JP2017164022A - Cleaning tool and vacuum cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cleaning tool capable of easily and efficiently cleaning a wide place and a narrow place, and a vacuum cleaner equipped with the cleaning tool.SOLUTION: A joint 7 for connecting a wand (suction pipe 8) to a body 6 is located closer to a proximal end 61 than to a distal end 62 of the body 6. The joint 7 can change a first angle α, which is an angle of a longitudinal axis 82 of the wand with respect to a longitudinal direction of the body 6. Driving means executes one of a first treatment for stopping the rotation of at least one agitator when the first angle α is larger than a reference angle, a second treatment for reducing the rotation speed of at least one agitator as compared with the rotation speed when the first angle α is smaller than the reference angle, and a third treatment for rotating a first agitator and a second agitator included in the at least one agitator, in mutually opposite directions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

  The present invention relates to a cleaning tool and a vacuum cleaner.

  Patent Document 1 listed below describes a vacuum cleaner that includes a floor nozzle and a small nozzle that is detachably attached to the floor nozzle. The small nozzle includes a connecting pipe and a rotating connecting portion whose rear portion is connected to the connecting tube so as to be vertically tiltable and whose front portion is rotatably connected to the intake head. The said vacuum cleaner is provided with the rotation direction rotation latching means which locks rotation in the rotation direction of a rotation connection part, when a small nozzle detaches | leaves from a floor nozzle.

Japanese Patent No. 3894667

  In the electric vacuum cleaner described in Patent Document 1, it is possible to clean a narrow place with a small nozzle by removing the floor nozzle. However, to clean a large area after that, it is necessary to reattach the floor nozzle. For this reason, it is difficult to efficiently clean both a wide place and a narrow place.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides a cleaning tool that can easily and efficiently clean a wide area and a narrow area, and a vacuum cleaner including the cleaning tool. Objective.

The cleaning tool according to the present invention has a proximal end, a distal end, and a bottom surface facing the surface to be cleaned in use, and the length from the proximal end to the distal end is from the proximal end. A body longer than a width perpendicular to the longitudinal direction to the distal end, at least one agitator that is rotatably attached to the body and whose axis of rotation is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction, and at least one Drive means for driving one agitator, a rod-like or tubular wand, and a joint that is closer to the proximal end than the distal end and connects the wand to the body, the joint being centered about the first axis of rotation A first rotating part that is rotatable, and a second rotating part that is rotatable about a second rotating axis that is not parallel to the first rotating axis, and the wand in the longitudinal direction of the body by the rotation of the first rotating part The first angle that is the angle of the longitudinal axis of The driving means changes the first treatment for stopping the rotation of at least one agitator when the first angle is larger than the reference angle, the rotational speed of the at least one agitator, and the first angle is compared with the reference angle. Any one of the second treatment that lowers the rotational speed compared to the rotation speed when it is small, and the third treatment that rotates the first agitator and the second agitator included in at least one agitator in opposite directions to each other. It is.
Moreover, the vacuum cleaner which concerns on this invention is equipped with the said cleaning tool.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily and efficiently clean a wide area and a narrow area by including the above-described driving means for driving the agitator.

It is a perspective view of the electric vacuum cleaner provided with the cleaning tool of Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cleaner body in the first embodiment. 4 is a plan view of the cleaner body in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a storage unit in Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a storage unit in the first embodiment. It is sectional drawing in the CC line of the accommodating unit shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing in the DD line of the accommodating unit shown in FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning tool in a first embodiment. 3 is a plan view of the cleaning tool of Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the cleaning tool of Embodiment 1. FIG. It is the side view which looked at the cleaning tool of Embodiment 1 with the eyes | visual_axis of the short direction of the body. It is the side view which looked at the cleaning tool of Embodiment 1 with the eyes | visual_axis of the longitudinal direction of the body. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a usage pattern of the cleaning tool of Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the other example of the usage pattern of the cleaning tool of Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the cleaning tool in Embodiment 1. FIG. It is sectional drawing in the EE line | wire in FIG. It is sectional drawing in the FF line | wire in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the lock mechanism with which the cleaning tool of Embodiment 1 is provided. It is a bottom view of the cleaning tool of Embodiment 2. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a cleaning tool in a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the cleaning tool of Embodiment 3. FIG. It is a perspective view of the electric vacuum cleaner of Embodiment 4.

  Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Elements common to the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is simplified or omitted. Note that the number, arrangement, orientation, shape, and size of devices, instruments, components, and the like in the present disclosure are not limited to the number, arrangement, orientation, shape, and size shown in the drawings in principle. In addition, the present disclosure may include all combinations of configurations that can be combined among the configurations described in the following embodiments.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner provided with the cleaning tool of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the electric vacuum cleaner 1 according to Embodiment 1 includes a cleaning tool 2, a connection pipe 3, a suction hose 4, and a cleaner main body 5. The cleaning tool 2 includes a body 6, a joint 7, a suction pipe 8, and a handle 9. The connection pipe 3 is connected to the suction pipe 8 of the cleaning tool 2. The cleaner body 5 includes a hose connection port 11, a power cord 12, and wheels 13. The hose connection port 11 is located in the front part of the cleaner body 5. The wheels 13 are located on both sides of the rear half of the cleaner body 5.

  The body 6 of the cleaning tool 2 sucks dust on the surface to be cleaned (hereinafter referred to as “surface to be cleaned”) together with air. The joint 7 connects the suction pipe 8 to the body 6 so as to be rotatable. The suction pipe 8 is a tubular member. One end of the suction pipe 8 is connected to the joint 7. The other end of the suction pipe 8 is connected to one end of the connection pipe 3. The suction pipe 8 in the present embodiment is an example of a rod-like or tubular wand.

  The connection pipe 3 is a cylindrical member that is bent halfway. The other end of the connection pipe 3 is connected to one end of the suction hose 4. The suction hose 4 is a flexible bellows-like member. The other end of the suction hose 4 is connected to the hose connection port 11 of the cleaner body 5. The vacuum cleaner body 5 is for separating dust from air containing dust and discharging the air from which the dust has been removed. Hereinafter, air containing dust is also referred to as “dusty air”. The air from which dust has been removed is also referred to as “clean air”. The clean air is returned from the cleaner body 5 to the room, for example.

  When the user performs cleaning using the electric vacuum cleaner 1, the user holds the handle 9. The handle 9 may be formed at least partially from a soft material such as gel. By forming the handle 9 at least partially from a soft material, the frictional force increases with the hand holding the handle 9 and the user can easily grip the handle 9. As a result, the operability of the cleaning tool 2 can be further improved. The handle 9 may be formed of a material that is softer than the suction pipe 8. The handle 9 may have a rod shape. The central axis of the rod-shaped handle 9 may coincide with the central axis of the suction pipe 8. In FIG. 1, the central axis of the handle 9 and the central axis of the suction pipe 8 are indicated by alternate long and short dash lines. When the overall shape of the handle 9 exhibits a rod-like shape coaxial with the central axis of the suction pipe 8, the hand movement and muscle load when the handle 9 is twisted are reduced. As a result, the cleaning tool 2 can be easily handled, and the operability can be further improved. The handle 9 may be formed so that the cross-sectional area of the tip portion is larger than the cross-sectional area at the center in the longitudinal direction. The handle 9 may be formed such that the side farther from the body is thicker than the side closer to the body in the longitudinal direction.

  A double-headed arrow in FIG. 1 shows an example of how to move the handle 9. The movement in the twist direction A is a rotation around the central axis of the handle 9 and the suction pipe 8. The movement in the inclination direction B is a movement for changing the angles of the handle 9 and the suction pipe 8 with respect to the floor surface.

  An operation switch 10 is installed on the handle 9. The operation switch 10 is provided at a position near the base of the handle 9. The operation switch 10 is for the user to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner 1.

  The power cord 12 is wound around a cord reel (not shown) inside the cleaner body 5. As will be described later, the cleaner body 5 includes an electric blower. When the power cord 12 is connected to an external power source, an internal device such as an electric blower is energized. The electric blower is driven by energization. The electric blower performs a suction operation set in advance in accordance with an operation on the operation switch 10.

  When the electric blower performs a suction operation, dust-containing air is sucked into the body 6. The dust-containing air sucked into the body 6 is sent to the cleaner body 5 through the joint 7, the suction pipe 8, the connection pipe 3, and the suction hose 4. The body 6, the joint 7, the suction pipe 8, the connection pipe 3, and the suction hose 4 form an air passage that sends dust-containing air to the cleaner body 5.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cleaner body 5 in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the cleaner body 5 in the first embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the cleaner body 5 includes an accommodation unit 14 and a dust collection unit 15. The accommodation unit 14 accommodates various devices other than the dust collection unit 15. The hose connection port 11 is formed at the front end of the accommodation unit 14. The wheels 13 are on both sides of the rear half of the housing unit 14. The dust collection unit 15 is detachably attached to the storage unit 14.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the accommodation unit 14 in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the accommodation unit 14 in the first embodiment. 4 and 5 show a state in which the dust collection unit 15 is removed from the storage unit 14. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the storage unit 14 includes a storage body 16 and a storage body 17.

