Vacuum cleaner

Abstract

To provide a vacuum cleaner in which the weight of an extension pipe is reduced and which has therefore improved operability.SOLUTION: A vacuum cleaner 100 according to the present invention comprises: a cleaner main body 1 housing an electric air blower 40 generating suction force; a dust collection portion 2 housing dust sucked by the suction force of the electric air blower 40; an extension pipe 300 with one end connected to the cleaner main body 1; and a suction port body 400 which is connected to the other end of the extension pipe 300, and which comprises a motor. The extension pipe 300 comprises: a cylinder body 301 comprising in the inside thereof, a suction passage; a lead wire 302 arranged on an arbitrary outer peripheral surface of the cylinder body 301, and electrically connected to the motor of the suction port body 400; and a plastic film 303 arranged on the arbitrary outer peripheral surface of the cylinder body 301 in such a way as to cover the lead wire 302.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner. [Background technology]

[0002] In an electric vacuum cleaner, an extension tube is disposed between a hand-operated part and a suction body (nozzle). Inside the extension tube, a ventilation passage is formed for sending dust sucked from the suction body to a dust collecting part of the vacuum cleaner body. A rotating brush for picking up dust on the floor and an electric motor for driving the rotating brush are disposed in the suction body. Power is supplied to the electric motor from the vacuum cleaner body side via the hand-operated part and the extension tube. For this reason, a power supply line is disposed in the hand-operated part and the extension tube. The power supply line of the extension tube is disposed along the longitudinal direction on the outer surface of a thermoplastic cylinder (thermoplastic sheet) formed into a cylindrical shape. Furthermore, the power supply line is covered by a cover member (bridge portion) disposed on the outer surface of the cylinder. With this configuration, the power supply line is prevented from being exposed from the extension tube.

[0003] One such technique is described in Patent Document 1, for example. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-5255 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It is desirable to reduce the weight of vacuum cleaners to improve operability. Reducing the weight of a vacuum cleaner improves operability when cleaning high places, stairs, etc. To reduce the weight of a vacuum cleaner, it is necessary to reduce the weight of each individual part, such as the hand-operated control, extension tube, and suction nozzle, in addition to the main body of the vacuum cleaner.

[0006] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, no consideration is given to reducing the weight of the extension tube, and operability is not improved.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide a vacuum cleaner which solves the above problems, reduces the weight of the extension tube, and improves operability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides an electric vacuum cleaner comprising a vacuum cleaner body accommodating an electric blower that generates suction force, a dust collecting section that collects dust sucked in by the suction force of the electric blower, an extension tube having one end connected to the vacuum cleaner body, and a suction body connected to the other end of the extension tube and having a motor inside, wherein the extension tube comprises a cylindrical body having an internal suction passage, a lead wire that is disposed on any outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body and is electrically connected to the motor of the suction body, and a plastic film that is disposed on any outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body so as to cover the lead wire. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vacuum cleaner that can improve safety. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the vacuum cleaner according to the first embodiment of the present invention is stored in a vertical direction. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a vacuum cleaner according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 3 is a side view of the vacuum cleaner in the state shown in FIG. 2 as viewed from the left side. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a vacuum cleaner according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 5. [Figure 7]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the dust collecting unit, the dust separating unit, and the cover removed. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of the dust separation unit as viewed from the rear side. [Figure 9] 1 is a front view of the dust collection case with the lid removed. FIG. [Figure 10] 4 is a front view of the dust separation unit as viewed from the front side. FIG. [Figure 11] 13 is a rear view of the dust separation unit as seen from the rear side. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the dust collecting unit as viewed from below. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the dust collecting unit as viewed from above. [Figure 14] 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in FIG. 5. [Figure 15] This is a view of the lid as seen from the rear toward the front. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of an extension tube 300 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of an extension tube 300 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a plastic film 303 according to Example 2 of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a tube main body 301 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, cut along the left-right direction (direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction). [Figure 20] 1A and 1B are a cross-sectional view and a partially enlarged view of an extension tube 300 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, taken along the left-right direction (direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction). [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is a rear view (bottom view) of a front cover 304 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] 11 is a rear view (bottom view) showing the relationship between lead wire 302, front cover 304, and plastic film 303 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state in which a vacuum cleaner 100 according to a third embodiment of the present invention is placed on a floor surface. [Figure 24] FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of a vacuum cleaner 100 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 25] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the electric vacuum cleaner 100 is leaned against a table Ta. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In principle, the same elements are given the same reference numerals in all drawings. Furthermore, explanations of parts having the same functions will be omitted. Note that the configurations described below are merely examples, and it is not intended that the embodiment of the present invention is limited to the specific embodiments described below.

[0012] In the following examples, when a user is using a vacuum cleaner, the direction toward the ceiling from the user's point of view is defined as "up", the direction toward the surface to be cleaned is defined as "down", the forward direction is defined as "front", the rearward direction is defined as "rear", the left-hand direction is defined as "left", and the right-hand direction is defined as "right". EXAMPLES

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a vacuum cleaner according to a first embodiment of the present invention is stored in a vertical direction.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the vacuum cleaner 100 can be used in various forms, such as a handheld form or a stick form, for cleaning. The vacuum cleaner 100 can be used in a stick form by connecting an extension tube 300 (accessory) and a suction head body 400 (accessory) to the vacuum cleaner main body 1. The vacuum cleaner 100 can be stored upright on a support stand (not shown). The vacuum cleaner 100 can also be used by connecting a small suction head (accessory), a broom-type suction head (accessory), an extension hose (accessory), or the like, none of which are shown. The suction head body 400 is of a power brush type in which the brush rotates by a motor.

