Vacuum cleaner

Abstract

To provide a vacuum cleaner that can secure safety while being downsized.SOLUTION: A vacuum cleaner comprises: an electric air blower 40; a storage battery 3; a drive circuit board 40b on which a component for adjusting power to be supplied to the electric air blower 40 from the storage battery 3 is mounted; and a control circuit board 50 on which a component for controlling the vacuum cleaner 100 is mounted. The drive circuit board 40b is arranged behind the electric air blower 40. The control circuit board 50 is arranged behind the drive circuit board 40b. The rear side of the drive circuit board 40b is supported by a drive circuit board holding member 60 made of heat-resistant resin.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 41

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a vacuum cleaner body, a battery detachably attached to the vacuum cleaner body, an extension tube detachably connected to the vacuum cleaner body, and a suction port body connected to the extension tube. The vacuum cleaner body houses an electric blower, a drive board for driving the electric blower, and a control board on which electronic components including a microcomputer are mounted. The drive board is disposed behind the electric blower such that the longitudinal direction of the drive board is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the electric blower. The control board is disposed below the electric blower such that the longitudinal direction of the control board is parallel to the rotation axis of the electric blower. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-183053 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In Patent Document 1, the control board is arranged so that its longitudinal direction is parallel to the rotation axis of the electric blower, so a dedicated space is required for installing the control board, which makes it difficult to reduce the size. In addition, although the drive board is a heat-generating component, no consideration was given to a cover member for holding the drive board.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a vacuum cleaner which solves the above problems and ensures safety while being miniaturized. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides an electric vacuum cleaner comprising an electric blower, a storage battery, a drive circuit board mounting components for adjusting the power supplied from the storage battery to the electric blower, and a control circuit board mounting components for controlling the vacuum cleaner, wherein the drive circuit board is arranged behind the electric blower, the control circuit board is arranged behind the drive circuit board, and the rear side of the drive circuit board is held by a drive circuit board holding member made of heat-resistant resin. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vacuum cleaner that can be made compact while ensuring safety. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [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] FIG. 4 is a front view of the dust separation unit as viewed from the front side. [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 vacuum cleaner 100 is leaned against a table Ta. [Figure 26] FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of a storage battery 3 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the rear. [Figure 27] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a storage battery 3 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is an enlarged view of part XXVIII of FIG. 27. [Figure 29] FIG. 11 is a front view of a storage battery 3 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the rear. [Diagram 30] 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXX-XXX in FIG. 29. [Diagram 31] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a vacuum cleaner 100 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 32] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner 100 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, taken along the front-rear direction. [Diagram 33] FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of a drive unit 4 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 34] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a handle unit 120 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from below. [Diagram 35] FIG. 11 is an external perspective view showing an electrical connection relationship between a handle unit 120 and a drive unit 4 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 36] 13 is a side view showing an operation of connecting the handle unit 120 and the drive unit 4 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 37] 13 is a side view showing an operation of sliding the handle unit 120 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention to connect it to the drive unit 4. FIG. [Figure 38] 13 is a diagram showing a state in which a handle unit 120 and a drive unit 4 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention are fixed together with a screw 47. FIG. [Figure 39] FIG. 11 is a side view showing a state in which the connection between the handle unit 120 and the drive unit 4 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is completed. [Diagram 40] FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of an electric blower 40, a drive circuit board 40b, and a control circuit board 50 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the front. [Diagram 41] FIG. 11 is an exploded front perspective view of an electric blower 40, a drive circuit board 40b, and a control circuit board 50 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 42] FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of an electric blower 40, a drive circuit board 40b, and a control circuit board 50 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from behind. [Diagram 43] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of an electric blower 40, a drive circuit board 40b, and a control circuit board 50 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the rear. [Diagram 44] FIG. 13 is a top view of a power cable male connector 363 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 45] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXXXV-XXXXV in Figure 44. [Diagram 46] FIG. 13 is a side view of a power cable male connector 363 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 47] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a handle portion 12 according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from above. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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).

