collecting bag 
9 via the suction hose 3. Most foreign matter in the air flow is filtered 
out and remains in the dust collecting bag 9. Fine particles which are not 
filtered out of the airflow by through the dust collecting bag 9 travel to 
a rear of the body 1, and are filtered out of the airflow by the air 
filter 12. The airflow is then discharged outside of the vacuum cleaner 
body 1 through the discharge hole 11. 
The operation of the bedding suction nozzle will be explained with 
reference to FIG. 4. When a suction force is generated upon putting the 
vacuum cleaner into operation, most of the external air that passes 
through the connection tube 63 is drawn into the nozzle through the main 
suction hole 61a. However, a portion of the airflow exiting the nozzle is 
also drawn through the bypass hole 61b. As most bedding is formed of 
cloth, when cleaning the bedding, a portion of the cloth bedding may be 
partially drawn into the main suction hole 61a by the suction force of the 
vacuum cleaner. This blocks the main suction hole 61a, thus impeding 
drawing of the external air into the suction nozzle 60. This also impedes 
the cleaning operation. However, the external air drawn in through the 
bypass hole 61b in the top of the suction nozzle body 61 helps to allow 
the cloth stuck to the main suction hole 61a to come apart therefrom, 
thereby allowing the cleaning operation to continue. 
However, the related art bedding suction nozzle has the following problems. 
First, the related art bedding suction nozzle merely draws in dust and 
various foreign matters such as hair stuck to the bedding only using a 
suction force. However, because some foreign matter stuck to the bedding 
does not easily come apart from the bedding, the cleaning operation is not 
always effective. This makes the related art bedding suction nozzle 
inconvenient to use because the user must repeatedly go over the same 
portion of the bedding several times to remove all foreign matter. 
Alternatively, a cleaning operation using the vacuum cleaner can only be 
carried out after dust has already been shaken off the bedding. 
Second, as noted above, when the bedding becomes stuck to the suction 
nozzle during a cleaning operation, it impedes use of the vacuum cleaner 
and reduces the effectiveness of the cleaning work. Despite the provision 
of the bypass hole in a top of the suction nozzle body, when a portion of 
the bedding is drawn into and blocks the main suction hole, it still 
impairs the cleaning operation. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a suction nozzle for a 
vacuum cleaner that substantially obviates one or more of the problems and 
disadvantages of the related art. 
An object of the present invention is to provide a suction nozzle for a 
vacuum cleaner which can draw in various foreign matter, such as dust and 
the like, which is stuck to bedding without first having to shake off 
certain foreign matter before cleaning the bedding with the suction 
nozzle. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide a suction nozzle for 
a vacuum cleaner which can prevent the suction nozzle from becoming stuck 
to the bedding, thereby improving its convenience in use. 
Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in 
the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the 
description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The 
objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and 
attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written 
description and claims hereofas well as the appended drawings. 
To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of 
the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, the suction 
nozzle for a vacuum cleaner includes a suction nozzle body including a 
main air flow passage having a main suction hole for drawing in external 
air, and a discharge hole for providing the airflow to a body of the 
vacuum cleaner. The suction nozzle body also includes a supplementary 
suction hole that opens into a supplementary air flow passage for drawing 
in external air, and an opening for providing the airflow drawn through 
the supplementary suction hole to the main air flow passage. The suction 
nozzle body further includes vibration generating means, mounted in the 
supplementary air flow passage, for generating a vibrating force using the 
air flow drawn through the supplementary suction hole. 
The vibration generating means may include a duct having an opened upper 
end and an opened lower end, both for allowing air flow, and a flow 
passage at one side thereof connected to the opening. A moving member is 
disposed in the duct for making up and down movements according to a 
suction direction of the air drawn into the duct. A vibrating member 
adapted to make up and down movements following the up and down movements 
of the moving member selectively opens and closes the upper end and a 
lower end of the duct, and at the same time generates a vibration force. 
The moving member may include at least one moving plate having a diameter 
smaller than an inside diameter of the duct. The vibrating member would 
also include an upper cover for selectively opening and closing a top of 
the duct, a lower cover for selectively opening and closing a bottom of 
the duct, and a connecting shaft for connecting the upper cover and the 
lower cover. 
The connecting shaft preferably has a lower end that extends through a 
bottom surface of the housing and that is fixed to a vibration plate. The 
vibration plate directly hits the bedding when the vibrating member makes 
a down movement, for generating vibration. 
The supplementary suction hole is fitted with a cover for selective opening 
and closing the supplementary air flow passage. The vibrating plate is 
preferably designed to be selectively operative, and a transparent window 
is preferably fitted to the suction nozzle body for checking an operation 
state of the vibration generating means. 
A recess may be formed in a bottom surface of the suction nozzle body, and, 
preferably, a bottom plate is detachably fitted to the recess. 
There is preferably a blast air flow passage in the suction nozzle body for 
blasting air from the bottom of the suction nozzle body to more 
efficiently separate dust and the like from bedding. 
An overload protection device is preferably mounted in the supplementary 
air flow passage for preventing the supplementary air flow passage from 
being overloaded. 
A suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner embodying the present invention can 
separate foreign matter from a surface of the bedding without the need for 
a separate shaking operation. This improves a cleaning efficiency, and 
also prevents blocking of the main suction hole in the suction nozzle. 
