DE102023103540A1 - VACUUM CLEANER - Google Patents

Abstract

Solution: A vacuum cleaner has a main body assembly having a suction port, and a filter assembly at least a portion of which is located further forward than the main body assembly to face the suction port. The filter assembly includes a support frame, a filter supported on the support frame, and a support rib member inserted from the front into one or more grooves provided on the main body assembly and fixed to the support frame.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The techniques disclosed in this specification relate to a vacuum cleaning device, hereinafter referred to simply as a “vacuum cleaner”.

STATE OF THE ART

A well-known electric vacuum cleaner is in the JP 2017 - 000 393 A disclosed.

SHORT SUMMARY

Known vacuum cleaners, such as that described in the above JP 2017 - 000 393 A typically includes a main body assembly and a filter assembly mounted to the main body assembly. However, due to the connection structure between the main body assembly and the filter assembly, a user of the vacuum cleaner might misassemble the filter assembly to the main body assembly.

A non-limiting object of the present teachings is to disclose techniques for reducing the likelihood of a filter assembly being improperly assembled to a main body assembly.

The above object is achieved by a vacuum cleaner according to claim 1.

In one non-limiting aspect of the present teachings, a vacuum cleaner (vacuum cleaning device, such as a so-called stick vacuum cleaner) can have a main body assembly having a suction opening, and a filter assembly, at least a portion of which is located further forward than the main body assembly so that it opposite the suction opening. The filter assembly may include a support frame, a filter supported on (and/or in) the support frame, and a support rib member inserted from the front into one or more grooves provided on (and/or in) the main body assembly is provided and is fixed to the storage frame.

According to the techniques disclosed in the present specification, the possibility of misassembling a filter assembly to a main body assembly can be reduced.

character list

• 1 12 is a front perspective view showing a vacuum cleaner (stick vacuum cleaner device) and an extension tube (stick) according to a representative, non-limiting embodiment of the present teachings.
• 2 14 is a front perspective view showing the vacuum cleaner according to the embodiment.
• 3 14 is a side view showing the vacuum cleaner according to the embodiment.
• 4 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the vacuum cleaner according to the embodiment.
• 5 14 is an exploded perspective view seen from the front, showing the vacuum cleaner according to the embodiment.
• 6 12 is a front view drawing of a main body assembly according to the embodiment.
• 7 14 is a front perspective view showing a filter assembly according to the embodiment.
• 8th 12 is a side view showing the filter assembly according to the embodiment.
• 9 14 is a perspective view seen from the rear showing the filter assembly according to the embodiment.
• 10 14 is a rear view drawing of a dust collection assembly according to the embodiment.
• 11 14 is a perspective view seen from the rear showing the dust collection assembly according to the embodiment.
• 12 14 is a perspective view seen from the rear showing the dust collection assembly according to the embodiment.
• 13 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the connection structure of the main body assembly, the filter assembly, and the dust collection assembly according to the embodiment.
• 14 14 is an exploded perspective view seen from the front, showing a portion of the dust collection assembly according to the embodiment.
• 15 14 is an exploded perspective view seen from the rear, showing a portion of the dust collection assembly according to the embodiment.
• 16 14 is a front perspective view showing a filter unit according to the embodiment.
• 17 14 is a perspective view seen from the rear showing the filter unit according to the embodiment.
• 18 14 is an exploded perspective view seen from the front showing the filter unit according to the embodiment.
• 19 14 is an exploded perspective view seen from the rear showing the filter unit according to the embodiment.
• 20 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the filter unit according to the embodiment.
• 21 14 is an exploded perspective view seen from the front, showing a pre-filter according to the embodiment.
• 22 14 is a front perspective view showing the vacuum cleaner according to the embodiment.
• 23 14 is a front perspective view showing a lock mechanism according to the embodiment.
• 24 14 is a front perspective view showing an intake pipe and the extension pipe according to the embodiment.
• 25 Fig. 12 is a top view drawing of the locking mechanism according to the embodiment.
• 26 12 is a side view showing the locking mechanism according to the embodiment.
• 27 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the locking mechanism according to the embodiment.
• 28 14 is an exploded perspective view seen from the front, showing a portion of the dust collection assembly according to the embodiment.
• 29 14 is an exploded perspective view seen from the front, showing the intake pipe according to the embodiment.
• 30 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the intake pipe according to the embodiment.
• 31 12 is a perspective view showing the connection structure of the main body assembly.
• 32 is an enlarged view of a portion of the view in 31 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As described above, in one or more embodiments of the present teachings, a vacuum cleaner (a vacuum cleaning device, such as a so-called stick vacuum cleaner) can have a main body assembly having a suction opening and a filter assembly, at least a portion of which is located further forward than the main body assembly is so that it faces the suction port. The filter assembly may include a support frame, a filter supported on (and/or in) the support frame, and a support rib member inserted from the front into one or more grooves provided on (and/or in) the main body assembly is provided, and is fixed to the support frame.

According to the configuration described above, the filter assembly is assembled to the main body assembly by inserting the retaining rib member of the filter assembly from the front into the groove(s) provided on (and/or in) the main body assembly. A user of the vacuum cleaner can mount the filter assembly to the main body assembly merely by pushing the filter assembly into the main body assembly so that the retaining rib member of the filter assembly is inserted from the front into the groove(s) provided on the main body assembly. The user of the vacuum cleaner can mount the filter assembly to the main body assembly without rotating the main body assembly and the filter assembly relative to each other. Accordingly, the possibility of misassembling the filter assembly to the main body assembly can be reduced.

In one or more embodiments, the retention rib member may be a resilient body made of, for example, an elastomer.

According to the configuration described above, since the holding rib member elastically deforms, the user of the vacuum cleaner can easily insert the holding rib member of the filter assembly into the groove(s) provided on (and/or in) the main body assembly from the front. when the retaining rib member of the filter assembly is inserted into the groove(s) provided on the main body assembly from the front.

In one or more embodiments, the retention rib member may have an annular shape or a hollow circular cylindrical shape (e.g., a tubular shape).

According to the configuration described above, since the holding rib member has an annular shape, the filter assembly is always properly assembled to the main body assembly regardless of the rotational orientation of the filter assembly relative to the main body assembly.

In one or more embodiments, the support rib member may be fixed to a rear end portion of the support frame.

According to the configuration described above, since the support rib member is fixed to a rear end portion of the support frame, the user can easily insert the support rib member of the filter assembly into the groove(s) provided on the main body assembly from the front.

In one or more embodiments, the vacuum cleaner may include a dust collection assembly, at least a portion of which is located further forward than the main body assembly, and which includes an assembly tube portion in which the filter assembly is received. The support frame may have a support rib portion that contacts an assembly support portion provided on the dust collection assembly.

According to the configuration described above, by assembling the dust collection assembly to the main body assembly, the support rib part provided on the filter assembly touches the assembly support part provided on the dust collection assembly in the state where the filter assembly is accommodated within the assembly tube part of the dust collection assembly. This fixes the main body assembly, the filter assembly, and the dust collection assembly.

In one or more embodiments, the bearing rib portion may have an annular shape or a hollow circular cylindrical shape (e.g., a tubular shape).

According to the configuration described above, since the support rib part has an annular shape, the assembly support part of the dust collection assembly and the support rib part of the filter assembly can contact in the state where the filter assembly is housed within the assembly pipe part.

In one or more embodiments, the storage frame may include a front tubular portion. The support rib portion may protrude radially outward from the front tube portion.

According to the configuration described above, the assembly supporting part of the dust collecting assembly and the supporting rib part of the filter assembly can contact in the state where the filter assembly is accommodated within the assembly pipe part.

In one or more embodiments, the support frame may include a rear tube portion that is positioned further rearward than the front tube portion. The retaining rib member may be fixed to the rear pipe portion.

According to the configuration described above, since the holding rib member is fixed to a rear end portion of the rear pipe part, the user of the vacuum cleaner can easily insert the holding rib member of the filter assembly into the groove(s) provided on the main body assembly from the front .

In one or more embodiments, the assembly storage portion may protrude radially inward from an inner surface of the assembly tubular portion.

According to the configuration described above, the assembly supporting part of the dust collecting assembly and the supporting rib part of the filter assembly can contact in the state where the filter assembly is accommodated within the assembly pipe part.

In one or more embodiments, three of the assembly storage portions may be provided on the inner surface of the assembly tubular portion in a spaced apart manner.

According to the configuration described above, the assembly supporting part of the dust collecting assembly and the supporting rib part of the filter assembly can contact in the state where the filter assembly is accommodated within the assembly pipe part.

In one or more embodiments, the dust collection assembly may include a cyclonic dust collection unit.

According to the configuration described above, air and foreign matter are separated by a centrifugal force in the cyclone dust collecting unit.

An embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment. The structural elements of the embodiment described below may be combined as appropriate. In addition, there may also be situations where some of the structural elements are not used.

In the embodiment, positional relationships among parts are described using the terms “front”, “back”, “left”, “right”, “top” and “bottom”. Each of these terms indicates a relative position or a direction using the center of a vacuum cleaner (stick vacuum cleaner) 1 as a reference.

