brush roll

Abstract

A brush roller configured to clean dust while rolling is disclosed. The brush roller includes: a shaft portion having an outer circumferential surface that is thinner toward a distal end; a holding body mounted to the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion; and a brush body held by the holding body in a manner that extends in a spiral shape along the outer circumferential surface of the holding body.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a brush roller that cleans dust. BACKGROUND

[0002] Various brush rollers that clean dust while rolling on the ground have been developed (see Patent Literature 1). The brush roller of Patent Literature 1 has a shaft portion and a plurality of brush bodies that protrude from the outer peripheral portion of the shaft portion in the radial direction of the shaft portion.

[0003] A helical groove that extends in a helical shape is formed in the outer peripheral portion of the shaft portion. The brush bodies are fixed to the shaft portion along the helical groove, thereby constituting a helical brush row.

[0004] By forming the helical brush row, movement of dust that comes into contact with the brush bodies in the axial direction of the shaft portion is promoted. In Patent Literature 1, the helical direction of the brush row is set in such a manner that dust moves toward the central position in the axial direction of the shaft portion.

[0005] Based on various requirements for the brush roller, a structure in which helical brush bodies are held on the outer peripheral surface of a tapered cylindrical shaft portion that becomes thinner toward the distal end is sometimes adopted. By providing the shaft portion in a tapered shape, it is possible to improve the effect of moving long dust (e.g., hair) that is entangled with the brush roller toward the distal end of the shaft portion. Furthermore, by providing the shaft portion in a cylindrical shape, it is possible to make the shaft portion lightweight compared to a solid shaft structure.

[0006] However, when a structure in which brush bodies are held on the outer peripheral surface of a tapered cylindrical shaft portion is adopted, there are difficulties in manufacturing. For example, if a helical groove is to be formed on the outer peripheral surface of a tapered cylindrical shaft portion as in Patent Literature 1, a mechanism for separating the portion of the mold for forming the helical groove from the shaft portion is required. If the portion of the mold for forming the helical groove is pulled out in the axial direction of the shaft portion, it is necessary to make the portion of the mold turn around the axis of the shaft portion in correspondence with the shape of the helical groove and displace in the radial direction in correspondence with the tapered shape of the shaft portion. A mechanism that drives the portion of the mold in this way makes the structure of the molding machine complicated.

[0007] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0008] PATENT LITERATURE

[0009] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-188951 SUMMARY

[0010] An object of the present application is to provide a brush roller that can adopt a structure in which helical brush bodies are held on the outer peripheral surface of a tapered cylindrical shaft portion and can be easily molded.

[0011] An aspect of the present application relates to a brush roller configured to clean dust while rolling. The brush roller includes a shaft portion having an outer peripheral surface that becomes thinner toward a distal end, a holding body attached to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion, and a brush body held by the holding body so as to extend in a spiral shape along the outer peripheral surface of the holding body.

[0012] The brush roller described above can be easily manufactured, and the spiral brush body can be held on the outer peripheral surface of the tapered cylindrical shaft portion.

[0013] The objects, features, and advantages of the present application will become more apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a cleaner.

[0015] Figure 2 is a schematic expanded perspective view of a suction device capable of being attached to a cleaner.

[0016] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of a brush roller.

[0017] Figure 4 is a schematic sectional view of a brush roller.

[0018] Figure 5 is a schematic expanded perspective view of a portion of a brush roller.

[0019] Figure 6 is a schematic sectional view of a brush roller.

[0020] Figure 7 is a schematic view showing a force acting on dust when the dust is entangled with a cleaning roller.

[0021] Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of a male mold for molding a brush roller.

[0022] Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of a brush roller having a split structure in a circumferential direction.

[0023] Figure 10 is a schematic sectional view of a portion of a brush roller having a split structure in a circumferential direction.

[0024] Figure 11 is a schematic sectional view of a portion of a brush roller having a split structure in an axial direction.

[0025] Figure 12 is a schematic expanded perspective view of a portion of a brush roller not having a spiral groove portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] In this embodiment, the brush rollers 131, 132 are configured as a part of the suction device 100 mounted to the cleaner 101. Figure 1 is a schematic side view of the cleaner 101 to which the suction device 100 is mounted. Figure 2 is a schematic expanded perspective view of the suction device 100. The cleaner 101 and the suction device 100 are described with reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2

[0027] As shown in Figure 1 , the cleaner 101 includes a cleaner main body portion 102 in which a suction fan (not shown) and a motor (not shown) that drives the suction fan are built; a hose 103 that is provided so as to extend from the cleaner main body portion 102 to the suction device 100; and an operation portion 104 that is provided to the hose 103. A distal end portion of the hose 103 is configured to be connectable to the suction device 100. The operation portion 104 is configured to operate the cleaner main body portion 102 and the suction device 100 by accepting an operation of a user. Electric wires that are routed from the cleaner main body portion 102 and the suction device 100 to the operation portion 104 are routed along the hose 103.

[0028] In order to obtain a suction region that is wider than an inner space of the hose 103 in the width direction, the suction device 100 is mounted to a distal end of the hose 103. The suction device 100 is configured to clean dust on a floor while sucking the dust.

[0029] The suction device 100 includes, in addition to the brush rollers 131, 132, a housing 120 configured to hold the cleaning roller units 131, 132, and a drive mechanism (not shown) configured to drive the cleaning roller units 131, 132.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2 , in order to obtain a wide suction space 110 in the width direction, the housing 120 has a shape that is wider in the width direction than in the front-rear direction. The housing 120 includes a main body portion 121 that has a substantially C-shaped form that is open to the front in plan view, and a cover member 122 that is configured to be mountable to the main body portion 121.

