JP2009106786A - Cleaning appliance with hose storage means - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an alternative manner of storing a suction hose on a cleaning appliance. <P>SOLUTION: The cleaning appliance of the cylinder type comprises a main body (100) and a hose (150) for carrying fluid flow between a wand (160) and the main body (100). Guide means (channel 300) are located on the main body (100) for guiding the hose (150) along a hose storage path around the periphery of the main body (100). Locating means (collar 350) aid a user in correctly fitting the hose (150) to the channel (300). Retaining means (311, 312) retain the hose at at least two intermediate points between the ends of the hose. This allows the hose (150) to have a sufficiently large bending radius at each end (151, 168). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a cleaning device such as a vacuum cleaner.

  Cleaning devices such as vacuum cleaners are well known. The vast majority of vacuum cleaners are either of the “upright” type or the “cylinder” type (sometimes called canister or barrel machines). An example of a cylinder vacuum cleaner manufactured by Dyson under the name DC05 ("DC05" is a trademark of Dyson) is shown in FIG.

  Cylinder vacuum cleaners generally include a body 10 that includes a separation device 11 such as a cyclone separator or bag for separating dirt and dust from an incoming dirty air stream. The dirty air stream is introduced into the main body 10 through an assembly of a suction hose 15 and a wand 16 connected to the main body 10. As the user moves around the room, the body 10 of the vacuum cleaner is dragged by the hose. A cleaning tool is attached to the distal end of the hose and wand assembly.

  It is often understood that cylinder vacuum cleaners have the disadvantage of being difficult to house. While the vacuum cleaner body is generally quite compact, the suction hose and wand occupy a significant amount of space. One of the reasons for this is that the suction hose has a sturdy structure that is sufficient to allow the hose to drag the body and withstand wear during use. It has durability. This ruggedness can make it difficult to accommodate the suction hose.

  Various proposals for accommodating a suction hose of a cylinder type vacuum cleaner have been made. Patent document 1 has shown the vacuum cleaner which has a cylindrical casing. A long suction hose is accommodated by winding it many times around the circumference of the casing. An annular trough is provided near the base of the casing to support the lowest wrap around the hose, and a clip is provided at the top of the casing to support the suction nozzle.

  Patent document 2 has shown the vacuum cleaner which has the groove | channel for the outer periphery part of a main body receiving a suction hose. When it is necessary to house the hose, the hose is positioned in the groove and held in place by the end latched in the body.

  In the vacuum cleaner shown in Patent Document 3, the suction hose is accommodated at the top of the upper surface of the cleaner by winding the hose several times around the upper surface. A connector is provided to hold the two ends of the hose together to hold the hose to the machine.

  Patent Literature 4, Patent Literature 5 and Patent Literature 6 show a vacuum cleaner in which a suction hose is accommodated in a main body of the vacuum cleaner. While this solution can skillfully accommodate the hose, the machine body must have a sufficiently large chamber to accommodate all of the suction hoses. This has the disadvantage of increasing the size of the main body of the vacuum cleaner, thus making it more cumbersome to operate during normal use of the machine.

  Patent Document 7 proposes a solution to solve the problem of housing the suction hose (accommodating a part of the suction hose in the tube forming the wand).

US Patent No. 883,413 US Pat. No. 5,742,976 US Pat. No. 4,563,789 US Pat. No. 3,170,185 US Pat. No. 3,480,987 US Pat. No. 3,651,536 European Patent No. 1011408

  The present invention seeks to provide an alternative method of housing a suction hose in a cleaning device.

  Accordingly, the present invention is a cylinder-type cleaning device comprising a main body and a hose for transporting fluid entering and exiting the main body, wherein the hose is disposed along an accommodation path around the periphery of the main body. Guide means for guiding is disposed on the body, and the hose provides a cleaning device comprising positioning means for assisting a user to fit the hose. This has the advantage that the user can be instructed where to place the hose in the body and that the hose is properly housed each time.

  This feature of the present invention is particularly effective where the hose has a length greater than the containment path around the body and the positioning means identifies the portion of the hose that should be fitted around the body for the user.

  Preferably, the hose guide means comprises a passage or a set of passages partially extending around the periphery of the body and the positioning means fits around the hose and fits in the passage The size is such that can not be. This not only tells the user where to place the hose, but also prevents the user from accidentally fitting the hose.

  Preferably, the positioning means and the guide means have complementary shapes that assist in instructing the user where to place the hose. Complementary shapes can be provided at the end of one or a set of passages, or at partial locations along one or more passages.

  Preferably, the positioning means is a visual indication of a portion of the hose to be fitted around the body. This visual indication may be the sole shape of the placement means, or it may compensate for other shapes of the placement means, such as the complementary shape of the placement means and the guide means.

