Patent Abstract:
An improved versatile vacuum cleaner is disclosed which comprises a main body, a socket, a first cleaner, a second cleaner, a motor assembly, a cord reel, a handle, and an exhaust duct, and can be converted easily into different configurations each suitable for a specifically different type of vacuum cleaning operation. Improvements are made in details such as the arrangement or the configuration of the main body, the socket, the first cleaner, the second cleaner, the cord reel, the handle, and exhaust duct, thereby improving the operability of the vacuum cleaner and inproving the performance thereof.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates generally to vacuum cleaners, and more particularly to an improved versatile vacuum cleaner which can be converted easily into different configurations each suitable for a specifically different type of vacuum cleaning operation.  
           [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art  
           [0004]    A vacuum cleaner is an electrically powered mechanical appliance for the dry removal of dust and loose dirt from rugs, fabrics, and other surfaces.  
           [0005]    Vacuum cleaners are basically classified into either a canister type vacuum cleaner or an upright type vacuum cleaner.  
           [0006]    Generally, the canister type vacuum cleaner is comprised of a main body, which generally has a dust collecting chamber and a driving chamber, and an elongated suction pipe connected to the dust collecting chamber of the main body. A motor for providing suction force is installed in the driving chamber. An elongated suction pipe has a flexible hose at the center portion thereof.  
           [0007]    Dust is sucked through the elongated suction pipe by changing the suction opening at the tip end thereof, so it can easily clean any corner part of a room, especially a narrow space.  
           [0008]    However, a user should move the suction pipe and the main body together, which is inconvenient for the user. Furthermore, it is unsuitable for the user when cleaning a wide area.  
           [0009]    Generally, the upright type vacuum cleaner is comprised of a main body, which generally has a dust collecting chamber and a driving chamber, a brush head which is attached to the lower end of the main body so as to be connected to the dust collecting chamber, and a handle provided at the upper end of the main body. The brush head has wheels provided at the lower surface thereof, and a suction port in which dust on a floor is sucked. User can clean easily from place to place while moving the main body by the wheels. Therefore, it is convenient for the user to clean in a wide area.  
           [0010]    However, the upright type vacuum cleaner cannot be operated effectively in relatively narrow spaces like corners of a room, because dust is sucked through the brush head which is attached to the lower end of the main body.  
           [0011]    In order to solve the drawback, vacuum cleaners have been proposed to become convertible between upright type and canister type as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,660,246 of The Singer Company, which was issued Apr. 28, 1987, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,811,452 of Ryobi Motor Products Corp. &amp; Pickens, S. C., which was issued Mar. 14, 1989 etc.  
           [0012]    But, it is inconvenient for the user to convert one type into the other type and to use the vacuum cleaner. Furthermore, these prior arts reduce the effectiveness of the cleaning operation and generate noise due to their structural inferiority.  
         SUMMARY  
         [0013]    To solve the above problems, it is an object of this invention to provide a vacuum cleaner which can be converted easily and quickly into configuration suitable for canister type vacuum cleaning operation, upright type vacuum cleaning operation, or another type vacuum cleaning operation.  
           [0014]    It is a further object of this invention to provide a vacuum cleaner which has various cleaning means suitable for different cleaning areas and which can stand stably in an upright position.  
           [0015]    It is an additional object of this invention to provide a vacuum cleaner which has an improved cord reel and an exhaust duct for reducing noise.  
           [0016]    In order to accomplish the above objects, a vacuum cleaner is provided comprising:  
           [0017]    a main body having a suction opening for sucking therein and an exhaust grill for exhausting air, the main body having a dust collecting chamber, a driving chamber, and a cord reel chamber provided successively by partitions; a socket adapted to a lower end of the main body and having a connecting opening communicating with the dust collecting chamber; a first cleaner connected detachably to the connecting opening of the socket; a second cleaner installed pivotally on a portion of the socket and connected detachably to the connecting opening of the socket; a motor assembly installed in the driving chamber for providing suction force; a cord reel installed in the cord reel chamber for winding up a power cord that supplies power to the motor assembly; and a handle adapted to an upper end of the main body in a retractable manner.  
           [0018]    These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0019]    [0019]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a first body of a main body and a socket of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the first body and a second body of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIGS. 5 a  and  5   b  are a sectional view and a plan view showing a grill cover covering a depressed area located at the main body of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 respectively;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the socket connected to a second adaptor of a second cleaner of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 7 is a rear elevation showing the socket shown in FIG. 6;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 8 is a exploded perspective view showing a first cleaner of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional view showing the first cleaner shown in FIG. 8;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken substantially along the lines I-I of FIG. 9;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIGS. 11 a  and  11   b  are a perspective view and a vertical sectional view showing a positioning means fixing the main body to the first cleaner respectively;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing the second cleaner of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 13 is a vertical sectional view showing a suction pipe of the second cleaner shown in FIG. 12;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view showing a motor assembly of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 15 is a plan view showing the motor assembly shown in FIG. 14 installed in a driving chamber of the main body;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a cord reel of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view showing the cord reel shown in FIG. 16;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view showing a handle of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view showing the handle shown in FIG. 19 connected to the main body;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing an exhaust duct of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing the exhaust duct shown in FIG. 20 installed in the main body;  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the main body showing air flow generated inside of the driving chamber by the exhaust duct;  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 23 is a vertical sectional view of the vacuum cleaner showing air flow generated inside of the main body;  
         [0042]    [0042]FIGS. 24 a  and  24   b  are perspective views showing a shoulder belt of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 25 is a wiring diagram showing a vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 26 is a side view showing the vacuum cleaner in the upright position;  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing a state of using the first cleaner;  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing a state of using the second cleaner;  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing a state of using the second cleaner while lifting the vacuum cleaner;  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing a state of lifting the vacuum cleaner by the handle; and  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing a state of using the first cleaner while lifting the vacuum cleaner by the auxiliary handle. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION  
       [0050]    Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1.  