[0031] The main body portion 121 includes side portions 123, 124 that are provided at positions that are spaced apart from each other in the width direction (i.e., the left-right direction) of the suction device 100, and a rear portion 125 that is located at a rear side (i.e., the cleaner main body portion 102 side) of the side portions 123, 124 and connects the side portions 123, 124. The side portions 123, 124 and the rear portion 125 have a hollow structure as a whole. The drive mechanism is housed in the side portions 123, 124 and the rear portion 125.

[0032] ​An intake space 110 for sucking dust on the floor is formed based on the rear portion 125 and the side portions 123, 124. That is, the intake space 110 is divided based on the front end of the rear portion 125, the right end of the side portion 123, and the left end of the side portion 124. Brush rollers 131, 132 are arranged in the intake space 110, and the side portions 123, 124 support the brush rollers 131, 132, respectively. In detail, a bearing (not shown) that holds the brush rollers 131, 132 is provided in an inner wall portion (i.e., a wall portion facing the intake space 110) of the side portions 123, 124.

[0033] The rear portion 125 is configured to be connectable to the hose 103. A flow passage (not shown) that connects a flow passage formed by the hose 103 to the intake space 110 is formed in the rear portion 125.

[0034] The cover member 122 is configured to cover the intake space 110 from above. The left and right end portions of the cover member 122 are configured to be fixed to the side portions 123, 124 in a state of being placed on the side portions 123, 124.

[0035] The brush rollers 131, 132 are configured to sweep dust while rolling on the floor in the intake space 110. The brush roller 131 is unilaterally supported based on the left side portion 123 and is arranged so as to extend from the side portion 123 to the right in the intake space 110. The brush roller 132 is unilaterally supported based on the right side portion 124 and is arranged so as to extend from the side portion 124 to the left in the intake space 110. The distal ends of the brush rollers 131, 132 are spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the suction appliance 100.

[0036] The structure of the brush roller 131 will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 6 Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of a portion of the brush roller 131. Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the brush roller 131 in the axial direction of the brush roller 131. Figure 5 is a schematic expanded perspective view of a portion of the brush roller 131. Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the brush roller 131 in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the brush roller 131. Furthermore, the structure of the brush roller 132 is the same as that of the brush roller 131. Therefore, the following description relating to the brush roller 131 is applied to the brush roller 132.

[0037] As shown in Figure 3 , the brush roller 131 has a connection shaft 250, an axis portion 210 that is fitted to the connection shaft 250, a distal end cover member 240 that is attached to a distal end of the axis portion 210, and a holding body 220 that is fitted to the axis portion 210.

[0038] ​The connecting shaft 250 is provided in order to transmit the driving force of the driving mechanism housed in the main body portion 121 of the housing 120 to the shaft portion 210. In order to receive the driving force of the driving mechanism, the proximal end portion of the connecting shaft 250 is disposed in the main body portion 121. A pulley (not shown) is attached to the proximal end portion of the connecting shaft 250. The connecting shaft 250 is inserted into a bearing provided in the inner wall portion of the side portion 123.

[0039] In order to transmit the driving force of the driving mechanism to the shaft portion 210, the distal end portion of the connecting shaft 250 is inserted into the shaft portion 210. Knurling is performed on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion of the connecting shaft 250 in order to prevent the connecting shaft 250 from idling.

[0040] The shaft portion 210 has an outer peripheral surface that is tapered toward the distal end. In a cross section orthogonal to the axis of the shaft portion 210, the outer shape of the shaft portion 210 is substantially circular over the entire length.

[0041] The shaft portion 210 has a shaft main body 214 and an internal connecting portion 270 integrally formed with the shaft main body 214.

[0042] The shaft main body 214 includes a tapered cylindrical portion 212 that is tapered toward the proximal end from the distal end of the shaft main body 214 and extends in the axial direction of the shaft main body 214, and a proximal end ring portion 211 provided on the proximal end side of the tapered cylindrical portion 212. The axial length of the tapered cylindrical portion 212 is longer than the axial length of the proximal end ring portion 211. The tapered cylindrical portion 212 and the proximal end ring portion 211 have a tapered shape that is tapered toward the distal end of the shaft main body 214, but the taper angle of the proximal end ring portion 211 is smaller than the taper angle of the tapered cylindrical portion 212. That is, the outer peripheral surface of the proximal end ring portion 211 is closer to being parallel to the axis of the shaft portion 210 than the outer peripheral surface of the tapered cylindrical portion 212.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 2, the internal connecting portion 270 is provided in order to connect the connecting shaft 250 to the shaft portion 210, and is integrally formed with the tapered cylindrical portion 212 in the tapered cylindrical portion 212 in order to be connected to the distal end portion (knurled portion) of the connecting shaft 250. The internal connecting portion 270 and the shaft portion 210 can be formed by injecting resin into a mold in which the distal end portion of the connecting shaft 250 after knurling is disposed. Figure 4 The holding body 220 is fitted to the shaft portion 210. The holding body 220 is provided in order to hold a plurality of brush bodies 230 extending in a spiral shape, and is formed in a tapered cylindrical shape separately from the shaft portion 210, as shown in FIG. 2. The holding body 220 is mounted to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 210 based on being fitted to the shaft portion 210. The holding body 220 holds the plurality of brush bodies 230 on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 210 in a state of being fitted to the shaft portion 210.

[0044] Figure 5

[0045] ​​The retainer 220 has a plurality of retaining pieces 222 arranged adjacent to each other at intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 210. Furthermore, the retainer 220 has an annular distal end connecting portion 223 connecting the distal ends of these retaining pieces 222, and an annular base end connecting portion 224 connecting the base ends of these retaining pieces 222.