Overview vacuum cleaner

1 12 is a front perspective view showing the vacuum cleaner 1 and an extension tube (stick) 100 according to a representative, non-limiting embodiment of the present teachings. 2 14 is a front perspective view showing the vacuum cleaner 1 according to the embodiment. 3 12 is a side view showing the vacuum cleaner 1 according to the embodiment. 4 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the vacuum cleaner 1 according to the embodiment. 5 14 is an exploded perspective view seen from the front, showing the vacuum cleaner 1 according to the embodiment.

In the embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 1 is a cyclonic vacuum cleaner (also known as a cyclonic vacuum cleaner apparatus) that separates foreign matter (e.g., dust, dirt, etc.) from the air using centrifugal force. The dust collector 1 has a main body assembly 2 , a filter assembly 3 and a dust collection assembly 4 . A base end portion of the extension tube 100 is coupled to the dust collection assembly 4 . A suction nozzle 101 is coupled to a tip portion (front portion) of the extension tube 100 . The suction nozzle 101 has an inlet opening.

main body assembly

6 12 is a front view drawing of the main body assembly 2 according to the embodiment. As in 1 until 6 As shown, the main body assembly 2 includes a main body case 5, a battery mounting portion 6, a suction unit 7, a controller 8, an operation panel 9, and a light 10. As shown in FIG.

The main body case 5 is formed of a synthetic resin (polymer). The main body case 5 has a pair of half cases. The main body case 5 has a left case 5L and a right case 5R. The right case 5R is located further to the right than the left case 5L. The left case 5L and the right case 5R are fixed to each other by a plurality of screws 5S.

The main body case 5 has a body part 11 , a grip part (grip, hand grip) 12 and a battery holding part (battery mounting part) 13 .

The body part 11 accommodates the suction unit 7 . The suction unit 7 is arranged in the inner space of the body part 11 . The body part 11 has a side plate part 11A, a front plate part 11B, an inner tube part 11C and an outer tube part 11D.

The side plate part 11</b>A is arranged so as to surround the suction unit 7 . The front plate part 11B is arranged at a front portion of the side plate part 11A. The inner tube part 11C and the outer tube part 11D are each provided on the front plate part 11B. The inner tube part 11C protrudes forward from a front surface of the front plate part 11B. The outer tube part 11D protrudes forward from the front surface of the front plate part 11B. The outer tube part 11D is arranged around the inner tube part 11C.

The body part 11 has a suction opening 14 and air outlet openings 15 . The suction port 14 is provided in a front portion of the main body assembly 2 . In the embodiment, the suction port 14 is provided in a central portion of the front panel part 11B. The inner tube part 11C is arranged around the suction port 14 . The air outlet openings 15 are provided in a left area and in a right area of the side plate part 11A.

In the embodiment, a silencing member 16 is disposed in the interior of the main body case 5 . The sound absorbing member 16 is arranged in the interior of the body part 11 such that the sound absorbing member 16 faces the air outlet openings 15 . The sound absorbing member 16 is a porous member. The sound absorbing member 16 absorbs sound transmitted (propagated) through the air, thereby attenuating (mitigating) noise generation.

Grooves 11E are provided on the outer surface of the outer tube portion 11D. Two of the grooves 11E are provided on the outer surface of the outer tube portion 11D. The grooves 11E are formed so as to extend in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis AX. Each of the two grooves 11E has an arc shape within a plane perpendicular to a rotation axis AX on. Each of the grooves 11E is provided in a spiral shape.

The grip part 12 is configured to be gripped by the user of the vacuum cleaner 1 . The grip portion 12 is provided so as to extend rearward from an upper portion of the body portion 11 .

The battery holding part 13 holds (mounts) a battery pack 17 by means of the battery mounting part 6 .

The battery mounting part 6 is provided at a lower portion of the battery holding part 13 . The battery pack 17 is mounted on the battery mounting part 6 . The battery pack 17 is detachable from the battery mounting part 6 .

The battery pack 17 functions as a power supply of the vacuum cleaner 1. When the battery pack 17 is mounted on the battery mounting part 6, the battery pack 17 supplies the vacuum cleaner 1 with electric power. The battery pack 17 is a general-purpose rechargeable battery that can be used as a power source of various electric devices. The battery pack 17 can be used, for example, as the power supply of a power tool. The battery pack 17 can be used as a power supply of an electric device other than a power tool. The battery pack 17 can be used as a power supply of a vacuum cleaner other than the vacuum cleaner 1 according to the embodiment. The battery pack 17 includes one or more lithium ion battery cells. The battery pack 17 is thus a rechargeable battery. The battery mounting part 6 has a structure equivalent to a battery mounting part of a power tool.

The user of the vacuum cleaner 1 can mount the battery pack 17 on the battery mounting part 6 and detach the battery pack 17 from the battery mounting part 6 . The battery mounting part 6 may have guide members (rails) that guide the battery pack 17 and main body terminals that are electrically connectable to battery terminals provided on the battery pack 17 . The user can mount the battery pack 17 to the battery mounting part 6 by inserting the battery pack 17 into the battery mounting part 6 from the rear. The battery pack 17 is inserted into the battery mounting portion 6 while being guided by the guide members. When the battery pack 17 is mounted on the battery mount 6, the battery terminals of the battery pack 17 and the main body terminals of the battery mount 6 are electrically connected to each other. The user of the vacuum cleaner 1 can remove the battery pack 17 from the battery mounting part 6 by moving the battery pack 17 backward.

The suction unit 7 generates a suction force at the suction opening 14. The suction unit 7 is accommodated in the body part 11. FIG. The suction unit 7 has a fan wheel 7A, a motor 7B and a motor housing 7C which accommodates the fan wheel 7A and the motor 7B. The fan wheel 7A can be rotated about the axis of rotation AX. A rotation axis AX extends in the front-back direction. The motor 7B generates driving power, which causes the fan 7A to rotate. The motor 7B is a brushless direct current (DC) motor. The motor 7B has a stator having a tubular shape, a rotor disposed inside the stator, and a rotor shaft extending forward from the rotor. The rotor shaft is fixed to the rotor. The fan wheel 7A is fixed to the rotor shaft. A rotation axis AX of the rotor of the motor 7B and a rotation axis AX of the fan wheel 7A coincide with each other. The fan wheel 7A rotates around the axis of rotation AX when the rotor of the motor 7B rotates around the axis of rotation AX.

An opening 7D is provided in a front portion of the motor case 7C. The motor housing 7C has a plurality of ribs 7E arranged in the opening 7D. The ribs 7E are arranged to extend radially from the center of the opening 7D. A portion of the motor case 7C having the opening 7D is disposed in the suction port 14 of the front panel member 11B. A suction force is generated at the opening 7D by rotation of the impeller 7A. Generation of a suction force at the suction port 14 includes generation of a suction force at the port 7D. The air sucked into the suction port 14 by the rotation of the fan 7A flows into the interior of the motor housing 7C via the port 7D. The air flowing into the interior of the motor case 7C passes through the interior of the motor case 7C, after which it flows out to the exterior of the main body case 5 via the air outlet ports 15. FIG.

The controller 8 controls at least the motor 7B. The controller 8 is accommodated in the body part 11 . The controller 8 has a circuit board on which a plurality of electronic parts are mounted. A processor (e.g., one or more microprocessors) such as a CPU (central processing unit), non-volatile storage such as ROM (read-only memory) and memory, volatile storage such as RAM (random access memory), transistors, and set resistances Illustrate examples of electronic parts mounted on the circuit board.

The operation panel 9 is configured to be operated (manually) by the user of the vacuum cleaner 1 . The operating panel 9 is arranged on the handle part 12 . The user can operate the operation panel 9 while gripping the grip part 12 . In the embodiment, the operation panel 9 has a drive mode change button 9A provided for changing the drive condition (e.g., rotation speed) of the motor 7B, and a drive button 9B provided for operating (starting and stopping) the motor 7B. When the motor 7B is in the stopped state and the drive button 9B is operated (pressed), an operation of the motor 7B is started. A suction force is generated at the suction port 14 by operation of the motor 7B. When the motor 7B is operated and the drive mode change button 9A is operated (pressed), the rotational speed of the motor 7B is adjusted (changed) in four stages, for example. For example, when the motor 7B is operated and the drive mode change button 9A is actuated (pressed) once, the speed of the motor 7B changes from a first speed to a (e.g. higher) second speed, when actuated one more time the speed changes of the motor 7B from the second speed to a (e.g. higher) third speed when actuated a further time, the speed of the motor 7B changes from the third speed to a (e.g. higher) fourth speed and when actuated a further time changes the speed of the motor 7B returns to the first speed. The suction force at the suction port 14 changes by changing the speed of the motor 7B. When the motor 7B is operated and the drive button 9B is operated (pressed) again, the motor 7B stops. Furthermore, the operation panel 9 has a plurality of light-emitting parts 9C that emit light according to the rotation speed of the engine 7B, for example, the light-emitting parts 9C are selectively illuminated to indicate low-speed operation, middle-speed operation, or high-speed operation.

The light 10 is arranged at a front area of the handle part 12 . The light 10 illuminates the front of the vacuum cleaner 1. The light 10 includes one or more light emitting devices, such as one or more light emitting diodes (LED).

filter assembly

As in 4 and 5 1, at least a portion (part) of the filter assembly 3 is located further forward than the main body assembly 2. As shown in FIG. The filter assembly 3 is arranged to face the suction port 14 of the main body assembly 2 .

