Patent Description:
In general, vacuum cleaners are home appliances that perform cleaning and include a suction force generation device (a motor) that generates a suction force, a suction head that suctions air and foreign substances on a cleaning surface through the suction force of the suction force generation device (the motor), and a foreign substance collection chamber that separates and collects foreign substances from the air suctioned through the suction head.

The suction head may include a housing having a suction port and a drum brush that sweeps the cleaning surface to guide foreign substances on the cleaning surface to be efficiently suctioned into the suction port. The drum brush may be rotatably provided and connected to a driver.

The foreign substances suctioned into the suction head are completely suctioned into the foreign substance collection chamber of the cleaner when the suction head moves forward, and thus the foreign substances are not separated back to the outside of the suction head.

On the other hand, when the suction head moves rearward, the foreign substances are separated back to the outside of the suction head according to the positions of the foreign substances in the suction head during a cleaning process, and thus the cleaning may not be performed smoothly. Such a cleaning state may occur more frequently as the size of the foreign substances to be suctioned becomes larger. <CIT> discloses a vacuum cleaner which includes a rotatable flap which rotates depending on whether the vacuum cleaner is moving forwards or backwards.

The disclosure is directed to providing a vacuum cleaner having a structure that prevents foreign substances introduced into a suction head from being separated and returned to the outside of the suction head when the suction head is moved forward or backward.

The disclosure is also directed to providing a vacuum cleaner that is easily repaired, replaced, and cleaned because a one-way roller that performs a foreign substance re-separation prevention function may be separated from the suction head.

According to the invention, there is provided a vacuum cleaner according to claim <NUM>. Preferred features are set out in the dependent claims.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, foreign substances introduced into a suction head can be prevented from being separated to the outside of the suction head when the suction head is moved forward or backward.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a one-way roller that performs a foreign substance re-separation prevention function can be separated from a suction head, and thus repair, replacement, or cleaning can be easily performed.

Configurations illustrated in embodiments and the accompanying drawings disclosed in the present specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, and various modifications that may replace the embodiments and the drawings of the present specification may be present at a time of filing of the present application.

Further, the same reference numerals or symbols presented in each drawing of the present specification indicate parts or components that perform substantially the same function.

Further, terms used in the present specification are used only to describe the embodiments and are not intended to limit/restrict the disclosure. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless clearly otherwise indicated in the context. In the present specification, terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to indicate that there are features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof that are described in the specification and do not exclude, in advance, the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

Further, in the present specification, terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the above terms, and the terms are used only to distinguish one component from other components. For example, without departing from the scope of the disclosure, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may be referred to as a first component. Term "and/or" includes any or a combination of a plurality of related listed items or any item of the plurality of related listed items.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the term "front" used in the following description is defined in a direction in which a suction head <NUM> moves forwards, and "rear," "upper," "lower," and "left/right" are defined on the basis of the term "forward.

Meanwhile, the terms such as "front," "rear," "upper," and "lower" used in the following description are defined on the basis of the drawings, and the shape and position of each component is not limited by the terms.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a suction head of the vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is an exploded view illustrating the suction head of the vacuum cleaner according to the embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a bottom view illustrating the suction head of the vacuum cleaner according to the embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view along line A-A of <FIG> when viewed from the left side.

Referring to <FIG>, a vacuum cleaner <NUM> may include a cleaner body <NUM>, the suction head <NUM>, and an extension tube <NUM> connecting the cleaner body <NUM> and the suction head <NUM>.

The cleaner body <NUM> may include a motor <NUM> that is a suction force generation device for generating a suction force, a foreign substance collection chamber <NUM> that separates foreign substances D from the suctioned air and collects the foreign substances D, a handle <NUM>, and a battery <NUM> that may supply power to the motor <NUM>.

The motor <NUM> functions to convert an electric force into a mechanical rotational force. A fan (not illustrated) that is connected to the motor <NUM> and rotates may be provided. The foreign substance collection chamber <NUM> may collect the foreign substances D through a cyclone method of separating the foreign substances D using a centrifugal force or a dust bag method of separating the foreign substances D by passing air through a filtration bag. The air which passes through the foreign substance collection chamber <NUM> and from which the foreign substance are removed may be discharged to the outside of the cleaner body <NUM>.

The extension tube <NUM> may be formed of a pipe having a predetermined rigidity or a flexible hose. The extension tube <NUM> may transfer, to the suction head <NUM>, the suction force generated through the motor <NUM>, and guide, to the cleaner body <NUM>, the air and the foreign substances D suctioned through the suction head <NUM>.

The suction head <NUM> may suction the air and the foreign substances on a cleaning surface while in close contact with the cleaning surface. In detail, while moving forward, the suction head <NUM> may suction the foreign substances D scattered in front 100F of the suction head <NUM> into housings <NUM>, <NUM>, 112R, and <NUM>. The suction head <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the extension tube <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the suction head <NUM> may include the housings <NUM>, <NUM>, 112R, and <NUM> between which a suction port 100B is formed, a drum brush <NUM> that rotates so that the foreign substances are effectively suctioned into the housings <NUM>, <NUM>, 112R, and <NUM> through the suction port 100B, and a connector <NUM> connecting the housings <NUM>, <NUM>, 112R, and <NUM> and the extension tube <NUM>.

