Suction port body and vacuum cleaner with the same

Abstract

To provide a suction port body and a vacuum cleaner that enable reducing noise generated during rotation of a rotary cleaning body.SOLUTION: A suction port body comprises: a housing; a rotation body provided in the housing; a driving motor; a power transmission mechanism for transmitting rotational force from the driving motor to the rotation body; and a clutch for transmitting the rotational force from the driving motor to the power transmission mechanism. The clutch includes: a driving clutch rotated about a first rotational axis by the rotational force from the driving motor; and a driven clutch rotated about the first rotational axis by the rotational force from the driving clutch and movable along the first rotational axis in a direction away from the driving clutch. The power transmission mechanism includes: a first rotation mechanism rotating by the rotational force from the driven clutch and movable along the first rotational axis; and a second rotation mechanism rotating by the rotational force from the first rotation mechanism and movable along a second rotational axis. The rotation body rotates by the rotational force from the second rotation mechanism and is movable along the second rotational axis.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a suction mouth body and an electric vacuum cleaner including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vacuum cleaner suction port body equipped with a rotary brush rotated by a drive motor. In this suction port body, the torque of the drive motor is transmitted to the rotary brush via a clutch and a pulley-belt mechanism. The clutch includes a drive clutch with multiple first teeth connected to the output shaft of the drive motor, and a driven clutch with multiple second teeth that contact the multiple first teeth. The pulley-belt mechanism includes a first pulley connected to the driven clutch, a second pulley connected to the rotary brush shaft, a timing belt connecting the first and second pulleys, and a storage case that houses the first pulley, the second pulley, and the timing belt. One end of the rotary brush shaft body is connected to the second pulley, and the other end of the shaft body is provided with a positioning member connected to the shaft body via a shaft and a bearing. In this suction port body, the driven clutch, the pulley-belt mechanism, and the rotary brush form a rotary brush unit. The housing of the suction port body has a suction port and a holding part that detachably holds the rotary brush unit so that the rotary brush can be set at the position of the suction port. The holding part has a first rib that receives a storage case for the pulley and belt mechanism of the rotary brush unit, and a second rib that receives a positioning member for the rotary brush of the rotary brush unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-43123 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] To make the rotating brush unit detachable from the holder, gaps are provided in the axial direction of the rotating brush between the first rib of the holder and the storage case, and between the second rib of the holder and the positioning member. These gaps can cause the rotating brush unit to vibrate and generate noise when the rotating brush rotates, leaving room for improvement.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a suction mouth body and an electric vacuum cleaner equipped with the same, which have been made in consideration of the above circumstances. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention provides a vacuum cleaner comprising: a housing having an air inlet; a rotor rotatably provided in the housing near the air inlet; a drive motor; a power transmission mechanism that transmits the rotational force of the drive motor to the rotor; and a clutch that is provided between the drive motor and the power transmission mechanism and transmits the rotational force of the drive motor to the power transmission mechanism, the clutch includes a drive clutch that rotates about a first rotation shaft by the rotational force of the drive motor, and a driven clutch that rotates about the first rotation shaft by the rotational force of the drive clutch and is movable along the first rotation shaft in a direction away from the drive clutch, the power transmission mechanism includes a first rotation mechanism that rotates about the first rotation shaft by a rotational force of the driven clutch and is movable along the first rotation shaft in accordance with movement of the driven clutch, and a second rotation mechanism that rotates about a second rotation shaft by a rotational force of the first rotation mechanism and is movable along the second rotation shaft in accordance with movement of the first rotation mechanism, The rotating body provides an intake body that rotates around the second rotation axis by the rotational force of the second rotation mechanism and is movable along the second rotation axis in response to movement of the second rotation mechanism.

[0007] The present invention also provides a vacuum cleaner comprising: a housing having an intake port; a rotating body rotatably provided in the housing near the intake port; a drive motor; a power transmission mechanism that transmits a rotational force of the drive motor to the rotating body; and a clutch that is provided between the power transmission mechanism and the rotating body and transmits the rotational force of the power transmission mechanism to the rotating body, the power transmission mechanism includes a first rotation mechanism that rotates about a first rotation shaft by the rotational force of the drive motor, and a second rotation mechanism that rotates about a second rotation shaft by the rotational force of the first rotation mechanism, the clutch includes a drive clutch that rotates about the second rotation shaft by the rotational force of the second rotation mechanism, and a driven clutch that rotates about the second rotation shaft by the rotational force of the drive clutch and is movable along the second rotation shaft in a direction away from the drive clutch, The rotating body provides an intake body that rotates around the second rotation shaft by the rotational force of the driven clutch and is movable along the second rotation shaft in response to movement of the driven clutch.