It is a figure which shows the cylinder type conventional vacuum cleaner. FIG. 6 shows a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention having a flexible hose fitted in the chassis of the cleaner. FIG. 3 is a side view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 2 with the hose removed. It is a rear view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 2 with the hose removed. FIG. 3 shows a wand of the vacuum cleaner of FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B in an extended state. FIG. 5 shows the wand of FIG. 4 in a retracted state for accommodation. It is sectional drawing which passes along a wand when accommodated on the vacuum cleaner of FIG. It is detail drawing of catch of a wand. It is a schematic plan view of the vacuum cleaner which shows accommodation of a hose. It is sectional drawing of a hose accommodation channel | path. It is sectional drawing of a hose accommodation channel | path. It is a figure which shows the hose arrangement | positioning collar provided in a flexible hose. It is a figure which shows the hose arrangement | positioning collar provided in a flexible hose. It is a figure which shows the fixing mechanism of a wand. It is a figure which shows the fixing mechanism of a wand. It is a figure which shows the alternative shape of a wand. It is a figure which shows the alternative shape of a wand. It is a figure which shows the alternative shape of a wand. It is a figure which shows the alternative shape of the main body of a vacuum cleaner. It is a figure which shows the alternative shape of the hose holding structure for a vacuum cleaner. It is a figure which shows the alternative shape of the hose holding structure for a vacuum cleaner. It is a figure which shows the alternative shape of the hose holding structure for a vacuum cleaner. It is a figure which shows the alternative shape of the hose holding structure for a vacuum cleaner. It is a figure which shows the alternative shape of the hose holding structure for a vacuum cleaner. It is a figure which shows the alternative shape of the hose holding structure for a vacuum cleaner. It is a figure which shows the alternative structure for instruct | indicating to a user the place which should fit a hose around the main body of a vacuum cleaner. It is a figure which shows the alternative structure for instruct | indicating to a user the place which should fit a hose around the main body of a vacuum cleaner. It is a figure which shows the alternative structure for instruct | indicating to a user the place which should fit a hose around the main body of a vacuum cleaner.

  The embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to a vacuum cleaner, but it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to cleaning devices of other shapes. The term “cleaning equipment” is intended to have a broad meaning and includes a variety of machines having a body and a wand for transporting fluid to and from the floor surface. It is not only from machines that act on surfaces such as polishing / waxing machines, pressure washing machines and shampoo machines, but also from surfaces such as vacuum cleaners (both dry, wet and wet) It includes a machine that only acts on the surface to draw in air.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 2 shows a cleaning device in the form of a vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner has a body 100 that supports the main components of the vacuum cleaner. In a conventional manner, the body 100 has a chassis 110 that supports the separation and collection device 120 and a motor driven fan (not shown) for generating intake air that allows dirty air to be drawn into the separation device 120. And have. The body 100 also has two main wheels 112 located on opposite sides of the rear of the chassis 110, and a caster wheel 113 located below the front of the chassis 110 that allows the body 100 to be dragged along the surface. ,have. It will be appreciated that the wheels 112, 113 may be supplemented or replaced by other means that allow the body 100 to be dragged across the surface (eg, to slide). The shape of the separation device 120 is not critical to the present invention. Cyclone separators that rotate dirt, dust and debris from the air stream are preferably used, but other forms of separators can be used, examples of suitable separator techniques include centrifuges, filter bags , Porous containers, electrostatic separators or liquid-based separators.

  In FIG. 2, the separation device includes two substantially cylindrical chambers 121 and 122 positioned side by side. The chambers 121 and 122 are connected to each other by a central spine 123. Separator 120 is removably attached to the chassis for emptying and access to the components under the separator.

  The flexible hose 150 and the wand assembly 160 are connected to the inlet port 151 of the main body 100. As the user moves around the room, the main body 100 of the vacuum cleaner is pulled by the hose 150. The hose 150 has a structure that is sufficiently sturdy to withstand this pulling action and any normal wear that may be encountered, such as the hose being rubbed by room obstructions.

  In this embodiment, the air inlet port 151 is centrally attached to the main body 100 in the lower front part of the machine. In other embodiments of the machine where the air inlet is not centrally located, such as the machine shown in FIG. 1 where the inlet is close to the top of the separation device 11, the body 100 is placed on the user when the user pulls the hose 150. Preferably, the hose 150 is fixed to the machine in a central position (such as the machine fixing position 25 shown in FIG. 1).

  The duct system of the chassis 110 connects the air inlet port 151 to the inlet to the separation device 120. For the cyclone separator 120, the separator inlet is tangentially arranged to guide the incoming air flow through the chamber wall of the cyclone separator.

