JP3868679B2 - Electric vacuum cleaner - Google Patents

Electric vacuum cleaner Download PDF

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JP3868679B2
JP3868679B2 JP26055899A JP26055899A JP3868679B2 JP 3868679 B2 JP3868679 B2 JP 3868679B2 JP 26055899 A JP26055899 A JP 26055899A JP 26055899 A JP26055899 A JP 26055899A JP 3868679 B2 JP3868679 B2 JP 3868679B2
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mouthpiece
suction
attached
vacuum cleaner
universal
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JP2000070198A5 (en
JP2000070198A (en
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玄 永井
毅 星野
卓 大和田
勝 織田
成彦 鈴木
篤志 山口
浩一 丹羽
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Hitachi Ltd
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Hitachi Ltd
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Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、使用者が手元ハンドルを操作することで簡単に吸口体の角度を任意に操作することのできる吸口体を備えた電気掃除機に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来の電気掃除機に使用されている吸口体は、手元ハンドルに延長管を介して接続され、該手元ハンドルを延長管の長手方向を回転軸として回転させることで、吸口体に設けた継手構造によりある程度回転可能に取付けられている。
【０００３】
その構造は、吸口体本体の長手方向の両側を回転軸として上下方向に揺動可能に取付けられる第１の継手と、屈折した管状の形態を備え、その一端を前記第１の継手の軸方向に回転可能に取付け、他端を延長管に固定して取付けられる第２の継手から構成されている。そして、この吸口体によれば、手元ハンドルを回転させることにより、吸口体を第２の継手が屈折した角度、一般的には４５度程度回転させることができる。
【０００４】
例えば、これらの構造は特開平５ー２４５０７３号に開示されている。
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
前記従来の電気掃除機の吸口体は、吸口体を手元ハンドルを介して前後方向に移動させて掃除するために横長の吸口を基調として形成され、床面を効率良く清掃するようにしている。そして、テーブルの下や隙間の清掃性を向上するために前記した２つの継手を備えることで、手元ハンドルの操作で吸口体を床面に密着させたまま手元ハンドルの上下動や吸口体自体の回転を可能にしている。
【０００６】
しかし、従来の吸口体は、吸口体自体の構造を堅牢にすることができるものの、吸口体自体の動作範囲に制約があるため手元ハンドルでの操作性に課題を残していた。
【０００７】
例えば、壁際を清掃する場合は、吸口体の長手方向を壁面と平行にして壁面に沿って移動させるのが効率的である。しかし、前記従来の吸口体の構造では、手元ハンドルを９０度回転させても継手の回転角度が４５度程度しか回転できないために、前記作業を無理な姿勢で行ったり、両手で行わなくてはならなかった。また、ソフアーの下などの低い隙間の清掃では、前記屈曲した継手が引っかかって思うような清掃効率を達成できなかった。
【０００８】
本発明の目的は、手元ハンドルのひねり動作で吸口体を旋回させ、壁際の塵埃を効率よく吸い取って清掃性を向上させることにある。
【００１１】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記した目的を達成するため本願発明では、電気掃除機本体と、前記電気掃除機本体に取付けられた吸引ホースと、前記吸引ホースに取付けられた手元ハンドルと、前記手元ハンドルに取付けられた接続管と、前記接続管に取付けられた吸口体とを有する電気掃除機において、前記吸口体は、略長方形状の吸口本体と、その内部に通風路が形成された自在連結部とを有し、前記自在連結部は、樹脂成形品からそれぞれなり、それ自身の内面でそれぞれ通風路が形成された筒状の下腕部と上腕部とから構成され、前記下腕部の一端は前記吸口本体に取付けられ、前記上腕部の一端は前記下腕部の他端に、前記上腕部の他端は前記接続管にそれぞれ取付けられ、前記下腕部の一端は前記吸口本体に一つの回転軸周りに回転可能に取付けられ、前記下腕部の他端は前記上腕部の一端と前記一つの回転軸と直交し、かつ前記上腕部の軸線と直交する他の回転軸周りに回転可能に取付けられ、前記接続管を高低方向の最低角度にした状態で前記下腕部と前記上腕部とが直線状に並び得るとともに、前記接続管を高低方向に上げ下げでき、かつ、前記接続管を高低方向の最高角度とした状態で、前記接続管を前記吸口本体の長手方向に倒し得る、構成とされる。
【００１２】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の実施例を添付図面を参照して説明する。
【００１３】
（第１の実施例）
図１〜図２６は、本発明に係る電気掃除機の一実施例を示している。
【００１４】
先ず、この実施例の概要を電気掃除機の外観斜視図を示す図１を参照しながら説明する。
【００１５】
図１において、符号１で総括的に示すのは電気掃除機であり、塵埃を吸い込むための図示しない送風機を備えた電気掃除機本体１００と、一端を前記電気掃除機本体１００に取付けられて前記送風機に連通する柔軟性のある吸引ホース２００と、前記吸引ホース２００の他端に取付けられて前記送風機に連通する手元ハンドル３００と、前記手元ハンドル３００に取付けられて前記吸引ホース２００に連通する接続管４００と、前記接続管４００に取付けられて該接続管４００に連通する吸口体５００とから構成される。
【００１６】
前記電気掃除機本体１００は、内部に使い捨て塵埃袋を備えた集塵室を備え、一対の大車輪１０１と１個の自在車輪１０２とで、前記吸引ホース２００を介して移動させることができる。また、前記電気掃除機本体１００は、図示しない電源コードを介して家庭用コンセントから電源供給を受けて前記送風機を動作させる。そして、この電気掃除機本体１００の運転制御は、該電気掃除機本体１００の上面に設けた運転表示部内の赤外線受光部１０３で、手元ハンドル３００から発信される操作信号を受けて操作される。
【００１７】
前記吸引ホース２００は、前記したように、手元ハンドル３００と電気掃除機本体１００との電気的接続が赤外線を使った接続であるため、塵埃を前記電気掃除機本体１００に搬送するための搬送通路としての機能と、電気掃除機本体１００を移動させるための移動引っ張り手段としての機能をもっている。
【００１８】
手元ハンドル３００は、前記吸引ホース２００と前記接続管４００を連通させる機能と、前記電気掃除機本体１００の運転制御及び移動させる機能、更に吸口体５００の動きを操作する機能を備えている。該手元ハンドル３００は、前記吸引ホース２００と固着して接続され、前記接続管４００と着脱自在に取付けられることで、前記吸引ホース２００と前記接続管４００を連通させて塵埃の搬送路を形成している。更に、該手元ハンドル３００は、前記接続管４００の長手方向、即ち、前記接続管４００の中心軸Ｑの延長線上の上端に、前記中心軸Ｑと１１０度前後の角度を持ち、その長手方向が吸引ホース２００と前記接続管４００の接続方向と略一致する位置にハンドル部３０１を備えている。このハンドル部３０１により、前記吸引ホース２００を介して前記電気掃除機本体１００を移動させることができ、更に、吸口体５００の動きを操作することができる。特に、このハンドル部３０１によれば、ひねり動作、即ち中心軸Ｑを中心とした回転Ｐ１を容易に行うことができる。この際、ハンドル部３０１を上部に設けているので、下方に設けた吸引ホース２００が前記ひねり動作を邪魔することがない。
【００１９】
更に、前記ハンドル部３０１の近傍には電気掃除機本体１００の運転を操作する操作部３０２が設けられている。該操作部３０２には赤外線発信部３０３が設けられており、該赤外線発信部３０３から前記電気掃除機本体１００に設けた前記赤外線受光部１０３に操作信号を発信し、電気掃除機本体１００の電源のＯＮ、ＯＦＦや各種の制御を行うことができる。なお、手元ハンドル３００には図示しない電池等の電源部を備えているため、前記吸引ホース２００に電気配線を行うことが不要である。また、赤外線発信部を２ケ所設けているため、天井や壁面等の反射を利用して確実に操作信号を電気掃除機本体１００に伝達できるので誤操作を軽減することができる。
【００２０】
前記接続管４００は、前記手元ハンドル３００と吸口体５００とを連通させ、更に、該手元ハンドル３００と吸口体５００とを所定の位置で固定することで、手元ハンドル３００の動き（移動や回転）を吸口体５００の動き（移動や回転）とするように伝達する機能を備えている。この実施例では、大きさの異なる２つの管体４０１、４０２を組み合わせて、所定の位置で固定できるように伸縮自在に構成し、一方に手元ハンドル３００を、他方に吸口体５００を着脱自在に取付けるようにしている。
【００２１】
前記吸口体５００は、塵埃を吸い込むための吸口１０１０（図２参照）を底面に備えた吸口本体１０００と、前記吸口本体１０００を前記接続管４００に連結し、前記接続管４００を介して伝達される手元ハンドル３００の動きに対して常に吸口本体１０００の底面を床面に接するように動作する自在連結部１５００とで構成される。
【００２２】
前記吸口本体１０００は、床面の塵埃を吸い込むための回転ブラシ１０１１（図２参照）を備えた吸口１０１０（図２参照）を底面に備えている。自在連結部１５００は、前記吸口本体１０００と前記接続管４００を連通する柔軟性のある連結ホース１５０１と、前記連結ホース１５０１を覆うように設けられ、前記吸口本体１０００と前記接続管４００を回転可能に連結する自在ヒンジ１５０２とから構成される。
【００２３】
前記自在ヒンジ１５０２は、該吸口体５００を中心にして、手元ハンドル３００の高低方向Ｙと、左右方向Ｘに回転可能に連結するとともに、手元ハンドル３００のひねり動作の回転Ｐ１をそのまま吸口本体１０００の回転Ｐ２に伝達する機構を備えている。この実施例では、自在ヒンジ１５０２を、前記吸口本体１０００に回転可能に取付けられ高低方向Ｙの回転を可能にする下腕部１５０２ａと、一端が前記接続管４００に取付けられ、他端が前記下腕部１５０２ａと左右方向Ｘの回転を可能にするように取付けられる上腕部１５０２ｂとから構成される。
【００２４】
なお、本実施例では、詳細については後記するが、前記高低方向Ｙの角度を床面から約９０度、左右方向Ｘについては約１８０度の範囲で動作可能に設定している。
【００２５】
また、前記吸口体５００は、吸口本体１０００の周囲に従来のバンパーに変えて滑り部材１１００を設けることで、壁際の清掃性を向上するとともに、底面に吸口本体１０００の長手方向Ｖの動きをスムーズにする車輪１２００を設けている。更に、前記吸口本体１０００の底面に設けた吸口１０１０の前部（先端部との間）に塵埃のガイド手段１３００（図８参照）を設けることにより、取り難い壁際の塵埃を効率よく吸込むことができる。
【００２６】
このように、本実施例に係る電気掃除機１によれば、操作信号として赤外線信号を用いているので、吸引ホース２００に配線する必要がなく吸引ホース２００の軽量化が図られる。このため、使用者が手に持つ手元ハンドル３００の負担が軽減され、電気掃除機本体１００の引き回し走行や、吸口体５００の操作性を向上することができる。特に、この実施例の大きな特徴とするところは、手元ハンドル３００を介しての吸口体５００の動作、例えば前記手元ハンドルのひねり動作の回転Ｐ１をそのまま吸口体５００の回転Ｐ２とすることができる等、使用者が手元ハンドル３００で行う動作を吸口体５００の動きとしてスムーズに行うことができる点にある。具体的には、例えば、手元ハンドル３００を９０度（回転Ｐ１）ひねることにより、吸口体５００を図１の点線に示すように９０度回転させ、壁面に沿って吸口本体１０００の長手方向Ｖの方向に前後移動させながら壁際の床面清掃を行うことができる。この際、滑り部材１１００と車輪１２００により吸口体５００をスムーズに動かすことができるとともに、壁面に傷をつけることを軽減することができ、更に、この取り難い壁際の塵埃を前記ガイド手段１３００により効率よく吸込むことができる。
【００２７】
以下、図２〜図４を参照して、前記吸口体５００を詳細に説明する。
【００２８】
先ず、吸口体５００の部品構成図を示す図２を基に、吸口体５００の平面配置構成の断面図を示す図３及び側面配置構成の断面図を示す図４を参照して、吸口体５００の概略構造を説明する。
【００２９】
図において、前記したように、吸口体５００は、吸口本体１０００と自在連結部１５００とから構成されている。
【００３０】
吸口本体１０００は、吸口本体１０００の骨格を成す下ケース１００１と、吸口本体１０００の前方をカバーする前部上カバー１００２と、吸口本体１０００の後方をカバーする後部上カバー１００３とから構成される。
【００３１】
前記下ケース１００１は、やや後方に吸口本体１０００を前後に分割する仕切壁１００４が設けられ、前部を吸引室１００５とし、後部の中央を前記自在連結部１５００の取付部１００６とし、該取付部１００６の両側を後記するタービン１０１２を駆動するための通風路１００７としている。前記仕切壁１００４の中央には、切欠部１００８が形成され、該切欠部１００８に吸引室１００５の塵埃を自在連結部１５００の前記連結ホース１５０１に導くためのベルマウス体１００９が取付けられる。
【００３２】
後部上カバー１００３は、前記自在連結部１５００の取付部１００６の上部をカバーして、前記ベルマウス体１００９と自在連結部１５００を前記下ケース１００１に固定するものであり、図示しないネジ等で取付けられる。
【００３３】
前部上カバー１００２は、前記吸引室１００５と通風路１００７の上部をカバーし、下ケース１００１とともに吸引室１００５及び通風路１００７を構成するものであり、前部上カバー１００２の前部の両側に設けた図示しないリブを下ケース１００１に引っ掛けて後方の両側に設けた開閉レバー１０２２（図７参照）で着脱可能に取付けるようしている。
【００３４】
前記吸引室１００５の下方の下ケース１００１には吸口１０１０が形成され、該吸口１０１０の上の吸引室１００５内に、塵埃の掻き上げ等を行う回転ブラシ１０１１が配設されている。回転ブラシ１０１１には、塵埃の掻き上げ効果の高い可撓性を持つブレードとナイロン等の拭き効果の高い刷毛をロータリーコアの外周軸線方向に設けた溝部に配設して成形され、その両端にタービン１０１２が取付けられている。
【００３５】
前記回転ブラシ１０１１及びタービン１０１２は、該タービン１０１２の両端部に設けた回転軸１０１３を、前記吸引室１００５内の両端部に形成した軸受部１０１４に挿入し、前部上カバー１００２の内側に設けた図示しない軸受部で押さえることで、前記回転ブラシ１０１１及びタービン１０１２を吸引室１００５内に回転可能に配設する。
【００３６】
また、前記タービン１０１２の後方となる前記仕切壁１００４の両側には開口部１０１５が形成され、更に前記通風路１００７をカバーする前部上カバー１００２の両側の後方には通風穴１０１６が形成され、該通風穴１０１６から吸気された空気が前記通風路１００７を通って前記開口部１０１５から前記タービン１０１２に吹き付けられ、該タービン１０１２に取付けられた回転ブラシ１０１１が回転するようになっている。
【００３７】
ここで回転ブラシ１０１１の駆動について図３で詳細に説明すると、本実施例ではタービン１０１２を採用しているので、タービン１０１２に向って空気を吹付けるための図示しない多数のノズルからなる多翼ノズルをタービン１０１２の外周をほぼ覆うように配設している。この多翼ノズルは、上下に二分割されて配置されており、上側の多翼ノズルを前部上カバー１００２裏面に固定し、また、下側の多翼ノズルを下ケース１００１にネジを介して固定している。
【００３８】
タービン１０１２に吹付けられた空気は、タービン１０１２を回転させ、吸口１０１０から吸込まれる回転ブラシ１０１１によって巻き上げられた塵埃を含んだ空気流とともに、旋回流となって高速で回転する回転ブラシ１０１１に巻き付きながら中央に集まり、ベルマウス体１００９、自在連結部１５００を通って電気掃除機本体１００へ導かれる。
【００３９】
このように、本実施例によれば、吸口体５００は、通気穴１０１６によってタービン１０１２と回転ブラシ１０１１を回転させ、さらに吸口１０１０内で発生する旋回流の相乗効果により、掃除面の塵埃を巻き上げながら吸塵できるので、集塵性能を大幅に向上できる。
【００４０】
図２に戻り、前記回転ブラシ１０１１の上方に位置する前部上カバー１００２の前部中央には覗き窓１０１７が設けられている。この覗き窓１０１７は、透明な樹脂材料、例えば傷付に強いアクリル樹脂を使用する。良好なものとしては、覗き窓１０１７の吸引室１００５の内表面に回転ブラシ１０１１によって放出される塵埃による傷付を軽減するためにコーテング、例えばＵＶ塗装を施したり、更には、内部を拡大して見易くするために凸レンズとなるように形成することで、回転ブラシ１０１１の汚れを外から知ることができる。また、該覗き窓１０１７を介して回転ブラシ１０１１の動作状況を目視できるので、例えば運転音や異常音等が聞こえにくい聴覚障害者が、電気掃除機１の動作状況、あるいは運転中における異物混入にともなう回転ブラシ１０１１の停止等のトラブルを知ることができる。したがって、この実施例によれば、電気配線が必要な電気的表示がなくとも動作状態の確認を容易に行うことができる。
【００４１】
一方、自在連結部１５００は、下腕部１５０２ａと、上腕部１５０２ｂと、連結ホース１５０１とで構成される。筒状の下腕部１５０２ａは一端の両側に回転軸１５０３が形成され、該回転軸１５０３が前記下ケース１００１の取付部１００６に形成した軸受部１０１８と、後部上カバー１００３に形成した軸受部１０１９に挟まれて上下方向（図面上の上下方向）に回転可能に取付けられる。
【００４２】
また、下腕部１５０２ａの他端は、前記回転軸１５０３と９０度交差した位置となる上下に回転軸穴１５０４が設けられている。一方、筒状の上腕部１５０２ｂは、一端に前記回転軸穴１５０４に取付けられる回転軸穴１５０５が形成される。該上腕部１５０２ｂと前記下腕部１５０２ａは、前記回転軸穴１５０４と前記回転軸穴１５０５を合せてピン１５０６を挿入することで、左右方向（図面上の左右方向）に回転可能に取付けられる。
【００４３】
また、前記上腕部１５０２ｂの他端は、前記連結管４０２に着脱可能に連結する連結部１５０７が形成される。前記連結ホース１５０１は、ベルマウス体１００９の後端部１００９ａと、上腕部１５０２ｂの連結部１５０７とを連結し、下腕部１５０２ａと上腕部１５０２ｂ内に取付けられる。
【００４４】
このように、本実施例に係る自在連結部１５００によれば、連結ホース１５０１を下腕部１５０２ａと上腕部１５０２ｂの内部に配設したので、連結ホース１５０１の遊びを少なくして最短距離とすることができるとともに、外部から連結ホース１５０１を保護することができる。
【００４５】
また、下ケース１００１の上部周囲、特に吸口体５００の前部となる自在連結部１５００が取付けられる取付部１００６と対向する長辺側には、他の周側より外側に張り出た肉厚部１０２０を形成することで全体の鋼性を高めるとともに、該肉厚部１０２０にナイロン等の植毛を施した滑り部材１１００をインサート成形して設けている。
【００４６】
このように、本実施例に係る吸口体５００は、電気掃除機本体１００に設けた送風機の吸い込み気流によって回転するタービン１０１２を駆動源として回転ブラシ１０１１を回転させるので、吸口体５００の軽量化が図れる。しかも、吸引室１００５の後方中央に自在連結部１５００の取付部１００６、該取付部１００６の両側に通風路１００７を配置しているので、全高を低くしてコンパクトな形態にすることができる。また、鋼性と密閉が必要な自在連結部１５００の取り付けを後部上カバー１００３を取り付けることで解決しているので部品点数を減らして、組立性を向上することができる。また、前記後部上カバー１００３以外の部分を前部上カバー１００２を取り外すだけで開放でき、更に回転ブラシ１０１１も簡単に取り外せるので、分解性と清掃性を向上させることができる。加えて、回転ブラシ１０１１を簡単に装着して前部上カバー１００２を取付けるだけで組立てを完了できるので取扱性を向上させることができる。
【００４７】
次に、吸口体５００の外観を、図５〜図１２を参照して詳細に説明する。図５は外観斜視図、図６は外観側面図、図７は外観背面図、図８及び図９は底面図、図１０は滑り部材の要部断面図、図１１は滑り部材の他の応用説明図、図１２は車輪の断面図である。
【００４８】
先ず、図５において、本実施例の吸口体５００は、その外観を薄形とするとともに吸口本体１０００の前部を両側に張り出し、後部中央に配置した前記自在連結部１５００の取付部１００６を後方に張り出した「略Ｔ字形」の平面形状としている。そして、その上面全体をアール形状を主体とした形状とすることで清掃性を向上するとともに、各角部をアール形状とすることで、家具等へ傷を付けないように配慮している。
【００４９】
更に、図６及び図４に示すように、吸口本体１０００の先端の側面形状を上面が凸円弧状の略クサビ形状とすることにより、回転ブラシ１０１１の回転域を確保しながら吸引室１００５を空気流がベルマウス体１００９に導入されやすい形状とするとともに、全体をコンパクトな形態としている。
【００５０】
