JPH0832252B2 - Vacuum cleaner dust collection display - Google Patents

Description

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a dust collection amount display device for an electric vacuum cleaner.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, vacuum cleaners have improved dust collection performance, and there is an increasing demand for improvement in accuracy of dust collection amount display devices.

Conventionally, the dust collection amount display device of this type of vacuum cleaner is
The structure shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 10 was common. The configuration will be described below.

As shown in the figure, the display device 26 includes a pointer 27, a pointer spring 28 for biasing the pointer 27 backward, a pointer lid 30 having a through hole 29 located behind the pointer 27, and a transparent cover holding these. It consists of a cylindrical pointer cylinder 31 and a communication pipe 33 that connects the tip of the pointer cylinder 31 and the dust collection chamber 32.The dust collection chamber 32 of the vacuum cleaner body 34 is inserted into the recess 36 of the front body 35 from above. The communication pipe 33 is connected to the dust collection chamber 32 so that the pointer 27 can be seen from the outside through a display window 38 provided on the cover plate 37. Also,
The convex rib 39 is formed on the outer circumference of the pointer 27 to prevent the pointer 27 from swinging.

When dust accumulates in the dust bag 40 using the electric vacuum cleaner body 34, the pressure in the dust collection chamber 32 gradually lowers from atmospheric pressure, and acts on the pointer 27 when it falls below a predetermined pressure. The vacuum pressure resists the spring biasing force of the pointer spring 28 to move the pointer 27 to the communication pipe 33 side. At this time, the position of the pointer 27 visible from the display window 38 is changed, and the user can recognize when dust is discarded.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention In such a conventional dust collection amount display device for an electric vacuum cleaner,
When the pointer 27 is displaced to the side of the communication pipe 33 even a little, the through hole 29
Since the atmosphere flows into the dust collection chamber 32 through the suction chamber, the suction force from the original suction port of the vacuum cleaner is reduced. Therefore, the displacement start pressure of the pointer 27 has to be set so that the pointer 27 is displaced at the time when the dust is accumulated almost completely in the dust collecting bag 40, and the pointer 27 is displaced in proportion to the accumulated amount of dust. It had the drawback of not doing. Especially, if the dust is mainly composed of fibers, even if the dust bag 40 is full, the dust collection chamber 32
It is said that the internal pressure does not fall below a predetermined pressure and the pointer 27 does not displace, so that the dust bag 40 ruptures and continues to be used or dust accumulates even inside the hose connected to the vacuum cleaner body 34. Was causing problems. In addition, the convex ribs 39 for preventing the shake of the pointer 27 appear in the appearance, and the appearance is bad.

The present invention is to solve the above problems, and even if the pointer is displaced toward the communication pipe side, the pointer can be displaced substantially in proportion to the accumulated amount of dust without causing air leakage, that is, reducing the suction force. The first purpose is to do. The second purpose is to increase the amount of movement of the pointer to make it easier to see and improve usability. Further, a third object is to prevent external force from being applied to the valve element to prevent damage to the valve element and to move the valve element smoothly. A fourth purpose is to prevent the pointer from swinging and to improve the appearance.

Means for Solving the Problems In order to achieve the above first object, the present invention provides a valve body that shuts off a vacuum pressure portion and an atmospheric pressure portion generated by the operation of an electric blower and that is displaced by this differential pressure. A pointer which is connected to the valve body and is displaced, a pointer spring which biases the pointer toward the atmospheric pressure side so as to be displaced under a predetermined vacuum pressure, and a pointer tube of a substantially transparent tubular body having the pointer inside And a communication pipe that airtightly connects the vacuum pressure portion and the pointer cylinder, and a hollow and substantially frame-shaped pointer lid that hermetically attaches the valve body to the pointer cylinder. On the other hand, the first technical means is arranged on the atmosphere side, and the pointer has an inner peripheral cylinder having a substantially central portion protruding toward the atmospheric pressure side, and an inner wall covering the inner periphery is provided so as to protrude from the pointer cylinder. And In order to achieve the second object, the valve body of the first technical means has a substantially cap-shaped convex portion, and the substantially cap-shaped convex portion covers the inner peripheral cylinder of the pointer. The outer diameter of the substantially hat-shaped convex portion protruding toward the atmospheric pressure side was made smaller than the inner diameter of the inner wall of the pointer cylinder. In order to achieve the third object, a cylindrical rib that covers the substantially cap-shaped convex portion of the valve body is arranged on the pointer lid of the first technical means toward the atmospheric pressure side. . Further, in order to achieve the fourth object, in the axial direction of the outer circumference of the inner peripheral cylinder of the first technical means,
A plurality of ribs having a gap between the tip and the inner wall are projected.