  The container 16 is a member having a box shape with an upper opening. The container 16 is, for example, a molded product. The electric blower and the cord reel portion are accommodated in the accommodating body 16. The container 17 is coupled to the container 16 so as to close the opening formed in the container 16. The container 17 has a housing portion that is a space for housing the dust collection unit 15. When the dust collection unit 15 is appropriately attached to the storage unit 14, the main part of the dust collection unit 15 is disposed in the storage unit. The dust collection unit 15 is disposed above the container 17.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the accommodation unit 14 has a first connection port 18 and a second connection port 19. The first connection port 18 and the second connection port 19 are disposed near the rear end on the upper surface of the housing unit 14. The first connection port 18 is arranged near one of the side surfaces of the accommodation unit 14. The second connection port 19 is arranged at an equal distance from both side surfaces of the accommodation unit 14. The first connection port 18 and the second connection port 19 communicate with the inside of the dust collection unit 15 in a state where the dust collection unit 15 is attached to the storage unit 14.

  FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC of the storage unit 14 shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD of the storage unit 14 shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the accommodation unit 14 includes an intake air passage forming unit 20. The intake air passage forming unit 20 forms an intake air passage 21 for guiding dust-containing air to the dust collecting unit 15 in the cleaner body 5. The intake air passage forming unit 20 is provided so as to pass through the internal space of the container 16. One end of the intake air passage forming unit 20 opens at the front surface of the housing unit 14. The one end of the intake air passage forming unit 20 forms the hose connection port 11. The other end of the intake air passage forming unit 20 opens at the upper surface of the accommodation unit 14. That is, the other end of the intake air passage forming portion 20 is opened by the housing body 17. The other end of the intake air passage forming unit 20 forms a first connection port 18 connected to the dust collection unit 15.

  The dust collection unit 15 is for separating dust from dust-containing air and temporarily storing the separated dust. The dust collecting unit 15 separates dust from the air by centrifugal force by rotating the dust-containing air inside. That is, the dust collection unit 15 is a cyclone separation device having a cyclone separation function.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the accommodation unit 14 includes an exhaust air passage forming unit 22. The exhaust air passage forming unit 22 forms an exhaust air passage 23 for guiding the clean air discharged from the dust collection unit 15 to an exhaust port (not shown) in the cleaner body 5. The exhaust air passage forming part 22 is provided so as to pass through the internal space of the container 16. One end of the exhaust air passage forming portion 22 opens at the upper surface of the housing unit 14. That is, the one end of the exhaust air passage forming portion 22 is opened by the housing body 17. The one end of the exhaust air passage forming part 22 forms a second connection port 19 connected to the dust collection unit 15. The other end of the exhaust air passage forming portion 22 opens toward the outside of the accommodation unit 14. The other end of the exhaust air passage forming unit 22 forms an exhaust port.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, an electric blower 24 is provided inside the accommodation unit 14. The electric blower 24 is for generating an airflow in each air passage formed in the vacuum cleaner 1. The air paths formed in the vacuum cleaner 1 are an air path for allowing dust-containing air to flow into the cleaner body 5 from the outside, an intake air path 21, a space in the dust collecting unit 15, and an exhaust air path. 23. The electric blower 24 is disposed in the exhaust air passage 23 at a preset position near the rear end of the housing unit 14.

  When the electric blower 24 starts the suction operation, an air flow is generated in each air passage formed in the vacuum cleaner 1. At this time, a suction force is generated inside the cleaning tool 2, the connection pipe 3, and the suction hose 4. The dust-containing air sucked into the body 6 of the cleaning tool 2 is taken into the cleaner body 5 from the hose connection port 11. Dust-containing air that has flowed into the cleaner body 5 is sent to the dust collection unit 15 from the first connection port 18 via the intake air passage 21. Inside the dust collection unit 15, dust is separated from the dust-containing air. The clean air discharged from the dust collection unit 15 flows into the exhaust air passage 23 and passes through the electric blower 24 in the exhaust air passage 23. The clean air that has passed through the electric blower 24 further travels through the exhaust air passage 23 and is discharged from the exhaust port to the outside of the cleaner body 5.

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the cleaning tool 2 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the cleaning tool 2 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 shows a state in which the suction pipe 8 is perpendicular to the surface to be cleaned, and the suction pipe 8 is cut at a position in the longitudinal direction. FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the cleaning tool 2 of the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the body 6 of the cleaning tool 2 has a proximal end 61 and a distal end 62. Let L be the length (maximum length) from the proximal end 61 to the distal end 62. The direction from the proximal end 61 to the distal end 62 is referred to as the longitudinal direction of the body 6. Let W be the width (maximum width) of the body 6. The width W is the size of the body 6 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the body 6 in plan view. The length L of the body 6 is longer than the width W of the body 6. In the present embodiment, the shape of the body 6 in plan view is a rectangle. The direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the body 6 in plan view is hereinafter referred to as the short direction of the body 6.

  In the present embodiment, the proximal end 61 and the distal end 62 extend linearly in plan view. Not limited to such a configuration, the proximal end 61 and the distal end 62 in a plan view may be at least partially curved or polygonal. In this case, the length L of the body 6 indicates the maximum length in the longitudinal direction between the proximal end 61 and the distal end 62 in plan view. In the present embodiment, the width W of the body 6 is constant along the longitudinal direction of the body 6. Not limited to this configuration, the width W of the body 6 may change along the longitudinal direction of the body 6. In this case, the width W of the body 6 indicates the maximum width of the body 6.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the body 6 may include an upper case 31 and a lower case 32. The joint 7 in the present embodiment includes a first rotating part 71 and a second rotating part 72. The second rotating portion 72 is connected to the body 6 so as to be rotatable about the second rotation axis Y. The first rotating part 71 is connected to the second rotating part 72 so that it can rotate around the first rotation axis X. The second rotation axis Y is not parallel to the first rotation axis X. The second rotation axis Y is at a crossing or twisting position with respect to the first rotation axis X. In FIG. 8, the first rotation axis X and the second rotation axis Y are indicated by alternate long and short dash lines. In the present embodiment, the second rotation axis Y is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the body 6. The first rotation axis X is substantially perpendicular to the second rotation axis Y. Thus, the joint 7 in this Embodiment has the 1st rotating shaft X and the 2nd rotating shaft Y which are several rotating shafts which are not mutually parallel.

  In the present embodiment, the joint 7 is connected to the end face of the proximal end 61 of the body 6. The second rotating portion 72 of the joint 7 is connected to the end surface of the proximal end 61 of the body 6 so as to be rotatable about the second rotation axis Y.

  In the present embodiment, the first rotating portion 71 of the joint 7 and the suction pipe 8 are integrally formed. Not only such a structure but the 1st rotation part 71 of the joint 7 and the suction pipe 8 may be comprised by another member, and both members may be connected so that attachment or detachment is possible.

  As the second rotating portion 72 of the joint 7 rotates about the second rotation axis Y, the direction of the first rotation axis X changes. The first rotation axis X is relative to the second rotation axis Y. Maintained vertically. The second rotating portion 72 can rotate around the second rotation axis Y within a preset angle range with respect to the body 6. The first rotating portion 71 of the joint 7 can rotate around the first rotation axis X within a predetermined angle range with respect to the second rotating portion 72.

  As shown in FIG. 9, a first suction channel 81 is formed inside the suction pipe 8. As shown in FIG. 10, the body 6 includes a suction opening 49. The suction opening 49 opens in the bottom surface 64 of the body 6. The bottom surface 64 of the body 6 faces the surface to be cleaned during use, that is, during cleaning. Inside the joint 7, a channel (not shown) serving as an air passage that is fluidly connected to the suction opening 49 and the first suction channel 81 is formed.

  When the electric blower 24 is activated, dust-containing air is sucked from the suction opening 49. Thereafter, the dust-containing air passes through the channel inside the joint 7 and the first suction channel 81 inside the suction pipe 8 and flows into the connection pipe 3.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the cleaning tool 2 includes an agitator 35 and a motor 37. The agitator 35 is rotatably attached to the body 6. A rotational axis R1 of the agitator 35 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the body 6. As the agitator 35 rotates, the surface to be cleaned is agitated and dust is scraped up from the surface to be cleaned. When the body 6 includes the upper case 31 and the lower case 32, the agitator 35 may be attached to the lower case 32. A driven wheel 36 is connected to one end side of the agitator 35. The driven wheel 36 rotates integrally with the agitator 35. The other end side of the agitator 35 is rotatably supported with respect to the body 6 via the shaft 48.