The suction head <NUM> may further include a one-way roller <NUM> disposed in front of the drum brush <NUM>. The suction head <NUM> may further include a plurality of wheel modules <NUM> that are arranged at both ends of the one-way roller <NUM> and assist forward/rearward movement of the suction head <NUM>.

The suction head <NUM> may further include an auxiliary wheel <NUM> that assists the forward/rearward movement of the suction head <NUM> together with the wheel modules <NUM>. The auxiliary wheel <NUM> may be provided to be rotated by an auxiliary wheel shaft <NUM> fixed to the housings, particularly, the lower housing <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the suction head <NUM> may be supported by the wheel modules <NUM> arranged in front of the drum brush <NUM> and the auxiliary wheel <NUM> disposed behind the drum brush <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a structure in which the suction head <NUM> is supported at three points by the plurality of wheel modules <NUM> and the auxiliary wheel <NUM>, but the number of the wheel modules <NUM> and the number of the auxiliary wheel <NUM> are not limited thereto.

The housings <NUM>, <NUM>, 112R, and <NUM> may be formed by assembling the upper housing <NUM>, the lower housing <NUM>, the left side cover <NUM>, and the right side cover 112R. A bottom surface of the lower housing <NUM> is formed in an open shape so that the suction port 100B may be provided. In the following description, the term "housing" may be used as a term referred to as the lower housing <NUM>.

The suction port 100B may be formed in the lower housing <NUM>. The air and the foreign substances suctioned into the housings <NUM>, <NUM>, 112R, and <NUM> through the suction port 100B may be transferred to the extension tube <NUM> through the connector <NUM>. The foreign substances may be collected in the foreign substance collection chamber <NUM> through the extension tube.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in the lower housing <NUM>, the suction port 100B may be formed to extend in a lengthwise direction of the housing. The connector <NUM> may be formed at the center of the housings <NUM>, <NUM>, 112R, and <NUM> in the lengthwise direction <NUM>.

A connection port (not illustrated) connected to the connector <NUM> may be formed in the upper housing <NUM>. A foreign substance removal pad (not illustrated) may be provided on an inner circumferential surface (not illustrated) of the upper housing <NUM>.

The drum brush <NUM> may be rotatably provided inside the housings <NUM>, <NUM>, 112R, and <NUM>. In detail, the drum brush <NUM> may be rotatably provided in the lower housing <NUM>. Drum brush bearings <NUM> (see <FIG>) that assist a rotational movement of the drum brush <NUM> may be provided at both ends of a rotary shaft of the drum brush <NUM>.

A drum brush slot may be provided in the lower housing <NUM> such that the drum brush <NUM> is rotatably seated thereon. The drum brush slot may be provided in a circular shape to correspond to the shape of both sides of the drum brush <NUM>. However, the shape of the drum brush slot is not limited thereto, and the drum brush slot may be formed in various shapes in which the drum brush <NUM> may be rotatably provided inside the lower housing <NUM>, that is, the housings <NUM>, <NUM>, 112R, and <NUM>.

The left side cover <NUM> and the right side cover 112R may be coupled to both side surfaces of the lower housing <NUM>. In detail, the left side cover <NUM> and the right side cover 112R may be arranged on both side surfaces of the drum brush slot.

The suction head <NUM> may include a driver (not illustrated) for providing a rotational force to rotate the drum brush <NUM>.

The drum brush <NUM> may include a cylindrical drum body and a brush provided on an outer circumferential surface of the drum body to sweep the cleaning surface and scatter the foreign substances. The brush may be fixedly inserted into a spiral seating groove formed in the outer circumferential surface of the drum body of the drum brush <NUM> so as to be fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the drum body.

When the suction head <NUM> moves forward, the foreign substances on the cleaning surface may be suctioned into the housings <NUM>, <NUM>, 112R, and <NUM>. The suction port 100B may be formed in the lower housing <NUM>. The foreign substances D may be scattered to the upper side of the suction port 100B by the rotation of the drum brush <NUM>. The air and the scattered foreign substances D suctioned into the housings <NUM>, <NUM>, 112R, and <NUM> through the suction port 100B may be transferred to the extension tube <NUM> through the connector <NUM>. The foreign substances may be collected in the foreign substance collection chamber <NUM> through the extension tube.

On the other hand, when the suction head <NUM> moves rearward, the foreign substances D may be separated and returned to the outside of the suction head <NUM> according to the positions of the foreign substances D in the suction head <NUM> during a cleaning process, and thus the cleaning may not be performed smoothly. Although a frequency is lower than in a case in which the suction head <NUM> moves rearward, this state may occur even when the suction head <NUM> moves forward. Such a cleaning state may occur more frequently as the size of the foreign substances to be suctioned becomes larger.