  A second end of the hose 150 is connected to the wand 160. A suitable wand assembly 160 is described in the applicant's pending international patent application PCT / GB02 / 00850. As shown in FIG. 4, the wand includes a set of three tubes 161, 162, 163 that gradually decrease in diameter. The tubes 161, 162, and 163 can be sequentially nested inside each other to be nested, and are accommodated so as to be retracted inside the accommodation tube 165. The three tubes 161, 162, 163 can slide inside each other, one tube so that the receiving position (best shown in FIG. 6) and the ends of the tubes only overlap each other. Can be moved between extended positions (shown in FIG. 4) extending from the other. The securing mechanism 400 secures the tube in the extended position, as described more fully below. The lengths of the tubes 161, 162, and 163 are gradually increased. The length of each tube is selected to completely occupy the available space in the receiving tube 165 when the locking mechanism 400 is positioned alongside one another.

  The distal end of tube 163 has a connector 280 suitable for receiving a floor tool, such as floor tool 20 shown in FIG. 1, in any known manner. For example, the floor tool can be connected to the tube 163 by an interference fit, interconnect plug-in fitting, snap-fit connection, screw threaded collar and sleeve, or any other suitable means. Instead of the floor tool, an accessory tool may be fitted into the tube 163. The handle 200 is connected to the receiving tube 165 to allow the user to operate the wand 160. The flexible hose 150 extends from one end of the receiving tube 165 and is connected to the receiving tube 165 by an outlet connector 168, the outlet connector being rotatable about an axis XX ′ as shown in FIG. It has become. This part of the wand is fully described by the applicant's international patent application WO 01/50940.

  For ease of containment and ease of carrying, the wand assembly 160 can be fitted into the body 100 of the vacuum cleaner, as shown in FIGS.

  As best shown in FIG. 3A, the length of the receiving tube 165 is substantially equal to the length of the portion of the body 100 in which the wand is received. In this way, the wand 160 does not protrude far beyond the body 100 when it is fully retracted and received on the body 100.

  As best shown in FIG. 6, the wand 160 is housed side by side on the top surface of the body 100. FIG. 6 shows a cross section through the wand 160 and the top of the separating device 120 along the longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner. In this embodiment, the top surface of the separating device 120 that is releasable from the rest of the chassis 110 for emptying is part of the body to which the wand 160 is secured. The fitting of the receiving tube 165 of the wand assembly cooperates with a complementary fitting on the upper surface of the separating device 120 to hold the receiving tube 165. The lower end portion of the housing tube 165 has a hook-shaped protrusion 220 that extends outward from the tube 165. The hook 220 can be located under the hook 130 of the separation device 120. This pair of hooks 220, 130 provides some mechanical support for the wand 160 being carried and also helps to properly position the wand 160. The majority of the mechanical support is provided by a locking catch at the other end of the receiving tube 165. The locking catch includes a movable catch ring 222 having a catch surface 225 and is shown in more detail in FIG. The catch surface 225 is located below the other hook 135 on the upper surface of the separation device 120. The locking catch mechanism includes a catch ring 222 that is pivotally mounted about the rotation center 223 around the outside of the receiving tube 165. The lower portion of the catch ring 222 carries a catch surface 225 for engaging the main body. The catch ring is biased by a spring 241 to the locked position shown in FIGS. The actuator member 235 is attached to the accommodation tube 165 so as to be rotatable with respect to the rotation center 236. The actuator member 235 has a portion that functions as a button 230 that can be operated by a user. The actuator member is biased by a spring 242 to a position where it is located side by side on the tube, as shown in FIGS. The actuator member 235 has an arm 237 on each of both sides thereof, and the end of the arm 237 is disposed in the notch 238 of the catch ring 222. In use, movement of the actuator member 235 by the user pushing the button 230 in the clockwise direction 239 causes the arm 237 to bias the catch ring 222 counterclockwise with respect to the center of rotation 223 to release the catch 225. To. The actuator member 235 also has two additional locking functions that are achieved simultaneously when the button 230 is pressed. First, the farthest end of the actuator member has a hook 231 that can be engaged with the connector 280 at the end of the tube 163. When all the tubes 161, 162, 163 are retracted into the receiving tube 165, the connector 280 is positioned alongside the end of the receiving tube 165, and the hook 231 can be hooked into the connector 280. All tubes 161, 162, 163 are held securely in the containment tube 165 until the actuator member 235 is manipulated to release the hook 231. The tip edge of the hook 231 has an inclined surface that can be moved by the tip edge of the connector 280 as the tube is retracted inside the receiving tube 165. This allows the hook 231 to automatically ride over and hold the cap 280 as the tube is moved toward the stowed position. The connector 280 has a cap that houses all of the tube securing mechanisms 400 in the stowed position (best shown in FIG. 6) and thus functions to protect them from damage during containment. .