[0046] The retainer 220 is configured as a cylindrical shape that tapers towards the distal end of a tapered tube, with multiple retaining plates 222 arranged circumferentially along the shaft portion 210 and mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 210. These retaining plates 222 are thin plate-like portions that extend spirally. In other words, each of the multiple retaining plates 222 is formed by spirally winding a trapezoidal-shaped thin plate, which tapers towards the distal end of the shaft portion 210, around the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 210. The internal space 318 of the retainer 220, surrounded by the multiple retaining plates 222 arranged circumferentially, is shown in the figure. Figure 5 It is complementary to the shaft portion 210, and is circular in cross section orthogonal to the axis of the retainer 220, and has a shape that tapers towards the far end.

[0047] Since these retaining pieces 222 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the shaft portion 210, a spiral groove 221 is formed between adjacent retaining pieces 222 (that is, between the side surfaces 291 of retaining pieces 222 that face each other in the circumferential direction). The spiral groove 221 extends spirally on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion 210, and the brush body 230 is arranged along the spiral groove 221. The orientation of the spiral groove 221 (and thus the shape of the retaining piece 222) is set in such a way that the brush roller 131 faces... Figure 2 When rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow, the brush body 230 ejects dust toward the distal end of the shaft portion 210.

[0048] like Figure 6 As shown, the retaining piece 222 has: an inner peripheral portion 225 having an inner peripheral surface facing the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 210; and an outer peripheral portion 226 located radially outward relative to the inner peripheral portion 225 of the shaft portion 210, and wider than the inner peripheral portion 225. The inner peripheral portion 225 forms the inner peripheral surface of the retaining piece 222 that is in surface contact with the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 210, while the outer peripheral portion 226 forms the inner peripheral surface of the retaining piece 222.

[0049] The side surface 291 of the holding piece 222 has a side surface in the side edge portion 292 of the outer peripheral portion 226, and a side edge surface 229 of the inner peripheral portion 225. The two side edge portions 292 of the outer peripheral portion 226 protrude toward the width direction of the spiral groove 221 with respect to the two side edge surfaces 229 of the inner peripheral portion 225. That is, the two side edge portions 292 of the outer peripheral portion 226 are configured as protrusions with respect to the two side edge surfaces 229 of the inner peripheral portion 225. The side edge portion 292 of the outer peripheral portion 226 and the side edge surface 229 of the inner peripheral portion 225 are configured to hold the brush body 230.

[0050] The side surfaces in the side edge portions 292 of the outer peripheral portions 226 of the adjacent holding pieces 222 face each other in the width direction of the spiral groove 221. Also, the side edge surfaces 229 of the inner peripheral portions 225 of the adjacent holding pieces 222 also face each other in the width direction of the spiral groove 221. The side edge surfaces 229 of the inner peripheral portions 225 of the adjacent holding pieces 222 form portions of the inner peripheral side in the spiral groove 221, at which the width of the spiral groove 221 is wide. The side surfaces in the side edge portions 292 of the outer peripheral portions 226 of the adjacent holding pieces 222 form portions of the outer peripheral side in the spiral groove 221, at which the width of the spiral groove 221 is narrow. Between the side edge portion 292 of the outer peripheral portion 226 of the adjacent holding piece 222 and the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 210, a portion of the brush body 230 is sandwiched in the radial direction of the shaft portion 210, whereby the brush body 230 is held on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 210.

[0051] In order to allow the inner peripheral portion 225 to maintain the state of surface contact even in the case where the side edge portion 292 of the outer peripheral portion 226 is subjected to an external force in a direction in which it is separated from the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 210, the inner peripheral portion 225 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 210 in the entire range in the longitudinal direction of the holding piece 222. For example, the inner peripheral portion 225 can be adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 210 by an adhesive, or can be welded to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 210 by ultrasonic welding.

[0052] The distal end portions of the plurality of holding pieces 222 are connected to the annular distal end connecting portion 223. The proximal end portions of the plurality of holding pieces 222 are connected to the annular proximal end connecting portion 224. Therefore, the interval between the adjacent holding pieces 222 is maintained on the distal end side by the distal end connecting portion 223, and on the proximal end side by the proximal end connecting portion 224. Thus, the width of the spiral groove 221 is maintained in the entire length range. The spiral groove 221 communicates with the above-described internal space 318 of the holding body 220 between the distal end connecting portion 223 and the proximal end connecting portion 224. Since the plurality of holding pieces 222 are connected to the distal end connecting portion 223 and the proximal end connecting portion 224, the holding body 220 is configured as one tapered cylindrical body.

[0053] The distal ends of the plurality of retaining pieces 222 are connected to the outer periphery of the annular distal connecting portion 223. That is, the outer peripheral surface of the distal connecting portion 223 is connected to the inner peripheral surface of the plurality of retaining pieces 222, and the distal end of the spiral groove 221 is located on the outer periphery of the distal connecting portion 223. Therefore, the distal end of the spiral groove 221 can be used as an insertion port for the brush body 230.

[0054] Since the base ends of the multiple retaining pieces 222 are connected to the inner periphery of the annular base end connecting portion 224, the base end of the spiral groove 221 becomes a recess 227 with its outer surface closed (see reference). Figure 5 That is, a plurality of recesses 227 are formed at intervals along the inner periphery of the base end connection portion 224. These recesses 227 can be drawn out of the mold portion used to form the spiral groove 221. Figure 8 The spiral portion 282 shown is utilized.

[0055] The recess 227 can also be used to prevent the retainer 220 from rotating relative to the shaft 210. That is, as... Figure 5 As shown, to prevent relative rotation between the retainer 220 and the shaft portion 210, a plurality of protrusions 260 protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the base end ring portion 211 of the shaft portion 210 in a manner that engages with a plurality of recesses 227 respectively. These protrusions 260 have shapes complementary to the plurality of recesses 227 and are spaced apart circumferentially from the positions of these recesses 227. The protrusions 260 are inserted into the recesses 227 when the retainer 220 is externally fitted into the shaft portion 210.