To solve these problems, the one-way roller <NUM> may be disposed in front of the drum brush <NUM> to prevent the foreign substances D from being separated and returned to the outside of the housing. In detail, the one-way roller <NUM> may rotate so that the foreign substances D move into the housings <NUM>, <NUM>, 112R, and <NUM> when the suction head <NUM> moves forward and the rotation of the one-way roller <NUM> may be restricted so that the foreign substances D are not discharged to the outside of the housings <NUM>, <NUM>, 112R, and <NUM> when the suction head <NUM> moves rearward (see <FIG> and <FIG>).

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a roller seat <NUM> may be formed in the lower housing <NUM> so that the one-way roller <NUM> may be rotatably seated in front of the drum brush <NUM>. The one-way roller <NUM> may be disposed in close contact with the roller seat <NUM>. A region <NUM> in which the roller seat <NUM> and the one-way roller <NUM> rub mutually while in close contact with each other may be formed. A diameter D1 of the one-way roller <NUM> may be formed smaller than the diameter of the drum brush <NUM>.

The plurality of wheel modules <NUM> rotatably supported by the one-way roller <NUM> may be provided at both ends of the one-way roller <NUM>. The wheel modules <NUM> may also be rotatably supported by the lower housing <NUM>.

A structure in which the one-way roller <NUM> rotates so that the foreign substances D move into the housings <NUM>, <NUM>, 112R, and <NUM> when the suction head <NUM> moves forward, and the rotation of the one-way roller <NUM> is restricted so that the foreign substances D are prevented from being discharged to the outside of the housings <NUM>, <NUM>, 112R, and <NUM> when the suction head <NUM> moves rearward may be roughly implemented using two structures.

The first structure may be implemented using the plurality of wheel modules <NUM> provided at both ends of the one-way roller <NUM> and rotatably supported by the one-way roller <NUM> and a one-way clutch bearing <NUM> fixed to the wheel modules <NUM>.

Schematically, the one-way clutch bearing <NUM> may be provided to lock a roller shaft <NUM> that is a rotation axis of the one-way roller <NUM> when the suction head <NUM> moves forward and unlocks the roller shaft <NUM> when the suction head <NUM> moves rearward.

Since the one-way clutch bearing <NUM> is fixed to the wheel modules <NUM>, a state in which the one-way clutch bearing <NUM> locks the roller shaft <NUM> may be a state in which a rotational force of the wheel modules <NUM> is transmitted to the one-way roller <NUM> and thus the one-way roller <NUM> also rotates.

In contrast, a state in which the one-way clutch bearing <NUM> unlocks the roller shaft <NUM> when the suction head <NUM> moves rearward may be a state in which the rotational force of the wheel modules <NUM> is not transmitted to the one-way roller <NUM>, and thus even when the wheel modules <NUM> rotate, the one-way roller <NUM> may have a different motion state from the wheel modules <NUM>.

The second structure may be implemented using a close contact structure between the roller seat <NUM> and the one-way roller <NUM>. The state in which the one-way clutch bearing <NUM> unlocks the roller shaft <NUM> when the suction head <NUM> moves rearward, and thus even when the wheel modules <NUM> rotate, the one-way roller <NUM> may have the different motion state from the wheel modules <NUM> may be the same as above.

Thus, in this case, the rotation of the one-way roller <NUM> may be restricted by a frictional force caused by the close contact structure between the roller seat <NUM> and the one-way roller <NUM>. The rotation of the one-way roller <NUM> is restricted, the foreign substances D are caught by the one-way roller <NUM> and thus may be provided so as not to be discharged to the outside of the housings <NUM>, <NUM>, 112R, and <NUM>.

Detailed descriptions of the one-way roller <NUM>, the wheel modules <NUM>, and the lower housing <NUM> will be described below.

<FIG> shows an exploded perspective view illustrating a one-way roller of the vacuum cleaner and a perspective view of a wheel module and a support hook according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating the wheel module of the vacuum cleaner according to the embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> illustrates the exploded perspective view of <FIG> when viewed in another direction. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view along line B-B of <FIG> when viewed from the left side. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view along line F-F of <FIG> when viewed from the left side.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the one-way roller <NUM> may include the roller shaft <NUM> and a roller body. The one-way roller <NUM> may further include a foreign substance contactor <NUM> disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the roller body <NUM>.

The roller shaft <NUM> may be formed in a cylindrical shape extending in a lengthwise direction <NUM> of the housing (see <FIG>). The one-way roller <NUM> may further include insertion shafts <NUM> protruding from both ends at side surfaces of the roller shaft <NUM>.

The diameter of the insertion shafts <NUM> may be formed smaller than the diameter of the roller shaft <NUM>. Similar to the roller shaft <NUM>, the insertion shafts <NUM> may extend in the lengthwise direction <NUM> of the housing (see <FIG>). Unlike this, the diameter of the insertion shafts <NUM> may be provided to be greater than or equal to the diameter of the roller shaft <NUM>.