[0008] The present invention also provides an electric vacuum cleaner comprising a vacuum cleaner body having a suction part and a dust collecting part, and the suction mouth body connected to the vacuum cleaner body directly or via a connecting pipe. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, noise generated when the rotor of the suction port body rotates can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an electric vacuum cleaner provided with a suction mouth body according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 3 is a partially cross-sectional side view of the suction port body of the first embodiment as viewed from the left side. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional plan view of a suction port body of a first embodiment as viewed from above. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a drive motor and a drive clutch in the suction port body of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a driven clutch in the suction port body of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is an exploded perspective view of the suction port body of the first embodiment, viewed from below, with the rotary cleaning body unit removed from the upper cover of the housing. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a rotary cleaning unit in the suction port body of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 4 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the rotary cleaning body in the suction port body of the first embodiment when the rotary cleaning body is stopped, as viewed from above. FIG. [Figure 9A] 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the meshing state between the first tooth of the driving clutch and the second tooth of the driven clutch when the rotary cleaning body is stopped in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9B] 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which a first tooth of a driving clutch and a second tooth of a driven clutch are engaged when the rotary cleaning body of the first embodiment is stopped. FIG. [Figure 10] 4 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the rotary cleaning body in the suction port body of the first embodiment when rotated, as viewed from above. FIG. [Figure 11A] 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the meshing state between the first tooth of the driving clutch and the second tooth of the driven clutch when the rotary cleaning body of the first embodiment rotates. FIG. [Figure 11B] 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which a first tooth of a driving clutch and a second tooth of a driven clutch are engaged when the rotary cleaning body of the first embodiment rotates. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the rotary cleaning body in the suction port body of the second embodiment when the rotary cleaning body is stopped, as viewed from above. FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the rotary cleaning body in the suction port body of the second embodiment when rotated, as viewed from above. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following description is given by way of example only in all respects and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0012] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner 1 equipped with a suction port body 8 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. This vacuum cleaner 1 includes a vacuum cleaner main body 4 equipped with a suction unit 2 and a dust collecting unit 3, a connecting pipe member 7 having an extension pipe 5 and a flexible hose 6 connected to each other, and a suction port body 8 connected to the vacuum cleaner main body 4 via the connecting pipe member 7. A handle 9 is provided at one end (front end) of the flexible hose 6, and the handle 9 is provided with an operating unit 10. The present invention is characterized by the suction port body 8. Therefore, while a canister-type vacuum cleaner 1 equipped with a suction port body 8 is illustrated in this embodiment, the vacuum cleaner may be a handheld vacuum cleaner in which the suction port body 8 is directly connected to the vacuum cleaner main body, or a stick-type vacuum cleaner in which the suction port body is connected to the vacuum cleaner main body via an extension pipe. In the case of a stick-type vacuum cleaner, the suction port body can be connected to the vacuum cleaner main body without an extension pipe, allowing it to be used as a handheld vacuum cleaner. The following description will mainly focus on the suction port body 8. In this specification, the structure of suction mouth body 8 will be described based on the front, rear, left and right directions as seen by the user when using vacuum cleaner 1.

[0013] Fig. 2 is a partially cross-sectional side view of the suction port body 8 of the first embodiment as seen from the left side. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional plan view of the suction port body 8 of the first embodiment as seen from above. In Fig. 3, the housing 32 is viewed from above with the upper wall of the upper cover 32a of the housing 32 removed. The suction port body 8 includes a housing 32 having a suction port 31, a rotary cleaning body 33 as a rotating body rotatably provided near the suction port 31 inside the housing 32, a drive motor 34 provided inside the housing 32, a pulley and belt mechanism 36 as a power transmission mechanism that transmits the rotational force of the drive motor 34 to the rotary cleaning body 33, and a clutch 35 provided between the drive motor 34 and the pulley and belt mechanism 36 that transmits the rotational force of the drive motor 34 to the pulley and belt mechanism 36.