  The motor 37 outputs power for rotating the agitator 35. The motor 37 in the present embodiment is an electric motor. In the present invention, the motor 37 that rotates the agitator 35 is not limited to an electric motor, and may be a turbine that rotates by an air flow, for example. The motor 37 includes an output shaft 38. The center line of the output shaft 38 of the motor 37, that is, the rotation axis R2 of the motor 37 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis R1 of the agitator 35. The output shaft 38 is connected to the driven wheel 36 via the driving belt 40. The driving force of the motor 37 is transmitted to the agitator 35 through the output shaft 38, the driving belt 40, and the driven wheel 36, whereby the agitator 35 rotates. Instead of the illustrated configuration, the driving force of the motor 37 may be transmitted to the agitator 35 by other transmission means such as a gear train.

  The body 6 includes an agitator chamber 50. The agitator chamber 50 is formed inside the body 6. The agitator chamber 50 accommodates the agitator 35. A suction opening 49 is formed by opening at least a part of the lower surface of the agitator chamber 50. The body 6 may further include a suction opening formed on a surface (for example, a side surface) other than the bottom surface 64 of the body 6. In that case, the total opening area of the suction openings formed on the surface other than the bottom surface 64 of the body 6 is preferably smaller than the total opening area of the suction openings 49 formed on the bottom surface 64 of the body 6. By configuring as such, the following effects can be obtained. Mainly, dust can be sucked from the suction openings 49 formed in the bottom surface 64 of the body 6, so that variations in suction performance can be reduced.

  According to the present embodiment, the rotation shaft R2 of the motor 37 is substantially parallel to the rotation shaft R1 of the agitator 35, so that the following effects can be obtained. The motor 37 can be arranged in a space-saving manner. The area of the suction opening 49 can be increased. The cleaning tool 2 can be reduced in weight. In the present embodiment, the direction in which the output shaft 38 protrudes from the motor 37 is the same as the direction in which the driven wheel 36 protrudes from the agitator 35.

  In the present embodiment, the motor 37 is disposed closer to the proximal end 61 than the distal end 62 of the body 6. As a result, the position of the motor 37, which is a relatively heavy component, is close to the joint 7, so that the center of gravity can be brought closer to the joint 7. Therefore, the user can move the cleaning tool 2 with a lighter force.

  FIG. 11 is a side view of the cleaning tool 2 according to the first embodiment viewed from the gaze of the body 6 in the short direction. In the following description, the angle of the longitudinal axis 82 of the suction pipe 8 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the body 6 is referred to as a first angle α. As shown in FIG. 11, the size of the first angle α can be changed by rotating the joint 7 around the first rotation axis X. The first angle α corresponds to an inferior angle formed by the body 6 and the suction pipe 8. The angle range in which the joint 7 can rotate around the first rotation axis X may be a range in which the first angle α can vary from 70 ° to 180 °, for example, as shown in FIG. The angle range in which the joint 7 can rotate around the first rotation axis X may be even larger, for example, a range in which the first angle α can vary from 0 ° to 180 °.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the longitudinal axis 82 of the suction pipe 8 may be inclined with respect to the first rotating portion 71 of the joint 7. In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, the longitudinal axis 82 of the suction pipe 8 may be coaxial or parallel to the first rotating portion 71 of the joint 7. As shown in FIG. 9, when the cross-sectional shape of the first suction channel 81 in the suction pipe 8 is a polygon, a vertical bisector of one side of the polygon and a vertical bisector of the other side A line connecting the intersection points with the longitudinal direction of the suction pipe 8 may be regarded as the longitudinal axis 82 of the suction pipe 8. When the cross-sectional shape of the first suction channel 81 in the suction pipe 8 is circular, a line connecting the center of the circle in the longitudinal direction of the suction pipe 8 may be regarded as the longitudinal axis 82 of the suction pipe 8. .

  FIG. 12 is a side view of the cleaning tool 2 according to the first embodiment as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the body 6. A semi-circular double arrow in FIG. 12 shows an example of an angle range in which the joint 7 can rotate around the second rotation axis Y. In the following description, an angle between a virtual plane including a virtual straight line parallel to the longitudinal direction of the body 6 and the longitudinal axis 82 of the suction pipe 8 and the bottom surface 64 of the body 6 is referred to as a second angle β. As the joint 7 rotates about the second rotation axis Y, the magnitude of the second angle β can be changed. The angle range in which the joint 7 can rotate around the second rotation axis Y may be, for example, a range in which the second angle β can vary from 0 ° to 180 °, as shown in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. Even if the first angle α and the second angle β increase or decrease as the joint 7 rotates about the second rotation axis Y and the first rotation axis X, the opening direction of the suction opening 49 is maintained. As described above, the suction pipe 8 connected to the joint 7 can be tilted with respect to the body 6 within a preset angle range while maintaining the opening direction of the suction opening 49. Since the joint 7 can rotate around the second rotation axis Y and the first rotation axis X, that is, the first angle α and the second angle β can be increased or decreased, the movement in the twist direction A in FIG. Regardless of the movement in the tilt direction B, the bottom surface 64 of the body 6 can be maintained parallel to the surface to be cleaned. That is, the distance between the suction opening 49 and the surface to be cleaned does not change. For this reason, it can suppress that the vacuum degree around the suction opening 49 falls, and the body 6 can be operated, maintaining suction performance favorable.

  9 to 12 show a state where the second angle β is 90 °. As shown in FIG. 12, the joint 7 has a symmetrical shape through a plane perpendicular to the bottom surface 64 through the center in the short direction of the body 6 in a plan view when the second angle β is 90 °. .

  In the following description, a narrow gap formed between furniture, for example, is referred to as “narrow place”. Moreover, what has a joint in the center of the longitudinal direction of the body 6 of a cleaning tool like the conventional cleaning tool is called a "center joint type cleaning tool." In the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. The length from the distal end 62 of the body 6 to the joint 7 can be made longer than the length from one end of the body 6 to the joint of the central joint type cleaner. When cleaning a narrow space having a width equal to or greater than the width W of the body 6, the body 6 is inserted into the narrow space from the distal end 62, so that the body 6 is inserted deeper than the central joint type cleaner. it can. For this reason, a narrow place can be cleaned easily. The turning radius when the body 6 is rotated about the joint 7 in plan view is longer than that of the central joint type cleaner. The length of the body 6 in the longitudinal direction can be used efficiently. The cleaning range when the body 6 is rotated can be widened, and efficient cleaning can be performed in a short time.

  In the present invention, the joint 7 may not be connected to the end surface of the proximal end 61 of the body 6. In the present invention, the joint 7 may be located closer to the proximal end 61 than the distal end 62. That is, the joint 7 may be disposed at a position that is biased toward the proximal end 61 side from the center in the longitudinal direction of the body 6. If the joint 7 is located closer to the proximal end 61 than the distal end 62, the body 6 can be inserted deeper into the narrow space than the central joint type cleaner.

  FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a usage pattern of the cleaning tool 2 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating another example of the usage pattern of the cleaning tool 2 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 shows a usage pattern in which the body 6 is moved in the lateral direction. FIG. 14 shows a usage pattern in which the body 6 is moved in the longitudinal direction. Hereinafter, the usage pattern illustrated in FIG. 13 is also referred to as “L-shaped configuration”, and the usage pattern illustrated in FIG. 14 is also referred to as “I-shaped configuration”.

  The user can operate the direction of the body 6 of the cleaning tool 2 with a hand holding the handle 9 when cleaning using the electric vacuum cleaner 1. For example, when the handle 9 is rotated in the twist direction A shown in FIG. 1, the joint 7 is rotated and the direction of the body 6 is changed. The user can change the direction of the body 6 when moving the handle 9 back and forth by twisting the handle 9. In this case, the orientation of the body 6 can be changed between, for example, an L shape and an I shape. By making the direction of the body 6 L-shaped, a wide area can be easily cleaned. By narrowing the body 6 in an I shape, the narrow space can be easily cleaned. When the orientation of the body 6 changes between the L shape and the I shape, the body 6 can rotate without leaving the surface to be cleaned. In the present embodiment, the radius of rotation of the body 6 at this time is approximately the same as the length L of the body 6 in plan view.

  In the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. It is possible to change the usage pattern of the cleaning tool 2 between the L-shaped form and the I-shaped form depending on the situation. For example, when cleaning a large place such as the center of a room, the cleaning range can be widened by using the cleaning tool 2 in an L-shape. For example, when cleaning a narrow space such as a gap in furniture, the body 6 can be inserted into the back of the narrow space by using the cleaning tool 2 in an I-shape. By simply changing the direction of the body 6, it is possible to cope with cleaning of various scenes including a wide area and a narrow area. It is possible to reduce the necessity to remove and replace the attachment according to the place to be cleaned, and to reduce the burden on the user.