The insertion shafts <NUM> may be inserted into the one-way clutch bearing <NUM> which will be described below. In detail, the insertion shafts <NUM> may be fixed to inner races <NUM> of the one-way clutch bearings <NUM>. A detailed structural relationship between the insertion shaft <NUM> and the one-way clutch bearing <NUM> will be described below.

The roller body <NUM> may be formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the lengthwise direction <NUM> of the housing. The roller body <NUM> may include a hollow formed in the center thereof in the lengthwise direction <NUM> of the housing. An extension length of the roller body <NUM> may be provided in a length corresponding to the roller shaft <NUM>. The extension length of the roller body <NUM> may be provided the same as the extension length of the roller shaft <NUM>.

The roller shaft <NUM> may be disposed in the hollow of the roller body <NUM>. The roller body <NUM> and the roller shaft <NUM> may be fixed in close contact with each other.

The foreign substance contactor <NUM> may be disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the roller body <NUM>. In detail, the foreign substance contactor <NUM> may be provided as a villus. The villus may be formed in a form in which fine hairs extend in a radial direction from the outer circumferential surface of the roller body <NUM>. That is, each of the fine hairs may be provided in the form of being densely embedded in the outer circumferential surface of the roller body <NUM>.

The villus may be made of a nylon-based material. Alternatively, the villus may be formed of an anti-static material. Alternatively, the villus may be formed of a carbon-based soft sole.

Unlike this, the villus may be formed of a rubber tube rather than a shape of the villus formed by gathering the fine hairs.

Unlike the above-described structure, the foreign substance contactor <NUM> may be disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the roller shaft <NUM>. That is, in the one-way roller <NUM>, the roller body <NUM> may be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the wheel modules <NUM> may be arranged at both ends of the one-way roller <NUM>. The wheel modules <NUM> may be provided to support the roller shaft <NUM> that is a rotary shaft of the one-way roller. The wheel modules <NUM> may be provided to support the insertion shafts <NUM> protruding from both ends of the roller shaft <NUM>. One side of the wheel modules <NUM> may be inserted into the insertion shaft <NUM>. The insertion shaft <NUM> may be inserted into the one-way clutch bearing <NUM> provided on one side of the wheel modules <NUM>. The insertion shaft <NUM> may be fixedly inserted into a rotation center portion of the one-way clutch bearing <NUM> fixed to the one side of the wheel modules <NUM>. The detailed structural relationship between the insertion shaft <NUM> and the one-way clutch bearing <NUM> will be described below.

Referring to <FIG>, the wheel modules <NUM> may be arranged at both ends of the one-way roller <NUM>, and a diameter D2 of the wheel modules <NUM> may be provided greater than the diameter D1 of the one-way roller <NUM>. The wheel modules <NUM> may be provided to support the roller shaft <NUM> that is a rotary shaft of the one-way roller. Thus, when the suction head <NUM> is placed on a cleaning surface G (see <FIG>), the one-way roller <NUM> may be provided in a structure having a separation distance g (see <FIG>) from the cleaning surface G.

The structure having the separation distance g from the cleaning surface G is to prevent the one-way roller <NUM> from being in complete contact with the cleaning surface G and thus being affected due to the complete contact.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the wheel module <NUM> may include a wheel frame <NUM> and an outer cover member <NUM>.

The wheel frame <NUM> may be formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The outer cover member <NUM> may be disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the wheel frame <NUM>. The outer cover member <NUM> may be provided in a shape corresponding to the outer circumferential surface of the wheel frame <NUM>.

The outer cover member <NUM> may perform the same function as a tire of a vehicle. The outer cover member <NUM> may be formed of a material capable of improving a frictional force when in contact with the cleaning surface G. For example, the outer cover member <NUM> may be formed of a rubber material to improve the frictional force when in contact with the cleaning surface G.

Unlike this, after the wheel frame <NUM> is primarily injected, the outer cover member <NUM> may be secondarily injected, and thus the wheel module <NUM> may be formed. That is, for continuous injection, the outer cover member <NUM> may be injected but may be formed using, as an injection-molded material, a material having a higher frictional coefficient than that of the primarily injected wheel frame <NUM>.

A step <NUM> may be formed on an outer circumferential surface of the wheel frame <NUM>. By using the step <NUM> on the outer circumferential surface of the wheel frame, the wheel frame may be more tightly coupled to the outer cover member <NUM>. A step <NUM> may be formed even on an inner circumferential surface of the outer cover member <NUM>. The step <NUM> on the inner circumferential surface of the outer cover member may be formed to correspond to the step <NUM> on the outer circumferential surface of the wheel frame.

The wheel module <NUM> may further include a wheel shaft <NUM> and a wheel bearing <NUM> for supporting the wheel shaft <NUM>. The wheel module <NUM> may further include a cap bearing <NUM> for covering the wheel bearing <NUM>.

