JP2012125389A - Suction port body and vacuum cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a floor brush for increasing the degree of vacuum of a suction port near an obstacle without increasing a traveling load on a floor surface.SOLUTION: The floor brush 26 includes: the suction port of which at least one portion opposes the floor surface F; and a case body 31 movable at least in a longitudinal direction. The floor brush 26 includes a front part detection means 38 for detecting contact between the front part of the case body 31 and the obstacle A1. The floor brush 26 includes a projection body 40 for increasing the degree of vacuum of the suction port by moving toward the floor surface F when the front part detection means 38 detects the contact between the front part of the case body 31 and the obstacle A1 at least in the rear part of the suction port in the case body 31.

Description

  Embodiments of the present invention relate to a suction port body having a case body including a suction port at least partially facing a surface to be cleaned, and a vacuum cleaner including the same.

  Conventionally, a vacuum cleaner includes a vacuum cleaner body that houses an electric blower. The vacuum cleaner main body is provided with a dust collecting portion communicating with the suction side of the electric blower. And the air path is connected to this dust collecting part, and a part of this air path is comprised by the floor brush as a suction inlet. In this floor brush, a horizontally long suction port is formed in an opening on the lower surface facing the surface to be cleaned.

JP 2010-35793 A

  When cleaning the surface to be cleaned in the vicinity of an obstacle such as a wall (by the wall), the user keeps the floor brush in close contact with the obstacle and tries to suck dust from the suction port by the negative pressure of the electric blower. At this time, the higher the degree of vacuum at the suction port, the more efficiently dust can be sucked.

  On the other hand, the floor brush forms a gap between the surface to be cleaned and the bottom surface so that it does not become a load when traveling on various types of surfaces to be cleaned. Even when the degree is required, it is not easy to improve the vacuum degree of the suction port.

  Therefore, there is a demand for a configuration that can improve the degree of vacuum at the suction port in the vicinity of an obstacle without increasing the running load on the surface to be cleaned.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and a suction port body capable of improving the degree of vacuum of the suction port in the vicinity of an obstacle without increasing the running load on the surface to be cleaned, and a vacuum cleaner provided with the suction port body The purpose is to provide.

  The suction port body of the embodiment includes a suction port at least partially facing the surface to be cleaned, and has a case body that can move at least in the front-rear direction. Moreover, this suction inlet body has a front part detection means which detects contact | abutting with the front part of a case body and an obstruction. Further, the suction port body is provided at least in the rear portion of the suction port in the case body, and moves toward the surface to be cleaned when the front portion detecting means detects contact between the front portion of the case body and the obstacle. It has a protrusion that increases the vacuum of the suction port.

It is a side view which shows the suction inlet of 1st Embodiment, (a) shows a normal state, (b) shows the state which the front part of the case body contact | abutted to the obstruction. It is a perspective view which expands and shows a part of suction port body same as the above, (a) shows a normal state, (b) shows the state which the front part of the case body contact | abutted to the obstruction. FIG. 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing a cut-out part of the suction port body, wherein (a) shows a normal state, and (b) shows a state where the front part of the case body is in contact with an obstacle. It is a perspective view which shows a suction inlet body same as the above from the downward direction. It is a perspective view which shows the vacuum cleaner provided with the suction inlet same as the above. It is the perspective view which expands and shows a part of the suction inlet of 2nd Embodiment from the lower part, (a) shows a normal state, (b) is the front part of the case body contact | abutted to the obstruction (C) shows a state in which the front and side portions of the case body are in contact with the obstacle. It is a perspective view showing a part of the same suction port body, (a) shows a normal state, (b) shows a state in which the front part of the case body is in contact with an obstacle, (c) Indicates a state in which the front and side portions of the case body are in contact with the obstacle. It is a perspective view showing the operation of a part of the front detection means of the suction port body as above, (a) shows a normal state, (b) and (c) are the front and side parts of the case body to the obstacle The operation when the abuts. It is a side view which shows a suction inlet body same as the above, (a) shows a normal state, (b) shows the state which the front part of the case body contact | abutted to the obstruction. It is a top view which shows typically the state which the front part and side part of the case body contact | abutted to the obstruction in the case of cleaning an inlet port same as the above. It is a perspective view which shows a suction inlet body same as the above from the downward direction. It is a perspective view which shows a suction inlet body same as the above from the top. It is the perspective view which expands and shows a part of suction port body of 3rd Embodiment from the downward direction, (a) shows a normal state, (b) is the front part of the case body contact | abutted to the obstruction Indicates the state. It is a perspective view which shows a suction inlet body same as the above from the downward direction. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of a suction inlet body same as the above.

  The configuration of the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  In FIG. 5, reference numeral 11 denotes a so-called canister-type vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner 11 includes a vacuum cleaner main body 12 and an air passage forming body 13 which is a pipe portion detachably connected to the vacuum cleaner main body 12. And have.