7 14 is a front perspective view showing the filter assembly 3 according to the embodiment. 8th 12 is a side view showing the filter assembly 3 according to the embodiment. 9 14 is a perspective view seen from the rear showing the filter assembly 3 according to the embodiment.

As in 4 , 5 , 7 , 8th and 9 As shown, the filter assembly 3 includes a support frame 18 , a filter 19 , a filter fixing member (filter holder, filter holder) 21 and a holding rib member (circular or ring-shaped holding rib) 22 .

The support frame 18 supports the filter 19 as shown in FIG 8th you can see. The support frame 18 has a first lattice portion 23 , a second lattice portion 24 , a front tube portion 25 , a rear tube portion 26 and a bearing rib portion 27 .

The first lattice part 23 has a first ring part 23A and first bar parts (posts, rods, struts) 23B, as in FIG 7 you can see. The first ring portion 23A is located further forward than the front-side tube portion 25 . The first rod parts 23B are provided so as to connect the first ring part 23A and the front pipe part 25 . A plurality of the first rod parts 23B are arranged in a spaced manner in (around) the circumferential direction of the first ring part 23A.

The second lattice portion 24 includes a second ring portion 24A, a third ring portion 24B, second bar portions (posts, bars, struts) 24C, and third bar portions (posts, bars, struts) 24D. The second ring portion 24A is located further forward than the front-side tube portion 25 . The third ring part 24B is arranged radially inward of the front-side pipe part 25 . The third ring portion 24B is located further rearward than the second ring portion 24A. The second rod parts 24C are provided so as to connect the second ring part 24A and the rear pipe part 26 . A plurality of the second rod parts 24C are arranged in a spaced manner in the circumferential direction of the second ring part 24A. The third rod parts 24D are provided so as to connect the second ring part 24A and the third ring part 24B. A plurality of the third rod parts 24D are arranged in a spaced manner in (around) the circumferential direction of the second ring part 24A.

The front pipe part 25 has a circular pipe shape. The front pipe part 25 is located further rearward than the first ring part 23A and the second ring part 24A.

The rear tube part 26 has a circular tube shape (hollow circular cylindrical shape). The rear pipe part 26 is arranged further rearward than the front pipe part 25 . The central axis of the front pipe part 25 and the central axis of the rear pipe part 26 coincide. The outer diameter of the front pipe part 25 is larger than the outer diameter of the rear pipe part 26. The inner diameter of the front pipe part 25 is larger than the inner diameter of the rear pipe part 26.

The support rib part 27 is arranged on the outer surface of the front pipe part 25 . The support rib portion 27 protrudes from the outer surface of the front-side tube portion 25 radially outward of the front-side tube portion 25 . The support rib portion 27 has an annular shape such as a circular flange shape. The support rib portion 27 is a flange portion provided on the outer surface of the front pipe portion 25 .

Referring again to 8th , the filter 19 is supported by the support frame 18 . The filter 19 is located further forward than the suction port 14 of the main body assembly 2 . The filter 19 is permeable to air. The filter 19 collects foreign matter from the air passing through the filter 19 . In the embodiment, the filter 19 is made of a cloth or other fabric (mesh) material that allows air to pass therethrough but blocks (collects, catches) dust, dirt, etc. The filter 19 can be a high performance or a HEPA filter, for example.

The filter 19 has a bag shape or a cup shape (bottomed hollow cylindrical shape). The filter 19 is arranged in such a way that it covers the first grating part 23 . An opening is provided in a rear end portion of the filter 19 . The rear end portion of the filter 19 is fixed to the front pipe portion 25, for example. Air flows into the filter 19 from a front portion of the filter 19. Foreign matter contained in the air is collected by the filter 19. FIG. Air that has passed through the filter 19 flows out of the opening at the rear portion of the filter 19, after which it flows into the suction port 14.

The filter fixing member 21 is arranged around the front pipe part 25 . The filter fixing member 21 has an annular shape. The filter fixing member 21 is press-fitted onto the front pipe part 25 . The filter fixing member 21 is disposed so as to contact the outer surface of the front pipe part 25 . The filter 19 is sewn to the filter fixing member 21 .

The retaining rib member 22 is fixed to at least a portion of the support frame 18 . In the embodiment, the support rib member 22 is fixed to a rear end portion of the support frame 18 . Specifically, the holding rib member 22 is fixed to a rear end portion of the rear pipe part 26 . The retaining rib member 22 has an annular shape or a hollow circular cylindrical shape. At least a portion of the retaining rib member 22 projects radially outward from (relative to) the outer surface of the rear tubular portion 26 .

The holding rib member 22 is an elastic body. In the embodiment, the retaining rib member 22 is formed of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The holding rib member 22 has a fixing part (attachment part, engaging part) 22A and a lip part 22B. The fixing part 22A is fixed (attached) to a rear end portion of the rear pipe part 26 . The fixing part 22A has a ring shape. The lip part 22B is connected to the fixing part 22A. The lip portion 22B has an annular shape. The lip part 22B can be elastically deformed.

dust collection assembly

As in 1 until 5 1, at least a portion (part) of the dust collection assembly 4 is located further forward than the main body assembly 2. As shown in FIG. The filter assembly 3 is accommodated in at least a portion of the dust collection assembly 4 .

10 14 is a rear view drawing of the dust collection assembly 4 according to the embodiment. 11 14 is a perspective view seen from the rear showing the dust collection assembly 4 according to the embodiment. 12 14 is an exploded perspective view seen from the rear showing the dust collection assembly 4 according to the embodiment.

As in 1 until 5 and 10 until 12 As shown, the dust collection assembly 4 includes a cyclone body 30 and a cyclone dust collection unit 40 .

The cyclone body 30 includes a front body 31 and a rear body 32 . At least a portion of the front case 31 is located further forward than the rear case 32 . The front housing 31 and the rear housing 32 are joined by four screws 60. FIG fixed. Screw holes 61 into which screw portions of the screws 60 are screwed are provided in the front case 31 . Openings 62 in which intermediate portions of the screws 60 are located are provided in the rear housing 32. As shown in FIG.

The front housing 31 has a body part 33 , an inlet pipe 34 and a dust cap coupling pipe part 35 . That is, the tube portion 35 is configured to be coupled or attached to a dust cap (dust case) 42 .

The rear housing 32 has an assembly pipe part 37 , an assembly plate part 38 , a filter unit coupling pipe part 39 , engagement protruding parts 28 and assembly supporting parts 29 . That is, the tube portion 39 is configured to be coupled or attached to a filter unit 50 .

The cyclone dust collection unit 40 includes turbulence members (air turbulence members) 43, the filter unit 50, and the dust cap (dust case) 42. As shown in FIG.

The body part 33 has a tubular shape. The body part 33 is arranged at a rear portion of the front housing 31 . The body part 33 is connected to the rear housing 32 . The inlet pipe 34 protrudes forward from a front portion of the body part 33 . The dust cap coupling pipe part 35 has a tubular shape. The dust cap coupling pipe part 35 is arranged in parallel with the inlet pipe 34 . The dust cap coupling pipe part 35 projects forward from a front portion of the body part 33 .

As in 1 As shown, the inlet tube 34 is coupled to a base end portion of the extension tube 100 . The suction nozzle 101 is coupled to a front portion (tip portion) of the extension tube 100 . The suction nozzle 101 has an inlet opening.

A locking mechanism 36 is provided at a front end portion of the intake pipe 34 . The inlet tube 34 and the extension tube 100 are fixed to each other by the locking mechanism 36 . The extension pipe 100 can be separated from the inlet pipe 34 by manually releasing the fixation (lock) by the locking mechanism 36 . The extension tube 100 is removable from the inlet tube 34 .

The intake pipe 34 has an inflow port (orifice) 34A and an outflow port (orifice) 34B. The inflow port 34A is provided in a front end portion of the intake pipe 34 . The outflow port 34B is provided in a rear end portion of the intake pipe 34 . A base end portion of the extension tube 100 is inserted into the inflow port 34A. The air sucked from the suction nozzle 101 flows through the extension tube 100, after which it flows into the inflow port 34A. The air flowing through the intake pipe 34 flows out of the exhaust port 34B.

The dust cap coupling pipe part 35 is configured to be coupled with the dust cap 42 . Locking pieces 44 are provided at a rear end portion of the dust cap 42 . Exempt parts 35R (see 14 , etc.) are provided on portions of the front case 31 . Each of the locking parts 44 has a hook portion which is hooked to (in) the corresponding recessed part 35R. The dust cap 42 and the dust cap coupling pipe part 35 are fixed to each other by the locking parts 44 . The dust cap 42 is separated from the dust cap coupling tube part 35 by manually releasing the fixation by the locking parts 44 . The dust cap 42 is removable (detachable) from the dust cap coupling pipe part 35 of the front housing 31 .

A front end portion of the assembly pipe 37 is connected to the front housing 31 . The assembly plate portion 38 is connected to a front portion of the assembly tube portion 37 so as to cover the opening in the front portion of the assembly tube portion 37 . The filter assembly 3 is accommodated in the assembly tube part 37 . The filter assembly 3 is inserted into the inside of the assembly tube 37 from the opening provided in the rear end portion of the assembly tube 37 .