         [0052]    As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a main body  10 , a socket  80 , a first cleaner  140 , a second cleaner  190 , a motor assembly  110 , a cord reel  260 , a handle  210 , an exhaust duct  120  (shown in FIG. 20), a dust filtering means (shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 a ), an auxiliary handle  242 , and a shoulder belt  320 .  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a first body of a main body and a socket of the vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the first body and a second body of the vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 5 a  and  5   b  are sectional view and plan view showing a grill cover covering a depressed area located at the main body of the vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention respectively.  
         [0054]    As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and  4 , the main body  10  is shaped substantially like a cylinder with long straight sides. The main body  10  is comprised of a first body  12  and a second body  14 . The first body  12  and the second body  14  are assembled using fasteners such as screws.  
         [0055]    The main body  10  has a dust collecting chamber  26  to accommodate dust collecting means, a driving chamber  28  to accommodate the motor assembly  110 , and a cord reel chamber  30  to accommodate the cord reel  260 . A grill partition  18  separates the dust collecting chamber  26  and the driving chamber  28 , and first and second partitions separate the driving chamber  28  and the cord reel chamber  30 .  
         [0056]    The main body  10  has a suction opening  32  at the lower end thereof that communicates with the dust collecting chamber  26 . A check valve  38  is installed in the suction opening  32  to prevent dust in the dust collecting chamber  26  from flowing backward. The main body  10  has a fork end  34 , which bifurcates, formed at the upper end thereof. The handle  210  is inserted into and connected hingedly to the fork end  34 .  
         [0057]    Protrusion pipes  36   a  and  36   b  are formed integrally with the back side of the grill partition  18  to support the motor assembly  110 . The protrusion pipes  36   a  and  36   b  are a passage through which air is sucked into the driving chamber  28 , and concentric with each other.(shown in FIG. 15)  
         [0058]    The first partition  22  and the second partition  24  have a first supporting block  44  and a second supporting block  46  protruding thereon to face each other to support the motor assembly  110  respectively. The first supporting block  44  and the second supporting block  46  have a semicircular first supporting portion  44   a  and a semicircular second supporting portion  46   a  formed at the front thereof respectively, and the first and second supporting blocks have a first straight line portion  44   b  and a second straight line portion  46   b  extending upward at the upper portion thereof respectively. A first supporting protrusion  44   c  and a second supporting protrusion  46   c  protrude vertically inside of the back sides of the first supporting block  44  and the second supporting block  46  respectively.  
         [0059]    A plurality of first supporting ribs  40  and a plurality of second supporting ribs  42  which extend vertically are provided on the side walls of the driving chamber  28 , and a plurality of third supporting ribs  48  and a plurality of fourth supporting ribs  50  which extend vertically are provided on the side walls of the cord reel chamber  30  to support the cord reel  260 .  
         [0060]    As shown in FIG. 3, an entrance  26   a  of the dust collecting chamber  26  is provided at the lower portion of the outer surface of the first body  12 . The entrance  26   a  of the dust collecting chamber  26  is covered with a cover  52 . An annular packing  54  is provided between the entrance  26   a  of the dust collecting chamber  26  and the cover  52  to prevent air from getting in or out.  
         [0061]    A projection member  56  protrudes on the upper portion of the lower end of the first body  12  to be inserted into a portion of the socket  80 . A pair of terminals  58  are provided at the lower portion of the lower end of the first body  12 . When an electrically-operated brush head (not shown) is provided, the terminals  58  supply power to the electrically-operated brush head.  
         [0062]    As shown in FIGS.  4  to  5   b , an area  60  depressed toward the driving chamber  28  is provided to the outer surface of the second body  14 . The depressed area  60  has a first locking protrusion  60   a  at the upper side thereof and a first locking hole  60   b  at the lower side thereof. Exhaust grills  62  which communicate with the driving chamber  28  are formed at the lefthand and righthand sides of the depressed area  60 . A coupling rib  64  which surrounds the opposite side of the depressed area  60  is formed in the driving chamber  28  of the second body  14 . The exhaust duct  120  is fixed to the coupling rib  64 .  
         [0063]    A grill cover  70  covers the depressed area  60 . The grill cover  70  has a plurality of apertures  71  to exhaust air. The grill cover  70  has a square cut-off portion  72  at an end thereof and a second locking protrusion  74  which is inserted into the first locking hole  60   b  of the depressed area  60  and is formed at the other end thereof. A tension lock  76  which is shaped substantially like a letter U is formed integrally with the cut-off portion  72 . The tension lock  76  has a second locking hole  76   a  provided at the front plane thereof and a first stopper  76   b  protruding on both sides. The first locking protrusion  60   a  is inserted into the second locking hole  76   a . The cut-off portion  72  has a second stopper  78  protruding on both sides thereof to restrict the operating position of the tension lock  76 .  