  The vacuum cleaner main body 12 includes a hollow main body case 15 that can swivel and travel on the floor surface F as a surface to be cleaned. The main body case 15 has a dust collecting portion. For example, a filter, a dust bag, or a dust collecting device (dust collecting cup) is disposed in the dust collecting portion. In addition, an electric blower 18 is accommodated in the main body case 15, and the suction side of the electric blower 18 communicates with the dust collecting portion. A main body suction port 19 is formed in the front portion of the main body case 15 so as to communicate with the dust collecting portion and to which the proximal end side of the air passage forming body 13 is connected.

  The air passage forming body 13 includes a connecting pipe portion 21 connected to the main body suction port 19, a flexible hose body 22 communicating with the tip end side of the connecting pipe portion 21, and a tip end of the hose body 22. And an extension tube 24 is detachably connected to the distal end side of the hand operation portion 23, and a floor brush 26 as a suction port body is provided on the distal end side of the extension tube 24. Communication connection. The air passage forming body 13 partitions an air passage W communicating with the suction side of the electric blower 18 inside.

  The hand operating unit 23 has a grip 28 protruding toward the hose body 22, and the grip 28 is provided with a plurality of setting buttons 29 for setting the operation mode of the electric blower 18.

  Further, the floor brush 26 is a suction port for the vacuum cleaner 11 that constitutes a part of the air passage W by being connected to the distal end side of the extension pipe 24, and as shown in FIGS. A case body 31 that is long in the left-right width direction, that is, a horizontally long case body 31, and a connection pipe 32 that is rotatably connected to a rear portion of a substantially central position of the case body 31 in the left-right width direction, at least on the surface to be cleaned. It can run (move) along the front-rear direction.

  The case body 31 has a horizontally-long rectangular suction port 35 formed in the front portion of the flat lower surface 31a facing the floor surface F, and a slit-shaped opening around the suction port 35. 36 is formed as an opening. In addition, a plurality of front suction ports 37 communicating with the suction ports 35 are formed in the flat front surface 31b along the left-right width direction of the case body 31, and the front portion and the wall of the case body 31 are cut out. A plurality of, for example, a pair of (a pair of) front detection means 38 for detecting contact with the obstacle A1 is disposed. Further, inside the case body 31, a rotary brush 39 as a rotary cleaning body is rotatably disposed at the suction port 35, and a protrusion 40 is disposed at the opening 36. Has been. A plurality of contact portions 41 are disposed on the lower surface 31 a of the case body 31 so as to come into sliding contact with the floor surface F as the floor brush 26 travels.

  The suction port 35 can communicate with the suction side of the electric blower 18 through the inside of the case body 31 and the connection pipe 32.

  The opening 36 is located behind the suction port 35 and is continuous with the rear opening 36a formed in a straight slit shape along the left-right width direction, and both sides of the rear opening 36a. And side openings 36b, 36b formed in a straight slit shape along the front-rear direction. That is, the opening 36 is formed in a U-shape that surrounds the suction port 35 in the plan view and on both sides.

  The front suction port 37 communicates the suction port 35 and the front of the case body 31, and is disposed, for example, at substantially equal intervals in the left-right width direction.

  Each front detection means 38 drives the projecting body 40. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, each front detection means 38 has a rectangular opening 43 formed in the vicinity of both sides of the front surface 31b of the case body 31. It is a button part as a contact part located so that advancement / retraction is possible, and it is formed in the longitudinal direction in the front-back direction. Each front detection means 38 is supported by a guide surface 43a constituting the opening edge of each opening 43 so as to be able to advance and retreat in the front-rear direction. Further, the front end of each front detection means 38 is a flat contact surface 38a parallel to the front surface 31b of the case body 31, and the rear end of each front detection means 38 The inclined surface 38b is inclined so as to have a surface direction toward the side. That is, the inclined surface 38b is inclined so as to be positioned on the upper side toward the rear side. Each front detection means 38 has a front end portion (abutment surface 38a) that can protrude forward from the front surface 31b of the case body 31 through each opening 43.

  Each opening 43 is located outside (side) the suction port 35 and in front of the side opening 36b of the opening 36.

  In addition, since the rotary brush 39 having an arbitrary configuration can be used, the illustration is omitted for the sake of convenience. For example, both end portions of the shaft portion which is a long brush base portion are pivoted on the case body 31. A plurality of cleaning members that can come into contact with the floor surface F are arranged around the shaft portion along the axial direction. In addition, as a cleaning member, arbitrary things, such as a blade which scrapes off the dust of hard and flat floor F, such as a flooring, or a hair brush which scrapes off dust which entered floor F, such as a carpet, can be used, for example. These may be used alone, or a plurality of different types may be arbitrarily combined. The rotating brush 39 is appropriately driven to rotate by, for example, a motor provided in the case body 31 or a cleaning body driving means (not shown) such as an air turbine. The rotating brush 39 and the cleaning body driving means are not essential components as long as dust on the floor surface F can be reliably removed.