  Another function of the locking mechanism is that the protrusion 232 of the actuator member 235 can itself sit in a recess provided in the wall of the tube 161 in order to lock the position of the tube 161. The operation of the actuator member 235 lifts the protrusion 232 from the seating position and thus allows the tube 161 to move. The tube 161 has a series of similar recesses 233 along its length. The protrusion 232 also functions to secure the tube 161 in a desired extended position with respect to the receiving tube 165.

  The operation of one button 230 simultaneously releases the wand 160 from the vacuum cleaner body 100 and the end connector 280 allowing the tubes 161, 162, 163 to be sequentially pulled out of the receiving tube 165, It goes without saying that the tube 161 is locked in the selected extended position.

  In the following, a method for operating a vacuum cleaner is described. To receive the wand, the user places the receiving tube 165 of the wand assembly side by side with the top surface of the body 100 in its fully retracted state, and the hook-like protrusion 220 is placed behind the hook 130 of the body. Engage. The user then pivots the receiving tube 165 towards the body and engages the catch surface 225 with the hook 135 of the body. The inclined shape of the catch surface 225 causes the catch ring to move away from the hook 135 against the bias of the spring as the receiving tube is pressed against the body, and seats itself behind the hook 135 again. Let At this point, the wand 160 is fully locked in position on the body 100, and the user can then use the handle 200 provided on the receiving tube 165 of the wand assembly to carry the vacuum cleaner.

  The floor tool can be left in place at the end of the wand 160 or can be removed and housed elsewhere on the body 100.

  To release the wand 160 from the stowed position, the user operates the button 230 to move the catch ring 222 and the catch surface 225. This releases the catch surface 225 from the hook 135. Then, the user can remove the hook-shaped protrusion 220 from the main body 100 by pulling the wand 160 away from the main body and sliding the wand upward.

  The position where the user feels easy to grasp the handle 200 to lift and carry the vacuum cleaner is different from the position where the user wants to grasp the handle 200 to operate the wand during cleaning. In this embodiment, the handle 200 extends a predetermined distance in parallel along the length of the longitudinal axis of the receiving tube 165 and is comfortable for carrying a vacuum cleaner that is vertically offset to the user. Provides both a comfortable position and a comfortable position to operate the wand during cleaning. A portion 205 of the handle proximate the end of the containment tube 165 is intended to be used to manipulate the wand during normal cleaning. The portion 205 is positioned to have a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the storage tube. It is understood that the position forming the predetermined angle and the position close to the end of the receiving tube are comfortable positions for the operation of the wand. The handle portion 208 is intended to be used to carry a vacuum cleaner. Control buttons for operating the vacuum cleaner can be provided in region 207. As is well known in the art, these controls can include on / off switches, suction force control, and the like. The bleed valve 209 is also located near the handle portion 205 used during cleaning. The bleed valve allows air to flow in when the trigger 209 is pulled to reduce the suction force at the far end of the wand.

  Both the hook-shaped protrusion 220 of the storage tube 165 and the hook 130 of the main body extend a predetermined distance perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Y-Y ′ of the storage tube 165. This helps to minimize any rotational movement or wobble of the wand about the longitudinal axis. Although the hook-like protrusion 220 and the catch ring 222 appropriately fix the wand to the main body 100, it is preferable to add some additional functional parts to the wand 160 and the main body for additional fixing. The ribs 250 extend radially outward from both sides of the storage tube 165. The rib 251 extends outward from the upper surface of the separation device 120 at a position adjacent to a position where the storage tube 165 is positioned when the storage tube 165 is fixed to the main body. These ribs help to minimize any rotation of the receiving tube 165 about the longitudinal axis Y-Y 'when the tube is secured to the body. In short, they minimize “wobble”. The second rib 255 protrudes outward from the storage tube 165 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Y-Y ′ of the storage tube 165. This is disposed opposite a similar rib 125 provided on the main body 100 and functions to minimize movement of the receiving tube 165 in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the tube 165.

  In this embodiment, the separation device 120 comprises two cylindrical chambers positioned side by side on the body 100. The hooks 130 and 135 are formed on an inlet duct structure located between the chambers. This allows the wand 160 to fit more closely against the body and helps reduce the amount that the wand 160 protrudes beyond the enclosure of the body.