[0014] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the drive motor 34 and drive clutch 37 in the suction port body of the first embodiment. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the clutch 35 includes a drive clutch 37 and a driven clutch 38. The drive clutch 37 is fixed to an output shaft 41 of the drive motor 34, and rotates around the output shaft 41 by the rotational force of the drive motor 34. In the following description, the axis 39 of the output shaft 41 may be referred to as the first rotation axis 39, and the shaft (including the output shaft 41) provided on the first rotation axis 39 may be referred to as the first rotation axis.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 4, the drive clutch 37 has a plurality of first teeth 43, each having a first inclined surface 42 that is non-parallel to the first rotation axis (first rotation axis 39). The output shaft 41 of the drive motor 34 rotates counterclockwise when the plurality of first teeth 43 of the drive clutch 37 are viewed from the direction of the first rotation axis 39. In FIG. 4, the output shaft 41 rotates in the rotation direction indicated by arrow A. The plurality of first inclined surfaces 42 incline counterclockwise (the rotation direction indicated by arrow A) as they extend from the tip end of the output shaft 41 toward the base end (the drive motor 34 side). Note that the plurality of first teeth 43 of the drive clutch 37 each have a vertical surface 44 that is parallel to the first rotation axis (first rotation axis 39) on the clockwise side (opposite the rotation direction indicated by arrow A) of each first inclined surface 42. The rotation direction of arrow A relative to drive clutch 37 can also be expressed as the direction in which each first tooth 43 rotates such that first inclined surface 42 precedes vertical surface 44. As shown in Fig. 4, the multiple first teeth 43 are in the shape of a generally triangular block whose width (circumferential thickness) gradually increases from the inside (first rotation axis 39 side) to the outside (outer periphery side). Vertical surface 44 is parallel to first rotation axis 39, but first inclined surface 42 is inclined in accordance with the gradually increasing width from the inside to the outside.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the driven clutch 38 in the suction port body of the first embodiment. The driven clutch 38 has a plurality of second teeth 53, each having a second inclined surface 51 that is non-parallel to the first rotation axis (first rotation axis 39) and a vertical surface 52 that is parallel to the first rotation axis (first rotation axis 39). In this embodiment, the driven clutch 38 has a peripheral wall 57 that is centered on the first rotation axis 39 and surrounds the plurality of second teeth 53. The driven clutch 38 also rotates in the direction of arrow A. Note that the rotation direction of arrow A relative to the driven clutch 38 can also be expressed as the direction in which each second tooth 53 rotates such that the vertical surface 52 precedes the second inclined surface. As shown in FIG. 5, the plurality of second teeth 53 are in the shape of a generally triangular block whose width (circumferential thickness) gradually increases from the inner side (first rotation axis 39 side) to the outer side (outer periphery side). The vertical surface 52 is parallel to the first rotation axis 39, while the second inclined surface 51 is inclined so that its width gradually increases from the inside to the outside. When viewed from the direction of the first rotation axis 39, the second inclined surfaces 51 of the multiple second teeth 53 of the driven clutch 38 are inclined in the same direction as the first inclined surfaces 42 (see FIG. 4) of the multiple first teeth 43 of the drive clutch 37. Therefore, when the multiple first teeth 43 of the drive clutch 37 and the multiple second teeth 53 of the driven clutch 38 are engaged with each other, rotation of the drive clutch 37 causes the first inclined surfaces 42 of the multiple first teeth 43 to come into surface contact with the second inclined surfaces 51 of the multiple second teeth 53. The driven clutch 38 further includes a central hole 54 provided on the first rotation axis 39 and a cylindrical portion 55 having a hole communicating with the central hole 54 and provided on a surface opposite the multiple second teeth 53 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first rotation axis 39.

[0017] Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view, seen from below, of the rotary cleaning unit 60 of the suction port body of the first embodiment, removed from the upper cover 32a of the housing. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary cleaning unit 60 in the suction port body of the first embodiment. The driven clutch 38, pulley-belt mechanism 36, and rotary cleaning body 33 are unitized to form the rotary cleaning unit 60. This rotary cleaning unit 60 is detachable from the housing 32, and a holding portion of the housing 32 that holds the rotary cleaning unit 60 will be described later. Note that in Fig. 6, the lower case that forms the bottom of the housing 32 is not shown, and this lower case functions as a holding structure that holds the rotary cleaning unit 60.

[0018] 7, the rotary cleaning body 33 includes a shaft body 61 having a cleaning member (not shown) on its outer circumferential surface, a first cap 62 and a second cap 63 provided at both longitudinal ends of the shaft body 61, a first shaft body 65 fixed to a central hole of the first cap 62 located on the axis 64 of the rotary cleaning body 33, a second shaft body 66 fixed to a central hole of the second cap 63 located on the axis 64 of the rotary cleaning body 33, and a substantially square block-shaped support member 68 attached to the second shaft body 66 via a bearing 67. Hereinafter, the axis 64 of the rotary cleaning body 33 may be referred to as the second rotation axis 64. When the rotary cleaning body unit 60 is attached to the housing 32, the first shaft body 65, the shaft body 61, and the second shaft body 66 form a second rotation axis located on the second rotation axis 64 that is parallel to the first rotation axis 39 (see FIG. 5). The cleaning member (not shown) of the rotary cleaning body 33 may be a brush, a blade, or the like, and a rotary cleaning body equipped with at least one of a brush and a blade may be used.

