Extension pipe of vacuum cleaner and vacuum cleaner unit

Abstract

To provide an extension pipe of a vacuum cleaner for supplying power from a position away from a cleaner body and a vacuum cleaner unit equipped with the extension pipe.SOLUTION: An extension pipe 30 is for connecting a suction tool 70 having a suction port 73 for sucking dust to one end side in a pipe axis direction, and connecting a cleaner body 10 to the other end side in the pipe axis direction. The extension pipe 30 has a power reception part 36 for receiving and supplying power to be supplied to a battery provided on a cleaner body 10 side. The extension pipe 30 includes a first energization part 42 on a power reception side for the power reception part 36 to supply power to the battery 17a provided on the cleaner body 10 side in the other end side in the pipe axis direction, a second energization part 44 provided more on the one end side than on the other end side in the pipe axis direction, and a power reception line 46 for electrically connecting the first energization part 42 and the second energization part 44.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an extension tube of a vacuum cleaner and a vacuum cleaner unit.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been provided a vacuum cleaner system such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1 below. This vacuum cleaner system includes a vacuum cleaner and a support device for supporting the vacuum cleaner. Further, the vacuum cleaner included in this vacuum cleaner system includes a main body having a handle, a suction tool for sucking dust, and a tube connecting the main body and the suction tool, and the support device is provided with a support. In this vacuum cleaner system, in a state where the vacuum cleaner is supported by the support device, the front side of the suction tool is arranged at a position closer to the support than the rear side.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, there is provided a configuration in which a battery provided in the vacuum cleaner main body can be charged by connecting to a power source through an energization part such as an energization terminal or a jack provided in the vacuum cleaner main body, like the vacuum cleaner of Patent Document 1 above. However, when such a configuration is adopted, static electricity may be generated by providing an energization part on the vacuum cleaner main body that is easily held or touched by the user, and there is a problem that consideration must be given to the arrangement of the energization part and other members, or countermeasures against static electricity must be taken separately (hereinafter, referred to as the "first problem" for convenience).

[0005] On the other hand, in the vacuum cleaner system of Patent Document 1, it is configured to charge the vacuum cleaner by a support device for supporting the vacuum cleaner. Since a connection terminal is provided on the vacuum cleaner main body, the support device must be designed such that the height of the power supply terminal for connecting to the connection terminal matches the height at which the connection terminal is located. Thus, when charging the vacuum cleaner using the support device, there is a problem that the support device becomes large (hereinafter, referred to as the "second problem" for convenience).

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an extension tube for an electric vacuum cleaner that enables power supply from a position separate from the vacuum cleaner main body. Another object of the present invention is to provide an electric vacuum cleaner unit capable of miniaturizing the charging base.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The extension tube of the electric vacuum cleaner in the embodiment of the present invention provided to solve the above-described first problem is an extension tube of an electric vacuum cleaner that connects a suction tool having a suction port for sucking dust to one end side in the tube axis direction and connects the vacuum cleaner main body to the other end side in the tube axis direction, and has a power receiving unit that receives and supplies power for supplying power to a battery provided on the vacuum cleaner main body side. The power receiving unit includes, at the other end side in the tube axis direction, a first energization unit connected to the vacuum cleaner main body, a second energization unit provided on the one end side in the tube axis direction rather than the first energization unit, and a power receiving wire that electrically connects the first energization unit and the second energization unit.

[0008] The extension tube of the electric vacuum cleaner in the embodiment of the present invention includes a power receiving unit that receives and supplies power for supplying power to a battery provided on the vacuum cleaner main body side. Also, in the extension tube of the electric vacuum cleaner in the embodiment of the present invention, at the other end side in the tube axis direction, the first energization unit is connected to the vacuum cleaner main body, the second energization unit is provided on the one end side in the tube axis direction rather than the first energization unit, and power can be supplied to the battery via the power receiving wire. Therefore, according to the extension tube of the electric vacuum cleaner in the embodiment of the present invention, power can be supplied from the second energization unit at a position separate from the vacuum cleaner main body to the battery.

[0009] In addition, the vacuum cleaner unit according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cleaner main body having a battery, a suction tool having a suction port for sucking dust, the extension pipe described above, a third energization part, and a charging stand having a charging mechanism for charging the battery. The charging stand has a placement part for placing the suction tool, and a support part for supporting the extension pipe and engaging with the extension pipe. While the support part supports the extension pipe and is in a state of engaging with the extension pipe, the third energization part and the second energization part are electrically connected, and the battery can be charged by supplying power from the third energization part to the second energization part by the charging mechanism.

[0010] In addition, the vacuum cleaner unit according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided to solve a second problem different from the first problem as the main problem. That is, in the vacuum cleaner system of Patent Document 1, since a connection terminal is provided on the cleaner main body, the charging stand has to be designed such that the height of the power supply terminal for connecting to the connection terminal matches the height at which the connection terminal is located. As a result, there is a problem that the charging stand becomes large-sized.

[0011] The vacuum cleaner unit according to an embodiment of the present invention provided to solve such a second problem includes a cleaner main body having a battery, a suction tool having a suction port for sucking dust, the above-described extension pipe, a third energization part, and a charging stand having a charging mechanism for charging the battery. The charging stand has a placement part for placing the suction tool, and a support part for supporting the extension pipe and engaging with the extension pipe. While the support part supports the extension pipe and is in a state of engaging with the extension pipe, the third energization part and the second energization part are electrically connected, and the battery can be charged by supplying power from the third energization part to the second energization part by the charging mechanism.

[0012] In this way, by supporting and engaging the extension pipe with respect to the support column portion of the charging stand, the second energization portion in the extension pipe and the third energization portion of the charging stand are electrically connected, and the battery can be charged by power supply from the charging mechanism. Therefore, in the embodiment of the present invention, the third energization portion can be provided on the charging stand in accordance with the second energization portion provided at a position lower than the cleaner main body. Thereby, the charging stand can be made compact.