  The length L of the body 6 is preferably 10 cm or more. If the length L of the body 6 is 10 cm or more, the cleaning range when the cleaning tool 2 is used in an L-shape and when the body 6 is rotated by movement in the twist direction A can be sufficiently widened. The length L of the body 6 is preferably 30 cm or less. If the length L of the body 6 is 30 cm or less, a suction force capable of sufficiently sucking dust can be secured even at the end of the suction opening 49 far from the joint 7.

  According to the present embodiment, the joint 7 is connected to the surface of the proximal end 61 corresponding to one end of the body 6 in the longitudinal direction, and the following effects are obtained. Since the radius of rotation when the body 6 is rotated about the joint 7 in plan view can be further increased, more efficient cleaning is possible. Since the height from the surface to be cleaned to the joint 7 is suppressed and it becomes easy to clean a low place such as under the sofa, the operability of the cleaning tool 2 can be improved. The body 6 can be inserted deeper into the narrow space. For this reason, a narrow place can be cleaned especially easily.

  As shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 12, in the state where the second angle β is 90 °, the size of the joint 7 and the suction pipe 8 along the short direction of the body 6 is the maximum width of the body 6. Less than W. With this configuration, the following effects can be obtained in the present embodiment. If the width of the narrow space is equal to or larger than the maximum width W of the body 6, the cleaning tool 2 can be inserted into the narrow space in an I-shape and the narrow space can be cleaned.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the joint 7 is located substantially in the center of the body 6 in the short direction. That is, the connection portion between the joint 7 and the end face of the proximal end 61 is located substantially at the center of the width W of the body 6 in plan view. With this configuration, the following effects can be obtained in the present embodiment. When the cleaning tool 2 is I-shaped and inserted into a narrow space, it is possible to more reliably suppress the joint 7 and the suction pipe 8 from being obstructed. When the cleaning tool 2 is moved, the body 6 is less likely to be separated from the surface to be cleaned, maintaining high suction performance and improving operability.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram of the cleaning tool 2 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, the cleaning tool 2 includes a control unit 90 and a sensor 95. The control unit 90 controls the operation of the motor 37 that drives the agitator 35. The sensor 95 is an example of detection means, that is, a detector that detects whether or not the first angle α is larger than the reference angle. The control unit 90 controls the operation of the motor 37 according to the detection result of the sensor 95. The reference angle may be 90 °, for example. The reference angle may be an angle larger than 90 °, for example.

  When the cleaning tool 2 is used in an I-shape, the first angle α is larger than when the cleaning tool 2 is used in an L-shape. When the first angle α is larger than the reference angle, it can be considered that the cleaning tool 2 is used in an I-shape. When the first angle α is smaller than the reference angle, it can be considered that the cleaning tool 2 is used in an L shape. That is, when the sensor 95 detects that the first angle α is larger than the reference angle, it can be considered that the cleaning tool 2 is used in an I-shape. When the sensor 95 detects that the first angle α is not larger than the reference angle, that is, when the sensor 95 detects that the first angle α is smaller than the reference angle, It can be considered that the cleaning tool 2 is used in the L-shape.

  The controller 90 is configured so that the rotational speed of the agitator 35 when the first angle α is larger than the reference angle is lower than the rotational speed of the agitator 35 when the first angle α is smaller than the reference angle. The motor 37 is controlled. For example, the control unit 90 causes the output of the motor 37 when the first angle α is larger than the reference angle to be lower than the output of the motor 37 when the first angle α is smaller than the reference angle. The power supplied to the motor 37 may be controlled. By doing so, the following effects can be obtained.

  When the rotational speed of the agitator 35 is high, the rotation of the agitator 35 generates a force that causes the body 6 to self-run in the short direction. On the other hand, when narrow spaces are cleaned in the I-shape, it is assumed that the body 6 is cleaned by reciprocating in the longitudinal direction. At this time, if the body 6 moves in the short direction by the self-propelling force caused by the rotation of the agitator 35, the body 6 moves in a direction different from the direction intended by the user. For this reason, operativity falls. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when the first angle α is larger than the reference angle, that is, when it can be regarded as an I-shape, the rotational speed of the agitator 35 is reduced, so that the short side of the body 6 is reduced. Self-propelled power in the direction can be suppressed. For this reason, when it is I-shaped, it can suppress reliably that the body 6 moves to the direction different from the direction which a user intends, and operativity improves.

  The self-propelled force due to the rotation of the agitator 35 varies depending on the rotational speed of the agitator 35, the frictional force with the surface to be cleaned, the hardness, length, amount of hair, the weight applied to the body 6, etc. To do. When the first angle α is larger than the reference angle, the control unit 90 desirably performs control so that the self-running force is suppressed to the extent that the user does not feel burdened.

  The controller 90 may stop the rotation of the agitator 35 when the first angle α is larger than the reference angle. That is, the output of the motor 37 may be zero. By stopping the rotation of the agitator 35, that is, by setting the output of the motor 37 to zero, it is possible to reliably prevent the body 6 from traveling in the short direction. For this reason, it can suppress reliably that the body 6 moves to the direction different from the direction which a user intends at the time of I character form, and operativity improves.

  When the first angle α changes from a state where the first angle α is larger than the reference angle to a state where the first angle α is smaller than the reference angle, the control unit 90 increases the rotational speed of the agitator 35 to thereby increase the agitator 35. Return to the normal rotation speed. When the rotation of the agitator 35 is stopped when the first angle α is larger than the reference angle, the controller 90 changes the agitator 35 after the first angle α is changed to be smaller than the reference angle. Restart the rotation.

  The sensor 95 may be of any principle or method as long as it can detect whether or not the first angle α is larger than the reference angle. The sensor 95 may be a non-contact detecting sensor (for example, an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, etc.) or a contact type sensor. Although illustration of a specific configuration of the sensor 95 is omitted, for example, the sensor 95 may be configured as one of the following.

  (1) The sensor 95 may be a rotation angle sensor that detects a rotation angle. The rotation angle sensor may be provided between the first rotating part 71 and the second rotating part 72 of the joint 7. You may detect the rotation angle of the 1st rotation part 71 of the joint 7 with the said rotation angle sensor. By detecting the rotation angle of the first rotation unit 71, the value of the first angle α can be detected.

  (2) The sensor 95 may be a sensor that can detect the posture of the suction pipe 8 (for example, an inclination sensor, an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a gyro sensor, a motion sensor, etc.). The sensor 95 may detect the posture of the suction pipe 8 with respect to the horizontal plane by detecting the direction of gravity. The sensor 95 may be attached to the suction pipe 8. The cleaning tool 2 is mainly used for cleaning a horizontal surface to be cleaned. For this reason, it may be assumed that the bottom surface 64 of the body 6 is horizontal. Assuming that the bottom surface 64 of the body 6 is horizontal, it is possible to detect whether or not the first angle α is larger than the reference angle by detecting the posture of the suction pipe 8 with respect to the horizontal plane. For example, the sensor 95 may detect the attitude of the virtual vector 83 in FIG. The virtual vector 83 is a vector that is on a plane including the longitudinal axis 82 of the suction pipe 8 and the second rotation axis Y, is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 82, and faces in the direction shown in FIG. When the first angle α is less than 90 °, the virtual vector 83 is obliquely upward with respect to the horizontal plane. When the first angle α is 90 °, the virtual vector 83 is horizontal. When the first angle α exceeds 90 °, the virtual vector 83 is obliquely downward with respect to the horizontal plane. Assuming that the reference angle is 90 °, the sensor 95 detects whether the virtual vector 83 is obliquely downward or obliquely upward with respect to the horizontal plane, so that the first angle α is compared to the reference angle 90 °. Whether the state is large can be detected.

  (3) The sensor 95 may be a distance sensor. For example, in FIG. 11, the distance sensor may detect the distance between the point 73 on the surface of the first rotating portion 71 of the joint 7 and the surface of the proximal end 61 of the body 6. In the state of FIG. 11, the distance between the point 73 and the surface of the proximal end 61 is zero. As the first angle α increases from the state of FIG. 11, the distance between the point 73 and the surface of the proximal end 61 increases. For this reason, based on the distance detected by the distance sensor, it is possible to detect whether or not the first angle α is larger than the reference angle.

  (4) The sensor 95 may be a sensor that detects the positional relationship between the first rotating portion 71 and the second rotating portion 72 of the joint 7. In this case, according to the positional relationship of the first rotation unit 71 with respect to the second rotation unit 72, the first angle α is larger than the reference angle and the first angle α is smaller than the reference angle. The sensor 95 may output a different signal. In this case, the sensor 95 may be configured as follows, although not shown. The sensor 95 includes a magnet provided on one of the first rotating unit 71 and the second rotating unit 72 and a magnetic force detecting unit or a magnetic field detecting unit provided on the other, and the magnetic force detecting unit or the magnetic field detecting unit detects the magnet. Depending on the magnetic force or magnetic field, it may be detected whether the first angle α is larger than the reference angle. The sensor 95 includes a member that is deformed by the rotation of the first rotation unit 71 with respect to the second rotation unit 72 and a stress detection unit that detects the stress of the member, and responds to the stress detected by the stress detection unit. Thus, it may be detected whether or not the first angle α is larger than the reference angle. The sensor 95 includes a light emitting part provided in one of the first rotating part 71 and the second rotating part 72 and a light receiving part provided in the other, and the first angle is set according to a change in the light receiving state of the light receiving part. It may be detected whether or not α is larger than the reference angle.