The filter unit coupling pipe part 39 projects forward from a portion of the assembly plate part 38 . The filter unit coupling pipe part 39 has a tubular shape. An opening is provided in a portion of assembly plate portion 38 . A rear end portion of the filter unit coupling pipe part 39 is connected to the opening of the assembly plate part 38 .

The engagement protrusions 28 are inserted into the grooves 11E of the main body case 5 . Two of the engaging protrusions 28 are provided at a rear end portion of the assembly pipe portion 37 . The engagement protrusions 28 protrude radially inward from the inner surface of the assembly pipe portion 37 . As described above, two of the grooves 11E are similarly provided. One of the engagement projections 28 is inserted into one of the grooves 11E. The other engaging protrusion 28 is inserted into the other groove 11E.

In the state in which the pair of engagement projections 28 of the rear housing 32 is located in the grooves 11E of the main body housing 5, when the rear housing 32 and the main body housing 5 are rotated relative to each other in one direction, the rear housing 32 and the main body housing 5 connected to each other by a so-called bayonet coupling (bayonet connection). When the rear housing 32 and the main body housing 5 are rotated relative to each other in the other direction, the coupling between the rear housing 32 and the main body housing 5 is released.

The assembly support parts 29 support the support rib part 27 of the filter assembly 3 from the front. Three of the assembly storage portions 29 are provided on the inner surface of the assembly tube portion 37 in a spaced manner, preferably equally spaced. The assembly support portions 29 are formed of ribs projecting radially inward from the inner surface of the assembly tube portion 37 . In the state where the pair of engagement protrusions 28 of the rear case 32 are placed in the grooves 11E of the main body case 5 , the unit support parts 29 are placed in front of the support rib part 27 . In the state where the pair of engagement protrusions 28 of the rear housing 32 are placed in the grooves 11E of the main body housing 5 , a rear end portion of each of the assembly supporting parts 29 faces a front surface of the supporting rib part 27 .

The swirling members 43 swirl the air supplied from the intake pipe 34 . The swirlers 43 include a first swirler (first air swirler) 43A provided in the front housing 31 and a second swirler (second air swirler) 43B connected to a rear end portion of the first swirler 43A. A swirling passageway 45 is formed inside the swirling members 43 .

The dust cap coupling pipe portion 35 has an inflow port (orifice) 35A. The inflow port 35A of the dust cap coupling pipe part 35 functions as an inflow port of the cyclone dust collecting unit 40. The inflow port 35A is provided in a rear end portion of the dust cap coupling pipe part 35. FIG. The outflow port 34B of the inlet pipe 34 and the inflow port 35A of the cyclone dust collection unit 40 are fluidly connected to each other via the swirling passageway 45 . The swirling passageway 45 is provided in a portion of the cyclone body 30 . The air flowing out of the outflow port 34B of the inlet pipe 34 flows through the swirling passageway 45, after which it flows into the inflow port 35A of the cyclone dust collecting unit 40.

The swirling passage path 45 connects the outflow port 34B of the inlet pipe 34 and the inflow port 35a of the cyclone dust collecting unit 40. The swirling passage path 45 is defined by the swirling members 43. As shown in FIG. The first swirling member 43A is arranged in the inside of the body part 33 . The second swirler 43B has a plate shape and is connected to a rear end portion of the first swirler 43A. The second swirling member 43B faces at least the outflow port 34B of the intake pipe 34 . A rear end portion of the first swirler 43A of the front case 31 is covered by the assembly plate part 38 of the rear case 32 by fixing the front case 31 and the rear case 32 to each other using the screws 60 . In the embodiment, the swirling passageway 45 is defined by the first swirling member 43A, the second swirling member 43B, and the assembly plate part 38. As shown in FIG. The swirling passageway 45 is an internal passageway of the cyclone body 30.

connection structure

13 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the connection structure of the main body assembly 2, the filter assembly 3, and the dust collection assembly 4 according to the embodiment.

Before the main body assembly 2 and the dust collection assembly 4 are connected, the filter assembly 3 is assembled to the main body assembly 2 . After the filter assembly 3 is assembled to the main body assembly 2 , the main body assembly 2 and the dust collection assembly 4 are connected to each other through the filter assembly 3 . The filter assembly 3 is sandwiched between the main body assembly 2 and the dust collection assembly 4 .

As in 13 and 31 until 32 1, protruding parts 11F are provided on the inner surface of the outer tube part 11D and point (extend) radially inward (perpendicularly from the inner surface of the outer tube part 11D). The protruding parts 11F project radially inward from the inner surface of the outer tube part 11D, for example in the form of a rib or wall. The protruding parts 11F are provided in two places see: an upper area (see 13 ) and a lower area (see 31 until 32 ) of the outer tube part 11D. Grooves 11G are respectively formed (defined) by rear surfaces of the protruding parts 11F, a front surface of the front plate part 11B and the inner surface of the outer tube part 11D. The grooves 11G are formed at two locations: an upper portion (see 13 ) and a lower area (see 31 until 32 ) of the outer tube part 11D. Each of the grooves 11G is curved (arc-shaped) and has a longest dimension extending in the circumferential direction of the main body assembly 2 and a width dimension extending in the front-rear direction of the main body assembly 2 . The grooves 11G preferably extend along an arc that is between about 60 to 75° of the main body assembly 2 in the view shown in FIG 6 is shown and is preferably between 65 to 70°.

When the filter assembly 3 is assembled to the main body assembly 2, the holding rib member 22 fixed to the rear end portion of the rear pipe part 26 is inserted between the inner pipe part 11C and the outer pipe part 11D (see Fig 6 ).

Then, the user of the vacuum cleaner 1 further pushes the filter assembly 3 into the main body assembly 2 from the front side of the main body assembly 2 so that upper and lower portions of the holding rib member 22 of the filter assembly 3 are placed in (engaged with) the upper and lower grooves 11G, respectively coming) provided on (in) the main body assembly 2 as in FIG 13 to see. The holding rib member 22 is inserted into the grooves 11G from the front.

As described above, the holding rib member 22 is an elastic body. Therefore, when the retaining rib member 22 passes (passes over) the protruding parts 11F, it is elastically deformed and then enters the inside of the grooves 11G. When the retaining rib member 22 is placed in (engaged with) the grooves 11G, the main body assembly 2 and the filter assembly 3 are connected to each other.

After the main body assembly 2 and the filter assembly 3 are connected to each other and the engagement protrusions 28 of the rear housing 32 are placed in the grooves 11E of the main body housing 5, the user of the vacuum cleaner 1 rotates the rear housing 32 and the main body housing 5 relative to each other in the one rotating direction . At this time, the main body assembly 2 and the dust collection assembly 4 are connected to each other via the filter assembly 3 .

As described above, each of the grooves 11E has a spiral shape. In the state where the engagement protrusions 28 of the rear case 32 have been placed in the grooves 11E of the main body case 5, when the rear case 32 and the main body case 5 are rotated relative to each other in the one direction of rotation, the dust collection assembly 4 moves rearward, so that it approaches the main body assembly 2 .

Each of the assembly support parts 29 is arranged at a position where it faces a front surface of the support rib part 27 of the filter assembly 3 . When the dust collection assembly 4 moves further rearward so that it approaches the main body assembly 2 (a result of the relative rotation of the rear housing 32 and the main body housing 5), the assembly storage parts 29 move rearward so that they approach the storage rib part 27 , and a rear end portion of each of the assembly support parts 29 contacts a front surface of the support rib part 27. When the assembly support parts 29 move rearward while being in contact with the support rib part 27, the filter assembly 3 moves rearward. When the filter assembly 3 moves rearward, the support rib member 22 disposed at a rear end portion of the filter assembly 3 is pressed against a front surface of the front plate portion 11B of the main body assembly 2. As shown in FIG. The filter assembly 3 is inserted between the main body assembly 2 and the dust collection assembly 4 in the front-rear direction 4 . The filter assembly 3 is fixed to the main body assembly 2 and the dust collection assembly 4 .

Since the holding rib member 22 is an elastic body, it also functions as a sealing member. For example, by bringing the lip part 22B of the holding rib member 22 into close contact with a front surface of the front plate part 11B, the boundary between a rear end portion of the filter assembly 3 and the front plate part 11B is sealed. That is, the boundary between the main body assembly 2 and the filter assembly 3 around the suction port 14 is sealed by the holding rib member 22 . As a result, leakage of air flowing into the suction port 14 can be weakened (reduced), thereby reducing pressure losses in suction force generated by the suction unit 7 .

filter unit

14 FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view seen from the front, showing a portion of the dust collection assembly 4 according to FIG embodiment shows. 15 14 is an exploded perspective view seen from the rear, showing a portion of the dust collection assembly 4 according to the embodiment.

The cyclone dust collecting unit 40 has the turbulence elements 43 which turbulence the air, the dust cap 42 into which the air which has passed through the turbulence elements 43 flows via the dust cap coupling pipe part 35, and the filter unit 50 through which the air which passes out of the dust cap 42 flows.