また、図５に戻り、この実施例では、肉厚部１０２０を、吸口体５００が家具等にあたりやすい部分、即ち吸口本体１０００の両側に張り出した４つの角部を含んだ長手方向の両側と前部及び裏面の一部に連続して形成される帯状でかつ凸状の形態で形成している。そして、該肉厚部１０２０に滑り部材１１００を連続して設けている。図１０に示すように、滑り部材１１００は、ナイロン材料の毛足の短い刷毛１１０１を刷毛台１１０２に植毛し、該肉厚部１０２０に形成した溝部１０２１に刷毛台１１０２を挿入することにより、刷毛１１０１を肉厚部１０２０に固定している。ここで、前記刷毛台１１０２は、一体のものを前記溝部１０２１に取付けることで部品点数を減らすことができるが、分割して取付けることで成形を容易にしてもよい。更に、前記刷毛台１１０２は、肉厚部１０２０に一体成形して組立性を向上してもよいが、接着や、樹脂材料の弾性等を利用した圧入による嵌合で設備のコストを下げてもよい。
【００５１】
更に、この滑り部材１１００を採用する狙いは、吸口体５００の前部を壁面等に沿って長手方向Ｖ（図１参照）に移動しやすくすることにある。したがって、前記滑り部材１１００は滑りを向上させるものであればよく、例えば、図１１に示すようにローラー１１０３を採用してもよい。より良好なものは、ローラー１１０３の周囲に、例えばゴムやビロード等の弾性材料を備えたり、タイヤとすることにより、滑りを良くしてバンパー機能としての効果を得ることができる。この場合、ローラー１１０３の取付け位置は、（ｂ）図に示すように少なくとも吸口体５００の前部の両側に前方に突出して設ければよい。更に良好なものは、吸口体５００の前部両側の角部に取付けることで滑りやすさを向上させることができる。更に（ａ）図に示すように、吸口体５００の前部両側の角部に加えて、前部の中央にも設けることで、壁面の凹凸を吸収し易くすることができる。より良好なものは、吸口本体１０００の両側に張り出した４つの角部と前部の中央に設けることにより、移動性を高めることができる。この滑り部材１１００の配置は前記図５に示す実施例も同様の配置にしてもよい。
【００５２】
加えて、図５に示す実施例では、滑り部材１１００として刷毛１１０１を採用したが、ビロードや繊維材料を接着するなどして取付けて、製造コストを低減してもよい。これらの滑り材料１１００は、厚めのものを採用することによりバンパー機能としての効果も期待できる。
【００５３】
また、図５に示す実施例では、強度のある下ケース１００１の肉厚部１０２０に滑り部材１１００を設けることで鋼性を高めているが、前記肉厚部１０２０を別部品のゴムや軟質樹脂等の弾性材料に変えて、該弾性材料に滑り部材１１００を設けることで、家具等への傷付きを防止する衝撃吸収機能を備えながら滑りを向上させることができる。この場合、前記弾性材料を下ケース１００１と前部上カバー１００２とが接触する位置の外周に設けることで吸引室１００５の気密を向上させることができる。
【００５４】
次に、図５において、この実施例では、吸口体５００の大きさを、自在連結部１５００を伸ばした状態で、奥行Ｄを３０４mm、吸口本体の奥行きＤ１、両側に張り出した根元部分の奥行きＤ２、両側端部の奥行Ｄ３をそれぞれ１５２mm、９７mm、８３mmに設定している。なお、この実施例では、連結部１５０７の長さＤ４を５０mmに設定しているので、接続管４００に取付けられた際の奥行を２５４mmに設定している。更に図６と図８に示すように、吸口本体１０００の高さＨ６３．５mm、横幅Ｗを２８０mm、吸口１０１０の横幅Ｗ１を２２６mmに設定している。
【００５５】
次に、図６及び図７において、この実施例に係る吸口体５００は、上面を丸みのあるフラットな形態とすることで上面の汚れを拭き取り易くするとともに、上面を構成する前部上カバー１００２を簡単に取り外せる等、清掃性が良好な形態としている。
【００５６】
この効果を実現するために、本実施例に係る吸口体５００は、自在連結部１５００の取付部１００６以外の吸口体５００の上面を前部上カバー１００２で覆い、該前部上カバー１００２に設けられる前部上カバー１００２の横方向にスライドする一対の開閉レバー１０２２と通気穴１０１６を前部上カバー１００２の背面壁の両側に集中して設け、前部上カバー１００２を取り外すための手掛凹部１０２３を前部上カバー１００２の両側面に設けている。
【００５７】
前記通気穴１０１６は、吸口体５００の長手方向に沿って複数に分割されたスリット部１０１６ａから構成され、該スリット部１０１６ａは周囲から一段低くなるように凹状に形成され、該凹状内にパンチング状の開口部が前部上カバー１００２と一体成形されている。この通気穴１０１６の構造によれば、強度的に弱くなるパンチング状の開口部を周囲より一段低く形成して、しかもスリット状に複数に分割しているので、衝撃に対し強くすることができる。
【００５８】
本実施例によれば、開閉レバー１０２２と通気穴１０１６を衝撃の受け難い背面部に設けているので、仮に、掃除中に家具等に接触した場合においても外力から損傷を受け難い構造としている。また、吸口体５００（前部上カバー１００２）の側面に手掛凹部１０２３を設けるようにしているので、人差指あるいは中指をこの手掛凹部１０２３に挿入し、親指を開閉レバー１０２２に掛け、開閉レバー１０２２を外側に向かってスライドさせて係合を外し、親指と人差指（中指）とで摘み、前部上カバー１００２を吸口体５００から容易に外すことができる。
【００５９】
更に、汚れの溜まり易い前記開閉レバー１０２２と通気穴１０１６及び手掛凹部１０２３は、垂直面に設けられているので汚れが溜まりにくい。しかも、前部上カバー１００２に設けられているので、該前部上カバー１００２を外して裏表から洗うことが可能となり清掃性を向上することができる。加えて、前部上カバー１００２を簡単に装着でき、更に装着した吸口体５００の上面は前部上カバー１００２と後部上カバー１００３が連続した丸みのあるフラット形状となっているので、汚れを簡単に拭き取ることができる。
【００６０】
図８及び図９において、下ケース１００１には、吸口体５００全体を前後方向並びに左右方向Ｖに移動させるとともに、吸口体５００の底面部と掃除面との間に一定間隔を保つように複数の車輪１２００が配置される。車輪１２００は、吸口体５００の底面の前部両側に配置される一対の前車輪１２０１と、その後方に配置される一対の後車輪１２０２、及び前記電気掃除機１の使用中における掃除面に対する圧力を受けるための一対の最後部車輪１２０３が配設されている。
【００６１】
ここで、前車輪１２０１と後車輪１２０２は互いに相向き合う位置に配置されている。即ち、下ケース１００１のタービン１０１２の径方向延長部には前述したように、一対の前車輪１２０１と一対の後車輪１２０２が位置し、タービン１０１２の下部の吸口１０１０と清掃床面との間のすきまを一定に保つようにしている。更に、自在連結部１５００の下方に、該自在連結部１５００を挟むように一対の最後部車輪１２０３を設けることで、手元ハンドル３００から力を受けても、その力を該最後部車輪１２０３で受けることで、清掃床面との前記すきまを一定に保つようにしている。しかも、該自在連結部１５００を挟むように設けているので、自在連結部１５００の高低方向Ｙの動作範囲、特に最低角度Θ１に支障をきたさない。
【００６２】
さて、本実施例に係る吸口体５００は、前記したように、前後方向の動きに加えて左右方向Ｖに移動させることを大きな特徴としている。この左右方向Ｖの動きを達成するために、この実施例では、図１２に示すような、前記車輪１２００の周囲に滑り部材１２１０を設けている。車輪１２００は通常の車輪のように回転軸１２１１を備え、床面との接触面となる周側面に前記滑り部材１２１０が取付けられる凹部１２１２を形成し、その両端面に左右方向Ｖの障害物の乗り越えを向上するＣカット面１２１３を形成している。滑り部材１２１０は、前記吸口体５００の周囲に設けた滑り部材１１００と同様なものであり、ナイロン材料の毛足の短い刷毛１２１４を刷毛台１２１５に植毛し、該車輪１２００に形成した凹部１２１２に刷毛台１２１５を挿入することにより、刷毛１２１４を車輪１２００に固定している。この実施例では、刷毛台１２１５をリング状のものを２つに分割して、前記車輪１２００を挟み込むようにして取付ける。この取付け方法は前記滑り部材１１００と同様である。そして、前記車輪１２００を吸口体５００の底面部の前記所定の位置に形成した車輪収納部の軸受けに圧入して取付ける。
【００６３】
なお、この実施例では、前後方向の動きに加えて左右方向Ｖにも移動させるために車輪１２００を採用したが、これに限定されるものではない。例えば、自在車輪でもよく、あるいは吸口体５００の前記車輪１２００が配置された所定の位置に突起部を形成し、該突起部に前記滑り部材１２１０を設けることでもよい。
【００６４】
このように、この実施例に係る吸口体５００の底面部には、前車輪１２０１と後車輪１２０２がそれぞれ左右に、また後方中央部に最後部車輪１２０３が配設されるように５点（基本的な配置）車輪としている。この車輪構成によれば、前後方向の走行性に優れ、更に左右方向Ｘはもちろんのこと斜め移動や回転性にも優れた走行性を得ることができる。特に、最後部車輪１２０３は、使用時に自在連結部１５００の回転軸１５０３より使用者側に位置しているので、前後方向の動き、特に後退させる時の吸口体５００の先端の浮き上がりを軽減できる。更に、前記自在連結部１５００の回転軸１５０３を前記５点車輪の中に設けたので、手元ハンドル３００を介して吸口体５００を回転させても吸口体５００の傾き（角部の浮き上がり）を軽減できる。しかも、各車輪１２００は吸口体５００の角部に配置されているので回転時の引っ掛かりを軽減できる。
【００６５】
次に、吸口体５００の底面部に設けた吸口１０１０の前部には塵埃のガイド手段１３００が設けられ、吸口１０１０の後部に圧力制御板１３０１が設けられている。ガイド手段１３００は、吸口１０１０と吸口体５００の先端部との間に形成されている平面部１３０２により吸い込みづらい塵埃を効率よく吸込む機能をそなえたものである。例えば、従来の吸口体では、吸口体の先端部を壁面に接触させた場合、前記平面部１３０２の下方の床面に存在する塵埃は吸込まれる空気流の勢いでしか吸い取ることができない。
【００６６】
本実施例に係る前記ガイド手段１３００は、この吸い込みづらい塵埃を効率よく吸込むためのものである。本実施例では、前記課題を解決するために、毛足の長いナイロン等の刷毛の束１３１０を前後方向に列を成すように配設した刷毛列１３１１を前記平面部１３０２に左右方向に複数配列してガイド手段１３００を構成する。この実施例では、図８に示すように、前記刷毛列１３１１が中央を中心に左右対称となり、各刷毛列１３１１が吸口１０１０側に収束するように斜めに配置している。前記刷毛の束１３１０は、直接前記平面部１３０２に埋め込んで植毛してもよく、あるいは前記刷毛列１３１１を１グループとして刷毛台に植毛し、該刷毛台を前記平面部１３０２に埋め込ん取付けてもよい。
【００６７】
このガイド手段１３００によれば、各刷毛列１３１１の間に空気流の流路１３１２が形成されるから、該流路１３１２を介して空気流の流れを加速して塵埃を吸い込み易くすることができる。また、吸口体５００を移動させることにより、前記平面部１３０２にある塵埃が前記刷毛の束１３１０でかきあげられて、吸い込み易くすることができる。つまり、前記平面部１３０２にある塵埃を吸口体５００を移動させることにより、前記刷毛の束１３１０でかきあげて、前記流路１３１２で吸口１０１０に導くことができる。
【００６８】
なお、圧力制御板１３０１は、前記流路１３１２で勢いあまって後方に飛び出した塵埃を受け止めて、吸口１０１０に再度吸込ませるものである。
【００６９】
図９は、図８で説明した実施例の他の応用例である。この実施例に係る吸口体５００は、最も手元ハンドル３００の力を受ける自在連結部１５００の下部に大きな最後部車輪１２０３ａを設けて、鋼性と走行性を高めている。また、この実施例のガイド手段１３００は、刷毛台１３１３に刷毛１３１４を植毛して、該刷毛台１３１３を平面部１３０２の長手方向に沿って間隔を持って埋め込んでいる。この実施例によれば、流路１３１５を少なくしているので流速を高めることができるとともに、刷毛１３１４を密集して設けているので床面を拭く効果を高めることができる。
【００７０】
また、この実施例では、自在連結部１５００を、点線で図示するように、柔軟性のあるシートでカバーしてもよい。前記シートとしては、筒状に形成したゴム材料や、ジャバラ状に形成した軟質樹脂、あるいは織物でもよく、自在連結部１５００の動作範囲を阻害しないものであればよい。また、清掃性を考慮して着脱自在にするとよい。このようにすれば、自在連結部１５００で指を挟むなどの対策を更に徹底して安全性を高めることができる。
【００７１】
次に、図１３〜図１６を基に自在連結部１５００について詳細に説明する。図１３は自在連結部の外観斜視図、図１４は自在連結部の平面図、図１５は自在連結部の組立工程図、図１６図は他の自在連結部の応用例の説明図である。
【００７２】
図１３、図１４において、先ず、この実施例に係る吸口体５００は、２つの腕（下腕部１５０２ａと上腕部１５０２ｂ）を互いに直交する２つの回転軸で回転可能とした関節形のヒンジを採用している。
【００７３】
具体的には、筒状に形成された下腕部１５０２ａは、回転軸１５０３を中心に上下部に切欠部１５１０、１５１１を形成して、円弧状に切り欠かれることで、回転軸１５０３を中心とした下腕部１５０２ａの回転をスムーズにするとともに高低方向Ｙの角度を決定している。つまり、下腕部１５０２ａの下部切欠部１５１０は、下ケース１００１の取付部軸１００６の後方に形成した切欠部１０２４（図２参照）とともに、高低方向Ｙの角度の最低角度Θ１を決定している。この実施例では、５度程度にすることで、自在連結部１５００や接続管４００に取付けたアダプタ等が床面と接触しないようにしている。上部切欠部１５１１は、後部上カバー１００３の後部に形成された切欠部１０２５（図２参照）とともに、高低方向Ｙの角度の最高角度Θ２を決定している。この実施例では、９５度程度とすることで、吸口体５００と接続管４００及び手元ハンドル３００を連結した状態で縦収納を可能にしている。
【００７４】
一方、下腕部１５０２ａと上腕部１５０２ｂは、回転軸穴１５０４、１５０５の両側に切欠部１５１２、１５１３を形成することで、左右方向Ｘの角度Θ３を決定している。この実施例では、角度Θ３を左右に９０度づつ合計１８０度の動作範囲となるように形成している。
【００７５】
この関節形の構造によれば、高低方向Ｙ及び左右方向Ｘの回転を可能とするとともに、手元ハンドル３００のひねり動作の回転Ｐ１を同じ回転角度として伝達して、吸口体５００の回転Ｐ２を得ることができる。この高低方向Ｙと左右方向Ｘ及び回転Ｐ１、Ｐ２は下腕部１５０２ａと吸口本体１０００の回転を左右方向Ｘとし、上腕部１５０２ｂで高低方向Ｙの回転を行うことでも可能である。しかしながら、吸口体５００の直進性を良好にするためには、下腕部１５０２ａと吸口本体１０００の回転を高低方向Ｙの回転とする方がよい。なお、下腕部１５０２ａと吸口本体１０００の回転を左右方向Ｘの回転とする場合は、左右方向Ｘの回転を所定の位置で固定するロック手段を設けるようにする。
【００７６】
また、本実施例では、上腕部１５０２ｂと下腕部１５０２ａを前記ピン１５０６で回転可能に連結しているが、この構造に限定されるものではない。例えば、図１３の（ｂ）図に示すように、前記実施例の上腕部１５０２ｂの回転穴１５０４に変えて凸軸１５０４ａを形成し、下腕部１５０２ａの回転穴１５０５に変えて前記凸軸１５０４ａを受ける凹受軸１５０５ａを形成して、該前記凸軸１５０４ａと凹受軸１５０５ａを回転可能に嵌合するようにする。この構造によれば、樹脂材料の弾性を利用して凸軸１５０４ａと凹受軸１５０５ａの嵌合を強固なものすることができるとともに、大きな圧力、例えば自在連結部１５００に大きなねじれの力が加わった場合に、前記樹脂材料の弾性力により、自在連結部１５００を破損させることなく、前記嵌合を外して、破損を回避することができる。もちろん、前記弾性力により、もとの嵌合状態に戻すことも容易であり、組立性が向上する。
【００７７】
また、図１４において、回転軸１５０３の中心と回転軸穴１５０４、１５０５の中心の距離Ｌ１は、連結ホース１５０１の最小曲げ半径Ｒを考慮して決定される。つまり、連結ホース１５０１が下腕部１５０２ａと上腕部１５０２ｂに固定されて伸縮が制限される１５１４と１５１５の位置間の距離Ｌ２が前記最小曲げ半径Ｒの２倍となるように決定する。そして、前記距離Ｌ２の１／２を距離Ｌ１とするように決定する。したがって、下腕部１５０２ａと上腕部１５０２ｂの内径に対して細い連結ホース１５０１であれば、Ｌ１を短くでき、連結ホース１５０１を太くすればＬ１を長くする。
【００７８】
なお、連結ホース１５０１の最小曲げ半径Ｒは、本実施例では、後記理由により連結ホース１５０１をやや引っ張りぎみに設定した状態のものを採用しているが、これに限定されるものではない。通常の状態での連結ホース１５０１を採用してもよい。
【００７９】
加えて、この実施例では、連結ホース１５０１を下腕部１５０２ａと上腕部１５０２ｂでカバーしているので、連結ホース１５０１と下腕部１５０２ａと上腕部１５０２ｂとの接触する部分に補強部材を設けるようにすることで、連結ホース１５０１がすれて穴があくなどのトラブルを軽減して耐久性を高めることができる。前記補強材料は、位置１５１４と１５１５を中心とした下腕部１５０２ａと上腕部１５０２ｂの内側に施したり、あるいは連結ホース１５０１全体を耐久性と伸縮性のある補強シートで覆ってもよい。特に補強シートに色彩を施せば、塵埃による汚れを軽減して、多彩な機種展開を図って意匠性をも向上することができる。
【００８０】
また、この実施例では、左右方向Ｘの回転を９０度の位置で一時的にロック状態とするロック機構１５１６を備えている。例えば、この実施例では回転軸穴１５０４と１５０５がピン１５０６で嵌合した状態で、下腕部１５０２ａと上腕部１５０２ｂの摺動面に、下腕部１５０２ａと上腕部１５０２ｂが直線状となる位置で嵌合する凸部１５１７と凹部１５１８を設けている。なお、凸部１５１７と凹部１５１８の嵌合の強さは、樹脂材料の弾性を考慮して、回転軸からの距離及び凹凸の大きさを適宜決定する。
【００８１】
このロック機構１５１６によれば、下腕部１５０２ａと上腕部１５０２ｂが直線状となる状態では、左右方向Ｘの回転が固定されるために、吸口体５００の直進性が向上して前後方向の移動が容易となる。一方、手元ハンドル３００を介して吸口体５００を回転させようとすると、樹脂材料で形成された凸部１５１７と凹部１５１８の嵌合が弾性により外れるので、僅かな力でロック機構１５１６を外すことができる。なお、この実施例では、吸口体５００の直進性を高めるために凸部１５１７と凹部１５１８を１ケ所設けているが、例えば、凹部１５１８を頻度の高い所定角度（４５度、９０度等）に複数個設けてもよい。
【００８２】
次に、図１５により、自在連結部１５００の組立工程を説明する。先ず、この実施例の連結ホース１５０１は、ベルマウス体１００９と上腕部１５０２ｂに引っ張るように取付けらている。この引っ張り力により、連結ホース１５０１が真っ直ぐな状態ではその状態を維持し、曲げの力が加われば曲がる方向に強く作用するようにしている。このため、前記ロック機構１５１６がロック状態では、よりロック状態を維持して直進性を高め、ロック状態が外れれば吸口体５００の旋回を楽に行うことができる。なお、この実施例では、吸口体５００の直進性を良好にする一手段として、連結ホース１５０１の引っ張り力を利用しているが、例えば、両側にバネやゴム等の引っ張り部材を左右対称に設けて、直進性を高めてもよい。
【００８３】
本実施例では、前記連結ホース１５０１を自在ヒンジ１５０２の中に配設しているので、図１５に示すような工程で組立てを行う。特に、この工程は、連結ホース１５０１を引っ張りぎみに取付ける際に有効である。
【００８４】
先ず、（ａ）図に示すように、連結ホース１５０１を、下腕部１５０２ａ内に通し、連結ホース１５０１の一端をベルマウス体１００９の後端部１００９ａに取付け、該ベルマウス体１００９を前記仕切壁１００４の中央に設けた切欠部１００８に取付けるとともに、下腕部１５０２ａの回転軸１５０３を下ケース１００１の取付部１００６の軸受部１０１８に取付け、後部上ケース１００３を取付けて、前記ベルマウス体１００９と下腕部１５０２ａを固定する。この際、連結ホース１５０１の他端には、上腕部１５０２ｂに設けた嵌合穴１５１９と嵌合して連結ホース１５０１と上腕部１５０２ｂと を連結する凸リブ１５２０と、上腕部１５０２ｂと連結ホース１５０１との気密性を保つパッキン１５２１ｂとを備えた連結部１５２１を取付けておく。
【００８５】
次に、（ｂ）図に示すように、上腕部１５０２ｂと下腕部１５０２ａとを交差させて、連結部１５２１を上腕部１５０２ｂに挿入して、前記嵌合穴１５１９と凸リブ１５２０を嵌合して、連結ホース１５０１と下腕部１５０２ａを連結する。
【００８６】
次に、（ｃ）図に示すように、上腕部１５０２ｂをひっぱって回転軸穴１５０４と１５０５を合せ、ピン１５０６を挿入することで、上腕部１５０２ｂと下腕部１５０２ａを連結して自在連結部１５００の組立てを終了することができる。
【００８７】
なお、前記図１３（ｂ）図で説明した凸軸１５０４ａと凹受軸１５０５ａを採用した場合は、樹脂材料の弾性を利用して嵌合する。この組立工程は、一実施例であり、他の工程で組み立ててもよい。
【００８８】
次に、図１６は、自在連結部１５００の組立性と分解性を向上した他の実施例である。図１６中、（ａ）図は前記連結ホース１５０１の他端に取付けた連結部１５２１の部分拡大図と部分断面図、（ｂ）図は連結ホース１５０１の他端を取り外した状態の外観図である。
【００８９】
図１６において、連結ホース１５０１の他端には、前記実施例と同様なパッキン１５２１ｂを備えた連結部１５２１ａを取付ける。この連結部１５２１ａに切れ込みを入れて内側に押し込み可能な凸リブ１５２０ａを設け、上腕部１５０２ｂには前記凸リブ１５２０ａと嵌合し、切れ込みを入れて外側に張り出すことが可能な嵌合穴１５１９ａを備えた離脱ボタン１５１９ｂを設ける。この構造によれば、前記図１５に示す実施例と同様に、連結部１５２１ａを上腕部１５０２ｂに挿入して、凸リブ１５２０ａと前記嵌合穴１５１９ｂを嵌合して、連結ホース１５０１と下腕部１５０２ａを連結することができる。一方、離脱ボタン１５１９ｂを矢印にように押し込めば、前記嵌合が外れ連結ホース１５０１の一端を取り外すことができる。
【００９０】