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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).

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] Fig. 3 is a side view of the vacuum cleaner 100 in the state of Fig. 2 as viewed 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] Moreover, the drive circuit board 40b and the control circuit board 50 are disposed behind the electric blower 40. Therefore, the exhaust air from the electric blower 40 can be guided to the drive circuit board 40b and the control circuit board 50 to cool the components mounted on the drive circuit board 40b and the control circuit board 50. The exhaust air then passes through the exhaust port 11c and is discharged from the vacuum cleaner body. The exhaust port 11c is provided around the drive circuit board 40b of the motor case 11. This ensures that the exhaust air passes around the drive circuit board 40b, which generates the greatest amount of heat, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the drive circuit board 40b.

[0032] 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. In this case, the center of gravity in the handheld state is point A (see FIG. 6), and the center of gravity in the stick state is point B (see FIG. 25). By providing the storage battery 3 at the rear end of the vacuum cleaner 100 in this way, 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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°.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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).

[0045] 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).

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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 straight part 2t of the D-shape 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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).

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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. EXAMPLES

[0085] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the fourth embodiment, the configuration of the storage battery 3 will be described. The same components as those in the first to third embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0086] Fig. 26 is an external perspective view of the storage battery 3 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the rear. Fig. 27 is an exploded perspective view of the storage battery 3 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 28 is an enlarged view of a portion XXVIII in Fig. 27. Fig. 29 is a front view of the storage battery 3 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the rear. Fig. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXX-XXX in Fig. 29.

[0087] A case 3a forming the outer shell of the storage battery 3 is composed of an upper case 31 and a lower case 32. The upper case 31 and the lower case 32 are fixed together by a plurality of screws 33.

[0088] The case 3a is provided inside with a plurality of battery cells 34 (secondary batteries), a battery holder 35 that holds the plurality of battery cells 34, and a battery control circuit board 36 that is disposed above the battery cells 34 and placed on the battery holder 35. In this embodiment, four battery cells 34 are provided and arranged side by side with the longitudinal direction of the battery cells 34 aligned along the front-rear direction. The battery holder 35 is divided in the front-rear direction and holds the battery cells 34 so as to sandwich them from the front-rear direction. The plurality of battery cells 34 are electrically connected to each other by battery connection terminals 37.

[0089] A power cable 361 is connected to the battery control circuit board 36 in order to extract power from the battery cells 34 and supply the power to the electric blower 40 and the like, and is further provided with a battery control circuit board female connector 362 for extracting information relating to the battery cells 34. Note that the power cable 361 is omitted in Figures 26, 27, and 29.

[0090] An upper case opening 31a is formed in the upper case 31, which exposes the power cable 361 and the battery control circuit board female connector 362 to the outside. The storage battery 3 connects the battery cells 34 and the electric blower 40 through the power cable 361 drawn out from the upper case opening 31a, and also connects the battery control circuit board female connector 362 and the control circuit board 50.

[0091] The storage battery 3 is equipped with a temperature detection sensor 38 for detecting the temperature of the battery cells 34 and for use in determining the deterioration state, abnormality, etc. of the battery cells 34, and a sensor holder 39 for fixing the temperature detection sensor 38 to the battery holder 35. A sensor signal cable 38a is connected to the temperature detection sensor 38.

[0092] The sensor holder 39 includes a signal cable holding portion 39a for holding the sensor signal cable 38a of the temperature detection sensor 38, and a sensor holder fixing portion 39b for fixing the sensor holder 39 to the battery holder 35. The signal cable holding portion 39a in this embodiment is cut out so that the sensor signal cable 38a can be inserted therein.

[0093] Battery holder 35 is provided with a temperature detection sensor installation section 351 for installing temperature detection sensor 38 (sensor holder 39). Temperature detection sensor installation section 351 is provided with a sensor insertion section 351a for inserting temperature detection sensor 38, and a sensor holder receiving section 351b that is provided to protrude from the outer periphery of sensor insertion section 351a and has claws that fit into recesses formed on the inside of sensor holder fixing section 39b.