The dust cap 42 is removable from the dust cap coupling tube part 35 of the front housing 31 . The dust cap 42 has an inner space into which air flows from the inflow port 35</b>A of the cyclone dust collection unit 40 . The filter unit 50 is arranged in the inner space of the dust cap 42 .

16 14 is a front perspective view showing the filter unit 50 according to the embodiment. 17 14 is a perspective view seen from the rear showing the filter unit 50 according to the embodiment. 18 14 is an exploded perspective view seen from the front, showing the filter unit 50 according to the embodiment. 19 14 is an exploded perspective view seen from the rear showing the filter unit 50 according to the embodiment. 20 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the filter unit 50 according to the embodiment.

The filter unit 50 has a pre-filter (mesh filter, mesh filter) 51 , a sound absorbing member (tubular sponge filter) 52 , and a post-filter (mesh tube, mesh tube) 53 . The sound absorbing member 52 is arranged around the post filter 53 . At least a portion of the pre-filter 51 is arranged around the sound-damping member 52 .

Air that has flowed into the dust cap 42 via the swirling passageway 45 flows from the outside toward the inside of the filter unit 50. Air that has passed through the pre-filter 51 flows to the silencing member 52. Air that has passed through the silencing member 52 is, flows to the post-filter 53.

The post-filter 53 is made of a synthetic resin (polymer). In the embodiment, the post-filter 53 is made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin (ABS polymer). As in 18 until 20 1, the post-filter has a filter tube part 53A, a filter cover part 53B, first fixing plate parts 53C, second fixing plate parts 53D, holes 53E, an outflow port 53F, filter hook parts (guide stoppers) 53G and filter protruding parts 53H.

The filter cover part 53B covers an opening at an end portion of the filter tube part 53A in the axial direction. In the embodiment, the filter cover part 53B covers an opening in a front end portion of the filter tube part 53A.

The first fixing plate parts 53C are provided at the other end portion (opposite end portion) of the filter tube part 53A in the axial direction. In the embodiment, the first fixing plate parts 53C are provided at a rear end portion of the filter tube part 53A. Two of the first fixing plate parts 53C are provided.

The second fixing plate parts 53D are provided at the rear end portion of the filter tube part 53A. The second fixing plate parts 53D are arranged further rearward than the first fixing plate parts 53C. The second fixing plate parts 53D protrude radially outward of the filter tube part 53A from the rear end portions of the filter tube part 53A. Two of the second fixing plate parts 53D are provided. A protruding amount of the second fixing plate parts 53D in the radial direction of the filter tube part 53A is larger than a protruding amount of the first fixing plate parts 53C.

The holes 53E are provided in the filter tube part 53A. The holes 53E are formed so as to pass through the inner surface and the outer surface of the filter tube part 53A, i.e. the holes 53E are through holes. A plurality of the holes 53E are provided in the filter tube portion 53A in a spaced manner. Air passes through holes 53E. Air around the filter unit 50 can pass through the holes 53E and flow into the inside of the filter tube part 53A.

The outflow port 53F is provided in the rear end portion of the filter pipe part 53A. Air that has passed through the holes 53E and flown into the inside of the filter tube portion 53A flows out of the outflow port 53F.

The filter hook parts 53G are provided at (on) the front end portion of the filter pipe part 53A. The filter hook parts 53G project forward from a front surface of the filter cover part 53B. Two of the filter hook parts 53G are provided. The filter hook parts 53G have snap-fit connections. The filter projections 53H are used for positioning with respect to the pre-filter 51. FIG.

The filter projection parts 53H project forward from the front surface of the filter cover part 53B.

The silencing member 52 is disposed around (surrounds) the filter tube portion 53A. The sound absorbing member 52 has a circular tubular (hollow cylindrical) sponge member. The sponge member is formed (made of) urethane foam. The sponge member is a porous member having a plurality of holes (pinholes or pores) 52A through which air passes.

At least a portion of the pre-filter 51 is arranged around the sound-damping member 52 . The pre-filter 51 has a mesh member (lattice member, mesh member) 51A having a circular tube shape (hollow cylindrical shape) and a filter frame 51B supporting the mesh member 51A. The mesh member 51A is arranged around (surrounds) the sound absorbing member 52 . The mesh member 51A is made of a nylon (polyamide). The mesh member 51A has a plurality of holes 51C through which air passes.

As described above, the pre-filter 51 has the holes 51C through which air passes. The sound absorbing member 52 has the holes 52A through which air passes. The post filter 53 has the holes 53E through which air passes. The size of the holes 51C of the pre-filter 51 is larger than the size of the holes 52A of the silencing member 52. The size of the holes 52A of the silencing member 52 is smaller than the size of the holes 53E of the post-filter 53.

As in 20 1, the outer surface of the filter tube portion 53A and the inner surface of the silencing member 52 (directly) contact each other. The outer surface of the sound absorbing member 52 and the inner surface of the pre-filter 51 are in (direct) contact with each other.

21 14 is an exploded perspective view seen from the front, showing the pre-filter 51 according to the embodiment. As in 21 As shown, the pre-filter 51 includes the mesh member 51A having a circular tubular shape and the filter frame 51B supporting the mesh member 51A. The mesh member 51A and the filter frame 51B are integral.

The filter frame 51B has a first fixing part 51D fixed to a front end portion, i.e. one end portion of the mesh member 51A in the axial direction, a second fixing part 51E fixed to a rear end portion, i.e. the other end portion (opposite end portion) of the mesh member 51A in the axial direction, and frame coupling parts 51F connecting the first fixing part 51D and the second fixing part 51E. In the embodiment, the first fixing part 51D, the second fixing part 51E, and the frame coupling parts 51F are integral (a single member) without any seam or discontinuities therebetween.

The first fixing part 51D has a circular tube part (hollow cylindrical part) 51G arranged around a front end portion of the mesh member 51A, an annulus part 51H arranged to cover an opening in a front end portion of the mesh member 51A, and a filter coupling part S 1J protruding forward from a central portion of the annulus portion 51H. A hole 51K is provided in the filter coupling part 51J. In the state where the filter hook parts 53G are inserted into the hole 51K, the filter hook parts 53G are hooked (engaged) to the filter coupling part 51J around the hole 51K.

As in 20 1, recessed parts (recesses) 51L into which the filter protruding parts 53H are inserted are formed on (in) a rear surface of the filter coupling part 51J.

The second fixing part 51E is a circular tube shape (ring shape) arranged around a rear end portion of the mesh member 51A.

The frame coupling parts 51F are arranged so as to connect the circular tube part 51G of the first fixing part 51D and the second fixing part 51E. Each of the frame coupling parts 51F has a rod shape. The frame coupling parts 51F are arranged in the interior of the mesh member 51A. The frame coupling parts 51F support the network component 51A. A plurality of frame coupling parts 51F are provided in a spaced manner in the circumferential direction of the mesh member 51A. In the embodiment, four of the frame coupling parts 51F are provided in a spaced manner in the circumferential direction of the mesh member 51A.

The pre-filter 51 and the post-filter 53 are positioned by inserting the filter projecting parts 53H into the recessed parts 51L. In the state where the filter hooking parts 53G, which function as snaps, are inserted into the hole 51K, the pre-filter 51 and the post-filter 53 are fixed to each other by hooking the filter hooking parts 53G to the filter coupling part S 1J.

The sound absorbing member 52 is between the inner surface of the pre-filter 51 and the outer surface of the post-filter 53 sandwiched.

The pre-filter 51, the silencing member 52 and the post-filter 53 are separable. The pre-filter 51 and the post-filter 53 are separated from the filter coupling part S 1J by unlocking the filter hook parts 53G. The pre-filter 51, the silencing member 52 and the post-filter 53 are separated by separating the pre-filter 51 and the post-filter 53. FIG. Since the pre-filter 51, the silencing member 52 and the post-filter 53 are separable, the user of the vacuum cleaner 1 can easily carry out maintenance of each of the pre-filter 51, the silencing member 52 and the post-filter 53. For example, the user of the vacuum cleaner 1 can easily clean the pre-filter 51, the sound-damping member 52 and the post-filter 53.

As in 13 1, a rear end portion of the post-filter 53 is inserted into the filter unit coupling pipe portion 39. FIG. The rear end portion of the post-filter 53 is arranged in the inner space of the filter unit coupling pipe part 39 . The filter unit 50 is detachable from the filter unit coupling pipe part 39 . As in 12 1, a bearing part 39A having a ring shape is provided in the inner space of a rear end portion of the filter unit coupling pipe part 39. As shown in FIG. Notches 39B through which the second fixing plate parts 53D can pass are provided in portions of the storage part 39A. After passing the second fixing plate parts 53D through the notches 39B, by rotating the filter unit 50, the first fixing plate parts 53C face a front surface of the storage part 39A, and the second fixing plate parts 53D face a rear surface of the storage part 39A. The first fixing plate parts 53C and the second fixing plate parts 53D sandwich the storage part 39A in the front-rear direction. This fixes the filter unit 50 and the rear housing 32 to each other. The fixation of the filter unit 50 and the rear case 32 to each other is released by rotating the filter unit 50 so that the second fixing plate parts 53D correspond to the notches 39B. The filter unit 50 is removable from the rear housing 32 .