[0015] Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the electric vacuum cleaner according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 2 and subsequent figures, front, rear, left, right, top and bottom directions as viewed from the vacuum cleaner body 1 are appropriately indicated.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the electric vacuum cleaner 100 includes a vacuum cleaner body 1, a dust collecting section 2, a storage battery 3, and an airtightness maintaining member 90.

[0017] The vacuum cleaner body 1 is configured to include a main body section 10, a motor case section 11, and a handle section 12. The motor case section 11 accommodates an electric blower 40 (see FIG. 6).

[0018] The main body 10 is formed with a connection port 10a (suction port) to which the extension tube 300, the suction body 400 (see FIG. 1), etc. are connected. This connection port 10a is molded from the same resin as the main body 10, the motor case 11, the handle 12, etc. The connection port 10a has a substantially circular opening and is formed facing forward. The connection port 10a is also adapted to connect the above-mentioned extension tube 300, the suction body 400, a small suction port (not shown), a broom-type suction port (not shown), etc. (hereinafter, these may be collectively referred to as attachments) as accessories. The connection port 10a has a built-in terminal (not shown) electrically connected to the control circuit board 50 (see FIG. 6), and when a motor-driven accessory such as the suction body 400 is connected, the brush rotates by the electrically connected motor.

[0019] The dust collecting unit 2 is detachably attached to the main body 10, and is provided with an inlet pipe 14 (see FIG. 3) that sends the dust-containing air sucked in from the connection port 10a to the dust collecting unit 2. The outlet 14a of the inlet pipe 14 is connected to the inlet 2b of the dust collecting unit 2 (dust collecting case 2a).

[0020] The motor case 11 houses an electric blower 40 (see FIG. 6) and a control circuit board 50 (see FIG. 6). In addition, a circular suction port (not shown) is formed on the front surface of the motor case 11, through which clean air is sucked after dust is collected by the dust collection unit 2.

[0021] The handle portion 12 is provided on the rear side of the main body portion 10, and is formed in a substantially L-shape. An operation button 13 is provided on the upper surface of the handle portion 12. The operation button 13 starts and stops the electric blower 40 and the brush driving motor provided in the suction mouth body 400. A strap 12a is provided on the rear end portion of the handle portion 12. The strap 12a can be used to store the vacuum cleaner 100 by hanging it from a hook or the like, and can also be hung from a user's wrist to enable operation by simply placing a hand lightly on the handle portion 12.

[0022] A release button 18 is provided at the upper front end of the main body 10, which is operated when removing accessories such as the extension tube 300. By pressing this release button 18, the lock between the main body 10 and the accessory is released, allowing the accessory to be removed from the main body 10.

[0023] Also, an airtightness member 90 can be attached to the front end of the main body 10. This airtightness member 90 has a substantially circular cylinder 91. This cylinder 91 has a brush part 91a with soft bristles planted in a bundle at the tip side. The brush part 91a is planted at multiple locations with spaces between them, and is made of an elastically deformable (flexibly deformable) material such as nylon resin. By attaching such an airtightness member 90 to the connection port 10a of the main body 10, it is possible to sweep up dirt from the surface to be cleaned, and by pressing the tip of the airtightness member 90 against the floor surface, it is possible to improve the suction force. Also, by forming the connection part 91b from a hard material, the airtightness member 90 can be stably attached to the main body 10 without falling off.

[0024] In this embodiment, the brush portion 91a is formed of a brush with nylon bristles, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the tip side may be formed in a ring shape with soft resin. That is, the cylindrical body 91 is formed by integrally molding two different members, an elastic portion and a connecting portion 91b. The elastic portion is made of an elastically deformable (flexibly deformable) material such as an elastomer. In this way, the entire tip of the airtight member 90 can be brought into close contact with the floor surface, and the suction force can be improved compared to when the tip is not in close contact. Furthermore, substantially the entire cylindrical body 91 may be made of the same material as the connecting portion 91b, and short bristles may be electrostatically planted in a ring shape at the tip of the cylindrical body 91. Even with such electrostatic bristles, it is possible to bring the tip of the airtight member 90 into close contact with the floor surface, as with elastomer, and the suction force can be improved.

[0025] A vertically elongated fitting groove 10b is formed on the outer side of the connection port 10a of the main body 10. One fitting groove 10b is formed on each of the left and right sides. A horizontally elongated fitting groove (not shown) is formed on the lower side of the connection port 10a of the main body 10. A protrusion (not shown) is formed at the base end of the connection portion 91b, which is engaged with the fitting groove 10b and the fitting groove (not shown) by recess-projection engagement.

[0026] The storage battery 3 supplies power to the motor 40a (see FIG. 6) of the electric blower 40 that generates suction force, and is composed of a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery. The storage battery 3 has a substantially semi-cylindrical case 3a made of synthetic resin, and can be attached to and detached from the main body 10 by sliding the case 3a in the forward and backward directions.