The one-way clutch bearing <NUM> may be disposed on one side surface of the wheel frame <NUM>. The wheel shaft <NUM> may protrude from the other side surface of the wheel frame <NUM> and may be provided as a rotary shaft of the wheel frame <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a method in which the wheel shaft <NUM> protrudes may be provided in a structure in which a wheel shaft insertion groove <NUM> into which the wheel shaft <NUM> may be inserted is formed in the other side surface of the wheel frame <NUM> and the wheel shaft <NUM> is inserted into the wheel shaft insertion groove <NUM>. The wheel shaft <NUM> is inserted into the wheel shaft insertion groove <NUM> so that the wheel shaft <NUM> may be fixed to the wheel frame <NUM>.

Unlike this, the wheel shaft <NUM> may be integrally formed with the wheel frame <NUM>. That is, when the wheel frame <NUM> is injected, the wheel shaft <NUM> may also be injection-molded.

Alternatively, unlike this, the wheel shaft <NUM> may be formed to protrude from the lower housing <NUM>. The wheel shaft insertion groove <NUM> may be rotatably fitted onto the protruding wheel shaft <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the wheel shaft <NUM> may be rotatably supported by the lower housing <NUM> immediately after being fixed to the other side surface of the wheel frame <NUM>. However, for durability and smooth rotational movement of the wheel module <NUM>, the wheel bearing <NUM> may be provided. The wheel shaft <NUM> may be inserted into and supported by the wheel bearing <NUM>. The wheel bearing <NUM> may be disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the wheel shaft <NUM>, and the wheel bearing <NUM> may be supported by the lower housing <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, for the durability and smooth rotational movement of the wheel module <NUM>, the cap bearing <NUM> may be provided. The wheel bearing <NUM> may be inserted into and supported by the cap bearing <NUM>. The cap bearing <NUM> may be disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the wheel bearing <NUM>, and the wheel bearing <NUM> may be supported by the lower housing <NUM>. Unlike this, the wheel bearing <NUM> may also be rotatably supported by the lower housing <NUM> immediately after the wheel shaft <NUM> is inserted.

A wheel bearing insertion groove <NUM> may be formed in one surface of the cap bearing <NUM>. The wheel bearing <NUM> may be inserted into the wheel bearing insertion groove <NUM>. The wheel bearing <NUM> may be inserted into the wheel bearing insertion groove <NUM> of the cap bearing, and the cap bearing <NUM> may be provided to surround the wheel bearing <NUM>. Since the cap bearing <NUM> is provided to surround the wheel bearing <NUM>, durability of the wheel bearing <NUM> can be secured. Since the cap bearing <NUM> is provided to surround the wheel bearing <NUM>, a defect in the rotational movement of the wheel module <NUM> due to the foreign substances accumulated around the wheel shaft <NUM> of the wheel module <NUM> can be prevented.

In detail, the cap bearing <NUM> may include a contactor <NUM> and a visor <NUM> with a wheel bearing seat <NUM> of the lower housing <NUM>, which will be described below. The visor <NUM> may be formed in a shape corresponding to the other side surface of the wheel frame <NUM>. The visor <NUM> may be provided to cover the entirety of the other side surface of the wheel frame <NUM> and prevent the foreign substances from being accumulated around the wheel shaft <NUM>.

A cap bearing body <NUM> seated on the wheel bearing seat <NUM> of the lower housing <NUM> may be provided in a substantially cylindrical shape. That is, the cap bearing <NUM> in which the cap bearing body <NUM> and the visor <NUM> are integrally formed may be formed in a substantial fedora shape.

The suction head <NUM> may include the one-way clutch bearing <NUM> in order to implement the function in which the one-way roller <NUM> rotates so that the foreign substances D move into the housings <NUM>, <NUM>, 112R, and <NUM> when the suction head <NUM> moves forward and the rotation of the one-way roller <NUM> is restricted so that the foreign substances D are prevented from being discharged to the outside of the housings <NUM>, <NUM>, 112R, and <NUM> when the suction head <NUM> moves rearward.

An overrunning clutch may be applied to the one-way clutch bearing <NUM>. The overrunning clutch refers to a clutch that transmits a driving force only in one direction. For example, when an outer ring of the clutch rotates in one direction, a rotational force is transmitted to an inner ring of the clutch so that both of the outer ring of the clutch and the inner ring of the clutch may rotate. On the other hand, when the outer ring of the clutch rotates in the other direction opposite to the one direction, the rotational force is not transmitted to the inner ring of the clutch. Thus, the outer ring of the clutch and the inner ring of the clutch may maintain different movement states.

The one-way clutch bearing <NUM> may be disposed on one side surface of the wheel frame <NUM>. In detail, the one-way clutch bearing <NUM> may be inserted into a wheel frame groove <NUM> formed in the one side surface of the wheel frame <NUM>. The wheel frame groove <NUM> may be formed in a shape corresponding to an outer circumferential surface of the one-way clutch bearing <NUM>. The one-way clutch bearing <NUM> may be fixed after being inserted into the wheel frame groove <NUM>.