Advantages of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, an extension pipe of an electric cleaner for enabling power supply from a position different from the cleaner main body can be provided. Further, according to the present invention, an electric cleaner unit capable of miniaturizing the charging stand can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, the vacuum cleaner unit 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, after schematically explaining the overall configuration of the vacuum cleaner unit 1, the main parts will be described in more detail. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the positional relationships such as the vertical direction and the width direction are described based on the state in which the vacuum cleaner unit 1 is erected as shown in FIG. 1.

[0016] ≪Regarding the overall configuration of the vacuum cleaner unit 1≫ As shown in FIG. 1, the vacuum cleaner unit 1 is a vacuum cleaner having a stick-shaped (vertical) appearance. The vacuum cleaner unit 1 can be, for example, a rechargeable one or one that obtains power from an external power source via a power cord. The vacuum cleaner unit 1 includes a vacuum cleaner body 10, a dust collecting part 20 (dust collecting device), an extension pipe 30 (pipe part), a suction tool 70, and a charging stand 90.

[0017] The vacuum cleaner main body 10 forms the main body of the electric vacuum cleaner unit 1 and is the part that exerts suction force to perform the dust collection function. Specifically, inside the main body case 12 that forms the housing, the vacuum cleaner main body 10 is provided with an electric blower 14 for sucking air to generate an air flow, a drive circuit for driving other electronic components, and other components.

[0018] Also, the vacuum cleaner main body 10 is provided with a gripping part 16. The gripping part 16 is a part provided for the user of the electric vacuum cleaner unit 1 to grip the vacuum cleaner main body 10. That is, the electric vacuum cleaner unit 1 is configured such that the user can grip the vacuum cleaner main body 10, for example, by passing the fingers except the thumb through the opening part constituted by the gripping part 16. More specifically, on one end side of the vacuum cleaner main body 10, a battery part 17 where a battery 17a is arranged is provided. One end of the gripping part 16 is connected to the battery part 17, extends away from the battery part 17, and the other end of the gripping part 16 is connected to the front side of the electric blower 14.

[0019] The dust collection part 20 is a part where the dust sucked by the electric vacuum cleaner unit 1 is collected. The dust collection part 20 may be of a cyclone type or a paper pack (bag) type. The dust collection part 20 is provided so as to be continuous with the vacuum cleaner main body 10. On the lower end side along the dust collection part 20, an extension pipe 30 or a suction tool 70 can be connected.

[0020] The extension pipe 30 is a cylindrical member that detachably connects the vacuum cleaner main body 10 and the suction tool 70. One end side of the extension pipe 30 is shaped so as to be insertable into the pipe connection part 22, and the other end is shaped so as to be connectable to the suction tool 70. By connecting the vacuum cleaner main body 10 and the suction tool 70 via the extension pipe 30, a series of continuous paths (air ducts) from the suction tool 70 to the vacuum cleaner main body 10 can be formed. Since the extension pipe 30 is a characteristic part in the electric vacuum cleaner unit 1, the configuration of each part will be described in detail later.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the suction tool 70 includes a case body 72 and a joint portion 74. The suction tool 70 has a suction port 73 at the bottom of the case body 72, and also includes members such as a rotary cleaning body 76, a rotary body driving device 77, and a cleaning body driving mechanism 78 inside the case body 72. The suction tool 70 can supply the electric power supplied from the battery 17a to the rotary body driving device 77 composed of a motor or the like via the suction tool connection terminals 75a and 75b and drive it. The power generated in the rotary body driving device 77 is transmitted to the rotary cleaning body 76 via the cleaning body driving mechanism 78. Thereby, the rotary cleaning body 76 is rotationally driven. The case body 72 is a portion that is placed on the floor during cleaning, and has a long shape in the left-right direction with respect to the front-rear direction, which is the direction of operation by the user during cleaning. Inside the case body 72, a suction space for sucking air and dust from the outside with the floor surface side as an open end is formed. The joint portion 74 is rotatably attached to the case body 72 within a predetermined rotation range (front-rear direction and left-right direction). The joint portion 74 is a portion to which the end portion of the extension pipe 30 described above is connected. The joint portion 74 is cylindrical, and its internal space communicates with the suction space. The joint portion 74 is supposed to be in a state of fitting with the case body 72 side by assuming an upright posture.

[0022] The charging stand 90 enables the battery 17a to be charged by placing the vacuum cleaner main body 10 with the extension pipe 30 and the suction tool 70 attached. The charging stand 90 has a placement portion 94 on which the suction tool 70 is placed and a support portion 96 that supports the extension pipe 30. Since the charging stand 90 is a characteristic part of the vacuum cleaner unit 1, the configuration of each part will be described in detail later.

[0023] The vacuum cleaner unit 1 generally has the configuration as described above. The vacuum cleaner unit 1 is characterized by the extension pipe 30 and the charging stand 90. Hereinafter, the structure of each part of the vacuum cleaner unit 1 will be described in more detail.

[0024] ≪Regarding the extension pipe 30≫ The extension tube 30 is a tube for a vacuum cleaner for connecting the suction tool 70 to one end side in the tube axis direction and connecting the vacuum cleaner main body 10 to the other end side in the tube axis direction as described above. The extension tube 30 has an overall shape as shown in FIG. 4 and has a characteristic configuration in each part as shown in FIGS. 5 to 12. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 12, the extension tube 30 is provided with a tube portion 32, a cover portion 34, a power receiving portion 36 (see FIG. 12), a power feeding portion 38 (see FIG. 12), and an arrangement portion 40.

