Suction nozzle and vacuum cleaner

Abstract

To provide a suction nozzle capable of reducing dust that remains sandwiched between a rotary brush and a nozzle case. [Solution] The suction nozzle of the present disclosure includes a nozzle case, a connecting pipe portion that is attachable to a vacuum cleaner and that defines an outlet passage extending rearward from the suction space within the nozzle case to allow dust that has flowed into the suction space to flow out of the suction space, and a rotating brush that is driven to rotate so as to sweep up dust on the floor surface rearward. The nozzle case has a rear partition wall that defines the rear end of the suction space and has an open tip of the outlet passage, and a receiving portion that protrudes forward from the rear partition wall so that the rotating brush is positioned below and receives dust swept up by the rotating brush. The lower surface of the receiving portion is inclined so as to become higher as it approaches the opening of the outlet passage in the rear partition wall.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a suction nozzle attached to a vacuum cleaner having a suction source that generates suction force to suck in dust, and to a vacuum cleaner equipped with this suction nozzle. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vacuum cleaner 300 shown in Fig. 9. Vacuum cleaner 300 has a vacuum cleaner body 310 incorporating a suction source that generates suction force to suck in dust, and a suction tube 320 extending from vacuum cleaner body 310. A suction nozzle 330 is attached to the tip of suction tube 320 to enable dust to be removed from an area wider than suction tube 320.

[0003] As shown in Fig. 10, the suction nozzle 330 has a nozzle case 332 that forms a suction space 331 that opens downward. As shown in Fig. 9, a connecting pipe section 333 extends rearward from the central section in the width direction of the nozzle case 332. This connecting pipe section 333 is connected to the tip of the suction pipe 320. The connecting pipe section 333 forms an outflow path that communicates with the suction space 331 and the flow path of the suction pipe 320.

[0004] 10, the nozzle case 332 has a front partition wall 334 that defines the front end of the suction space 331, an upper partition wall 335 that defines the upper end of the suction space 331, and a rear partition wall 336 that defines the rear end of the suction space 331. The tip of the outflow path of the connecting pipe portion 333 opens in the rear partition wall 336.

[0005] A rotating brush 340 is disposed in the suction space 331. This rotating brush 340 is driven to rotate so as to sweep up dust on the floor surface backward.

[0006] When the suction source of the vacuum cleaner body 310 is activated, the suction force of the suction source acts on the suction space 331 of the nozzle case 332 through the flow path of the suction pipe 320 and the outlet path of the connecting pipe part 333. In this state, when the rotating brush 340 stirs up dust on the floor surface, the dust passes through the outlet path of the connecting pipe part 333 and the flow path of the suction pipe 320 in this order and flows into the vacuum cleaner body 310. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-382 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] When the rotating brush 340 stirs up large dust particles (for example, large cat litter grains), the following problem may occur: The dust particles may be carried by the rotating brush 340 into the spaces 337 at the corners of the upper and rear partition walls 335 and 336 of the nozzle case 332. The dust particles carried to these spaces 337 may remain sandwiched between the upper and rear partition walls 335 and 336 and the rotating brush 340 while the rotating brush 340 is rotating. When the rotating brush 340 stops, the dust particles may fall onto the floor.

[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique that can reduce the amount of dust that remains sandwiched between the rotating brush and the nozzle case. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The suction nozzle of the present disclosure is configured to be attachable to a vacuum cleaner having a suction source that generates suction force for sucking dust. The suction nozzle includes a nozzle case that defines a suction space that opens downward so that dust on a floor surface can flow in by the suction force of the suction source, a connecting pipe that defines an outlet path extending rearward from the suction space to allow dust that has flowed into the suction space to flow out of the suction space and is attachable to the vacuum cleaner, a rotating brush that includes a rotating rod that extends within the suction space and is rotatably supported by the nozzle case, and a brush band that protrudes from the circumferential surface of the rotating rod so as to slide into contact with the floor surface as the rotating rod rotates, and a drive unit that rotates the rotating rod so that the brush band sweeps up dust on the floor surface rearward. The nozzle case includes a rear partition wall that defines the rear end of the suction space and has an open tip of the outlet path, and a receiving portion that is located on the left or right side of the opening of the outlet path in the rear partition wall and has a lower surface that is positioned to contact the brush band from below when the brush band is in a rotational position facing the rear partition wall. The lower surface of the receiving portion is inclined so that the horizontal component of the reaction force to the force received from the brush band is directed toward the opening of the outflow passage.