  The hose 150 can be housed around the main body 100 of the vacuum cleaner. The hose 150 is long enough so that the body 100 can be seated on the floor surface during use, and the user can operate the wand at a convenient height without excessive drag. . In this example, the hose has a length of about 1.5 m, with a length in the range of 1.3-1.8 m being typical. Conveniently, the hose 150 is also long enough to go around the periphery of the body 100. The hose inlet 151 to the body 100 is not only centrally located for ease of pulling, but the hose end 168 of the wand 160 is located when the wand 160 is received on the body 100. It is located below the position. This allows the hose 150 to form one complete perimeter of the body 100. The hose retention feature 310 of the main body allows the hose 150 to remain attached to the main body 100 during carrying and storage.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, one continuous hose receiving passage 300 is provided along both sides and rear of the periphery of the chassis 110. FIG. 2 shows the hose 150 in place in the passage 300 and FIGS. 3A and 3B show the hose removed from the passage 300.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the passage 300 has a semicircular shape along a major portion of its length, and has a slightly larger diameter than the hose 150 that holds it. This portion of the passage 300 defines a receiving path for the hose 150 and functions to guide and support the hose 150 when the hose 150 is received. At each end of the passage 300, there is a hose holding part 310 that can hold the hose 150. The hose holding part 310 has a shape larger than a semicircle, that is, the passage extends around the circumference of the hose 150 so as to be larger than half of the circumference. As shown in the sectional view of FIG. 10, the hose holding part 310 has two tip edges 311 and 312. The passage, or at least the hose holding portion 310 of the passage, is made of a material such as polypropylene, and in order to form an opening having a width at least equal to the diameter of the hose 150, the tip edges 311 and 312 are spaced apart and pry open. It has sufficient elasticity to allow The material should also be able to withstand this type of repeated bending deflection throughout the life of the machine. The entire passage 300, the hose holding part 310, or just the leading edges 311 and 312 in the passage can be formed from a resilient material and the rest of the passage can be formed from a more rigid material. This shape of the hose holding portion 310 allows the hose to remain in a state of being held by the leading edge of the passage once the hose is fitted in the passage 300. The hose can be removed from the passage 300 by applying a sufficient force to the hose to exceed the holding force of the leading edges 311 and 312 of the hose holding part 310. Therefore, the hose 150 can be removed by one manual operation. In a more elaborate deformation configuration, the tip edges 311 and 312 of the hose holding part 310 can be opened by the user with the one hand separating the tip edges while the user can pull the hose 150 away from the passage. Thus, a finger grip can be provided.

  A semi-circular passage that provides a continuous support around the hose is preferred, but the passage is a multi-point support around the hose, such as a square or other polygonal structure. Can have any shape. Alternatively, a set of ribs can project outward from the chassis 110 to define a support for the hose 150. The passage 300 can be formed integrally with the rest of the body, or it can be formed as a separate part that can be attached to the body during assembly of the machine. The passage 300 can be removably attached to the chassis 110 and the passage 300 can simply be removed from the chassis 110 if the user does not want this function.

  The hose 150 has a length larger than the peripheral part of the main body 100. The main reason for this is to allow a certain amount of slack around the inlet 151 to the body and at the hose end 168 of the wand 160, and extreme tight bends in these areas can cause damage to the hose. Because it becomes. If hose 150 is housed with a tight bend, it can undergo permanent deformation and twisting. If the hose 150 is longer than the periphery of the chassis 110, the user may improperly fit the hose 150 into the main body 110. In particular, the user may fit a very tight hose 150 against the end 151 of the body, which results in an unacceptably tight bend in this area, and the other end 168 has a large hose loop on the body. It will remain under 110. To indicate to the user where to properly fit the hose 150, the hose 150 includes a collar 350 that is wider than the diameter of the passage 300. This collar 350 is shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B. The collar 350 serves as a guide for the user to know where to start fitting the hose 150 into the passage 300. It can be placed (sensed) immediately by the user as well as visually indicating the appropriate location for fitting the hose 150. Since the collar 350 is wider than the passage 300, the portion of the hose in which the collar 350 is fitted cannot be fitted inside the passage. Accordingly, the hose 150 cannot simply be fitted with an unacceptably tight bend in the area of the inlet 151 or wand connector 168. The collar 350 includes a first collar 351 having a plurality of radially extending ribs extending inwardly, and the ribs engage with spaces between the plurality of ribs of the hose 150. The first collar 351 can be formed as two semi-circular portions that fit into the hose 150 and can be snapped around the hose and secured at the desired location. The second collar 352 is fitted around the first collar 351 and holds the two semi-circular halves of the collar 351 to secure it in place. A small bump function portion 353 provided on the outer surface of the first collar 351 corresponds to a small concave portion provided on the inner surface of the second collar 352.