[0019] As shown in Figures 2 and 7, the pulley-belt mechanism 36 includes a shaft 71 inserted and fixed into the cylindrical portion 55 (see Figure 5) of the driven clutch 38, a storage case 73 that supports the shaft 71 and the first shaft 65 of the rotating cleaning body 33 rotatably and parallel to each other via bearings 72, a first pulley 74 provided on the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 51, a second pulley 75 provided around the first shaft 65 on the first cap 62 of the rotating cleaning body 33, and a timing belt 76 that connects the first pulley 74 and the second pulley 75.

[0020] The first pulley 74 and the second pulley 75 are toothed pulleys, and the second pulley 75 has a larger number of teeth than the first pulley 74 to increase torque. The timing belt 76 is a toothed belt. In this pulley-belt mechanism 36, the shaft 71 and the first pulley 74 are included as a first rotating mechanism that rotates about the first rotation axis (first rotation axis 39), the first shaft 65 and the second pulley 75 are included as a second rotating mechanism that rotates about the second rotation axis (second rotation axis 64), and the timing belt 76 is included as a third rotating mechanism that transmits the rotational force of the first rotating mechanism to the second rotating mechanism. Note that a gear mechanism (not shown) including multiple gears may be used as the power transmission mechanism instead of the pulley-belt mechanism 36. This gear mechanism includes, for example, a shaft body 71 and a first gear as a first rotating mechanism that rotates around a first rotation axis (first rotation axis center 39), and a first shaft body 65 and a second gear as a second rotating mechanism that rotates around a second rotation axis (second rotation axis center 64), and includes a third gear that meshes with the first gear and a fourth gear that meshes with the second gear between the first gear and the second gear, the third gear has a greater number of teeth than the first gear and the fourth gear has a smaller number of teeth than the second gear, and the third gear and fourth gear are integrated and rotate on the same axis.

[0021] The storage case 73 has an outer case 73a and an inner case 73b, and the outer case 73a supports the shaft 71 and the first shaft 65. The inner case 73b has a hole through which the driven clutch 38 is inserted and a hole through which the rotary cleaning body 33 is inserted. The outer case 73a and the inner case 73b are connected by screws 77. As shown in Figures 3 and 7, the shaft 71 and the output shaft 41 of the drive motor 34 form a first rotation shaft located on the first rotation axis 39.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the suction port body of the first embodiment when the rotary cleaning body 33 is stopped, as viewed from above. In FIG. 8, the housing 32 is viewed from above with the upper wall of the upper cover 32a of the housing 32 removed. To facilitate understanding of the state in which the drive clutch 37 and driven clutch 38 of the clutch 35 are engaged, FIG. 8 and FIG. 10 (described later) schematically illustrate the cross-sectional shapes of the drive clutch 37 and driven clutch 38. As shown in FIGS. 3, 6, and 8, the housing 32 includes an upper cover 32a having an upper wall 81, a front wall 82, a left wall 83, a right wall 84, and a rear wall 85, and a lower cover 32b attached to the lower end of the upper cover 32a with screws. The upper cover 32a has a first recess 86 that opens downward and is located at a position corresponding to the suction port 31, and a second recess 87 that also opens downward and is located adjacent to the left side of the first recess 86. A first rib 88 that receives the support member 68 of the rotary cleaning body 33 is provided at the right end of the first recess 86, and a second rib 89 that receives the storage case 73 of the pulley and belt mechanism 36 is provided at the left end of the second recess 87. The lower cover 32b is attached to the lower edge of the upper cover 32a to cover the area excluding the suction port 31 (including both the left and right ends of the first recess 86 and the second recess 87). The first rib 88 of the upper cover 32a and the lower cover 32b support the support member 68 of the rotary cleaning body 33 so that it can move only in the direction along the second rotation axis 64. The second rib 89 of the upper cover 32a and the lower cover 32b support the storage case 73 of the pulley and belt mechanism 36 so that it can move only in the direction along the second rotation axis 64.

[0023] When attaching or detaching the rotary cleaning unit 60 to or from the housing 32, the housing 32 is usually turned upside down and the lower cover 32b is removed from the upper cover 32a. When attaching the rotary cleaning unit 60 to the upper cover 32a, the rotary cleaning unit 33 is housed in the first recess 86 of the upper cover 32a, and the storage case 73 is housed in the second recess 87. At this time, the storage case 73 is placed in the second recess 87 while the driven clutch 38 of the rotary cleaning unit 60 is engaged with the drive clutch 37 of the drive motor 34, and the support member 68 of the rotary cleaning unit 60 is placed on the first rib 88. As shown in FIG. 8 , when the driven clutch 38 is fully engaged with the drive clutch 37, a gap S1 is formed between the storage case 73 of the rotary cleaning unit 60 and the second rib 89. This gap S1 is the distance between the storage case 73 and the second rib 89, and allows the rotary cleaning unit 60 to be easily attached to and detached from the upper cover 32a, and allows the rotary cleaning unit 60 to move left and right relative to the housing 32.