  The projecting body 40 is formed of a wall-shaped rear projecting portion 40a that fits into the rear opening 36a of the opening 36 and side openings 36b and 36b of the opening 36 by a soft member having shape retention. It is formed in a U-shape in a plan view integrally including wall-like side protrusions 40b, 40b to be fitted. Further, the protrusion 40 is directed upward with respect to the case body 31 by a coil spring 47 as (one) urging means, in other words, in a direction in which the protrusion 40 is stored in the opening 36 ( It is energized (in the direction away from the floor F) and is housed in the opening 36 in an unloaded state. Further, the projecting body 40 is guided along the vertical direction by guide means (not shown). The protrusion 40 is restricted in its upward position by a stopper portion 48 formed on the case body 31.

  The rear protrusion 40a is formed in a longitudinal shape along the left-right width direction. A connecting portion 40c to which the upper end of the coil spring 47 is connected protrudes from the rear portion of the rear protruding portion 40a. That is, since the rear protrusion 40a is urged upward by the coil spring 47, the entire protrusion 40 including the side protrusions 40b continuous with the rear protrusion 40a is attached upward. It is energized. The lower end of the coil spring 47 is held by the case body 31. Further, the coil spring 47 may be singular or plural, and the connection portion 40c may be formed corresponding to the number of the coil springs 47.

  Further, each side protrusion 40b is formed in a longitudinal shape along the front-rear direction. Furthermore, an opposing inclined surface 40d is formed in front of each side protrusion 40b so as to oppose the inclined surface 38b of the front detection means 38 and abut against the inclined surface 38b. The opposing inclined surface 40d is inclined so as to have a surface direction toward the upper front side. That is, the opposing inclined surface 40d is inclined so as to be positioned on the upper side toward the rear side.

  Further, the contact portion 41 slightly protrudes downward with respect to the lower surface 31a, and forms a gap G between the lower surface 31a of the case body 31 and the floor surface F by contacting the floor surface F. For example, it is composed of a raised cloth having a relatively small sliding resistance with the floor surface F. For example, between the both sides of the suction port 35 and the side openings 36b and 36b of the opening 36, and an opening They are arranged at positions on both sides behind the portion 36, respectively.

  Further, the connection pipe 32 is detachably connected to the distal end side of the air passage forming body 13 (extension pipe 24) shown in FIG.

  Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described.

  At the time of cleaning, as shown in FIG. 5, the user connects the connecting pipe portion 21 of the hose body 22 to the main body suction port 19 of the cleaner body 12 and connects the extension pipe 24 to the hand operating portion 23 of the hose body 22. The floor brush 26 and the floor brush 26 are sequentially connected to form the air path forming body 13. As a result, the floor brush 26 is communicatively connected to the suction side of the electric blower 18 through the extension pipe 24, the hose body 22, and the dust collecting portion.

  Then, the user grips the grip portion 28 and operates the desired setting button 29 to drive the electric blower 18 in a desired operation mode, and then places it on the floor F (FIG. 1). By running the floor brush 26 in the front-rear direction and the like, dust on the floor surface F is sucked together with air from the suction port 35 (FIG. 4) by the negative pressure of the electric blower 18. Further, when the user rotates the rotating brush 39 (FIG. 4) as appropriate according to the degree of dirt or the type of the floor surface F (FIG. 1), the rotating brush 39 is moved by the cleaning member to the floor surface F (FIG. 1). Scrape off the dust from 1). The scraped dust is sucked together with air from the suction port 35 (FIG. 4).

  As shown in FIGS. 1 (a), 2 (a), and 3 (a), the floor brush 26 protrudes by the bias of the coil spring 47 in a normal state where the floor brush 26 is cleaned while moving on the floor surface F. The body 40 is housed in the opening 36, and only the contact portion 41 is in sliding contact with the floor surface F. Therefore, a gap G corresponding to the protruding amount of the contact portion 41 from the lower surface 31a is formed between the lower surface 31a of the case body 31 of the floor brush 26 and the floor surface F, and the floor brush 26 runs smoothly. To do.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 (b), 2 (b) and 3 (b), the floor brush 26 advances and the front surface 31b of the case body 31 approaches the flat obstacle A1 such as a wall. Then, the contact surface 38a projecting forward from the front surface 31b contacts the obstacle A1, and each front detection means 38 is pushed backward into the opening 43 along the guide surface 43a. That is, the contact between the front part of the case body 31 of the floor brush 26 and the obstacle A1 is detected by each front part detection means 38. Further, since the inclined surface 38b at the rear of each front detection means 38 is in contact with the opposed inclined surface 40d at the front of each side protrusion 40b, each front portion is in accordance with the inclination of these inclined surfaces 38b and 40d. The more the detection means 38 is pushed backward and moved, in other words, the closer the front surface 31b of the case body 31 is to the obstacle A1, the lower the side protrusions 40b are against the bias of the coil spring 47. In the state where the front surface 31b of the case body 31 is in contact with the obstacle A1, the entire projecting body 40 including the rear projecting portions 40a continuous to the respective side projecting portions 40b is guided by the guide portions 36 while the opening portions 36 are guided. It protrudes downward from the whole toward the floor surface F and contacts the floor surface F. That is, the rear protrusions 40a of the protrusions 40 protrude downward from the rear openings 36a, and the side protrusions 40b protrude downward from the side openings 36b.