このため、吸口体５００を清掃する際に、汚れやすい連結ホース１５０１の内側を清掃し易くすることができる。加えて、連結ホース１５０１とベルマウス体１００９の取付部１００９ａとの取付けを着脱可能な取付け、例えば、取付部１００９ａに連結ホース１５０１をねじ込むような取付け構造にすれば、前記嵌合が外れ連結ホース１５０１を回転させて、連結ホース１５０１を簡単に取り外すことができる。したがって、後部上カバー１００２を取り外さなくてもよい。このような構造とすれば、連結ホース１５０１のメンテナンス時の交換が容易であり、また、吸口体５００の清掃性を向上することができる。特に吸口体５００を丸洗いした時に、連結ホース１５０１の洗浄や乾燥が容易となる。
【００９１】
次に、使用状態図を示す図１７〜図２０を参照して本実施例に係る電気掃除機１の操作方法を説明する。
【００９２】
図１７において、先ず、本実施例に係る電気掃除機１では、使用者は立ち姿勢で手元ハンドル３００を保持することにより、接続管４００を介して吸口体５００を操作して床面の掃除を行うことができる。この際、吸引ホース２００を介して手元ハンドル３００に連結される電気掃除機本体１００には一対の大車輪１０１と１個の自在車輪１０２が備えられているので、移動しながら清掃を行うことができる。一般に、日本女性の平均身長は１５７センチであるが、この使用者が自然に手元ハンドル３００を持った状態で、接続管４００を介し吸口体５００を前後させて掃除をしようとした場合には、手元ハンドル３００と床面との垂直方向の距離が７８センチ以下であれば手や腕に負担をかけることなく掃除をすることができる。その角度は垂直方向に４５度とする使用者の最も操作される動作範囲に設定され、４５度以上であれば逆に手や腕に負担をかけることになる。
【００９３】
そこで、本実施例では、延長管１０の角度が４５度となるように延長管１０の長さを設定している。そして、手元ハンドル３００のハンドル部３０１を１１０度前後に設定しているので、該ハンドル部３０１を把持する使用者は前記延長管１０の角度が４５度の状態で前後方向の動きを楽にすることができる。また、吸口体５００の吸口１０１０が設けられた底面部は、自在連結部１５００の下腕部１５０２ａが高低方向Ｙに回転するので、吸口体５００が前後方向に移動しても前記吸口体５００の底面部を床面から浮き上がらせることがない。この際、左右方向Ｘの回転は、延長管１０が４５度に傾いているために、上腕部１５０２ｂの左右方向Ｘの回転軸が４５度傾いているため、上腕部１５０２ｂの左右方向Ｘの回転がしにくく、吸口体５００を前後方向に移動させても吸口体５００の左右方向Ｘのぶれを軽減することができる。更に、この実施例では、ロック機構１５１６及び引っ張りぎみに設けた連結ホース１５０１を備えているので、より吸口体５００の直進性を良好なものとすることができる。加えて、吸口体５００の底面部に設けた車輪１２００は回転軸１２１１を中心とした通常の車輪としての回転を行って直進性を高める。特に最後部車輪１２０３により前後移動における吸口体５００の先端部の浮き上がりを軽減して良好な直進性が得られる。加えて、この実施例では、前記ガイド手段１３００の刷毛１２１４と、回転ブラシ１０１１のダブルブラシで床面の塵埃を２重にかきあげて吸い込み効率を高めることができる。
【００９４】
ここで、この実施例では、下腕部１５０２ａで高低方向Ｙの回転を行い、上腕部１５０２ｂで左右方向Ｘの回転を行うことで、前記通常姿勢となる延長管１０が４５度の状態での直進性を高めることができる。なお、下腕部１５０２ａで左右方向Ｘの回転を行い、上腕部１５０２ｂで高低方向Ｙの回転を行う構造では、後記する吸口体５００の回転動作を前記実施例と同様に行うことができるが、直進性に課題が残るので、左右方向Ｘの回転を阻止する前記ロック機構１５１６を設ける必要がある。
【００９５】
図１８において、この実施例では、手元ハンドル３００のハンドル部３０１をひねる動作で吸口体４００の向きを、前記手元ハンドル３００の回転にリンクして変えることができる。図１８中、（ａ）図はハンドル部３０１を真っ直ぐにした状態、（ｂ）図はハンドル部３０１を４５度ひねった状態、（ｃ）図はハンドル部を９０度ひねった状態の手元ハンドル３００と吸口体５００の状態図である。なお、図１８では、説明の都合上３つの角度で説明するが、手元ハンドル３００のひねり動作の角度と吸口体５００の角度は動作範囲のどの角度でもリンクして動作する。
【００９６】
先ず、（ａ）図では、ハンドル部３０１及び吸口体５００とも、真っ直ぐに正対して直進走行に適した状態である。
【００９７】
一方、（ｂ）図に示すように、ハンドル部３０１を４５度ひねると自在連結部１５００の作用により吸口体５００の向きも４５度傾けることができる。この状態では、吸口体５００の車輪１２００が横スベリするので、吸口体５００を傾けたまま前後方向の動きを行うことができる。例えば、前方に障害部があって幅が狭くなっている部分を清掃する際などに極めて有効である。また、吸口体５００の向きを変えることで車輪１２００の向きが変わるので、自動車のハンドルを回すように吸口体５００のコース変更が容易となる。
【００９８】
また、（Ｃ）図に示すように、ハンドル部３０１を９０度ひねると自在連結部１５００の作用により吸口体５００の向きも９０度傾けた横方向にすることができる。この状態では、吸口体５００の車輪１２００が横スベリするので、吸口体５００を真横にした状態で前後方向（前記左右方向Ｖ）に移動させることができる。この姿勢では、壁際の清掃の際に極めて有効である。この壁際の清掃を図１９で説明する。
【００９９】
図１９において、（ａ）図は、吸口体５００を真横にした状態で壁際を清掃する状態を示し、（ｂ）図は壁に沿って肩幅程度の余裕を持って吸口体５００を真横に近い状態で壁際を清掃する状態を示している。更に（ｃ）図は本実施例の１８０度の動作範囲より広い動作範囲を設定することで、狭いすきま清掃がより最適になる点を示した図である。例えば、このような広い動作範囲とすることで、接続管４００や、ハンドル部３０１をひねった際に横に向く吸引ホース２００が壁等に接触することを軽減することができる。
【０１００】
さて、前記図１９に示す状態では、何れも吸口体５００の先端部を壁面に当てた状態で、真横の吸口体５００を前後方向（左右方向Ｖ）に移動させることができる。この状態では、吸口体５００の周囲に設けた滑り部材１１００により、壁面に傷を付けることなく移動させることができ、しかも、底面部に設けたガイド手段１３００により、吸口１０１０と壁面の間の塵埃を効率よく吸込むことができる。
【０１０１】
次に、図２０において、この実施例に係る吸口体５００は、前記吸口体５００の旋回性能を備えながら全高Ｈを低くすることができるので、家具の下等の高さの低い部分の清掃性に優れている。図２０図中、（ａ）（ｂ）図が従来例の使用状態の側面図と平面図、（ｃ）（ｄ）図が本実施例の使用状態の側面図と平面図である。
【０１０２】
（ａ）図と（ｃ）図の対比から明らかなように、本実施例によれば、手元ハンドル３００を低くすることにより、低いすきまにもぐり込ますことができるが、従来例では屈曲した継手を採用しているので、手元ハンドル３００を低くすると、吸口体５００の底面を浮かしてしまう。従来例は、（ｂ）図のように、手元ハンドル３００をひねる動作で屈曲した継手を横にして全高Ｈを低くすることができるが、吸口体５００が斜めに向いてしまうので、すきまの奥の清掃性に課題が残る。一方、本実施例では、（ｄ）図に示すように、ひねる動作を行うことなく、吸口体５００をすきま奥の壁面に正対させることができる。しかも、ロック機構１５１６により、この正対させた状態を維持することができる。
【０１０３】
（第２の実施例）
次に、図２１から図２５を参照して、本発明に係る電気掃除機の他の実施例を説明する。この第２の実施例は、前記第１の実施例の吸口体５００を、搬送通路となる連結ホース１６０３と、吸口体５００の支持部材とを分離した吸口体５１０に変更した点で相違し、他の電気掃除機本体１００等は同様なものを採用している。ここでは、吸口体５１０について説明し、他の部分の説明を省略する。また、同様な構造や部位または矢印等は同一の符号を示し、その説明を省略する。
【０１０４】
先ず、外観斜視図を示す図２１を参照してこの第２の実施例の概要を説明する。この実施例に係る吸口体５１０は、塵埃を吸い込むための吸口１０１０（図２２参照）を底面に備えた吸口本体１０５０と、前記吸口本体１０５０を前記接続管４００に連結し、前記接続管４００を介して伝達される手元ハンドル３００の動きに対して常に吸口本体１０５０の底面を床面に接するように動作する自在連結部１６００とで構成される。
【０１０５】
前記吸口本体１０５０は、床面の塵埃を吸い込むための回転ブラシ１０１１（図２２参照）を備えた吸口１０１０（図２２参照）を底面に備えている。自在連結部１６００は、前記接続管４００を連通する接続部１６０１と、前記接続管４００の長手方向、即ち、前記接続管４００の中心軸Ｑの延長線上の下端に取付けられて、吸口本体１０５０と接続部１６０１を回転可能に連結する自在ヒンジ１６０２と、前記吸口本体１０５０と前記接続部１６０１を連通する柔軟性のある連結ホース１６０３とから構成される前記自在ヒンジ１６０２は、該吸口体５１０を中心にして、手元ハンドル３００の高低方向Ｙと、左右方向Ｘに回転可能に連結するとともに、手元ハンドル３００のひねり動作の回転Ｐ１をそのまま吸口本体１０５０の回転Ｐ２に伝達する機構を備えている。この実施例では、吸口本体１０５０に設けられた第１のＹ字体１６０４と、前記接続部１６０１に取付けられた第２のＹ字体１６０５と、前記第１のＹ字体１６０４及び第２のＹ字体１６０５に回転軸を直交させて、その交わる交点Ｓ１を中心に回転可能に取付けられて両Ｙ字体１６０４、１６０５を連結する連結体１６０６とから構成している。
【０１０６】
なお、本実施例では、詳細については後記するが、前記高低方向Ｙの角度を床面から約９０度以上、左右方向Ｘについては１８０度以上の範囲で動作可能である。
【０１０７】
また、前記吸口体５１０は、吸口本体１０５０の周囲に滑り部材１１００を設けることで、壁際の清掃性を向上するとともに、底面に吸口体１０５０の長手方向Ｖの動きをスムーズにする自在車輪１２５０（図２４参照）を設けている。更に、前記吸口本体１０５０の底面に設けた吸口１０１０の前部（先端部との間）に塵埃のガイド手段１３００（図２４参照）を設けることにより、取り難い壁際の塵埃を効率よく吸込むことができる。なお、滑り部材１１００は第１の実施例と同様につき説明を省略する。
【０１０８】
このように、本実施例に係る吸口体５１０によれば、前記第１実施例と同様な効果を備えるとともに、塵埃を搬送する機能を備えた連結ホース１６０３を、吸口体５１０を回転可能に支持する自在ヒンジ１６０２から分離した構造としているので、構造を簡単にして、製造コストの低減を図ることができる。
【０１０９】
以下、図２２〜図２６を参照して、前記吸口体５１０を詳細に説明する。図２２は部品構成図、図２３は自在ヒンジの構造図、図２４は外観底面図、図２５は概略断面図、図２６は使用状態の説明図である。
【０１１０】
先ず、吸口体５１０の部品構成を図２２と図２５を基に説明する。図において、前記したように、吸口体５１０は、吸口本体１０５０と自在連結部１６００とから構成されている。吸口本体１０５０は、吸口本体１０５０の骨格を成す下ケース１０５１と、吸口本体１０５０の前方をカバーする前部上カバー１０５２と、吸口本体１０５０の後方をカバーする後部上カバー１０５３とから構成される。
【０１１１】
後部上カバー１０５３は、下ケース１０５１にネジを介して取付けられ、両側後方に配設した図示しない通風路１００７を形成する。そして、上面前部中央に前記連結ホース１６０３の取付部１０５５を配置し、該取付部１０５５の後方に自在連結部１６００の第１のＹ字体１６０４が設けられる。また、後部上カバー１０５３の前部中央には、前記連結ホース１６０３の取付部１０５５と連通するベルマウス体１００９、その両側には、前記通風路１００７と連通する開口部１０１５が設けられている。
【０１１２】
前部上カバー１０５２は下ケース１０５１に着脱可能に取付けられて、集塵室１００５を構成する。集塵室１００５の底面には吸口１０１０が形成され、該集塵室１００５内に両側にタービン１０１２を備えた回転ブラシ１０１１が配設される。この実施例も前記第１の実施例と同様に通気穴１０１６によってタービン１０１２と回転ブラシ１０１１を回転させ、さらに吸口１０１０内で発生する旋回流の相乗効果により、掃除面の塵埃を巻き上げながら吸塵できる。
【０１１３】
自在連結部１６００は、接続部１６０１と自在ヒンジ１６０２と連結ホース１６０３とから構成される。接続部１６０１は、一端に接続管４００と着脱可能に取付けられる連結部１５０７を備え、他端に前記自在ヒンジ１６０２の第２のＹ字体１６０５が取付けられて、該第２のＹ字体１６０５と連結部１５０７とが中心軸Ｑの延長線上にほぼ位置するようにしている。また、図２５に示すように、連結部１５０７に形成される集塵路１６０７は、緩やかに屈曲して前記第２のＹ字体１６０５の前方に配設されており、第２のＹ字体１６０５の前部に前記集塵路１６０７と連通する連結ホース１６０３の取付部１６０８が形成されている。このことにより、集塵路１６０７のめづまりを軽減している。連結ホース１６０３は、前記取付部１６０８と吸口本体１０５０の取付部１０５５と着脱可能に取付けられる。
【０１１４】
次に、図２３に基づいて、自在ヒンジ１６０２について説明する。図において、前記自在ヒンジ１６０２は、高低方向Ｙを回転可能にする回転軸Ｙ１と、左右方向Ｘを回転可能とする回転軸Ｘ１を交点Ｓ１の１点で直交させて両軸での回転を可能にする構造としている。
【０１１５】
吸口本体１０５０に設けられた第１のＹ字体１６０４、及び、前記接続部１６０１に取付けられた第２のＹ字体１６０５の先端の内側には、回転軸１６０４ａ、１６０５ａがそれぞれ設けられて、連結体１６０６の図示しない軸受穴に回転可能に取付けられている。また、この自在ヒンジ１６０２は回転軸Ｙ１と回転軸Ｘ１が交点Ｓ１の１点で直交させてはいるものの、前記第１の実施例と同様、関節形のヒンジである。このため、この実施例でも、高低方向Ｙと左右方向Ｘに加えて、手元ハンドル３００の回転Ｐ１の回転角度と同じ回転角度を吸口本体１０５０に伝達して、吸口体５１０を旋回させることができる。したがって、前記回転軸Ｙ１と回転軸Ｘ１は交点Ｓ１の一点で交差しなくともよい。ただ、交点Ｓで交差することにより、自在ヒンジ１６０２を非常にコンパクトにすることができる。
【０１１６】
次に、図２４に基づいて、吸口体５１０の底面の構造を説明する。図において、この実施例は走行性、特に旋回性に優れた自在車輪１２５０を採用している。該自在車輪１２５０は、底面後方の両側（図面下部）に設けた一対の後車輪１２５１と、底面中央の両側に設けた一対の前車輪１２５２とからなる４輪構成としている。この４輪の配置は、接続管４００が４５度の角度となる使用頻度の高い使用状態で、接続管４００の中心軸Ｑの延長線上に吸口体５１０の旋回中心Ｓ２がほぼ位置するように配置したものである。この配置により、手元ハンドル３００のひねり動作が行い易くスムーズに行うことができる。更に、この後方に片寄った車輪配置は、手元ハンドル３００から伝達される移動動作にともなう負荷が加わり易い吸口体５１０の後部をカバーするものであり、吸口体５１０の姿勢維持に効果がある。
【０１１７】
なお、この実施例では、前記自在車輪１２５０を凹部内に設けることで、吸口１０１０と床面のすきまが大きくならないようにするとともに、デッドスペースとなる底面の後方中央を凹状とすることで、吸口体５１０の強度を高めるとともに軽量化を図ている。
【０１１８】
更に、この実施例では、吸口体５１０の底面の前部にガイド手段１３００を設けることで、前車輪１２５２とガイド手段１３００との間に配置される吸口１０１０と清掃床面の間のすきまを一定に保つようにしている。これにより、ガイド手段１３００に方向性のない車輪のような機能を持たせることができるので、旋回性能を向上しながら吸い込み効率を維持することができる。
【０１１９】
また、この実施例のガイド手段１３００は、刷毛の束１３１０を吸口体５１０の長手方向に列を成すように配設した刷毛台１２１５を平面部１３０２の先端部に取付けている。
【０１２０】
図２５、図２６において、この実施例では、連結ホース１６３０を高低方向Ｙの角度が０度の状態で、吸口体５１０の先端が上がらない程度に張りぎみとなるように取付ける。これにより、図２５に示すような机の下などの低いすきまに吸口体５１０を挿入しても先端部があがることがなく、また、接続管４００が４５度となる使用頻度の高い姿勢や、図２５に示すような左右方向Ｘの角度が９０度になる姿勢でも、あまった連結ホース１６３０が姿勢維持を邪魔をしたり、手元ハンドルのひねり動作等に負荷をかけたり、あるいは連結ホース１６３０が折れてめづまりをおこすのを軽減している。
【０１２１】
また、この実施例では、塵埃の搬送通路をなす連結ホース１６３０と、吸口体５１０の支持部材とを分離したので、例えば、図２６に示すように、吸口本体１０５０の取付部１０５５に取付けられた連結ホース１６０３を取り外して、別体のすきまノズルを付けることで、取りづらいすきまの清掃を接続管４００を分解することなく、行うことができる。なお、この際すきまノズルを吸口体５１０の近傍に、例えば接続部１６０１に取付用機器具を設けてすきまノズルを取付けるようにすると前記作業の効率化が図れる。
【０１２２】
また、前記実施例の応用例として、第２のＹ字体１６０５の長さを長くして接続管４００を短くしたり、あるいは接続管４００を取り除いて手元ハンドル３００に直接柄の長い第２のＹ字体１６０５を取付けたりするなどして、連結ホース１６３０の長さを長くすることで、すきまノズルを備えた連結ホース１６３０の動作範囲を広くすることができる。この場合、連結ホース１６３０が前記姿勢維持等の邪魔をしたりしないように、第２のＹ字体１６０５に連結ホース１６３０が着脱可能に保持されるようにし、第２のＹ字体１６０５の柄の適当な間隔位置に保持部材を備えるようにするとよい。
【０１２３】
更に、この実施例によれば、塵埃の搬送通路と吸口体５１０の支持部材とを分離したので、左右方向Ｘの動作範囲を１８０度以上に、高低方向Ｙを９０度以上に容易に設定することができる。
【０１２４】
このように、前記第２の実施例によれば、前記第１実施例と同様な効果が期待できるとともに、塵埃の搬送通路と吸口体５１０の支持部材とを分離したので、自在ヒンジ１６０２を簡単な構造でしかも小型にすることができ、製造コストの低減が図れる。しかも、搬送通路となる連結ホース１６３０を一端を外せば他の補助吸口として、更に両端を外せばメンテナンス性や清掃性を向上することができる。更に、自在連結部１６００の動作範囲を広くすることができる。
【０１２５】
（第３の実施例）
次に、図２７を参照して、本発明に係る電気掃除機の他の実施例を説明する。この第３の実施例は、前記第１の実施例の吸口体５００と、自在連結部１５００の取り付け位置が違う点で相違し、他の電気掃除機本体１００等は同様なものを採用している。図２７中、（ａ）図は概略外観斜視図、（ｂ）図は構造概念図である。ここでは、吸口体５２０について説明し、他の部分の説明を省略する。また、同様な構造や部位または矢印等は同一の符号を示し、その説明を省略する。
【０１２６】
この実施例の吸口体５２０は、平面形状を略直方体とする吸口本体１０６０と、該吸口本体１０６０の上面中央に取付けられる自在連結部１７００とから構成される。前記自在連結部１７００は、前記第１の実施例で説明した自在ヒンジ１５０２内に連結ホース１５０１を備えた自在連結部１５００と同様な構造を備えている。
【０１２７】
吸口本体１０６０は、下ケース１０６１と上ケース１０６２とから構成され、吸引室１０５０を構成する。該吸引室１０５０には、下ケース１０６１に形成される２本の吸口１０１０ａ、１０１０ｂが吸口体５２０の前後（短手方向）に配設され、該吸口１０１０ａ、１０１０ｂ に回転ブラシ１０１１が設けられている。この実施例では、前記回転ブラシ１０１１を吸口１０１０ａと吸口１０１０ｂの間に設けた電動モータ１０６３でベルトを介して回転するようにしている。電動モータ１０６３の電源は、電気掃除機本体１００から吸引ホース２００、手元ハンドル３００接続管４００、自在連結部１７００に沿って、または内蔵して設けた配線で行うようにしている。なお、前記実施例と同様にエアータービン駆動のものを採用してもよい。また、電動モータ１０６３を前記自在連結部１７００の取付部の下方に配置して、全体のバランスを良好なものとしている。
【０１２８】
上ケース１０６２は、側面形状が凸の半円形状で長手方向に長い、いわゆるかまぼこ型に形成され、その上面中央に連結ホース１５０１が取付けられるホース取付部１０６４が設けられ、該ホース取付部１０６４の両側、即ち吸口体５２０の長手方向側に、前記自在ヒンジ１５０２を構成する下腕部１５０２ａの回転軸１５０３が取付けられ一対の軸受台１０６５が形成され、前記自在連結部１７００が回転可能に取付けられている。
【０１２９】
軸受台１０６５の軸受中心１０６５ａは、上ケース１０６２の上からＨ１の位置に設定され、該高さＨ１は自在連結部１７００の高低方向Ｙの角度が０度となる高さに設定している。この実施例では、上ケース１０６２の側面形状を半円形状とすることで、前記高さＨ１を低くして、吸口体５２０の先端部（図２７、２８の左側）の浮き上がりを軽減している。
【０１３０】
なお、この実施例では、連結ホース１５０１と自在連結部１７００を上ケース１０６２の真上に前後左右対称に設けているが、上ケース１０６２の中央に後方に斜めに傾いて設けてもよい。このようにすれば、高さＨ１を低くすることができるとともに、高低方向Ｙの角度が小さい状態での自在連結部１７００の動きが良好となる。この場合、自在連結部１７００を左右方向Ｘの角度を９０度にした状態で、自在連結部１７００の横幅（吸口体５２０の前後）が吸口体５２０の投影面積からはみ出さないようにするとよい。
【０１３１】
また、吸口体５２０の側面の周囲には、前記実施例と同様な滑り部材１１００が帯状に形成されている。更に、吸口体５２０の底面の周囲には、前記実施例と同様なガイド手段１３００が設けられ、塵埃のまきあげと吸口１０１０への案内、及び吸口１０１０と床面のすきまを一定にする車輪と同様な機能を持たせている。もちろん、底面の四隅や、最も手元ハンドル３００の力を受ける底面後方の中央または両側に前記実施例と同様な車輪１２００や自在車輪１２５０等の前後、左右、旋回が可能なものを設けてもよい。
【０１３２】
以上述べたように、この第３の実施例によれば、自在連結部１７００を吸口本体１０６０の上部に設けたので、吸口体５２０の設置面積を小さくすることができる。このため、図１９（ｃ）図に示したような狭いすきまの清掃性が向上する。しかも、吸口体５２０の側面周囲には滑り部材１１００が設けられているので正面性がないから、前記狭いすきまでも周囲の家具や壁面に沿わせて清掃することが可能であり、また、家具や壁面に傷を付けることを軽減できる。また、この実施例によれば、高低方向Ｙの角度が９０度以上に設定できるので、例えば、上り斜面でも無理な姿勢を取ることなく清掃することができる