  The passage 300 is shaped to allow the hose 150 to follow a tortuous path around the machine body 100. In the other method shown, the hose receiving path is non-flat. 2, 3A, 3B and 8, the hose 150 begins around the front lower part of the body 100 and curves around the front of the machine, over the top of the first wheel 112 and into the enclosure of the machine. It can be seen that it is inserted. After closely following the shape of the wheel and snugly aligned with the separation device 120, the hose 150 passes along a generally convex path located below the tool receiving area at the rear of the machine. On the other side of the machine, the hose follows the same path before following a gently curved path to the wand connector 168. This layout not only allows the hose 150 to cleverly fit within the overall enclosure of the machine, but also increases the length of the path compared to wraps located in one plane, thus Increase the length of the hose 150 that can be accommodated. Note that the end of the hose 150 is held in place by a connection 151 to the body and a connection 168 to the wand.

  Hereinafter, the wand 160 itself will be described in more detail.

  The locking mechanism 400 locks the tubes 161, 162, 163 together as needed when the tubes are in the extended position, or allows free movement of the tubes relative to each other as needed when the tubes are retracted. Can be tolerated. A securing mechanism 400 is provided at the distal end of the tube 161 to secure the tube 161 to the tube 162, and a further securing mechanism 400 is provided at the distal end of the tube 162 to secure the tube 162 to the tube 163. It is done. The locking mechanism 400 automatically locks the tube when the tube is in the fully extended position and automatically unlocks when the tube is retracted.

  Details of these securing mechanisms are not important to the present invention. However, for completeness, one embodiment is described with reference to FIGS. Tubes 162, 163 show two adjacent stages of the wand 160.

  The fixing mechanism 400 includes a ring 410 that fits around the outside of the tube 162. The ring 410 includes a plurality of arms 459 that are connected to the ring and extend rearward in the axial direction from the ring. Between each arm 459, it is an arc-shaped part fitted side by side on the outer surface of the tube 162 side by side. Each of the arms 459 has a protrusion 454 that extends inward in the radial direction and is disposed in the opening of the wall of the tube 162. The arm 459 is pivotable with respect to the ring, and the locking mechanism is manufactured from a material that is sufficiently resilient to allow it to flex outward and return to the position shown without breaking.

  The tube 163 has an inclined surface 470 that functions to move the protrusion 454 radially outward when the tube is brought into the extended position, and the protrusion itself is a tube. The tube is locked by seating in the opening 420 of the 162 wall.

  To release the tubes 162, 163, the arm 459 bends radially outward to pivot about the ring. This allows the arm 459 to be carried sufficiently radially outward so that the protrusion 454 is located radially outward of the tube opening 420. The front inclined surface 452 of one fixing mechanism 400 presses the rear surface 456 of the other fixing mechanism 400 and moves the arm in this radial direction.

  A seal 460 is provided on each tube for sealing against other tubes. The seal 260 is disposed at one end of the tube 30 and is fixed to the inner surface of the tube. The seal 260 can be joined or held in place.

  Preferably, the wand can be locked in different full length ranges so that users with different physical dimensions (height, arm length) can comfortably use the wand. In order to satisfy this requirement, as shown in FIG. 6, the uppermost tube 161 has a set of locking positions. Conveniently, these locking positions are provided as notches 233 at the peaks extending along the tube 161.

  The tube can be made from a metal such as steel or aluminum, or even from a sturdy plastic material. The tube is preferably formed of a constant thickness material, and the peaks and passages are formed by molding the tube. This has the advantage of minimizing the weight of the finished product.

  In the above embodiment, the fixing mechanism is manufactured from a highly flexible material such as nylon composite. However, equivalent pivoting of the arms can be achieved by manufacturing each arm as a separate part and providing a pivot axis between each arm and the rest of the locking mechanism. The elastic force of the arm can be achieved by attaching a spring between the arm and the tube or between the arm and the fixed part of the fixing mechanism.

  Although the above-described embodiment shows a fixing mechanism 400 that is a separate part from the tube, the fixing mechanism can be manufactured integrally with the tube. The plastic locking mechanism can be molded (otherwise molded) around the metal tube, or the plastic locking mechanism can be molded (otherwise molded) with the plastic tube.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the wand will be described. To extend the wand 160, the user holds the receiving tube 165 with the handle 200 and pulls the thinnest tube 163 axially away from the receiving tube 165. Each of the tubes 161, 162, and 163 slides outward from the storage tube 165. When each tube reaches the extended position relative to the other tube, for example, tube 163 slides toward the position shown in FIG. 12 with respect to tube 162, and the tube is automatically locked in this position.