  As a result, the protrusion 40 and the planar obstacle A1 surround the substantially entire periphery of the suction port 35 of the floor brush 26 in a wall shape, and the suction port 35 extends from the periphery of the case body 31 of the floor brush 26. The air passage that communicates with the suction port is narrowed, and the degree of vacuum near the suction port 35 is improved. For this reason, dust on the floor surface F in the vicinity of the obstacle A1 is effectively sucked into the suction port 35 from the front suction port 37 or the like. In the present embodiment, the lower part of the projecting body 40 contacts the floor surface F, but if the lower part of the projecting body 40 projects downward from at least the lower surface 31a of the case body 31, the periphery of the case body 31 of the floor brush 26 Therefore, the degree of vacuum in the vicinity of the suction port 35 can be improved without contacting the floor surface F.

  Further, as the floor brush 26 is separated from the obstacle A1, the protrusion 40 is moved upward and stored so as to return to the opening 36 by the biasing force of the coil spring 47. For this reason, since the inclined surface 38b at the rear of each front detection means 38 is in contact with the opposed inclined surface 40d at the front of each side protrusion 40b, each front surface follows the inclination of these inclined surfaces 38b and 40d. The part detecting means 38 is pushed forward, the front part of each front detecting means 38 protrudes from the opening 43, and the contact surface 38a of each front detecting means 38 is forward with respect to the front surface 31b of the case body 31. To position.

  Dust sucked into the air passage W shown in FIG. 5 from the suction port 35 of the floor brush 26 is sucked and collected from the main body suction port 19 to the dust collecting part via the extension pipe 24 and the hose body 22. . The air in which the dust is collected is sucked into the electric blower 18, and after cooling the electric blower 18, it is exhausted and exhausted outside the main body case 15 of the cleaner body 12.

  When the cleaning is completed, the electric blower 18 is stopped by operating the setting button 29.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, at the rear of the suction port 35 in the case body 31, the front detection means 38 detects contact between the front of the case body 31 and the obstacle. By providing the projecting body 40 that increases the degree of vacuum of the suction port 35 by moving toward the floor surface F, the projecting body 40 remains on the floor surface F while the front part of the case body 31 does not contact the obstacle. The airflow passage communicating from the periphery of the case body 31 to the suction port 35 is protruded when the front part of the case body 31 comes into contact with an obstacle. The degree of vacuum in the vicinity of the suction port 35 can be improved.

  Further, since the mechanism for moving the protrusion 40 toward the floor F is mechanically configured when the front detection means 38 detects the contact between the front of the case body 31 and the obstacle, the floor brush 26 Can be manufactured at a lower cost.

  Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, about the structure and effect | action similar to the said 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 12, the rear protrusion 40a and the side protrusions 40b, 40b of the protrusion 40 of the first embodiment are formed separately from each other. In place of the front detection means 38, the front detection means 51 and 52, which form a pair (one and the other), are independently driven.

  The rear projecting portion 40a is held by (one) guide portions 54 formed so as to protrude from the case body 31 at both left and right sides, and is guided by these guide portions 54 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. Further, front connection portions 40e that protrude toward the front are integrally formed in the vicinity of both sides of the rear protrusion 40a (only one is shown). Each front connection portion 40e is a portion that connects the rear protrusion 40a and each front detection means 51, and is located inward of the side protrusion 40b. A surface 40f is formed. The front inclined surface 40f is inclined so as to have a surface direction toward the front upper side. That is, the front inclined surface 40f is inclined so that the rear side is located on the upper side.

  Further, each side protrusion 40b is held by a guide part 56 (the other) integrally formed with the guide part 54 with the rear end part protruding from the case body 31, and the guide part 56 vertically Guided to move in the direction. Further, on the outer side (one side) of each side protrusion 40b, a side connection 40g to which the upper end of a coil spring 57 as the (other) biasing means is connected is provided. Further, a side inclined surface portion 40h is formed on the front upper portion of each side protruding portion 40b so as to be continuous with the other side of the opposed inclined surface 40d. The opposed inclined surface 40d and the side inclined surface portion 40h are respectively positioned above the front inclined surface 40f of the rear protruding portion 40a.

  Each coil spring 57 urges each side protrusion 40b upward, that is, in a direction in which it is stored in the side opening 36b (in a direction away from the floor surface F). To do. Further, the lower end portion of each coil spring 57 is held by the case body 31.

  Further, the side inclined surface portion 40h is formed to be inclined toward the inner side (the other side) with respect to the opposing inclined surface 40d.