[0024] 9A is a schematic diagram illustrating the meshing state between the first teeth 43 of the drive clutch 37 and the second teeth 53 of the driven clutch when the rotary cleaning body of the first embodiment is stopped. FIG. 9B is a perspective view illustrating the meshing state between the first teeth 43 of the drive clutch 37 and the second teeth 53 of the driven clutch 38 when the rotary cleaning body of the first embodiment is stopped. Note that in FIG. 9B, the peripheral wall 57 of the driven clutch 38 (see FIG. 5) is not shown so that the meshing state between the first teeth 43 and the second teeth 53 can be seen. As shown in FIGS. 8, 9A, and 9B, when the first teeth 43 of the drive clutch 37 and the second teeth 53 of the driven clutch 38 are firmly meshed, the first inclined surfaces 42 of the first teeth 43 (see FIG. 4) and the second inclined surfaces 51 of the second teeth 53 (see FIG. 5) are in surface contact with each other. 9, the dimension L1 of the first tooth 43 and the second tooth 53 of the meshed portion in the direction of the first rotation axis 39 is set to a predetermined value according to the size of the clutch 35. Note that although in FIGS. 9A and 9B the first inclined surface 42 of the first tooth 43 and the second inclined surface 51 of the second tooth 53 are in a state where they are perfectly aligned, the first inclined surface 42 and the second inclined surface 51 may be separated when stopped.

[0025] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the suction port body of the first embodiment, viewed from above, when the rotary cleaning body 33 rotates. FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram illustrating the meshing state between the first tooth 43 of the drive clutch and the second tooth 53 of the driven clutch when the rotary cleaning body of the first embodiment rotates. FIG. 11B is a perspective view illustrating the meshing state between the first tooth of the drive clutch and the second tooth of the driven clutch when the rotary cleaning body of the first embodiment rotates. When the drive motor 34 starts to drive while stopped, the rotational force of the output shaft 41 (see FIG. 5), which rotates in the direction of arrow A, is transmitted to the driven clutch 38 via the drive clutch 37, and the driven clutch 38 rotates in the direction of arrow A around the first rotational axis 39 (see FIG. 10). In the following description, the rotational direction about the first rotational axis 39 and the rotational direction about the second rotational axis 64 may be referred to as the "direction of arrow A."

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 10, 11A, and 11B, when the driving clutch 37 rotates in the direction of arrow A, the first inclined surfaces 42 of the multiple first teeth 43 of the driving clutch 37 push the second inclined surfaces 51 of the multiple second teeth 53 of the driven clutch 38 in the rotational direction (the direction of arrow A). As a result, the driven clutch 38 rotates in the rotational direction (the direction of arrow A) and moves a distance L2 along the first rotation axis 39 in a direction away from the driving clutch 37 (the direction of arrow B). At this time, the second inclined surfaces 51 rotate in the direction of arrow A and move in the direction of arrow B while sliding on the first inclined surfaces 42. The distance L2 is the same as the gap (spacing) S1 between the storage case 73 and the second rib 89. During the rotation of the clutch 35, the first inclined surfaces 42 of the multiple first teeth 43 and the second inclined surfaces 52 of the multiple second teeth 53 maintain surface contact with each other, and no gap is created between the first inclined surfaces 42 and the second inclined surfaces 52. A thin cushioning sheet may be attached to the contact surface of the second rib 89 with the storage case 73, in which case the distance L2 will be shortened by approximately the thickness of the cushioning sheet. In the following description, the direction in which the driven clutch 38 moves away from the driving clutch 37 along the first rotational axis 39 may be referred to as the "direction of arrow B." The direction of arrow B does not only refer to the direction on the first rotational axis 39, but also to the direction on an axis parallel to the first rotational axis 39.

[0027] Because driven clutch 38 is integrated as one component of rotary cleaning unit 60, movement of driven clutch 38 in the direction of arrow B results in movement of the entire rotary cleaning unit 60 in the direction of arrow B. In this embodiment, the first rotation mechanism including first pulley 74 of pulley-belt mechanism 36 rotates in the direction of arrow A about first rotation axis 39 due to the rotational force of driven clutch 38, and moves in the direction of arrow B along first rotation axis 39 in response to the movement of driven clutch 38 in the direction of arrow B. Furthermore, the second rotation mechanism including second pulley 75 of pulley-belt mechanism 36 rotates in the direction of arrow A about second rotation axis 64 due to the rotational force of the first rotation mechanism, and moves in the direction of arrow B along second rotation axis 64 in response to the movement of the first rotation mechanism in the direction of arrow B. Furthermore, the rotary cleaning body 33 rotates in the direction of arrow A about the second rotation axis 64 due to the rotational force of the second rotation mechanism, and moves in the direction of arrow B along the second rotation axis 64 in response to the movement of the second rotation mechanism in the direction of arrow B. When the rotary cleaning body unit 60 moves in the direction of arrow B, the storage case 73 abuts against the second rib 89, thereby restricting the movement of the rotary cleaning body unit 60 in the direction of arrow B. At this time, a gap S1 is formed between the end face of the support member 68 of the rotary cleaning body unit 60 and the rear surface 88a of the first rib 88. The first rib 88 can support the support member 68 even if the support member 68 moves in the direction of arrow B by the amount of gap S1.