[0011] The vacuum cleaner of the present disclosure includes a suction source that generates a suction force for sucking in dust and the above-described suction nozzle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The above-described technique can reduce the amount of dust that remains sandwiched between the rotating brush and the nozzle case. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] Vacuum cleaner side view [Figure 2] Perspective view of a vacuum cleaner suction nozzle [Figure 3] Cross section of suction nozzle [Figure 4] Bottom view of suction nozzle [Figure 5] Cross section of suction nozzle [Figure 6]Cross section of suction nozzle [Figure 7] Cross section of suction nozzle [Figure 8] Perspective view of the suction nozzle [Figure 9] Perspective view of a conventional vacuum cleaner [Figure 10] Cross-section of a conventional vacuum cleaner suction nozzle DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of a vacuum cleaner will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art, for example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or redundant descriptions of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0015] 1 is a side view of a stick vacuum cleaner 100. The vacuum cleaner 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0016] (Overall structure of the vacuum cleaner) The vacuum cleaner 100 includes a vacuum cleaner body 110 incorporating a suction source 111 that generates a suction force for sucking in dust, and a dust collection container 114 attached to the underside of the vacuum cleaner body 110. The suction source 111 is configured to suck air from within the dust collection container 114, and may include, for example, a motor that generates a rotational force and a rotating blade configured to generate an upward airflow when rotated by the motor.

[0017] A filter 112 that allows air to pass through while capturing dust contained in the air is disposed between the vacuum cleaner body 110 and the dust collection container 114. Also, a grip portion 113 formed so that the user can hold it, and a suction pipe 120 that forms a flow path 123 through which dust flows are disposed on the front sides of the vacuum cleaner body 110 and the dust collection container 114.

[0018] The suction tube 120 extends in the vertical direction below the grip part 113. More specifically, the suction tube 120 has a base end tube part 121 formed integrally with the vacuum cleaner body 110 and the grip part 113, and an extension tube part 122 extending downward from the base end tube part 121. Within the base end tube part 121, a flow path 123 is bent toward the dust collection container 114. The extension tube part 122 is detachable from the base end tube part 121. A suction nozzle 130 is attached to the lower end of the extension tube part 122, and dust on the floor surface is sucked in by the suction force of the suction source 111.

[0019] The suction nozzle 130 has a connecting pipe part 131 connected to the lower end of the extension pipe part 122, and a nozzle case 132 connected to the lower end of the connecting pipe part 131. The connecting part between the connecting pipe part 131 and the nozzle case 132 is configured to allow the connecting pipe part 131 to tilt in the front-to-rear direction around the lower end of the connecting pipe part 131 as an axis.

[0020] Nozzle case 132 is configured so that dust on a wide floor area in the left-right direction can flow in by the suction force of suction source 111. As shown in Figure 2, a suction space 133 that opens downward is formed in the front part of nozzle case 132. Suction space 133 is approximately rectangular in bottom view. When suction source 111 is activated, dust on the floor surface is sucked up into suction space 133.

[0021] To allow this dust to flow out of the suction space 133, the rear portion of the nozzle case 132 and the connecting pipe portion 131 form an outflow path 134 that extends rearward from the center position of the suction space 133 in the width direction. This outflow path 134 communicates with the flow path 123 of the suction pipe 120, as shown in FIG.

