Abstract:
A suction brush assembly, which is connected with a body of a vacuum cleaner via an air passage, draws in air and dust from a surface to be cleaned. A bendable suction brush is provided that includes a brush body connected with the air passage, and a plurality of movable frames each with a suction passage to draw in the air and dust. The frames are formed on the brush body in a movable manner so as to rotate via an external force to a predetermined angle with respect to the brush body. At least one front frame overlaps portions of the plurality of movable frames to cover an open end of the brush body.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This application claims priority to copending Korean Patent Application No. 2003-73787 filed Oct. 22, 2003, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.  
       CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0002]     This application is related to copending application entitled “Suction Brush Assembly Having Rotation Roller For Sweeping Dust” (Korean Application No. 2002-11240, filed Mar. 4, 2002).  
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner, and more particularly, to a brush of a vacuum cleaner which is bendable to enable easy cleaning of small areas, such as crevices and corners defined between walls.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]      FIGS. 1 and 2  each illustrate a conventional bendable suction brush. More specifically,  FIG. 1  is a plan view showing the structure of the conventional bendable suction brush, and  FIG. 2  shows the positions of left and right sides of the conventional bendable suction brush in the process of cleaning a corner.  
         [0005]     The bendable suction brush largely includes a center body  1  connected with a suction pipe (not shown) of the vacuum cleaner, left and right bodies  2  and  2 ′ formed on both sides of the center body  1  with each being rotatable about the center body  1 , and springs  3  and  3 ′ that bias the left and right bodies  2  and  2 ′ so that the left and right bodies  2  and  2 ′ are aligned with one another, as seen in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0006]     The center body  1  has a suction opening  11  through which air and dust is drawn, a T-shaped guide groove (not shown) formed in the sides of the body  1  to guide the rotation of the left and right bodies  2  and  2 ′ and also to securely support the left and right bodies  2  and  2 ′ with respect to the center body  1 , and a spring guide hole (not shown) to facilitate rotation of the one end of the springs  3  and  3 ′ connected to the left and right bodies  2  and  2 ′, respectively.  
         [0007]     Each of the left and right bodies  2  and  2 ′ has a protruding guide formed on one side to connect to the guide groove  12 , a spring connecting groove  24  and  24 ′ formed at an upper end, respectively, to which the springs  3  and  3 ′ are engaged, and suction grooves  21  and  21 ′ formed on a lower center of bodies  2  and  2 ′, respectively, to guide dust toward the suction opening  11  of the center body  1 . Sealing layers  23  and  23 ′ are formed at the lower ends of the protruding guide  22  and  22 ′, respectively, to prevent loss of suction force at the linking portion with the center body  1 .  
         [0008]     First, second and third protrusions  14 ,  14 ′,  14 ″ are formed on the lower surface of the center body  1 , with the second and third protrusions  14 ′ and  14 ″ having certain sides parallel to the suction groove  21  and  21 ′ (see  FIG. 1 ), and the first protrusion  14  being spaced from the second and third protrusions  14 ′ and  14 ″. Additionally, protruding segments  15  and  15 ′ are formed on each of the first and second protrusions  14  and  14 ′, respectively, that contact the sealing layer  23 ′ of the right body  2 ′ and the sealing layer  23  of the left body  2  with the first and the third protrusions  14  and  14 ″. As a result, each of the sealing layers  23  and  23 ′ has different radius of rotation.  
         [0009]     A sealing layer guide  23 ″ is formed on the upper surface of the sealing layers  23  and  23 ′, and sealing layer guide grooves  17  and  17 ′ engage the sealing layer guide  23 ″ and are formed in the lower surface of the center body  1  at different radii, thereby facilitating rotation of the sealing layers  23  and  23 ′.  
         [0010]     The spring  3  can include two torsion springs engaged to spring connecting grooves  24  and  24 ′ of the left and right bodies  2  and  2 ′ with one ends, and fixed to the center body  1  with the other ends. Accordingly, springs  3  and  3 ′ provide recovery force to the left and right bodies  2  and  2 ′ which were turned by contact with external objects, such as furniture or wall.  