The exhaust port 53F of the filter unit 50 functions as an exhaust port of the cyclone dust collection unit 40. Air in the interior of the dust cap 42 flows into an internal passageway of the filter unit 50 via the holes 53E. Air passed through the internal passageway of the filter unit 50 flows out of the exhaust port 53F of the cyclone dust collection unit 40.

Here, there is a possibility that noise is generated by air that has flown into the dust cap 42 via the swirling passageway 45 and passed through the holes 53E of the post filter 53 . For example, when air swirling in the interior of the dust cap 42 directly comes into contact with the surface of the filter tube part 53A having the holes 53E, there is a possibility that noise is generated. In the embodiment, the silencing member 52 is arranged so as to cover the filter tube part 53A. Direct contact of the air swirling in the interior of the dust cap 42 with the surface of the filter tube portion 53A having the holes 53E is mitigated by the sound absorbing member 52. FIG. As a result, noise generation can be weakened.

As described above, the sound absorbing member 52 is a sponge member. Accordingly, there is a possibility that foreign matter in the interior of the dust cap 42 will adhere to the surface of the silencing member 52 . In the embodiment, the pre-filter 51 is arranged so as to cover the silencing member 52 . Adhesion of foreign matter to the silencing member 52 is weakened (reduced) by the pre-filter 51 . The pre-filter 51 has the mesh member 51A. As a result, attachment of foreign matter to the pre-filter 51 can be mitigated.

locking mechanism

22 14 is a front perspective view showing the vacuum cleaner 1 according to the embodiment. 23 14 is a front perspective view showing the locking mechanism 36 according to the embodiment. 24 14 is a front perspective view showing the inlet pipe 34 and the extension pipe 100 according to the embodiment. 25 12 is a plan view of the locking mechanism 36 according to the embodiment. 26 12 is a side view showing the locking mechanism 36 according to the embodiment. 27 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the locking mechanism 36 according to the embodiment.

The vacuum cleaner 1 has the locking mechanism 36 which fixes the extension pipe 100 which has been connected to the inlet pipe 34 . The locking mechanism 36 fixes the intake pipe 34 with the extension pipe 100 inserted into the inflow port 34A of the intake pipe 34 . At least a portion of the locking mechanism 36 is provided on the inlet pipe 34 . The latch mechanism 36 includes a tube locking lever 70 and a coil spring 63 .

As in 22 As shown, the tube lock lever 70 is located downward from (below) the dust cap 42 . As in 25 shown, in the left-right direction, the dimension of the dust cap 42 is greater than the dimension of the tube lock lever 70.

The tube lock lever 70 has a main body part 71 , protruding parts 72 and a tube hook part 73 . The main body part 71 and the protruding parts 72 are arranged outside of the inlet pipe 34 . The main body part 71 and the protruding parts 72 face the outer surface of the inlet pipe 34 .

The main body part 71 is arranged at an upper portion of the intake pipe 34 . The outer shape (contour, outline) of the main body part 71 has a quadrangular shape that is elongated in the front-back direction. The pipe hook part 73 is arranged on the main body part 71 . The pipe hook part 73 is provided at a front end portion of a lower surface of the main body part 71 . The pipe hook part 73 is provided so as to protrude downward from the bottom surface of the main body part 71 .

The projecting parts 72 project laterally from the side portions of the main body part 71 . In the embodiment, the protruding portions 72 protrude laterally from a rear portion of the side portions of the main body portion 71 . The outer shape of the protruding parts 72 is a triangular shape. Surfaces of the protruding parts 72 incline downward while running sideways (sideways) and backwards.

In the embodiment, the protruding part 72 has a left protruding part 72L which protrudes left from a left portion of the main body part 71 and a right protruding part 72R which protrudes right from a right portion of the main body part 71 . The left protruding portion 72L protrudes leftward from a rear portion of a left portion of the main body portion 71 . The right protruding portion 72R protrudes rightward from a rear portion of a right portion of the main body portion 71 . A surface of the left protruding part 72L inclines downward while going left and rear. A surface of the right protruding part 72R slopes downward while going right and rear.

A pipe through hole 64 is provided in a portion of the inlet pipe 34 . The pipe through hole 64 is formed to pass through the outer surface and the inner surface of the inlet pipe 34 . The pipe hook part 73 protrudes downward from a lower surface of the main body part 71 . The pipe hook part 73 can move inward more than the outer surface of the inlet pipe 34 via the pipe through hole 64. The pipe hook part 73 can enter the inside of the inlet pipe 34.

The extension tube 100 has a protruding part (protrusion, rib) 103 and an engaging part (shoulder, raised part) 102 supported on (extending from) the protruding part 103 . The protruding part 103 protrudes upward from an upper surface of the extension tube 100 . A front end portion of the engaging part 102 is connected to the protruding part 103 . The engaging part 102 can deform elastically in the state where the engaging part 102 is supported on the protruding part 103 . A rear end portion of the engaging piece 102 will move in the up-down direction in response to elastic deformation of the engaging piece 102 . A pipe recess part (recess, groove) 104 is provided on (in) an upper surface of the engaging part 102 .

The tube hook part (hook) 73 of the tube lock lever 70 is hooked to (in) the tube recess part 104 provided on the extension tube 100 . By hooking the pipe hook part 73 to the pipe recess part 104, the inlet pipe 34 and the extension pipe 100 are fixed to each other. In the state where the pipe hook part 73 is hooked to the pipe recess part 104 , the protruding part 103 faces a front end portion of the intake pipe 34 .

The tube lock lever 70 is supported on the inlet tube 34 so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis RX. The pivot axis RX extends in the left-right direction. As in 26 and 27 As shown, the pivot axis RX of the tube lock lever 70 is located further rearward than the tube hook portion 73. The protruding portions 72 are located further rearward than the pivot axis RX of the tube lock lever 70.

The coil spring 63 is interposed between a lower surface of the main body part 71 and an upper surface of the intake pipe 34 . The coil spring 63 generates an elastic force so that a front end portion of the main body part 71 moves downward. A support projection 74 is provided on a lower surface of the main body portion 71 . The tube locking lever 70 and coil spring 63 are positioned by inserting the support projection 74 into the coil spring 63 . A storage recess part (recess) 65 is formed on (in) the outer surface of the intake pipe 34 . The inlet pipe 34 and the coil spring 63 are positioned by arranging the lower end portion of the coil spring 63 in the storage recess part 65 .

The user of the vacuum cleaner 1 can release the fixing of the extension tube 100 by the locking mechanism 36 by (manually) actuating the protruding parts 72 . Specifically, to release the fixation (attachment, lock), the user operates the tube lock lever 70 to move the protruding parts 72 downward. By moving the protruding parts 72 downward, the tube lock lever 70 pivots about the pivot axis RX, so that a front end portion of the main body part 71 moves upward. By moving the front end portion of the main body part 71 upward, the pipe hook part 73 is removed from the pipe recess part 104. The fixation of the inlet pipe 34 and the extension pipe 100 is released by removing the pipe hook part 73 from the pipe recess part 104 .

Due to the elastic force of the coil spring 63, the tube lock lever 70 pivots about the pivot axis RX, so that a front end portion of the main body part 71 moves downward. In the state where the extension pipe 100 is inserted into the inflow port 34A of the inlet pipe 34, the pipe hook part 73 is inserted into the pipe recess part 104 by moving the front end portion of the main body part 71 downward. The inlet pipe 34 and the extension pipe 100 are fixed to each other by inserting the pipe hook part 73 into the pipe recess part 104 .

In the embodiment, the tube lock lever 70 has anti-slip ribs 75 provided on surfaces of the protruding parts 72 . The anti-slip ribs 75 have a plurality of protruding parts protruding from surfaces of the protruding parts 72 . Due to the anti-slip ribs 75, even if the surfaces of the protruding parts 72 are inclined, the user can operate the protruding parts 72 smoothly.

In the embodiment, the dust cap 42 is placed directly over the barrel lock lever 70 . Even if it is difficult to operate the main body part 71 due to the dust cap 42, the user of the vacuum cleaner 1 can swing the tube lock lever 70 by operating the protruding parts 72, and can thereby loosen the fixation of the inlet tube 34 and the extension tube 100.

It is noted that the user can operate the main body part 71 such that the main body part 71 moves downward. Anti-slip ribs 76 are provided on a rear portion of a surface of the main body part 71 . The user can easily operate the main body part 71 using the anti-slip ribs 76 .

The dust collection assembly 4 has lever guards 66 protruding laterally from side portions of the inlet pipe 34 . The lever guards 66 protect the barrel lock lever 70. The lever guards 66 protect at least the protruding portions 72. The lever guards 66 are at least partially disposed about the protruding portions 72. In the embodiment, at least portions of the lever guards 66 are located lower than the protruding parts 72 . At least portions of the lever guards 66 are positioned further rearward than the protruding portions 72 .

The lever guards 66 include a left lever guard 66L protecting the left boss 72L and a right lever guard 66R protecting the right boss 72R. A portion of the left lever guard 66L is located lower than the left protruding portion 72L. A portion of the left lever guard is located lower than the left protruding part 72L. A portion of the right lever guard 66R is located lower than the right protruding portion 72R. A portion of the right lever guard 66R is located further rearward than the right protruding portion 72R.