[0056] The multiple brush bodies 230 each include: a base band 231, which is elongated rectangular in shape and can be inserted into the spiral groove 221; and multiple bristles 232, which are embedded in the base band 231. The base band 231 is the part used to be held by the holding body 220. The multiple bristles 232 are designed for cleaning dust.

[0057] The baseband 231 has a width approximately equal to the width between the side edge surfaces 229 of the inner peripheral portion 225 of the adjacent retaining piece 222, and is disposed in the space between the side edge surfaces 229. The width of the baseband 231 is wider than the gap between the side edge portions 292 of the outer peripheral portion 226 of the adjacent retaining piece 222. Therefore, when the baseband 231 is disposed in the wide space in the spiral groove 221, the two side edge portions 233 of the baseband 231 are clamped radially in the shaft portion 210 based on the side edge portions 292 of the outer peripheral portion 226 of the adjacent retaining piece 222 and the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 210.

[0058] The baseband 231 has the flexibility to bend and deform along the spiral groove 221 when inserted from the distal portion of the spiral groove 221, and the rigidity to maintain the state of being engaged on the side edge 292 of the outer peripheral portion 226.

[0059] The plurality of bristles 232 are planted in the central region of the width direction of the base band 231 (i.e., the region between the two side edge portions 233) along the long direction of the base band 231, forming a brush row extending along the long direction of the base band 231. When the brush body 230 is inserted into the spiral groove 221, the brush row protrudes from the gap between the side edge portions 292 of the outer peripheral portions 226 of the adjacent holding pieces 222 (i.e., the portion of the spiral groove 221 having a narrow width).

[0060] When the brush body 230 is inserted into the spiral groove 221 from the distal end of the spiral groove 221 until the brush row comes into abutment with the base end connecting portion 224, the brush row of the brush body 230 is held by the holding body 220 in a state of extending helically on the outer peripheral surface of the holding body 220. At this time, since the brush row is engaged with the base end connecting portion 224, displacement of the brush body 230 in the base end direction is prevented based on the base end connecting portion 224. On the other hand, the distal end cover member 240 is provided in order to prevent displacement of the brush body 230 in the distal end direction.

[0061] The opening of the distal end side of the spiral groove 221 is covered based on the distal end cover member 240. That is, the distal end cover member 240 includes a circular plate-shaped restriction plate 241 having a diameter that covers the opening, and an embedded portion 242 that is embedded in the distal end portion of the shaft portion 210 via the opening of the annular distal end connecting portion 223 of the holding body 220. Since the restriction plate 241 covers the opening of the distal end side of the spiral groove 221, the distal end of the base band 231 is engaged with the restriction plate 241, thereby preventing displacement of the brush body 230 in the distal end direction.

[0062] The operation of the suction appliance 100 and the cleaning machine 101 will be described below.

[0063] When the operation portion 104 is operated, the cleaning machine 101 operates, and suction force is applied to the suction space 110 through the hose 103 and the flow passage formed in the rear portion 125 of the suction appliance 100. As a result, dust on the floor flows into the suction space 110 via the downward opening of the suction space 110. Thereafter, the dust is collected into the cleaning machine 101 via the flow passage of the rear portion 125 and the hose 103.

[0064] During this period, the driving mechanism built into the suction appliance 100 operates, and the driving force of the driving mechanism is transmitted to the shaft portion 210, the holding body 220, and the plurality of brush bodies 230 via the connecting shaft 250 and the internal connecting portion 270. At this time, the brush bodies 230 roll on the floor while sweeping the dust on the floor.

[0065] In the above-described embodiment, the taper angle of the base end ring portion 211 of the shaft portion 210 is smaller than the taper angle of the tapered cylindrical portion 212 on the distal end side, and the outer peripheral surface of the base end ring portion 211 becomes in a state of being approximately parallel to the axis of the shaft portion 210. Therefore, compared with a tapered cylinder that is provided so as to extend while maintaining the taper angle of the tapered cylindrical portion 212, it is possible to reduce the outer diameter of the base end of the shaft portion 210. Therefore, the size of the brush rollers 131, 132 in the radial direction is suppressed, and further, the size of the housing 120 in which the brush rollers 131, 132 are installed is also suppressed.

[0066] As described above, the helical direction of the helical grooves 221 of the brush body 230 is set in such a manner that, when the brush rollers 131, 132 are rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow, dust is sent in the distal end direction. Therefore, the brush body 230 can promote the movement of dust in the distal end direction of the brush body 230, that is, in the direction toward the center position in the width direction of the suction space 110. Figure 2

[0067] When the brush rollers 131, 132 clean dust on the floor, long dust such as hair sometimes becomes entangled with the brush rollers 131, 132 (see FIG. 6). Since the brush rollers 131, 132 have a tapered shape that becomes thinner toward the distal end, the component of the entangling force of long dust tends to be directed toward the distal end side of the brush rollers 131, 132. Therefore, it is possible to move long dust that is entangled with the brush rollers 131, 132 toward the distal end of the brush rollers 131, 132. Figure 7

[0068] Since the helical grooves 221 of the brush body 230 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the brush rollers 131, 132, brush rows composed of a plurality of bristles 232 are also formed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the brush rollers 131, 132. Since the bristles 232 are not provided over the entire circumferential range of the brush rollers 131, 132, the load acting on the driving mechanism does not become excessively large.

[0069] Although the shaft portion 210 and the holding body 220 are formed as separate bodies, since the recessed portion 227 of the holding body 220 is engaged with the protruding portion 260 protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 210, the integrated rotation of the shaft portion 210 and the holding body 220 is ensured.