In order for the one-way clutch bearing <NUM> to be fixed to the wheel frame groove <NUM>, a seating groove <NUM> may be formed in the outer circumferential surface of the one-way clutch bearing <NUM>. The seating groove <NUM> may be formed in an outer circumferential surface of an outer race <NUM> of the one-way clutch bearing <NUM>. A one-way clutch bearing fixer <NUM> may be formed on an inner circumferential surface of the wheel frame groove <NUM> formed in the one side surface of the wheel frame <NUM> to correspond to the seating groove <NUM>.

The seating groove <NUM> and the one-way clutch bearing fixer <NUM> may be formed in a direction in which a rotation axis of the wheel module <NUM> is placed. The one-way clutch bearing <NUM> may be inserted into the wheel frame groove <NUM>, and the seating groove <NUM> and the one-way clutch bearing fixer <NUM> may mesh with each other.

The roller shaft <NUM> of the one-way roller <NUM> may be inserted into the one-way clutch bearing <NUM>. In detail, the roller shaft <NUM> may be fixedly inserted into a roller shaft fixer <NUM> that is an inner circumferential surface of the inner race <NUM> of the one-way clutch bearing <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the one-way clutch bearing <NUM> may include the outer race <NUM>, the inner race <NUM>, and a bearing roller <NUM>.

The outer race <NUM> may be formed roughly in a cylindrical shape including a hollow in the center thereof. The inner race <NUM> may be inserted into the hollow of the outer race <NUM> and rotatably provided inside the outer race <NUM>.

A bearing roller seat <NUM> into which the bearing roller <NUM> may be inserted may be formed between an outer circumferential surface of the inner race <NUM> and an inner circumferential surface of the outer race <NUM>. The inner race <NUM> include a bearing roller supporter <NUM> protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the inner race <NUM> to support the bearing roller <NUM> by forming the bearing roller seat <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the inner race <NUM> may be formed in a substantially sawtooth shape.

The bearing roller seat <NUM> may be formed in a tapered structure that gradually becomes narrower in a movement direction D3 of the bearing roller <NUM> when the suction head <NUM>, which will be described below, moves forward.

Referring to <FIG>, the seating groove <NUM> may be formed in the outer circumferential surface of the outer race <NUM> of the one-way clutch bearing <NUM>. It is illustrated that two seating grooves <NUM> are formed. However, for firm coupling between the one-way clutch bearing <NUM> and the wheel module <NUM>, the number of the seating grooves <NUM> is not limited to two.

The wheel frame <NUM> of the wheel module <NUM> and the one-way clutch bearing <NUM> may be fixed to each other. Thus, when the suction head <NUM> moves forward, the wheel module <NUM> in contact with the cleaning surface G may rotate in a direction R1, and the outer race <NUM> may also rotate in the direction R1. That is, when the suction head <NUM> moves forward, a rotation direction of the wheel module <NUM> and a rotation direction of the outer race <NUM> may be defined as the "direction R1 (see <FIG>).

When the outer race <NUM> rotates in the direction R1, the bearing roller <NUM> may move in a direction R3. That is, when the suction head <NUM> moves forward, a movement direction of the bearing roller <NUM> may be defined as a "direction R2.

The bearing roller seat <NUM> may be formed in a tapered structure that gradually becomes narrower in the movement direction R3 of the bearing roller <NUM> when the suction head <NUM>, which will be described below, moves forward. Thus, the bearing roller <NUM> may move in the direction R3 and come into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the outer race <NUM> and the outer circumferential surface of the inner race <NUM>. As a result, a rotational force of the outer race <NUM> may be transferred to the inner race <NUM>. When the suction head <NUM> moves forward, the inner race <NUM> rotates in the direction R2.

The roller shaft <NUM> may be fixedly inserted into the roller shaft fixer <NUM> that is the inner circumferential surface of the inner race <NUM> of the one-way clutch bearing <NUM>, which will be described below. Thus, when the inner race <NUM> rotates in the direction R2, the roller shaft <NUM> may also rotate in the direction R2. Thus, when the inner race <NUM> rotates in the direction R2, the one-way roller <NUM> may also rotate in the direction R2. That is, when the suction head <NUM> moves forward, a rotation direction of the inner race <NUM> and a rotation direction of the one-way roller <NUM> may be defined as the "direction R2.

This state may be defined as a state in which the one-way clutch bearing <NUM> locks the roller shaft <NUM> that is the rotation axis of the one-way roller <NUM> when the suction head <NUM> moves forward.

Since the one-way clutch bearing <NUM> is fixed to the wheel modules <NUM>, a state in which the one-way clutch bearing <NUM> locks the roller shaft <NUM> may be a state in which the rotational force of the wheel modules <NUM> is transmitted to the one-way roller <NUM> and thus the one-way roller <NUM> also rotates.

In contrast, when the suction head <NUM> moves rearward, the outer race <NUM> rotates in a direction opposite to the direction R1. The bearing roller <NUM> may move in a direction opposite to the direction R3 and come into contact with one of the inner circumferential surface of the outer race <NUM> and the outer circumferential surface of the inner race <NUM>. In some cases, when moving in the direction opposite to the direction R3, the bearing roller <NUM> may form a state in which the bearing roller <NUM> comes into contact with neither the inner circumferential surface of the outer race <NUM> nor the outer circumferential surface of the inner race <NUM>.