  Further, the (one) front detection means 51 is (a) abutting located in a quadrangular (one) opening 61 that is formed in the vicinity of both sides of the front surface 31b of the case body 31. It is a (one) button part as a part, and is formed in a longitudinal shape in the front-rear direction. Each front detection means 51 is supported by a guide surface (not shown) constituting the opening edge of each opening 61 so as to advance and retreat in the front-rear direction. Further, the front end of each front detection means 51 is a flat (one) contact surface 51a parallel to the front surface 31b of the case body 31, and the rear end of each front detection means 51 Is an inclined surface 51b that is inclined so as to have a surface direction toward the rear lower side (one side). That is, the inclined surface 51b is inclined so as to be located on the upper side toward the rear side. Each front detection means 51 has a front end portion (abutment surface 51a) that can project forward from each opening 61 with respect to the front surface 31b of the case body 31.

  Each opening 61 is located outward (one side) from the suction opening 35 and inward from the side opening 36b of the opening 36.

  Further, the (the other) front detection means 52 is abutted (the other) abuttingly positioned in the square (the other) opening 63 formed in the vicinity of both sides of the front surface 31b of the case body 31. A button part 64 (the other) as a part and a shaft support 65 rotatably supported by the button part 64 are provided.

  Each button part 64 is formed in a longitudinal shape in the front-rear direction, and the longitudinal dimension is set shorter than that of the front part detection means 52. Each button portion 64 is supported by a guide surface (not shown) constituting the opening edge portion of each opening 63 so as to advance and retract in the front-rear direction. Further, the front end portion of each button portion 64 is a flat (other) abutting surface 64a parallel to the front surface 31b of the case body 31, and the rear end portion of each button portion 64 has an inner side. A shaft support portion 64b that supports the shaft support 65 is protruded on the (other side). Each button portion 64 has a front end portion (abutment surface 64a) that can protrude forward from the opening 63 relative to the front surface 31b of the case body 31.

  Each shaft support body 65 is pivotally supported so that the front end side thereof is rotatable with respect to the button portion 64 in the horizontal direction along the horizontal direction. Further, on the lower side of the rear portion of each shaft support body 65, the (other) inclined surface 65a is inclined so as to have a surface direction toward the rear lower side and the outer side (one side), that is, the side protruding portion 40b side. Is formed. That is, the inclined surface 65a is inclined so that the rear side is located on the upper side. Further, a columnar shaft portion 65b protrudes from the rear upper side of each shaft support body 65, and side portion detecting means 67 is fitted to the shaft portion 65b so as to be able to advance and retract.

  Each side part detection means 67 is a side button part as a side part contact part positioned so as to be able to advance and retreat in each rectangular side opening 68 formed in each side face 31c of the case body 31, and has a left and right width. It is formed in a longitudinal shape in the direction. Each side detection means 67 is supported by a side guide surface (not shown) constituting the opening edge of each side opening 68 so as to be able to advance and retreat in the left-right width direction. Further, the front end portion (outer end portion) of each side detection means 67 is a flat side contact surface 67a parallel to each side surface 31c of the case body 31, and each side detection means 67 At the base end portion (inner end portion), an insertion opening 67b into which the shaft portion 65b of the shaft support 65 is inserted and engaged from below is formed in a longitudinal shape (long hole shape) in the front-rear direction. A flange-like flange portion 67c is projected between both ends of each side portion detecting means 67. The flange portion 67c is located inside the case body 31 and faces the inside of each side surface 31c of the case body 31. Further, a coil spring 69 is disposed between the flange portion 67c and the inside of each side surface 31c of the case body 31 as a side urging means for urging each side detection means 67 outward. ing. In each side part detection means 67, the side part (side part contact surface 67a) can protrude from the side part opening 68 to the outer side than each side face 31c of the case body 31.

  In addition, the opening 36 is formed such that the rear opening 36a and the side openings 36b and 36b are not continuous but are spaced apart (independently).

  Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described.

  When cleaning, the user grips the grip portion 28 and operates a desired setting button 29 to drive the electric blower 18 in a desired operation mode, and then the floor brush 26 placed on the floor surface F. Is moved in the front-rear direction and the like, and dust on the floor surface F is sucked together with air from the suction port 35 by the negative pressure of the electric blower 18.