（第４の実施例）
次に、機構概念図を示す図２８を参照して、本発明に係る第４の実施例を説明する。この実施例は、前記実施例の塵埃の搬送路の機能を備えた連結ホース１５０１と、自在ヒンジ１５０２を一体的に構成したものである。図において、この実施例の吸口体５０３は、吸口本体１０７０と、樹脂材料で形成される自在連結部１８００とから構成される。該自在連結部１８００は、前記吸口本体１０７０に回転可能に取付けられ高低方向Ｙの回転を可能にする筒状の下腕部１８０１ａと、一端を前記接続管４００に取付けられ、他端を前記下腕部１８０１ａと左右方向Ｘの回転を可能にするように取付けられる筒状の上腕部１８０１ｂとから構成される。
【０１３３】
吸口本体１０７０は、その後方中央に吸引室に連通する開口部１０７１を備え、該開口部１０７１の両側に一対の軸受台１０７２が形成される。下腕部１８０１ａの一端は、側面形状が円弧状に形成され、両側の側面に回転軸１８０２が設けられ、前記軸受台１０７２に回転可能に取付けられる。前記開口部１０７１の周辺形状は、前記下腕部１８０１ａの一端の円弧形状と合うように形成され、空気のもれがないようになっている。また、前記下腕部１８０１ａの一端に形成される開口部１８０３は、前記吸口本体１０７０の開口部１０７１より上下方向が狭く形成され、高低方向Ｙの動作範囲において、該開口部１０７１と１８０３が連通するようにしている。一方、下腕部１８０１ａの他端は、上形状が両側が切り欠かれた形状に形成され、その先端の上下内側に回転軸受１８０４が設けられている。
【０１３４】
また、上腕部１８０１ｂの一端は、上面形状が円弧状に形成され、上下面に回転軸１８０５が設けられ、前記回転軸受１８０４に回転可能に取付けられる。前記下腕部１８０１ａの開口部１８０６の周辺形状は、前記上腕部１８０１ｂの一端の円弧形状と合うように形成され、空気のもれがないようになっている。また、前記上腕部１８０１ｂの一端に形成される開口部１８０７は、前記下腕部１８０１ａの開口部１８０６より左右方向が狭く形成され、左右方向Ｘの動作範囲において、該開口部１８０６と１８０７が連通するようにしている。一方、上腕部１８０１ｂの他端は、接続管４００と着脱可能に接続される連結部１５２１が形成されている。
【０１３５】
この実施例によれば、部品点数を少なくして、しかも簡単な構造で前記実施例と同様な効果を得ることができる。しかも、各部材の結合は樹脂材料の弾性を使った接続とすることで、外部から応力が加わっても、連結部が外れ、再度結合することができるから装置の破壊を軽減して、しかも組立性を向上することができる。
【０１３６】
（第５の実施例）
次に、図２９から図３１を参照して、本発明にかかる第５の実施例を説明する。この実施例は、前記実施例の塵埃の搬送路の機能を備えた連結ホース１５０１に動作ガイド手段を設けて、自在ヒンジ１５０２の省略を図ったものである。図２９は概略外観斜視図、図３０は自在連結ホースの拡大図、図３１は他の応用例の構造概念図である。
【０１３７】
先ず、図２９、図３０において、この実施例の吸口体５４０は、吸口本体１０８０と、自在連結ホース１９００とから構成される。前記自在連結部１９００はその外観が凹部１９０１と凸部１９０２が管方向に交互に連続するホース体であり、一端は吸口本体１０８０の取付部１８０１に取付けられ、他端は接続管４００に取付けるための連結部１５０７が取付けられている。
【０１３８】
また、前記自在連結ホース１９００は、吸口本体１０８０の取付け側１／２の両側に上下動作ガイドリブ１９０３が一体成形されている。一方、連結部１５０７の取付け側１／２には、前記上下動作ガイドリブ１９０３の取付け位置と直交するように、上下に左右動作ガイドリブ１９０４が一体成形されている。
【０１３９】
前記上下動作ガイドリブ１９０３は、自在連結ホース１９００を左右方向Ｘの屈曲を阻止し、高低方向Ｙの屈曲を可能とするように、前記凹部１９０１を埋めるように凸状に形成される。また同様に、左右動作ガイドリブ１９０４は、自在連結ホース１９００を高低方向Ｙの屈曲を阻止し、左右方向Ｘの屈曲を可能とするように、前記凹部１９０１を埋めるように凸状に形成される。そして、前記上下動作ガイドリブ１９０３と左右動作ガイドリブ１９０４は前記自在連結ホース１９００のねじれを軽減することができる。
【０１４０】
前記上下動作ガイドリブ１９０３と左右動作ガイドリブ１９０４の幅Ｚ１と突出量Ｚ２及び断面形状、あるいは長さ等は、吸口本体１０８０の大きさや重量等を考慮して適宜決定する。例えば、図３１に示すように、前記上下動作ガイドリブ１９０３と左右動作ガイドリブ１９０４を別部材のバッジ１９０５で代用して、該バッジ１９０５をネジやビスで適宜ホース材に固定するようにしてもよい。この構造によれば、既存のホース材料を利用して同様な効果を得ることできる。しかも、前記バッジ１９０５に装飾や色彩を施せば、機種数の展開や意匠性を向上することができる。
【０１４１】
以上述べたように、この実施例によれば、部品点数を少なくして、しかも簡単な構造で前記実施例と同様な効果を得ることができる。しかも、軽量化が図られるので、図２９に示すような、回転ブラシを使わない簡単な構造の吸口体や、軽量化が必要なハンデイ掃除機の吸口体に好適である。
【０１４２】
（その他の実施例）
図３２及び図３３は手元ハンドルに関する他の実施例である。図３２及び図３３は動作概念図である。
【０１４３】
図３２において、この実施例は、手元ハンドル３１０と接続管４１０との接続を、接続管４００の中心軸Ｑ方向に回転可能に取付けたものである。（ａ）は接続管４００の上端にすべり止めのグリップ４１１を設け、（ｂ）図は接続管４００の上端に回転用ハンドル４１２を設けた設けたものである。
【０１４４】
この実施例によれば、片手で手元ハンドル３１０のハンドル部３０１を保持し、他の片手で前記グリップ４１１または回転用ハンドル４１２を操作することで、手元ハンドル３１０を回転させることなく吸口体を旋回させることができる。しかも、手元ハンドル３１０を回転させないから、吸口体の左右方向Ｘの回転Ｐ２を１８０度以上にしても、操作に支障をきたすことがない。
【０１４５】
次に、図３３は手元ハンドルのハンドル部に関する他の実施例である。この実施例に係る手元ハンドル３２０は、接続管４００と吸引ホース２００を屈折して取付けるように形成され、前記屈折部３２１の位置で、かつ接続管４００の中心軸Ｑとほぼ直交するハンドル部３２２を設けている。また、前記ハンドル部３２２の後方の吸引ホース２００側には手首保持体３２３を設けている。
【０１４６】
この実施例によれば、前記ハンドル部３２２を片手で保持し、該保持した片手の手首を前記手首保持体３２３で安定させることができるから、手元ハンドル３２０でのひねり動作が容易であるとともに、手元ハンドル３２０をひじを中心とした動作で操作することができるので手首に係る負担を軽減できる。特に、この実施例では、従来の手元ハンドルでは手首に係る負担が大きいために、片手では吸口体を持ち上げることが困難であったが、この実施例では、手首が手首保持体３２３で固定されるので、ひじを中心に吸口体を持ち上げる動作が容易となる。また、前記ハンドル部３２２に赤外線発信部３０３を設ければ天井を介しての送信が良好となり、誤操作を軽減することができる。
【０１４７】
さて、以上述べた実施例においては、回転ブラシを採用した吸口体を中心に説明したが、この発明ではこれに限定されるものではない。また、回転ブラシの駆動方法もエアータービン方式に限定されるものではない。
【０１４８】
更に、前記実施例では、車輪を備えた電気掃除機本体と吸引ホースと手元ハンドルと接続管と吸口体とからなる電気掃除機で説明したが、本発明は、これに限定されるものではない。例えば、塵埃を吸い込むための送風機を備えた電気掃除機本体と、前記電気掃除機本体の長手方向の一端に取付けられて前記送風機に連通する吸口体と、前記電気掃除機本体の長手方向の他端に取付けられる手元ハンドルとから構成し、前記吸口体を、塵埃を吸い込むための吸引口を備えた吸口本体と、前記吸口本体を前記電気掃除機本体に連結し、前記電気掃除機本体を介して伝達される手元ハンドルの回転角度と吸口体の回転角度を同期させる自在連結部を備えているようにしてもよい。
【０１４９】
この他、住宅に配管された塵埃搬送路に吸引ホースと手元ハンドルと接続管と吸口体を接続するセントラルクリーナと呼ばれるものや、長手方向の電気掃除機本体の一端に吸口体を取付け、他端にハンドルを設けたハンドクリーナ等の電気掃除機に応用することも可能である。
【０１５０】
更に、以上述べた実施例によれば、手元ハンドルの回転動作で吸口体を効率良く回転動作させることができる電気掃除機用吸口体及び該吸口体を備えた電気掃除機を提供することができる。
【０１５１】
具体的には、塵埃を吸い込むための送風機を備えた電気掃除機本体と、一端を前記電気掃除機本体に取付けられて前記送風機に連通する柔軟性のある吸引ホースと、前記吸引ホースの他端と取付けられて前記送風機に連通する手元ハンドルと、前記手元ハンドルに取付けられて前記吸引ホースに連通する接続管と、前記接続管に取付けられて該接続管に連通する吸口体とから構成し、前記吸口体を、塵埃を吸い込むための吸引口を備えた吸口本体と、前記吸口本体を前記接続管に連結し、前記接続管を介して伝達される手元ハンドルの回転角度と吸口体の回転角度を同期させる自在連結部を備えたので、手元ハンドルの回転動作で吸口体を効率良く回転動作させることができる。
【０１５２】
また、前記自在連結部を、複数の関節ヒンジ部から構成したので、手元ハンドルの回転動作をそのまま吸口体の回転動作に変換することができる。また、前記自在連結部を、前記吸口本体と前記接続管を連通する柔軟性のある連結ホースと、前記連結ホースを包むように設けられる複数の関節ヒンジ部とから構成したので、自在連結部全体をコンパクトにできるとともに、連結ホースを最短にすることができ、更に連結ホースを関節ヒンジで保護することができる。
【０１５３】
また、前記自在連結部を、第１の関節ヒンジで回転可能に取付けられる第１の自在連結部（上腕部）と第２の自在連結部（下腕部）とから構成し、前記第１の自在連結部を前記接続管に固定するように取付け、前記第２の自在連結部を前記第１関節ヒンジの軸方向と直交する軸方向を備えた第２関節ヒンジで前記吸口本体に回転可能に取付けているので、直進性と左右への移動及び旋回性を向上することができる。更に、前記第１関節ヒンジで手元ハンドルの左右方向の動作を可能とし、前記第２関節ヒンジで手元ハンドルの高さ方向の動作を可能とすることができる。
【０１５４】
また、前記第１関節ヒンジの動作範囲を１８０度の範囲以上に設定することにより、狭いすきまの清掃性を向上することができる。また、第２関節ヒンジの動作範囲を９０度以上に設定することにより、手元ハンドルと接続管と吸口体を接続した状態で、立て姿勢で収納することができる。更に、前記第１の第２の関節ヒンジの動作範囲の組合わせで、吸口体を９０度以上に旋回することができる。
【０１５５】
また、前記自在連結部の長さを吸口ホースの許容曲げ円弧の直径以上に設定することにより、吸口体の旋回性能を向上させることができる。更に、前記複数の関節ヒンジ部で構成される自在連結部を自由端を、連結ホース等の引っ張り部材で引っ張って連結することで、直進性と旋回性を向上させることができる。
【０１５６】
また、前記複数の関節ヒンジ部で構成される自在連結部を前記関節ヒンジ部に所定角度を保持する姿勢保持機構（ロック機構）を設けることで、直進性や姿勢維持を向上させることができる。更に、左右方向の回転を可能とする関節ヒンジ部に前記姿勢保持機構を備えれば直進性を向上することができる。
【０１５７】
また、前記自在連結部を吸口本体の短手方向の片側に取付けることで、全体の薄形化が図れる。更に吸口体を９０度旋回させた状態で、自在連結部を吸口体の投影面積からはみ出さないように、吸口本体の上面に取付けることにより、吸口体の設置面積を小さくしてすきまの清掃性を向上することができる。
【０１５８】
また、前記吸口本体の重心位置を前記接続管の略延長線上に位置するように自在連結部を設けることで、吸口体の旋回性能を向上することができる。
【０１５９】
前記吸口本体の底面に、塵埃を吸い込むための塵埃吸引口を設け、少なくとも底面前部（前記自在連結部が取付けられた短手方向の対向位置の底面端部）に、塵埃を吸込む吸口に塵埃を案内するためのガイド手段、例えば、ブラシや溝等を設けることで、壁際の清掃性を向上することができる。
【０１６０】
少なくとも前記自在連結部が取付けられた短手方向の対向位置の前記吸口本体の周側に刷毛材やタイヤあるいは車輪等の摺動部材を設けることで、壁面等に沿って吸口体を移動させることができるとともに、前記壁面等を傷つけることを軽減することができる。
【０１６１】
更に、底面に、前後に加えて左右方向への移動性に優れた車輪または摩擦係数の低い突起等の移動手段を設けることにより、吸口体の直進性や左右方向及び旋回性を向上させることができる。特に、吸口本体の重心位置近傍、あるいは前記接続管の略延長線上の近傍を中心とする前記移動手段の配置をとれば、前記効果をいっそう向上することができる。また、自在連結部の取付位置より後方に前記移動手段を設ければ、吸口体の先端部の浮き上がりを軽減して前記走行性の効果を向上させることができる。
【０１６２】
また、前記吸口体を、下面に吸込口を有する下ケースに上ケースを配設して形成された吸口本体と、該吸口本体の吸込口に配設された回転清掃体と、該回転清掃体を駆動するため駆動手段と、前記吸口本体の後部に配設される吸込通路有するケーシングを備えた第２の自在連結部と、前記第２の自在連結部の後方に配設され後端部に接続管継手を備えた第２の自在連結部と、前記ケーシングの後端部と前記接続管継手とを連通する柔軟性のある吸口ホースとを有する吸口体とから構成し、前記吸口ホースを、前記第１の自在連結部及び前記第２の自在連結部の内側に配設し、前記第２の自在連結部を両側が前記吸口本体に支持される第２ヒンジを介して上下方向に揺動可能に取付け、前記第１の自在連結部は前記第２の自在連結部の後部に前記第２ヒンジの回転軸方向と直交する回転軸方向を備えた第１ヒンジを介して左右方向に揺動可能に設けることで、エアータービン機構を備えて、旋回性に優れたコンパクトな吸口体を提供することができる。
【０１６３】
また、吸口体を、塵埃を吸い込むための吸引口を備えた吸口本体と、自在連結部とから構成し、前記自在連結部を、手元ハンドルに直接または間接的に接続するため接続部と、一端を前記吸口本体と接続し、他端を前記接続部に接続して塵埃の搬送通路を構成する接続ホースと、前記接続部と前記吸口本体を連結し、前記接続部を介して伝達される手元ハンドルの回転角度と吸口体の回転角度を同期させる自在ヒンジ部とから構成することにより、自在ヒンジ部をコンパクトにした旋回性能に優れた吸口体を提供することができる。
【０１６４】
この際、前記自在ヒンジ部を、吸口本体に設けられた第１のＹ字体と、前記接続継手に取付けられた第２のＹ字体と、前記第１のＹ字体及び第２のＹ字体に回転軸を直交させて、その交わる交点を中心に回転可能に取付けられて両Ｙ字体を連結する連結体とから構成することで、旋回性に優れたヒンジ部の小型化を図ることができる。
【０１６５】
また、吸口体を、吸口本体と、自在連結部とから構成し、該自在連結部を前記吸口本体に回転可能に取付けられ高低方向の回転を可能にする筒状の下腕部と、一端を前記接続管に取付けられ、他端を前記下腕部と左右方向の回転を可能にするように取付けられる筒状の上腕部とから構成し、該下腕部と上腕部を自在連結部の動作範囲において連通するように構成することにより、部品点数を少なくし、しかも簡単な構造で旋回性能を向上させることができる。
【０１６６】
吸口体を、吸口本体と、一端が前記吸口本体と接続され、他端に接続管に取付けるための連結部が取付けられた自在連結ホースとから構成し、該自在連結ホースを凹部と凸部が管方向に交互に連続するホース体で構成するとともに、吸口本体の取付側の両側に上下動作ガイド手段を設け、連結部側に前記上下動作ガイド手段の取付け位置と直交する上下部に左右動作ガイド手段を設けることにより、ホース体のねじれ防止が図られ、部品点数を少なくして軽量化が図れ、しかも簡単な構造で旋回性能を向上することができる。
【０１６７】
【発明の効果】
本発明によれば、手元ハンドルのひねり動作で吸口体を旋回させ、壁際の塵埃を効率よく吸い取って清掃性を向上することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】 本発明に係る電気掃除機の一実施例の形態を示す電気掃除機の外観斜視図。
【図２】本発明に係る電気掃除機の一実施例の形態を示す吸口体の部品構成図。
【図３】本発明に係る電気掃除機の一実施例の形態を示す吸口体の平面配置構成の断面図。
【図４】本発明に係る電気掃除機の一実施例の形態を示す吸口体の側面配置構成の断面図。
【図５】本発明に係る電気掃除機の一実施例の形態を示す吸口体の外観斜視図。
【図６】本発明に係る電気掃除機の一実施例の形態を示す吸口体の外観側面図。
【図７】本発明に係る電気掃除機の一実施例の形態を示す吸口体の外観背面図。
【図８】本発明に係る電気掃除機の一実施例の形態を示す吸口体の底面図。
【図９】 本発明に係る電気掃除機の一実施例の形態を示す吸口体の他の底面図。
【図１０】本発明に係る電気掃除機の一実施例の形態を示す滑り部材の要部断面図。
【図１１】本発明に係る電気掃除機の一実施例の形態を示す滑り部材の他の応用説明図。
【図１２】本発明に係る電気掃除機の一実施例の形態を示す車輪の断面図。
【図１３】本発明に係る電気掃除機の一実施例の形態を示す自在連結部の外観斜視図。
【図１４】本発明に係る電気掃除機の一実施例の形態を示す自在連結部の平面図。
【図１５】本発明に係る電気掃除機の一実施例の形態を示す自在連結部の組立工程図。
【図１６】本発明に係る電気掃除機の一実施例の形態を示す他の自在連結部の応用例の説明図。
【図１７】本発明に係る電気掃除機の一実施例の形態を示す使用状態図。
【図１８】本発明に係る電気掃除機の一実施例の形態を示す使用状態図。
【図１９】本発明に係る電気掃除機の一実施例の形態を示す使用状態図。
【図２０】本発明に係る電気掃除機の一実施例の形態を示す使用状態図。
【図２１】本発明に係る電気掃除機の他の実施例の形態を示す外観斜視図。
【図２２】本発明に係る電気掃除機の他の実施例の形態を示す部品構成図。
【図２３】本発明に係る電気掃除機の他の実施例の形態を示す自在ヒンジの構造図。
【図２４】本発明に係る電気掃除機の他の実施例の形態を示す外観底面図。
【図２５】本発明に係る電気掃除機の他の実施例の形態を示す概略断面図。
【図２６】本発明に係る電気掃除機の他の実施例の形態を示す使用状態の説明図。
【図２７】本発明に係る電気掃除機の他の実施例の形態を示す概略概念図。
【図２８】本発明に係る電気掃除機の他の実施例の形態を示す構造概念図。
【図２９】本発明に係る電気掃除機の他の実施例の形態を示す構造概念図。
【図３０】本発明に係る電気掃除機の他の実施例の形態を示す自在連結ホースの拡大図。
【図３１】本発明に係る電気掃除機の他の実施例の形態を示す他の応用例の構造概念図である。
【図３２】本発明に係る電気掃除機の他の実施例の形態を示す手元ハンドルの概略外観斜視図。
【図３３】本発明に係る電気掃除機の他の実施例の形態を示す手元ハンドルの概略外観斜視図。
【符号の説明】
１… 電気掃除機、１００… 電気掃除機本体、２００… 吸引ホース、３００… 手元ハンドル、３０１… ハンドル部、４００… 接続管、５００… 吸口体、１０００… 吸口本体、１００１… 下ケース、１００２… 前部上カバー、１００３… 後部カバー、１００５… 吸引室、１００６… 取付部、１００７… 通風路、１０１０… 吸口、１０１１… 回転ブラシ、１０１２… タービン、１０１６… 通風穴、１０１７… 覗き窓、１０２０… 肉厚部、１０２１… 溝部、１０２２… 開閉レバー、１０２３… 手掛凹部、１１００… 滑り部材、１１０１… 刷毛、１１０２… 刷毛台、１１０３… ローラー、１２００… 車輪、１２０１… 前車輪、１２０２… 後車輪、１２０３… 最後部車輪、１２０３ａ… 最後部車輪、１２１０… 滑り部材、１２１１… 回転軸、１２１２… 凹部、１２１３… Ｃカット面、１２１４… 刷毛、１２１５… 刷毛台、１３００… ガイド手段、１３０２… 平面部、１３１０… 刷毛の束、１３１１… 印毛列、１３１２… 流路、１３１３… 刷毛台、１３１４… 刷毛、１３１５… 流路、１５００… 自在連結部、１５０１… 連結ホース、１５０２… 自在ヒンジ、１５０２ａ… 下腕部、１５０２ｂ… 上腕部、１５、０３… 回転軸、１５０４… 回転軸、１５０５… 回転軸穴、１５０６… ピン、１５０７… 連結部、１５１０…切欠部、１５１１…切欠部、１５１２…切欠部、１５１３… 切欠部、１５１６… ロック機構、１５１７… 凸部、１５１８… 凹部、１５１９… 嵌合穴、１５２０… 凸リブ、１５２１… 連結部、Ｑ… 前記接続管の中心軸、Ｐ１… 手元ハンドルのひねり回転、Ｐ２… 吸口体の旋回、Ｘ… 左右方向、Ｙ… 高低方向、Θ１… 最低角度、Θ２… 最高角度、Θ３… 左右方向の角度。[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner provided with a mouthpiece that allows a user to arbitrarily manipulate the angle of the mouthpiece simply by operating a hand handle.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The mouthpiece used in the conventional vacuum cleaner is connected to the hand handle via an extension tube, and the joint structure provided on the mouthpiece by rotating the hand handle about the longitudinal direction of the extension tube as a rotation axis Is attached to be rotatable to some extent.