[0025] The tube portion 32 is a tube that constitutes an air passage from the suction tool 70 to the vacuum cleaner main body 10. The tube portion 32 is constituted by a hollow cylinder that extends substantially linearly from one end side in the tube axis direction (the connection side with the suction tool 70) toward the other end side in the tube axis direction (the connection side with the vacuum cleaner main body 10). As shown in FIG. 6, the tube portion 32 has a diameter-expanded portion 32a that is expanded in diameter via a stepped portion 32b at one end side in the tube axis direction. Thereby, the joint portion 74 of the suction tool 70 can be inserted into the diameter-expanded portion 32a.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the cover portion 34 has a front side cover portion 34a and a back side cover portion 34b. The front side cover portion 34a is attached to the front side portion of the tube portion 32 in a state where the tube portion 32 is connected to the vacuum cleaner main body 10. The front side cover portion 34a is attached across from one end side in the tube axis direction to the other end side in the tube axis direction. The back side cover portion 34b is the back side portion of the tube portion 32 in a state where the tube portion 32 is connected to the vacuum cleaner main body 10. The back side cover portion 34b is a portion on one end side in the tube axis direction (the connection side of the suction tool 70) of the extension tube 30. In the present embodiment, the back side cover portion 34b is a part (an integral part) of the tube portion 32, but it may be configured to be attached to the tube portion 32 and integrated by combination with the front side cover portion 34a.

[0027] In addition, a wiring portion 33 is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the pipe portion 32 and the inner peripheral surface of the cover portion 34. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the wiring portion 33 is a space used for wiring the power receiving wire 46 and the power supply wire 56, which will be described in detail later. The wiring portion 33 has an axial wiring portion 33a in the pipe axis direction and an intersecting wiring portion 33b (communication portion) in the intersecting direction. The axial wiring portion 33a is a space for arranging the power receiving wire 46 and the power supply wire 56 along the pipe axis direction of the pipe portion 32 between the pipe portion 32 and the front cover portion 34a. Further, the intersecting wiring portion 33b is a space communicating in a direction intersecting the pipe axis direction for arranging the power receiving wire 46. The intersecting wiring portion 33b may be formed by providing a through hole or a groove in at least one of the pipe portion 32 or the cover portion 34. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 9, in the portion of the pipe portion 32 where the stepped portion 32b is provided, at the position on the other end side in the pipe axis direction (the side of the cleaner body 10), the space formed between the pipe portion 32 and the cover portion 34 is the intersecting wiring portion 33b. Also, the intersecting wiring portion 33b is formed so as to be continuous or communicate with the axial wiring portion 33a. Further, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, in the rear cover portion 34b, the intersecting wiring portion 33b and the communication hole 33c are provided. Thereby, the power receiving wire 46 can be routed from the front side to the rear side (the side of the arranging portion 40) of the pipe portion 32. It should be noted that the communication hole 33c can also be expressed as being provided at a position facing the arranging portion 40, which will be described in detail, in the rear cover portion 34b.

[0028] The power receiving portion 36 is provided to receive power supply for charging the battery 17a provided in the cleaner body 10 described above. As shown in FIG. 12, the power receiving portion 36 has a first energizing portion 42, a second energizing portion 44, and a power receiving wire 46.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the first energizing portion 42 is provided on the other end side in the pipe axis direction of the extension pipe 30 (the connection side to the cleaner main body 10). The first energizing portion 42 has first terminals 42a and 42b. The first terminals 42a and 42b are held or covered between the pipe portion 32 and the front cover portion 34a. The first terminals 42a and 42b are provided corresponding to connection terminals (not shown) electrically connected to the battery 17a on the cleaner main body 10 side. The first terminals 42a and 42b can be electrically connected to the connection terminals on the cleaner main body 10 side by connecting the extension pipe 30 to the cleaner main body 10. The first terminals 42a and 42b may be any as long as they can be electrically connected to the terminals on the cleaner main body 10 side. In the present embodiment, male terminals are used as the first terminals 42a and 42b, and female terminals are used as the connection terminals on the cleaner main body 10 side.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 11, the second energizing portion 44 is provided on one end side in the pipe axis direction of the extension pipe 30 (the connection side to the suction tool 70) rather than the first energizing portion 42. The second energizing portion 44 is connected to a third energizing portion 98 provided on the charging stand 90 side, which will be described in detail later. The second energizing portion 44 has second terminals 44a and 44b. The second terminals 44a and 44b are provided corresponding to the first terminals 42a and 42b respectively. As shown in FIG. 8, the second terminals 44a and 44b are provided on a power receiving wire 46 drawn out to the outside of the cover portion 34 through a communication hole 33c provided in the back cover portion 34b. Also, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 11, the second terminals 44a and 44b are arranged inside the arrangement portion 40, which will be described in detail later. The second terminals 44a and 44b may be any as long as they can be electrically connected to the terminals on the third energizing portion 98 side provided on the charging stand 90 side, which will be described in detail later. In the present embodiment, since male terminals are used as the connection terminals on the charging stand 90 side, female terminals are used for the second terminals 44a and 44b.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 12, the power receiving wire 46 is a wiring that electrically connects the first energizing portion 42 and the second energizing portion 44. In the present embodiment, corresponding to the provision of the first terminals 42a and 42b as the first energizing portion 42 and the second terminals 44a and 44b as the second energizing portion 44, power receiving wires 46a and 46b are provided. The power receiving wire 46a connects the first terminal 42a and the second terminal 44a, and the power receiving wire 46b connects the first terminal 42b and the second terminal 44b. The power receiving wire 46 (46a, 46b) is arranged in the wiring portion 33. Specifically, the power receiving wire 46 is routed along the pipe axis direction in the pipe axis direction wiring portion 33a from the first energizing portion 42, and is routed in a direction intersecting the pipe axis direction in the intersecting direction wiring portion 33b.