[0094] When the temperature detection sensor 38 is installed away from the battery cell 34, a temperature difference occurs between the actual temperature of the battery cell 34 and the temperature detected by the temperature detection sensor 38. Therefore, when the temperature detection sensor 38 is installed away from the battery cell 34, it is necessary to correct the detected temperature detected by the temperature detection sensor 38. Since this temperature difference varies depending on the distance between the temperature detection sensor 38 and the battery cell 34, in order to improve the detection accuracy of the temperature detection sensor 38, it is necessary to adjust the correction amount according to the distance. However, in order to adjust the correction amount for each product, it is necessary to measure the distance between the temperature detection sensor 38 and the battery cell 34 for each product, which increases the number of operations and increases the manufacturing cost. If the distance between the temperature detection sensor 38 and the battery cell 34 can be stabilized, it is not necessary to measure the distance between the temperature detection sensor 38 and the battery cell 34, and it is also easy to determine the correction amount of the detected temperature of the temperature detection sensor 38. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of operations and an increase in manufacturing costs.

[0095] Therefore, in this embodiment, a sensor holder 39 for fixing the above-mentioned temperature detection sensor 38 is provided.

[0096] When fixing the temperature detection sensor 38 to the sensor holder 39, first, the sensor signal cable 38a of the temperature detection sensor 38 is inserted into the notch of the signal cable holding portion 39a. The sensor insertion portion 351a of the temperature detection sensor installation portion 351 is filled with silicon or the like in advance. Then, the temperature detection sensor 38 fixed to the sensor holder 39 is inserted into the sensor insertion portion 351a filled with silicon. The position of the temperature detection sensor 38 is fixed by the silicon filled in the sensor insertion portion 351a. When the temperature detection sensor 38 is inserted into the sensor insertion portion 351a, the sensor holder receiving portion 351b enters the inside of the sensor holder fixing portion 39b, and the claws formed on the outer periphery of the sensor holder receiving portion 351b enter the recess formed on the inside of the sensor holder fixing portion 39b, and the sensor holder 39 is fixed to the temperature detection sensor installation portion 351.

[0097] In order to further improve the accuracy of temperature detection of the battery cell 34 by the temperature detection sensor 38, it is preferable to stabilize the position where the temperature detection sensor 38 is fixed inside the sensor insertion portion 351a, and to bring the temperature detection sensor 38 closer to the battery cell 34. Therefore, in this embodiment, an inclined rib 351c is provided inside the sensor insertion portion 351a of the temperature detection sensor installation portion 351, inclined toward the battery cell 34 as it moves from the entrance of the sensor insertion portion 351a toward the depth direction. The temperature detection sensor 38 inserted into the sensor insertion portion 351a is guided along the inclined rib 351c, and the tip portion 38b of the temperature detection sensor 38 approaches the battery cell 34. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of correction of the detected temperature detected by the temperature detection sensor 38 or to make it unnecessary, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the temperature detection sensor 38.

[0098] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the temperature detection sensor 38 is fixed to the temperature detection sensor installation portion 351 of the battery holder 35 using the sensor holder 39 that holds the temperature detection sensor 38, so that the distance between the battery cell 34 and the temperature detection sensor 38 is stable, and the temperature detection accuracy of the temperature detection sensor 38 can be improved.

[0099] Furthermore, according to the fourth embodiment, an inclined rib 351c is provided within the sensor insertion portion 351a of the temperature detection sensor installation portion 351, so that the temperature detection sensor 38 can be brought closer to the battery cell 34, thereby improving the temperature detection accuracy of the temperature detection sensor 38. EXAMPLES

[0100] Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the fifth embodiment, a configuration in which the electric vacuum cleaner 100 is unitized will be described. The same components as those in the first to fourth embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0101] Generally, commercially available vacuum cleaners are sold in multiple models depending on the functions they are equipped with. For these vacuum cleaners, the main body, drive unit, handle unit, etc. are designed for each model, and these are combined to form the vacuum cleaner body. For this reason, there is a problem that the number of assembly steps increases when the number of models is increased, and manufacturing costs increase. There is a problem that if manufacturing costs are reduced, it is not possible to develop multiple models that meet the preferences of users. In Example 5, a means for solving this problem will be described.