  According to the sensor 95 as described above, whether or not the first angle α is larger than the reference angle can be detected regardless of the change in the second angle β.

  FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in FIG. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line FF in FIG. In FIG. 16, the body 6 represents a cross section taken along line EE in FIG. 10, and the agitator 35, the driven wheel 36, the motor 37, the output shaft 38, and the driving belt 40 are proximal to the body 6. The side surface seen from the end 61 side is represented.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the agitator 35 includes a cylindrical base body 43 and a protruding member 44. The protruding member 44 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical base body 43. The protruding member 44 is held by a holding portion (not shown) provided on the cylindrical base body 43. As the projecting member 44, for example, fibrous brush hairs may be used, or a blade of soft material may be used, or a combination thereof may be used. The protruding members 44 may be arranged on the outer periphery of the cylindrical base body 43 in a spiral shape with the rotation axis R1 as the center. In that case, the protruding members 44 may be arranged in at least two rows (for example, four rows), and a spiral trough portion may be formed between the rows. Alternatively, the protruding members 44 may be arranged on the outer periphery of the cylindrical base body 43 in parallel with the rotation axis R1.

  In the present embodiment, when the body 6 is placed on a horizontal surface to be cleaned, the following positional relationship is obtained. The center position of the output shaft 38 of the motor 37, that is, the position of the rotation axis R2 is higher than the position of the rotation axis R1 of the agitator 35. The lower end position of the motor 37 is lower than the upper end position of the agitator 35. Thereby, the following effects are acquired. The agitator 35 and the motor 37 can be arranged in a space-saving manner, and the body 6 can be downsized.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the joint 7 has a suction channel 74 therein. The suction channel 74 communicates with the first suction channel 81 in the suction pipe 8. The suction channel 74 serves as a dusty air passage or air passage. The body 6 includes a second suction channel 51 and a partition wall 45. The second suction channel 51 and the partition wall 45 are formed inside the body 6. The second suction channel 51 extends substantially parallel to the rotation axis R <b> 1 of the agitator 35. The second suction channel 51 communicates with the suction channel 74 in the joint 7. The second suction channel 51 becomes a passage of dusty air, that is, an air passage. The partition wall 45 separates the agitator chamber 50 and the second suction channel 51. The partition wall 45 includes a vent 46 from the agitator chamber 50 to the second suction channel 51. Although the number of the vent holes 46 provided in the partition wall 45 in the present embodiment is one, the partition wall 45 may include a plurality of vent holes 46. The vent 46 faces the outer periphery of the agitator 35. The partition wall 45 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis R <b> 1 of the agitator 35.

  The body 6 in the present embodiment includes a third suction channel 59, a partition wall 52, and an opening 53. The third suction channel 59 and the partition wall 52 are formed inside the body 6. The opening 53 opens in the connection surface between the body 6 and the joint 7. The third suction channel 59 extends substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis R1 of the agitator 35. The third suction channel 59 is formed at a position closer to the proximal end 61 than the distal end 62 of the body 6. The partition wall 52 separates the agitator chamber 50 from the third suction channel 59. The partition wall 45 is connected to the partition wall 52. The partition wall 52 is substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis R <b> 1 of the agitator 35. In the present embodiment, the second suction channel 51 communicates with the suction channel 74 in the joint 7 through the third suction channel 59 and the opening 53. Thus, the second suction channel 51 may communicate with the suction channel 74 through another passage. Not limited to this configuration, the second suction channel 51 may directly communicate with the suction channel 74 without passing through another passage.

  In the present embodiment, the second suction channel 51 and the partition wall 45 are formed along the rotation axis R <b> 1 of the agitator 35 over substantially the entire length of the agitator 35. Not limited to this configuration, the second suction channel 51 and the partition wall 45 may be formed along a rotation axis R <b> 1 of the agitator 35 in a part of the entire length of the agitator 35.

  The arrows in FIG. 17 indicate the flow of dust-containing air. The dust-containing air flowing into the body 6 from the suction opening 49 passes through the agitator chamber 50, the vent 46, the second suction channel 51, the third suction channel 59, and the opening 53, and the suction channel 74 in the joint 7. Proceed to According to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained by providing the vent hole 46 in the partition wall 45 separating the agitator chamber 50 and the second suction channel 51. It is possible to suppress the suction amount from the suction opening 49 from being biased toward the joint 7, and to suppress unevenness in the suction amount throughout the suction opening 49. The dust scraped up by the agitator 35 can be efficiently sucked from the vent 46 to the second suction channel 51.

  In the present embodiment, the vent 46 is in a position biased toward the distal end 62 with respect to the longitudinal position of the body 6 with respect to the center of the length of the agitator 35. Thereby, the following effects are acquired. The suction amount unevenness can be more reliably suppressed in the entire suction opening 49. Unevenness of the suction amount in the longitudinal direction of the agitator 35 can be reduced. When the partition wall 45 includes a plurality of vent holes 46, the same effect as described above can be obtained by setting the position of at least one of the vent holes 46 as described above. When the partition wall 45 includes a single vent 46, the same effect as described above can be obtained when the vent 46 is located at the center of the length of the agitator 35 with respect to the longitudinal position of the body 6. can get. In the case where the partition wall 45 includes a plurality of vent holes 46, at least one of the vent holes 46 is located at the center position of the length of the agitator 35 with respect to the longitudinal position of the body 6. Similar effects are obtained.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the body 6 in the present embodiment includes a partition wall 34 and a motor chamber 39. The motor chamber 39 accommodates the motor 37. The partition wall 34 separates the motor chamber 39 and the agitator chamber 50 and between the motor chamber 39 and the second suction channel 51. The motor 37 is located at least partially above the second suction channel 51. The partition wall 45 may be at least partially perpendicular to the bottom surface 64 of the body 6 and the surface to be cleaned. The present embodiment is configured as follows. The second suction channel 51 is located at least partially between the bottom surface 64 of the body 6 and the motor 37. The position of the upper inner wall surface of the second suction channel 51 is at a height lower than the upper end of the agitator 35. With this configuration, in the present embodiment, the width W of the body 6 and the height of the body 6 can be reduced.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the body 6 of the present embodiment includes an agitator entrance / exit 54 connected from the agitator chamber 50 to the end face of the distal end 62. The agitator 35 can be removed from the body 6 by pulling the agitator 35 out of the body 6 through the agitator entrance 54. By removing the agitator 35 from the body 6, dirt attached to the agitator 35 can be easily removed. Since the outer periphery of the agitator 35 is elastically deformable, the agitator 35 can pass through the agitator inlet / outlet 54 having an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the agitator 35. A shaft 48 that supports the agitator 35 is connected to a plug 55. The agitator 35 is rotatable with respect to the plug 55. When the agitator 35 is properly attached to the body 6, the plug 55 blocks the agitator entrance / exit 54. The cleaning tool 2 preferably includes a lock mechanism (not shown) that can be switched between a state in which the plug 55 is locked with respect to the agitator doorway 54 and a state in which the plug 55 is released. Since the lock mechanism is known, the description thereof is omitted. In the present embodiment, the motor 37 is disposed at a position closer to the proximal end 61 than the distal end 62 of the body 6, whereby a structure in which the agitator 35 can be pulled out from the agitator entrance / exit 54 can be easily realized.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the cleaning tool 2 of the present embodiment includes a roller 47 installed at the lower portion of the body 6. The roller 47 can rotate while being in contact with the surface to be cleaned. The roller 47 can support the body 6 on the surface to be cleaned. By providing the roller 47, the body 6 can move more smoothly on the surface to be cleaned. The user can move the body 6 of the cleaning tool 2 with a lighter force with respect to the surface to be cleaned. Both when the body 6 moves in the short direction with respect to the surface to be cleaned (L-shape described above) and when the body 6 moves in the longitudinal direction with respect to the surface to be cleaned (I-shape described above). The direction of the roller 47 may be variable so as to correspond to the above. Or you may install the spherical roller which can rotate to arbitrary directions in the lower part of the body 6. FIG.