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the 
following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are 
intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the 
present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying 
drawings. 
FIRST EMBODIMENT 
FIG. 5 illustrates a cross section of a suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner 
in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, 
and FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective disassembled view of the suction 
nozzle shown in FIG. 5, referring to which the first preferred embodiment 
will be explained. 
Referring to FIG. 5, an overall structure of a suction nozzle for a vacuum 
cleaner of the present invention will be explained. There is a suction 
nozzle body 300 having a main suction hole 61a formed in a bottom surface 
thereof and a supplementary suction hole 101 in another surface thereof. 
The suction nozzle body 300 has a discharge hole 380a in a rear surface 
thereof for discharging air drawn therein through a connection tube 380 to 
a body of the vacuum cleaner. The interior of the suction nozzle body 300 
is divided into a main air flow passage 300a and a supplementary air flow 
passage 300b so that the air drawn through the main suction hole 61a 
directly flows to the body of the vacuum cleaner through the discharge 
hole 380a, and air drawn through the supplementary suction hole 101 flows 
to the discharge hole 380a through a vibration generating means 200. The 
main air flow passage 300a is preferably formed to be in communication 
with the supplementary air flow passage 300b, for directing the air passed 
through the supplementary air flow passage 300b to the body of the vacuum 
cleaner. The supplementary air flow passage 300b can be implemented in 
various ways. In this embodiment, the supplementary air flow passage 300b 
is formed by mounting a housing 100 in the suction nozzle body 300 having 
one side opened to the supplementary suction hole 101 and the other side 
having an opening 102 opened to the main air flow passage 300a. 
There is the vibration generating means 200 in the supplementary air flow 
passage 300b, i.e., in the housing 100, for generating vibration using the 
air flowing through the supplementary suction hole 101. The vibration 
generating means 200 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. 
There is a duct 110 in the housing 100. The duct 110 has openings at its 
top and bottom, and a flow passage 111 at one side connected to the 
opening 102. There is a moving member 120 in the duct 110 for rising or 
dropping according to a suction force of the air drawn into the duct 110. 
There is also a vibrating member 130 which surrounds the moving member 120 
for vibrating the suction nozzle body 300 by selectively opening/closing 
the top and the bottom of the duct 110 and by hitting the housing 
according to the up and down movement of the moving member 120. It is 
preferable that a plurality of upper guide pieces 112a and lower guide 
pieces 112b are fitted on outside of the duct 110 at the top and the 
bottom thereof at fixed intervals around the circumference of the duct 
110. The upper and lower guide pieces help to guide the up and down 
movement of the vibrating member 130. 
The moving member 120 includes an upper plate 121 for generating a rising 
force when air flows in from the bottom of the duct 110, a lower plate 122 
for generating a dropping force when air flows in from the top of the duct 
110, and at least one connecting member 123 for connecting the upper plate 
121 and the lower plate 122. It is preferable that the connecting members 
123 are tilted between the upper plate 121 and the lower plate 122 at an 
angle with reference to a vertical line, and that the connecting members 
123 are located opposite one another. As shown in FIG. 7, a supplementary 
moving plate 124 is preferably fitted between the upper plate 121 and the 
lower plate 122, for more smooth reception of the rising and dropping 
forces. 
The vibrating member 130 includes an upper cover 131 and a lower cover 132 
for opening/closing an upper side and a lower side of the duct 110 
according to the up and down movement of the moving member 120. A 
connecting shaft 133 connects the upper and lower covers 131 and 132. The 
connecting shaft 133 is preferably fitted to pass through holes 121a and 
122a in a center of the moving member 120, so that the connecting shaft 
133 guides the up and down movement of the moving member 120. 
Sound absorbing/vibration damping material 134 of, for example rubber or 
nonwoven fabric, is preferably fitted on both sides, or either side of the 
upper cover 131. The sound absorbing/vibration damping material 134 
absorbs noises generated when the upper cover 131 and the moving member 
120 collide. Sound is also absorbed when the upper cover 131 and the 
housing 100 collide. It is also preferable to fit the sound 
absorbing/vibration damping material 134 to the lower cover 132 for the 
same reason. 
The flow passage 111 is preferably formed to surround an outer 
circumference of the duct 110 in a direction crossing a longitudinal 
direction of the duct so that the air makes an uniform flow into the flow 
passage 111 through the upper and lower openings of the duct 110. The 
moving member 120 has a height greater than a height of the flow passage 
111 and approximately half of a total height of the duct 110. If the 
moving member 120 has a height the same, or similar to the total height of 
the duct 110 the moving member 120 will only be able to move a short 
distance before hitting the vibration member 130, and the force of the 
impact against the vibration member 130 will be small. The duct 110 can be 
formed to have a substantially identical upper length A and lower length 
B. Preferably the lower length B is longer than the upper length A to 
provide a longer rising distance of the moving member 120. The upper, and 
lower covers 131 and 132 have a diameter greater than an inside diameter 
of the duct 110, so that they can seal off the upper and lower ends of the 
duct. A diameter of the upper plate 121 and the lower plate 122 of the 
moving member 120 have a diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the 
duct 110 so that the moving member 120 can translate freely up and down 
within the duct 110. 