[0102] Fig. 31 is an exploded perspective view of the vacuum cleaner 100 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner 100 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention cut along the front-rear direction.

[0103] In the fifth embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 100 is mainly composed of three units. The first unit is a handle unit 120 including a main body 10, a handle 12, an operation button 13, etc. The second unit is a drive unit 4 including an electric blower 40, a drive circuit board 40b, a control circuit board 50, a storage battery 3, etc. The third unit is a dust collection unit 2 (dust collection unit) that is detachably connected to the main body 10 (handle unit 120).

[0104] A description will be given of the configuration of the drive unit 4. Fig. 33 is a perspective view of the drive unit 4 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the rear.

[0105] The drive unit 4 includes an electric blower 40, a drive circuit board 40b, a control circuit board 50, and a storage battery 3. The outer shell of the drive unit 4 is composed of a motor case 11, a fan case 11a provided in front of the motor case 11, and a rear case 11b provided behind the motor case 11, and these cases (the motor case 11, the fan case 11a, and the rear case 11b) form a drive unit case 110. The motor case 11 covers the motor 40a, the drive circuit board 40b, and the control circuit board 50 of the electric blower 40. The fan case 11a covers the fan part of the electric blower 40. The rear case 11b covers the top surface of the storage battery 3 and holds the storage battery 3.

[0106] A power cable 361 protrudes from the upper case opening 31a of the storage battery 3 and extends toward the drive circuit board 40b on the electric blower 40 side. A power cable male connector 363 is attached to the tip of the power cable 361. The power cable male connector 363 is connected to a power cable female connector 40c provided on the drive circuit board 40b, and supplies power from the storage battery 3 to the electric blower 40.

[0107] Further, a battery board side battery signal cable male connector 365 attached to one end of a battery control signal cable 364 is connected to a battery control circuit board female connector 362 provided on the battery control circuit board 36. A control board side battery signal cable male connector 366 is attached to the other end of the battery control signal cable 364. The control board side battery signal cable male connector 366 is connected to a control board battery signal female connector 52 (see Figures 40 to 43) provided on the control circuit board 50. As a result, the battery control circuit board 36 and the control circuit board 50 are connected via the battery control signal cable 364.

[0108] A plurality of grooves (first fixing groove portion 41, second fixing groove portion 42, third fixing groove portion 43, fourth fixing groove portion 44, fifth fixing groove portion 45) are formed in the upper portion of the drive unit case 110. The plurality of grooves are formed on the left and right sides of the drive unit case 110.

[0109] The first fixing groove 41 is formed so as to be recessed from the rear to the front. The second fixing groove 42 and the third fixing groove 43 are formed so as to be cut out along the front-rear direction. A groove forming protrusion 44a protruding upward is provided on the rear upper surface of the drive unit case 110, and the fourth fixing groove 44 is formed between the drive unit case 110 and the groove forming protrusion 44a so as to be along the front-rear direction. The fifth fixing groove 45 is a recessed portion recessed from the rear to the front.

[0110] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the handle unit 120. Fig. 34 is a perspective view of the handle unit 120 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from below.

[0111] A plurality of fixed claws (first fixed claw 121, second fixed claw 122, third fixed claw 123, fourth fixed claw 124, fifth fixed claw 125) to be inserted into the respective grooves are formed on the lower part of the handle unit 120. The plurality of fixed claws are formed on the left and right sides of the handle unit 120.