[0028] 10, 11A, and 11B, the distance L2 of movement of the second teeth 53 of the driven clutch 38 relative to the first teeth 43 of the drive clutch 37 is set to less than half the dimension L1 of the first teeth 43 and second teeth 53 in the direction of the first rotation axis 39 at the portions where they are firmly meshed with each other before rotation. This setting prevents a load from being applied to only a portion of the area of less than half of the tip ends of the first inclined surface 42 and the second inclined surface 51, thereby preventing a negative impact on the reliability of the clutch 35. During clutch rotation, the rotational force of the drive clutch 37 continues to be transmitted to the driven clutch 38, maintaining the storage case 73 of the rotary cleaning unit 60 pressed against the second rib 89. After the storage case 73 abuts against the second rib 89, the storage case 73 remains pressed against the second rib 89, reducing left-right movement of the storage case 73. This reduces vibration of the rotary cleaning body unit 60 with respect to the housing 32 and noise associated with the vibration when the suction port body is cleaning (while the clutch 35 is rotating). Note that, although the clutch 35 of this embodiment is configured so that the multiple first teeth 43 of the drive clutch 37 fit into recesses formed between the peripheral wall 57 (see FIG. 5 ) of the driven clutch 38 and the spaces between the multiple second teeth 53, the configuration may be reversed so that the driven clutch 38 fits into the drive clutch 37. Alternatively, the drive clutch 37 and the driven clutch 38 may not have a peripheral wall 57.

[0029] (Second embodiment) Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the suction port body 111 of the second embodiment when the rotary cleaning body 112 is stopped, as seen from above. In Figure 12, elements that are the same as elements in Figure 8 are given the same reference numerals. In the first embodiment (see Figure 8), the rotary cleaning body unit 60, in which the driven clutch 38, pulley-belt mechanism 36, and rotary cleaning body 33 are unitized, is detachable from the housing 32, but in the second embodiment, they are not unitized. Below, the differences between the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be mainly described.

[0030] In the suction port body 111 of the second embodiment, the output shaft 41 of the drive motor 34 and the shaft of the first pulley 74 of the pulley-belt mechanism 113 are directly connected to form a first rotational shaft on the first rotational axis 39. Furthermore, the shaft of the second pulley 75 of the pulley-belt mechanism 113 and the shaft body 61 of the rotary cleaning body 112 (see FIG. 7) are connected via the clutch 35 to form a second rotational shaft on the second rotational axis 64. The first pulley 74 and the second pulley 75 are connected by a timing belt 76. Note that a gear mechanism may be used instead of the pulley-belt mechanism 113. The clutch 35 has a drive clutch 37 connected to the shaft of the second pulley 75 and a driven clutch 38 connected to the shaft body 61 of the rotary cleaning body 112. The clutch 35 is the same as that used in the first embodiment, and the driving clutch 37 has first inclined surfaces 42 on each of a plurality of first teeth 43, and the driven clutch 38 has second inclined surfaces 51 on each of a plurality of second teeth 53.

[0031] A support member 68 similar to that in the first embodiment is provided at the right end of the rotary cleaning body 112, and a first rib 88 similar to that in the first embodiment is provided at the right end side of the suction port 31 of the housing 115 to receive the support member 68. As shown in FIG. 12 , when the driven clutch 38 is fully engaged with the driving clutch 37, a gap S2 is formed between the support member 68 of the rotary cleaning body 33 and the inner surface 88a of the first rib 88.

[0032] 13 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the rotating cleaning body 112 in the suction port body 111 of the second embodiment as viewed from above during rotation. When the drive motor 34 starts driving after being stopped, the rotational force of the output shaft 41 rotating in the direction of arrow A is transmitted to the drive clutch 37 via the first pulley 74, timing belt 76, and second pulley 75 of the pulley-belt mechanism 113, and the drive clutch 37 rotates in the direction of arrow A around the second rotation axis 64.