[0070] Since the shaft portion 210 is formed as a separate body from the holding body 220, the molding machine used to mold the shaft portion 210 can not need to have a mechanism for forming the helical grooves 221. Therefore, the molding machine used to mold the shaft portion 210 can not need to have an excessively complex structure.

[0071] ​​The spiral groove 221 of the holding body 220 communicates with the inner space 318 of the holding body 220 in the section between the distal end connecting portion 223 and the proximal end connecting portion 224. In this case, the spiral groove 221 and the inner side surface of the holding body 220 are formed by Figure 8 the male mold 280 as shown.

[0072] As shown in Figure 8 , the male mold 280 has a circular truncated cone-shaped main body portion 281 having substantially the same shape as the outer shape of the shaft portion 210, and a plurality of spiral portions 282 protruding in a spiral shape from the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 281. The main body portion 281 is a portion that forms the inner side surface of the holding body 220, and the spiral portions 282 are portions that form the spiral groove 221.

[0073] The holding body 220 can be molded by injecting resin into a mold cavity between the male mold 280 and a female mold (not shown) inserted in the outer side surface of the holding body 220 in a state in which the male mold 280 is inserted in the female mold. After the holding body 220 is molded, the male mold 280 is pulled out of the female mold of the outer side surface of the holding body 220. Thereafter, the holding body 220 is separated from the male mold 280 by rotating the holding body 220 relatively around the axis of the male mold 280 while pulling it out of the male mold 280. Since the spiral portions 282 are not provided in the female mold, it is difficult for the holding body 220 to remain in the female mold in a state in which it is caught on the spiral portions 282.

[0074] After the holding body 220 and the shaft portion 210 are molded, the holding body 220 and the shaft portion 210 are fitted. Thereafter, the proximal band 231 of the brush body 230 is inserted into the spiral groove 221. Since the proximal band 231 has flexibility, the brush body 230 can be inserted into the proximal end connecting portion 224 while being bent along the spiral groove 221. At this time, the both side edge portions 233 of the proximal band 231 are clamped in the radial direction of the shaft portion 210 based on the side edge portions 292 of the outer peripheral portions 226 of the adjacent holding pieces 222 and the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 210. Therefore, the brush body 230 is held by the holding body 220 in a state in which it is disposed extending in a spiral shape on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 210.

[0075] At this time, since the brush rows formed by the plurality of bristles 232 protrude from the spiral groove 221, they come into contact with the proximal end connecting portion 224, so that the movement of the brush body 230 toward the proximal end side is prevented. Thereafter, the movement of the brush body 230 toward the distal end side is also prevented by installing the distal end cover member 240 to the holding body 220 and the shaft portion 210.

[0076] When the bristles 232 rub against the floor, the bristles 232 receive an external force from the floor. The external force is transmitted to the base band 231 in which the bristles 232 are planted. The external force also generates an action that inclines the base band 231 about the axis of the base band 231. In this case, the side edge portion 233 of one side of the base band 231 is pressed against the side edge portion 292 of the outer peripheral portion 226 of the holding piece 222. At this time, since the inner peripheral portion 225 of the holding piece 222 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 210, the side edge portion 292 of the outer peripheral portion 226 of the holding piece 222 does not lift from the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 210. That is, the state in which the side edge portion 233 of the base band 231 is sandwiched by the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 210 and the outer peripheral portion 226 of the holding piece 222 is maintained, thereby preventing the base band 231 from being detached from the spiral groove 221.

[0077] In the above-described embodiment, the holding body 220 is formed of six holding pieces 222, but the holding body 220 can be formed of two or more holding pieces 222.

[0078] In the above-described embodiment, the brush body 230 is disposed in the spiral groove 221. Alternatively, the brush body 230 can be fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the holding body 220 with an adhesive or the like.

[0079] In the above-described embodiment, the holding body 220 has a cylindrical structure in which the plurality of holding pieces 222 are integrated by the distal end connecting portion 223 and the base end connecting portion 224. That is, in the above-described embodiment, the plurality of holding pieces 222 can be integrally mounted to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 210. Alternatively, the distal end connecting portion 223 and the base end connecting portion 224 can be omitted, and the holding pieces 222 can be configured to be individually mountable to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 210 (see FIG. 6). Figure 9 ).

[0080] Figure 9 The shaft portion 210 is shaped as a tapered cylinder that tapers toward the distal end at a constant taper angle. On the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 210, a plurality of engagement recesses 213 are formed in accordance with the arrangement positions of the plurality of holding pieces 222. These engagement recesses 213 are used to mount the plurality of holding pieces 222.

[0081] The plurality of holding pieces 222 are not connected to each other, and the plurality of holding pieces 222 are each shaped as a spiral plate that is elongated in the axial direction of the shaft portion 210. These holding pieces 222 are configured to have a cylindrical shape that is tapered toward the distal end in a tapered shape in which the holding pieces 222 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the shaft portion 210, and extend in a spiral shape in a manner of being arranged along the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 210.

[0082] The holding piece 222 has an engagement protrusion 228 protruding from an inner side surface (i.e., a surface that abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 210) of the holding piece 222. The engagement protrusion 228 is configured to be engageable with the engagement recess 213 of the shaft portion 210.

[0083] The shape of the side surface 291 of the holding piece 222 is the same as that of the holding piece 222 shown in Figure 4 and Figure 6 When the holding pieces 222 are installed at the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 210 at intervals, a helical groove 221 is formed between the side surfaces 291 of the adjacent holding pieces 222 (see Figure 5 ).

[0084] The plurality of holding pieces 222 can have a cylindrical shape that constitutes a tapered shape after being installed to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 210, and each of the holding pieces 222 can have a plate shape at the time of molding. Thus, the holding pieces 222 can be easily molded.