         [0064]    As shown in FIG. 4, when a user presses the tension lock  76 , the first stopper  76  is engaged with the second stopper  78  and the operating position of the tension lock  76  is restricted within predetermined ranges. Therefore, it prevents the tension lock  76  from plastic deformation and breakage.  
         [0065]    The depressed area  60  enables noise generated from the operation of the motor assembly  110  to decrease.  
         [0066]    A cord inlet  66  which communicates with the cord reel chamber  30  is provided at the upper portion of the outer surface of the second body  14 . A power cord  250  is wound up on the cord reel  260  via the cord inlet  66 . A handle locking hole  68  having a handle locking protrusion  68   a  is provided at the lower portion of the outer surface of the second body  14 . The handle  190  is fixed to the second body  14  by handle locking protrusion  68   a.    
         [0067]    The second body  14  has a concave portion  14   a  which is formed at the side of the second body  14  along the longitudinal direction thereof. A clip  200  is attached to the concave portion  14   a  to attach the second cleaner  190  to the second body  14 . The second cleaner  190  is located in the concave portion  14   a  when it is not used.  
         [0068]    The main body  10  has at least one dust filtering means for filtering air. The filtering means is comprised of a dust bag  100 , a first filter  106 , and a second filter  108 .  
         [0069]    As shown in FIG. 3, the dust bag  100  is installed in the suction opening  32  which communicates with the connecting opening  82  of the socket  80 . The dust bag  100  is clamped detachably in the dust collecting chamber  26  by clamping lever  102 . The clamping lever  102  is urged in the direction of fixing the dust bag  100  by means of elastic means such as a spring  104 . The clamping lever  102  can be substituted by another fixing means. The dust collected from the outside is sucked into the dust bag  100 .  
         [0070]    The first filter  106  is installed at the front of the grill partition  18 . The first filter  106  prevents dust passing through the dust bag  100  from entering the driving chamber  28 . Furthermore, when the dust bag  100  is torn by a piece of metal, etc., the first filter  106  prevents the dust from entering the driving chamber  28 .  
         [0071]    As shown in FIG. 5 a , the second filter  208  is installed inside of the grill cover  70 . The second filter  208  is a piece of equipment that filters air to be exhausted outside eventually. Especially, when materials of the motor brush are carbon, the second filter  208  filters the carbon powder, etc. The second filter  108  can be installed on the floor of the depressed area  60 . Materials of the first and second filters can be polyster or polypropylene.  
         [0072]    The socket  80  is attached to the lower end of the main body  10 .  
         [0073]    [0073]FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the socket connected to a second adaptor of a second cleaner of the vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a rear elevation showing the socket shown in FIG. 6.  
         [0074]    As shown in FIGS. 3, 6, and  7 , the socket  80  is attached detachably to the lower end of the main body  10 . The socket  80  has a connecting opening  82  at the center portion thereof, and the connecting opening  82  is connected to the suction opening  32  of the dust collecting chamber  26 . The socket  80  has a guide groove  84  at the front plane thereof, and the guide groove  84  extends from the connecting opening  82 . The guide groove  84  guides the second cleaner  190  when it is connected to the connecting opening  82 .  
         [0075]    The socket  80  has a first locking groove  82   a  beside the connecting opening  82  of the front plane thereof to fix the second cleaner  190 . A positioning protrusion  86  having a fitting hole  86   a  protrudes from the upper portion of the connecting opening  82 . The projection member of the first body  12  is inserted into the fitting hole  86   a . The positioning protrusion  86  has a cut-off portion  86   b  at the center portion of the end thereof which is shaped substantially like a letter C, and a belt pin  88  is attached to the cut-off portion  86   b  which is exposed. The positioning protrusion  86  restricts the inclination of the main body  10  with respect to the first cleaner  140 . The belt pin  88  is used when the shoulder belt  320  is fixed to the main body  10 .  
         [0076]    The socket  80  has a connector hole  181  provided at the lower portion of the connecting opening  82  of the front plane of the socket  80 . A connector  180  connected electrically to the terminal  58  is inserted in the connector hole  181 .  
         [0077]    The guide groove  84  has hinge holes  84   a  at the inside of both sides thereof. As shown in FIG. 6, a second adaptor  192  of the second cleaner  190  is connected hingedly to the hinge holes  84   a.    
         [0078]    A plate button  90  having a pair of connecting apertures  90   a  is located in front of the connector hole  181  of the back side of the socket  80 . The plate button  90  controls a connection of the terminal  58  and the connector  180 . At normal times, the plate button  90  is urged in the direction of a break in the connection by means of an elastic means such as springs.  
         [0079]    A locking button  94  which is exposed is installed at the outer surface of the opposite portion of the guide groove  84 . The locking button  94  is urged toward the connecting opening  82 . The locking button  94  is used when the first cleaner  140  is connected to the connecting opening  82 .  
         [0080]    The first cleaner  140  is attached separably to the socket  80 .  
         [0081]    [0081]FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing a first cleaner of the vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional view showing the first cleaner shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken substantially along the lines I-I of FIG. 9.  