[0027] Fig. 3 is a side view of the vacuum cleaner 100 in the state of Fig. 2, seen from the left side. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner of Example 1. Fig. 5 is a plan view of the vacuum cleaner of Example 1.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, the dust collecting section 2 is of a cyclone type, and has a function of separating the air containing dust sucked from the inlet pipe 14 into dust and air, and collecting the dust. The dust collecting section 2 is disposed in front of the motor case section 11 with the axial direction being the front-rear direction, and has a dust collecting case 2a having a D-shaped cross section perpendicular to the axial direction (front-rear direction). An approximately rectangular inlet 2b connected to the inlet pipe 14 is formed on the upper surface of the dust collecting section 2. In other words, the inlet 2b is located at a straight portion 2t formed in a D shape of the dust collecting case 2a, and allows dust sucked by the suction force of the electric blower 40 to flow in. The dust-containing air that flows into the inlet 2b becomes a swirling flow, and centrifugal force acts on the dust, separating the dust from the air in the dust collecting section 2, and the air from which the dust has been separated is discharged from the rear (back) of the dust collecting section 2.

[0029] A lid 2c that opens and closes when disposing of dust accumulated in the dust collecting unit 2 is supported rotatably on the front surface of the dust collecting unit 2 via a hinge portion 2d. The dust collecting case 2a is divided into a dust containing chamber 2a1 located at the front and a filter containing chamber 2a2 located at the rear. A lid locking member 2e is provided at the upper front end of the dust collecting case 2a. The lid locking member 2e has a claw portion that is hooked onto a protrusion 2c1 (see FIG. 7) of the lid 2c to hold the lid 2c in a closed state.

[0030] The lower part of the main body 10 is provided with one claw portion 10c that protrudes downward and extends toward the rear. The upper front end of the dust collecting unit 2 is formed with one insertion portion 2h that opens toward the front and into which the claw portion 10c is inserted. The lower rear end of the dust collecting unit 2 is provided with a locking member 2k that is biased to protrude toward the rear. The lower front end of the vacuum cleaner main body 1 (motor case portion 11) is formed with an insertion opening 19 that opens toward the front and into which the rear end of the locking member 2k is inserted. When the locking member 2k is slid forward, the rear end of the locking member 2k comes out of the insertion opening 19, and the rear part of the dust collecting unit 2 can be moved downward. Furthermore, the claw portion 10c inserted into the insertion portion 2h of the dust collecting unit 2 can be pulled out of the insertion portion 2h, thereby removing the dust collecting unit 2 from the vacuum cleaner main body 1. When the dust collecting unit 2 is attached to the vacuum cleaner main body 1, the reverse operation to that for removing the dust collecting unit 2 is performed. 4, the dust collecting unit 2 is attached below the vacuum cleaner body 1 with the straight portion 2t facing upward. In other words, in the vacuum cleaner 100, the dust collecting unit 2 is attached below the main body 10 and in front of the motor case 11.

[0031] A front floor contact portion 2f that protrudes toward the floor surface is provided below the dust collection portion 2. The front floor contact portion 2f is provided so as to come into contact with the floor surface when the vacuum cleaner 100 is placed on the floor surface. In addition, a rear floor contact portion 3n is provided at the rear end portion of the case 3a of the storage battery 3, which comes into contact with the floor surface when the vacuum cleaner 100 is placed on the floor surface.

[0032] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in Fig. 5. As shown in Fig. 6, electric blower 40 is housed in motor case 11 of main body 10. Electric blower 40 is driven by motor 40a. In addition, a drive circuit board 40b that drives vacuum cleaner 100 and a control circuit board 50 that controls it are housed behind electric blower 40 inside motor case 11.

[0033] Moreover, drive circuit board 40b and control circuit board 50 are disposed behind electric blower 40. Therefore, the exhaust air from electric blower 40 can be guided to drive circuit board 40b and control circuit board 50, thereby cooling the components mounted on drive circuit board 40b and control circuit board 50.

[0034] The storage battery 3 can be, for example, a lithium ion battery with high energy efficiency. The storage battery 3 is disposed below the handle portion 12. By providing the storage battery 3 at the rear end of the vacuum cleaner 100 in this manner, the center of gravity is closer to the handle portion 12, so that the operation feel can be lighter when the vacuum cleaner 100 is used with the tip facing upward.

[0035] Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the dust collection unit 2 with the dust separation unit 20 and the lid 2c removed. Fig. 8 is an external perspective view of the dust separation unit 20 as viewed from the rear side. Fig. 9 is a front view of the dust collection case 2a as viewed from the front with the lid 2c removed. Fig. 10 is a front view of the dust separation unit 20 as viewed from the front side. Fig. 11 is a rear view of the dust separation unit 20 as viewed from the rear side.

[0036] The filter 5 is accommodated in the filter housing chamber 2a2 located at the rear of the dust collection case 2a. The filter 5 is composed of a HEPA filter 5a (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter) and a sponge filter 5b arranged upstream of the HEPA filter 5a. The HEPA filter 5a is configured by folding in a pleated shape, which can increase the filter area and reduce pressure loss. The HEPA filter 5a has a particle collection rate of 99.97% or more for particles with a particle size of 0.3 μm at the rated air volume, and has an initial pressure loss of 245 Pa or less.

[0037] The HEPA filter 5a is attached to the shaft 2s provided on the upper side of the filter storage chamber 2a2 in a hinged manner so as to be rotatable, and is fixed so as to be openable and closable by the claws 2n provided at the symmetrical position of the shaft. When the user wants to dispose of the dust collected by the HEPA filter 5a or clean the HEPA filter 5a itself, the claws 2n can be moved outward to release the filter. In the first embodiment, the claws 2n are fixed by utilizing the elasticity of a plastic molded product, but a mechanism using a separate clamp-shaped part and a coil spring may be used, or the filter may be fixed by utilizing magnetic force such as a magnet.