[0112] The first fixed claw 121 is formed so as to protrude from the rear toward the front. The second fixed claw 122 and the third fixed claw 123 are provided so as to protrude downward and are formed so as to extend along the front-rear direction. The fourth fixed claw 124 is formed so as to have a flat surface in the front-rear direction. The fifth fixed claw 125 is a convex portion that protrudes from the rear toward the front.

[0113] In addition, the handle unit 120 is provided with a power supply cable 126, a power supply cable male connector 127 provided at one end of the power supply cable 126, an operation button signal cable 128, and an operation button signal cable male connector 129 provided at one end of the operation button signal cable 128.

[0114] The other end of the power supply cable 126 is provided with an extension tube connecting female terminal 126a (see FIG. 32) that connects to the male terminal 302b of the extension tube 300. The other end of the operation button signal cable 128 is connected to the operation board 13a of the operation button 13 (see FIG. 32).

[0115] The power supply cable male connector 127 is connected to the power supply cable female connector 51 (see Figures 40 to 43) of the control circuit board 50, and the operation button signal cable male connector 129 is connected to the operation button signal female connector 53 (see Figures 40 to 43).

[0116] Next, there will be described a method for connecting the handle unit 120 and the drive unit 4. In this embodiment, the handle unit 120 and the drive unit case 110 are connected to configure the vacuum cleaner.

[0117] Fig. 35 is an external perspective view showing an electrical connection relationship between the handle unit 120 and the drive unit 4 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 36 is a side view showing an operation of connecting the handle unit 120 and the drive unit 4 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 37 is a side view showing an operation of sliding the handle unit 120 and connecting it to the drive unit 4 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 38 is a diagram showing a state in which the handle unit 120 and the drive unit 4 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention are fixed with a screw 47. Fig. 39 is a side view showing a state in which the connection between the handle unit 120 and the drive unit 4 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is completed.

[0118] When connecting the handle unit 120 and the drive unit 4, first, as shown in Figure 35, connect the power supply cable male connector 127 to the power supply cable female connector 51 of the control circuit board 50, and connect the operation button signal cable male connector 129 to the operation button signal female connector 53.

[0119] 36, the handle unit 120 is brought closer to the drive unit 4. At this time, the second fixed claw portion 122 and the third fixed claw portion 123 are inserted into the second fixed groove portion 42 and the third fixed groove portion 43, respectively.

[0120] 37, with the second fixed claw 122 and the third fixed claw 123 inserted into the second fixed groove 42 and the third fixed groove 43, respectively, the handle unit 120 is slid forward relative to the drive unit 4. When the handle unit 120 is slid forward relative to the drive unit 4, the first fixed claw 121 is inserted into the first fixed groove 41, the fourth fixed claw 124 is inserted into the fourth fixed groove 44, and further the fifth fixed claw 125 is inserted into the fourth fixed groove 44. The second fixed groove 42 and the third fixed groove 43 into which the second fixed claw 122 and the third fixed claw 123 are inserted have a width in the left-right direction narrower at the front than at the rear. With this, when the handle unit 120 is slid forward relative to the drive unit 4, the second fixed claw 122 and the third fixed groove 43 interfere with the narrow portions of the second fixed groove 42 and the third fixed groove 43, thereby fixing the handle unit 120 and the drive unit 4.

[0121] A drive unit fixing portion 48 is formed at the front of the drive unit case 110.

[0122] When the handle unit 120 is slid forward relative to the drive unit 4 and the fixing claws engage with the fixing grooves, the fixing screw hole 48a formed in the drive unit fixing part 48 matches with the screw part formed in the handle unit 120. Then, as shown in Fig. 38, the screw 47 is inserted into the fixing screw hole 48a and screwed together to fix the handle unit 120 and the drive unit 4. Thereafter, the dust collection part 2 (dust collection unit) is attached below the handle unit 120, completing the assembly of the vacuum cleaner 100.