[0085] In the case where the holding piece 222 has the split structure as shown in Figure 9 , the molding of the holding piece 222 becomes easy, and thus the helical groove 221 can be formed at the outer side surface of the holding piece 222 (see Figure 10 ). In this case, the plurality of holding pieces 222 can be arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the shaft portion 210.

[0086] The helical groove 221 has the same shape as the helical groove 221 shown in Figure 3 and Figure 5 . That is, the helical groove 221 is provided so as to extend in a helical shape. Further, in a cross section orthogonal to the shaft of the shaft portion 210, the helical groove 221 is configured to form a narrow groove width in the vicinity of the outer side surface of the holding piece 222, and to form a wide groove width on the shaft portion 210 side with respect to the narrow groove width portion.

[0087] If the helical groove 221 is thus formed, when the base band 231 of the brush body 230 is inserted into the space having a wide width, the both side edge portions 233 of the base band 231 are engaged with the holding pieces 222 in the helical groove 221. That is, the brush body 230 is held based on the holding pieces 222.

[0088] Figure 9 and Figure 10 The holding body 220 has a structure in which the holding pieces 222 are split to be arranged side by side in the circumferential direction of the shaft portion 210 (i.e., a circumferential split structure). Alternatively, the holding body 220 can have a structure in which the shaft portion 210 is split in the axial direction (see Figure 11 ).

[0089] Figure 11The illustrated holding body 220 has holding cylinders 311, 312 and a base end cylinder 313. The holding cylinders 311, 312 and the base end cylinder 313 are configured to be externally fitted to the shaft portion 210. Figure 5 The illustrated shaft portion 210. That is, the holding cylinders 311, 312 and the base end cylinder 313 are externally fitted to the shaft portion 210 in a state of being connected in the axial direction of the shaft portion 210.

[0090] The base end cylinder 313 is in a substantially cylindrical shape. On the other hand, the holding cylinders 311, 312 are shaped as tapered cylinders that become thinner toward the distal end. The holding cylinders 311, 312 are configured so that there is no step between the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface thereof, and when they are externally fitted to the shaft portion 210 continuously, the entire body forms a cylindrical body in a tapered shape.

[0091] On the outer peripheral surfaces of the holding cylinders 311, 312 and the base end cylinder 313, a plurality of straight grooves 314 to 316 extending linearly in a direction inclined with respect to the axial direction of the shaft portion 210 are formed. The plurality of straight grooves 314 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the holding cylinder 311. The plurality of straight grooves 315 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the holding cylinder 312. The plurality of straight grooves 315 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the base end cylinder 313. These straight grooves 314 to 316 are the same shape as the helical grooves 221 illustrated in the cross section orthogonal to the direction in which the straight grooves 314 to 316 extend. Figure 10 The illustrated helical grooves 221.

[0092] Although the straight grooves 314 to 316 extend linearly, their extension angles are different from each other. Specifically, the straight grooves 314 to 316 are configured to be connected in a helical shape when the holding cylinders 311, 312 and the base end cylinder 313 are disposed continuously in the axial direction of the shaft portion 210. These straight grooves 314 to 316, although forming a curved groove space between the holding cylinders 311, 312 and between the holding cylinder 312 and the base end cylinder 313, can be inserted along the curved groove portion 317 since the base band 231 of the brush body 230 has flexibility. Therefore, the brush body 230 is arranged along the straight grooves 314 to 316 connected in a helical shape and is held by the holding cylinders 311, 312 and the base end cylinder 313.

[0093] Since the straight grooves 314 to 316 extend linearly, when the holding cylinders 311, 312 and the base end cylinder 313 are molded, a mold portion (not illustrated) for forming the straight grooves 314 to 316 can be pulled out linearly in the direction in which the straight grooves 314 to 316 extend. Therefore, the holding cylinders 311, 312 and the base end cylinder 313 can be easily molded.

[0094] Since the base end cylinder 313 is approximately cylindrical rather than conical, the molding machine used to form the base end cylinder 313 and the shaft portion 210 does not become overly complex, even if they are integrally formed together. Therefore, the base end cylinder 313 can also be integrally formed together with the shaft portion 210.

[0095] Alternatively, an additional retaining sleeve may be used instead of the base end sleeve 313. In this case, the additional retaining sleeve is configured such that there is no step difference between the inner and outer circumferential surfaces relative to the retaining sleeve 312. The additional retaining sleeve may also be configured such that when it is continuously externally fitted into the shaft portion 210 along with the retaining sleeves 311 and 312, they together form a conical cylindrical body.

[0096] The shaft portion 210 can also be configured to position the retaining cylinders 311, 312 and the base end cylinder 313 in the circumferential direction at a position where the straight grooves 314 to 316 are spirally connected. For example, the shaft portion 210 can have a cross-sectional shape like a splined shaft. In this case, the retaining cylinders 311, 312 and the base end cylinder 313 only need to have an inner circumferential shape that is complementary to the shaft portion 210.

[0097] In the above embodiments, the retainer 220 is a resin molded article. Alternatively, the retainer 220 may also be as follows: Figure 12 The brush body 230 is made of a sheet material formed into a roughly fan-shaped form, as shown, and is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 210. The sheet material has flexibility, allowing it to deform from a flat state into a curved shape wound around the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 210. By embedding a plurality of bristles 232 in a strip shape onto the flat retainer 220, the brush body 230 can be formed. The area where the plurality of bristles 232 are embedded is only required to be such that a spirally extending brush row can be obtained when the retainer 220 is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 210.

[0098] When the retainer 220 is in a flat state, the bristles 232 can be easily embedded in the retainer 220. Therefore, the retainer 220 is easily formed to hold the brush body 230. By winding the retainer 220 around the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 210, the brush roller 131 can be easily manufactured.