  The cleaning tool 2 may be provided with the following movable wheels (not shown). The movable wheel is supported with respect to the body 6 so as to be displaceable between a first position protruding from the bottom surface 64 of the body 6 and a second position retracted inside the body 6. The movable wheel is biased in the direction from the second position toward the first position. When the body 6 is on the surface to be cleaned, the movable wheel is in the second position. When the body 6 is away from the surface to be cleaned, the movable wheel moves from the second position to the first position. The body 6 is provided with a switch (not shown) that is turned on when the movable wheel is at the second position and turned off when the movable wheel is at the first position. If the switch is in an on state during the operation of the electric blower 24, the motor 37 is energized and the agitator 35 rotates. When the switch is in the OFF state, the energization to the motor 37 is stopped and the agitator 35 is stopped. By configuring as described above, it is possible to prevent the agitator 35 from rotating while the body 6 is away from the surface to be cleaned. For this reason, it can suppress reliably that a hand touches the rotating agitator 35. FIG.

  Said movable wheel may be comprised at least partially by soft materials, such as a fibrous material and an elastomer, for example. The movable wheel may be formed at least partially from a material softer than the material of the main part of the body 6, for example. A buffer (not shown) formed of a soft material (for example, elastomer or vinyl chloride) that is relatively easy to deform may be installed on the lower portion of the front side of the body 6 (upper side in FIG. 10).

  In addition, by arranging the vent hole 46 closer to the distal end than the proximal end, the cleaning ability is improved because the suction force on the distal end side is high when cleaning a narrow space with an I-shape or the like. improves.

  The cleaning tool 2 of the present embodiment includes a lock mechanism 26. FIG. 18 is a view for explaining the lock mechanism 26 provided in the cleaning tool 2 of the first embodiment. The lock mechanism 26 switches between a locked state and an unlocked state. When the lock mechanism 26 is in the locked state, the first angle α is prevented from changing from the holding angle to a different angle. The lock mechanism 26 in the present embodiment prevents the joint 7 from rotating about the first rotation axis X when the first angle α is equal to the holding angle. The holding angle is an angle of 90 ° or less, and is a preset angle. The holding angle may be an angle at which the cleaning tool 2 can be used in an L shape, for example. In the present embodiment, when the first angle α becomes equal to the holding angle while the joint 7 rotates about the first rotation axis X, the lock mechanism 26 operates to fix the first angle α. In the present embodiment, the case where the cleaning tool 2 includes one lock mechanism 26 will be described. However, in the present invention, the cleaning tool may include a plurality of lock mechanisms.

  FIG. 18 is a view of the joint 7 as seen from a line of sight perpendicular to the first rotation axis X and the longitudinal axis 82 of the suction pipe 8. FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view. FIG. 18 shows a locked state. As shown in FIG. 18, the lock mechanism 26 in the present embodiment includes a first recess 261, a pin 262, a spring 263, and a second recess 264. The first recess 261 is formed in the first rotating portion 71 of the joint 7. The pin 262 is inserted into the first recess 261. The pin 262 is movable so that the protruding length from the first recess 261 changes. The spring 263 is installed in the first recess 261. The spring 263 biases the pin 262 in the direction in which the protruding length of the pin 262 from the first recess 261 increases. The second rotating portion 72 of the joint 7 has an outer peripheral surface 721 centered on the first rotation axis X. The first recess 261 faces the outer peripheral surface 721 of the second rotating part 72. The second recessed portion 264 is formed on the outer peripheral surface 721 of the second rotating portion 72. The second recess 264 is in a position facing the first recess 261 when the first angle α is equal to the holding angle.

  When the first angle α is not equal to the holding angle, the following occurs. The tip of the pin 262 contacts the outer peripheral surface 721 of the portion where the second recess 264 is not formed. The tip of the pin 262 can slide with respect to the outer peripheral surface 721. The first rotating portion 71 of the joint 7 is rotatable with respect to the second rotating portion 72 about the first rotation axis X. That is, the first angle α is allowed to change. Such a state corresponds to the unlocked state of the lock mechanism 26.

  When the first angle α is equal to the holding angle in the unlocked state, the pin 262 protrudes by being pushed by the spring 263, and a part of the pin 262 is inserted into the second recess 264. That is, it switches to the locked state shown in FIG. In the locked state, the first rotating portion 71 is prevented from rotating with respect to the second rotating portion 72 by the pin 262. For this reason, the first angle α is prevented from changing from the holding angle to a different angle.

  In the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained by providing the lock mechanism 26. When used in the L-shape shown in FIG. 13, the first angle α can be held so as not to change by operating the lock mechanism 26. When used in an L-shape, the suction pipe 8 moves the body 6 forward and backward when viewed from the user. At this time, the following force acts by the frictional force between the body 6 and the surface to be cleaned. When the suction pipe 8 advances the body 6 when viewed from the user, a force is applied to reduce the first angle α. When the suction pipe 8 retracts the body 6 when viewed from the user, a force is applied to increase the first angle α. If the lock mechanism 26 is not provided, the first angle α changes or the handle 9 is twisted each time the suction pipe 8 moves the body 6 forward or backward when viewed from the user. Difficult to clean. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the lock mechanism 26 is provided, a change in the first angle α can be suppressed when used in an L-shape, and excellent operability is obtained.

  When used in an L-shape, the handle 9 may be operated to lift the body 6 from the surface to be cleaned for the purpose of avoiding a step on the floor or moving to another location. At this time, if the locking mechanism 26 is not provided, the body 6 is tilted so that the distal end 62 is lowered by the rotation of the joint 7 in the direction in which the first angle α is enlarged. If the body 6 is landed again on the surface to be cleaned from this state, the distal end 62 may collide with the surface to be cleaned. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, by providing the lock mechanism 26, when the body 6 is lifted from the surface to be cleaned in an L shape, the body 6 can be prevented from being tilted. 64 and the suction opening 49 can be maintained parallel to or near parallel to the surface to be cleaned. For this reason, the body 6 can be landed on the surface to be cleaned again smoothly and easily.

  When the lock mechanism 26 prevents the first angle α from changing from the holding angle to a different angle, that is, when in the locked state, when a force greater than the threshold acts in the direction of changing the first angle α, The fixing of the first angle α by the lock mechanism 26 may be automatically released, i.e., automatically switched to the unlocked state. In that case, it is desirable that the threshold value satisfies the following conditions. It is desirable that the lock of the first angle α by the lock mechanism 26 is not automatically released when the suction pipe 8 moves forward or backward when the body 6 is viewed from the user in an L shape. When the suction pipe 8 lifts the body 6 from the surface to be cleaned in the L shape, it is desirable that the lock of the first angle α by the lock mechanism 26 is not automatically released.

  When the lock of the first angle α by the lock mechanism 26 is released, that is, in the unlocked state, the first angle α can be changed again. In that case, the first angle α may be an acute angle smaller than the holding angle. That is, there may be a holding angle in the middle of an angle range in which the first angle α can be changed.

  The cleaning tool 2 according to the first embodiment includes a release mechanism 27 that releases the fixation of the first angle α by the lock mechanism 26 according to an operation applied to the lock release button 25. As shown in FIG. 1, the lock release button 25 is an example of an operation unit installed on the handle 9. As shown in FIG. 18, the release mechanism 27 includes a wire 28. One end of the wire 28 is connected to the pin 262 of the lock mechanism 26. When the wire 28 is pulled in the locked state, the pin 262 is pulled into the first recessed portion 261 and the pin 262 is removed from the second recessed portion 264, thereby entering the unlocked state. Although not shown, the other end of the wire 28 extends to the inside of the handle 9 along the joint 7 and the suction pipe 8. The handle 9 has a built-in mechanism (not shown) that converts the movement when the lock release button 25 is pressed into the movement of pulling the wire 28. When the lock mechanism 26 is activated, when the user presses the lock release button 25, the wire 28 is pulled, and the lock of the first angle α by the lock mechanism 26 is released. In the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. When the user desires to change the first angle α when the first angle α is fixed by the lock mechanism 26, the user changes the position of the finger holding the handle 9 and releases the lock release button. The first angle α can be released from being locked by the lock mechanism 26 simply by pressing 25. For this reason, it is not necessary to apply force to the handle 9 in a direction away from the body 6 and the suction pipe 8. Therefore, since the body 6 does not tilt so that the distal end 62 side of the body 6 is separated from the surface to be cleaned, it is possible to reliably suppress a temporary decrease in suction performance. Further, since it is not necessary to perform an operation of pressing the body 6 with a foot or the like, troublesomeness does not occur.

  The configuration of the lock mechanism 26 and the release mechanism 27 in the present embodiment is an example. The lock mechanism 26 and the release mechanism 27 in the present embodiment can be replaced with other configurations that can exhibit the same or similar functions. For example, instead of the release mechanism 27 described above, a configuration in which the lock mechanism 26 is released by transmitting an operation applied to the lock release button 25 by an electric signal and operating an actuator may be employed.