[0038] Here, since the HEPA filter 5a is held by the above-mentioned structure, it is firmly fixed and airtightness can be ensured when the dust collection unit 2 is attached to the vacuum cleaner body 1. However, if the fixing force on the claw portion 2n side is too large, the release operation becomes difficult, while if the fixing force is too small, the HEPA filter 5a may unexpectedly open when removing the dust collection unit 2, causing the dust inside to spill. To prevent this, a filter fixing protrusion 2k1 is provided on the HEPA filter 5a side of the locking member 2k. That is, when the locking member 2k is slid forward to remove the dust collection unit 2, the filter fixing protrusion 2k1 moves to a position where it abuts against the HEPA filter 5a, so that the HEPA filter 5a does not open.

[0039] Further, the dust storage chamber 2a1 located in the front of the dust collection case 2a accommodates a dust separation section 20. The dust separation section 20 includes an inner cylinder 21 located on the filter 5 side (rear side), and an umbrella section 22 connected to the inner cylinder 21 and located in front of the inner cylinder 21. The front end of the umbrella section 22 contacts the rear surface of the lid 2c.

[0040] The inner cylinder 21 includes a first annular portion 211 connected to the umbrella portion 22, a second annular portion 212 disposed on the filter 5 side (rear side), a plurality of struts 213 extending in the front-rear direction so as to connect the first annular portion 211 and the second annular portion 212, and three (a plurality of) fixing protrusions 214 provided on the second annular portion 212 and protruding toward the filter 5 side (rear side). A mesh-like first filter 215 is disposed between the plurality of struts 213.

[0041] The umbrella portion 22 disposed in front of the inner cylinder 21 is disposed along a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the dust collection case 2a, and includes a flat plate portion 221 formed in a D shape so that a straight portion 221a faces a straight portion 2t formed in a D shape of the dust collection case 2a, a wall 224 extending from the flat plate portion 221 in the front-rear direction of the dust collection case 2a, and three shielding portions 222a, 222b, and 222c extending from the flat plate portion 221 in the front-rear direction of the dust collection case 2a and having a Y-shaped cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the dust collection case 2a. The three shielding portions 222a, 222b, and 222c are configured so that the height extending from the center toward the outside in the radial direction decreases toward the front. The engaging portion 225 of the umbrella portion 22 has an outer diameter that is approximately the same as or smaller than the bottom surface of the inner tube 21, and engages with and engages with a protrusion portion (not shown) of the inner tube 21, thereby engaging the inner tube 21 and the umbrella portion 22 without any gap between the first circular portion 211 of the inner tube 21 and the flat portion 221 of the umbrella portion 22.

[0042] The flat plate portion 221 located between the adjacent shielding portions has three openings formed in a sector shape and communicating with the inner cylinder 21, and these openings are provided with three mesh-like second filters 223a, 223b, and 223c. That is, the second filter 223a is provided between the shielding portion 222a and the shielding portion 222b, the second filter 223b is provided between the shielding portion 222b and the shielding portion 222c, and the second filter 223c is provided between the shielding portion 222c and the shielding portion 222a. Of the three sector-shaped second filters 223a, 223b, and 223c, the second filter 223a is disposed so that the sector shape opens toward the straight portion 2t of the D-shape of the dust collection case 2a. The three sector-shaped second filters 223a, 223b, and 223c each have an opening angle of approximately 120°.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 9, a partition wall 2m is provided inside the dust collection case 2a, and the partition wall 2m divides the dust collection case 2a into a dust storage chamber 2a1 and a filter storage chamber 2a2. The center of the partition wall 2m is opened so as to communicate the dust storage chamber 2a1 and the filter storage chamber 2a2, and three ribs 2r separated by notches are formed inside the opening. Then, when the fixing protrusion 214 provided on the second annular portion 212 of the inner tube 21 is inserted into the notch and the inner tube 21 is rotated clockwise, the rib 2r enters the gap of the fixing protrusion 214, and the inner tube 21 (dust separation part 20) is fixed to the dust collection case 2a. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to remove only the inner tube 21 (dust separation part 20) from the dust collection case 2a, which is useful when cleaning (maintaining) only the inner tube 21 (dust separation part 20). When removing the inner cylinder 21 (dust separation part 20) from the dust collection case 2a, the inner cylinder 21 is rotated counterclockwise, and the fixing protrusion 214 is aligned with the position of the notch, and the inner cylinder 21 (dust separation part 20) is pulled out, whereby the inner cylinder 21 (dust separation part 20) can be removed from the dust collection case 2a. Also, the second annular part 212 of the inner cylinder 21 is made to be approximately the same as or smaller than the outer diameter of the inner cylinder 21. This has the effect that when the sucked dust adheres to the inner cylinder 21 (when hair or the like is wrapped around it), the second annular part 212 does not get in the way when removing the dust, and the dust can be easily removed.

[0044] Next, the flow of air flowing into the dust collection case 2a will be described. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the dust collection unit 2 as seen from below. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the dust collection unit 2 as seen from above. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in Fig. 5.

[0045] As described above, the cross section of the dust collection case 2a in the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the embodiment 1 is formed in a D-shape. When the dust collection unit 2 is attached to the vacuum cleaner body 1, the straight line portion 2t formed in the D-shape of the dust collection case 2a is positioned upward.

[0046] The straight portion 2t of the dust collection case 2a formed in a D-shape is provided with an inlet 2b communicating with the outlet 14a of the introduction pipe 14 formed in the main body portion 10. The connection portion of the inlet 2b connecting with the outlet 14a of the introduction pipe 14 is located in the center in the left-right direction of the dust collection case 2a. The inlet 2b is provided so as to incline from the center in the left-right direction of the dust collection case 2a toward the outer periphery side of the dust collection case 2a (the right side in the first embodiment) (FIG. 14).