The operation of the suction nozzle body for a vacuum cleaner of the 
present invention will be explained with reference to FIGS. 8A-8C. 
Referring to FIG. 8A, the moving member 120 is located at a lower portion 
of the duct 110 by its own weight when the vacuum cleaner is not in 
operation. In this instance, the upper cover 131 of the vibrating member 
130 is located on top of the duct 110, thus closing the top of the duct 
110, and the lower cover 132 is located below the bottom of the duct 110, 
leaving the bottom of the duct 110 open. 
When a user puts the vacuum cleaner into operation, the fan in the body of 
the vacuum cleaner is rotated to generate a suction force, and the suction 
force draws air in through the main suction hole 61a and the supplementary 
suction hole 101 in the suction nozzle body 300. The external air drawn 
through the main suction hole 61a flows to the body of the vacuum cleaner 
through the connection tube 380, directly. And, as shown in FIG. 8B, since 
the bottom of the duct 110 is open, the external air drawn through the 
supplementary suction hole 101 flows into the duct 110 through the bottom 
of the duct 110, through the flow passage 111, and then into the main body 
of the vacuum cleaner via the connection tube 380. 
Because the flow passage 111 is at a center of the duct 110, the air 
entering the bottom of the duct 110 rises up to a center portion of the 
duct 110 where the flow passage 111 is located. The rising air and the 
suction force through the flow passage 111 cause the moving member 120 to 
rise upwardly toward the upper portion of the duct 110. Since the 
connecting members 123 of the moving member 120 are tilted and opposite to 
one another, the air flow may also generate a rotation force, to rotate 
the moving member. The rotation of the moving member 120 allows the moving 
member to rise more smoothly. 
As shown in FIG. 8C, the moving member 120 rising inside the duct 110 hits 
the upper cover 131 of the vibrating member 130. The impact of the moving 
member 120 causes the upper cover 131 to rise, thus opening the top of the 
duct 110. Because the upper cover 131 and the lower cover 132 are 
connected with the connecting shaft 133, the lower cover 132 also rises 
until the lower cover 132 is brought into contact with the bottom of the 
duct 110, and closes the duct 110. Because the bottom of the duct 110 is 
closed, the air can not flow into the duct 110 through the bottom of the 
duct 110 anymore. Because the top of the duct 110 is open, the air instead 
flows into the duct 110 through the top of the duct 110 and then out 
through the flow passage 111. 
The air flowing into the top of the duct 110 pushes the moving member 120 
back down toward the bottom of the duct 110. As the moving member 120 
moves downward, it hits the lower cover 132 of the vibrating member 130, 
opening the bottom of the duct 110 and hitting the housing 100. The impact 
of the lower cover 132 against the housing 100 vibrates the suction nozzle 
body 300, which is coupled to the housing 100. The downward movement of 
the vibrating member 300 also causes the upper cover 131 to close the top 
of the duct 110. Because the dropping speed of the moving member 120 is 
caused by the air flowing into the top of duct 110 and the weight of the 
moving member 120 itself, the dropping speed is usually faster than the 
rising speed. Therefore, the lower plate 122 of the moving member 120 hits 
the lower cover 132 of the vibrating member 130 with a greater force than 
the force caused by the upper plate 121 of the moving member 120 hitting 
the upper cover 131 of the vibrating member 130. And, moreover, since the 
lower side length B of the duct 110 is greater than the upper side length 
A of the duct 110, the greater length of drop makes the dropping speed of 
the moving member 120 the greater than the rising speed, which also causes 
the impact to be greater. 
The sound absorbing/vibration damping material 134 fitted on the upper 
cover 131 and the lower cover 132 absorb noises generated when the moving 
member 120 and the vibrating member 130 collide, as well as noises 
generated when the vibrating member 130 and the duct 110 collide, and 
noises generated when the vibrating member 130 and the housing 100 
collide. The sound absorbing/vibration damping material 134 may also 
facilitate a better closure of the top and bottom of the duct 110 by the 
upper cover 131 and lower cover 132, which helps the moving member 120 to 
make a smooth up and down movement. 
As explained above, when the vacuum cleaner is operating, the moving member 
120 makes up and down movements in response to the air flowing through the 
supplementary suction hole 101, and the vibrating member 130 is caused to 
make corresponding up and down movements. The movements of the vibrating 
member 130 impacts the housing 100, continuously and repeatedly. According 
to this, the suction nozzle body 300 coupled to the housing also vibrates. 
The vibration is transmitted to any bedding brought into contact with the 
suction nozzle body 300, which helps to separate foreign matter such as 
dust from the bedding, causing the dust to float in the air. Various 
foreign matter separated from the surface of the bedding are then drawn 
into the body of the vacuum cleaner through the main suction hole 61a and 
the supplementary suction hole 101 of the suction nozzle body 300. Thus, 
the user can clean the bedding with ease. 