  When used in the L-shape shown in FIG. 13, the second angle β can change. The lock mechanism 26 in the first embodiment does not prevent the second angle β from changing. For this reason, since the lock mechanism 26 does not prevent the second angle β from changing when used in the L-shape shown in FIG. 13, the operability can be improved. If the locking mechanism 26 does not prevent the second angle β from changing when used in at least the L-shape, that is, at least when the first angle α is equal to the holding angle, an effect similar to the above can be obtained. It is done.

  The holding angle of the lock mechanism 26 may be an angle smaller than the reference angle described above, that is, an angle when the rotational speed of the agitator 35 is reduced or zero. Alternatively, the holding angle of the lock mechanism 26 may be equal to the reference angle. The sensor 95 described above may detect whether the lock mechanism 26 is in a locked state or an unlocked state. When the lock mechanism 26 is in the locked state, it can be considered to be in an L shape and the first angle α is smaller than the reference angle. When the lock mechanism 26 is in the unlocked state, it can be considered that the shape is I-shaped and the first angle α is larger than the reference angle. Therefore, the controller 90 detects the rotational speed of the agitator 35 when the sensor 95 detects that the lock mechanism 26 is unlocked, and the sensor 95 detects that the lock mechanism 26 is locked. The rotational speed of the agitator 35 may be controlled to be lower or zero compared to the rotational speed of the agitator 35 when the motor is in operation. By doing so, the following effects can be obtained. As the rotation speed of the agitator 35 changes in accordance with the switching of the lock mechanism 26 between the locked state and the unlocked state, the user can easily recognize the change in the rotation speed. As a result, when used in an I-shape, the user can be prevented from feeling psychological resistance that the body 6 may self-run in the short direction, and the ease of cleaning can be realized. it can. The sensor 95 that detects whether the lock mechanism 26 is in a locked state or an unlocked state is, for example, a sensor that detects an increase in angular velocity that occurs when unlocking, a sensor that detects a frictional force when locked, a contact It may be detected by any method, such as a detection of non-contact of what has been done.

  In the first embodiment, the configuration in which the control unit 90 controls the operation of the motor 37 that drives the agitator 35 according to the detection result of the sensor 95 has been described as an example. The present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the driving means for driving the agitator 35 is configured to mechanically adjust the rotational speed of the agitator 35 or stop the agitator 35 according to the first angle α without using the control unit 90 and the sensor 95. Also good. For example, although not shown, the following may be used. A clutch for connecting and disconnecting power is provided in the middle of the power transmission path between the motor 37 and the agitator 35. A conversion mechanism is provided for converting the movement of the joint 7 when the first angle α is changed into connection / disconnection of the clutch. When the first angle α is smaller than the reference angle, the conversion mechanism rotates the agitator 35 by connecting the clutch. When the first angle α is larger than the reference angle, the conversion mechanism stops or reduces the speed of the agitator 35 by disengaging the clutch or putting the clutch into a half-clutch state.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
Next, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 19 and FIG. 20. The difference from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the description of the same or corresponding parts will be simplified or described. Omitted. In addition, in the drawings after FIG. 19 including the embodiments to be described later, the shape, structure, wall thickness, and the like of each part are partially omitted or simplified for convenience.

  FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the cleaning tool 2A of the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 19, in the cleaning tool 2 </ b> A according to the second embodiment, the motor 37 is disposed closer to the distal end 62 than the proximal end 61 of the body 6. With this configuration, the following effects can be obtained in the present embodiment. Since the shape of the suction channel near the joint 7 (not shown in the present embodiment) can be suppressed from being affected by the arrangement of the motor 37, the shape of the suction channel near the joint 7 can be easily and satisfactorily formed. Since the motor 37 can be disposed at a position away from the flow of dust-containing air toward the joint 7, it is difficult for dust to enter the motor 37. It is easy to cool the motor 37. The life of the motor 37 can be improved. The rotational speed of the agitator 35 can be improved, and the dust removal performance is improved.

  FIG. 20 is a side cross-sectional view of the cleaning tool 2A of the second embodiment. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning tool 2A according to Embodiment 2 cut at a position corresponding to the line GG in FIG.

  The cleaning tool 2A of the second embodiment is configured as follows. The center of the output shaft 38 of the motor 37, that is, the rotation axis R <b> 2 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis R <b> 1 of the agitator 35. As shown in FIG. 20, the rotational axis R <b> 2 of the motor 37 is at an obliquely upper position with respect to the rotational axis R <b> 1 of the agitator 35 as viewed in the short direction of the body 6. The body 6 includes a motor chamber 42. The motor chamber 42 accommodates the motor 37. The partition wall 41 separates between the motor chamber 42 and the agitator chamber 50 and between the motor chamber 42 and the second suction channel 51. The motor 37 is located at least partially above the second suction channel 51.

  In the second embodiment, when the body 6 is placed on a horizontal surface to be cleaned, the following positional relationship is obtained. The center position of the output shaft 38 of the motor 37, that is, the position of the rotation axis R2 is higher than the position of the rotation axis R1 of the agitator 35. The lower end position of the motor 37 is lower than the upper end position of the agitator 35. The rotation axis R2 of the motor 37 is at a position obliquely above the rotation axis R1 of the agitator 35. With such a configuration, the following effects can be obtained. The body 6 can be downsized in the short direction and the height direction.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
Next, the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 21. The difference from the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and description of the same or corresponding parts will be simplified or omitted. FIG. 21 is a bottom view of the cleaning tool 2B of the third embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the cleaning tool 2B of the third embodiment includes a first agitator 35a, a second agitator 35b, a first motor 37a, and a second motor 37b. As for the 1st agitator 35a and the 2nd agitator 35b, those rotating shafts R1 are coaxial. The position of the first agitator 35 a is closer to the proximal end 61 than to the distal end 62. The position of the second agitator 35 b is closer to the distal end 62 than to the proximal end 61.

  The first agitator 35a is driven by the first motor 37a. The second agitator 35b is driven by the second motor 37b. The rotation axis R2 of the first motor 37a and the rotation axis R3 of the second motor 37b may be coaxial or may not be coaxial. At least one of the first motor 37a and the second motor 37b is rotatable in both forward and reverse directions.

  The control unit 90 controls the first motor 37a and the second motor 37b as follows according to a signal from the sensor 95 that can detect whether or not the first angle α is larger than the reference angle. . When the first angle α is smaller than the reference angle, the first agitator 35a and the second agitator 35b are rotated in the same direction. In the following description, the rotation direction of the first agitator 35a and the second agitator 35b at this time is assumed to be normal rotation.

  When the first angle α is larger than the reference angle, the control unit 90 reversely rotates one of the first motor 37a and the second motor 37b, so that one of the first agitator 35a and the second agitator 35b. Reverse one. That is, when the first angle α is larger than the reference angle, the first agitator 35a and the second agitator 35b are rotated in opposite directions.

  In the present embodiment, when the first angle α is larger than the reference angle, that is, when it can be regarded as an I-shape, the first agitator 35a and the second agitator 35b rotate in directions opposite to each other, so that The effect is obtained. The self-running force by the first agitator 35a and the self-running force by the second agitator 35b are in opposite directions, so that they are offset. For this reason, when it is I-shaped, it can suppress reliably that the body 6 moves to the direction different from the direction which a user intends, and operativity improves.

  The axial length L2 of the second agitator 35b is preferably shorter than the axial length L1 of the first agitator 35a. The position of the first agitator 35 a is close to the joint 7. For this reason, even if the self-propelled force by the first agitator 35a acts, the body 6 is relatively difficult to move. On the other hand, the position of the second agitator 35 b is far from the joint 7. For this reason, when the self-propelled force by the second agitator 35b acts, the body 6 rotates around the joint 7 and the body 6 tends to face in an oblique direction. By making the length L2 in the axial direction of the second agitator 35b shorter than the length L1 in the axial direction of the first agitator 35a, the self-propelled force by the second agitator 35b can be reduced. Therefore, it can suppress more reliably that the body 6 turns to the diagonal direction with the self-propelled force of the 2nd agitator 35b. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the axial length L2 of the second agitator 35b may be equal to the axial length L1 of the first agitator 35a.

  When the first angle α is larger than the reference angle, it is desirable that the first agitator 35a rotates forward and the second agitator 35b rotates backward. Generally, the cleaning tool is designed to exhibit high suction performance when the agitator rotates in the forward direction. When the agitator rotates in the reverse direction, the suction performance becomes lower than when the agitator rotates in the forward direction. When the first angle α is larger than the reference angle, the first agitator 35a having a long length rotates in the forward direction and the second agitator 35b having a short length rotates in the reverse direction, thereby reducing a decrease in suction performance.