Effect of the Invention According to the first problem solving means of the present invention, the vacuum pressure portion and the atmospheric pressure portion on the dust collecting chamber side are shut off by the valve body, and air leaks even if the pointer is displaced according to the displacement of the valve body. That is, the suction force does not decrease. Therefore, the displacement starting pressure of the valve body can be brought closer to the atmospheric pressure than in the conventional case, and the pointer can be displaced substantially in proportion to the accumulated amount of dust. Also, by projecting the inner wall of the pointer cylinder arranged so as to cover the inner cylinder protruding toward the atmospheric pressure side of the pointer to the pointer side, the inner wall serves as a guide during the movement of the pointer and prevents rattling. , Smooth movement of the pointer can be obtained. Further, according to the second problem solving means, the displacement of the valve body is increased by the substantially hat-shaped convex portion of the valve body,
That is, the movement amount of the pointer can be increased, and the valve body can be smoothly displaced.

Further, according to the third problem solving means, the cylindrical rib serves as a guide when the hat-shaped convex portion of the valve body is displaced, and can be smoothly displaced, and at the same time, malfunction such as deformation of the hat-shaped convex portion can be prevented. Further, it is possible to prevent the valve body from being deformed, torn, or scratched by an external force. Further, by the fourth problem solving means, rattling of the pointer can be prevented, the rib formed on the outer circumference of the pointer can be eliminated, and the appearance can be improved.

Embodiment Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

As shown in the figure, the electric vacuum cleaner body 1 has a floor suction device, an extension cylinder, and a dust collection chamber 3 for accommodating a paper bag 2 for collecting and collecting dust sucked through a hose, and a rear electric motor. The blower 4 and the cord winding device are built in. An upper lid 5 is attached above the dust collection chamber 3 and covers the dust collection chamber 3 so as to be openable and closable. The rear portion of the upper lid 5 is engaged with the upper body 6, the front portion is attached to the electric vacuum cleaner 1 by the action of the buckle 7, and the concave portion 8 is formed in the center of the upper portion to attach the dust collection amount display device 9. ing.

The dust collection amount display device 9 includes a transparent pointer cylinder 10 and
A green first pointer 11 and a red second pointer 12, which slide integrally in the pointer cylinder 10, a communication pipe 13 for connecting the dust collecting chamber 13 and the pointer cylinder 10, a communication pipe 13 and a first pointer The first pointer 11 and the second pointer 12 are arranged between 11 and are clamped by a pointer spring 14 for biasing the first pointer 11 and the second pointer 12 in a direction opposite to the communication tube 13, and a pointer cylinder 10 and a hollow hollow frame-shaped pointer lid 15. The second guide 12 side and the guide lid 15 side are airtightly closed to form a pointer valve 16 as a valve body formed of an elastic thin film. The first pointer 11 and the second pointer 12 form a pointer. An inner wall 17 is formed in a double cylinder shape from the valve mounting seat of the pointer cylinder 10 inside the pointer cover 15 attachment side of the pointer cylinder 10, and the position of the second pointer 12 at the tip of the inner wall 17 on the communicating pipe 13 side. Is regulated. The first pointer 11 and the second pointer 12 are connected to each other by a concave-convex fit. The second pointer 12 comprises a substantially cylindrical outer peripheral wall 18 and an inner peripheral wall 19, and the inner peripheral cylinder 19 projects to the atmospheric pressure side and is located inside the inner wall 17. The pointer lid 15 holds the outer circumference of the pointer valve 16 and is fixed to the pointer cylinder 10. Also, the pointer lid 15
The center of the is open and communicates with the outside of the vacuum cleaner body 1,
Since one end of the communication pipe 13 is inserted into the through hole 20 provided in the lower surface of the recess 8 and communicates with the dust collection chamber 3, the pointer lid 15 of the pointer valve 16 is connected.
The atmospheric pressure acts on the side, and the vacuum pressure generated by the operation of the electric blower 4 acts on the side of the second pointer 12.