         [0011]     The conventional suction brush mainly consists of the center body  1  and its left and right bodies  2  and  2 ′ which rotate about the center body  1  to enable cleaning of crevices or corners between walls. However, this conventional suction brush is often difficult to use with a conventional suction pipe and is difficult to use in large cleaning areas because the left and right bodies  2  and  2 ′ are non-extendable. Additionally, because the springs  3  and  3 ′ are located near the suction port  11 , the spring movement is deteriorated by the drawn-in dust as the suction brush is used.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0012]     The present invention has been developed in order to solve the above drawbacks and other problems associated with the conventional vacuum cleaners. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved bendable suction brush for a vacuum cleaner, which facilitates cleaning of crevices and corners and is extendable and recoverable in length according to the selection by the user allowing cleaning of a variety of areas including large cleaning areas.  
         [0013]     The foregoing object is basically attained by a bendable suction brush of a suction brush assembly, which is connected with a body of a vacuum cleaner via an air passage that draws in air and dust from a surface to be cleaned. The bendable suction brush includes a brush body connected with the air passage, a plurality of movable frames having a suction passage to draw in air and dust, and is formed on the brush body in a movable manner so as to rotate to a predetermined angle with respect to each other; and at least one front frame exposed among the plurality of movable frames which are moved to a rotated position by an external force with the front frame overlappingly disposed among the plurality of movable frames to cover an open end.  
         [0014]     The brush body has a base with a rotational axis about which the movable frames are disposed, a base cover connected with the base to guide the rotation of the movable frames, and a connecting pipe rotatably disposed between the base and the base cover.  
         [0015]     The plurality of movable frames each include a brush frame disposed about the rotational axis, an extension brush guide formed at an end of the brush frame, and an extension brush movably disposed to slid along the length of the brush frame. The plurality of movable frames are formed in pairs oppositely located on the left and right sides of the brush body in a symmetrical manner.  
         [0016]     The suction passage has a first duct formed in the brush frame; a second duct formed in the extension guide frame, and a third duct formed in the extension brush. The first duct has a connecting duct connected with the second and third ducts and forming a suction passage, and a circle duct forming an arc around a hinge portion which is secured about the rotational axis with the circle duct being connected to the base.  
         [0017]     The extension brush includes spaced locking holes formed in the extension brush at predetermined intervals, and a locking protrusion formed on the brush frame to be sealed in the spaced locking holes.  
         [0018]     The plurality of movable frames are disposed on the brush body together with an elastic member, and when rotated by an external force, returning to an original configuration as the external force is removed. The elastic member is a torsion spring connected to the plurality of movable frames.  
         [0019]     The plurality of movable frames are rotated between approximately 40 and 50 degrees.  
         [0020]     The connecting pipe has a sphere joint, and a guide ring disposed on the outer circumference of the sphere joint and seated in a guide groove formed in the brush body. Accordingly, the connecting pipe is rotatable.  
         [0021]     The front frame has a front frame body with a secondary passage and a front frame cover disposed on the upper side of the front frame.  
         [0022]     The bendable suction brush of a suction brush assembly, which is connected with a body of a vacuum cleaner in fluid communication via a predetermined air passage, draws in ambient air and dust from a surface to be cleaned. The bendable suction brush includes a brush body connected with the air passage, a plurality of lengthwise extendable moving frames with a suction passage drawing in air and dust, the frames are provided in pairs opposite to each other at left and right sides of the brush body to be turned to predetermined angles with respect to the brush body, and at least one front frame overlappingly disposed among the plurality of moving frames which are rotated by the external force.  
         [0023]     The plurality of lengthwise extendable moving frames are disposed on the brush body together with an elastic member, and when rotated by the external force, return to an original configuration as the external force is removed. The elastic member can be a torsion spring connected to the plurality of lengthwise extendable moving frames. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0024]     The above aspects and features of the present invention will be more apparent by describing certain embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.  