[0047] The distance W between the inner circumference of the dust collection case 2a at the position of the straight line portion 2t and the outer circumference of the inner cylinder 21 is shorter than the distance between the inner circumference of the dust collection case 2a at the positions of the other arc portions and the outer circumference of the inner cylinder 21. Also, the inlet 2b, which is provided so as to be inclined toward the outer periphery (right side) of the dust collection case 2a, is disposed so as not to overlap the inner cylinder 21 on the extension line of the inlet 2b (FIG. 14).

[0048] A predetermined gap G is formed between the inner periphery of the dust collection case 2a and the outer periphery of the flat plate portion 221.

[0049] When the operation button 13 of the vacuum cleaner main body 1 is operated, the electric blower 40 is driven to generate suction force. Dust on the surface to be cleaned is sucked in by the suction force of the electric blower 40, passes through the inlet pipe 14 of the main body 10, is discharged from the outlet 14a, and flows into the dust collection case 2a from the inlet 2b. Since the inlet 2b is provided so as to be inclined toward the outside (right side) of the dust collection case 2a, the dust-laden air that flows into the dust collection case 2a from the inlet 2b becomes a swirling flow.

[0050] In the first embodiment, as described above, the distance W between the inner circumference of the dust collection case 2a at the position of the straight portion 2t and the outer circumference of the inner cylinder 21 is shorter than other portions, so that the swirling speed of the swirling flow can be increased to improve the swirling force, and separation phenomenon in which the swirling flow hits the inner cylinder 21 and flows in the opposite direction to the swirling direction can be suppressed. Also, since the air inlet 2b is arranged on the extension line of the inlet 2b so as not to overlap with the inner cylinder 21, the air flowing into the dust collection case 2a from the inlet 2b can flow smoothly along the inside of the dust collection case 2a, and adhesion of dust to the inner cylinder 21 can be suppressed.

[0051] The swirling flow that has flowed into the dust collection case 2a is divided into a swirling flow SR1 that flows around the inner cylinder 21 and a swirling flow SR2 that passes through the gap G and flows toward the lid 2c side.

[0052] Light-weight dust contained in the swirling flow SR1 is separated from the air by centrifugal force and moves toward the lid 2c while swirling through the gap G. The swirling dust is prevented from swirling by the shielding portions 222a, 222b, and 222c and accumulates on the lid 2c. Dust that is not separated from the swirling flow SR1 is captured by the first filter 215 of the inner cylinder 21, and fine dust that passes through the first filter 215 is captured by the sponge filter 5b and the HEPA filter 5a.

[0053] Dust contained in the swirling flow SR2 is separated from the air by centrifugal force and moves toward the lid 2c through the gap G while swirling. The swirling dust is prevented from swirling by the shielding parts 222a, 222b, and 222c, and accumulates in the lid 2c. The swirling flow SR2 is prevented from swirling by the shielding parts 222a, 222b, and 222c, and the swirling force is suppressed by the inner surface of the straight part 2t of the dust collection case 2a formed in a D-shape. The air whose swirling force is suppressed heads toward the flat plate part 221, and dust not separated from the swirling flow SR2 is captured by three fan-shaped second filters 223a, 223b, and 223c provided on the flat plate part 221, and fine dust that has passed through the second filters 223a, 223b, and 223c is captured by the sponge filter 5b and the HEPA filter 5a. The dust captured by the second filters 223a, 223b, and 223c is compressed by the suction force of the electric blower 40, so that the amount of dust collected by the dust collection case 2a can be ensured.

[0054] The swirling force of the swirling flow that flows into the dust collecting case 2a is suppressed by the inner surface of the straight section 2t of the dust collecting case 2a, so that of the three second filters 223a, 223b, 223c, a greater amount of air flows through the second filter 223a, which is positioned opposite the straight section 2t.

[0055] In the first embodiment, the second filter 223a is arranged so that its fan shape opens toward the inner surface of the D-shaped straight portion 2t of the dust collection case 2a, so that dust that has moved to the lid 2c side can be prevented from flying back to the first filter 215 of the inner tube 21, thereby reducing air loss and preventing a decrease in dust collection efficiency.

[0056] FIG. 15 is a view of the cover 2c seen from the rear to the front. The three shielding parts 222a, 222b, and 222c, whose cross sections perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the dust-collecting case 2a are formed in a Y-shape, have an opening angle of 120°, and the shielding parts 222a and 222b are arranged to open toward the D-shaped straight part 2t of the dust-collecting case 2a. The extension direction of the shielding parts 222a and 222b is arranged to face the vicinity of the connection part of the arc part and the straight part 2t of the dust-collecting case 2a. In FIG. 15, the swirling flow SR2 toward the cover 2c rotates clockwise, and the swirling force is finally weakened by the inner surface of the shielding part 222b and the straight part 2t. The collected dust starts to accumulate on the extension line of the shielding part 222b. In the first embodiment, the dust line DL where the dust starts to accumulate is set by the shielding part 222b. The dust that starts to accumulate from the dust line DL is compressed by the swirling flow SR2 in the counterclockwise direction opposite to the swirling direction and accumulates. With this configuration, in the first embodiment, the dust collection capacity of the dust collection case 2a can be ensured.

[0057] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the cross section of the dust collection case 2a perpendicular to the front-rear direction is formed in a D-shape, so that when the dust collection unit 2 is attached to the vacuum cleaner body 1, the vertical height can be reduced, improving the operability of the vacuum cleaner 100.