The extent to which the lever protectors 66 protrude from the outer surface of the intake pipe 34 in the left-right direction is larger than the extent to which the protruding parts 72 protrude. Since objects surrounding the inlet pipe 34 are more likely to touch/hit the lever guards 66 than the protrusions 72, the protrusions 72 are protected (shielded) by the lever guards 66.

inlet pipe

28 14 is an exploded perspective view seen from the front, showing a portion of the dust collection assembly 4 according to the embodiment. 29 is one of the previous Side exploded perspective view showing the intake pipe 34 according to the embodiment. 30 12 is a cross-sectional view of the intake pipe 34 according to the embodiment.

In the embodiment, the intake pipe 34 includes a rear intake pipe 341 integral with the body part 33 and a front intake pipe 342 detachable from the rear intake pipe 341 . The body part 33, the rear inlet pipe 341 and the dust cap coupling pipe part 35 are integral (a single piece), i.e. without a break or seam therebetween.

An intake lock lever 80 is provided on the front intake pipe 342 . The inlet lock lever 80 is elongated in the front-rear direction. A front end portion of the intake lock lever 80 is fixed to an intake support part 81 provided on the front intake pipe 342 . The inlet lock lever 80 can elastically deform in the state where the inlet lock lever 80 is supported on the inlet lock part 81 . A rear end portion of the intake lock lever 80 moves in the up-down direction in response to elastic deformation of the intake lock lever 80. An intake hook part 82 protruding upward is provided at a rear end portion of the intake lock lever 80.

An intake through hole 67 into which the intake hook part 82 is inserted is provided in the rear intake pipe 341 . The inlet locking lever 80 generates an elastic force so that the inlet hook part 82 is inserted into the inlet through hole 67 from below the inlet through hole 67 . The rear intake pipe 341 and the front intake pipe 342 are fixed to each other by inserting a rear end portion of the front intake pipe 342 into an insertion hole 34C provided in a front end portion of the rear intake pipe 341 and inserting the intake hook part 82 into the intake through hole 67 becomes. The user can remove the inlet hook part 82 from the inlet through hole 67 by pushing the inlet hook part 82 down against the elastic force of the inlet lock lever 80 . The user can pull the front intake pipe 342 out of the rear intake pipe 341 by removing the intake hook part 82 from the intake through hole 67 .

For example, when foreign matter is unfavorably accumulated in the front case 31 or the rear inlet pipe 341, the user can remove the foreign matter from the front case 31 or the rear inlet pipe 341 in a simple manner by removing the front inlet pipe 342 from the rear inlet pipe 341 removed.

In the embodiment, a check valve (check valve) 68 is arranged in a rear end portion of the front intake pipe 342 . The check valve 68 allows movement of fluid from the front inlet pipe 342 into the rear inlet pipe 341 and prevents movement of fluid from the rear inlet pipe 341 into the front inlet pipe 342, i.e. in the opposite direction. In the embodiment, the check valve 68 has a rubber sheet fitted in the rear end portion of the front intake pipe 342 . An upper end portion of the rubber sheet is connected to the rear end portion of the front inlet pipe 342 . Fluid movement from the rear intake pipe 341 into the front intake pipe 342 is prevented because the rubber sheet closes the opening in the rear end portion of the front intake pipe 342 .

For example, when the suction unit 7 operates and suction force is generated at the suction port 14, a lower end portion of the check valve 68 is raised rearward. As a result, the check valve 68 opens and fluid moves from the front inlet pipe 342 into the rear inlet pipe 341. Thereafter, when the suction unit 7 stops and suction force is no longer generated at the suction port 14, the check valve 68 moves to close the opening in the rear end portion of the front intake pipe 342 to close. This closes the check valve 68. By closing the check valve 68, for example, movement of foreign matter accumulated in the front housing 31 or the rear intake pipe 341 to the front intake pipe 342 is mitigated (reduced).

Method of Use

An exemplary method of using the vacuum cleaner 1 will be described below. When the drive button 9B is manually operated (pressed) and the motor 7B is operated, the fan 7A rotates. A suction force is generated at the suction port 14 by rotation of the fan wheel 7A. By generating a suction force at the suction port 14, air is sucked from the inlet port of the suction nozzle 101 into the extension tube 100 together with foreign matter. Foreign material may contain dust, dirt, etc. Air that has flowed through the extension pipe 100 flows into the internal passageway of the inlet pipe 34 via the inflow port 34A of the inlet pipe 34. Air that has flown through the internal passageway of the inlet pipe 34 flows out of the outflow port 34B of the inlet pipe 34.

The outflow port 34B of the inlet pipe 34 and the inflow port 35A of the cyclone dust collecting unit 40 are in fluid communication via the swirling passageway 45 provided in the cyclone body 30. As shown in FIG. Air flowing out of the outflow port 34B of the inlet pipe 34 flows through the swirling passageway 45, after which it flows into the cyclone dust collection unit 40 via the inflow port 35A.

The flow of air into the cyclone dust collection unit 40 includes the flow of the air into the interior of the dust cap 42. Air that has flowed into the interior of the dust cap 42 via the swirling passageway 45 swirls in the interior of the dust cap 42. Air and foreign matter are separated by a Centrifugal force in the dust cap 42 separated. The foreign matter is deposited in the dust cap 42 . Air separated from the foreign matter passes through the filter unit 50 and then flows out of the exhaust port 53F of the cyclone dust collection unit 40. Air passes through the pre-filter 51 and passes through the silencing member 52, after which it passes through the post-filter 53 and out of the exhaust port 53F flows, which is provided in the rear end portion of the post-filter 53.

The outflow port 53F of the cyclone dust collecting unit 40 is connected to the interior of the assembly pipe part 37 . Air that has flowed out from the exhaust port 53F of the cyclone dust collection unit 40 into the interior of the assembly member 37 flows into the filter 19 of the filter assembly 3. The filter 19 collects minute foreign matter not collected by the cyclone dust collection unit 40. Air that has passed through the filter 19 flows into the interior of the main body case 5 via the suction port 14. The air that has flowed into the interior of the main body case 5 passes through the fan 7A and the motor 7B, after which it is discharged from the ( is discharged to the outside of the main body case 5 through the air discharge ports 15 .

effects

As described above, in the above-described embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 1 comprises the main body assembly 2 having the suction port 14, and the filter assembly 3 at least a portion of which is located further forward than the main body assembly 2 so as to face the suction port 14 opposite. The filter assembly 3 includes the support frame 18, the filter 19 supported on the support frame 18, and the support rib member 22 inserted from the front into the grooves 11G provided on (in) the main body assembly 2, and is fixed to the support frame 18.

According to the configuration described above, the filter assembly 3 is assembled to the main body assembly 2 by inserting the retaining rib member 22 of the filter assembly 3 into the grooves 11G provided on the main body assembly 2 from the front. A user of the vacuum cleaner 1 can mount the filter assembly 3 on the main body assembly 2 only by pushing the filter assembly 3 into the main body assembly 2 so that the retaining rib member 22 of the filter assembly 3 is inserted into the grooves 11G provided on the main body assembly 2 from the front . That is, the user of the vacuum cleaner 1 can mount (insert) the filter assembly 3 to (into) the main body assembly 2 without rotating the main body assembly 2 and the filter assembly 3 relative to each other. Accordingly, the possibility of misassembling the filter assembly 3 to the main body assembly 2 is reduced.

In the embodiment, the holding rib member 22 is an elastic body.

According to the configuration described above, the user of the vacuum cleaner 1 can easily insert the holding rib member 22 of the filter assembly 3 from the front into the grooves 11G provided on the main body assembly 2 because the holding rib member 22 elastically deforms when the holding rib member 22 of the filter assembly 3 is inserted into the grooves 11G provided on the main body assembly 2 from the front.

In the embodiment, the retaining rib member 22 has an annular shape.

According to the configuration described above, since the holding rib member 22 has an annular shape, the filter assembly 3 can always be fitted to the main body assembly 2 regardless of the relative rotational positions of the filter assembly 3 and the main body assembly 2 .

In the embodiment, the support rib member 22 is fixed to a rear end portion of the support frame 18 .

According to the configuration described above, since the holding rib member 22 is fixed to the rear end portion of the support frame 18, the user of the vacuum cleaner 1 can easily insert the holding rib member 22 of the filter assembly 3 into the grooves 11G provided on the main body assembly 2 from the front .

In the embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 1 has the dust collection assembly 4, at least a portion of which is located further forward than the main body assembly 2, and which has an assembly tube part 37 in which the filter assembly 3 is accommodated. The support frame 18 has the support rib part 27 which contacts assembly support parts 29 provided on the dust collection assembly 4 .

According to the configuration described above, by assembling the dust collection assembly 4 to the main body assembly 2, the support rib part 27 provided on the filter assembly 3 will contact the assembly support parts 29 provided on the dust collection assembly 4 in the state where the filter assembly 3 is inside of the assembly pipe portion 37 of the dust collection assembly 4 is accommodated. This fixes the main body assembly 2, the filter assembly 3, and the dust collection assembly 4.

In the embodiment, the support rib part 27 has an annular shape.

According to the configuration described above, since the support rib part 27 has an annular shape, the assembly support parts 29 of the dust collection assembly 4 and the support rib part 27 of the filter assembly 3 can touch in the state where the filter assembly 3 is accommodated within the assembly tube part 37 .