[0033] When the drive clutch 37 rotates in the direction of arrow A, the first inclined surfaces 42 of the multiple first teeth 43 of the drive clutch 37 push the second inclined surfaces 51 of the multiple second teeth 53 of the driven clutch 38 in the rotational direction (the direction of arrow A). As a result, the driven clutch 38 rotates in the rotational direction (the direction of arrow A) and moves along the first rotation axis 39 in a direction away from the drive clutch 37 (the direction of arrow C). At this time, the second inclined surfaces 51 slide along the first inclined surfaces 42, rotating in the direction of arrow A and moving in the direction of arrow C. As the driven clutch 38 moves in the direction of arrow C relative to the drive clutch 37, the rotary cleaning body 112 moves along the second rotation axis 64 in the direction of arrow C, and the support member 68 moves along the first rib 88 along the second rotation axis 64 and abuts against the rear surface 88a of the first rib 88. This restricts the movement of the rotary cleaning body 112 in the direction of arrow C. The distance that the driven clutch 38 moves in the direction of arrow C relative to the driving clutch 37 is the same as the gap (distance) S2 between the support member 68 of the rotary cleaning body 112 and the rear surface 88a of the first rib 88 (see FIG. 12). A thin cushioning sheet may be attached to the rear surface 88a of the first rib 88.

[0034] In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the movement distance (gap S2) of the second teeth 53 of the driven clutch 38 relative to the first teeth 43 of the drive clutch 37 is set to less than half the dimension L1 of the meshed portions of the first teeth 43 and second teeth 53 in the direction of the first rotation axis 39 (see FIG. 9 ). This setting prevents a load from being applied to only a portion of the first inclined surface 42 and the second inclined surface 51 that is less than half of their distal end surfaces, thereby preventing a negative impact on the reliability of the clutch 35. During rotation of the clutch 35, the rotational force of the drive clutch 37 continues to be transmitted to the driven clutch 38, maintaining the rotary cleaning body 112 pressed against the rear surface 88a of the first rib 88. After contacting the rear surface 88a of the first rib 88, the rotary cleaning body 112 remains pressed against the rear surface 88a of the first rib 88, thereby reducing left-right movement of the rotary cleaning body 112. Therefore, vibration of rotary cleaning body 112 relative to housing 115 and noise associated with the vibration are reduced when suction port body 111 is cleaning (while clutch 35 is rotating).

[0035] (Third embodiment) In the clutch of the first embodiment, the multiple first teeth of the drive clutch have first inclined surfaces that are non-parallel to the first rotational axis 39, the multiple second teeth of the driven clutch have second inclined surfaces that are non-parallel to the first rotational axis 39, and the first inclined surfaces and the second inclined surfaces are in surface contact when the clutch rotates. However, the clutch may be configured as follows. For example, the multiple first teeth of the drive clutch may have first inclined surfaces, but the multiple second teeth of the driven clutch may not have second inclined surfaces. In this case, the multiple second teeth only need to have a shape that allows the first inclined surfaces of the multiple first teeth to slide against the first inclined surfaces of the multiple first teeth when the clutch rotates. The same applies to the clutch of the second embodiment. Alternatively, the multiple first teeth of the drive clutch may not have first inclined surfaces, but the multiple second teeth of the driven clutch may have second inclined surfaces. In this case, the multiple first teeth only need to have a shape that allows the second inclined surfaces of the multiple second teeth to slide against the second inclined surfaces of the multiple second teeth when the clutch rotates. The same applies to the clutch of the second embodiment. Even when the clutch is configured in this manner, the same effects as those of the clutches of the first and second embodiments can be obtained. From the viewpoint of reliability, the clutch configuration of the first or second embodiment is more preferable than that of the third embodiment.

[0036] (Fourth embodiment) In the first to third embodiments, the rotating body of the suction port body is a rotating cleaning body, but the rotating body is not limited to a rotating cleaning body and may be a wheel or a roller. In this case, the wheel or roller functions as a drive wheel that causes the suction port body to self-propel.