A portion of the bedding drawn into the main suction hole 61a by the 
suction force of the vacuum cleaner can block the main suction hole 61a of 
the suction nozzle 60 in the middle of the bedding cleaning. In this 
instance, more external air is caused to flow into the suction nozzle body 
300 through the supplementary suction hole 101, which causes even stronger 
vibrations of the vibration generating means. The stronger vibrations help 
the cloth blocking the main suction hole 61a come off the main suction 
hole 61a. The stronger vibrations also improve the cleaning performance 
because the foreign matter is better separated from the bedding by the 
strong vibrations. 
Other system configurations may be employed to generate vibrations other 
than the system in which the upper cover 131 and the lower cover 132 of 
the vibrating member 130 directly hit the housing. That is, many of the 
advantages of the foregoing embodiment can be obtained by extending one 
end of the connecting shaft 133 beyond the duct covers, and then fitting 
an additional vibrating plate (not shown) onto the extended connecting 
shaft 133. The up and down movement of the connecting shaft 133 will cause 
the additional vibrating plate, to hit the housing 100, thus generating 
vibrations. Also, a plurality of vibration generating means 200 may be 
provided in appropriate locations of the suction nozzle body 300 to 
generate the vibration more effectively. 
SECOND EMBODIMENT 
A suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner in accordance with a second preferred 
embodiment of the present invention is identical to the first preferred 
embodiment in many respects. In the second embodiment, however, the 
suction nozzle body is vibrated directly. 
The second embodiment of the present invention will be explained with 
reference to FIG. 9. Components identical to those of the first embodiment 
will be given the same names and reference numerals, and explanations of 
those components will be omitted. 
A lower end of the connecting shaft 133 in the vibrating member 130 is 
extended to penetrate through a bottom of the housing 100 up to a 
vibration plate 210 which is fixed thereto. There is preferably a sound 
absorbing/vibration damping material 210a fitted on an upper surface of 
the vibration plate 210. The connecting shaft 133 should be extended 
enough so that the bottom of the vibration plate 210 comes into contact 
with the suction nozzle body 300 when the vibration member 130 is lowered 
fully. 
The operation of the second embodiment of the present invention having the 
aforementioned system will be explained. 
The vibration generating means 200 is put into operation by the suction 
force generated by the rotation of the fan mounted on the body of the 
vacuum cleaner during cleaning. The operation principle is identical to 
the first embodiment. However, in the second embodiment, the vibration 
member 130 is designed to hit, not the housing 100, but the suction nozzle 
body 300, directly. That is, while the vibrating member 130 moves up and 
down, the vibration plate 210 also moves up and down. Therefore, the 
vibration plate 210 hits the suction nozzle body 300, directly. In this 
second embodiment, since not only the housing 100, but also the suction 
nozzle body 300 can be hit directly, a smooth vibration can be generated, 
allowing a smooth separation of various foreign matter from the surface of 
the bedding. 
THIRD EMBODIMENT 
Though an overall system of the third embodiment of the suction nozzle for 
a vacuum cleaner of the present invention is similar to the first, and 
second embodiments, the third embodiment has a system in which the surface 
of the bedding is vibrated, directly. A structure of the suction nozzle 
for a vacuum cleaner of the third embodiment will be explained with 
reference to FIG. 10. Explanations of components identical to the first 
and second embodiments will be omitted. 
Recesses 151 are formed in the bottom of the suction nozzle body 300 along 
a longitudinal direction of the suction nozzle body 300. The connecting 
shaft 133 in the vibration member 130 is extended to penetrate a bottom of 
the suction nozzle body 300. A vibration plate 210, substantially in 
conformity with the recess 151, is fixed to the end of the connecting 
shaft 133. The vibration plate 210 is preferably located in front of the 
main suction hole 61a of the suction nozzle body 300. The operation of the 
third embodiment of the present invention is the same as the first, and 
second embodiments, expect that in the third embodiment, the vibration 
plate 210 at the end of the vibration member 130 hits the surface of the 
bedding, directly. Accordingly, various foreign matter, such as dust, 
which is stuck to the surface of the bedding, can be separated more 
effectively, thereby facilitating more efficient cleaning. 
FOURTH EMBODIMENT 
The fourth embodiment is a detailed version of the third embodiment. FIGS. 
11A and 11B illustrate perspective views of a bedding suction nozzle for a 
vacuum cleaner in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the 
present invention. FIG. 11A is a top perspective view, and FIG. 11B is a 
bottom perspective view. FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-section taken along 
line III--III in FIG. 11B. The fourth embodiment of the present invention 
will be explained with reference to FIGS. 11A, 11B and 12. Components 
identical to the third embodiment will be given the same reference 
numerals and names, and explanations of the same will be omitted. 