[0123] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a vacuum cleaner that can be made into a variety of models according to the preferences of users while keeping manufacturing costs down. EXAMPLES

[0124] Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the sixth embodiment, the relationship between the electric blower 40, the drive circuit board 40b, and the control circuit board 50 will be described. The same components as those in the first to fifth embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0125] Fig. 40 is an external perspective view of electric blower 40, drive circuit board 40b, and control circuit board 50 according to Example 6 of the present invention, as viewed from the front. Fig. 41 is an exploded perspective view of electric blower 40, drive circuit board 40b, and control circuit board 50 according to Example 6 of the present invention, as viewed from the front. Fig. 42 is an external perspective view of electric blower 40, drive circuit board 40b, and control circuit board 50 according to Example 6 of the present invention, as viewed from the rear. Fig. 43 is an exploded perspective view of electric blower 40, drive circuit board 40b, and control circuit board 50 according to Example 6 of the present invention, as viewed from the rear.

[0126] Electric blower 40 is disposed in drive unit 4 with its rotation axis aligned in the front-to-rear direction. A vibration-proof cover 49 is disposed in front of electric blower 40 to prevent vibrations of electric blower 40 from being transmitted to drive unit 4. A drive circuit board 40b is disposed behind electric blower 40, and a control circuit board 50 is disposed behind drive circuit board 40b.

[0127] Heat generating components such as an inverter circuit, which is a component that adjusts the power supplied from the storage battery 3 to the electric blower 40, are mounted on the drive circuit board 40b. A memory that stores a control program required for controlling the vacuum cleaner 100, and a calculation processing unit that reads the control program from the memory and executes calculation processing are mounted on the control circuit board 50. Components that control the vacuum cleaner 100 are mounted on the control circuit board 50.

[0128] The control circuit board 50 generates less heat than the drive circuit board 40b. In this embodiment, the circuit board is divided into the drive circuit board 40b, which generates a large amount of heat, and the control circuit board 50, which generates a smaller amount of heat than the drive circuit board 40b.

[0129] When mounting the drive circuit board 40b on the drive unit 4, it is necessary to take into consideration the amount of heat generated. Therefore, in this embodiment, a drive circuit board holding member 60 made of heat-resistant resin is disposed behind the drive circuit board 40b, and the drive circuit board 40b is held by this drive circuit board holding member 60. The drive circuit board holding member 60 is made of, for example, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), which has high heat resistance.

[0130] The drive circuit board holding member 60 is provided with a plurality of connector holding projections 60a protruding toward the rear, and the power cable female connector 40c is fixed to the connector holding projections 60a. The power cable female connector 40c is provided on the drive circuit board 40b via the drive circuit board holding member 60. An opening 60b is formed at the position where the connector holding projections 60a of the drive circuit board holding member 60 are arranged. Since the power cable female connector 40c is generally made of a heat-resistant resin, there is no need to worry about it being affected by heat generated from the drive circuit board 40b. In this embodiment, the openings 60b are formed in the drive circuit board holding member 60, thereby making it possible to reduce the weight of the drive circuit board holding member 60.

[0131] The area of ​​the drive circuit board 40b is approximately equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​a cross section perpendicular to the rotational axis direction of the electric blower 40. In other words, in a side view of the vacuum cleaner 100, the height dimension of the drive circuit board 40b and the height dimension of the electric blower 40 are approximately equal. This makes it possible to prevent the vacuum cleaner body from becoming larger in the height direction. Also, all of the exhaust air from the electric blower 40 can be directed to the drive circuit board 40b, improving the cooling efficiency of the drive circuit board 40b, which generates a large amount of heat.