         [0082]    As shown in FIG. 8, the first cleaner  140  is comprised of a brush head  142 , an inlet duct  168 , a rotary duct  170 , a first adaptor  172 , and a stopper means.  
         [0083]    The brush head  142  is comprised of a head base  144  and a head cover  146 . The head base  144  and the head cover  146  are assembled by locking means such as screws. The head base  144  has the suction port  144   a  located at a portion thereof and a long slot  144   b  located beside the suction port  144   a.    
         [0084]    A protector  150  made of flexible material is attached to the front side of the head base  144 . The protector  150  provents the brush head  142  from being damaged due to a collision with any materials. The head base  144  has wheels  152  allowing the brush head  142  to move from place to place. The wheels  152  comprise a pair of front wheels  152   a  and a pair of rear wheels  152   b . Here, it is desirable that the diameter of the rear wheels  152   b  is wider than that of the front wheels  152   a.    
         [0085]    As shown in FIG. 8, a first brush  154  is installed in the slot  144   b  in a retractable manner. The first brush  154  has a long movable brush body  156  inserted into the slot  144   b . The movable brush body  156  has a main push plate  156   a  and a sub push plate  156   b  formed integrally at the both sides thereof respectively. The main push plate  156   a  and the sub push plate  156   b  are urged not to protrude from the lower end of the brush head  142  by means of a spring  158 .  
         [0086]    An auxiliary brush  160  is attached firmly between the suction port  144   a  and the slot  146   a.    
         [0087]    A cover hole  146   a  is provided on the head cover  146 . The main push button  162  is installed in the cover hole  146   a  which is exposed. A connecting shaft  164  is connected to the main push button  162 , and the sub push button  166  is connected to the other end of the connecting shaft  164  to move together with the main push button  162 . The main push button  162  and the sub push button  166  operate the main push plate  156   a  and the sub push plate  156   b  respectively and make the first brush  154  protrude from the lower surface of the head base  144 .  
         [0088]    When the first brush  154  protrudes from the lower surface of the head base  144 , dust on the floor is collected by the first brush  154 . Meanwhile, when the first brush  154  is retracted into the slot  144   b , dust on the floor is collected by the second brush  154 .  
         [0089]    The head cover  146  has a positioning protrusion  86 , which supports the positioning portion  146   b , at the rear portion of the upper surface thereof. A protruding edge is formed around the surroundings except in one portion.  
         [0090]    The inlet duct  168  communicates with the suction port  144   a  of the head base  144 . A semicircular divergent portion  168   b  having a shaft bearing portion  168   a  is provided at the rear end of the inlet duct  168 . One portion of the shaft bearing portion  168   a  is opened to receive a shaft  170   b  of the rotary duct  170 .  
         [0091]    The rotary duct  170  has a cylindrical portion  170   a  which is fixed rotatably to the divergent portion  168   b . The cylindrical portion  170   a  has shafts at the both sides thereof. A connecting passage  170   c  communicating with the inlet duct  168  is provided inside the cylindrical portion  170   a . The cylindrical portion  170   a  has a first connecting pipe  170   d , which communicates with the connecting passage  170   c , at the outer portion thereof. A rotation stopper  170   e  protrudes from the lower portion of the outer surface of the first connecting pipe  170   d  to restrict the rotation angle of the first adaptor  172 .  
         [0092]    The shaft  170   b  is fixed rotatably into the shaft bearing portion  168   a , so the rotary duct  170  can rotate in a vertical manner.  
         [0093]    The first adaptor  172  is connected rotatably to the rotary duct  170  in a horizontal manner and is connected detachably to the connecting opening  82 . A second locking groove  172   a  is provided at the upper portion of the outer surface of the first adaptor  172  to receive the locking button  94  of the socket  80 . A flange  172   b  protrudes from the center portion of the outer portion of the first adaptor  172  to restrict the depth of connection of the socket  80 . The first adaptor  172  has a second connecting pipe  172   c , which is connected rotatably to the first connecting pipe  170   d , at the lower portion thereof. The second connecting pipe  172   c  has a reinforcing portion  174   c  formed at the lower portion of the outer surface thereof. A first stop rib  174   a  and a second stop rib  174   b  are formed symmetrically between the second connecting pipe  172   c  and the reinforcing portion  174   c  to restrict the rotation angle of the first adapter  172  with respect to the rotary duct  170  by being engaged with the rotation stopper  170   e . It is desirable that the first stop rib  174   a  and the second stop rib  174   b  restrict a rotation angle of the first adaptor  172  to 30 degrees. A connecting ring  176  is located between the first connecting pipe  170   d  and the second connecting pipe  172   c  to prevent the first adaptor  172  from separating from the rotary duct  170 .  
         [0094]    Meanwhile, an electrically-operated brush head (not shown) having a rotary brush, can be provided to the first cleaner  140 . The connector  180  of the socket  80  supplies power to the electrically-operated brush head.  
         [0095]    [0095]FIGS. 11 a  and  11   b  are a perspective view and a vertical sectional view showing a positioning means to fix the main body to the first cleaner respectively.  
         [0096]    As shown in FIGS. 11 a  and  11   b , the positioning protrusion of the socket  80  is supported by the positioning portion  146   c  of the head cover  146 . The center of gravity of the main body  10  lies approximately at the center of the brush head  142 , so the main body  10  can stably stand in an upright position. The angle of the main body  10  with respect to a floor is desirable between 83 to 85 degrees.  