[0058] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the second filter 223a is arranged so that its fan shape opens toward the inner surface of the straight portion 2t of the D-shape of the dust collection case 2a, so that dust that has moved to the lid 2c side can be prevented from returning to the first filter of the inner tube 21, thereby reducing the airflow loss and preventing a decrease in the dust collection efficiency. EXAMPLES

[0059] Next, the configuration of an extension tube according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 16 is an external perspective view of an extension tube 300 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the extension tube 300 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals are used for the configurations common to the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0060] The extension tube 300 has a suction passage communicating with the dust collecting unit 2 inside, and includes a tube body 301 having one end (rear end) connected to the vacuum cleaner body 1 and the other end (front end) connected to the suction mouth body 400, a lead wire 302 arranged on the upper outer peripheral surface (upper surface) of the tube body 301, a plastic film 303 arranged on the upper outer peripheral surface (upper surface) of the tube body 301 so as to cover the lead wire 302, a front cover 304 arranged on the outer peripheral surface (upper surface) of the front side of the tube body 301, which holds down the front end (other end) of the plastic film 303, and a rear cover 305 which holds down the rear end (one end) of the plastic film 303. The lead wire 302 is electrically connected to a motor provided in the suction mouth body 400. In this embodiment, the lead wire 302 and the plastic film 303 are arranged on the upper outer peripheral surface of the tube body 301, but they may be arranged on the side or lower outer peripheral surface.

[0061] A female terminal 302a is connected to the front end of the lead wire 302, and a male terminal 302b is connected to the rear end. The female terminal 302a is disposed at the front end of the tube body 301, and is fixed to the front end of the tube body 301 by a front cover 304. The male terminal 302b is disposed at the rear end of the tube body 301, and is fixed to the rear end of the tube body 301 by a rear cover 305. On the left and right sides of the back surface of the front cover 304, cover claw portions 304a (FIGS. 21 and 22) are provided so as to protrude opposite each other, and the front cover 304 is fixed to the tube body 301 by fitting the cover claw portions 304a into recesses 301f (FIG. 17) formed in the tube body 301. The same applies to the fixing of the rear cover 305 to the tube body 301.

[0062] 18 is a plan view of a plastic film 303 according to Example 2 of the present invention. The plastic film 303 is formed in a flat plate shape and has elasticity.

[0063] The thickness of the plastic film 303 is 100 to 300 μm. The plastic film 303 is made of any of materials such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyvinyl chloride resin (PVC), polystyrene (PS / OPS), acrylic (AC), etc. The plastic film 303 can be decorated by applying a printing process. For example, the plastic film 303 can be colored in various colors or have a pattern or the like applied thereto.

[0064] A plurality of side holes 303a are formed along the front-rear direction (longitudinal direction) at each of the left and right ends of the plastic film 303. A plurality of front holes 303b, a plurality of rear holes 303c, and cutouts 303d and 303e are formed at each of the front and rear ends of the plastic film 303. Note that, although a plurality of each of the side holes 303a, the front holes 303b, and the rear holes 303c are formed in this embodiment, only one of each of these may be formed.

[0065] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a tube main body 301 according to the second embodiment of the present invention cut along the left-right direction (direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction).

[0066] Two lead wire storage sections 301a separated into left and right sections by a partition section 301b are formed on the upper outer circumferential surface (top surface) of the cylindrical main body 301. A lead wire 302 is disposed in the lead wire storage section 301a.

[0067] Further, the left and right outer peripheral surfaces of the tube main body 301 are provided with film fixing portions 301c that form film insertion portions 301d for inserting plastic film 303. Film fixing portions 301c are provided protruding at a predetermined interval from the left and right outer peripheral surfaces of the tube main body 301 to form film insertion portions 301d. Film fixing claws 301e that protrude toward the outer peripheral surface of the tube main body 301 (film insertion portions 301d) are formed on the film fixing portions 301c. Film fixing claws 301e have inclined surfaces 301e1 that are inclined so as to approach the outer peripheral surface of the tube main body 301 as they extend downward.

[0068] Next, the configuration of the extension tube 300 will be described with reference to Figs. 20 to 22. Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the extension tube 300 according to the second embodiment of the present invention cut along the left-right direction (direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) and a partially enlarged view. Fig. 21 is a back view (bottom view) of the front cover 304 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 22 is a back view (bottom view) showing the relationship between the lead wire 302, the front cover 304, and the plastic film 303 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] When assembling the extension tube 300, the lead wires 302 are placed in each of the lead wire storage sections 301a, which are divided into two sections, left and right, by the partition section 301b. Next, either the left or right end of the plastic film 303 is inserted into the film insertion section 301d. At this time, one end of the plastic film 303 is inserted into the film insertion section 301d so that the position of the side hole 303a of the plastic film 303 coincides with the position of the film fixing claw 301e.

[0070] When one end of the plastic film 303 is inserted into the film insertion portion 301d, the one end of the plastic film 303, which is in the same position in the front-to-back direction as the side hole 303a, is guided by the inclined surface 301e1 of the film fixing claw 301e to approach the outer peripheral surface of the tube main body 301, and then the film fixing claw 301e is inserted into the side hole 303a of the plastic film 303.

[0071] Next, plastic film 303 is bent so as to fit along the outer peripheral surface of tube main body 301. Since plastic film 303 has elasticity, it is possible to make it fit along the outer peripheral surface of tube main body 301. Then, the other end of plastic film 303 is inserted into film insertion portion 301d. Thereafter, film fixing claw 301e is inserted into side hole 303a formed in the other end of plastic film 303 in the same manner as in the case of one end of plastic film 303.