In the embodiment, the support frame 18 has the front pipe part 25 . The support rib portion 27 protrudes radially outward from the front-side tube portion 25 .

According to the configuration described above, the assembly support parts 29 of the dust collection assembly 4 and the support rib part 27 of the filter assembly 3 can contact in a state where the filter assembly 3 is accommodated within the assembly pipe part 37 .

In the embodiment, the support frame 18 has the rear-side pipe part 26 located further rearward than the front-side pipe part 25 . The retaining rib member 22 is fixed to the rear pipe portion 26 .

According to the configuration described above, since the retaining rib member 22 is fixed to a rear end portion of the rear pipe portion 26, the user of the vacuum cleaner 1 can easily insert the retaining rib member 22 of the filter assembly 3 into the grooves 11G provided on the main body assembly 2 from the front. introduce.

In the embodiment, the assembly supporting parts 29 protrude radially inward from an inner surface of the assembly pipe part 37 .

According to the configuration described above, the assembly supporting parts 29 of the dust collecting assembly 4 and the supporting rib part 27 of the filter assembly 3 can contact in the state where the filter assembly 3 is accommodated within the assembly pipe part 37 .

In the embodiment, three of the assembly supporting parts 29 are provided on the inner surface of the assembly tube part 37 in a spaced manner.

According to the configuration described above, the assembly supporting parts 29 of the dust collecting assembly 4 and the supporting rib part 27 of the filter assembly 3 can contact in the state where the filter assembly 3 is accommodated within the assembly pipe part 37 .

In the embodiment, the dust collection assembly 4 includes the cyclone dust collection unit 40 .

According to the configuration described above, air and foreign matter are separated by a centrifugal force in the cyclone dust collecting unit 40 .

Other embodiments

In the embodiment described above, it is assumed that the first fixing part 51D, the second fixing part 51E, and the frame coupling parts 51F are integral (a single member), i.e., without a discontinuity or a seam therebetween. However, one or more of the first fixing part 51D, the second fixing part 51E, and the frame coupling part 51F may be separate bodies instead. For example, the first fixing part 51D, the second fixing part 51E, and the frame coupling parts 51F may be separable. In addition, the frame coupling parts 51F may be omitted from the filter frame 51B. The filter frame 51B may have only the first fixing part 51D and the second fixing part 51E.

In the embodiment described above, it is assumed that the vacuum cleaner 1 is a cyclonic vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner 1 does not have to be a cyclone vacuum cleaner and can Separate foreign material from the air using a technique that does not involve centrifugal force.

It is explicitly emphasized that all features disclosed in the description and/or the claims are to be regarded as separate and independent from each other for the purpose of original disclosure as well as for the purpose of limiting the claimed invention independently of the combinations of features in the embodiments and/or the claims should. It is explicitly stated that all indications of ranges or indications of groups of units disclose every possible intermediate value or subgroup of units for the purpose of original disclosure as well as for the purpose of limiting the claimed invention, in particular also as a limit of a range indication.

Reference List

1

vacuum cleaner

2

main body assembly

3

filter assembly

4

dust collection assembly

5

main body casing

5L

left case

5R

right case

5S

screw

6

battery mounting part

7

suction unit

7A

fan wheel

7B

engine

7C

motor housing

7D

opening

7E

rib

8th

steering

9

control panel

9A

Drive mode change button

9B

drive button

9C

light emitting part

10

Light

11

body part

11A

side plate part

11B

front panel part

11C

inner tube part

11D

outer tube part

11E

groove

11F

protruding part

11G

groove

12

handle part

13

battery holding part

14

suction port

15

air outlet opening

16

soundproofing component

17

battery pack

18

storage frame

19

filter

21

filter fixing component

22

retaining rib component

22A

fixation part

22B

lip part

23

first grid part

23A

first part of the ring

23B

first staff part

24

second grid part

24A

second ring part

24B

third part of the ring

24C

second rod part

24D

third staff part

25

front pipe part

26

rear pipe part

27

storage rib part

28

engagement advantage

29

assembly storage part

30

cyclone body

31

front case

32

rear case

33

body part

34

inlet pipe

34A

inflow opening

34B

outflow opening

34C

insertion hole

35

dust cap coupling tube part

35A

inflow opening

35R

excepted part

36

locking mechanism

37

assembly tube part

38

assembly plate part

39

filter unit coupling pipe part

39A

storage part

39B

score

40

cyclone dust collection unit

42

dust cap

43

turbulence component

43A

first swirling component

43B

second swirler

44

locking part

45

swirl passageway

50

filter unit

51

pre-filter

51A

mesh component

51B

filter frame

51C

Hole

51D

first fixation part

51E

second fixation part

51F

frame coupling part

51G

circular tube part

51H

annulus part

51y

filter coupling part

51K

Hole

51L

excepted part

52

soundproofing component

52A

Hole

53

post filter

53A

filter tube part

53B

filter cover part

53C

first fixation plate part

53D

second fixing plate part

53E

Hole

53F

outflow opening

53G

filter hook part

53H

filter advantage

60

screw

61

screw hole

62

opening

63

coil spring

64

pipe clearance hole

65

storage recess part

66

lever protection device

66L

left lever guard

66R

right lever guard

67

inlet through hole

68

check valve

70

tube locking lever

71

main body part

72

protruding part

72L

left protruding part

72R

right protruding part

73

pipe hook part

74

storage advantage

75

anti-slip rib

76

anti-slip rib

80

inlet locking lever

81

inlet storage part

82

inlet hook part

100

extension tube

101

suction nozzle

102

engagement part

103

protruding part

104

pipe recess part

341

rear intake pipe

342

front intake pipe

AX

axis of rotation

RX

pivot axis

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• JP 2017000393 A [0002, 0003]

Claims (17)

vacuum cleaner, with a main body assembly (2) having a suction port (14), and a filter assembly (3) at least a portion of which is located further forward than the main body assembly (2) so as to face the suction port (14), wherein the filter assembly (3) comprises a support frame (18), a filter (19) supported on the support frame (18), and a support rib member (22) fitted from the front into one or more grooves (11G), provided on the main body assembly (2), and the retaining rib member (22) is fixed to the support frame (18). vacuum cleaner device claim 1 wherein the retaining rib member (22) is an elastic body. vacuum cleaner device claim 1 or 2 wherein the retaining rib member (22) has an annular shape. Vacuum cleaner device according to one of Claims 1 until 3 wherein the holding rib member (22) is fixed to a rear end portion of the support frame (18). Vacuum cleaner device according to one of Claims 1 until 4 , having a dust collection assembly (4) at least a portion of which is located further forward than the main body assembly (2), and which has an assembly pipe part (37) in which the filter assembly (3) is accommodated, in which the support frame (18 ) has a bearing rib portion (27) which contacts an assembly bearing portion (29) provided on the dust collection assembly (4). vacuum cleaner device claim 5 wherein the support rib portion (27) has an annular shape. vacuum cleaner device claim 5 or 6 wherein the support frame (18) has a front tube portion (25), and the support rib portion (27) projects radially outward from the front tube portion (25). vacuum cleaner device claim 7 wherein the support frame (18) has a rear tube portion (26) which is located rearward than the front tube portion (25), and the support rib member (22) is fixed to the rear tube portion (26). Vacuum cleaner device according to one of Claims 5 until 8th wherein the assembly support portion (29) projects radially inwardly from an inner surface of the assembly tubular portion (37). vacuum cleaner device claim 9 wherein three of the assembly supporting parts (29) are provided on the inner surface of the assembly tubular part (37) in a spaced manner. Vacuum cleaner device according to one of Claims 5 until 10 wherein the dust collection assembly (4) comprises a cyclonic dust collection unit (40). Vacuum cleaning apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter (19) is a cloth placed over lattice members (23, 24) of the support frame (18). A vacuum cleaner apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support rib member (22) is formed from an elastomer and is annular. A vacuum cleaning apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more grooves (11G) are an upper groove and a lower groove spaced from the upper groove. Vacuum cleaner device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the main body assembly (2) has a body part (11) accommodating a suction unit (7) and having a side plate part (11A), a front plate part (11B), an inner tube part (11C) and an outer tube part (11D), and the one or more grooves (11G) through a rear surface of one or more protruding parts (11F) perpendicularly protruding from an inner surface of the outer tube part (11D), a front surface of the front plate part (11B) and a portion of the inner surface of the outer tube part (11D) which is located between the one or more protruding parts (11F) and the front surface of the front panel part (11B). vacuum cleaner device claim 15 wherein the retaining rib member (22) has an annular fixing portion (22A) and an annular lip portion (22B), and in the state in which the retaining rib member (22) is located in one or more grooves (11G), the annular lip portion ( 22B) contacts the front surface of the front plate part (11B) to seal a boundary between a rear end portion of the filter assembly (3) and the front plate part (11B). vacuum cleaner device Claim 16 wherein, in the state that the retaining rib member (22) is located in the one or more grooves (11G), portions of both the annular lip portion (22B) and the annular fixing portion (22A) are between the front plate portion (11B) and the one or more protruding parts (11F), and the annular fixing part (22A) overlaps with the one or more protruding parts (11F) in the front-rear direction of the main body assembly (2).

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