         [0097]    The second cleaner  190  is connected hingedly to the outer surface of the socket  80 .  
         [0098]    [0098]FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing the second cleaner of the vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a vertical sectional view showing a suction pipe of the second cleaner shown in FIG. 12.  
         [0099]    As shown in FIG. 12, the second cleaner  190  is comprised of a second adaptor  192 , a hose  194 , a joint  196 , and a suction pipe  201 .  
         [0100]    The second adaptor  192  is fixed hingedly into the guide groove  84 . The second adaptor  192  has a lock formed integrally at a portion of the outer surface thereof and a arm  192   c  having a hinge shaft  192   b  located at the other portion of the outer surface thereof. The lock  192   a  is fixed to the first locking groove  82   a  of the socket  80 , and the hinge shaft  192   b  is inserted into the hinge hole  84   a  of the guide groove  84 . A packing  198  is attached to an end of the second adaptor  192  to maintain airtightness between the connecting opening  82  of the socket  80  and the second adaptor  192 .  
         [0101]    The hose  94  is connected to the other end of the second adaptor  192 . Desirably the hose  194  is made of flexible materials which can bend easily.  
         [0102]    The joint  196  has a fitting member  196   a  formed at the outer surface thereof to fix the second cleaner  190  to the main body  10 . The fitting member  196   a  is fastened detachably to a clip  200  (shown in FIGS. 2 and 21) which is located at the side portion of the outer surface of the second body  14 . A first connecting projection  196   b  is formed at a portion of the outer surface of the joint  196 .  
         [0103]    The clip  200  is attached to a portion of the exhaust duct  120  by locking means such as screws  200   a . When the fitting member  196   a  is fastened to the clip  200 , the second cleaner  190  adheres closely to the main body  10 , while the hose  94  is straight. That is, the second cleaner  190  adheres closely to the concave portion  14   a  formed at the outer surface of the second body  14 .  
         [0104]    As shown in FIG. 13, the suction pipe  201  is comprised of a sharpening suction pipe  202 , a divergent suction pipe  204 , and a second brush  206 .  
         [0105]    The sharpening suction pipe  202  has a circular portion  202   d  having a first connecting groove  202   b  and a sharpening portion  202   a  having a second connecting projection. The section of the sharpening portion  202   a  is shaped substantially like a square and narrows gradually. The divergent suction pipe  204  has a second connecting groove  204   b  at a portion thereof and a square head portion  204   a  formed at the other portion thereof. The section of the square head portion  204   a  is shaped substantially like a square and broadens gradually. Flange portions  204   c  having a plurality of cut-off portions  204   d  symmetrically protrude outward at the edge portion of the square head portion  204   a . The second brush  206  has a brush body portion  206   a  which can be connected separably to the square head portion  204   a . A guide portion  206   b  which is bent symmetrically is formed at the upper portion of the brush body portion  206   a.    
         [0106]    The sharpening suction pipe  202  is connected to the joint  196  by means of inserting the first connecting projection  196   b  into first connecting groove  202   b . The divergent suction pipe  204  is connected to the sharpening suction pipe  202  by means of inserting the second connecting projection  202   c  into the second connecting groove  204   b . The second brush  206  is fitted separably into the divergent suction pipe  204  by fitting the flange portion  204   c  into the guide portion  206   b . There is the cut-off portion  204   d  of the flange portion  204   c , so that the friction area of the flange portion  204   c  and the cutoff portion  204   c  decreases when the second brush  206  is either fitted into or pulled out from the divergent suction pipe  204 . Thus, the cut-off portion  204   d  allows the second brush  206  to be more easily fitted into or pulled out from the divergent suction pipe  204 .  
         [0107]    The sharpening suction pipe  202  is used for cleaning the corners of the floor and similar space. The divergent suction pipe  204  is used for cleaning a table and similar surfaces.  
         [0108]    The motor assembly  110  is installed firmly in the driving chamber  28  of the main body  10 .  
         [0109]    [0109]FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view showing a motor assembly of the vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 15 is a plan view showing the motor assembly shown in FIG. 14 installed in a driving chamber of the main body.  
         [0110]    As shown in FIG. 14, the motor assembly  110  is comprised of a motor  112 , an impeller  114  which generates a suction force by operation of the motor  112 , a front cap  116  which is installed at the front side of the motor  112 , and a rear cap  118  which is installed at the rear side of the motor  112 . The front cap  116  has a center hole  116   a  located at the center portion thereof. The rear cap  118  has planes  118   a  provided at both of the outer portion thereof, and an engaging groove  118   b  provided vertically at the rear side thereof. Desirably the front cap  116  and the rear cap  118  are made of flexible materials to absorb the vibration generated by the operation of the motor  112 .  
         [0111]    As shown in FIG. 15, the protrusion pipes  36   a  and  36   b  of the grill partition  18  support the front cap  116  and the first supporting portion  44   a  of the first supporting block  44 , and the first supporting portion  46   a  of the first supporting block  46  supports the rear cap  118 . The plane  118   a  comes in contact with the first straight line portion  44   b  of the first supporting block  44  and the second straight line portion  46   b  of the second supporting block  46 . The engaging groove  118   b  is fitted to the first supporting protrusion  44   c  of the first supporting block  44  and the second supporting protrusion  46   c  of the second supporting block  46 . Therefore, the motor assembly  110  is fixed firmly to the driving chamber  28 .  