[0072] Since plastic film 303 arranged along the outer circumferential surface of tube main body 301 has an elastic force that causes it to return to a flat plate shape, plastic film 303 is pressed against film fixing portion 301c. As a result, plastic film 303 maintains a state in which film fixing claws 301e are inserted into side holes 303a, so plastic film 303 is fixed along the outer circumferential surface of tube main body 301. Lead wires 302 are then covered with plastic film 303.

[0073] Although plastic film 303 according to this embodiment is formed in a flat shape, it may be formed in a shape that conforms to the outer circumferential surface of tube main body 301 or in a curved shape similar thereto. In this case, the burden of the process of bending plastic film 303 during assembly can be reduced, and a method in which both the left and right ends of plastic film 303 are inserted into film insertion portion 301d of tube main body 301 at approximately the same time becomes possible.

[0074] Further, in this embodiment, a claw fitting method utilizing the elasticity of the plastic film 303 is adopted, but other attachment means may be used, such as adhering to the tube body 301 using double-sided tape or adhesive.

[0075] When covering the lead wires 302 with the plastic film 303, the plastic film 303 and the lead wires 302 interfere with each other at the front and rear end positions of the plastic film 303. Therefore, cutouts 303d, 303e are formed at the front and rear end positions of the plastic film 303 to prevent interference with the lead wires 302.

[0076] In addition, a rear end of the front cover 304 is formed with a plurality of fixing protrusions 304b to be inserted into the front hole 303b of the plastic film 303. After arranging the plastic film 303 along the outer peripheral surface of the tube body 301, the front cover 304 is arranged on the upper front side of the tube body 301, and the cover claw portion 304a of the front cover 304 is fitted into the recess 301f (FIG. 17) formed in the tube body 301, thereby fixing the front cover 304 to the tube body 301. At this time, the fixing protrusions 304b of the front cover 304 are inserted into the front hole 303b of the plastic film 303, and the front side of the plastic film 303 is fixed to the tube body 301. Although not described, the same applies to the fixing of the rear cover 305 to the tube body 301.

[0077] According to the second embodiment, the plastic film 303 is disposed on the tube main body 301 to cover the lead wires 302, so that the lead wires 302 can be protected and the extension tube 300 can be made lighter in weight. EXAMPLES

[0078] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 23 is a diagram showing a state in which the vacuum cleaner 100 according to the third embodiment of the present invention is placed on a floor surface. Fig. 24 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner 100 according to the third embodiment of the present invention as seen from the rear. Fig. 25 is a diagram showing a state in which the vacuum cleaner 100 is leaned against a table Ta. The same reference numerals are used for configurations common to the first and second embodiments, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0079] 23 and 24 show a configuration in which the extension tube 300 is removed from the vacuum cleaner body 1 and used as a so-called handheld type vacuum cleaner.

[0080] As shown in Figures 23 and 24, when the vacuum cleaner 100 is placed on a floor surface FL and viewed from the side, the front floor surface contact portion 2f of the dust collection unit 2 and the rear floor surface contact portion 3n of the storage battery 3 are bent in an L-shape so that they are away from the floor surface FL.

[0081] When the vacuum cleaner 100 is placed on a floor surface FL, the dust collection unit 2 is inclined so that the rear side is higher from the front to the rear. Meanwhile, the motor case unit 11 of the vacuum cleaner body 1 is inclined so that the rear side is lower from the front to the rear. The storage battery 3 located behind the motor case unit 11 is also inclined so that the rear side is lower from the front to the rear, following the example of the motor case unit 11.

[0082] A dust collection unit 2 is provided below the vacuum cleaner main body 1 (main body unit 10) and in front of the motor case unit 11. Similar to the main body unit 10, the dust collection unit 2 is inclined so that the rear side becomes higher as it goes from the front to the rear.

[0083] When the vacuum cleaner 100 configured as described above is placed on a floor surface FL, the front floor surface contact portion 2f provided below the dust collection unit 2 comes into contact with the rear floor surface contact portion 3n provided on the storage battery 3, and an approximately triangular space is created between the front floor surface contact portion 2f and the rear floor surface contact portion 3n, with the floor surface as its base and the bent portion 16 as its apex.

[0084] When the vacuum cleaner 100 is accidentally dropped on a floor while being used as a handheld type, the front floor contact portion 2f and the rear floor contact portion 3n collide with the floor. In the third embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 100 is bent in a "L" shape when viewed from the side, so that when the vacuum cleaner 100 collides with the floor, a bending stress is generated in the bent portion 16 to return the bent shape to a straight state. When the bending stress is applied to the bent portion 16, a crack is generated in the bent portion 16 of the vacuum cleaner main body 1, and the vacuum cleaner 100 may be damaged. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the vacuum cleaner main body 1 located between the front floor contact portion 2f and the rear floor contact portion 3n is provided with a plurality (two) main body protrusions 15 protruding toward the floor surface FL. The main body protrusions 15 have a function of receiving the bending stress by contacting the floor when a bending stress is generated in the bent portion 16 and the bent portion 16 is deformed into a straight state. The lowermost portion of the main body protrusion 15 is disposed at a predetermined distance from the floor surface. The main body protrusion 15 is disposed in a substantially triangular space at a position shifted in either the front or rear direction from the position of the bent portion 16. When the vacuum cleaner 100 is placed on the floor surface, the bent portion 16 is at a position furthest from the floor surface. In the third embodiment, the main body protrusion 15 is disposed behind the bent portion 16 because heavy objects such as the electric blower 40 and the storage battery 3 are disposed behind the bent portion 16.