[0003]
The structure includes a first joint that is attached so as to be swingable in the vertical direction with both longitudinal sides of the mouthpiece body as a rotation axis, and a refracted tubular form, one end of which is an axial direction of the first joint. It is comprised from the 2nd coupling attached rotatably to the other end, and being fixed to the extension pipe at the other end. Then, according to this mouthpiece, by rotating the hand handle, the mouthpiece can be rotated at an angle refracted by the second joint, generally about 45 degrees.
[0004]
For example, these structures are disclosed in JP-A-5-245073.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The suction body of the conventional electric vacuum cleaner is formed based on a horizontally long suction mouth to clean the floor by moving the suction body in the front-rear direction via a hand handle so that the floor surface is efficiently cleaned. And by providing the above-mentioned two joints in order to improve the cleanability of the bottom of the table and the gap, the vertical movement of the hand handle and the mouth sucking body itself are maintained while the mouth sucking body is in close contact with the floor surface by the operation of the hand handle. Rotation is possible.
[0006]
However, although the conventional suction body can make the structure of the suction body itself robust, there is a problem in the operability with the hand handle because the operation range of the suction body itself is limited.
[0007]
For example, when cleaning the wall, it is efficient to move the suction body along the wall surface with the longitudinal direction of the mouthpiece parallel to the wall surface. However, in the structure of the conventional mouthpiece, the rotation angle of the joint can be rotated only about 45 degrees even if the hand handle is rotated by 90 degrees, so the above work must be performed in an unreasonable posture or with both hands. did not become. Further, in the cleaning of a low gap such as under the softer, the cleaning efficiency as expected because the bent joint is caught cannot be achieved.
[0008]
  An object of the present invention is to improve the cleaning performance by turning the suction body by the twisting operation of the hand handle and efficiently sucking up the dust at the wall.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, a vacuum cleaner body, a suction hose attached to the vacuum cleaner body, a hand handle attached to the suction hose, and a connecting pipe attached to the hand handle And in the vacuum cleaner having a mouthpiece attached to the connecting pipe, the mouthpiece has a substantially rectangular mouthpiece body, and a free connecting portion having an air passage formed therein, Each of the free connecting portions is made of a resin molded product, and is composed of a cylindrical lower arm portion and an upper arm portion each having a ventilation path formed on its inner surface, and one end of the lower arm portion is attached to the mouthpiece body One end of the upper arm portion is attached to the other end of the lower arm portion, and the other end of the upper arm portion is attached to the connecting pipe, and one end of the lower arm portion rotates around one rotation axis of the suction mouth body. Can be attached, said The other end of the arm portion is attached to one end of the upper arm portion so as to be rotatable around another rotation axis that is orthogonal to the one rotation axis and orthogonal to the axis of the upper arm portion, and the connecting pipe is connected to the lowest in the height direction. The lower arm part and the upper arm part can be arranged in a straight line in an angled state, and the connection pipe can be raised and lowered in the up-and-down direction, and the connection pipe is at the highest angle in the height direction. The tube can be tilted in the longitudinal direction of the mouthpiece body.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0013]
(First embodiment)
1 to 26 show an embodiment of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
[0014]
First, an outline of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1 showing an external perspective view of a vacuum cleaner.
[0015]
In FIG. 1, an electric vacuum cleaner generally indicated by reference numeral 1 is an electric vacuum cleaner main body 100 having a blower (not shown) for sucking dust, and one end of the electric vacuum cleaner main body 100 is attached to the electric vacuum cleaner main body 100. A flexible suction hose 200 communicating with the blower, a hand handle 300 attached to the other end of the suction hose 200 and communicating with the blower, and a connection attached to the hand handle 300 and communicating with the suction hose 200 A pipe 400 and a suction body 500 attached to the connection pipe 400 and communicating with the connection pipe 400 are configured.
[0016]
The electric vacuum cleaner main body 100 includes a dust collection chamber having a disposable dust bag inside, and can be moved by a pair of large wheels 101 and one universal wheel 102 via the suction hose 200. The vacuum cleaner main body 100 receives power from a household outlet via a power cord (not shown) and operates the blower. The operation control of the electric vacuum cleaner main body 100 is operated in response to an operation signal transmitted from the hand handle 300 by the infrared light receiving unit 103 in the operation display unit provided on the upper surface of the electric vacuum cleaner main body 100.
[0017]
In the suction hose 200, as described above, since the electrical connection between the hand handle 300 and the vacuum cleaner main body 100 is a connection using infrared rays, a transport passage for transporting dust to the vacuum cleaner main body 100 is provided. And a function as a moving pulling means for moving the electric vacuum cleaner main body 100.
[0018]
The hand handle 300 has a function of communicating the suction hose 200 and the connecting pipe 400, a function of controlling and moving the operation of the electric vacuum cleaner main body 100, and a function of operating the movement of the mouthpiece 500. The hand handle 300 is fixedly connected to the suction hose 200 and is detachably attached to the connection pipe 400, thereby connecting the suction hose 200 and the connection pipe 400 to form a dust conveyance path. ing. Further, the hand handle 300 has an angle of about 110 degrees with the central axis Q at the longitudinal direction of the connecting pipe 400, that is, the upper end of the connecting pipe 400 on the extension line of the central axis Q. A handle portion 301 is provided at a position substantially coinciding with the connection direction of the suction hose 200 and the connection pipe 400. The electric vacuum cleaner main body 100 can be moved via the suction hose 200 by the handle portion 301, and the movement of the mouthpiece 500 can be further manipulated. In particular, according to the handle portion 301, the twisting operation, that is, the rotation P1 about the central axis Q can be easily performed. At this time, since the handle portion 301 is provided at the upper part, the suction hose 200 provided below does not disturb the twisting operation.
[0019]
Further, an operation unit 302 for operating the electric vacuum cleaner main body 100 is provided in the vicinity of the handle unit 301. The operation unit 302 is provided with an infrared transmission unit 303, and an operation signal is transmitted from the infrared transmission unit 303 to the infrared light receiving unit 103 provided in the vacuum cleaner main body 100, so that the power source of the vacuum cleaner main body 100 is supplied. ON / OFF and various controls can be performed. Since the hand handle 300 includes a power supply unit such as a battery (not shown), it is not necessary to perform electrical wiring on the suction hose 200. In addition, since two infrared transmitters are provided, an operation signal can be reliably transmitted to the vacuum cleaner main body 100 using reflection from the ceiling, wall surface, etc., so that erroneous operations can be reduced.
[0020]
The connection pipe 400 allows the hand handle 300 and the mouthpiece 500 to communicate with each other, and further, the hand handle 300 and the mouthpiece 500 are fixed at a predetermined position so that the hand handle 300 moves (moves or rotates). Has a function of transmitting so that the mouthpiece 500 moves (moves or rotates). In this embodiment, two tubular bodies 401 and 402 having different sizes are combined so as to be stretchable so as to be fixed at a predetermined position, and the hand handle 300 is attached to one side, and the mouthpiece body 500 is detachably attached to the other side. I try to install it.
[0021]
The mouthpiece 500 includes a mouthpiece body 1000 having a mouthpiece 1010 (see FIG. 2) for sucking dust on a bottom surface, and the mouthpiece body 1000 is connected to the connection pipe 400 and is transmitted through the connection pipe 400. The movable connecting portion 1500 always operates so that the bottom surface of the suction mouth main body 1000 is in contact with the floor surface with respect to the movement of the hand handle 300.
[0022]
The mouthpiece main body 1000 includes a mouthpiece 1010 (see FIG. 2) provided with a rotating brush 1011 (see FIG. 2) for sucking dust on the floor. The flexible connecting portion 1500 is provided so as to cover the connecting hose 1501 and the flexible connecting hose 1501 that communicates the inlet body 1000 and the connecting pipe 400, and can rotate the inlet body 1000 and the connecting pipe 400. And a free hinge 1502 connected to the head.
[0023]
The universal hinge 1502 is connected so as to be rotatable in the height direction Y of the hand handle 300 and the horizontal direction X around the mouthpiece 500, and the rotation P1 of the twisting operation of the hand handle 300 is directly applied to the mouthpiece body 1000. A mechanism for transmitting to the rotation P2 is provided. In this embodiment, the universal hinge 1502 is rotatably attached to the suction mouth body 1000 and is capable of rotating in the height direction Y, and one end is attached to the connecting pipe 400 and the other end is the lower part. The arm portion 1502a and the upper arm portion 1502b attached so as to enable rotation in the left-right direction X are configured.
[0024]
In the present embodiment, the details will be described later, but the angle in the elevation direction Y is set to be operable within a range of about 90 degrees from the floor and about 180 degrees in the left-right direction X.
[0025]
Further, the mouthpiece 500 is provided with a sliding member 1100 in place of the conventional bumper around the mouthpiece body 1000, thereby improving the cleaning performance near the wall and smoothly moving the mouthpiece body 1000 in the longitudinal direction V on the bottom surface. A wheel 1200 is provided. Further, by providing the dust guide means 1300 (see FIG. 8) at the front part (between the tip part) of the suction port 1010 provided on the bottom surface of the suction body 1000, it is possible to efficiently suck in dust that is difficult to remove. it can.
[0026]
Thus, according to the vacuum cleaner 1 which concerns on a present Example, since the infrared signal is used as an operation signal, it is not necessary to wire to the suction hose 200, and weight reduction of the suction hose 200 is achieved. For this reason, the burden on the hand handle 300 held by the user is reduced, so that the electric vacuum cleaner main body 100 can be routed and the operability of the mouthpiece 500 can be improved. In particular, the feature of this embodiment is that the operation of the mouthpiece 500 through the hand handle 300, for example, the rotation P1 of the twisting operation of the hand handle can be used as the rotation P2 of the mouthpiece 500 as it is. The operation that the user performs with the hand handle 300 can be smoothly performed as the movement of the mouthpiece 500. Specifically, for example, by twisting the hand handle 300 by 90 degrees (rotation P1), the mouthpiece 500 is rotated by 90 degrees as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 1, and the longitudinal direction V of the mouthpiece main body 1000 is moved along the wall surface. It is possible to clean the floor near the wall while moving back and forth in the direction. At this time, the suction member 500 can be smoothly moved by the sliding member 1100 and the wheel 1200, and the damage to the wall surface can be reduced. Further, the guide means 1300 can efficiently remove dust on the wall. Can inhale well.
[0027]
Hereinafter, the suction body 500 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
[0028]
First, based on FIG. 2 which shows the component block diagram of the suction body 500, with reference to FIG. 3 which shows sectional drawing of the plane arrangement structure of the suction body 500, and FIG. 4 which shows sectional drawing of a side surface arrangement structure, the suction body 500 The schematic structure of will be described.
[0029]
In the figure, as described above, the mouthpiece 500 is composed of the mouthpiece body 1000 and the universal connecting portion 1500.
[0030]
The mouthpiece main body 1000 includes a lower case 1001 that forms a skeleton of the mouthpiece main body 1000, a front upper cover 1002 that covers the front of the mouthpiece main body 1000, and a rear upper cover 1003 that covers the rear of the mouthpiece main body 1000.
[0031]
The lower case 1001 is provided with a partition wall 1004 that divides the suction mouth main body 1000 into the front and rear slightly behind, the front portion serving as the suction chamber 1005, and the center of the rear portion serving as the mounting portion 1006 of the universal connecting portion 1500. Both sides of 1006 are air passages 1007 for driving a turbine 1012 described later. A notch 1008 is formed at the center of the partition wall 1004, and a bell mouth body 1009 for guiding dust in the suction chamber 1005 to the connecting hose 1501 of the universal connecting portion 1500 is attached to the notched portion 1008.
[0032]
The rear upper cover 1003 covers the upper part of the attachment portion 1006 of the universal connection portion 1500 and fixes the bell mouth body 1009 and the universal connection portion 1500 to the lower case 1001 and is attached with a screw or the like (not shown). It is done.
[0033]
The front upper cover 1002 covers the suction chamber 1005 and the upper part of the ventilation path 1007 and constitutes the suction chamber 1005 and the ventilation path 1007 together with the lower case 1001, and is provided on both sides of the front part of the front upper cover 1002. A rib (not shown) provided is hooked on the lower case 1001 and is detachably attached by an open / close lever 1022 (see FIG. 7) provided on both sides of the rear.
[0034]
A suction port 1010 is formed in the lower case 1001 below the suction chamber 1005, and a rotating brush 1011 for scraping dust is disposed in the suction chamber 1005 above the suction port 1010. The rotating brush 1011 is formed by arranging a flexible blade having a high dust-scraping effect and a brush having a high wiping effect such as nylon in a groove provided in the direction of the outer peripheral axis of the rotary core. A turbine 1012 is attached.
[0035]
The rotating brush 1011 and the turbine 1012 are provided inside the front upper cover 1002 by inserting rotating shafts 1013 provided at both ends of the turbine 1012 into bearing portions 1014 formed at both ends of the suction chamber 1005. The rotating brush 1011 and the turbine 1012 are rotatably disposed in the suction chamber 1005 by being pressed by a bearing portion (not shown).
[0036]
Further, openings 1015 are formed on both sides of the partition wall 1004 behind the turbine 1012, and ventilation holes 1016 are formed on both sides of the front upper cover 1002 that covers the ventilation path 1007. The air sucked from the ventilation hole 1016 is blown to the turbine 1012 from the opening 1015 through the ventilation path 1007, and the rotating brush 1011 attached to the turbine 1012 rotates.
[0037]
Here, the driving of the rotating brush 1011 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3. Since the turbine 1012 is adopted in this embodiment, a multiblade nozzle composed of a number of nozzles (not shown) for blowing air toward the turbine 1012. Is arranged so as to substantially cover the outer periphery of the turbine 1012. This multi-blade nozzle is divided into two parts, upper and lower, and the upper multi-blade nozzle is fixed to the back surface of the front upper cover 1002, and the lower multi-blade nozzle is attached to the lower case 1001 via screws. It is fixed.
[0038]
The air blown to the turbine 1012 rotates the turbine 1012 to the rotating brush 1011 which rotates at a high speed as a swirling flow together with the air flow containing dust wound up by the rotating brush 1011 sucked from the suction port 1010. It gathers in the center while being wound, and is guided to the main body 100 of the vacuum cleaner through the bell mouth body 1009 and the universal connecting portion 1500.
[0039]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the suction body 500 rotates the turbine 1012 and the rotating brush 1011 through the ventilation hole 1016, and further winds up dust on the cleaning surface by the synergistic effect of the swirling flow generated in the suction mouth 1010. Dust collection performance can be greatly improved.
[0040]
Returning to FIG. 2, a viewing window 1017 is provided at the front center of the front upper cover 1002 located above the rotating brush 1011. The viewing window 1017 uses a transparent resin material, for example, an acrylic resin that is resistant to scratches. As a good example, a coating such as UV coating is applied to the inner surface of the suction chamber 1005 of the viewing window 1017 to reduce the damage caused by the dust released by the rotating brush 1011. By forming the lens so as to be easy to see, the dirt on the rotating brush 1011 can be known from the outside. In addition, since the operation state of the rotating brush 1011 can be visually observed through the viewing window 1017, for example, a hearing-impaired person who is difficult to hear operation noise, abnormal sound, or the like may be affected by the operation condition of the vacuum cleaner 1 or foreign matters mixed during operation. A trouble such as a stop of the rotating brush 1011 can be known. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to easily check the operation state without an electrical display that requires electrical wiring.
[0041]
On the other hand, the universal connecting portion 1500 includes a lower arm portion 1502a, an upper arm portion 1502b, and a connecting hose 1501. The cylindrical lower arm portion 1502a has a rotary shaft 1503 formed on both sides of one end, and the rotary shaft 1503 is formed on a mounting portion 1006 of the lower case 1001 and a bearing portion 1019 formed on the rear upper cover 1003. It is attached so that it can rotate in the up-and-down direction (up-and-down direction on drawing).
[0042]
The other end of the lower arm 1502a is provided with a rotary shaft hole 1504 at the top and bottom where it intersects the rotary shaft 1503 by 90 degrees. On the other hand, the cylindrical upper arm 1502b is formed with a rotation shaft hole 1505 attached to the rotation shaft hole 1504 at one end. The upper arm portion 1502b and the lower arm portion 1502a are attached so as to be rotatable in the left-right direction (left-right direction in the drawing) by inserting the pin 1506 together with the rotation shaft hole 1504 and the rotation shaft hole 1505.
[0043]
In addition, the other end of the upper arm portion 1502b is formed with a connecting portion 1507 that is detachably connected to the connecting tube 402. The connecting hose 1501 connects the rear end portion 1009a of the bell mouth body 1009 and the connecting portion 1507 of the upper arm portion 1502b, and is attached to the lower arm portion 1502a and the upper arm portion 1502b.
[0044]
As described above, according to the universal connecting portion 1500 according to the present embodiment, the connecting hose 1501 is disposed inside the lower arm portion 1502a and the upper arm portion 1502b, so that the play of the connecting hose 1501 is reduced to the shortest distance. In addition, the connection hose 1501 can be protected from the outside.
[0045]
In addition, on the long side facing the mounting portion 1006 to which the free connecting portion 1500 serving as the front portion of the mouthpiece 500 is attached, on the upper periphery of the lower case 1001, a thick portion projecting outward from the other peripheral sides. By forming 1020, the overall steel property is enhanced, and a sliding member 1100 in which a flock of nylon or the like is applied to the thick portion 1020 is provided by insert molding.
[0046]
Thus, the suction body 500 according to the present embodiment rotates the rotating brush 1011 using the turbine 1012 rotated by the suction air flow of the blower provided in the vacuum cleaner main body 100 as a driving source, so that the weight of the suction body 500 is reduced. I can plan. In addition, since the attachment portion 1006 of the universal connection portion 1500 and the ventilation path 1007 are arranged on both sides of the attachment portion 1006 at the rear center of the suction chamber 1005, the overall height can be lowered to achieve a compact form. Moreover, since the attachment of the universal connection part 1500 which needs steel property and sealing is solved by attaching the rear upper cover 1003, the number of parts can be reduced and the assemblability can be improved. Further, parts other than the rear upper cover 1003 can be opened simply by removing the front upper cover 1002, and the rotating brush 1011 can be easily removed, so that the disassembly and cleaning can be improved. In addition, since the assembly can be completed simply by attaching the rotating brush 1011 and attaching the front upper cover 1002, the handleability can be improved.
[0047]
Next, the external appearance of the mouthpiece 500 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 is an external perspective view, FIG. 6 is an external side view, FIG. 7 is an external rear view, FIGS. 8 and 9 are bottom views, FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the sliding member, and FIG. FIG. 12 is an explanatory view and FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the wheel.
[0048]
First, in FIG. 5, the mouthpiece 500 of the present embodiment is thin in appearance, projects the front part of the mouthpiece body 1000 to both sides, and attaches the mounting part 1006 of the universal connection part 1500 disposed in the center of the rear part to the rear. It has a “substantially T-shaped” planar shape protruding over the surface. And while making the whole upper surface into the shape which made the round shape the main thing, while improving cleaning property, considering each corner | angular part into the round shape, it is considered not to damage furniture etc.
[0049]
Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 4, the suction chamber 1005 is air-tight while ensuring the rotation area of the rotating brush 1011 by making the side surface shape of the tip of the suction mouth main body 1000 into a substantially wedge shape whose upper surface is a convex arc shape. The shape is easy to be introduced into the bell mouth body 1009 and the whole is compact.
[0050]
Returning to FIG. 5, in this embodiment, the thick portion 1020 is formed so that the mouthpiece 500 easily hits the furniture or the like, that is, the front and rear sides including the four corners projecting on both sides of the mouthpiece body 1000. It is formed in a belt-like and convex shape formed continuously on a part of the part and the back surface. A sliding member 1100 is continuously provided on the thick portion 1020. As shown in FIG. 10, the sliding member 1100 is formed by inserting a brush 1101 having a short bristle foot of nylon material into the brush base 1102 and inserting the brush base 1102 into the groove 1021 formed in the thick part 1020. 1101 is fixed to the thick portion 1020. Here, the brush table 1102 can be reduced in the number of parts by attaching a single unit to the groove 1021, but may be formed easily by dividing and attaching. Further, the brush table 1102 may be integrally formed with the thick portion 1020 to improve assemblage. However, even if the fitting cost is reduced by press-fitting using adhesion or elasticity of the resin material, the cost of the equipment can be reduced. Good.
[0051]
Furthermore, the aim of adopting the sliding member 1100 is to make it easier to move the front portion of the mouthpiece 500 along the wall surface or the like in the longitudinal direction V (see FIG. 1). Therefore, the sliding member 1100 may be any member that improves slipping. For example, a roller 1103 may be employed as shown in FIG. For example, by providing an elastic material such as rubber or velvet around the roller 1103 or using a tire as a better one, it is possible to improve the slip and obtain an effect as a bumper function. In this case, the mounting position of the roller 1103 may be provided so as to protrude forward at least on both sides of the front portion of the mouthpiece 500 as shown in FIG. Even better, slipperiness can be improved by attaching to the corners on both sides of the front portion of the mouthpiece 500. Furthermore, as shown to (a) figure, in addition to the corner | angular part of the front part both sides of the mouthpiece 500, it can make it easy to absorb the unevenness | corrugation of a wall surface by providing also in the center of a front part. A better one can be provided with mobility at the four corners and the center of the front part protruding from both sides of the mouthpiece main body 1000. The arrangement of the sliding member 1100 may be the same as that of the embodiment shown in FIG.
[0052]
In addition, although the brush 1101 is employed as the sliding member 1100 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the manufacturing cost may be reduced by attaching velvet or fiber material by bonding. These sliding materials 1100 can be expected to have an effect as a bumper function by adopting a thick material.