In this fourth embodiment, a main air flow passage 300a and a supplementary 
air flow passage 300b are formed without using a separate housing for 
providing the main air flow passage 300a and the supplementary air flow 
passage 300b inside of the suction nozzle body 300. That is, an upper 
partition wall 310a is formed inside of an upper suction nozzle body 310 
and a lower partition wall 350a formed inside of the lower suction nozzle 
body 350, for forming a main air flow passage 300a and a supplementary air 
flow passage 300b. The opening formed between the upper partition wall 
310a and the lower partition wall 350a forms the opening 102 for 
communication of the main air flow passage 300a and the supplementary air 
flow passage 300b. A vibration generating means includes a duct 110, a 
moving member 120, and a vibrating member 130, which are mounted in the 
supplementary air flow passage 300b. Of course, the duct 110 is fitted 
such that the flow passage is in communication with the opening 102. And, 
like the third embodiment, a vibration plate 210 is fitted to a bottom 
surface of the suction nozzle body 300, to hit the bedding directly. The 
vibration plate 210 preferably has a plurality of projections 211 on a 
bottom surface thereof for more effective hitting of the bedding. More 
preferably, there are a plurality of supplementary projections 211a on a 
bottom surface of the projection 211. There is a cover 312 with a sound 
absorbing material, such as sponge 314a, detachably fitted to the 
supplementary suction hole 101 in the suction nozzle body 300. And, there 
is preferably a transparent window 316 for checking an operation state of 
the vibration generating means 200 in an appropriate location of the 
suction nozzle body 300. 
The suction nozzle body 300 has wheels with projections 390 rotatably 
fitted at both sides thereof. And, a supplementary wheel with an 
appropriate diameter is preferably fitted to the bottom surface of the 
suction nozzle body 300, so that a fixed gap is provided between the 
bottom of the suction nozzle body 300 and the bedding. The supplementary 
wheel 392 preferably has a round cross-section for prevention of possible 
damage to the bedding. The supplementary wheel may also have a dumbbell 
form. 
The bottom surface of the suction nozzle body 330, is brought into direct 
contact with a cleaning object, such as bedding, during cleaning. The 
object being cleaned is liable to have foreign matter, such as dust and 
hair stuck thereto. Therefore, it is preferable to fit a bottom plate 400 
to the bottom of the suction nozzle body which is detachable for easy 
cleaning. The connection tube 380 at the rear of the suction nozzle body 
300 is fitted such that a height and left and right side angles are 
adjustable for easy handling during cleaning and smooth operation. 
The aforementioned components will be explained in detail with reference to 
FIG. 13. 
The cover 312 is detachably fitted to the supplementary suction hole 101, 
and the cover 312 has sound absorbing material 314a, such as sponge fitted 
thereto for reducing noise generated in operation of the vibration 
generating means 200 and in filtering the dust and foreign matter in the 
air drawn through the supplementary suction hole 101. A cover 318 for 
opening/closing the cover 312 may be provided for opening or closing the 
supplementary air flow passage 300b as necessary for selective operation 
of the vibration generating means 200. The transparent window 316 permits 
a user to see the operation of the vibration generating means 200 from 
outside. This allows the user to determine whether the vibration 
generating means 200 is operating without disassembling the suction nozzle 
body 300. And, for better visibility, a convex lens may be provided to the 
transparent window 316, and a coat of fluorescent material may be applied 
to the vibration generating means 200. Alternatively, a lamp may be 
provided inside of the transparent window 316. 
The duct 110 has the moving member 120 and the vibrating member 130 fitted 
thereto. The connecting shaft 133 has the upper cover 131 and the lower 
cover fixed thereto at top and bottom thereof, and the moving member 120 
is disposed in the duct 110 for making up and down movement, guided by the 
connecting shaft 133. The vibration plate 210 is fixed to a bottom end of 
the connecting shaft 133. 
The upper cover 131, the lower cover 132, and the vibration plate 210 may 
be fixed to the connecting shaft 133 with screws or adhesive. However, to 
improve the ease of assembly, it is preferable that a hook 133a be formed 
at the top end and the bottom end of the connecting shaft 133, 
respectively, and that a rib 133b be formed below each of the hooks 133a 
to prevent movement of the upper cover 131 and the lower cover 132. The 
hook 133a preferably has an outside diameter slightly greater than an 
outside diameter of the connecting shaft 133 with a cut off middle 
portion. 
There are sound absorbing materials 134, such as nonwoven fabric, on the 
upper cover 131 and the lower cover 132 of the vibration member 130. The 
sound absorbing material 134 is preferably fitted on a bottom surface of 
the upper cover 131 and a top surface of the lower cover 132. For 
convenience of assembly of the sound absorbing material 134, a plurality 
of projections 134a are preferably formed on one side of the upper cover 
131 and the lower cover 132, for marking a direction. 
There are guide pieces 112 formed on the outside of the duct 110, which are 
preferably supported by supporting members 356 on an inside surface of the 
suction nozzle body 300. Of course, supporting members may be formed on 
top and bottom, left and right, and/or front and rear of the duct 110 for 
more firm fixing of the duct 110. Also, the duct 110 and the suction 
nozzle body 300 may be formed as a unit. 
The vibration plate 210 is located on the bottom surface of the suction 
nozzle body 300. It is preferable that a plurality of hollow guiding 
members 358 are formed inside of the lower body 300 and a plurality of 
projections 212 are formed on the vibration plate 210 for being guided by 
the hollow guiding members 358. This configuration allows the vibration 
plate 210 to move upward and downward without moving in left and right 
directions. Projections may also be formed on the bottom surface of the 
suction nozzle body 300 and guiding members may be formed on a top surface 
of the vibration plate 210 for guiding the vibration plates. A plurality 
of sound absorbing material pieces 220 are fitted to the top surface of 
the vibration plate 210 or to the bottom surface of the suction nozzle 
body 300 for reducing noise and impact generated when the vibration plate 
210 hits the suction nozzle body 300. And, more preferably, an elastic 
member (not shown), such as a spring, may be mounted on the bottom surface 
of the suction nozzle body 300 for amplifying the vibration generated from 
the up and down movement of the vibration plate 210 as well as reducing 
the noise. 