         [0112]    The cord reel  260  is installed firmly in the cord reel chamber  30  by means of the third supporting ribs  48  and the fourth supporting ribs  50 .  
         [0113]    [0113]FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a cord reel of the vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view showing the cord reel shown in FIG. 16.  
         [0114]    As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the cord reel  260  is comprised of a mounting bracket  262 , a guide roller  278 , and a bobbin  284 .  
         [0115]    The mounting bracket  262  has a base plate  264  which is installed firmly in the cord reel chamber  30  by the third ribs  48  and the fourth ribs  50 , a hub  266  which protrudes from a side of the base plate  264 , and a hollow cord outlet  268  which is formed integrally with the base plate  264  for accommodating the power cord  250 . A central shaft  282  which is inserted into a shaft hole  286  of the bobbin  284  is installed at the center portion of the hub  266 . The cord outlet  268  accommodates the power cord  250  which passes on power to the motor  112 . The power cord  250  comprises a plug  252  connected to sources of electricity and a cord  254  connected to the plug  252 .  
         [0116]    The cord outlet  268  has a torn portion  270  at a portion thereof for inserting the cord  254  therein. A guide portion  270   a  which broadens gradually is provided at the inlet portion of the torn portion  270  to insert easily the cord  254  into the cord outlet  268 . It is desirable that the width of the torn portion  270  is slightly shorter than the diameter of the cord  254 . The torn portion  270  returns to its usual shape as soon as the cord  254  is inserted into the cord outlet  268 , so it prevents the cord  254  from eacaping from the cord outlet  268 . Also, the cord outlet  268  has a square portion  272  restricting the movement of the cord  254  and a divergent portion  274  of which the diameter becomes longer gradually. The divergent portion  274  is fixed to the cord inlet  66  of the second body  14 .  
         [0117]    The guide roller  278  is fixed rotatably to a fixing shaft  276 , which is fixed firmly between the cord outlet  268  and the hub  266 , to guide the cord  254  smoothly. An annular guide flange  278   a  is formed at an end portion of the guide roller  278  to prevent the cord  254  from escaping from the guide roller  278 . The guide roller  278  decreases the load provided to the fixing shaft  276 .  
         [0118]    The bobbin  284  winding up the cord  254  is fixed rotatably to the hub  266 . The bobbin  284  has a brake drum  288  provided at the center portion thereof. The brake drum  288  brakes by a brake lever  290  which is urged in the direction of braking the brake drum  288  by means of elastic means such as a spring  294 . The brake lever  290  has a roller  296 , which presses an outer surface of the brake drum  288 , fixed rotatably to an end thereof and an operating button  290   a  attached to the other end thereof. The operating button  290   a  is exposed toward the outer surface of the main body  10  and covered by a cap  298 . The cap  298  prevents dust from entering into the cord reel chamber  30  of the main body  10 . A side of the bobbin  284  is covered with a side cover  302  having a spiral spring  300  embedded therein. The spiral spring  300  imparts a turning effect to the bobbin  284  in the direction of winding up when a user releases the brake lever  290  that has been holding the brake drum  288 . That is to say, if the user presses the operating button  290   a  of the break lever  290 , the roller  296  is set apart from the brake drum  288 , and then the bobbin  284  rotates about the central shaft  282  by the elasticity of the spiral spring  300 . Thus, the bobbin  284  winds up the cord  254 .  
         [0119]    A cord damper  304  is embedded in the center portion of the bobbin  284 . The cord damper  304  has a clamping portion  304   a  which clamps firmly the cord  254 . A pair of ring terminals  306   a  and  306   b  connected to the cord  254  are attached to the side surface of the cord clamper  304 . Also, the ring terminals  306   a  and  306   b  are attached to the side surface of the hub  266  by screws and come in contact with a pair of plate terminals  310   a  and  310   b.    
         [0120]    The handle  210  is fixed hingedly at the upper end of the main body  10  in a retractable manner.  
         [0121]    [0121]FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view showing a handle of the vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view showing the handle shown in FIG. 19 connected to the main body.  
         [0122]    As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the handle  210  is comprised of a stick handle  211 , a bracket  218 , a handle locking button  222 , and a handle stopper  232 .  
         [0123]    The stick handle  211  comprises a first stick  212  and a second stick  214 . The first stick  212  and the second stick  214  are assembled by locking means such as screws  216 . A boss  212   a  is formed at the lower end of the inner surface of the first stick  212 . A hole  214   a  is provided at the lower end of the inner surface of the second stick  214 . A handle stopper  232  which can appear or disappear through the hole  214   a  is mounted on the boss  212   a . The handle stpppor  232  is urged by means of a spring  230 .  
         [0124]    The stick handle  211  has a handle locking button  222 , which is fixed to the handle locking protrusion  68   a  of the second body  14 , at the other end thereof. The handle  210  has a power switch  226  electrically connected to a terminal box  330  (shown is FIG. 25) and installed at the upper portion thereof. A reinforcing plate  228  is inserted between the first stick  212  and the second stick  214  to increase strength of the handle  210 .  