[0132] According to this embodiment, the drive circuit board 40b and the control circuit board 50 are arranged side by side behind the electric blower 40, thereby making it possible to reduce the size of the vacuum cleaner 100. Also, according to this embodiment, the circuit board is divided into the drive circuit board 40b and the control circuit board 50, and only the drive circuit board 40b on which heat-generating components are mounted is held by the drive circuit board holding member 60 made of heat-resistant resin, thereby ensuring safety and making the vacuum cleaner 100 lighter. EXAMPLES

[0133] Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the seventh embodiment, the structure of a connector will be described. The same components as those in the first to sixth embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0134] Fig. 44 is a top view of a power cable male connector 363 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 45 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXXXV-XXXXV in Fig. 44. Fig. 46 is a side view of a power cable male connector 363 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0135] Two connection terminals are provided inside power cable male connector 363, and power cables 361 are respectively connected to these two connection terminals. An opening is formed at the end of power cable male connector 363 for passing power cable 361 through.

[0136] Generally, vacuum cleaners suck up dry dust, but if there is water spilled on the floor or other surface, the water may be sucked in along with the dry dust. The sucked-in water may ride the suction air current and reach the drive circuit board. The water that has reached the drive circuit board may seep in through a gap at the end of the male connector of the power cable from which the power supply cable is pulled out. If water seeps into the male connector of the power cable, it may cause electrical conduction between adjacent terminals inside the connector, resulting in a short circuit. Means for solving this problem will be described below.

[0137] In this embodiment, a sealant 370 is applied to the end of the power cable male connector 363 from which the power cable 361 is pulled out. The sealant 370 is applied so as to cover the power cable 361 and the end of the power cable male connector 363 from which the power cable 361 is pulled out, and also enters the gap between the power cable male connector 363 and the power cable 361 as shown in Fig. 45. The sealant 370 is also applied to the power cable 361 located at the end of the power cable male connector 363.

[0138] In order to apply the sealant 370 to the gap between the power cable male connector 363 and the power cable 361, it is desirable for the sealant 370 to have fluidity and harden after application. Therefore, in this embodiment, silicone is applied as the sealant 370.

[0139] According to this embodiment, since the sealing material 370 is applied to the power cable 361 and the end of the power cable male connector 363 from which the power cable 361 is pulled out, it is possible to prevent water from entering the inside of the power cable male connector 363 and to prevent adjacent terminals in the connector from becoming conductive and causing a short circuit. Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a vacuum cleaner with improved safety.

[0140] In this embodiment, as an example, the sealant is applied to the power cable male connector 363 side, but it may be applied to the power cable female connector 40c side. In other words, the sealant may be applied to the power cable connector and the power cable pulled out from the power cable connector. EXAMPLES

[0141] Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the eighth embodiment, a structure of a strap 12a provided on the handle portion 12 will be described. The same components as those in the first to seventh embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0142] 47 is a cross-sectional view of the handle portion 12 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above. A strap 12a is provided at the rear of the handle portion 12. The strap 12a protrudes from the rear end of the handle portion 12.

[0143] The strap 12a is formed into a ring shape by facing the ends of a belt-shaped member and fixing the ends to each other with a strap fixing member 12c.

[0144] The handle portion 12 is provided with a strap fixing boss 12b, and the strap fixing boss 12b is inserted into the inside of the annular strap 12a. The strap 12a is then moved so that the end of the strap 12a comes into contact with the strap fixing boss 12b. In this embodiment, the end of the strap 12a fixed by the strap fixing member 12c comes into contact with the strap fixing boss 12b.

[0145] According to this embodiment, a strap 12a is provided on the handle portion 12 of the vacuum cleaner 100, so that the user can place his / her hand through the strap 12 while cleaning, thereby reducing the strain on the user's arms while cleaning and improving operability.

[0146] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications are included. 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. Also, it is 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. Also, it is possible to add, delete, or replace a part of the configuration of each embodiment with another configuration. [Explanation of symbols]