[0053]
Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the steel property is enhanced by providing the sliding member 1100 in the thick portion 1020 of the strong lower case 1001, but the thick portion 1020 is made of a separate part such as rubber or soft resin. By providing the elastic member with the sliding member 1100 instead of the elastic material, it is possible to improve the sliding while providing an impact absorbing function for preventing the furniture or the like from being damaged. In this case, airtightness of the suction chamber 1005 can be improved by providing the elastic material on the outer periphery of the position where the lower case 1001 and the front upper cover 1002 are in contact with each other.
[0054]
Next, in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, the size of the mouthpiece 500 is the depth D of 304 mm, the depth D1 of the mouthpiece body, and the depth D2 of the root portion projecting on both sides in the state where the universal connecting portion 1500 is extended. The depths D3 at both ends are set to 152 mm, 97 mm, and 83 mm, respectively. In this embodiment, since the length D4 of the connecting portion 1507 is set to 50 mm, the depth when attached to the connecting pipe 400 is set to 254 mm. Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the height H 63.5 mm of the suction mouth main body 1000, the width W 280 mm, and the width W 1 of the suction mouth 1010 are set to 226 mm.
[0055]
Next, in FIG.6 and FIG.7, the suction body 500 which concerns on this Example makes it easy to wipe off the dirt of an upper surface by making the upper surface into a round flat shape, and the front upper cover 1002 which comprises an upper surface. It is easy to remove and has a good cleanability.
[0056]
In order to realize this effect, the suction body 500 according to the present embodiment covers the upper surface of the suction body 500 other than the mounting portion 1006 of the universal connection portion 1500 with the front upper cover 1002, and is provided on the front upper cover 1002. A pair of opening / closing levers 1022 and vent holes 1016 that slide in the lateral direction of the front upper cover 1002 provided in a concentrated manner on both sides of the rear wall of the front upper cover 1002 and for removing the front upper cover 1002 1023 are provided on both side surfaces of the front upper cover 1002.
[0057]
The vent hole 1016 is composed of a slit portion 1016a divided into a plurality along the longitudinal direction of the suction body 500. The slit portion 1016a is formed in a concave shape so as to be one step lower from the periphery, and is punched in the concave shape. Are integrally formed with the front upper cover 1002. According to the structure of the vent hole 1016, the punching-shaped opening that weakens in strength is formed one step lower than the surroundings and is divided into a plurality of slits, so that it can be strong against impact.
[0058]
According to the present embodiment, since the opening / closing lever 1022 and the vent hole 1016 are provided on the back surface portion which is not easily subjected to impact, even if it contacts furniture or the like during cleaning, it has a structure that is not easily damaged by external force. Further, since the hand-holding recess 1023 is provided on the side surface of the mouthpiece 500 (front upper cover 1002), the index finger or the middle finger is inserted into the hand-holding recess 1023, the thumb is hooked on the opening / closing lever 1022, and the opening / closing lever The front upper cover 1002 can be easily removed from the mouthpiece 500 by sliding the 1022 outward to disengage it and picking it with the thumb and index finger (middle finger).
[0059]
Further, since the opening / closing lever 1022, the vent hole 1016, and the handle recess 1023 that are likely to accumulate dirt are provided on the vertical surface, dirt is difficult to accumulate. Moreover, since the front upper cover 1002 is provided, the front upper cover 1002 can be removed and washed from the front and back, and the cleanability can be improved. In addition, the front upper cover 1002 can be easily attached, and the upper surface of the attached suction body 500 has a rounded flat shape in which the front upper cover 1002 and the rear upper cover 1003 are continuous. Can be wiped off.
[0060]
8 and 9, the lower case 1001 has a plurality of mouthpieces 500 that are moved in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction V, and that has a plurality of intervals so as to maintain a constant interval between the bottom surface of the mouthpiece 500 and the cleaning surface. Wheels 1200 are arranged. The wheel 1200 includes a pair of front wheels 1201 disposed on both sides of the front portion of the bottom surface of the mouthpiece 500, a pair of rear wheels 1202 disposed behind the front wheel 1201, and pressure on the cleaning surface during use of the vacuum cleaner 1. A pair of rearmost wheels 1203 are provided for receiving.
[0061]
Here, the front wheel 1201 and the rear wheel 1202 are arranged at positions facing each other. That is, as described above, the pair of front wheels 1201 and the pair of rear wheels 1202 are located in the radially extending portion of the turbine 1012 of the lower case 1001, and are located between the suction port 1010 at the lower part of the turbine 1012 and the cleaning floor surface. The gap is kept constant. Furthermore, by providing a pair of rearmost wheels 1203 below the universal connection portion 1500 so as to sandwich the universal connection portion 1500, even if a force is received from the hand handle 300, the force is received by the rearmost wheel 1203. Thus, the clearance with the cleaning floor is kept constant. In addition, since the universal connection portion 1500 is provided so as to sandwich the universal connection portion 1500, there is no problem in the operation range of the universal connection portion 1500 in the height direction Y, particularly the minimum angle Θ1.
[0062]
As described above, the mouthpiece 500 according to the present embodiment is characterized in that it is moved in the left-right direction V in addition to the movement in the front-rear direction. In order to achieve the movement in the left-right direction V, in this embodiment, a sliding member 1210 is provided around the wheel 1200 as shown in FIG. The wheel 1200 includes a rotating shaft 1211 like a normal wheel, and a recess 1212 to which the sliding member 1210 is attached is formed on a peripheral side surface that is a contact surface with the floor surface. A C-cut surface 1213 that improves overcoming is formed. The sliding member 1210 is the same as the sliding member 1100 provided around the mouthpiece 500, and a brush 1214 having a short bristle made of nylon material is planted in the brush table 1215, and the recess 1212 formed in the wheel 1200 is inserted. The brush 1214 is fixed to the wheel 1200 by inserting the brush base 1215. In this embodiment, the brush table 1215 is attached in such a manner that the ring-shaped one is divided into two and the wheel 1200 is sandwiched therebetween. This attachment method is the same as that of the sliding member 1100. And the said wheel 1200 is press-fitted and attached to the bearing of the wheel accommodating part formed in the said predetermined position of the bottom face part of the suction mouth body 500. As shown in FIG.
[0063]
In this embodiment, the wheels 1200 are used to move in the left-right direction V in addition to the movement in the front-rear direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a free wheel may be used, or a protrusion may be formed at a predetermined position of the mouthpiece 500 where the wheel 1200 is disposed, and the sliding member 1210 may be provided on the protrusion.
[0064]
In this way, on the bottom surface of the mouthpiece 500 according to this embodiment, the front wheel 1201 and the rear wheel 1202 are arranged on the left and right, respectively, and the rear wheel 1203 is arranged at the rear center part (basic points). Is a wheel). According to this wheel configuration, it is possible to obtain excellent traveling performance in the front-rear direction, and in addition to the left-right direction X, excellent oblique movement and rotational performance. In particular, since the rearmost wheel 1203 is positioned on the user side with respect to the rotating shaft 1503 of the universal coupling portion 1500 when in use, it is possible to reduce the movement in the front-rear direction, particularly the lifting of the tip of the mouthpiece 500 when it is retracted. Further, since the rotary shaft 1503 of the universal connecting portion 1500 is provided in the five-point wheel, even if the mouthpiece 500 is rotated via the hand handle 300, the inclination of the mouthpiece 500 (the rise of the corner) is reduced. it can. And since each wheel 1200 is arrange | positioned at the corner | angular part of the suction mouth body 500, the catch at the time of rotation can be reduced.
[0065]
Next, dust guide means 1300 is provided at the front portion of the suction port 1010 provided on the bottom surface portion of the suction body 500, and a pressure control plate 1301 is provided at the rear portion of the suction port 1010. The guide means 1300 has a function of efficiently sucking in dust that is difficult to be sucked by a flat surface portion 1302 formed between the suction mouth 1010 and the tip of the suction mouth body 500. For example, in the conventional mouthpiece, when the tip of the mouthpiece is brought into contact with the wall surface, dust existing on the floor surface below the flat portion 1302 can be sucked only by the momentum of the sucked air flow.
[0066]
The guide means 1300 according to this embodiment is for efficiently sucking in dust that is difficult to suck. In this embodiment, in order to solve the above-described problem, a plurality of brush rows 1311 in which a bundle of brushes 1310 such as nylon having long bristles are arranged in rows in the front-rear direction are arranged in the plane portion 1302 in the left-right direction. Thus, the guide means 1300 is configured. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the brush rows 1311 are symmetrical with respect to the center, and the brush rows 1311 are arranged obliquely so as to converge toward the suction port 1010. The bunch of brushes 1310 may be directly embedded in the flat surface portion 1302 for flocking, or the brush row 1311 may be planted as a group on a brush table, and the brush table may be embedded in the flat surface portion 1302 for attachment. .
[0067]
According to the guide means 1300, since the air flow channel 1312 is formed between the brush rows 1311, the air flow can be accelerated through the flow channel 1312 to make it easier to suck in dust. . Further, by moving the mouthpiece 500, dust on the flat surface portion 1302 is scraped up by the bundle of brushes 1310 and can be easily sucked. That is, dust on the flat portion 1302 can be moved up by the bunch 1310 of brushes by moving the suction body 500 and guided to the suction mouth 1010 by the flow path 1312.
[0068]
Note that the pressure control plate 1301 receives the dust that has rushed in the flow path 1312 and jumped backward, and sucks it into the suction port 1010 again.
[0069]
FIG. 9 shows another application example of the embodiment described in FIG. In the mouthpiece 500 according to this embodiment, a large rear wheel 1203a is provided at the lower part of the universal connecting portion 1500 that receives the force of the hand handle 300 most, thereby improving the steel and running performance. In the guide means 1300 of this embodiment, a brush 1314 is implanted in the brush table 1313 and the brush table 1313 is embedded at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the flat portion 1302. According to this embodiment, since the flow path 1315 is reduced, the flow velocity can be increased, and the brush 1314 is provided densely, so that the effect of wiping the floor surface can be enhanced.
[0070]
Further, in this embodiment, the universal connecting portion 1500 may be covered with a flexible sheet as illustrated by a dotted line. The sheet may be a rubber material formed in a cylindrical shape, a soft resin formed in a bellows shape, or a woven fabric, as long as it does not hinder the operation range of the universal connecting portion 1500. Moreover, it is good to make it detachable in consideration of cleanability. In this way, it is possible to further increase the safety by further thorough measures such as pinching a finger with the universal connecting portion 1500.
[0071]
Next, the flexible connecting portion 1500 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 13 is an external perspective view of the universal connection portion, FIG. 14 is a plan view of the universal connection portion, FIG. 15 is an assembly process diagram of the universal connection portion, and FIG. 16 is an explanatory view of an application example of another universal connection portion.
[0072]
13 and 14, first, the mouthpiece 500 according to this embodiment has an articulated hinge in which two arms (lower arm 1502a and upper arm 1502b) can be rotated by two rotation axes orthogonal to each other. Adopted.
[0073]
Specifically, the lower arm portion 1502a formed in a cylindrical shape forms notches 1510 and 1511 in the upper and lower portions around the rotation shaft 1503, and is cut out in an arc shape so that the rotation shaft 1503 is centered. The lower arm 1502a is smoothly rotated and the angle in the height direction Y is determined. That is, the lower notch 1510 of the lower arm 1502a, together with the notch 1024 (see FIG. 2) formed at the rear of the attachment shaft 1006 of the lower case 1001, determines the minimum angle Θ1 of the height direction Y. . In this embodiment, by setting the angle to about 5 degrees, the adapter or the like attached to the universal coupling portion 1500 or the connection pipe 400 is prevented from coming into contact with the floor surface. The upper notch 1511 and the notch 1025 (see FIG. 2) formed in the rear part of the rear upper cover 1003 determine the maximum angle Θ2 of the angle in the height direction Y. In this embodiment, by setting the angle to about 95 degrees, the suction body 500, the connecting pipe 400, and the hand handle 300 can be vertically stored.
[0074]
On the other hand, the lower arm portion 1502a and the upper arm portion 1502b determine the angle Θ3 in the left-right direction X by forming notches 1512 and 1513 on both sides of the rotation shaft holes 1504 and 1505. In this embodiment, the angle Θ3 is formed so as to be in an operation range of 180 degrees in total, 90 degrees left and right.
[0075]
According to this joint-shaped structure, rotation in the height direction Y and the left-right direction X is possible, and the rotation P1 of the twisting operation of the hand handle 300 is transmitted as the same rotation angle to obtain the rotation P2 of the mouthpiece 500. be able to. The height direction Y, the left-right direction X, and the rotations P1 and P2 can also be performed by setting the rotation of the lower arm 1502a and the suction mouth main body 1000 to the left-right direction X and rotating the height direction Y by the upper arm 1502b. However, in order to improve the straightness of the mouthpiece 500, it is better to rotate the lower arm portion 1502a and the mouthpiece main body 1000 in the height direction Y. In addition, when the rotation of the lower arm 1502a and the mouthpiece main body 1000 is the rotation in the left-right direction X, a lock unit that fixes the rotation in the left-right direction X at a predetermined position is provided.
[0076]
In this embodiment, the upper arm 1502b and the lower arm 1502a are rotatably connected by the pin 1506, but the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, as shown in FIG. 13B, a convex shaft 1504a is formed instead of the rotation hole 1504 of the upper arm portion 1502b of the embodiment, and the convex shaft 1504a is changed to the rotation hole 1505 of the lower arm portion 1502a. The concave receiving shaft 1505a is formed, and the convex shaft 1504a and the concave receiving shaft 1505a are rotatably fitted. According to this structure, the elasticity of the resin material can be used to make the fitting between the convex shaft 1504a and the concave receiving shaft 1505a strong, and a large pressure, for example, a large twisting force is applied to the universal coupling portion 1500. In this case, it is possible to avoid the breakage by detaching the fitting without damaging the universal connecting portion 1500 by the elastic force of the resin material. Of course, it is easy to return to the original fitting state by the elastic force, and the assemblability is improved.
[0077]
In FIG. 14, the distance L1 between the center of the rotating shaft 1503 and the centers of the rotating shaft holes 1504 and 1505 is determined in consideration of the minimum bending radius R of the connecting hose 1501. That is, the distance L2 between the positions 1514 and 1515 where the connecting hose 1501 is fixed to the lower arm portion 1502a and the upper arm portion 1502b and the expansion and contraction is restricted is determined to be twice the minimum bending radius R. Then, the distance L2 is determined to be ½ of the distance L2. Therefore, if the connecting hose 1501 is thin with respect to the inner diameter of the lower arm portion 1502a and the upper arm portion 1502b, L1 can be shortened, and if the connecting hose 1501 is thickened, L1 is lengthened.
[0078]
In this embodiment, the minimum bending radius R of the connecting hose 1501 is adopted in a state in which the connecting hose 1501 is slightly pulled for the reasons described later, but is not limited to this. You may employ | adopt the connection hose 1501 in a normal state.
[0079]
In addition, in this embodiment, since the connecting hose 1501 is covered by the lower arm portion 1502a and the upper arm portion 1502b, a reinforcing member is provided at a portion where the connecting hose 1501, the lower arm portion 1502a and the upper arm portion 1502b come into contact. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the troubles such as the connecting hose 1501 being scraped and making a hole, and to improve the durability. The reinforcing material may be applied to the inside of the lower arm portion 1502a and the upper arm portion 1502b with the positions 1514 and 1515 as the center, or the entire connecting hose 1501 may be covered with a durable and stretchable reinforcing sheet. In particular, if the reinforcing sheet is colored, it is possible to reduce dirt due to dust, to develop various models, and to improve design.
[0080]
In this embodiment, a lock mechanism 1516 that temporarily locks the rotation in the left-right direction X at a position of 90 degrees is provided. For example, in this embodiment, in a state where the rotation shaft holes 1504 and 1505 are fitted with the pins 1506, the lower arm portion 1502a and the upper arm portion 1502b are linearly positioned on the sliding surfaces of the lower arm portion 1502a and the upper arm portion 1502b. Are provided with a convex portion 1517 and a concave portion 1518. Note that the strength of fitting between the convex portion 1517 and the concave portion 1518 appropriately determines the distance from the rotation axis and the size of the unevenness in consideration of the elasticity of the resin material.
[0081]
According to the lock mechanism 1516, in the state where the lower arm portion 1502a and the upper arm portion 1502b are linear, since the rotation in the left-right direction X is fixed, the straightness of the mouthpiece 500 is improved and the movement in the front-rear direction is improved. Becomes easy. On the other hand, if the mouthpiece 500 is to be rotated via the hand handle 300, the fitting of the convex portion 1517 and the concave portion 1518 made of a resin material is released by elasticity, so that the lock mechanism 1516 can be removed with a slight force. it can. In this embodiment, one convex portion 1517 and one concave portion 1518 are provided in order to improve the straightness of the mouthpiece 500. For example, the concave portion 1518 is set at a predetermined angle (45 degrees, 90 degrees, etc.) with high frequency. A plurality may be provided.
[0082]
Next, the assembly process of the universal connecting portion 1500 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the connecting hose 1501 of this embodiment is attached so as to be pulled to the bell mouth body 1009 and the upper arm 1502b. By this pulling force, when the connecting hose 1501 is straight, the state is maintained, and when a bending force is applied, the connecting hose 1501 acts strongly in a bending direction. For this reason, when the lock mechanism 1516 is in the locked state, the locked state is further maintained to improve the straight traveling performance, and if the locked state is released, the mouthpiece 500 can be easily turned. In this embodiment, the pulling force of the connecting hose 1501 is used as one means for improving the straightness of the suction body 500. For example, pulling members such as springs and rubber are provided on both sides symmetrically. The straightness may be improved.
[0083]
In this embodiment, since the connecting hose 1501 is disposed in the universal hinge 1502, the assembly is performed by the process as shown in FIG. In particular, this step is effective when the connecting hose 1501 is attached to the pull.
[0084]
First, as shown in FIG. 5A, the connecting hose 1501 is passed through the lower arm 1502a, one end of the connecting hose 1501 is attached to the rear end 1009a of the bell mouth body 1009, and the bell mouth body 1009 is attached to the partition. The bell mouth body 1009 is attached to the notch 1008 provided at the center of the wall 1004, the rotating shaft 1503 of the lower arm portion 1502a is attached to the bearing portion 1018 of the attaching portion 1006 of the lower case 1001, and the rear upper case 1003 is attached. And fix the lower arm 1502a. At this time, the other end of the connecting hose 1501 is fitted with a fitting hole 1519 provided in the upper arm 1502b to connect the connecting hose 1501 and the upper arm 1502b, and the upper arm 1502b and the connecting hose 1501. A connecting portion 1521 provided with a packing 1521b that maintains airtightness is attached.
[0085]
Next, as shown in FIG. 5B, the upper arm portion 1502b and the lower arm portion 1502a are crossed, the connecting portion 1521 is inserted into the upper arm portion 1502b, and the fitting hole 1519 and the convex rib 1520 are fitted. Then, the connecting hose 1501 and the lower arm 1502a are connected.
[0086]
Next, as shown in FIG. 5C, the upper arm portion 1502b is pulled, the rotation shaft holes 1504 and 1505 are aligned, and the pin 1506 is inserted to connect the upper arm portion 1502b and the lower arm portion 1502a, so that the free connecting portion. 1500 assembly can be completed.
[0087]
When the convex shaft 1504a and the concave receiving shaft 1505a described with reference to FIG. 13B are employed, they are fitted using the elasticity of the resin material. This assembly process is an example, and may be assembled in another process.
[0088]
Next, FIG. 16 shows another embodiment in which the assembling property and the disassembling property of the universal connecting portion 1500 are improved. 16A is a partially enlarged view and a partial cross-sectional view of the connecting portion 1521 attached to the other end of the connecting hose 1501, and FIG. 16B is an external view of the connecting hose 1501 with the other end removed. is there.
[0089]
In FIG. 16, a connecting portion 1521a having a packing 1521b similar to that of the above embodiment is attached to the other end of the connecting hose 1501. The connecting portion 1521a is provided with a convex rib 1520a that can be cut and pushed inward, and the upper arm portion 1502b is fitted with the convex rib 1520a and can be cut out and can be projected outward. A release button 1519b provided with According to this structure, similarly to the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the connecting portion 1521a is inserted into the upper arm portion 1502b, the convex rib 1520a and the fitting hole 1519b are fitted, and the connecting hose 1501 and the lower arm are fitted. The parts 1502a can be connected. On the other hand, if the release button 1519b is pushed in as indicated by an arrow, the fitting is released and one end of the connection hose 1501 can be removed.
[0090]
For this reason, when cleaning the suction mouth 500, the inside of the connection hose 1501 which is easy to get dirty can be easily cleaned. In addition, if the connection hose 1501 and the attachment part 1009a of the bell mouth body 1009 are detachable, for example, if the attachment hose 1501 is screwed into the attachment part 1009a, the fitting is released and the connection hose is removed. The connecting hose 1501 can be easily removed by rotating the 1501. Therefore, the rear upper cover 1002 need not be removed. With such a structure, the connection hose 1501 can be easily replaced at the time of maintenance, and the cleanability of the mouthpiece 500 can be improved. In particular, when the mouthpiece 500 is washed, the connecting hose 1501 can be easily washed and dried.
[0091]
Next, an operation method of the vacuum cleaner 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0092]
In FIG. 17, first, in the vacuum cleaner 1 according to the present embodiment, the user holds the hand handle 300 in a standing posture, thereby operating the suction body 500 via the connection pipe 400 to clean the floor surface. It can be carried out. At this time, the electric vacuum cleaner main body 100 connected to the hand handle 300 via the suction hose 200 is provided with a pair of large wheels 101 and one universal wheel 102, so that cleaning can be performed while moving. it can. In general, the average height of Japanese women is 157 centimeters, but when this user naturally holds the hand handle 300 and tries to clean it by moving the mouthpiece 500 back and forth through the connecting pipe 400, If the vertical distance between the hand handle 300 and the floor surface is 78 cm or less, cleaning can be performed without placing a burden on the hand or arm. The angle is set to the user's most operated range of 45 degrees in the vertical direction. If it is 45 degrees or more, the hand and arm are conversely burdened.