  At this time, as shown in FIGS. 6 (a), 7 (a) and 9 (a), the floor brush 26 is coil springs 47, 57 in a normal state where the floor brush 26 is cleaned while moving on the floor surface F. As a result, the rear protrusion 40a and the side protrusions 40b of the protrusion 40 are housed in the rear opening 36a and the side openings 36b of the opening 36, respectively, and only the contact 41 is the floor. It is in sliding contact with the surface F. Therefore, a gap G corresponding to the protruding amount of the contact portion 41 from the lower surface 31a is formed between the lower surface 31a of the case body 31 of the floor brush 26 and the floor surface F, and the floor brush 26 runs smoothly. To do.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 (b), 7 (b) and 9 (b), the floor brush 26 moves forward, and the case body is placed on the front obstacle A2 as a flat obstacle such as a wall. When the front surface 31b of 31 approaches, the contact surfaces 51a and 64a projecting forward from the front surface 31b contact the front obstacle A2, and the front detection means 51 and 52 open along the guide surfaces 61, respectively. , 63 are pushed backwards into 63 respectively. In other words, the contact between the front portion of the case body 31 of the floor brush 26 and the front obstacle A2 is detected by the front detection means 51 and 52. And the inclined surfaces 51b, 65a at the rear of each of the front detection means 51, 52 are in contact with the respective inclined surfaces 40f of the rear protrusion 40a and the opposed inclined surfaces 40d at the front of each side protrusion 40b. Thus, as the front detection means 51 and 52 are pushed rearward and move in accordance with the inclination of the inclined surfaces 51b and 65a and the inclined surfaces 40f and 40d, in other words, the front surface 31b of the case body 31 becomes a front obstacle. The closer to the object A2, the rear protrusion 40a and the side protrusions 40b are pushed downward against the bias of the coil springs 47 and 57, and the front surface 31b of the case body 31 is moved to the front obstacle A2. In the abutted state, the rear protrusion 40a and the side protrusions 40b protrude downward from the rear opening 36a and the side openings 36b toward the floor F while being guided by the guide portions 54 and 56, Contact floor F.

  As a result, the periphery of the suction port 35 of the floor brush 26 is surrounded by a wall shape by the rear protrusion 40a and each side protrusion 40b of the protrusion 40 and the flat front obstacle A2, and the floor brush The air passage communicating from the periphery of the 26 case bodies 31 to the suction port 35 is narrowed, and the degree of vacuum in the vicinity of the suction port 35 is improved. For this reason, dust on the floor surface F in the vicinity of the front obstacle A2 is effectively sucked into the suction port 35 from the front suction port 37 or the like. In the present embodiment, the lower part of the projecting body 40 contacts the floor surface F, but if the lower part of the projecting body 40 projects downward from at least the lower surface 31a of the case body 31, the periphery of the case body 31 of the floor brush 26 Therefore, the degree of vacuum in the vicinity of the suction port 35 can be improved without contacting the floor surface F.

  Each front detection means 52 has an insertion opening 67b of each side detection means 67 engaged with the shaft portion 65b of the shaft support body 65 formed in a longitudinal shape along the front-rear direction. 6 (b), 7 (b) and 9 (b), the shaft 65b of the shaft support 65 is engaged with the insertion opening 67b of each side detection means 67. You can move backwards while maintaining it.

  Further, in this state, for example, when the user moves (slides) the floor brush 26 to the side while keeping the front portion of the floor brush 26 in contact with the front obstacle A2, FIG. 6 (c), As shown in FIG. 7 (c) and FIG. 10, when the side surface 31c of the case body 31 approaches the side obstacle A3 as a flat obstacle such as a wall, the side projecting sideways from the side surface 31c. The part contact surface 67a contacts the side obstacle A3, and the side detection means 67 is pushed into the side opening 68 along each guide surface against the bias of the coil spring 69. That is, the contact between the side part of the case body 31 of the floor brush 26 and the side obstacle A3 is detected by the side part detection means 67. Then, since the insertion opening 67b of the side detection means 67 is engaged with the shaft portion 65b of the shaft support 65 of the front detection means 52, the side detection means 67 is pushed into the side opening 68. As the side 31c of the case body 31 approaches the side obstacle A3 as it moves, in other words, as shown in FIGS. It rotates inward (side away from the side protrusion 40b) with respect to the side protrusion 40b around the support 64b. As a result, the inclined surface 65a of the shaft support 65 is separated from the opposing inclined surface 40d and the side inclined surface portion 40h of the side protruding portion 40b, so that the side closer to the side obstacle A3 (one side The side protrusion 40b is moved upward and stored so as to return to the (one) side opening 36b by the bias of the coil spring 57.

  As a result, the periphery of the suction port 35 of the floor brush 26 is formed into a wall shape by the rear protrusion 40a and the (other) side protrusion 40b of the protrusion 40, and the front obstacle A2 and the side obstacle A3. As a result, the ventilation path communicating from the periphery of the case body 31 of the floor brush 26 to the suction port 35 is narrowed, and the degree of vacuum in the vicinity of the suction port 35 is improved. For this reason, dust on the floor surface F in the vicinity of the front obstacle A2 and the side obstacle A3 is effectively sucked into the suction port 35 from the front suction port 37 or the like.

  The side obstacle A3 may be continuous with the front obstacle A2 as shown in FIG. 10, or may be separate from the front obstacle A2.

  Further, in the state shown in FIGS. 6 (b), 7 (b), and 9 (b), as the floor brush 26 is separated from the front obstacle A2, the rear protrusion is caused by the bias of the coil springs 47 and 57. The part 40a and the side protrusions 40b are moved upward and stored so as to return into the rear opening 36a and the side openings 36b of the opening 36. For this reason, the inclined surfaces 51b, 65a at the rear of each front detection means 51, 52 are in contact with the respective inclined surfaces 40f of the rear protrusion 40a and the opposing inclined surfaces 40d of the side protrusions 40b. In accordance with the inclination of the inclined surfaces 51b, 65a and the inclined surfaces 40f, 40d, the front detection means 51, 52 are pushed forward, and the front portions of the front detection means 51, 52 protrude from the opening 43, The contact surfaces 51a and 64a of the front detection means 51 and 52 are located in front of the front surface 31b of the case body 31.