  Hereinafter, a process for folding the wand 160 will be described. First, the user operates a release button 230 provided on the storage tube 165. This releases the catch 232 from the tube 161. The user pushes the distal end of the tube 163 axially toward the receiving tube 165. This causes the tube 161 to slide within the receiving tube 165. Once the tube 161 is fully retracted inside the receiving tube 165, the fixing mechanism 400 is pressed at the leading edge of the receiving tube 165, and the arm of the fixing mechanism 400 is deflected radially outward, and thus from the tube 161. Tube 162 is unlocked. Tube 162 is then retracted inside containment tube 165. Full wand retraction can be performed in one continuous and rapid movement without the user having to operate each locking mechanism 400 separately.

  The wand shown here has three separate tubes or stages in addition to the containment tube 165, but the wand has only two stages or a greater number of stages than three. It will be understood that it may be. Each additional stage will have the same type of locking mechanism 400.

[Alternative Example]
〔handle〕
In the embodiment described above, a single handle 200 is provided that functions for both normal cleaning and carrying. In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, a first handle 600 is provided for use during cleaning and a second separate handle 605 is provided for carrying the vacuum cleaner. Yes.

  Another alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 15, wherein the handle is movable between a first position used for carrying the machine and a second position used during normal cleaning operations. ing. The handle is pivotable between two positions and is securely held at each position. This holding of the handle is achieved by a locking mechanism that is automatically operated when the handle is moved to a new position, and a locking mechanism that is manually released to release the handle from that position, for example, by a user operating the trigger. Can be made.

  In another alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 16, there is no handle for manipulating the wand. Instead, the pipe 610 bent at a predetermined angle is firmly fixed to the end of the tube 165 (so as not to rotate), and the pipe bent at the predetermined angle allows the user to operate the wand. Function. The bent pipe 610 can be shaped to provide a comfortable grip surface or it can be covered with a material that makes the pipe easier to hold. In a further embodiment, although not shown, the carrying handle can be omitted entirely. In this case, the body can be provided with an alternative carrying handle.

[Wand housing part]
In the main embodiment, the wand 160 is secured to the body 100 such that a significant portion of the wand's receiving tube 165 sits on the rest of the body 100. As shown in FIG. 17, the size of the retention passage 660 for receiving the wand can be increased. In this alternative embodiment, the receiving passage 660 has a sufficient depth 661 to fully receive the wand receiving tube 165 so that only the carry handle 200 protrudes above the top surface of the body 100. ing.

[Hose receiving passage]
The main embodiment described above has one continuous passage 300 with a hose retention feature 310 at each end. There are several alternatives. Instead of providing one continuous passage 300, multiple shorter passages can be provided around the body. Each of these passages can have a hose retention function, or each end passage in a set of passages can have this function, and other passages can be similar to portion 305 of passage 300. It can simply serve to define a hose receiving path around the body and provide a support surface on which the hose 150 can rest.

  In other embodiments, all passages can have a hose retention function. Turning again to FIGS. 2 and 3, this would be accomplished by extending the leading edges 311, 312 along the entire length of the passage. Thus, the passage generally has the same cross section over its entire length.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the passage can be formed integrally with the rest of the chassis, or can be formed as a separate part that can be attached to the chassis during assembly of the machine. The passage can be removably attached to the chassis, and the user can simply remove the passage from the chassis if the user does not want this feature.

  In a preferred improvement, each end of the passage has cuffs that are widened. This allows for easy insertion of the hose into the passage. Once the first portion of the hose has been inserted into the cuff, the user only needs to push the hose inwardly into the passage so that the leading edge of the passage is spaced apart.

  The hose retention function can be achieved by other types of mechanisms. FIG. 19 shows a separate clip 680 fitted around the chassis 110 of the body. A single clip 680 can be provided on either side of the body, or several such clips can be placed around the periphery of the body along the intended hose receiving path.

  Another shape of the clip is shown in FIG. This is a clip that can be manually opened and closed. A generally semi-circular (or other shaped) support portion 650 and a second portion 652 that is hinged directly to the first portion 650 or chassis 110 are provided. Portion 652 is between an open state where the portion 652 is sufficiently open to allow the hose 150 to be inserted into or removed from the clip and a closed state where the hose 150 is held against the portion 650. It is possible to operate with. An alternative shape of the clip has a pair of arms, each of which is connected to the support portion 650 side by a hinge 655. The arm can extend completely around the hose so that it contacts the center, or it can extend only partially around the hose 150. Preferably, each arm is spring biased (eg, by a spring hinge) to ensure that it stays in both the open and closed states. Alternatively, an additional latch can hold the set of arms together once the set of arms are brought into the closed position.

  Another shape of the holding mechanism is shown in FIGS. A plurality of receiving rings are arranged around the periphery of the main body 100. The containment ring can be formed from a rigid material or can be returned to a position where the ring 690 is pulled open to receive the hose 150 and fits snugly around the hose 150. In addition, it can be formed from an elastic material. Conveniently, the ring 690 can be formed from a rubber compound. In order to hold the hose 150 on the body 100, the hose 150 is inserted through each of the rings 690 in turn. This is the undesired solution described above, requiring the hose to be disconnected from the wand to allow the hose 150 to pass through a set of rings. After putting the hose through the ring, it can be connected to the wand again.