[0099] The above-described implementation method mainly comprises the following components.

[0100] One aspect of the above-described embodiments relates to a brush roller configured to sweep away dust while rolling. The brush roller includes: a shaft portion having an outer peripheral surface that tapers towards the distal end; a retainer body mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion; and a brush body held by the retainer body in a spiral manner extending along the outer peripheral surface of the retainer body.

[0101] According to the above-described configuration, the holding body that holds the brush body is configured to be separate from the shaft portion and to be attached to the shaft portion. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a structure for holding the brush body in the shaft portion. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the complication of a mold for molding the shaft portion.

[0102] In the above-described configuration, the holding body can include a pair of holding pieces attached to the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion so as to be adjacent at intervals in the circumferential direction of the shaft portion. In the pair of holding pieces, a pair of side surfaces facing each other in the circumferential direction can form a helical groove extending in a helical shape. The brush body can be held between the pair of side surfaces.

[0103] According to the above-described configuration, if a pair of holding pieces are attached to the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion at intervals in the circumferential direction, a helical groove is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion and between the holding pieces. The brush body is disposed along the helical groove and extends in a helical shape. The brush body is held on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion in this state based on the side surfaces of the pair of holding pieces.

[0104] In the above-described configuration, the brush body can include a base strip and a plurality of bristles planted along the longitudinal direction of the base strip. The pair of holding pieces can each have an outer circumferential portion at a portion where the helical groove forms an outer circumferential side and an inner circumferential portion at a portion where the helical groove forms an inner circumferential side having a wider width than the outer circumferential side. The base strip can have a width wider than the outer circumferential side portion in the helical groove, and the base strip can be disposed between the inner circumferential portions. The plurality of bristles can protrude from the helical groove through gaps between the outer circumferential portions.

[0105] According to the above-described configuration, the inner circumferential side portion of the helical groove, which is formed by the inner circumferential portions of the pair of holding pieces, has a width wider than the outer circumferential side portion of the helical groove, which is formed by the outer circumferential portions of the pair of holding pieces. Therefore, the both side edges of the base strip, which are located on both sides in the width direction of the brush body, are sandwiched by the outer circumferential portions and the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion. As a result, the brush portion is held on the shaft portion based on the holding portion. On the other hand, the plurality of bristles protrude from the helical groove through the gaps of the outer circumferential portions, and thus, when the brush roll is rolled, it can clean dust.

[0106] In the above-described configuration, the inner circumferential portions of the pair of holding pieces can be fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion in a state of being in surface contact with the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion in the entire range in the longitudinal direction of the pair of holding pieces.

[0107] According to the above-described configuration, the inner circumferential portions of the pair of holding pieces are fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion in a state of being in surface contact with the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion in the entire range in the longitudinal direction of the pair of holding pieces, and thus, it is possible to suppress the deformation of the pair of holding pieces, such as an expansion of the width of the helical groove. Therefore, it is also possible to prevent the base strip from coming off the helical groove.

[0108] In the above configuration, the holding body can include a distal end connecting portion connecting distal end portions of the pair of holding pieces to each other and a base end connecting portion connecting base end portions of the pair of holding pieces to each other.

[0109] According to the above configuration, the pair of holding pieces are connected to each other based on the distal end connecting portion and the base end connecting portion, and thus the holding body can be handled as one member. Further, the distal end connecting portion and the base end connecting portion maintain the interval thereof on the distal end side and the base end side of the pair of holding pieces, and thus the holding body can be attached to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion while maintaining the width of the helical groove over the entire length of the helical groove.

[0110] In the above configuration, the holding body can have a tapered cylindrical shape having an inner space with a circular shape in a cross section orthogonal to the axis of the shaft portion. The helical groove can be formed so as to communicate with the inner space in an interval between the distal end connecting portion and the base end connecting portion.

[0111] According to the above configuration, in a case where the holding body is formed in a tapered cylindrical shape, the helical groove can be formed in a manner of communicating with the inner space of the tapered cylindrical shape in an interval between the distal end connecting portion and the base end connecting portion. In this case, the outer side surface of the holding body can be formed by a female mold, and the helical groove and the inner peripheral surface of the holding body can be formed by a male mold. The male mold can be formed of a main portion forming the inner space of the holding body and a helical portion protruding in a helical shape from the outer peripheral surface of the main portion to form the helical groove. The main portion has a shape complementary to the inner space of the holding body, and thus has a circular shape in a cross section orthogonal to the axis of the shaft portion, and has a shape capable of rotating around the axis of the main portion inside the holding body. Thus, it is possible to allow the male mold to be pulled out from the holding body in the axial direction of the holding body in a case where the main portion is rotated around the axis of the shaft portion in accordance with the helical shape of the helical portion.

[0112] In the above configuration, the brush roll can further include a protrusion protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion. The holding body can be formed with a recess engaged with the protrusion.

[0113] According to the above configuration, based on the engagement of the protrusion and the recess, it is possible to prevent the relative rotation of the shaft portion with respect to the holding body.

[0114] In the above configuration, the shaft portion can be configured such that the taper angle on the base end side is smaller than the taper angle on the distal end side.

[0115] According to the above configuration, the taper angle on the base end side of the shaft portion is relatively small, and in the portion where the taper angle is small, the outer peripheral surface of the brush roll becomes a state close to parallel with the axis of the brush roll. In this case, compared to a case where a cylindrical body is provided extending on the base end side while maintaining the taper angle on the distal end side, the diameter on the base end side of the brush roll becomes small, and thus the enlargement of the brush roll in the radial direction is suppressed.