[0032] The power supply unit 38 is provided to supply power from the battery 17a provided in the cleaner main body 10 to the suction tool 70. The power supply unit 38 has substantially the same configuration as the power receiving unit 36. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the power supply unit 38 includes a fourth energizing portion 52, a fifth energizing portion 54, and a power supply wire 56.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the fourth energizing portion 52 is provided on the other end side in the pipe axis direction of the extension pipe 30 (the connection side of the cleaner main body 10), similarly to the first energizing portion 42 described above. The fourth energizing portion 52 has fourth terminals 52a and 52b. The fourth terminals 52a and 52b are held or covered between the pipe portion 32 and the front side cover portion 34a. The fourth terminals 52a and 52b are provided corresponding to connection terminals (not shown) for power supply (power output) that are electrically connected to the battery 17a on the cleaner main body 10 side. The fourth terminals 52a and 52b can be electrically connected to the connection terminals on the cleaner main body 10 side by connecting the extension pipe 30 to the cleaner main body 10. The fourth terminals 52a and 52b may be any that can be electrically connected to the terminals on the cleaner main body 10 side. In the present embodiment, male terminals are used as the fourth terminals 52a and 52b, and female terminals are used as the connection terminals on the cleaner main body 10 side.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 10, the fifth energizing unit 54 is provided on one end side in the tube axis direction of the extension tube 30 (the connection side of the suction tool 70) rather than the fourth energizing unit 52. The fifth energizing unit 54 is connected to connection terminals provided on the suction tool 70 in order to supply power to the electrical components of the suction tool 70. Such electrical components are, for example, the rotating body drive device 77 and a control unit (control board) for controlling the rotating body drive device 77. The fifth energizing unit 54 has fifth terminals 54a and 54b. The fifth terminals 54a and 54b are fixed to a groove-shaped arrangement portion provided on the front side of the tube portion 32. The fifth terminals 54a and 54b are provided corresponding to the fourth terminals 52a and 52b, respectively. Different from the second terminals 44a and 44b described above, the fifth terminals 54a and 54b are provided at positions where they can be electrically connected to the connection terminals on the suction tool 70 side (suction tool connection terminals 75a and 75b) by connecting the suction tool 70 to the extension tube 30. In the present embodiment, since male connection terminals are used as the connection terminals provided on the suction tool 70, the fifth terminals 54a and 54b are female terminals.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 12, the power supply line 56 is a wiring for electrically connecting the fourth energizing unit 52 and the fifth energizing unit 54. In the present embodiment, corresponding to the provision of the fourth terminals 52a and 52b as the fourth energizing unit 52 and the fifth terminals 54a and 54b as the fifth energizing unit 54, power supply lines 56a and 56b are provided. The power supply line 56a connects the fourth terminal 52a and the fifth terminal 54a, and the power supply line 56b connects the fourth terminal 52b and the fifth terminal 54b. The power supply line 56 (56a, 56b) is arranged in the wiring duct 33. Specifically, the power supply line 56 extends along the tube axis direction in the tube axis direction wiring duct 33a from the fourth energizing unit 52 and is wired so as to reach the fifth energizing unit 54.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 4, 6, 10, etc., the arranging portion 40 is provided on the back side of the extension pipe 30. The arranging portion 40 is provided with the second terminals 44a and 44b of the second energizing portion 44 described above. Therefore, the arranging portion 40 is provided at a position corresponding to the communication hole 33c provided on the back side of the extension pipe 30. That is, the arranging portion 40 is provided at a position on one end side in the pipe axis direction of the extension pipe 30 (the connection side with the suction tool 70). Further, the arranging portion 40 is configured to be able to engage with the support portion 96 of the charging stand 90, which will be described in detail later, to form an engaging structure.

[0037] The arranging portion 40 has a receiving portion 60 provided so as to bulge toward the back side of the extension pipe 30. The arranging portion 40 is provided with the second terminals 44a and 44b inside the receiving portion 60. The receiving portion 60 is hollow and has a first opening 62 opened toward one side in the pipe axis direction (the connection side with the suction tool 70). Therefore, the arranging portion 40 can engage the extension pipe 30 with the support portion 96 of the charging stand 90 by allowing the first protrusion 110 provided on the support portion 96 of the charging stand 90 to enter the receiving portion 60 through the first opening 62. That is, the arranging portion 40 has a function as an engaged portion for engaging the extension pipe 30 with the support portion 96 in addition to the function of arranging the second energizing portion 44.

[0038] Further, the arranging portion 40 has a second opening 64 on the contact surface 60a on the side facing the support portion 96 of the charging stand 90 in a state of being engaged with the support portion 96 of the charging stand 90. The second opening 64 is an opening for connecting the third energizing portion 98 provided on the charging stand 90 to the second energizing portion 44 arranged inside the receiving portion 60.

[0039] The installation part 40 has a terminal opening 66 on the rear surface side of the extension pipe 30 (the surface facing the surface provided with the second opening 64). The terminal opening 66 is an opening for inserting and detaching the third terminals 98a and 98b of the third energizing part 98, which will be described later, with respect to the second terminals 44a and 44b of the second energizing part 44. The terminal opening 66 is open toward one side in the pipe axis direction (the connection side with the suction tool 70) and the second opening 64 side. Thereby, the third terminals 98a and 98b are inserted on one side in the pipe axis direction of the terminal opening 66, and the third terminals 98a and 98b are fixed on the second opening 64 side of the terminal opening 66.

[0040] ≪Regarding the charging stand 90≫ The vacuum cleaner unit 1 has a characteristic configuration also for the charging stand 90 corresponding to the above-described extension pipe 30. As shown in FIG. 3, the charging stand 90 is provided with a third energizing part 98 and a charging mechanism 100 for a mounting part 94 and a support part 96 that form a charging stand main body 92.

[0041] The mounting part 94 is a part that serves as a pedestal for mounting the suction tool 70. The mounting part 94 has a stopper 102 on the front side. The stopper 102 is formed so as to protrude upward from the top surface side of the mounting part 94. Further, the stopper 102 is formed so as to extend in the width direction of the mounting part 94. Therefore, the stopper 102 can position the suction tool 70 arranged on the top surface of the mounting part 94 so as not to move beyond the stopper 102 to the front side.