         [0125]    The bracket  218  having a pin hole  218   a  is fixed firmly to the fork end  34  of the main body  10 . An end of the stick handle  211  is connected hingedly to the bracket  218  by means of a pin  220 . If the handle stopper  232  is inserted into the pin hole  218   a  of the bracket  218 , the stick handle  211  gets unfolded firmly along the longitudinal direction of the main body  10 .  
         [0126]    A first side cap  234  and a second side cap  236  are attached to both sides of the fork end  34  respectively to cover the pin  220 . A release button  238  is provided at the first side cap  234  to control the handle stopper  232 . The release button  238  is urged toward the outer side of the first side cap  234 . If a user presses the release button  238 , the handle stopper  232  escapes from the pin hole  218   a . Thus, the stick handle  211  can swing vertically.  
         [0127]    The exhaust duct  120  is mounted on the driving chamber  28  of the main body  10  to exhaust air from the driving chamber  28  to the exhaust grill  62 .  
         [0128]    [0128]FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing an exhaust duct of the vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing the exhaust duct shown in FIG. 20 installed in the main body.  
         [0129]    As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the exhaust duct  120  has an inlet  132 , a curved portion  130 , and an outlet  624 .  
         [0130]    Air in the driving chamber  28  is sucked into the exhaust duct  120  through the inlet  132 . The curved portion  130  extends from the inlet  132  and surrounds a portion of the motor assembly  110  at a predetermined set distance. The curved portion  130  cuts off the exhaust grill  62  from the motor assembly  110  to decrease the noise generated by the operation of the motor  112 . The outlet  624  extends from the curved portion  130  and is connected to the exhaust grill  62 . A framework  136  having a coupling groove  138  is formed at the end portion of the outlet  624 . The coupling rib  64  of the second body  14  is coupled with the coupling groove  138  to maintain airtightness between the exhaust duct  120  and the second body  14 .  
         [0131]    [0131]FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the main body showing air flow generated inside of the driving chamber by the exhaust duct.  
         [0132]    As shown in FIG. 22, air, which is sucked into the driving chamber  28  by the operation of the motor  112 , is exhausted outward along the direction of “E”. That is, air is sucked through the inlet  132 , the curved portion  130 , and the outlet  124 , and it is then exhausted through the exhaust grill  62 . Air passed through the exhaust grill  62  is finally filtered while passing through the second filter  108 , and it is then exhausted through the grill cover  70 . At this time, the exhaust grill  120  decreases noise generated by operation of the motor  112  or flow of air, because it cuts off the exhaust grill  62  from the motor assembly  120 . Furthermore, the noise decreases by fluid friction in the curved portion  130  and at the depressed area  60 .  
         [0133]    [0133]FIG. 23 is a vertical sectional view of the vacuum cleaner showing air flow generated inside of the main body.  
         [0134]    As shown in FIG. 23, when the first cleaner  140  is used, the sucked air containing dust moves along the direction of “D”. That is, air containing dust is sucked into the suction port  144   a , and it then moves to the dust bag  100  clamped in the dust collecting chamber  26  through the connecting opening  82  of the socket  80 . While the air containing dust passes through the dust bag  100  and the first filter  106 , the dust is collected in the dust collecting chamber  26 . Then, the filtered air moves to the driving chamber  28  through the grill partition  18  and the driving chamber  28 , and is exhausted outward through the exhaust duct  120  as decribed above.  
         [0135]    As shown in FIG. 1, an auxiliary handle  242  is fixed on the upper portion of the outer surface of the main body  10 . It is desirable that the auxiliary handle  242  is shaped like an arc and fixed firmly to the main body  10 . The auxiliary handle  242  is used for lifting and moving the main body  10 .  
         [0136]    The shoulder belt  320  is fixed movably to the main body  10 .  
         [0137]    [0137]FIGS. 24 a  and  24   b  are perspective views showing a shoulder belt of the vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0138]    As shown in FIGS. 24 a  and  24   b , the shoulder belt  320  is comprised of a belt  322 , a hook  324 , and a buckle  325 .  
         [0139]    The long belt  322  is made of flexible materials. The hook  324  is connected to an end of the belt  322  and is fixed to the belt pin  88  of the positioning protrusion  86  in order to be loose. The buckle comprises a first buckling part  326  and a second buckling part  328  and is fixed to the auxiliary handle  242 . The shoulder belt  320  can further comprise means for adjusting a length of the shoulder belt  320 .  
         [0140]    Hereinafter, a wiring condition of the vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.  
         [0141]    [0141]FIG. 25 is a wiring diagram showing a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0142]    As shown in FIG. 25, a terminal box  330  provided in the main body  10  is comprised of a first terminal  332 , a second terminal  334 , a third terminal  336 , and a fourth terminal  338 . The first terminal  332  is connected electrically to the ring terminals  306   a  and  306   b  connected electrically to the cord  254 . The second terminal  334  is connected electrically to the motor  112 . The third terminal  336  is connected electrically to the power switch  226 . The fourth terminal  338  is connected electrically to the terminal  58  of the socket  80 . When the electrically-operated brush head is used, the connector  180  is connected electrically to the terminal  58 .  
         [0143]    Hereinafter, how to use and to move the vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.  
         [0144]    [0144]FIG. 26 is a side view showing the vacuum cleaner in the upright position.  