  In each of these alternative configurations, the clip or ring can be attached to the body so that it lies in the same tortuous path around the body as the hose receiving passage in the main embodiment, and the hose 150 is attached to the body. Contain in a winding path around.

  In a further alternative configuration, as shown in FIG. 23, the hose 150 is not held in place by a clip or passage that grabs the hose 150. Rather, the hose 150 is held in tension by hooks 681, 682, 683 disposed around the chassis 110 of the body 100 so that the hooks 681, 682, 683 are each turned along a path around the body. It is arranged inside. They define a containment path around the body and support the hose 150. Each ring has a curved support surface on which the hose 150 can be located. The hook 681 is disposed above the wheel 112, the hook 682 is disposed at the rear of the chassis to define a path along the rear of the chassis, and the hook 683 is connected to the hook 681 across the chassis 110. They are arranged in the same way. Note that the end of hose 150 is held in place by connection 151 to the body and connection 168 to the wand.

  In each of these embodiments, the hose receiving path is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the machine body. This arises from the symmetrical nature of the body and the machine is symmetrical for excellent maneuverability. However, it will be readily understood that the receiving path on one side need not be the same as that on the other side, and the hose receiving path can be adapted to be installed in the available space on both sides of the machine. Let's go.

[Hose arrangement color]
In the main embodiment, a collar 350 is fitted around the hose 150 to indicate to the user where the hose 150 should be fitted into the retaining passage. The collar 350 is larger than the hose holding passage 305 or the holding portion 310. It goes without saying that collars of shapes other than cylindrical collars can be provided and that additional tactile features such as ribs or bumps can be additionally provided on the outer surface of the collar 350 to assist the user. . 24-26 show a series of alternative configurations for instructing the user where to place the hose 150 around the body 100 of the cleaning device. 24 and 25, the hose receiving passages and hose placement fittings have corresponding shapes that function to indicate to the user where the hose should be fitted. In FIG. 24, a coupling shape is provided by the surface 361 at the end of the accommodation passage 360 and the surface 362 of the collar 365 of the hose 150. In FIG. 25, a ring-shaped cavity 372 is formed at an intermediate position along the accommodation passage 370. A ring-shaped fitting tool 371 provided in the hose collar 375 is fitted in a cavity 372 provided in the accommodation passage 370.

  In addition to mechanical fittings on the hose 150, there are a series of solutions for visually indicating to the user where the hose should be fitted. These can include patterns such as arrows or stripes, or simply colored patterns provided on the hose. The visual pattern can be incorporated into the hose itself, or it can be applied after the hose is manufactured, such as by applying a label on the outside of the hose, copying it, or applying a hose. FIG. 26 shows visual patterns 378 and 379 provided on the collar 350 and the end of the receiving passage 380. It is sectional drawing which passes along a wand when accommodated on an air cleaner.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Main body 110 Chassis 112 Wheel 120 Separation device 150 Hose 151 Entrance (connection part to main body)
160 Wand 168 Hose end (connection to wand)
300 Passage 310 Hose holder 350 Color

Claims (8)

A cylinder-type cleaning device comprising a main body and a hose for carrying a fluid entering and exiting the main body,
Guide means for guiding the hose along a receiving path around the periphery of the body is disposed on the body,
The said hose is provided with the arrangement | positioning means for assisting a user to engage | insert the said hose in the said guide means, The cleaning equipment characterized by the above-mentioned. The cleaning device according to claim 1,
The hose has a length greater than the accommodation path around the body;
The said arrangement | positioning means specifies the part of the said hose which should be fitted around the said main body, The cleaning equipment characterized by the above-mentioned. In the cleaning equipment according to claim 1 or 2,
The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the disposing means is a collar that fits around the hose. In the cleaning equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The guide means comprises a passage partially extending around the periphery of the body;
The cleaning device is characterized in that the arrangement means is sized so as to fit around the hose and not fit into the passage. In the cleaning equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The cleaning device, wherein the disposing means and the guide means have complementary shapes. In the cleaning equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The guide means comprises a passage partially extending around the periphery of the body;
The cleaning device is characterized in that it is sized so as to fit around the hose and only fit into the passage at a predetermined position along the passage. The cleaning device according to claim 6,
The cleaning device, wherein the disposing means and the guide means have complementary shapes at the predetermined position. In the cleaning equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
Cleaning device characterized in that the positioning means is a visual indication of a portion of the hose to be fitted around the body.

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