[0042] The support part 96 is a columnar part erected in the vertical direction on the rear surface side of the mounting part 94 (the side opposite to the stopper 102). The support part 96 is a part that engages with and supports the extension pipe 30 connected to the suction tool 70 arranged on the mounting part 94. Specifically, the support part 96 can support the extension pipe 30 by engaging the receiving part 60 that forms the installation part 40 of the extension pipe 30 with the engaging part 104 provided on the upper end side.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the engaging portion 104 has four protruding portions consisting of a first protruding portion 110, a second protruding portion 112, a third protruding portion 114, and a fourth protruding portion 116. The first protruding portion 110 is a protruding portion formed to extend in the width direction on the front side of the support portion 96. The first protruding portion 110 is a portion that is inserted into the receiving portion 60 through the first opening 62 provided in the extension pipe 30 described above. The second protruding portion 112 is provided so as to face the first protruding portion 110 with a predetermined interval therebetween inside a space 120 that is open toward the front side and the top surface side on the upper end side of the support portion 96. The third protruding portion 114 is a protruding portion arranged so as to intersect the first protruding portion 110. The third protruding portion 114 is arranged inside the space 120 in the same manner as the second protruding portion 112. Also, although the first protruding portion 110 and the third protruding portion 114 may be separated from each other, in the present embodiment, the third protruding portion 114 is connected to the first protruding portion 110 at the intermediate portion in the width direction of the first protruding portion 110. Therefore, the first protruding portion 110 and the third protruding portion 114 are formed in a substantially "T" shape in plan view. Further, the fourth protruding portion 116 is provided so as to protrude toward the inside of the space 120 on the surface of the first protruding portion 110 facing the space 120. The fourth protruding portion 116 is provided at a position facing the second protruding portion 112.

[0044] The space 120 is the portion where the second protrusion 112 and the third protrusion 114 are arranged. At the edge on the upper end side of the space 120, in order to easily guide the receiving portion 60 provided on the extension pipe 30, a chamfered portion 120a having a shape such as a tapered shape is provided. Further, the space 120 has an opening width on the front side that is equal to or greater than the width of the receiving portion 60 provided on the extension pipe 30. Further, the width of the third protrusion 114 described above is equal to or less than the width of the second opening 64 formed in the receiving portion 60 in the extension pipe 30. Further, the second protrusion 112 is provided on both sides in the width direction with respect to the third protrusion 114. Therefore, by inserting the receiving portion 60 in the extension pipe 30 toward the space 120, the contact surface 60a of the receiving portion 60 enters between the first protrusion 110 and the second protrusion 112, and the third protrusion 114 enters the second opening 64 provided in the contact surface 60a. As a result, the receiving portion 60 provided on the extension pipe 30 side and the engaging portion 104 provided on the support portion 96 side are in an engaged state.

[0045] The third energizing portion 98 has third terminals 98a and 98b. The third terminals 98a and 98b are blade-shaped terminals. The third terminals 98a and 98b are respectively provided so as to intersect the first protrusion 110 described above and protrude toward the front side with respect to the first protrusion 110. The third terminals 98a and 98b are arranged to be symmetric with respect to each other via the third protrusion 114 in the posture of the first protrusion 110 viewed from the front. Further, the third terminals 98a and 98b are provided on the center side in the width direction (the third protrusion 114 side) rather than the positions where the second protrusion 112 and the fourth protrusion 116 are provided. The third terminals 98a and 98b are respectively connected to the charging mechanism 100.

[0046] The charging mechanism 100 supplies electric power to the third energizing portion 98 by electric power supplied from an external power source. A control board or the like constituting the charging mechanism 100 is built in a charging stand main body 92 (for example, a placement portion 94, a support portion 96, etc.) constituting the charging stand 90.

[0047] ≪Regarding the characteristic configurations and effects of the vacuum cleaner unit 1 and the extension pipe 30≫ Next, the characteristic configuration of the above-described vacuum cleaner unit 1 and the extension tube 30, and the effects of the configuration will be described.

[0048] (1) The extension tube 30 of the present embodiment is for connecting a suction tool 70 having a suction port 73 for sucking dust to one end side in the tube axis direction, and for connecting the cleaner main body 10 to the other end side in the tube axis direction. It has a power receiving unit 36 that receives and supplies power for supplying power to the battery 17a provided in the cleaner main body 10. On the other end side in the tube axis direction, the power receiving unit 36 has a first energization unit 42 on the power receiving side for supplying power to the battery 17a provided in the cleaner main body 10, a second energization unit 44 provided on the other side than the one end side in the tube axis direction, and a power receiving wire 46 that electrically connects the first energization unit 42 and the second energization unit 44. It is characterized by comprising these.

[0049] The above-described extension tube 30 includes a power receiving unit 36 that receives and supplies power for supplying power to the battery 17a provided on the cleaner main body 10 side. Further, on the other end side in the tube axis direction of the extension tube 30, by connecting the first energization unit 42 to the battery 17a side provided on the cleaner main body 10 side, power can be supplied to the battery 17a via the power receiving wire 46 from the second energization unit 44 provided on the one end side in the tube axis direction rather than the first energization unit 42. Therefore, according to the above-described extension tube 30, power can be supplied from the second energization unit 44 at a position different from the cleaner main body 10 to the battery 17a. Also, in such a configuration, by avoiding providing an energization unit on the cleaner main body that is easy for the user to hold or touch, the generation of static electricity can be suppressed.

[0050] (2) The extension tube 30 of the present embodiment includes a tube portion 32 that constitutes an air passage, and a cover portion 34 for arranging the power receiving wire 46 between the tube portions 32. Between the tube portion 32, the cover portion 34, or between the tube portion 32 and the cover portion 34, it has an intersecting direction wiring portion 33b (communication portion) that communicates in a direction intersecting the tube axis direction. The power receiving wire 46 is wired via the intersecting direction wiring portion 33b and electrically connects the first energization unit 42 and the second energization unit 44. It is characterized by this.

[0051] According to such a configuration, not only can the power receiving wire 46 be routed along the tube axis direction of the extension tube 30, but also the power receiving wire 46 can be routed in a direction intersecting the tube axis direction via the cross-direction wiring portion 33b. Therefore, according to the above-described configuration, the degree of freedom in arranging the second energization portion 44 with respect to the first energization portion 42 is improved. Further, for example, when the second energization portion 44 is provided in the back-side cover portion 34b, the second energization portion 44 can be hidden by the tube portion 32 when viewed from the front side, so that the design property can be improved.