As a result, the rotational force of the outer race <NUM> may not be transferred to the inner race <NUM>. The outer race <NUM> and the inner race <NUM> may maintain different movement states. In other words, the wheel module <NUM> and the one-way roller <NUM> may maintain different movement states. For example, the one-way roller <NUM> is fixed, and only the wheel module <NUM> may rotate.

This state may be defined as a state in which the one-way clutch bearing <NUM> unlocks the roller shaft <NUM> that is the rotation axis of the one-way roller <NUM> when the suction head <NUM> moves rearward.

The state in which the one-way clutch bearing <NUM> unlocks the roller shaft <NUM> may be a state in which the rotational force of the wheel module <NUM> is not transmitted to the one-way roller <NUM>, and thus even when the wheel module <NUM> rotates, the one-way roller <NUM> may have a different motion state from the wheel modules <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the one-way roller <NUM>, the one-way clutch bearing <NUM>, and the wheel module <NUM> may share one rotation axis and may be connected to each other in a straight line. That is, the roller shaft <NUM> of the one-way roller <NUM> may be connected to the one-way clutch bearing <NUM> through the insertion shaft <NUM>. In detail, the insertion shaft <NUM> may be fixed to the roller shaft fixer <NUM> that is the inner circumferential surface of the inner race <NUM> of the one-way clutch bearing <NUM>. The one-way clutch bearing <NUM> may be fixed to the wheel frame groove <NUM> formed at one side of the wheel frame <NUM> of the wheel module <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, it is illustrated that the same wheel modules <NUM> are arranged at both ends of the one-way roller <NUM>. However, unlike this, the wheel module <NUM> may be disposed only at one of both ends of the one-way roller <NUM>, and thus the above-described locking or unlocking power transmission structure can be implemented.

The one-way roller <NUM>, the one-way clutch bearing <NUM>, and the wheel module <NUM> connected to each other in a straight line may be seated on the lower housing <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a bottom surface of a lower housing of the suction head of the vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a bottom view illustrating the lower housing of the suction head of the vacuum cleaner according to the embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view along line C-C of <FIG> when viewed from the left side.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the lower housing <NUM> may include the roller seat <NUM> in which the one-way roller <NUM> is disposed. The roller seat <NUM> may be formed in front of a position at which the drum brush <NUM> is disposed. An inner circumferential surface of the roller seat <NUM> may be formed in a shape corresponding to an upper outer circumferential surface of the one-way roller <NUM> to be in close contact with the one-way roller <NUM>. In detail, the inner circumferential surface of the roller seat <NUM> may be formed in a shape corresponding to an outer circumferential surface of the foreign substance contactor <NUM>. The inner circumferential surface of the roller seat <NUM> may be formed in a substantially cylindrical shape.

Thus, referring to <FIG>, the region <NUM> in which the roller seat <NUM> and the foreign substance contactor <NUM> rub mutually while in close contact with each other may be formed. The region <NUM> in which the roller seat <NUM> and the one-way roller <NUM> rub mutually while in close contact with each other may be formed to correspond to half of the outer circumferential surface of the one-way roller <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the lower housing <NUM> may include a wheel seat <NUM> which is formed on one side of the roller seat <NUM> and accommodates the wheel module <NUM>. The wheel seat <NUM> may be formed in a shape corresponding to the wheel module <NUM>, particularly, an outer circumferential surface of the outer cover member <NUM>.

Since the diameter D2 of the wheel module <NUM> is formed greater than the diameter D1 of the one-way roller <NUM>, a step may be formed at a portion extending from the roller seat <NUM> to the wheel seat <NUM>. This may be defined as a step <NUM> between the roller seat <NUM> and the wheel seat <NUM>.

Unlike the roller seat <NUM>, the wheel seat <NUM> may not be in close contact with the wheel module <NUM> and may be spaced apart from the wheel module <NUM>. Through this structure, the wheel module <NUM> may smoothly rotate.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the lower housing <NUM> may further include a wheel bearing seat <NUM> which is formed on one side of the wheel seat <NUM> and in which the wheel bearing <NUM> is seated. In detail, since the cap bearing <NUM> surrounding the wheel bearing <NUM> may be disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the wheel bearing <NUM>, an inner circumferential surface of the wheel bearing seat <NUM> may be in contact with the cap bearing body <NUM> of the cap bearing <NUM>.