  Similarly, in the state shown in FIG. 6C, FIG. 7C, and FIG. 10, as the floor brush 26 is separated from the side obstacle A3, the side detection means 67 is moved by the bias of the coil spring 69. It moves so as to protrude outward, and the side contact surface 67a of the side detection means 67 is positioned laterally with respect to each side surface 31c of the case body 31. At this time, as shown in FIGS. 8C to 8A, the insertion opening 67b of the side detection means 67 is engaged with the shaft 65b of the shaft support 65 of the front detection means 52. As a result, the shaft support 65 rotates outwardly (side approaching the side protrusion 40b) around the shaft support 64b of the button portion 64, and the inclined surface 65a of the shaft support 65 becomes the side protrusion 40b. Return to the position where the side inclined surface portion 40h and the opposed inclined surface 40d are fitted and contacted with each other.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the front detection means 51, 52 detects the contact between the front part of the case body 31 and the front obstacle A2 in the case body 31. When the contact between the side part and the side obstacle A3 is detected by the side part detection means 67, the side part side of the suction port 35 moves in a direction away from the floor surface F. When the front part and the side part of the case body 31 of the floor brush 26 are brought into contact with an obstacle such as an L-shaped wall, the protrusion 40 on the side closer to the side obstacle A3, In the embodiment, the (one) side protrusion 40 b can be stored in the opening 36. Therefore, when the dust on the floor surface F in the vicinity of the side obstacle A3 is sucked from the suction port 35 while the degree of vacuum around the suction port 35 is secured by the projection body 40, (one) side projection Since 40b does not become an obstacle, dust can be cleaned more effectively.

  Further, the projecting body 40 includes a rear projecting portion 40a located at the rear portion of the suction port 35, and a side projecting portion 40b located on the side portion of the suction port 35, which is separate from the rear projecting portion 40a. As a result, the rear protrusion 40a and the side protrusion 40b can be moved independently. For this reason, the contact between the front portion of the case body 31 and the front obstacle A2 is detected by the front detection means 51 and 52, and the side portion of the case body 31 is in contact with the side obstacle A3. When the contact is detected by the side detection means 67, only the (one) side protrusion 40b closer to the side obstacle A3 can be stored in the opening 36. Therefore, the state in which the degree of vacuum in the vicinity of the suction port 35 is improved by the rear protrusion 40a and the (other) side protrusion 40b can be more reliably maintained.

  In addition, the structure of each front part detection means 52 of the said 2nd Embodiment is compared with the protrusion 40 which integrally formed the rear part protrusion part 40a and each side part protrusion part 40b like the said 1st Embodiment. Thus, each front detection means 38 may be used instead. In this case, for example, when the front part and the side part of the case body 31 of the floor brush 26 are in contact with the side obstacle A3, the side protrusion part 40b on the side close to the side obstacle A3, and The side of the rear protrusion 40a close to the side obstacle A3 is housed in the opening 36, and the side protrusion 40b on the side far from the side obstacle A3 is opened. The rear protrusion 40a protrudes downward from the opening 36 as the distance from the side obstacle A3 increases, and the protrusion 40 tilts, but the degree of vacuum around the suction port 35 is normal. Since it is improved as compared with the state, the same effects as those of the second embodiment can be achieved while further simplifying the configuration.

  Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, about the structure and effect | action similar to said each embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the third embodiment, a distance measuring sensor 71 as a front detection unit is provided instead of each front detection unit 38 of the first embodiment. That is, in the third embodiment, each front detection means 38 of the first embodiment is electrically configured.

  As shown in FIG. 14, each distance measuring sensor 71 is attached to the front surface 31b of the case body 31 of the floor brush 26, for example, and detects the distance from the obstacle A1 using, for example, infrared rays. It is a sensor. As shown in FIG. 15, these distance measuring sensors 71 are electrically connected to the control means 72, and are configured to determine the distance from the detected obstacle A <b> 1 by the control means 72.

  The control means 72 controls the drive means 74 housed in the case body 31 (FIG. 13), and is electrically connected to the drive means 74.

  The driving means 74 is an actuator such as a motor, for example, and is connected to the protrusion 40 (FIG. 14), and can be driven to advance and retract the protrusion 40 (FIG. 14) with respect to the opening 36. ing.

  When cleaning, the user grips the grip portion 28 and operates a desired setting button 29 to drive the electric blower 18 in a desired operation mode, and then the floor brush 26 placed on the floor surface F. Is moved in the front-rear direction and the like, and dust on the floor surface F is sucked together with air from the suction port 35 by the negative pressure of the electric blower 18.