[0052] In addition, in the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the cross-direction wiring portion 33b is provided to communicate in a direction intersecting the tube axis direction through between the tube portion 32 and the cover portion 34, but the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, the extension tube 30 may be configured such that a through hole or a groove is provided in at least one of the tube portion 32 or the cover portion 34 so that the power receiving wire 46 can be routed in a direction intersecting the tube axis direction. Further, for example, when it is not necessary to route the power receiving wire 46 in a direction intersecting the tube axis direction, the extension tube 30 may not include the cross-direction wiring portion 33b.

[0053] (3) Here, as a problem solved by the extension tube 30 of the present embodiment, for example, an energization portion is provided in a cleaner body where there is a concern about the generation of static electricity when a user grips or touches it, and it is necessary to consider the arrangement of the energization portion and other members or to separately take measures against static electricity. On the other hand, according to the electric vacuum cleaner unit 1 of the present embodiment, a problem completely different from the problem solved by the extension tube 30 of the present embodiment can be solved. Specifically, in the cleaner system of Patent Document 1, since a connection terminal is provided in the cleaner body, the charging stand has to be designed such that the height of the power supply terminal for connecting to the connection terminal matches the height at which the connection terminal is located. As a result, there has been a problem that the charging stand becomes large-sized.

[0054] In order to solve the above-described problem of the charging stand becoming large-sized, the vacuum cleaner unit 1 of the present embodiment includes a cleaner main body 10 having a battery 17a, a suction tool 70 having a suction port 73 for sucking dust, the extension pipe 30 described above, a third power supply unit 98, and a charging stand 90 having a charging mechanism 100 for charging the battery 17a. The charging stand 90 has a placement portion 94 for placing the suction tool 70, and a support portion 96 that supports the extension pipe 30 and engages with the extension pipe 30. While the support portion 96 supports the extension pipe 30 and is in a state of engaging with the extension pipe 30, the third power supply unit 98 and the second power supply unit 44 are electrically connected, and the charging mechanism 100 can supply power from the third power supply unit 98 to the second power supply unit 44 to charge the battery 17a.

[0055] The vacuum cleaner unit 1 illustrated in the present embodiment supports and engages the extension pipe 30 with respect to the support portion 96 of the charging stand 90, thereby electrically connecting the second power supply unit 44 in the extension pipe 30 and the third power supply unit 98 of the charging stand 90, and the charging mechanism 100 can supply power to charge the battery 17a. Therefore, in the vacuum cleaner unit 1 according to the present embodiment, the third power supply unit 98 can be provided on the charging stand 90 in accordance with the second power supply unit 44 provided at a position lower than the cleaner main body 10. Thereby, the charging stand 90 can be made compact. Further, the vacuum cleaner unit 1 illustrated in the present embodiment includes the extension pipe 30 described above. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner unit 1 described above can be electrically connected to the charging mechanism 100 at a position different from the cleaner main body 10 and supply power to the battery 17a.

[0056] (4) The vacuum cleaner unit 1 of the present embodiment includes a disposition portion 40 for disposing the second power supply unit 44, and the disposition portion 40 is characterized by constituting an engagement structure that engages with the support portion 96.

[0057] According to such a configuration, the engagement structure constituted by the disposition portion 40 and the support portion 96 can surely connect the second power supply unit 44 to the third power supply unit 98 to charge the battery 17a.

[0058] In addition, in this embodiment, an example (reception part 60) is shown in which the arrangement part 40 where the second energization part 44 is arranged is utilized as a configuration for engaging with the support column part 96. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the reception part 60 may not be provided in the arrangement part 40 where the second energization part 44 is arranged, and one of the engagement structures for engaging with the support column part 96 may be provided on the extension pipe 30 or the like. For example, a housing part that sandwiches a part of the extension pipe 30 from the radial direction may be provided on the support column part 96, and in the housing part, an engagement structure that engages with the extension pipe 30 from the radial direction may be provided, and a third energization part 98 connected to the second energization part 44 in the arrangement part 40 may be provided.

[0059] Also, in this embodiment, an example in which the arrangement part 40 where the second energization part 44 is arranged is provided has been described. However, a configuration in which the second energization part 44 is arranged between the pipe part 32 and the rear side cover part 34b may also be used. In such a case, the second energization part 44 may be configured to be exposed on the outer surface of the rear side cover part 34b, or may be configured to have a terminal opening for inserting the third energization part 98.

[0060] (5) The vacuum cleaner unit 1 of this embodiment is characterized in that the arrangement part 40 has a hollow reception part 60 in which a first opening part 62 that is opened so as to face one side in the pipe axis direction is arranged, and the support column part 96 has a first protrusion part 110 (protrusion part) that is inserted into the reception part 60 through the first opening part 62.

[0061] According to such a configuration, by arranging the extension pipe 30 with respect to the support column part 96 such that the first protrusion part 110 provided on the support column part 96 side is inserted into the reception part 60 that forms the arrangement part 40 in the extension pipe 30, the extension pipe 30 can be engaged with the support column part 96.

[0062] (6) The vacuum cleaner unit 1 of this embodiment is characterized in that the third energization part 98 is provided on the first protrusion part 110.

[0063] According to such a configuration, by engaging the extension pipe 30 with the support portion 96, it becomes possible to connect the second energization portion 44 provided in the arrangement portion 40 and the third energization portion 98. Thereby, the connection work between the second energization portion 44 and the third energization portion 98 can be easily and surely performed.

[0064] (7) The vacuum cleaner unit 1 of the present embodiment is characterized in that the receiving portion 60 has a second opening 64 on the side facing the support portion 96, and the third energization portion 98 is connected to the second energization portion 44 via the second opening 64.

[0065] According to such a configuration, the second energization portion 44 and the third energization portion 98 can be connected inside the receiving portion 60. Thereby, the safety of the connection work between the second energization portion 44 and the third energization portion 98 can be further improved.

[0066] The configurations of the above-described vacuum cleaner unit 1 and the extension pipe 30 merely show one embodiment and a modification example of the present invention, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, in the above modification example, as the engaging portion 104, an example in which four protrusions including the first protrusion 110, the second protrusion 112, the third protrusion 114, and the fourth protrusion 116 are provided is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be provided with only the first protrusion 110, or may not be provided with any one or a plurality of the other protrusions (the second protrusion 112, the third protrusion 114, and the fourth protrusion 116) excluding the first protrusion 110.