Since the diameter of the wheel bearing <NUM> is formed smaller than the diameter of the wheel module <NUM>, a step may be formed at a portion extending from the wheel seat <NUM> to the wheel bearing seat <NUM>. This may be defined as a step <NUM> between the wheel seat <NUM> and the wheel bearing seat <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the wheel bearing seat <NUM> may include an opening <NUM> that is open to face the bottom surface of the lower housing <NUM>. A plurality of wheel bearing seats <NUM> may be formed to correspond to the number of the wheel modules <NUM>, and the opening <NUM> may be formed in only some of the plurality of wheel bearing seats <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate that an opening is formed in the wheel bearing seat <NUM> formed adjacent to the left side cover <NUM>, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The suction head <NUM> may further include a support hook <NUM> so that the one-way roller <NUM> and the wheel module <NUM> connected to each other in a straight line may be fixedly arranged in the roller seat <NUM>, the wheel seat <NUM>, and the wheel bearing seat <NUM>. The support hook <NUM> may be formed in a substantially hook shape.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the support hook <NUM> may be provided to close the opening <NUM> and support the wheel bearing <NUM> seated in the wheel bearing seat <NUM>. In detail, since the cap bearing <NUM> surrounding the wheel bearing <NUM> may be disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the wheel bearing <NUM>, an inner circumferential surface <NUM> of the support hook <NUM> and the cap bearing body <NUM> of the cap bearing <NUM> may be in contact with each other.

One end of the support hook <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the lower housing <NUM>. The support hook <NUM> may rotate about a support hook rotary shaft <NUM>.

A fastening protrusion <NUM> may be formed at the other end of the support hook <NUM> so that the support hook <NUM> may be fixedly hooked to the lower housing <NUM>. A fastening groove <NUM> may be provided in the lower housing <NUM> at a position corresponding to the fastening protrusion <NUM>.

In the suction head <NUM>, when the one-way roller <NUM> and the wheel module <NUM> connected to each other in a straight line are seated inside the roller seat <NUM>, the wheel seat <NUM>, and the wheel bearing seat <NUM>, the support hook <NUM> rotates toward the lower housing <NUM>, and the fastening protrusion <NUM> and the fastening groove <NUM> may be then coupled to each other.

<FIG> is a part of the cross-sectional view of <FIG> for describing an operation process when the suction head of the vacuum cleaner according to the embodiment of the disclosure moves forward. <FIG> is a part of the cross-sectional view of <FIG> for describing an operation process when the suction head of the vacuum cleaner according to the embodiment of the disclosure moves rearward.

Referring to <FIG>, when the suction head <NUM> moves forward, since the outer cover member <NUM> of the wheel module <NUM> is in contact with the cleaning surface G, the outer cover member <NUM> rotates in the direction R1. When the suction head <NUM> moves forward, since the one-way clutch bearing <NUM> and the roller shaft <NUM> of the one-way roller <NUM> are locked, the one-way roller <NUM> and the wheel module <NUM> rotate in the same direction. That is, even when a frictional force is applied to the region <NUM> in which the roller seat <NUM> and the one-way roller <NUM> rub mutually while in close contact with each other, a larger rotational force transmitted from the wheel module <NUM> is applied, and thus the one-way roller <NUM> and the wheel module <NUM> may rotate in the same direction.

The one-way roller <NUM> comes into contact with the foreign substances D on the cleaning surface G while rotating, and the foreign substances are introduced into the housings <NUM>, <NUM>, 112R, and <NUM> in the direction R2 that is the rotational direction of the one-way roller <NUM>.

In contrast, referring to <FIG>, when the suction head <NUM> moves rearward, since the outer cover member <NUM> of the wheel module <NUM> is in contact with the cleaning surface G, the outer cover member <NUM> rotates in a direction opposite to the direction R1. When the suction head <NUM> moves forward, since the one-way clutch bearing <NUM> and the roller shaft <NUM> of the one-way roller <NUM> are unlocked, the rotational force of the wheel module <NUM> is not transmitted to the one-way roller <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A vacuum cleaner (<NUM>) comprising:
a cleaner body (<NUM>) including a motor (<NUM>) configured to generate a suction force and a foreign substance collection chamber (<NUM>); and
a suction head (<NUM>) connected to the cleaner body and including:
a housing (<NUM>, <NUM>, 112R, <NUM>) having a suction port (100B),
a drum brush (<NUM>), and
a one-way roller (<NUM>) disposed in front of the drum brush (<NUM>),
wherein the drum brush and the one-way roller are configured so that,
when the suction head (<NUM>) is moving forward on a surface (G) to be cleaned, the drum brush (<NUM>) and the one-way roller (<NUM>) rotate so that foreign substances on the surface are suctioned by the suction force into the housing through the suction port to be guided to the foreign substance collection chamber (<NUM>), and
when the suction head (<NUM>) is moving rearward on the surface, rotation of the one-way roller (<NUM>) is restricted to prevent the foreign substances (D) suctioned into the housing from being discharged outside of the housing of the suction head through the suction port,
wherein the one-way roller includes:
a roller shaft (<NUM>), and
a roller body (<NUM>) that is fixed to an outer circumferential surface of the roller shaft and configured so that, when the suction head is on the surface, the roller body contacts at least some of the foreign substances on the surface under the suction head,
wherein the vacuum cleaner further includes a one-way clutch bearing (<NUM>) connected to at least one end of the roller shaft and configured to support the at least one end of the roller shaft.