[0093]
Therefore, in this embodiment, the length of the extension tube 10 is set so that the angle of the extension tube 10 is 45 degrees. Since the handle portion 301 of the hand handle 300 is set to around 110 degrees, the user who holds the handle portion 301 can easily move back and forth with the angle of the extension tube 10 being 45 degrees. Can do. In addition, since the lower arm portion 1502a of the universal connecting portion 1500 rotates in the height direction Y at the bottom surface portion of the mouthpiece 500 where the mouthpiece 1010 is provided, even if the mouthpiece 500 moves in the front-back direction, The bottom is not lifted off the floor. At this time, the rotation in the left-right direction X is the rotation of the upper arm 1502b in the left-right direction X because the extension tube 10 is inclined at 45 degrees, and the rotation axis in the left-right direction X of the upper arm 1502b is inclined 45 degrees. Therefore, even if the mouthpiece 500 is moved in the front-rear direction, the shaking in the left-right direction X of the mouthpiece 500 can be reduced. Further, in this embodiment, since the lock mechanism 1516 and the connecting hose 1501 provided on the tension are provided, the straightness of the suction body 500 can be further improved. In addition, the wheel 1200 provided on the bottom surface of the mouthpiece 500 rotates as a normal wheel around the rotating shaft 1211 to improve straightness. In particular, the rearmost wheel 1203 reduces the lifting of the tip of the mouthpiece 500 during forward and backward movement, and good straightness is obtained. In addition, in this embodiment, the brush 1214 of the guide means 1300 and the double brush of the rotating brush 1011 can double the dust on the floor surface to increase the suction efficiency.
[0094]
Here, in this embodiment, the lower arm 1502a rotates in the height direction Y, and the upper arm 1502b rotates in the left-right direction X, so that the extension tube 10 in the normal posture is in a state of 45 degrees. Straightness can be improved. In the structure in which the lower arm portion 1502a rotates in the left-right direction X and the upper arm portion 1502b rotates in the height direction Y, the rotation operation of the mouthpiece 500, which will be described later, can be performed in the same manner as in the above embodiment. Since a problem remains in straightness, it is necessary to provide the lock mechanism 1516 that prevents rotation in the left-right direction X.
[0095]
In FIG. 18, in this embodiment, the direction of the mouthpiece 400 can be changed by linking the rotation of the hand handle 300 by twisting the handle portion 301 of the hand handle 300. 18A is a state in which the handle portion 301 is straightened, FIG. 18B is a state in which the handle portion 301 is twisted 45 degrees, and FIG. 18C is a hand handle 300 in a state in which the handle portion is twisted 90 degrees. FIG. In FIG. 18, the explanation is made with three angles for convenience of explanation, but the angle of the twisting operation of the hand handle 300 and the angle of the mouthpiece 500 are linked to any angle in the operation range.
[0096]
First, in FIG. 1A, both the handle portion 301 and the mouthpiece 500 are in a state where they are straightly opposed and suitable for straight traveling.
[0097]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the handle portion 301 is twisted by 45 degrees, the direction of the mouthpiece 500 can also be inclined by 45 degrees by the action of the universal connecting portion 1500. In this state, since the wheel 1200 of the mouthpiece 500 slides sideways, the mouthpiece 500 can be moved in the front-rear direction while being tilted. For example, it is extremely effective when cleaning a portion having an obstacle portion in front and a narrow width. In addition, since the direction of the wheel 1200 is changed by changing the direction of the mouthpiece 500, the course of the mouthpiece 500 can be easily changed by turning the handle of the automobile.
[0098]
Further, as shown in FIG. 6C, when the handle portion 301 is twisted by 90 degrees, the direction of the mouthpiece 500 can be made to be inclined by 90 degrees by the action of the universal connecting portion 1500. In this state, since the wheel 1200 of the mouthpiece 500 slides sideways, the mouthpiece 500 can be moved in the front-rear direction (the left-right direction V) with the mouthpiece 500 being sideways. This posture is extremely effective when cleaning the wall. This wall cleaning will be described with reference to FIG.
[0099]
19A shows a state in which the wall is cleaned while the mouthpiece 500 is set to the side, and FIG. 19B shows a state in which the mouthpiece 500 is close to the side with a margin of a shoulder width along the wall. The state which cleans the wall side in the state is shown. Further, (c) is a diagram showing that narrow clearance cleaning becomes more optimal by setting an operation range wider than the 180-degree operation range of this embodiment. For example, with such a wide operating range, it is possible to reduce the contact of the suction tube 200 or the suction hose 200 facing sideways when the handle portion 301 is twisted with a wall or the like.
[0100]
Now, in the state shown in FIG. 19, the mouthpiece 500 on the side can be moved in the front-rear direction (left-right direction V) with the tip of the mouthpiece 500 applied to the wall surface. In this state, the sliding member 1100 provided around the suction body 500 can be moved without damaging the wall surface, and the dust between the suction mouth 1010 and the wall surface can be obtained by the guide means 1300 provided on the bottom surface. Can be efficiently inhaled.
[0101]
Next, in FIG. 20, the suction body 500 according to this embodiment can reduce the overall height H while having the swivel performance of the suction body 500, so that the cleanability of a low-height portion such as under the furniture is provided. Is excellent. 20, (a) and (b) are a side view and a plan view of the use state of the conventional example, and (c) and (d) are a side view and a plan view of the use state of this embodiment.
[0102]
As is clear from the comparison of FIGS. (A) and (c), according to the present embodiment, it is possible to get into a low clearance by lowering the handle 300, but in the conventional example, the bent joint is bent. Therefore, when the handle 300 is lowered, the bottom surface of the mouthpiece 500 is lifted. In the conventional example, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), the joint H bent by the operation of twisting the hand handle 300 can be laid down and the total height H can be lowered, but the suction body 500 faces obliquely. The problem remains in the cleanability. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4D, the suction body 500 can be directly opposed to the wall surface at the back of the clearance without performing a twisting operation. Moreover, the locked state can be maintained by the lock mechanism 1516.
[0103]
(Second embodiment)
Next, another embodiment of the electric vacuum cleaner according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The second embodiment is different in that the suction body 500 of the first embodiment is changed to a suction body 510 in which a connection hose 1603 serving as a conveyance passage and a support member of the suction body 500 are separated. Other vacuum cleaner main bodies 100 and the like are the same. Here, the mouthpiece 510 will be described, and description of other parts will be omitted. Moreover, the same structure, site | part, an arrow, etc. show the same code | symbol, and abbreviate | omit the description.
[0104]
First, the outline of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 21 showing an external perspective view. A mouthpiece 510 according to this embodiment includes a mouthpiece body 1050 having a mouthpiece 1010 (see FIG. 22) for sucking dust on a bottom surface, and the mouthpiece body 1050 is connected to the connection pipe 400, and the connection pipe 400 is connected to the mouthpiece body 510. It is comprised with the universal connection part 1600 which operate | moves so that the bottom face of the suction mouth main body 1050 may always contact | connect a floor surface with respect to the movement of the hand handle 300 transmitted via the.
[0105]
The mouthpiece main body 1050 includes a mouthpiece 1010 (see FIG. 22) provided with a rotating brush 1011 (see FIG. 22) for sucking dust on the floor surface on the bottom surface. The universal connecting portion 1600 is attached to the connecting portion 1601 communicating with the connecting tube 400 and the longitudinal direction of the connecting tube 400, that is, the lower end on the extended line of the central axis Q of the connecting tube 400, The universal hinge 1602 that includes a universal hinge 1602 that rotatably connects the connecting portion 1601, and a flexible connecting hose 1603 that communicates the inlet body 1050 and the connecting portion 1601, is centered on the inlet body 510. Thus, there is provided a mechanism for connecting the hand handle 300 so as to be rotatable in the height direction Y and the left-right direction X, and transmitting the rotation P1 of the twist operation of the hand handle 300 to the rotation P2 of the mouthpiece body 1050 as it is. In this embodiment, a first Y-shaped body 1604 provided on the mouthpiece body 1050, a second Y-shaped body 1605 attached to the connecting portion 1601, the first Y-shaped body 1604 and the second Y-shaped body 1605. And a connecting body 1606 for connecting both Y-shaped bodies 1604 and 1605 so as to be rotatable about the intersecting point S1.
[0106]
In the present embodiment, although details will be described later, the angle Y in the elevation direction can be operated in the range of about 90 degrees or more from the floor surface and the horizontal direction X in the range of 180 degrees or more.
[0107]
In addition, the mouthpiece 510 is provided with a sliding member 1100 around the mouthpiece main body 1050, thereby improving the cleanability at the wall and the free wheel 1250 (on the bottom surface) for smooth movement of the mouthpiece 1050 in the longitudinal direction V. 24). Furthermore, by providing the dust guide means 1300 (see FIG. 24) at the front part (between the tip part) of the suction port 1010 provided on the bottom surface of the suction body 1050, it is possible to efficiently suck in dust that is difficult to remove. it can. The sliding member 1100 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.
[0108]
Thus, according to the mouthpiece 510 according to the present embodiment, the connection hose 1603 having the same effect as the first embodiment and having the function of conveying dust is supported so that the mouthpiece 510 can be rotated. Since the structure is separated from the universal hinge 1602, the structure can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.
[0109]
Hereinafter, the suction body 510 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 22 to 26. FIG. 22 is a component configuration diagram, FIG. 23 is a structural view of a universal hinge, FIG. 24 is an external bottom view, FIG. 25 is a schematic sectional view, and FIG.
[0110]
First, the component structure of the mouthpiece 510 will be described with reference to FIGS. In the figure, as described above, the mouthpiece 510 is composed of the mouthpiece body 1050 and the universal coupling portion 1600. The mouthpiece body 1050 includes a lower case 1051 that forms the skeleton of the mouthpiece body 1050, a front upper cover 1052 that covers the front of the mouthpiece body 1050, and a rear upper cover 1053 that covers the rear of the mouthpiece body 1050.
[0111]
The rear upper cover 1053 is attached to the lower case 1051 through screws, and forms a ventilation path 1007 (not shown) disposed on both rear sides. And the attachment part 1055 of the said connection hose 1603 is arrange | positioned in the upper surface front part center, and the 1st Y-shaped body 1604 of the universal connection part 1600 is provided behind this attachment part 1055. FIG. Further, a bell mouth body 1009 communicating with the mounting portion 1055 of the connecting hose 1603 is provided at the front center of the rear upper cover 1053, and an opening 1015 communicating with the ventilation path 1007 is provided on both sides thereof.
[0112]
The front upper cover 1052 is detachably attached to the lower case 1051 and constitutes a dust collection chamber 1005. A suction port 1010 is formed on the bottom surface of the dust collection chamber 1005, and a rotating brush 1011 having turbines 1012 on both sides is disposed in the dust collection chamber 1005. Similarly to the first embodiment, this embodiment also allows the turbine 1012 and the rotating brush 1011 to be rotated by the vent hole 1016, and can further absorb dust while winding up dust on the cleaning surface due to the synergistic effect of the swirling flow generated in the suction port 1010. .
[0113]
The universal connection portion 1600 includes a connection portion 1601, a universal hinge 1602, and a connection hose 1603. The connecting portion 1601 includes a connecting portion 1507 that is detachably attached to the connecting tube 400 at one end, and a second Y-shaped body 1605 of the universal hinge 1602 is attached to the other end to be connected to the second Y-shaped body 1605. The portion 1507 is positioned substantially on the extension line of the central axis Q. Further, as shown in FIG. 25, the dust collection path 1607 formed in the connecting portion 1507 is gently bent and disposed in front of the second Y-shaped body 1605, and the second Y-shaped body 1605 An attachment portion 1608 of a connection hose 1603 communicating with the dust collecting passage 1607 is formed at the front portion. As a result, clogging of the dust collecting passage 1607 is reduced. The connection hose 1603 is detachably attached to the attachment portion 1608 and the attachment portion 1055 of the mouthpiece body 1050.
[0114]
Next, the universal hinge 1602 will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, the universal hinge 1602 can be rotated on both axes by making a rotation axis Y1 that can rotate in the elevation direction Y and a rotation axis X1 that can rotate in the left-right direction X perpendicular to each other at one point of intersection S1. It has a structure to make.
[0115]
Rotating shafts 1604a and 1605a are provided on the inner sides of the first Y-shaped body 1604 provided on the mouthpiece main body 1050 and the second Y-shaped body 1605 attached to the connecting portion 1601, respectively. A bearing hole 1606 (not shown) is rotatably attached. The universal hinge 1602 is an articulated hinge as in the first embodiment, although the rotation axis Y1 and the rotation axis X1 are orthogonal to each other at one point of intersection S1. For this reason, in this embodiment, in addition to the elevation direction Y and the left-right direction X, the same rotation angle as the rotation angle P1 of the hand handle 300 can be transmitted to the mouthpiece main body 1050 to turn the mouthpiece 510. . Therefore, the rotation axis Y1 and the rotation axis X1 do not have to intersect at one point of the intersection S1. However, by intersecting at the intersection S, the universal hinge 1602 can be made very compact.
[0116]
Next, the structure of the bottom surface of the mouthpiece 510 will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, this embodiment employs a universal wheel 1250 that is excellent in running performance, in particular, turning performance. The universal wheel 1250 has a four-wheel configuration including a pair of rear wheels 1251 provided on both sides (the lower part of the drawing) on the rear side of the bottom surface and a pair of front wheels 1252 provided on both sides in the center of the bottom surface. The arrangement of the four wheels is such that the turning center S2 of the suction body 510 is substantially positioned on the extension line of the central axis Q of the connection pipe 400 in a frequently used state where the connection pipe 400 is at an angle of 45 degrees. It is a thing. With this arrangement, the hand handle 300 can be easily twisted and smoothly performed. Further, the rearwardly arranged wheel arrangement covers the rear portion of the mouthpiece 510 that is easily subjected to a load accompanying the moving operation transmitted from the hand handle 300, and is effective in maintaining the posture of the mouthpiece 510.
[0117]
In this embodiment, the universal wheel 1250 is provided in the recess so that the clearance between the suction port 1010 and the floor surface does not increase, and the rear center of the bottom surface, which becomes a dead space, is formed in a concave shape. The strength of the body 510 is increased and the weight is reduced.
[0118]
Furthermore, in this embodiment, by providing the guide means 1300 at the front part of the bottom surface of the suction body 510, the clearance between the suction mouth 1010 arranged between the front wheel 1252 and the guide means 1300 and the cleaning floor is constant. Try to keep on. Thereby, since the guide means 1300 can be provided with a function like a wheel having no directionality, the suction efficiency can be maintained while improving the turning performance.
[0119]
In the guide means 1300 of this embodiment, a brush base 1215 in which a bundle of brushes 1310 is arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction of the suction body 510 is attached to the tip of the flat portion 1302.
[0120]
25 and 26, in this embodiment, the connecting hose 1630 is attached so that the tip of the suction body 510 does not rise when the angle in the height direction Y is 0 degrees. Thereby, even if the mouthpiece 510 is inserted into a low clearance such as under the desk as shown in FIG. 25, the tip does not rise, and the connection pipe 400 is 45 degrees in frequently used posture, Even in a posture in which the angle in the left-right direction X is 90 degrees as shown in FIG. 25, the remaining connecting hose 1630 interferes with the posture maintenance, or a load is applied to the twisting operation of the hand handle, or the connecting hose 1630 Reduces the occurrence of clogging.
[0121]
Further, in this embodiment, since the connecting hose 1630 forming the dust conveyance path and the support member of the suction body 510 are separated, for example, as shown in FIG. 26, the connection hose 1630 is attached to the attachment portion 1055 of the suction body 1050. By removing the connecting hose 1603 and attaching a separate clearance nozzle, it is possible to clean the difficult clearance without disassembling the connecting pipe 400. In this case, if the clearance nozzle is provided in the vicinity of the mouthpiece 510, for example, an attachment device is provided at the connection portion 1601, and the clearance nozzle is attached, the efficiency of the work can be improved.
[0122]
Further, as an application example of the above-described embodiment, the length of the second Y-shaped body 1605 is increased to shorten the connecting pipe 400, or the connecting pipe 400 is removed and the second handle Y having a long handle is directly attached to the hand handle 300. The operating range of the connection hose 1630 provided with the clearance nozzle can be widened by increasing the length of the connection hose 1630 by attaching a font 1605 or the like. In this case, the connection hose 1630 is detachably held by the second Y-shaped body 1605 so that the connection hose 1630 does not disturb the posture maintenance or the like. It is preferable that the holding member is provided at a proper interval position.
[0123]
Further, according to this embodiment, since the dust conveyance path and the support member of the suction body 510 are separated, the operation range in the left-right direction X is easily set to 180 degrees or more, and the height direction Y is easily set to 90 degrees or more. be able to.
[0124]
As described above, according to the second embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be expected, and the dust transfer passage and the support member of the suction body 510 are separated, so that the universal hinge 1602 can be simplified. With a simple structure, the size can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. In addition, if one end of the connection hose 1630 serving as a transport passage is removed, it can be used as another auxiliary suction port, and if both ends are further removed, maintainability and cleanability can be improved. Furthermore, the operation range of the universal connecting portion 1600 can be widened.
[0125]
(Third embodiment)
Next, with reference to FIG. 27, the other Example of the vacuum cleaner which concerns on this invention is described. The third embodiment differs from the suction body 500 of the first embodiment in that the mounting position of the universal connecting portion 1500 is different, and the other vacuum cleaner main body 100 and the like adopt the same ones. Yes. 27 (a) is a schematic external perspective view, and FIG. 27 (b) is a structural conceptual diagram. Here, the mouthpiece 520 will be described, and description of other parts will be omitted. Moreover, the same structure, site | part, an arrow, etc. show the same code | symbol, and abbreviate | omit the description.
[0126]
The mouthpiece 520 of this embodiment is composed of a mouthpiece body 1060 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and a free connecting portion 1700 attached to the center of the upper surface of the mouthpiece body 1060. The universal connection portion 1700 has the same structure as the universal connection portion 1500 provided with a connection hose 1501 in the universal hinge 1502 described in the first embodiment.
[0127]
The suction body 1060 includes a lower case 1061 and an upper case 1062 and constitutes a suction chamber 1050. In the suction chamber 1050, two suction ports 1010a and 1010b formed in the lower case 1061 are arranged in front and rear (short direction) of the suction body 520, and a rotary brush 1011 is provided in the suction ports 1010a and 1010b. Yes. In this embodiment, the rotating brush 1011 is rotated via a belt by an electric motor 1063 provided between the suction port 1010a and the suction port 1010b. The electric motor 1063 is powered from the vacuum cleaner main body 100 along the suction hose 200, the hand handle 300 connecting pipe 400, the universal connecting portion 1700, or by a built-in wiring. In addition, you may employ | adopt the thing of an air turbine drive similarly to the said Example. In addition, the electric motor 1063 is disposed below the mounting portion of the universal connecting portion 1700 so that the overall balance is good.
[0128]
The upper case 1062 is formed in a so-called kamaboko shape with a semicircular shape having a convex side surface and long in the longitudinal direction, and a hose attachment portion 1064 to which a connection hose 1501 is attached is provided at the center of the upper surface. A rotating shaft 1503 of the lower arm portion 1502a constituting the universal hinge 1502 is attached to both sides, that is, the longitudinal direction side of the mouthpiece 520 to form a pair of bearing bases 1065, and the universal connecting portion 1700 is rotatably attached. ing.
[0129]
The bearing center 1065a of the bearing base 1065 is set at a position H1 from the top of the upper case 1062, and the height H1 is set to a height at which the angle of the universal connecting portion 1700 in the height direction Y is 0 degree. In this embodiment, the side shape of the upper case 1062 is a semicircular shape, so that the height H1 is lowered to reduce the floating of the tip of the mouthpiece 520 (left side of FIGS. 27 and 28). .
[0130]
In this embodiment, the connecting hose 1501 and the universal connecting portion 1700 are provided symmetrically in the front-rear and left-right directions directly above the upper case 1062, but may be provided obliquely inclined rearward in the center of the upper case 1062. In this way, the height H1 can be lowered, and the movement of the universal coupling portion 1700 in a state where the angle in the height direction Y is small becomes good. In this case, it is preferable that the lateral width (front and rear of the suction body 520) of the universal connection portion 1700 does not protrude from the projected area of the suction body 520 in a state where the angle of the left and right direction X is 90 degrees.
[0131]
Further, around the side surface of the mouthpiece 520, a sliding member 1100 similar to the above embodiment is formed in a band shape. Further, around the bottom surface of the suction body 520, a guide means 1300 similar to that of the above-described embodiment is provided, which is similar to the wheel that lifts dust, guides to the suction mouth 1010, and makes the clearance between the suction mouth 1010 and the floor surface constant. It has a special function. Of course, the wheel 1200 and the free wheel 1250 similar to those of the above-described embodiment may be provided at the four corners of the bottom surface, or at the center or both sides of the bottom surface that receives the most force from the hand handle 300, and the like. .
[0132]
As described above, according to the third embodiment, since the universal connecting portion 1700 is provided on the upper portion of the suction body 1060, the installation area of the suction body 520 can be reduced. For this reason, the cleanability of a narrow gap as shown in FIG. In addition, since the sliding member 1100 is provided around the side surface of the mouthpiece 520, there is no frontality. Therefore, even the narrow gap can be cleaned along the surrounding furniture and the wall surface. Scratching the wall surface can be reduced. Further, according to this embodiment, since the angle of the elevation direction Y can be set to 90 degrees or more, for example, cleaning can be performed without taking an unreasonable posture even on an ascending slope.
(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the connecting hose 1501 having the function of the dust conveyance path of the embodiment and the universal hinge 1502 are integrally configured. In the figure, the mouthpiece 503 of this embodiment is composed of a mouthpiece body 1070 and a universal connecting portion 1800 formed of a resin material. The universal connecting portion 1800 is rotatably attached to the suction mouth body 1070 and has a cylindrical lower arm portion 1801a that allows rotation in the height direction Y, one end attached to the connection pipe 400, and the other end to the lower portion. It is comprised from the arm part 1801a and the cylindrical upper arm part 1801b attached so that rotation of the left-right direction X is enabled.
[0133]
The mouthpiece main body 1070 includes an opening 1071 communicating with the suction chamber at the rear center thereof, and a pair of bearing bases 1072 are formed on both sides of the opening 1071. One end of the lower arm portion 1801a is formed in an arc shape on the side surface, and rotational shafts 1802 are provided on both side surfaces, and are rotatably attached to the bearing stand 1072. The peripheral shape of the opening 1071 is formed to match the arc shape of one end of the lower arm portion 1801a so that there is no air leakage. An opening 1803 formed at one end of the lower arm 1801a is formed narrower in the vertical direction than the opening 1071 of the mouthpiece main body 1070, and the openings 1071 and 1803 communicate with each other in the operating range in the height direction Y. Like to do. On the other hand, the other end of the lower arm portion 1801a is formed such that the upper shape is notched on both sides, and a rotary bearing 1804 is provided inside the top and bottom of the tip.