The bottom plate 400 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 12, 14A and 
14B. 
The bottom plate 400 has substantially a rectangular form in conformity 
with the recess 151 in the bottom surface of the suction nozzle body 300, 
and is provided with catch projections 402 and 404. The catch projections 
402 and 404 are inserted into holes in the suction nozzle body 300, so 
that the bottom plate 400 is coupled to the suction nozzle body 300. There 
is a first longitudinal member 410 and a second longitudinal member 412 
corresponding to a long side of the recess 151 in the body 300 inside of 
the bottom plate 400. The vibration plate 210 is disposed in spaces formed 
between a front portion 406 of the bottom plate 400 and the first 
longitudinal member 410, and the main suction hole 61a of the body 300 is 
disposed above spaces formed between the first longitudinal member 410 and 
the second longitudinal member 412. In order to prevent the vibration 
plate 210 from being caught by the bedding, which may stop the operation 
of the vibration plate 210, a plurality of transverse members 420 are 
formed between the front portion 406 of the bottom plate 400 and the first 
longitudinal member 410. A projected transverse member 422 is formed at a 
center thereof. 
The first longitudinal member 410 preferably has recesses 410a formed at a 
bottom thereof, providing an uneven structure in the bottom surface, for 
reducing friction caused when the bottom surface of the body 300 and the 
bedding are in contact during cleaning. There are a plurality of 
supporting portions 430 behind the first longitudinal member 410, 
preferably with a curve for reducing friction between the bottom surface 
of the body 300 and the bedding during cleaning. A projected rib 440 
extends in the longitudinal direction on the bottom of the second 
longitudinal member 412. A recess 442 also extends in the longitudinal 
direction. The rib 440 and recess 442 help to prevent the bedding from 
being drawn into the main suction hole 61a. The recess 442 also helps to 
remove pieces of thread and hair. Coats of an antimicrobial agent and an 
antistatic agent are preferably applied to the bottom plate 400. And, as 
can be seen from FIG. 12, the rib 440 in front of the second longitudinal 
member 412 concentrates the suction force of the suction nozzle from floor 
toward the main suction hole 61a, which further improves the cleaning 
performance. The foregoing bottom plate 400 may be applied to other 
suction nozzles, other than for bedding. 
The moving member 120 of the present invention will be explained in detail 
with reference to FIGS. 15A-15F. The moving members explained up to now 
have two or three plates, but the number of the plates is not limited to 
this. That is, as shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C, at least one moving plate 121 
or 122 can do the function. As shown in FIG. 15E, the connecting members 
123 may not be straight, but rather could be curved, for exerting a 
rotation force on the moving member 120. As shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, 
the connecting members 123 may be projected above the upper surface and 
below the lower surface of the upper plate and the lower plate 121 and 
122, respectively. As shown in FIG. 15F, separate projections 125 may be 
formed to improve impact. And, as shown in FIG. 15F, the upper plate 121 
and the lower plate 122 may be formed with a central recess and a 
plurality of projections 125 on an annular rim out of the recess, for 
improving the impact. 
Modified versions of the guiding system for the vibration member 130 will 
be explained with reference to FIGS. 16A to 16C. As shown in FIG. 16A, the 
vibration member 130 is guided by the guide pieces 112 on an outside 
surface of the duct 110. However, as shown in FIG. 16B, the connecting 
shaft 133 may be extended in up and down directions for using a guide 
member 112c, one end of which is coupled to both ends of the connecting 
shaft 133, and the other end of which is connected to the flow passage of 
the duct 110. The guide member 112c is formed of an elastic material. As 
shown in FIG. 16C, when the guide member 112d is formed of a non-elastic 
material, the guide member 112d is formed to be movable in up and down 
directions. That is, a supporting portion 111a with a guide hole 111b is 
provided at one side of the duct 110, for guiding the guide member 112d 
along the guide hole 111b. And, as shown in FIG. 16A, the connecting shaft 
133 preferably has a circular section with a plurality of recesses for 
reducing friction. 
Embodiments explained up to now have the vibration plate 210 disposed in 
front of the main suction hole 61a. However, the present invention is not 
limited to this. As shown in FIG. 18, the vibration plate 210 may be 
disposed behind the main suction hole 61a. As shown in FIG. 19, the 
vibration plate 210 may be disposed immediately adjacent the main suction 
hole 61a. As shown in FIG. 17, a plurality of the vibration generating 
means 200 may be provided in the supplementary air flow passage 300b. The 
plurality of the vibration generating means 200 may be mounted either in 
one supplementary air flow passage 300b, or a vibration generating means 
200 may be mounted in each of a plurality of supplementary air flow 
passages 300b. This system improves a reliability of the vibration 
generating means because the vibration generating means will be operative 
even if one of the vibration generating means 200 becomes inoperative. 