[0067] Also, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which male terminals or female terminals are used as the first energization unit 42, the second energization unit 44, the third energization unit 98, the fourth energization unit 52, and the fifth energization unit 54 has been shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, for some or all of these, a type that is energized by contacting metal terminals with each other, or a type that can be energized wirelessly may be used. Further, as some or all of these energization units, conventionally known jacks or plugs may be used. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, a jack 44x is provided as the second energization unit 44, and a plug 98x is provided as the third energization unit 98 at a position where it can be connected to the jack 44x that forms the second energization unit 44 when the extension pipe 30 is engaged with the support column portion 96. Also, in the configuration as shown in FIG. 15, a configuration in which the jack 44x is provided on the support column portion 96 and the plug 98x is provided on the extension pipe 30 may also be used.

[0068] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, on the other end side in the tube axis direction of the extension tube 30, the first terminals 42a and 42b forming the first energization part 42 and the fourth terminals 52a and 52b forming the fourth energization part 52 are provided. Taking the position in the circumferential direction of the tube part 30 that intersects the virtual cross-section passing through the tube axis as the reference position, the first terminal 42a and the fourth terminal 52a are arranged in this order on one side of the reference position (one of the directions intersecting the tube axis when viewed from the front side cover part 34a), and the fourth terminal 52b and the first terminal 42b are arranged in this order on the other side, which is the opposite side of the one side of the reference position (the other of the directions intersecting the tube axis when viewed from the front side cover part 34a). However, the order is not limited to this. The first terminal 42a and the fourth terminal 52a may be arranged on one side of the reference position, and the first terminal 42b and the fourth terminal 52b may be arranged on the other side of the reference position. Also, such a configuration is to separate between the first terminal 42a and the first terminal 42b and between the fourth terminal 52a and the fourth terminal 52b to avoid short circuits between the terminals as much as possible when the terminals are curved or dust accumulates between the terminals. However, the distance between these terminals can also be appropriately changed. Additionally, for example, the pair of first terminals 42a and 42b forming the first energization part 42 may be arranged side by side on one side of the reference position, and the pair of fourth terminals 52a and 52b forming the fourth energization part 52 may be arranged side by side on the other side of the reference position.

[0069] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the first energizing unit 42, the fourth energizing unit 52, and the fifth energizing unit 54 are arranged on the front side of the pipe portion 32, but the configuration is not limited to this. Modifications 1 to 7 can be considered by changing the positions of the first energizing unit 42, the fourth energizing unit 52, and the fifth energizing unit 54. Here, on the other end side in the pipe axis direction, a configuration in which the first energizing unit 42 and the fourth energizing unit 52 are arranged on the front side of the pipe portion 32 is defined as Configuration A, and on the other end side in the pipe axis direction, a configuration in which one of the first energizing unit 42 and the fourth energizing unit 52 is arranged on the front side of the pipe portion 32 and the other is arranged on the back side of the pipe portion 32 is defined as Configuration B, and on the other end side in the pipe axis direction, a configuration in which the first energizing unit 42 and the fourth energizing unit 52 are arranged on the back side of the pipe portion 32 is defined as Configuration C. In Configurations A to C, when at least one of the first energizing unit 42 or the fourth energizing unit 52 is arranged on the back side of the pipe portion 32, the back side cover portions 34b1 to 34b6 are provided so that at least one of the power supply line 56 or the power receiving line 46 is arranged between the pipe portion 32. Then, on the one end side in the pipe axis direction, a configuration in which the fifth energizing unit 54 is arranged on the front side of the pipe portion 32 is defined as Configuration D, and on the one end side in the pipe axis direction, a configuration in which the fifth energizing unit 54 is arranged on the back side of the pipe portion 32 is defined as Configuration E.

[0070] In Modification 1, it is a form in which Configuration A and Configuration E are combined. In this form, the power supply line 56 together with the power receiving line 46 may be routed from the front side to the back side of the pipe portion 32 using the cross-direction cable routing portion 33b.

[0071] As Modifications 2 to 5, it is a form in which Configuration B and Configurations D and E are combined. In Modification 2, which is a combination of Configuration B and Configuration D when the first energizing unit 42 is arranged on the front side of the pipe portion 32 and the fourth energizing unit 52 is arranged on the back side of the pipe portion 32, the back side cover portion 34b1 that holds or covers the fourth energizing unit 52 on the back side of the pipe portion 32 may be provided. Then, the cross-direction cable routing portion 33b may be used to route the power supply line 56 from the back side to the front side of the pipe portion 32.

[0072] Further, in Modification Example 3, which is a combination of Configuration B and Configuration E where the first energizing portion 42 is arranged on the front side of the pipe portion 32 and the fourth energizing portion 52 is arranged on the back side of the pipe portion 32, a back side cover portion 34b2 that holds or covers the fourth energizing portion 52 and the fifth energizing portion 54 may be provided on the back side of the pipe portion 32.

[0073] Further, in Modification Example 4, which is a combination of Configuration B and Configuration D where the fourth energizing portion 52 is arranged on the front side of the pipe portion 32 and the first energizing portion 42 is arranged on the back side of the pipe portion 32, a back side cover portion 34b3 that holds or covers the first energizing portion 42 may be provided on the back side of the pipe portion 32. In this form, since it is not necessary to draw the power receiving wire 46 from the front side to the back side of the pipe portion 32, the cross-direction wiring portion 33b becomes unnecessary.

[0074] Further, in Modification Example 5, which is a combination of Configuration B and Configuration E where the fourth energizing portion 52 is arranged on the front side of the pipe portion 32 and the first energizing portion 42 is arranged on the back side of the pipe portion 32, a back side cover portion 34b4 that holds or covers the first energizing portion 42 may be provided on the back side of the pipe portion 32. In that case, it is not necessary to draw the power receiving wire 46 from the front side to the back side of the pipe portion 32. Then, the power supply wire 56 may be routed from the front side to the back side of the pipe portion 32 using the cross-direction wiring portion 33b.