[0037] Preferred aspects of the present invention include any combination of the above-described aspects. In addition to the above-described embodiments, various modifications of the present invention are possible. These modifications should not be interpreted as not falling within the scope of the present invention. The present invention should include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0038] 1: electric vacuum cleaner, 2: suction part, 3: dust collection part, 4: vacuum cleaner body, 5: flexible hose, 6: extension pipe, 7: connecting pipe member, 8: suction port body, 9: handle, 10: operation part, 31: suction port, 32: housing, 32a: upper cover, 32b: lower cover, 33: rotating cleaning body, 34: drive motor, 35: clutch, 36: pulley and belt mechanism (power transmission mechanism), 37: drive clutch, 38: driven clutch, 39: shaft center (first rotation shaft center), 41: output shaft (first rotation shaft), 42: first inclined surface, 43: first tooth, 44: vertical surface, 51: second inclined surface, 52: vertical surface, 53: second tooth, 54: central hole, 55: cylindrical part, 57: surrounding wall, 60: Rotating cleaning body unit, 61: Shaft body, 62: First cap, 63: Second cap, 64: Shaft center (second rotation axis), 65: First shaft body, 66: Second shaft body, 67: Bearing, 68: Support member, 71: Shaft body, 72: Bearing, 73: Storage case, 73a: Outer case, 73b: Inner case, 74: First pulley (toothed pulley), 75: Second pulley (toothed pulley), 76: Timing belt (toothed belt), 77: Screw, 81: Upper wall, 82: Front wall, 83: Left wall, 84: Right wall, 85: Rear wall, 86: First recess, 87: Second recess, 88: First rib, 88a: Back surface, 89: Second rib, 111: Suction port body, 112: Rotating cleaning body, 113: Pulley-belt mechanism (power transmission mechanism), 115: Housing, A, B, C: Arrows, L1: Dimension, L2: Distance, S1, S2: Gap

Claims

1. The air conditioner comprises a housing having an intake port, a rotor rotatably provided in the housing near the intake port, a drive motor, a power transmission mechanism that transmits the rotational force of the drive motor to the rotor, and a clutch that is provided between the drive motor and the power transmission mechanism and transmits the rotational force of the drive motor to the power transmission mechanism, the clutch includes a drive clutch that rotates about a first rotation shaft by the rotational force of the drive motor, and a driven clutch that rotates about the first rotation shaft by the rotational force of the drive clutch and is movable along the first rotation shaft in a direction away from the drive clutch, the power transmission mechanism includes a first rotation mechanism that rotates about the first rotation shaft by the rotational force of the driven clutch and is movable along the first rotation shaft in response to movement of the driven clutch, and a second rotation mechanism that rotates about a second rotation shaft by the rotational force of the first rotation mechanism and is movable along the second rotation shaft in response to movement of the first rotation mechanism, The rotating body rotates around the second rotation axis due to the rotational force of the second rotation mechanism, and is an intake body that is movable along the second rotation axis in accordance with the movement of the second rotation mechanism.

2. the power transmission mechanism is a pulley-belt mechanism or a gear mechanism, The suction port body according to claim 1 , wherein the driven clutch, the power transmission mechanism, and the rotating body are unitized.

3. The air conditioner comprises a housing having an intake port, a rotating body rotatably provided in the housing near the intake port, a drive motor, a power transmission mechanism that transmits the rotational force of the drive motor to the rotating body, and a clutch that is provided between the power transmission mechanism and the rotating body and transmits the rotational force of the power transmission mechanism to the rotating body, the power transmission mechanism includes a first rotation mechanism that rotates about a first rotation shaft by a rotational force of the drive motor, and a second rotation mechanism that rotates about a second rotation shaft by a rotational force of the first rotation mechanism, the clutch includes a drive clutch that rotates about the second rotation shaft by the rotational force of the second rotation mechanism, and a driven clutch that rotates about the second rotation shaft by the rotational force of the drive clutch and is movable along the second rotation shaft in a direction away from the drive clutch, The rotating body rotates around the second rotation shaft due to the rotational force of the driven clutch, and is an intake body that is movable along the second rotation shaft in accordance with movement of the driven clutch.

4. The suction mouth unit according to claim 3 , wherein the power transmission mechanism is a pulley and belt mechanism or a gear mechanism.

5. the drive clutch has a plurality of first teeth each having a first inclined surface that is non-parallel to the rotation axis; the driven clutch has a plurality of second teeth each having a second inclined surface that is non-parallel to the rotation shaft; The suction mouth body according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the rotation of the drive clutch causes the first inclined surfaces of the plurality of first teeth to abut against the second inclined surfaces of the plurality of second teeth.

6. the drive clutch has a plurality of first teeth each having a first inclined surface that is non-parallel to the rotation axis; the driven clutch has a plurality of second teeth; The suction mouth body according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the rotation of the drive clutch causes the first inclined surfaces of the plurality of first teeth to abut against the plurality of second teeth.

7. the drive clutch has a plurality of first teeth; the driven clutch has a plurality of second teeth each having a second inclined surface that is non-parallel to the rotation axis; The suction mouth body according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the rotation of the drive clutch causes the plurality of first teeth to abut against the second inclined surfaces of the plurality of second teeth.

8. The suction mouth body according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the rotating body is a rotating cleaning body, a wheel, or a roller.

9. An electric vacuum cleaner comprising: a vacuum cleaner body having a suction section and a dust collecting section; and the suction mouth body according to any one of claims 1 to 4, connected to the vacuum cleaner body directly or via a connecting pipe.

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