FIFTH EMBODIMENT 
The fifth embodiment is a further modified version of the foregoing 
embodiments, wherein a suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner is provided in 
which means for separating foreign matter stuck to the bedding is further 
added to the vibration generating means, for effective separation of the 
dust stuck to the bedding. FIG. 20 schematically illustrates a cross 
section of a suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner in accordance with a 
fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention, referring to which 
the fifth embodiment will be explained. Components identical to the 
aforementioned embodiments will be given the same name and reference 
numerals, and explanations on the same will be omitted. 
There is a blast air flow passage 450 passing through the bottom to the top 
of the body 300 of the suction nozzle body 300. A lower end of the blast 
air flow passage 450 is formed at the bottom of the suction nozzle body 
300, and an upper end is formed at a location other than the bottom 
surface. This system draws external air through the supplementary suction 
hole 101 by the suction force generated when the vacuum cleaner is put 
into operation, to drive the vibration generating means 200. Also, 
external air is drawn into the blast air flow passage 450 by the suction 
force, and blasted onto a floor below the suction nozzle body 300. 
Accordingly, as the bedding is hit by the vibration generating means 200 
as well as blasted by an airflow passing through the blast air flow 
passage 450, any foreign matter stuck to the bedding is separated more 
effectively. Accordingly, this embodiment provides a more effective 
cleaning of the bedding compared to a suction nozzle with only the 
vibration generating means 200. 
In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21, air coming through the 
supplementary air flow passage may be blasted through the bottom surface 
of the suction nozzle body 300 by connecting the opening 102, to the blast 
air flow passage 450a. 
The aforementioned embodiments have a possibility of damage to the suction 
nozzle when the suction nozzle is overloaded due to blockage of the main 
suction hole by the bedding. Two overload protection devices for use with 
any of the foregoing embodiments will now be described. FIGS. 22A and 22B 
illustrate cross sections of the overload protection devices of the 
present invention. 
There is an opening 520 in the upper partition wall 310a of the suction 
nozzle body 300, in which the overload protection device 500 is mounted. 
The first type of overload protection device 500, as shown in FIGS. 22A 
and 22B, is mounted in the opening 520. The overload protection device 
includes a case 510 having openings at both ends, an elastic member, for 
example, a coil spring 512, disposed in the case 510, and a cover 514 at a 
fore end of the spring 512. A packing 516 of soft rubber is preferably 
fitted to an inside of the opening at the fore end of the spring 512 for 
better shut off of the fore end opening of the case 510 by the cover 514. 
The spring has a modulus of elasticity selected based on the suction 
pressure of the vacuum cleaner, and the cover 514 should have a diameter 
smaller than an inside diameter of the case 510, but greater than the 
opening of the case 510. 
The operation of the aforementioned overload protection device will be 
explained. 
During normal operation of the vacuum cleaner, the air drawn through the 
supplementary suction hole can not compress the spring 512 in the overload 
protection device 500 since the device is not overloaded. Accordingly, the 
vacuum cleaner is operative the same as before as in the foregoing 
embodiments. However, when the main suction hole is blocked by the 
bedding, the external air flows only through the supplementary suction 
hole at a high pressure, which overloads the device. In this instance, the 
suction force in the supplementary passage overcomes the elastic force of 
the spring 512 in the overload protection device 500. As shown in FIG. 
22B, the cover 514, overcoming the elastic force of the spring 512, moves 
backward, opening the fore end of the case 510. Then, the air flows to the 
rear of the case 510 through a gap between an inside surface of the case 
510 and the cover 514, and, eventfully, to the body of the vacuum cleaner 
through the main air flow passage 300a. When the overloaded state ends, 
the spring 512 returns to its original position, cutting off the air flow, 
to put the vacuum cleaner back into its normal operating state. 
Another embodiment of the overload protection device will be explained with 
reference to FIGS. 23A and 23B. In this device, a flap 530 of elastic 
material is fitted to the upper partition wall 310a on an outside thereof 
for selective opening/closing of the opening 520. That is, one side of the 
flap 530 is fixed to a place above the opening 520 and the other side is 
at a close contact with a place below the opening 520. The fixture of the 
flap 530 to a place above the opening 520 is done preferably with a 
sealing member placed in between, and rubber packings 534 and 536 are 
preferably attached to an inside of the flap 530 below the opening 520, 
and to an outside of the upper partition wall 310a. In this system, when 
an air pressure in the supplementary air flow passage 300b exceeds a 
certain pressure, the air pressure overcomes the elastic force of the flap 
530 and pushes the flap 530. As the flap 530 is fixed at the upper side 
while the lower portion is not fixed, the lower portion is opened, 
allowing the air to escape through the opened gap. When the pressure drops 
below a certain value, the flap 530 returns to its original position, 
closing the opening. Though this embodiment suggests mounting of the 
overload protection device 500 in the upper partition wall 310a, the 
present invention is not limited to this embodiment. That is, mounting of 
the overload protection device 500 in the supplementary air flow passage 
300b can do the required service. Therefore, the overload protection 
device 500 can be mounted in the lower partition wall 350a, or in the 
housing in a case of a structure in which a separate housing is provided. 
SIXTH EMBODIMENT 
This embodiment has the same operation principle as the aforementioned 
embodiments, except that the vibration generating means of this embodiment 
is mounted in a horizontal configuration. FIG. 24 schematically 
illustrates a cross section of a suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner in 
accordance with this embodiment. 