[0085] When the vacuum cleaner 100 is used as a stick-type vacuum cleaner by connecting the extension tube 300 and the suction nozzle 400 to the vacuum cleaner main body 1, the vacuum cleaner 100 may be temporarily placed on the floor or leaned against a wall, table, or the like during cleaning. When restarting cleaning with the vacuum cleaner 100 placed on the floor, the user must bend down to pick up the vacuum cleaner 100, which is cumbersome. Therefore, it is preferable for the user to restart cleaning with the vacuum cleaner 100 leaned against a wall, table, or the like. However, the vacuum cleaner 100 leaned against a wall, table, or the like is likely to become unstable. Therefore, when the vacuum cleaner 100 is leaned against a wall, table, or the like, the main body protrusion 15 is used. For example, as shown in FIG. 25, when the vacuum cleaner 100 is leaned against a table Ta, the main body protrusion 15 is hooked onto the upper end of the table Ta. Since the two main body protrusions 15 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, the two main body protrusions 15 come into contact with the upper end of the table Ta, making it possible to stably hold the vacuum cleaner 100.

[0086] As described above, according to the third embodiment, damage to the handheld vacuum cleaner 100 when it is dropped onto the floor can be suppressed.

[0087] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, but includes various modified examples. For example, the above-mentioned embodiment has been described in detail to easily explain the present invention, and is not necessarily limited to those including all of the configurations described. It is also possible to replace a part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. It is also possible to add, delete, or replace a part of the configuration of each embodiment with another configuration. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1...vacuum cleaner body, 2...dust collection section, 2a...dust collection case, 2a1...dust storage chamber, 2a2...filter storage chamber, 2b...inlet, 2c...lid, 2c1...projection section, 2d...hinge section, 2e...lid lock member, 2f...front floor contact section, 2h...insertion section, 2k...lock member, 2k1...filter fixing projection, 2m...partition wall, 2n...claw section, 2r...rib, 2s...shaft section, 2t...straight section, 3...storage battery, 3a...case, 3n...rear floor contact section, 5...filter, 5a...HEPA filter, 5b...sponge filter, 10... Main body, 10a...connection port, 10b...fitting groove, 10c...claw portion, 11...motor case, 12...handle portion, 12a...strap, 13...operation button, 14...inlet tube, 14a...outlet port, 15...main body protrusion, 16...bent portion, 18...release button, 19...insertion opening, 20...dust separation portion, 21...inner tube, 22...umbrella portion, 40...electric blower, 40a...motor, 40b...drive circuit board, 50...control circuit board, 90...airtight member, 91...tubular body, 91a...brush portion, 91b...connection portion, 100...electric sweeper Dehumidifier, 211...first circular ring portion, 212...second circular ring portion, 213...support, 214...fixing protrusion portion, 215...first filter, 221...flat plate portion, 221a...straight portion, 222a...shielding portion, 222b...shielding portion, 222c...shielding portion, 223a...second filter, 223b...second filter, 223c...second filter, 224...wall, 225...engagement portion, 300...extension tube, 301...tube main body, 301a...lead wire storage portion, 301b...partition portion, 301c...film fixing portion, 301d...film insertion portion, 301e ...film fixing claw, 301e1...inclined surface, 301f...recess, 302...lead wire, 302a...female terminal, 302b...male terminal, 303...plastic film, 303a...side hole, 303b...front hole, 303c...rear hole, 303d...notch, 303e...notch, 304...front cover, 304a...cover claw, 304b...fixing protrusion, 305...rear cover, 400...suction mouth, DL...dust line, G...gap, SR1...swirling flow, SR2...swirling flow, W...distance, FL...floor surface, Ta...table

Claims

1. An electric vacuum cleaner comprising: a vacuum cleaner body housing an electric blower that generates suction force; a dust collecting section that collects dust sucked by the suction force of the electric blower; an extension tube having one end connected to the vacuum cleaner body; and a suction head body having a motor therein and connected to the other end of the extension tube, The extension tube is characterized in that it comprises a cylindrical body having an internal suction passage, a lead wire arranged on any outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body and electrically connected to the motor of the suction mouth body, and a plastic film arranged on any outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body so as to cover the lead wire.

2. 2. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, The vacuum cleaner according to the present invention is characterized in that the front or back surface of the plastic film is colored by printing.

3. 3. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, The vacuum cleaner is characterized in that the cylindrical body is provided with a film fixing portion that forms a film insertion portion into which the left and right ends of the plastic film are inserted.

4. 4. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 3, The plastic film has side holes formed at the left and right ends thereof, The vacuum cleaner is characterized in that the film fixing portion is provided with a film fixing claw that is inserted into the side hole to fix the plastic film to the tube body.

5. 3. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the plastic film is attached to the cylindrical body by a double-sided tape, an adhesive or the like.

6. 3. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, a rear cover is provided at one end of the cylindrical body for pressing one end of the plastic film and fixing a male terminal connected to the lead wire; The vacuum cleaner further comprises a front cover at the other end of the cylindrical body for holding down the other end of the plastic film and for fixing a female terminal connected to the lead wire.

7. 3. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, The vacuum cleaner is characterized in that the plastic film has a plate thickness of 100 to 300 μm.

8. 8. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 7, The vacuum cleaner is characterized in that the plastic film is made of any one of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polyvinyl chloride resin, polystyrene, and acrylic.

Images