The pointer valve 16 receives the suction force in the inward direction of the dust collection chamber 3 due to the above-mentioned pressure difference acting on the inner wall 17 of the pointer cylinder 10 and the spring biasing force of the pointer spring 14, so that the second pointer 12 is moved to the inner wall 17 thereof. Communication pipe within 13
It is displaced to the side. The lid 21 has a display window hole 22 above the pointer cylinder 10 and is fitted into the recess 8. When the electric blower 4 is not operating, the first pointer 11 can be seen through the display window hole 22.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. When dust accumulates in the paper bag 2 using the vacuum cleaner body 1,
The flow rate of air flowing into the electric blower 4 decreases, and the pressure in the dust collection chamber 3 gradually decreases below atmospheric pressure. When the accumulated amount of collected dust increases and this vacuum pressure becomes lower than a predetermined pressure, the pointer valve 16 is connected by a pressure difference from the body pressure acting on the inner wall 17 of the pointer cylinder 10.
The suction force to the 13 side becomes larger than the spring biasing force of the pointer spring 14. At this time, in the pointer valve 16, a portion of the second pointer 12 that contacts the inner peripheral cylinder 19 is deformed between the inner peripheral cylinder 19 and the inner wall 17 toward the communication pipe 13 in a substantially U-shaped cross section, and at the same time, the first pointer. 11 and the second pointer 12 are slightly displaced toward the communication pipe 13 side.

When the suction force increases as the accumulation of dust increases, the amount of deformation of the pointer valve 16 in the substantially U-shape gradually increases, and the first pointer
11, Gradually move the second pointer 12 to the communication pipe 13 side. At this time, the green first pointer 11 and the red second pointer 12 are simultaneously visible from the display window hole 22. When the amount of dust exceeds a predetermined amount, the displacement amounts of the first pointer 11 and the second pointer 12 become maximum, and only the red second pointer 12 can be seen from the display window hole 22,
The user is informed of the dust disposal time, the paper bag 2 is replaced with a new one, and the paper bag 2 is started to be reused with a strong suction state.