  In the normal state where the floor brush 26 is cleaned while moving on the floor F as shown in FIG. 13A, the protrusion 40 is housed in the opening 36 by the bias of the coil spring 47. Thus, only the contact portion 41 is in sliding contact with the floor surface F. Therefore, a gap G corresponding to the protruding amount of the contact portion 41 from the lower surface 31a is formed between the lower surface 31a of the case body 31 of the floor brush 26 and the floor surface F, and the floor brush 26 runs smoothly. To do.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13 (b), the floor brush 26 moves forward, the front surface 31b of the case body 31 approaches a flat obstacle A1 such as a wall, and the front surface 31b detected by the distance measuring sensor 71. When the distance to the obstacle A1 is equal to or less than a predetermined distance, that is, a state in which the front part of the case body 31 of the floor brush 26 is in contact with or substantially in contact with the obstacle A1 is detected. Then, the control means 72 drives the drive means 74 so that the projecting body 40 projects downward from the entire opening 36 toward the floor surface F, and is brought into contact with the floor surface F. The same effects as the embodiment can be achieved. In addition, a mechanical configuration for operating the protruding body 40 is not necessary, and the configuration can be further simplified.

  Further, when the floor brush 26 is separated from the obstacle A1, and the distance between the front surface 31b detected by the distance measuring sensor 71 and the obstacle A1 is larger than a predetermined distance, the control means 72 drives the driving means 74. Thus, the protruding body 40 is moved upward and stored so as to return to the opening 36.

  In the third embodiment, for example, the projecting body 40 is urged upward by an urging means such as a coil spring, and the floor brush 26 is separated from the obstacle A1 and detected by the distance measuring sensor 71. When the distance between the front surface 31b and the obstacle A1 becomes larger than the predetermined distance, the control means 72 stops driving the drive means 74 so that the projecting body 40 is returned into the opening 36 by the biasing means. You may let them.

  Further, the configuration of the third embodiment can be applied to the second embodiment. That is, the distance measuring sensor 71 is used in place of the front detection means 51 and 52 and the side detection means 67, respectively, and the driving means 74 is provided corresponding to the rear protrusion 40a and the side protrusions 40b. The same effects as those of the second embodiment can be achieved.

  Furthermore, instead of the distance measuring sensor 71 of the third embodiment, for example, a sensor that directly detects contact between the front portion of the case body 31 of the floor brush 26 and the obstacle A1 may be used.

  And according to each embodiment described above, the contact of the front part of the case body 31 and the obstacle is detected by the front part detection means 38, 51, 52 at least at the rear part of the suction port 35 in the case body 31. Then, by providing the projecting body 40 that increases the vacuum degree of the suction port 35 by moving toward the floor surface F, the projecting body 40 remains on the floor surface while the front part of the case body 31 does not contact the obstacle. When the front part of the case body 31 comes into contact with an obstacle, the air passage communicating from the periphery of the case body 31 to the suction port 35 protrudes. It can be narrowed by the body 40, and the degree of vacuum in the vicinity of the suction port 35 can be improved.

  In addition, by providing the floor brush 26 in the vacuum cleaner 11, it is possible to provide the vacuum cleaner 11 that has good operability during cleaning and can more effectively clean dust near the obstacle.

  In each of the above embodiments, the electric vacuum cleaner 11 is not limited to the canister type, and for example, an upright type in which a floor brush 26 is connected to the lower part of the vacuum cleaner body 12 can be used.

  And although some embodiment of this invention was described, these embodiment is shown as an example and is not intending limiting the range of invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

11 Vacuum cleaner
12 Vacuum cleaner body
18 Electric blower
26 Floor brush as inlet
31 Case body
35 Suction port
38, 51, 52 Front detection means
40 Protrusion
40a Rear protrusion
40b Side protrusion
67 Side detection means
71 Ranging sensor as front detection means
A1 Obstacle
A2 Front obstacle as an obstacle
A3 Side obstacles as obstacles F Floor as a surface to be cleaned

Claims (4)

A case body provided with a suction port at least partially facing the surface to be cleaned, and movable at least in the front-rear direction;
Front part detecting means for detecting contact between the front part of the case body and the obstacle;
The case body is provided at least at the rear part of the suction port, and moves toward the surface to be cleaned when the front part detecting means detects contact between the front part of the case body and an obstacle. And a protrusion for increasing the degree of vacuum. Comprising a side detection means for detecting contact between the side of the case body and the obstacle,
The projecting body is located over the rear portion and the side portion of the suction port, and the side detection means detects the contact between the front portion of the case body and the obstacle by the front detection means. The suction port according to claim 1, wherein when the contact between the side portion of the case body and an obstacle is detected, the side portion side of the suction port moves in a direction away from the surface to be cleaned. body. The protrusion is
A rear projection located at the rear of the inlet;
The suction port body according to claim 2, wherein the suction port body is provided separately from the rear projecting portion and includes a side projecting portion located at a side portion of the suction port. A vacuum cleaner body containing an electric blower,
A vacuum cleaner comprising: a suction port body according to any one of claims 1 to 3 communicating with a suction side of the electric blower.

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