         [0145]    As shown in FIG. 26, when the vacuum cleaner is not used, it can stand stably in the upright position, because the positioning protrusion  86  of the socket  80  is supported by the positioning portion  146   b  of the brush head  142  in proper angle. The handle  210  is fixed to the second body  14 .  
         [0146]    Hereinafter, how to use the first cleaner  140  will be described.  
         [0147]    As shown in FIG. 26, if a user rotates the handle  210  along the direction of “A”, it is in an extended position along the longitudinal direction of the main body  10 . As shown in FIG. 19, in the extended position, the end portion of the handle stopper  232  is inserted into the pin hole  218   a  of the bracket  218  by biasing of the spring  230 , so that the handle  210  is fixed in the extended position.  
         [0148]    The cord  254  of the power cord  250  is drawn out from the cord reel  260  and is connected to the power source. Subsequently, if the power switch  226  is turned ON, suction force is generated by the operation of the motor  122 . Then, an air flow containing great amount of dust flows through the suction port  144   a.    
         [0149]    [0149]FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing a state of using the first cleaner.  
         [0150]    As shown in FIG. 27, when a user moves the main body  10  by holding on to the handle  210 , the first cleaner  140  moves quite freely by wheels  152  of the brush head  142 . If the user operates the handle  210  in the direction of “B”, the second connecting pipe  172   c  of the first adaptor  172  rotates horizontally. Then, if either the first stop rib  174   a  or the second stop rib  174   b  of the first adaptor  172  is blocked by the rotation stopper  170   e  of the rotary duct  170 , the direction of the brush head  142  changes in the same direction of the direction of rotation of the handle  210 . Meanwhile, if a user turns the handle  210  in the direction of “C”, the rotary duct  170  rotates vertically about the shaft  170   b . Thus, inclination of the main body  10  can be adjusted easily.  
         [0151]    [0151]FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing a state of using the first cleaner while lifting the vacuum cleaner by the auxiliary handle.  
         [0152]    As shown in FIG. 31, user can use the vacuum cleaner by holding on to the auxiliary handle  242 .  
         [0153]    Hereinafter, how to use the second cleaner  190  will be described.  
         [0154]    [0154]FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing a state of using the second cleaner.  
         [0155]    At the time of using the second cleaner  190 , a user first separates the first cleaner  140  from the socket  80  by pressing the locking button  94  of the socket  80 . Next, the user pulls the second cleaner  190  and the main body  10  apart by unlocking the fitting member  196   a  of the second cleaner  190  from the clip  200 . Then, the user connects the second adaptor  192  to the connecting opening  82  of the socket  80  by turning it about the hinge shaft  192   b . At this time, the lock  192   a  of the second adaptor  192  is fastened to the first locking groove  82   a , so the second cleaner  190  is connected firmly to the socket  80 .  
         [0156]    As shown in FIG. 26, if a user rotates the handle  210  in opposite directions of the “A”, the handle  210  turns about the pin  220  and is in a retracted position. That is, the handle locking button  222  is fastened to the handle locking protrusion  68   a  of the second body  14 , so the handle  210  is fixed to the main body  10 . The user can clean with the second cleaner  190  while holding on to the the handle  210 .  
         [0157]    A user can select either the sharpening suction pipe  202  or the divergent suction pipe  204  according to a cleaning area. The sharpening suction pipe  202  can be effectively used for cleaning the corners of the floor and similar surfaces. Meanwhile, the divergent suction pipe  204  can be effectively used for cleaning a table and similar surfaces. The divergent suction pipe  204  attached to the second brush  206  is useful in cleaning a carpet, a sofa, a bed, etc.  
         [0158]    [0158]FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing a state of using the second cleaner while lifting the vacuum cleaner.  
         [0159]    As shown in FIG. 29, the second cleaner  190  can be used easily while lifting and moving the vacuum cleaner by the shoulder belt  320 . Furthermore, the vacuum cleaner can be moved while lifting it by the shoulder belt  320 .  
         [0160]    [0160]FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing a state of lifting the vacuum cleaner by the handle.  
         [0161]    As shown in FIG. 30, the vacuum cleaner can be moved while holding on to the handle  210  while the handle  10  is fixed to the main body  10 . Moreover, the vacuum cleaner can be moved while holding on to the auxiliary handle  242 .  
         [0162]    Hereinafter, effects of the vacuum cleaner mentioned above will be described.  
         [0163]    First, since various cleaning means are attached integrally to the main body, a configuration of the vacuum cleaner is converted suitably for various areas, so a user can use the vacuum cleaner effectively.  
         [0164]    Secondly, the vacuum cleaner can be lifted and moved easily by means of the handle, the auxiliary handle, or the shoulder belt.  
         [0165]    Thirdly, since the brush head is rotatably connected to the socket by predetermined angles, a direction of the brush head can be changed easily, which improves the operability of the vacuum cleaner.  
         [0166]    Fourthly, the positioning protrusion of the socket is supported by the positioning portion of the brush head, thereby the main body can stand stably in an upright position.  
         [0167]    Fifthly, noise generated by operation of the motor can be drastically reduced by the specifically shaped exhaust duct and the depressed area provided at the main body.  
         [0168]    Finally, a configuration of the cord reel is compact, because the cord outlet is formed integrally therewith. Thus, the vacuum cleaner can be easily assembled, and it will keep the manufacturing cost low.  
         [0169]    Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the spirit and scope of the present invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0