         [0025]      FIG. 1  is a plan view illustrating the structure of a conventional bendable suction brush;  
         [0026]      FIG. 2  is a plan view illustrating left and right bodies of a conventional bendable suction brush in rotated positions for the cleaning of crevices;  
         [0027]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of a bendable suction brush for a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0028]      FIG. 4  is a partial perspective view of an extension brush of the suction brush illustrated in  FIG. 3 , showing the extension brush in a non-extended position;  
         [0029]      FIG. 5  is a partial perspective view of the extension brush illustrated in  FIG. 4 , showing the extension brush in an extended position;  
         [0030]      FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of the suction brush illustrated in  FIG. 3 , showing the brush assembled with a cover omitted;  
         [0031]      FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of the suction brush illustrated in  FIG. 6 , showing the brush in a bent position;  
         [0032]      FIG. 8  is an elevational view of the suction brush illustrated in  FIG. 6 ;  
         [0033]      FIG. 9  is a rear perspective view of the suction brush illustrated in  FIG. 7  according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the brush in a bent position; and  
         [0034]      FIG. 10  is a top perspective view of the suction brush illustrated in  FIG. 3 , showing the suction brush assembled in a bent position, and operating in contact with a wall of a cleaning area. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0035]     In the following description, the same drawing reference numerals are used for the same elements even in different drawings. The matters defined in the description, such as a detailed construction and elements are only provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of the invention. Thus, it is apparent that the present invention can be carried out without those defined matters. Also, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail.  
         [0036]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of a suction brush  100  of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention. The suction brush  100  includes a base  110 , a movable frame  200  and a base cover  300 . The base  110  and the base cover  300  engage one another to form a brush body. In the present embodiment, the movable frame  200  is formed as two substantially identical parts in symmetrical relation, however, only one part of the movable frame  200  at one side of frame  100  is described.  
         [0037]     The base  10  is connected to the movable frame  200 , and a sealing member  111  is attached to the lower side to define a space A ( FIG. 3 ) therebetween. The space A allows air to flow from the movable frame  200  to an extension pipe (not shown). A guide duct  112   a , which is connected with the suction passage of the movable frame  200 , is formed in the front of the base  110 . The guide duct  112   a  is connected with the space A through the suction hole  112   b.    
         [0038]     The space A is connected in fluid communication with the body of the vacuum cleaner through a connecting pipe  114  which is connected with the base  110 . The connecting pipe  114  is provided with a sphere joint  114   a  with a guide ring  114   b  adapted to sit in a guide groove  10   a  formed in the base  110  and the base cover  300 .  
         [0039]     A rotary axis  115 , which is engaged with the movable frame  200 , protrudes from the base  110 . An elastic member  116  is engaged with the rotary axis  115  together with the movable frame  200 . The elastic member  116  operates to bias the movable frame toward the straight or normal position.  
         [0040]     The movable frame  200  includes a brush frame  201  rotatably engaged with the base  110 , an extension brush guide  202  formed on an end of the brush frame  201 , and an extension brush  203  which is slidably movable in the direction of the length of the brush frame  201 . The brush frame cover  201  and an extension base cover  203 ′ are engaged to the upper portion of the movable frame  200 . A suction passage is integrally formed in the movable frame  200  ( FIG. 3 ), and includes a first duct  210  formed in the brush frame  201 , a second duct  202   a  formed in the extension brush guide  202 , and a third duct  203   a  formed in the extension brush  203 .  
         [0041]     The brush frame  201  includes a frame hinge  115   a  engaged with the rotary axis  115 , and the extension brush guide  202  with an end adapted to slidingly engage the extension brush  203 . The brush frame  201  also includes the first duct  210  which is integrally formed therein, and is connected with the second and third ducts  202   a  and  203   a . The first duct  210  may have a circle duct  201   b  which is formed around a connecting duct  201   a  connected with the second and third ducts  202   a  and  203   a , and around the frame hinge  115   a . The circle duct  201   b  forms a substantial circular pattern when the movable frame  200  is in a non-rotated or normal position.  
         [0042]     The extension brush guide  202  guides the sliding movement of the extension brush  203 , and may be integrally formed with the connecting duct  201   a . The extension brush guide  202  may have a size corresponding to the extension brush  203  so that the extension brush  203  does not extend beyond guide  202  when sealed in the connecting duct  201   a . The extension brush guide  202  prevents possible suction loss due to extension of brush  203  in the longitudinal direction, and the second duct  202   a  formed in the body of guide  202  maintains a predetermined suction force at the first and third ducts  210  and  203   a.    