[0134]
One end of the upper arm portion 1801b is formed in an arc shape on the upper surface, and a rotary shaft 1805 is provided on the upper and lower surfaces, and is rotatably attached to the rotary bearing 1804. The peripheral shape of the opening 1806 of the lower arm portion 1801a is formed so as to match the arc shape of one end of the upper arm portion 1801b so that there is no air leakage. The opening 1807 formed at one end of the upper arm 1801b is narrower in the left-right direction than the opening 1806 of the lower arm 1801a, and the openings 1806 and 1807 communicate with each other in the operation range in the left-right direction X. Like to do. On the other hand, the other end of the upper arm portion 1801b is formed with a connecting portion 1521 that is detachably connected to the connecting pipe 400.
[0135]
According to this embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment with a simple structure with a reduced number of parts. In addition, the connection of each member is made by using the elasticity of the resin material, so that even if stress is applied from the outside, the connecting part can be disconnected and re-coupled, reducing the damage to the device and assembling. Can be improved.
[0136]
(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, an operation guide means is provided in the connecting hose 1501 having the function of the dust conveyance path of the above embodiment, and the universal hinge 1502 is omitted. FIG. 29 is a schematic external perspective view, FIG. 30 is an enlarged view of a universal connecting hose, and FIG. 31 is a structural conceptual diagram of another application example.
[0137]
First, in FIG. 29 and FIG. 30, the suction body 540 of this embodiment is composed of a suction body 1080 and a universal connection hose 1900. The universal connecting portion 1900 is a hose body whose concave portions 1901 and convex portions 1902 are alternately arranged in the pipe direction, and one end is attached to the attachment portion 1801 of the mouthpiece main body 1080 and the other end is attached to the connecting pipe 400. The connecting portion 1507 is attached.
[0138]
In the universal connecting hose 1900, vertical movement guide ribs 1903 are integrally formed on both sides of the attachment side 1/2 of the suction body 1080. On the other hand, left and right operation guide ribs 1904 are integrally formed on the attachment side 1/2 of the connecting portion 1507 so as to be orthogonal to the attachment position of the vertical operation guide rib 1903.
[0139]
The vertical movement guide rib 1903 is formed in a convex shape so as to fill the concave portion 1901 so as to prevent the flexible connecting hose 1900 from bending in the left-right direction X and to allow bending in the height direction Y. Similarly, the left and right operation guide ribs 1904 are formed in a convex shape so as to fill the concave portion 1901 so as to prevent the flexible connecting hose 1900 from bending in the height direction Y and to allow bending in the left and right direction X. The vertical movement guide ribs 1903 and the horizontal movement guide ribs 1904 can reduce the twist of the universal connection hose 1900.
[0140]
The width Z1, the protrusion amount Z2, the cross-sectional shape, the length, and the like of the vertical movement guide rib 1903 and the horizontal movement guide rib 1904 are appropriately determined in consideration of the size and weight of the mouthpiece main body 1080. For example, as shown in FIG. 31, the vertical movement guide rib 1903 and the horizontal movement guide rib 1904 may be replaced with a badge 1905 which is a separate member, and the badge 1905 may be fixed to a hose material with screws or screws as appropriate. According to this structure, the same effect can be acquired using the existing hose material. Moreover, if the badge 1905 is decorated or colored, the number of models and the design can be improved.
[0141]
As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and obtain the same effects as those of the embodiment with a simple structure. In addition, since the weight can be reduced, it is suitable for a mouthpiece having a simple structure that does not use a rotating brush as shown in FIG. 29 and a mouthpiece for a handy vacuum cleaner that requires weight reduction.
[0142]
(Other examples)
32 and 33 show another embodiment relating to the hand handle. 32 and 33 are conceptual diagrams of operations.
[0143]
In FIG. 32, in this embodiment, the connection between the hand handle 310 and the connection pipe 410 is attached so as to be rotatable in the direction of the central axis Q of the connection pipe 400. (A) is provided with a non-slip grip 411 at the upper end of the connection pipe 400, and (b) is a view in which a rotation handle 412 is provided at the upper end of the connection pipe 400.
[0144]
According to this embodiment, the handle portion 301 of the hand handle 310 is held with one hand, and the gripper 411 or the rotation handle 412 is operated with the other hand so that the mouthpiece can be swung without rotating the hand handle 310. Can be made. Moreover, since the hand handle 310 is not rotated, the operation is not hindered even if the rotation P2 in the left-right direction X of the suction body is 180 degrees or more.
[0145]
Next, FIG. 33 shows another embodiment relating to the handle portion of the hand handle. The hand handle 320 according to this embodiment is formed so that the connection pipe 400 and the suction hose 200 are refracted and attached, and the handle part 322 at the position of the refracting part 321 and substantially perpendicular to the central axis Q of the connection pipe 400. Is provided. A wrist holding body 323 is provided on the suction hose 200 side behind the handle portion 322.
[0146]
According to this embodiment, the handle portion 322 can be held with one hand, and the wrist of the one hand held can be stabilized by the wrist holder 323, so that the twisting operation with the hand handle 320 is easy, Since the hand handle 320 can be operated by an operation centered on the elbow, the burden on the wrist can be reduced. In particular, in this embodiment, since the burden on the wrist is large with the conventional hand handle, it is difficult to lift the mouthpiece with one hand, but in this embodiment, the wrist is fixed by the wrist holder 323. Therefore, it becomes easy to lift the mouthpiece around the elbow. In addition, if the infrared ray transmission unit 303 is provided in the handle unit 322, transmission through the ceiling is good, and erroneous operations can be reduced.
[0147]
In the embodiment described above, the suction body adopting the rotating brush has been mainly described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Further, the driving method of the rotating brush is not limited to the air turbine system.
[0148]
Furthermore, in the said Example, although the vacuum cleaner which consists of a vacuum cleaner main body provided with the wheel, a suction hose, a hand handle, a connection pipe, and a suction body was demonstrated, this invention is not limited to this. . For example, a vacuum cleaner body provided with a blower for sucking dust, a suction body attached to one end in the longitudinal direction of the vacuum cleaner body and communicating with the blower, and other in the longitudinal direction of the vacuum cleaner body A suction handle for attaching dust to the suction body, and connecting the suction suction body to the main body of the vacuum cleaner, and through the main body of the vacuum cleaner. It is also possible to provide a universal connecting part that synchronizes the rotation angle of the hand handle and the rotation angle of the mouthpiece that is transmitted.
[0149]
In addition, a so-called central cleaner that connects the suction hose, hand handle, connecting pipe, and suction body to the dust conveyance path piped to the house, or a suction body attached to one end of the vacuum cleaner main body in the longitudinal direction and the other end It can also be applied to a vacuum cleaner such as a hand cleaner provided with a handle.
[0150]
Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, it is possible to provide a suction body for a vacuum cleaner that can efficiently rotate the suction body by rotating the hand handle, and a vacuum cleaner including the suction body. .
[0151]
Specifically, a vacuum cleaner body provided with a blower for sucking dust, a flexible suction hose attached to one end of the vacuum cleaner body and communicating with the blower, and the other end of the suction hose A hand handle that is attached to and communicates with the blower, a connection pipe that is attached to the hand handle and communicates with the suction hose, and a suction body that is attached to the connection pipe and communicates with the connection pipe. The suction body includes a suction body having a suction port for sucking dust, and the rotation angle of the hand handle and the rotation angle of the suction body transmitted through the connection pipe by connecting the suction body to the connection pipe. As a result, the suction body can be efficiently rotated by rotating the hand handle.
[0152]
Moreover, since the said universal connection part was comprised from the some joint hinge part, the rotation operation of a hand handle can be converted into the rotation operation of a suction body as it is. Moreover, since the said flexible connection part was comprised from the flexible connection hose which connects the said suction port main body and the said connection pipe, and the some joint hinge part provided so that the said connection hose may be wrapped, the whole flexible connection part is comprised. In addition to being compact, the connecting hose can be minimized, and the connecting hose can be protected by a joint hinge.
[0153]
In addition, the universal connection portion includes a first universal connection portion (upper arm portion) and a second universal connection portion (lower arm portion) that are rotatably attached by a first joint hinge, and the first universal connection portion (lower arm portion). A universal connecting portion is attached to be fixed to the connecting pipe, and the second universal connecting portion is rotatable to the mouthpiece body by a second joint hinge having an axial direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the first joint hinge. Since it is attached, it is possible to improve straightness, left-right movement and turning. Furthermore, the first joint hinge can move the hand handle in the left-right direction, and the second joint hinge can move the hand handle in the height direction.
[0154]
Further, by setting the operation range of the first joint hinge to be 180 ° or more, it is possible to improve the cleanability of a narrow gap. Further, by setting the operation range of the second joint hinge to 90 degrees or more, the hand handle, the connecting pipe, and the mouthpiece can be stored in a standing posture. Furthermore, the mouthpiece can be turned 90 degrees or more by combining the operating ranges of the first and second joint hinges.
[0155]
Moreover, the turning performance of the suction body can be improved by setting the length of the universal coupling portion to be equal to or larger than the diameter of the allowable bending arc of the suction hose. Further, by connecting the free connecting portion constituted by the plurality of joint hinge portions by pulling the free end with a pulling member such as a connecting hose, it is possible to improve straightness and turning performance.
[0156]
Further, by providing the joint connecting portion constituted by the plurality of joint hinge portions with a posture holding mechanism (lock mechanism) that holds the joint hinge portions at a predetermined angle, it is possible to improve straightness and posture maintenance. Further, if the posture holding mechanism is provided in the joint hinge portion that enables the rotation in the left-right direction, the straightness can be improved.
[0157]
Moreover, the whole thickness can be reduced by attaching the universal connecting portion to one side of the suction body in the short direction. Furthermore, with the mouthpiece turned 90 degrees, the mounting area of the mouthpiece body is reduced by mounting the universal connection part on the upper surface of the mouthpiece body so that it does not protrude from the projected area of the mouthpiece body. Can be improved.
[0158]
Moreover, the swivel performance of the mouthpiece can be improved by providing the universal connecting portion so that the position of the center of gravity of the mouthpiece body is located on the substantially extended line of the connecting pipe.
[0159]
A dust suction port for sucking dust is provided on the bottom surface of the suction mouth main body, and at least the front part of the bottom surface (the bottom end of the opposite position in the short direction to which the universal connecting portion is attached) has dust on the suction port. By providing guide means for guiding, for example, a brush, a groove or the like, it is possible to improve the cleanability of the wall.
[0160]
By providing a sliding member such as a brush material, a tire, or a wheel on the peripheral side of the suction body at a position opposite to the short direction where the universal connecting portion is attached, the suction body is moved along the wall surface or the like. It is possible to reduce the damage to the wall surface and the like.
[0161]
Furthermore, by providing a moving means such as a wheel having excellent mobility in the left-right direction in addition to the front and rear or a projection with a low friction coefficient on the bottom surface, it is possible to improve the straightness, left-right direction, and turning performance of the mouthpiece. it can. In particular, the above-described effect can be further improved if the moving means is arranged around the position of the center of gravity of the mouthpiece body or the vicinity of the extension line of the connecting pipe. Moreover, if the said moving means is provided behind the attachment position of a universal connection part, the lift of the front-end | tip part of a suction body can be reduced and the effect of the said runability can be improved.
[0162]
In addition, the suction body includes a suction body formed by disposing an upper case in a lower case having a suction port on a lower surface, a rotary cleaning body disposed in the suction port of the suction body, and the rotational cleaning body. A second universal connecting portion having a casing having a suction passage disposed at a rear portion of the suction body, and a rear end portion disposed at the rear of the second universal connecting portion. A suction port body having a second universal coupling portion provided with a connection pipe joint, and a flexible suction hose communicating the rear end portion of the casing and the connection pipe joint, the suction hose; Arranged inside the first universal connection portion and the second universal connection portion, the second universal connection portion swings up and down via a second hinge supported on the suction port body on both sides. The first universal connecting part is mounted in front of the rear part of the second universal connecting part. A compact suction body having an air turbine mechanism and excellent in turning performance is provided by swinging in the left-right direction via a first hinge having a rotation axis direction orthogonal to the rotation axis direction of the second hinge. Can be provided.
[0163]
Further, the suction body is composed of a suction body having a suction port for sucking dust, and a free connecting part, and the connecting part for connecting the free connecting part directly or indirectly to the hand handle and one end Is connected to the suction body, the other end is connected to the connection part to form a dust conveyance path, the connection part is connected to the suction body, and the hand is transmitted through the connection part. By comprising the universal hinge part which synchronizes the rotation angle of a handle | steering-wheel and the rotational angle of a suction body, the suction body excellent in turning performance which made the flexible hinge part compact can be provided.
[0164]
At this time, the universal hinge portion is rotated into a first Y-shaped body provided on the suction body, a second Y-shaped body attached to the connection joint, and the first Y-shaped body and the second Y-shaped body. By making the shaft perpendicular to each other and connecting the two Y-shaped bodies so as to be rotatable about the intersecting intersection, the hinge portion having excellent turning performance can be reduced in size.
[0165]
Further, the mouthpiece is composed of a mouthpiece body and a universal connecting portion, and the cylindrical lower arm portion that is rotatably attached to the mouthpiece body and is rotatable on the suction mouth body, and one end thereof. The other end is composed of the lower arm part and a cylindrical upper arm part which is attached so as to be able to rotate in the left-right direction, and the lower arm part and the upper arm part are operated by a freely connecting part. By configuring to communicate within the range, the number of parts can be reduced, and the turning performance can be improved with a simple structure.
[0166]
The mouthpiece is composed of a mouthpiece main body, and a universal connection hose having one end connected to the mouthpiece main body and a connection portion for attaching to the connection pipe at the other end. It consists of a hose body that continues alternately in the pipe direction, and is provided with vertical movement guide means on both sides of the suction body mounting side, and a horizontal movement guide on the upper and lower parts perpendicular to the mounting position of the vertical movement guide means By providing the means, the hose body can be prevented from being twisted, the number of parts can be reduced, the weight can be reduced, and the turning performance can be improved with a simple structure.
[0167]
【The invention's effect】
  According to the present invention, the suction body can be turned by the twisting operation of the hand handle, and the dust at the wall can be efficiently sucked to improve the cleanability.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a vacuum cleaner showing an embodiment of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a component configuration diagram of a suction body showing an embodiment of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a planar arrangement configuration of a suction body showing an embodiment of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a side arrangement configuration of a suction body showing an embodiment of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an external perspective view of a suction body showing an embodiment of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an external side view of a mouthpiece showing an embodiment of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a rear view of the outer appearance of the mouthpiece showing an embodiment of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a suction body showing an embodiment of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
FIG. 9 is another bottom view of the mouthpiece showing the embodiment of the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an essential part of a sliding member showing an embodiment of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
FIG. 11 is another application explanatory view of a sliding member showing an embodiment of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a wheel showing an embodiment of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
FIG. 13 is an external perspective view of a universal connecting portion showing an embodiment of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a plan view of a universal connecting portion showing an embodiment of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
FIG. 15 is an assembly process diagram of a universal connecting portion showing an embodiment of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
FIG. 16 is an explanatory view of an application example of another universal connecting portion showing an embodiment of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a use state of an embodiment of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a use state diagram showing an embodiment of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a use state diagram showing an embodiment of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a use state diagram showing an embodiment of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
FIG. 21 is an external perspective view showing another embodiment of the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
FIG. 22 is a component configuration diagram showing another embodiment of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
FIG. 23 is a structural diagram of a universal hinge showing another embodiment of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
FIG. 24 is an external bottom view showing another embodiment of the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
FIG. 25 is a schematic sectional view showing another embodiment of the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram of a usage state showing another embodiment of the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
FIG. 27 is a schematic conceptual view showing another embodiment of the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
FIG. 28 is a structural conceptual diagram showing another embodiment of the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
FIG. 29 is a structural conceptual diagram showing another embodiment of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
FIG. 30 is an enlarged view of a universal connecting hose showing another embodiment of the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
FIG. 31 is a structural conceptual diagram of another application example showing the form of another embodiment of the electric vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
FIG. 32 is a schematic external perspective view of a hand handle showing another embodiment of the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
FIG. 33 is a schematic external perspective view of a hand handle showing another embodiment of the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Vacuum cleaner, 100 ... Vacuum cleaner main body, 200 ... Suction hose, 300 ... Hand handle, 301 ... Handle part, 400 ... Connection pipe, 500 ... Suction body, 1000 ... Suction body, 1001 ... Lower case, 1002 ... Front upper cover, 1003 ... Rear cover, 1005 ... Suction chamber, 1006 ... Mounting portion, 1007 ... Ventilation path, 1010 ... Suction port, 1011 ... Rotary brush, 1012 ... Turbine, 1016 ... Ventilation hole, 1017 ... Viewing window, 1020 ... Thick part, 1021 ... Groove part, 1022 ... Open / close lever, 1023 ... Hand recess, 1100 ... Sliding member, 1101 ... Brush, 1102 ... Brush stand, 1103 ... Roller, 1200 ... Wheel, 1201 ... Front wheel, 1202 ... Rear wheel 1203 ... Last wheel, 1203a ... Last wheel, 1210 ... Sliding member, 1211 Rotating shaft, 1212 ... Recessed portion, 1213 ... C-cut surface, 1214 ... Brush, 1215 ... Brush table, 1300 ... Guide means, 1302 ... Plane portion, 1310 ... Bunch of brushes, 1311 ... Stamp row, 1312 ... Channel, 1313 ... brush stand, 1314 ... brush, 1315 ... flow path, 1500 ... universal connecting part, 1501 ... connecting hose, 1502 ... universal hinge, 1502a ... lower arm part, 1502b ... upper arm part, 15, 03 ... rotating shaft, 1504 ... rotation Rotating shaft hole, 1506 ... Pin, 1507 ... Connection part, 1510 ... Notch part, 1511 ... Notch part, 1512 ... Notch part, 1513 ... Notch part, 1516 ... Lock mechanism, 1517 ... Convex part, 1518 ... Concave part 1519 ... Fitting hole, 1520 ... Convex rib, 1521 ... Connection part, Q ... Central axis of the connecting pipe, P1 ... Hand handle Twist rotation, P2 ... Swivel of mouthpiece, X ... Left-right direction, Y ... Height direction, Θ1 ... Minimum angle, Θ2 ... Maximum angle, Θ3 ... Left-right angle.

Claims (2)

電気掃除機本体と、前記電気掃除機本体に取付けられた吸引ホースと、前記吸引ホースに取付けられた手元ハンドルと、前記手元ハンドルに取付けられた接続管と、前記接続管に取付けられた吸口体とを有する電気掃除機において、
前記吸口体は、略長方形状の吸口本体と、その内部に通風路が形成された自在連結部とを有し、
前記自在連結部は、樹脂成形品からそれぞれなり、それ自身の内面でそれぞれ通風路が形成された筒状の下腕部と上腕部とから構成され、
前記下腕部の一端は前記吸口本体に取付けられ、前記上腕部の一端は前記下腕部の他端に、前記上腕部の他端は前記接続管にそれぞれ取付けられ、
前記下腕部の一端は前記吸口本体に一つの回転軸周りに回転可能に取付けられ、
前記下腕部の他端は前記上腕部の一端と前記一つの回転軸と直交し、かつ前記上腕部の軸線と直交する他の回転軸周りに回転可能に取付けられ、
前記接続管を高低方向の最低角度にした状態で前記下腕部と前記上腕部とが直線状に並び得るとともに、前記接続管を高低方向に上げ下げでき、かつ、前記接続管を高低方向の最高角度とした状態で、前記接続管を前記吸口本体の長手方向に倒し得る
ことを特徴とした電気掃除機。Vacuum cleaner main body, suction hose attached to the vacuum cleaner main body, hand handle attached to the suction hose, connection pipe attached to the hand handle, and mouthpiece attached to the connection pipe In a vacuum cleaner having
The mouthpiece has a substantially rectangular mouthpiece main body, and a universal connection portion in which a ventilation path is formed.
Each of the free connecting portions is made of a resin molded product, and is composed of a cylindrical lower arm portion and an upper arm portion, each of which has a ventilation path formed on its inner surface,
One end of the lower arm is attached to the mouthpiece body, one end of the upper arm is attached to the other end of the lower arm, and the other end of the upper arm is attached to the connecting pipe,
One end of the lower arm is attached to the mouthpiece body so as to be rotatable around one rotation axis,
The other end of the lower arm is attached to be rotatable around another rotation axis that is orthogonal to one end of the upper arm and the one rotation axis, and orthogonal to the axis of the upper arm,
The lower arm part and the upper arm part can be arranged in a straight line with the connecting pipe at the lowest angle in the elevation direction, the connecting pipe can be raised and lowered in the elevation direction, and the connecting pipe is raised and lowered in the elevation direction. A vacuum cleaner characterized in that the connecting pipe can be tilted in the longitudinal direction of the suction body in an angled state. 請求項１に記載の電気掃除機において、
前記下腕部の一端は前記吸口本体に一つの回転軸周りに前記下腕部の他端が高さ方向に回転可能に取付けられている
ことを特徴とする電気掃除機。The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein
One end of the lower arm part is attached to the suction mouth main body around one rotation axis so that the other end of the lower arm part is rotatable in the height direction.
JP26055899A 1999-09-14 1999-09-14 Electric vacuum cleaner Expired - Fee Related JP3868679B2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP26055899A JP3868679B2 (en) 1999-09-14 1999-09-14 Electric vacuum cleaner

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP26055899A JP3868679B2 (en) 1999-09-14 1999-09-14 Electric vacuum cleaner

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
JP06949997A Division JP3149161B2 (en) 1997-03-24 1997-03-24 Vacuum cleaner and suction body of vacuum cleaner

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
JP2003425181A Division JP3868953B2 (en) 2003-12-22 2003-12-22 Electric vacuum cleaner

Publications (3)

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JP2000070198A JP2000070198A (en) 2000-03-07
JP2000070198A5 JP2000070198A5 (en) 2004-12-09
JP3868679B2 true JP3868679B2 (en) 2007-01-17

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SE0300355D0 (en) 2003-02-10 2003-02-10 Electrolux Ab Hand held vacuum cleaner
SE0600668L (en) 2006-03-24 2007-10-23 Electrolux Abp Handheld vacuum cleaner
US20080040883A1 (en) 2006-04-10 2008-02-21 Jonas Beskow Air Flow Losses in a Vacuum Cleaners
SE531125C2 (en) 2007-01-19 2008-12-23 Electrolux Ab Improvements in air flow losses in a vacuum cleaner
WO2007117197A1 (en) 2006-04-10 2007-10-18 Aktiebolaget Electrolux A vacuum cleaner
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AU2015413756B2 (en) * 2015-11-02 2018-11-15 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Cleaning tool and vacuum cleaner
CN108348118B (en) * 2015-11-02 2021-07-13 三菱电机株式会社 Cleaning tool and vacuum cleaner

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