By the way, since the pointer valve 16 is sandwiched between the pointer cylinder 10 and the pointer lid 15 to completely shut off the vacuum pressure portion on the second pointer 12 side and the atmospheric pressure portion on the pointer lid 15 side, the pointer valve 16, Even if the first pointer 11 and the second pointer 12 are displaced, the atmospheric air does not flow into the dust collecting chamber 3 through the pointer cylinder 10, and therefore the useless suction force is not reduced. Further, since the above-described decrease in suction force does not occur, the spring biasing force of the pointer spring 14 in the initial state can be reduced, and the pointer valve 16 can be gradually displaced from the state where the vacuum pressure is low. 1st guideline 11 and 2 in
The displacement movement of the pointer 12 can be gradually performed substantially in proportion to the pressure drop, and the user can be made to recognize the dust accumulation amount more accurately than before. And as a result,
Even when inhaling dust mainly composed of fibrous dust, the first pointer 11 and the second pointer 12 can be reliably displaced within a displacement range prompting the user to replace the paper bag 2 and become full of dust. It is possible to prevent problems such as rupture due to the use of fibers in the paper bag 2. Further, since the pointer valve 16 is located on the atmospheric pressure side with respect to the second pointer 12, when the electric blower 4 is operating, the pointer valve 16 and the end surface of the inner peripheral wall 19 of the second pointer 12 on the pointer valve 16 side are different from each other. In close contact. Therefore, most of the suction force that acts on the pointer valve 16 due to the vacuum pressure difference and draws the pointer valve 16 toward the communication pipe 13 is supported by the end surface (rigid body portion) of the inner peripheral cylinder 19 on the pointer valve 16 side. A slight force is applied to the displaced portion of the valve 16, and the durability of the pointer valve 16 is not deteriorated.
Further, since there is no air flow, dust is attracted and adhered to the pointer cylinder 10, causing sliding failure of the first pointer 11 and the second pointer 12 within the pointer cylinder 10, and 10 The inner surface is not soiled so that the first pointer 11 and the second pointer 12 are difficult to see, and the pointer valve 16 is not damaged. Furthermore, the displacement of the first pointer 11, the second pointer 12 and the pointer valve 16 is
Since it is determined only by the differential pressure acting on the inside and the spring biasing force of the pointer spring 14, the spring load of the pointer spring 14 can be easily determined.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. The same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in the figure, the pointer valve 16 has a second pointer 12 at the substantially central portion.
The inner peripheral cylinder 19 is covered with a substantially cap-shaped convex portion 23, and the outer diameter of the substantially cap-shaped convex portion 23 is smaller than the inner diameter of the inner wall 17 of the pointer cylinder 10. For the operation in this case,
Although it is similar to the first embodiment, by increasing the protruding size of the substantially cap-shaped convex portion 23, the stroke of the second pointer 12 becomes large and easy to see, and the usability is improved. is there.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. The same components as those in the second embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in the drawing, the pointer lid 15 is provided with a cylindrical rib 24 on the atmospheric pressure side so as to cover the substantially cap-shaped convex portion 23 of the pointer valve 16. The operation in this case is almost the same as that of the second embodiment, but the inner wall 17 and the cylindrical rib 24, each having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the substantially cap-shaped convex portion 23, are respectively provided with the pointer valve 16.
Which are arranged on the second pointer 12 side and the atmospheric pressure side of the pointer valve 16 to guide the operation of the substantially cap-shaped convex portion 23 of the pointer valve 16 and the displacement at the time of return, so that the operation and the return can be performed smoothly. Is. Further, since the pointer valve 16 is formed of a thin film, it is very weak against external force, but since the cylindrical rib 24 surrounds the circumference, it also has a protective function.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in the figure, the second pointer 12 projects a plurality of ribs 25 in the axial direction of the outer circumference of the circumferential cylinder 19. In the operation in this case, the rib 25 forms a slight clearance with the inner surface of the inner wall 17, and if the second pointer 12 rattles a little, the rib 25 comes into contact with the inner surface of the inner wall 17 and cannot swing any more. That is, the ribs 25 for rattling, which were conventionally formed on the outer circumference of the pointer, are formed on the outer circumference of the circumferential cylinder 19, so that the rib 25
The present invention provides a dust collection amount display device that does not appear in appearance and looks good. Further, a sufficient clearance can be secured between the outer circumference of the circumferential cylinder 19 and the inner surface of the inner wall 17, the displacement area of the pointer valve 16 can be made large, and smooth operation can be performed.

EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION As is apparent from the above embodiments, according to the present invention, a valve body that shuts off a vacuum pressure portion and an atmospheric pressure portion generated by the operation of an electric blower and that is displaced by this differential pressure, and the valve A pointer that is connected to a body and is displaced, a pointer spring that biases the pointer toward the atmospheric pressure side so as to be displaced under a predetermined vacuum pressure, a pointer tube of a substantially transparent tubular body having the pointer inside, A communication pipe for airtightly connecting the vacuum pressure portion and the pointer cylinder, and a hollow, substantially frame-shaped pointer lid for airtightly attaching the valve body to the pointer cylinder,
The valve body is arranged on the atmosphere side with respect to the pointer, and the pointer has an inner peripheral cylinder whose substantially central portion projects toward the atmospheric pressure side,
Since the inner wall that covers the inner peripheral cylinder is provided so as to project from the pointer cylinder, even if the pointer is displaced according to the displacement of the valve body, air leakage, that is, a decrease in suction force does not occur. The displacement starting pressure can be brought closer to the atmospheric pressure than in the conventional case, and the pointer can be displaced substantially in proportion to the amount of accumulated dust, and the valve body has a substantially hat-shaped convex portion, and the substantially hat-shaped convex portion is It projects to the atmospheric pressure side so as to cover the inner peripheral cylinder, and since the outer diameter of the substantially cap-shaped convex portion is smaller than the inner diameter of the inner wall of the pointer cylinder, the inner wall serves as a guide when the valve body is displaced, It can be displaced smoothly. Further, since the substantially central portion of the valve element is projected in a substantially hat shape, the amount of movement of the pointer can be increased, and a dust collection amount display device that is easy to see and easy to use can be obtained. Furthermore, since the cylindrical rib covering the substantially cap-shaped convex portion of the valve body is arranged on the pointer lid toward the atmospheric pressure side, it is possible to prevent external force from being applied to the valve body, and to prevent the valve body from being a thin film. In addition to preventing breakage, by disposing cylindrical ribs on both sides of the valve body, the movement of the substantially cap-shaped convex portion and the displacement at the time of restoration can be guided, smooth movement can be performed, and malfunctioning can be prevented. In addition, since a plurality of ribs with a gap between the tip and the inner wall are projected in the axial direction of the outer circumference of the inner peripheral cylinder, rattling (run-out) of the pointer can be prevented and it does not appear, so it looks good. It is possible to provide a good dust collection amount display device.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner dust collecting amount display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway front view of a vacuum cleaner equipped with the dust collecting amount display device. FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the dust collection amount display device during operation, FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a dust collection amount display device of an electric vacuum cleaner according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the dust amount display device during operation, FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the dust amount display device of the vacuum cleaner according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is the same dust amount display device. FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a state in which the dust collecting amount of the vacuum cleaner according to another embodiment of the present invention is displayed, and FIG. 9 is a dust collecting amount display of the conventional vacuum cleaner. FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the apparatus, and FIG. 10 is a partially cutaway front view of an electric vacuum cleaner having the same dust collection amount display device. 4 ... Electric blower, 10 ... Pointer tube, 11 ... First pointer (pointer), 12 ... Second pointer (pointer), 13 ... Communication pipe,
14 ... pointer spring, 15 ... pointer lid, 16 ... pointer valve (valve body), 17 ... inner wall, 19 ... inner peripheral wall.

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A valve body which shuts off a vacuum pressure portion and an atmospheric pressure portion generated by the operation of an electric blower and which is displaced by this differential pressure, a pointer connected to the valve body and displaced, and the pointer. A pointer spring which biases the spring toward the atmospheric pressure side so as to be displaced under a predetermined vacuum pressure, a pointer cylinder of a substantially transparent cylindrical body having the pointer therein, and a communication for airtightly connecting the vacuum pressure section and the pointer cylinder. It is provided with a pipe and a hollow, substantially frame-shaped pointer lid for airtightly attaching the valve body to the pointer cylinder, the valve body is arranged on the atmosphere side with respect to the pointer, and the pointer has a large central portion. A dust collection amount display device for an electric vacuum cleaner, which has an inner peripheral cylinder protruding toward the atmospheric pressure side, and an inner wall covering the inner peripheral cylinder protruding from the pointer cylinder. 2. The valve body has a substantially hat-shaped convex portion, and the substantially hat-shaped convex portion projects toward the atmospheric pressure side so as to cover the inner peripheral cylinder of the pointer, and the outside of the substantially hat-shaped convex portion. The dust collection amount display device for an electric vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the inner wall of the pointer cylinder. 3. A dust collection amount display device for an electric vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, wherein the pointer lid is provided with a cylindrical rib covering the substantially cap-shaped convex portion of the valve body toward the atmospheric pressure side. 4. A dust collection amount display device for an electric vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of ribs having a gap between the tip and the inner wall are projected in the axial direction of the outer circumference of the inner peripheral cylinder.