         [0043]     The extension brush  203  may be extended in the longitudinal direction as the user desires. Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the extension brush  203  is extendable and recoverable by the cooperation of locking protrusion  202   h  formed on the extension brush guide  202  and corresponding locking holes  203   h  formed in the extension brush  203  at predetermined intervals. The locking protrusion  202   h  is integrally formed with the extension brush guide  202 , and is elastically deformable. The locking holes  203   h  are formed in the extension brush  203  at predetermined intervals, and as the locking protrusion  202   h  is seated in one of the locking holes  203   h , the movement of the extension brush  203  in the longitudinal direction is restricted.  
         [0044]     Additionally, the bendable suction brush  100  for vacuum cleaner is made of a flexible material, such as plastic by injection molding. Accordingly, when an external force, such as pushing by the user, is exerted, the locking protrusion  202   h  is elastically deformed and moved out of the locking hole  203   h , allowing extension of brush  203  in the longitudinal direction.  
         [0045]      FIGS. 3, 6  and  7  illustrate the bendable suction brush  100  from which the brush frame cover  201 ′ and the extension base cover  203 ′ are omitted. A front frame  220  is attached to the upper side of the circle duct  201   b  to prevent suction loss at the circle duct  201   b  during the rotation of the movable frame  200 .  
         [0046]     The front frame  220  includes a front frame body  221  having a secondary passage  220 , and a front frame cover  222  formed on the upper side of the front frame body  221 . The front frame body  221  has the same circumference and width as those of the circle duct  201   b  so as to include the circle duct  201   b  from above. The front frame body  221  is engaged with the rotary axis  115  by the front frame hinge  115   c.    
         [0047]     The base cover  300  is engaged with the base  110 , and restricts the rotational angle of the movable frame  200 , and also supports the connecting pipe  114  together with the base  110 . The movable frame  200  is also rotated within an angle ranging between approximately 40 degrees to 50 degrees, and as shown in  FIG. 10 . The base cover  300  has a substantially angular shape. As the rotational movement of the movable frame  200  is restricted by the contact with an inclined surface S, the rotational angle of the movable frame  200  can be adjusted by controlling the angle between the left and right inclined surfaces S.  
         [0000]     Operation  
         [0048]     The bendable suction brush  100  according to this embodiment is extendable in a cleaning area by pulling the extension brush  203 . In other words, when the user pulls the extension brush  203  in the longitudinal direction, the locking protrusion  202   h  of the extension brush guide  202  is moved out of the corresponding locking hole  203   h  of the extension brush  203  and moved into a neighboring locking hole  203   h . By extending the extension brush  203  in the longitudinal direction by the above process, the user can clean a large area within a relatively short time.  
         [0049]     In order to clean a small area, such as crevice or a corner defined between the adjoining walls W, the user simply needs to proceed toward the walls W without having to turn the brush. As seen in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the bendable suction brush  100  is bent at the movable frames  200  by contact with the walls W. Because the front frame  220  is attached to the upper surface of the movable frames  200  to prevent loss at the suction passage, the air drawn in through the second and third ducts  202   a  and  203   a  flows to the base  110  through the circle duct  201   b  and the secondary passage  220   a . The front frame  220  covers the circle duct  201   b  from above and is spaced apart from the cleaning surface by a predetermined distance. Accordingly, when the front frame  220  is exposed, the substantially vertical opening defined between the front frame  220  and the cleaning surface acts as a suction port at the front side of the suction brush  100 , drawing in air and dust from the crevice. Even when the movable frame  200  is bent by a predetermined angle by the front frame  220 , the suction passage of the circle duct  201   b  can maintain its original configuration, thereby substantially eliminating suction loss, which would otherwise occur at the bends of the suction passage.  
         [0050]     With the bendable vacuum cleaner described above, the cleaning operation is carried out more efficiently even in small areas such as crevices, since the movable frame is bent according to the shape of the crevice.  
         [0051]     Additionally, because the user can extend and reduce the length of the brush, the suction area becomes wider, thereby reducing cleaning time when cleaning a wide area.  
         [0052]     The foregoing embodiment and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention. The present teaching can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses. Also, the description of the embodiments of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims, and many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.