[0116] In the above configuration, the pair of holding pieces can be attached to the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion in a state where the holding pieces are not joined to each other.

[0117] According to the above configuration, the pair of holding pieces are not joined to each other, and thus the holding pieces can be individually molded as members in a plate shape that can be arranged along the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion.

[0118] In the above configuration, the brush roll can further include a plurality of brush bodies including the brush bodies. The holding body can include a plurality of holding pieces molded in a spiral plate shape. The plurality of holding pieces can be arranged in a circumferential direction of the shaft portion in a state where the holding pieces are not joined to each other, and can be attached to the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion. Spiral grooves extending in a spiral shape can be formed in outer side surfaces of the plurality of holding pieces, respectively. The plurality of brush bodies can be arranged along the spiral grooves, and held by the plurality of holding pieces, respectively.

[0119] According to the above configuration, the plurality of holding pieces are not joined to each other, and thus can be molded as members in a spiral plate shape. Forming the spiral grooves in the members in a spiral plate shape becomes easier than forming the spiral grooves in the outer circumferential surface of the tapered cylindrical shaft portion.

[0120] If the plurality of holding pieces in a spiral plate shape are arranged in a circumferential direction of the shaft portion and attached to the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion, and the plurality of brush bodies are arranged along the spiral grooves, respectively, each of the brush bodies becomes in a state where the brush body extends in a spiral shape. The brush body is held on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion in this state.

[0121] In the above configuration, the holding body can have a plurality of holding cylinders arranged in an axial direction of the shaft portion. Straight grooves extending linearly in a direction inclined with respect to the axial direction can be formed in outer circumferential surfaces of the plurality of holding cylinders, respectively. In a state where the plurality of holding cylinders are arranged in the axial direction, the straight grooves of the plurality of holding cylinders can be connected in a spiral shape. The brush bodies can be arranged along the straight grooves in the state where the straight grooves are connected in a spiral shape, and held by the plurality of holding cylinders.

[0122] According to the above configuration, the holding body has a plurality of holding cylinders arranged in an axial direction. That is, the holding body is divided in the axial direction of the shaft portion. In this case, the straight grooves can be formed in the outer circumferential surfaces of the plurality of holding cylinders in a manner that the straight grooves extend linearly in a direction inclined with respect to the axial direction. When the plurality of holding cylinders are arranged in the axial direction, the plurality of straight grooves are connected in a spiral shape to form a spiral groove. Since the straight grooves extend linearly, the mold part forming the straight grooves can be easily separated from each of the holding cylinders by pulling out the mold part linearly along the extending direction of the straight grooves. As a result, the mold part forming the straight grooves can be easily separated from each of the holding cylinders.

[0123] In the above-described configuration, the holding body can be formed of a sheet-like material having flexibility so as to wrap the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion. When the holding body is wrapped around the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion, the brush body can extend in a spiral shape along the outer peripheral surface of the holding body.

[0124] According to the above-described configuration, when the holding body is wrapped around the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion, the brush body can extend in a spiral shape along the outer peripheral surface of the holding body.

[0125] Industrial applicability

[0126] The principle of the present embodiment is preferably applied to a device for cleaning work.

Claims

1. A brush roller configured to sweep away dust while rolling, characterized in that... include: The shaft portion has an outer peripheral surface that tapers towards the distal end; A pair of spiral plate-shaped retaining plates are mounted adjacent to each other in a circumferentially spaced manner on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft, thereby forming a spiral groove extending spirally between a pair of circumferentially facing sides. as well as, The brush body extends spirally along the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion and protrudes from the spiral groove, and the pair of retaining tabs are configured to hold the brush body on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion.

2. The brush roller according to claim 1, characterized in that: The brush body comprises a base strip and a plurality of bristles embedded along the long side of the base strip. The pair of retaining tabs each have: an outer peripheral portion, the portion forming the outer peripheral side of the spiral groove; and an inner peripheral portion, the portion forming the inner peripheral side of the spiral groove, which is wider than the portion forming the outer peripheral side. The width of the baseband is wider than the outer peripheral portion of the spiral groove, and the baseband is disposed between the inner peripheral portions. The plurality of bristles protrude from the spiral groove through the gaps between the outer peripheral portions.

3. The brush roller according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inner circumferential portion of the pair of retaining pieces is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion in a state of surface contact with the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion throughout the entire range of the long side direction of the pair of retaining pieces.

4. The brush roller according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The brush roller further includes a distal end connection portion that connects the distal ends of the pair of retaining pieces to each other and a base end connection portion that connects the base ends of the pair of retaining pieces to each other.

5. The brush roller according to claim 4, characterized in that: The pair of retaining plates have a conical cylindrical shape with a circular internal space in a cross-section orthogonal to the axis of the shaft. The spiral groove is formed such that the interval between the distal connection and the base connection communicates with the internal space.

6. The brush roller according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that... Also includes: A protrusion protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion; wherein... The pair of retaining pieces have recesses that engage with the protrusions.

7. The brush roller according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The shaft portion is configured such that the cone angle on the base side is smaller than the cone angle on the distal side.

8. The brush roller according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The pair of retaining plates are mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft in a state where they are not connected to each other.

9. A brush roller configured to sweep away dust while rolling, characterized in that... include: The shaft portion has an outer peripheral surface that tapers towards the distal end; A plurality of plate-shaped retaining plates are arranged circumferentially on the shaft portion in a non-interconnected state and are mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion; and, Multiple brush bodies are spirally arranged along the outer peripheral surface of the retaining plate; wherein... Each of the plurality of retaining plates has a spirally extending groove formed on its outer peripheral surface. The plurality of brush bodies are arranged along the spiral groove and are held by the plurality of retaining plates respectively.

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