[0147] 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, 2d...hinge, 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, 4...drive unit, 5...filter, 5a...HEPA filter, 5b...sponge filter, 10...main body, 10a...connection port, 10b...fitting groove, 10c... Claw portion, 11...motor case portion, 11a...fan case, 11b...rear case, 11c...exhaust port, 12...handle portion, 12a...strap, 12b...strap fixing boss, 12c...strap fixing member, 13...operation button, 13a...operation board, 14...inlet tube, 14a...outlet, 15...main body protrusion portion, 16...bent portion, 18...release button, 19...insertion opening, 20...dust separation portion, 21...inner tube, 22...umbrella portion, 31...upper case, 31a...upper case opening, 32...lower case, 33...screw, 34...battery cell, 35...battery holder, 36...battery control circuit board, 37...battery Connection terminal, 38... temperature detection sensor, 38a... sensor signal cable, 38b... tip portion, 39... sensor holder, 39a... signal cable holding portion, 39b... sensor holder fixing portion, 40... electric blower, 40a... motor, 40b... drive circuit board, 40c... power cable female connector, 41... first fixing groove portion, 42... second fixing groove portion, 43... third fixing groove portion, 44... fourth fixing groove portion, 44a... groove forming protrusion, 45... fifth fixing groove portion, 47... screw, 48... drive unit fixing portion, 48a... fixing screw hole, 50... control circuit board, 51... power supply cable female connector, 52... control board power pond signal female connector, 53...operation button signal female connector, 60...drive circuit board holding member, 60a...connector holding projection, 60b...opening, 90...airtightness holding member, 91...cylinder, 91a...brush portion, 91b...connection portion, 100...vacuum cleaner, 110...drive unit case, 120...handle unit, 121...first fixed claw portion, 122...second fixed claw portion, 123...third fixed claw portion, 124...fourth fixed claw portion, 125...fifth fixed claw portion, 126...power supply cable, 126a...extension tube connection female terminal, 127...power supply cable male connector, 128...operation button signal cable,129...operation button signal cable male connector, 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 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 face hole, 303b... front hole, 303c... rear hole, 303d... notch, 303e... notch, 304... front cover, 304a... cover claw, 304b... fixing protrusion, 305... rear cover, 351... temperature detection sensor installation part, 351a... sensor insertion part, 351b... sensor holder receiving part, 351c... inclined rib, 361... power cable, 362... battery control circuit board female connector, 363... power cable male connector, 364... battery control signal cable, 365... battery board side battery signal cable male connector, 366... ​​control board side battery signal cable male connector, 370... sealing material, 400... suction body, DL... dust line, G... gap, SR1... swirling flow, SR2... swirling flow, W... distance, FL... floor surface, Ta... table,

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner comprising an electric blower, a storage battery, a drive circuit board mounting a component for adjusting the power supplied from the storage battery to the electric blower, and a control circuit board mounting components for controlling the vacuum cleaner, the drive circuit board is disposed behind the electric blower, and the control circuit board is disposed behind the drive circuit board; The electric vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the drive circuit board is held at its rear side by a drive circuit board holding member made of a heat-resistant resin.

2. 2. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, The electric vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the drive circuit board holding member is made of polyphenylene sulfide.

3. 3. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, a power cable female connector for connecting to a power cable male connector of the storage battery; The electric vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the drive circuit board holding member is provided with a connector holding projection for holding the power cable female connector.

4. 4. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 3, an opening is formed in the drive circuit board holding member at a position where the connector holding projection is to be disposed.

5. An electric vacuum cleaner comprising: an electric blower; a motor case having the electric blower; a storage battery; and a drive circuit board having mounted thereon a component for adjusting power supplied from the storage battery to the electric blower, The drive circuit board is disposed behind the electric blower, The drive circuit board is held at its rear side by a drive circuit board holding member made of heat-resistant resin, The electric vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the motor case portion includes an exhaust port disposed around the drive circuit board.

6. An electric vacuum cleaner comprising: an electric blower; a motor case having the electric blower; a storage battery; and a drive circuit board having mounted thereon a component for adjusting power supplied from the storage battery to the electric blower, The drive circuit board is disposed behind the electric blower, The drive circuit board is held at its rear side by a drive circuit board holding member made of heat-resistant resin, The area of ​​the drive circuit board is approximately equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the electric blower in a cross section perpendicular to a central axis of the electric blower.

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