[0075] In Modification Example 6, it is a form that combines Configuration C and Configuration D. In this form, a back side cover portion 34b5 that holds or covers the first energizing portion 42 and the fourth energizing portion 52 may be provided on the back side of the pipe portion 32. In that case, the power supply wire 56 may be routed from the back side to the front side of the pipe portion 32 using the cross-direction wiring portion 33b.

[0076] In Modification Example 7, it is a form that combines Configuration C and Configuration E. In this form, instead of the front side cover portion 34a, a back side cover portion 34b6 that holds or covers the first energizing portion 42 and the fourth energizing portion 52 may be provided on the back side of the pipe portion 32. In that case, the cross-direction wiring portion 33b can be eliminated.

[0077] In addition, when changing the positions of the first energizing portion 42, the fourth energizing portion 46, and the fifth energizing portion 54 from the embodiment according to Modifications 1 to 7, the positions of the terminals of the cleaner main body 10 and the terminal 75a of the suction tool 70 may be changed accordingly.

[0078] The present invention is not limited to those shown as the above-described embodiments and modifications, etc., and there may be other embodiments within the scope not departing from the teachings and spirit thereof. The constituent elements of the above-described embodiments may be arbitrarily selected and combined. Further, any constituent element of the embodiment and any constituent element described in the means for solving the invention or a constituent element embodying any constituent element described in the means for solving the invention may be arbitrarily combined. Regarding these, there is an intention to obtain rights in the amendment or divisional application of the present application, etc.

Industrial Applicability

[0079] The present invention can be suitably used in the extension pipe of the electric cleaner and the entire electric cleaner unit including the same.

Explanation of Signs

[0080] 1: Electric cleaner unit 10: Cleaner main body 17a: Battery 30: Extension pipe 32: Pipe portion 33c: Communication portion 34: Cover portion 36: Power receiving portion 40: Disposal portion 42: First energizing portion 44: Second energizing portion 46: Power receiving wire 60: Receiving portion 62: First opening 64: Second opening 70: Suction tool 73: Suction port 90: Charging stand 94: Placing portion 96: Support portion 98: Third power supply unit 100: Charging mechanism 110: First protrusion

Claims

1. An extension tube for a vacuum cleaner for connecting a suction tool having a suction port for sucking dust to one end of the tube in the axial direction and a vacuum cleaner main body to the other end of the tube in the axial direction, a power receiving unit that receives and supplies power to a battery provided on the vacuum cleaner body; a power supply unit for supplying power from the battery to the suction tool, The power receiving unit, A first current conducting portion connected to the vacuum cleaner body at the other end side in the tube axis direction; A second current conducting portion provided closer to one end in the tube axis direction than the first current conducting portion; a power receiving wire electrically connecting the first current conducting portion and the second current conducting portion, a charging base for charging the battery, and a mounting portion for mounting the second current-carrying portion; An extension tube of an electric vacuum cleaner, characterized in that the extension tube is connected to the vacuum cleaner body and the suction tool, and when the mounting portion is engaged with the charging base, the third conductive portion of the charging base and the second conductive portion are connectable to the outer periphery of the extension tube.

2. a power supply unit for supplying power from the battery to the suction tool, The power supply unit, A fourth current conducting unit connected to the vacuum cleaner body at the other end side in the tube axis direction; A fifth current conducting portion connected to the suction tool at one end side in the tube axis direction; 2. The extension tube of claim 1, further comprising: a power supply line electrically connecting the fourth current conducting portion and the fifth current conducting portion.

3. one of the pair of first terminals constituting the first current-carrying portion and one of the pair of fourth terminals constituting the fourth current-carrying portion are arranged on a front side of the extension tube and on one side in a left-right direction so as to be aligned in a circumferential direction of the extension tube; the other of the pair of first terminals and the other of the pair of fourth terminals are arranged on a front side of the extension tube and on the other side in the left-right direction so as to be aligned in a circumferential direction of the extension tube; one of the first terminals is disposed spaced apart from the other of the first terminals, and one of the fourth terminals is disposed spaced apart from the other of the fourth terminals, The extension tube of the vacuum cleaner according to claim 2 , wherein the fifth current-carrying portion is provided on a front side or a rear side of the extension tube.

4. one of the pair of first terminals constituting the first current-carrying portion and one of the pair of fourth terminals constituting the fourth current-carrying portion are arranged on a rear side of the extension tube and on one side in a left-right direction so as to be aligned in a circumferential direction of the extension tube; the other of the pair of first terminals and the other of the pair of fourth terminals are arranged on a rear side of the extension tube and on the other side in a left-right direction so as to be aligned in a circumferential direction of the extension tube; one of the first terminals is disposed spaced apart from the other of the first terminals, and one of the fourth terminals is disposed spaced apart from the other of the fourth terminals, The extension tube of the vacuum cleaner according to claim 2 , wherein the fifth current-carrying portion is provided on a front side or a rear side of the extension tube.

5. The extension tube of the vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, when the extension tube is connected to the suction tool, the second conductive portion is exposed on an outer circumferential surface of the extension tube.

6. A pipe portion that configures an air passage; 6. The extension tube of the vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, further comprising: a cover portion for arranging the power receiving wire between the extension tube and the tube portion.

7. A communication portion is provided between the pipe portion, the cover portion, or between the pipe portion and the cover portion, the communication portion being provided in a direction intersecting with a pipe axis direction, 7. The extension tube of claim 6, wherein the power receiving wire is routed through the communication portion and electrically connects the first current conducting portion and the second current conducting portion.

8. A vacuum cleaner body having a battery; A suction tool having a suction port for sucking in dust; An extension tube according to any one of claims 1 to 8; a charging stand having a third current-carrying unit and a charging mechanism for charging the battery, The charging stand, A mounting portion for mounting the suction tool; a support portion that supports the extension pipe and engages with the extension pipe, a support portion supporting the extension tube and electrically connecting the third conductive portion to the second conductive portion when engaged with the extension tube, and the charging mechanism supplies power from the third conductive portion to the second conductive portion to charge the battery, the vacuum cleaner unit characterized in that

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