Like the aforementioned embodiments, the vibration generating means 200 is 
mounted in a supplementary air flow passage 300b. The duct 110 is fitted 
horizontally, and there are pedestals 602 on left and right sides of the 
duct 110, for supporting the connecting shaft 133a. There is a moving 
member in the duct 110 through which the connecting shaft 133 passes. The 
moving member 120 has an upper cover 131 and a lower cover 132 on left and 
right sides, through which the connecting shaft 133 passes. The moving 
member 120, the upper cover 131, and the lower cover 132 are slidably 
mounted on the connecting shaft 133, and there is a moving plate 610 
attached to the upper plate 131 and the lower plate 132. That is, in this 
embodiment, the connecting shaft 133a does not move, but the upper plate 
131 and the lower plate 132 is moved in left and right directions by the 
left and right direction movement of the moving member 120, according to 
which the moving plate 610 moves in left and right directions. A brush 612 
or a duster may be fitted to a bottom surface of the moving plate 610 as 
necessary. 
The operation of the aforementioned suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner 
will be explained. When the vacuum cleaner is put into operation, a 
suction force is generated and the vibration generating means 200 is 
driven. The moving member 120, moving in left and right directions, hits 
the upper plate 131 and the lower plate 132, to move the upper plate 131 
and the lower plate 132 in the left and light directions. Eventually, the 
moving plate 610 attached to the upper plate 131 and the lower plate 132 
is also moved in the left and right directions. If the brush 612 or the 
duster is fitted to the bottom of the moving plate 610, the bedding can be 
brushed or dusted, which allows more effective cleaning. As an alternative 
to this embodiment, the vibration generating means 200 may be mounted at a 
right angle to the present position, to move the moving plate 610 in 
forward and backward directions. 
SEVENTH EMBODIMENT 
This embodiment provides an automatic massage device and an automatic 
striking device using the vibration generating means of the present 
invention. Because the vacuum cleaner is generally used for cleaning only 
once per day or once every few days, this embodiment is designed to 
improve a usage of the vacuum cleaner. 
FIG. 25 illustrates the seventh embodiment, referring to which the 
automatic massage device will be explained. The massage device 700 
includes the body 300 having a supplementary air flow passage 300b and a 
vibration generating means 200 mounted in the body 300. That is, the body 
300 has a supplementary suction hole 101 and an opening 102 only. A 
connection tube 380 is coupled to one side of the opening 102, and the 
connection tube 380 is coupled to a suction hose(not shown). This 
embodiment also has a vibration generating means 200 identical to the 
aforementioned embodiments. Meanwhile, an upper surface 700a and a lower 
surface 700b of the body 300 are formed of an elastic material, for soft 
transmission of vibration from the upper plate 131 and the lower plate 
132. 
The operation of the automatic massage device will be explained with 
reference to FIG. 25. In order to use the massage device, the connection 
tube 380 is connected to the suction hose of the vacuum cleaner, and the 
vacuum cleaner is put into operation. Then, the vibration generating means 
200 is driven by a suction force generated from the vacuum cleaner. 
According to this, the upper plate 131 and the lower plate 132 strike the 
upper surface 700a and the lower surface 700b of the body 300. Therefore, 
if the upper surface 700a or the lower surface 700b of the body 300 is 
brought into contact with a portion to be massaged, the massage is done, 
automatically. 
Being a variation of the device shown in FIG. 25, FIG. 26 illustrates an 
automatic striking device, which will be explained. An overall system of 
the automatic striking device 800 is similar to the foregoing automatic 
massage device 700, except the lower cover 132 has an opening with a 
supporting rim 606 around it for guiding a nail and the like, for striking 
the nail and the like. A striking member 602 of a high strength material 
is preferably fitted to the bottom of the lower cover 132. There is a 
bellows 604 provided between the lower cover 132 and the body 300 for 
prevention of air leakage during the up and down movement of the lower 
cover 132. When a nail is placed in the supporting rim 606 on the bottom 
of the body 300 and the vacuum cleaner is put into operation, the 
vibration generating means 200 is driven, driving the nail. Though a 
suction force from the vacuum cleaner is employed for driving the 
automatic massage device or the striking device in this embodiment, a 
separate suction force generating device may be used. 
The suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner of the present invention as 
explained has the following advantages. 
First, the separation of dust from surfaces of bedding by the striking of 
the vibration generating means driven by air drawn from outside of the 
vacuum cleaner, and the subsequent suction of the dust separated from the 
bedding, and floated dusts through the main, and supplementary suction 
holes improves convenience of the vacuum cleaner usage as no direct 
shaking off of the bedding by the user is required. 
Second, the generation of a harder striking effect of the vibration 
generating means caused by drawing in of the more external air through the 
supplementary suction hole in the housing when the bedding blocks the main 
suction hole in the suction nozzle body facilitates an easy separation of 
the main suction hole from a surface of the bedding and a better 
separation of the various foreign matters, such as dust and the like, 
stuck to the surface of the bedding, which improves cleaning efficiency. 
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications 
and variations can be made in the suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner of 
the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the 
invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the 
modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within 
the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.