  However, not limited to the above configuration, when the first angle α is larger than the reference angle, the second agitator 35b may rotate forward and the first agitator 35a rotate backward. Thereby, the following effects are acquired. The sensor 95 for detecting the first angle α is considered to be installed on the joint 7 side. When the second agitator 35b is not rotated in the reverse direction, it is not necessary to connect the second motor 37b far from the joint 7 and the sensor 95 on the joint 7 side with a conducting wire. The first motor 37a that drives the first agitator 35a close to the proximal end 61 is rotatable in both forward and reverse directions, so that the distance of the conductor that connects the sensor 95 on the joint 7 side and the first motor 37a. The space can be saved.

  In the present embodiment, the first motor 37a and the second motor 37b may be disposed obliquely above the first agitator 35a and the second agitator 35b. In that case, space can be saved. Further, an air path may be provided below the first motor 37a on the proximal end 61 side. In that case, suction can be performed without lifting the dust. For this reason, disposing the first motor 37a on the proximal end 61 side can prevent a reduction in suction performance.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
Next, the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 22. The description will focus on the differences from the above-described embodiment, and the description of the same or corresponding parts will be simplified or omitted. FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the electric vacuum cleaner 1A according to the fourth embodiment. A vacuum cleaner 1A shown in FIG. 22 is, for example, a cordless rechargeable vacuum cleaner. A vacuum cleaner 1A according to the fourth embodiment includes a cleaning tool 2 and a cleaner main body 5A.

  The structure of the cleaning tool 2 of the fourth embodiment is the same as or similar to the cleaning tool 2 of the first embodiment. The vacuum cleaner 1A of the fourth embodiment is the same as the cleaning tool 2A of the second embodiment or the cleaning tool 2B of the third embodiment in place of the same or similar cleaning tool as the cleaning tool 2 of the first embodiment. Or a similar cleaning tool may be provided.

  The external shape of the vacuum cleaner main body 5A is cylindrical. The vacuum cleaner body 5A includes an accommodation unit 14A and a dust collection unit 15A. The outer shape of the storage unit 14A and the dust collection unit 15A is cylindrical. The dust collection unit 15A is detachably attached to the lower side of the storage unit 14A. The handle 9 is connected to the upper part of the cleaner body 5. In FIG. 22, the central axis of the handle 9 and the central axis of the cleaner body 5 </ b> A are indicated by a one-dot chain line. The central axis of the handle 9 may coincide with the central axis of the cleaner body 5A. The central axis of the handle 9 may coincide with the central axes of the storage unit 14A and the dust collection unit 15A.

  In the fourth embodiment, the suction pipe 8 of the cleaning tool 2 is connected to the cleaner body 5 </ b> A without the suction hose 4. The suction pipe 8 communicates with the inside of the dust collection unit 15A. The central axis of the suction pipe 8 may be parallel to the central axis of the cleaner body 5A. When using the electric vacuum cleaner 1A, the user performs cleaning while holding the handle 9 and supporting the weight of the cleaner main body 5A. The electric vacuum cleaner 1A according to the fourth embodiment includes an electric blower 24A housed in the housing unit 14A. The central axis of the electric blower 24A may coincide with the central axis of the housing unit 14A.

  In the fourth embodiment, the handle 9 has a rod-shaped portion whose central axis coincides with the central axis of the electric blower 24A. The overall shape of the handle 9 may be a rod-like shape whose central axis coincides with the central axis of the electric blower 24A. According to these configurations, the following effects can be obtained. The distance between the position gripped by the user and the center of gravity of the cleaner body 5A is reduced. As a result, a small force is required particularly when the handle 9 is twisted. As a result, the load on the user's hand when using the vacuum cleaner 1A can be reduced, and the operability can be further improved.

  In the fourth embodiment, the handle 9 is formed so that the cross-sectional area of the tip portion is larger than the cross-sectional area at the center in the longitudinal direction. For this reason, even when the user's hand slips from the handle 9 when lifting the body 6, the tip having a relatively large diameter plays a role of retaining. As a result, the handle 9 can be prevented from sliding off from the hand when the electric vacuum cleaner 1 is used, and the operability can be further improved.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, the present invention has been described by taking the cleaning tool for the suction cleaner as an example. The cleaning tool of the present invention is not limited to a cleaning tool for a suction cleaner. For example, the cleaning tool of the present invention can be applied to a cleaning tool that polishes and cleans the surface to be cleaned by rotation of an agitator. In that case, a fiber product or a sponge may be held on the surface of the agitator.

1,1A vacuum cleaner, 2,2A, 2B vacuum cleaner, 3 connection pipe, 4 suction hose, 5,5A vacuum cleaner body, 6 body, 7 joint, 8 suction pipe, 9 handle, 10 operation switch, 11 hose connection Port, 12 power cord, 13 wheel, 14, 14A housing unit, 15, 15A dust collecting unit, 16, 17 housing body, 18 first connection port, 19 second connection port, 20 intake air passage forming portion, 21 intake air Road, 22 Exhaust air passage forming portion, 23 Exhaust air passage, 24, 24A Electric blower, 25 Lock release button, 26 Lock mechanism, 27 Release mechanism, 28 Wire, 31 Upper case, 32 Lower case, 34 Bulkhead, 35 Agitator, 35a First agitator, 35b Second agitator, 36 Drive wheel, 37 motor, 37a first motor, 37b second motor, 38 output shaft, 39 motor chamber, 40 drive belt, 41 partition, 42 motor chamber, 43 cylindrical base, 44 projecting member, 45 partition, 46 vent 47 roller, 48 shaft, 49 suction opening, 50 agitator chamber, 51 second suction channel, 52 septum, 53 opening, 54 agitator inlet / outlet, 55 plug, 59 third suction channel, 61 proximal end, 62 distal end, 64 bottom surface, 71 first rotating portion, 72 second rotating portion, 73 points, 74 suction channel, 81 first suction channel, 82 longitudinal axis, 83 virtual vector, 90 control unit, 95 sensor, 261 first recess, 262 pin 263 Ring, 264 second recess 721 outer circumferential surface

Claims (11)

A proximal end, a distal end, and a bottom surface facing the surface to be cleaned in use, the length from the proximal end to the distal end extending from the proximal end to the distal end; A body longer than the width perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of
At least one agitator that is rotatably mounted to the body and whose axis of rotation is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction;
Drive means for driving the at least one agitator;
A rod-like or tubular wand,
A joint closer to the proximal end than the distal end and connecting the wand to the body;
With
The joint includes a first rotating portion that can rotate around a first rotating shaft, and a second rotating portion that can rotate around a second rotating shaft that is not parallel to the first rotating shaft,
The first angle that is the angle of the longitudinal axis of the wand with respect to the longitudinal direction of the body is changed by the rotation of the first rotating part,
The driving means includes
When the first angle is larger than the reference angle,
A first treatment for stopping rotation of the at least one agitator;
A second treatment for lowering the rotational speed of the at least one agitator compared to the rotational speed when the first angle is smaller than the reference angle; and
A third treatment for rotating the first and second agitators included in the at least one agitator in opposite directions;
A cleaning tool to treat any of the above.   The cleaning tool according to claim 1, wherein the reference angle is an angle of 90 ° or more. Detecting means for detecting whether or not the first angle is larger than the reference angle;
Control means for controlling the drive means according to the detection result of the detection means;
The cleaning tool of Claim 1 or Claim 2 provided with these.   The said joint is a cleaning tool as described in any one of Claims 1-3 connected to the surface of the said proximal end corresponded to the said longitudinal end of the said body. A lock mechanism that switches between a locked state that prevents the first angle from changing from a holding angle to a different angle and an unlocked state that allows the first angle to change;
5. The driving device according to claim 1, wherein the driving unit performs any one of the first treatment, the second treatment, and the third treatment when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked state. A cleaning tool according to claim 1. The wand has a first suction channel therein;
The body includes an agitator chamber that houses the at least one agitator, a second suction channel that communicates with the first suction channel, and a partition that separates the agitator chamber and the second suction channel;
The second suction channel extends substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the at least one agitator;
The said partition has a cleaning tool as described in any one of Claims 1-5 which has an at least 1 vent from the said agitator chamber to a said 2nd suction channel. The drive means comprises a motor having an output shaft substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the at least one agitator;
The center position of the output shaft of the motor is higher than the position of the rotating shaft of the at least one agitator,
The cleaning tool according to claim 1, wherein a position of a lower end of the motor is lower than a position of an upper end of the at least one agitator. The driving means is configured to perform the third treatment when the first angle is larger than the reference angle;
The position of the first agitator is closer to the proximal end than the distal end;
The cleaning tool according to claim 1, wherein a position of the second agitator is closer to the distal end than to the proximal end.   The cleaning tool according to claim 8, wherein an axial length of the second agitator is shorter than an axial length of the first agitator.   When the first angle is larger than the reference angle, the first agitator rotates in the same direction as when the first angle is smaller than the reference angle, and the second agitator has the first angle The cleaning tool according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the cleaning tool rotates in a direction opposite to a direction smaller than the reference angle.   A vacuum cleaner provided with the cleaning tool as described in any one of Claims 1-10.

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