[0022] The nozzle case 132 has a rear partition wall 135 that defines the rear end of the suction space 133. The tip of the outflow passage 134 opens in the center of the rear partition wall 135 in the left-right direction. In addition to the rear partition wall 135, the nozzle case 132 further includes a front partition wall 136, an upper partition wall 137, a right partition wall 138, and a left partition wall 139.

[0023] Front partition wall 136 is provided in an upright position so as to partition the front end of suction space 133, and as shown in Figure 3, a gap 140 is formed between the lower end of front partition wall 136 and the floor surface. Dust smaller than this gap 140 can flow into suction space 133 from the front side of nozzle case 132.

[0024] Upper partition wall 137 is a portion that defines the upper end of suction space 133, and as shown in Figure 3, a rotating brush 141 is disposed below upper partition wall 137. Rotating brush 141 has a rotating rod 143 that extends in the left-right direction within suction space 133, and a plurality of brush bands 144 that protrude radially from the circumferential surface of rotating rod 143. Of these brush bands 144, the tips of brush bands 144 that protrude downward from rotating rod 143 come into contact with the floor surface.

[0025] The right partition wall 138 defines the right end of the suction space 133 and is configured to rotatably support the right end portion of the rotating rod 143. The left partition wall 139 defines the left end of the suction space 133 and is configured to rotatably support the left end portion of the rotating rod 143. In other words, the rotating rod 143 is rotatably supported at both ends by the right partition wall 138 and the left partition wall 139.

[0026] 2, nozzle case 132 is formed to accommodate drive unit 142, which generates a rotational force for rotationally driving rotating rod 143, at the rear of suction space 133 and to the left of outlet passage 134. Drive unit 142 may be formed of a motor that can generate torque to rotate rotating brush 141 against resistance from the floor surface.

[0027] The drive unit 142 is configured to rotate the rotary brush 141 in a direction that sweeps up dust on the floor surface backward, as shown by the arrow in Figure 3. In this case, the brush band 144 that protrudes downward from the rotary rod 143 slides against the floor surface while moving backward relative to the floor surface. This sweeps up dust on the floor surface backward. In addition, the brush band 144 that protrudes backward from the rotary rod 143 moves upward.

[0028] These brush bands 144 are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the rotating rod 143 and extend on the circumferential surface of the rotating rod 143 over substantially the entire length of the rotating rod 143. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, each brush band 144 extends in the width direction so as to form a V-shape that points forward in bottom view. In other words, each brush band 144 is formed so that the rotational phase of the central portion of the brush band 144 lags behind the rotational phases of the left and right end portions of the brush band 144. In this case, the brush band 144 in the rotational position facing the rear partition wall 135 extends in the axial direction of the rotating rod 143 while sloping downward from a position away from the opening of the outflow channel 134 in the rear partition wall 135 to a position closer to this opening, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0029] While the rotating brush 141 is rotating, it is expected that large dust particles (e.g., cat litter grains) will become trapped in the space between the rotating brush 141 and the rear partition wall 135. Then, while the rotating brush 141 is rotating in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 3, this dust particle will be subjected to an upward force from the rotating brush 141 and may be displaced upward.

[0030] Nozzle case 132 is configured to displace dust that receives an upward force from rotating brush 141 between rotating brush 141 and rear partition wall 135 toward outlet path 134. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 2, nozzle case 132 has a pair of left and right receiving portions 145, 146 at the corners between rear partition wall 135 and upper partition wall 137. These receiving portions 145, 146 are configured to receive dust carried upward by brush band 144 in front of rear partition wall 135 and to move the dust toward the opening of outlet path 134 in rear partition wall 135.

[0031] Specifically, the right-side receiving portion 145 protrudes forward from the rear partition wall 135 on the right side of the opening of the outflow passage 134. The left-side receiving portion 146 protrudes forward from the rear partition wall 135 on the left side of the opening of the outflow passage 134. These receiving portions 145, 146 are located above the brush band 144, which is in a rotated position facing the rear partition wall 135. Since the shape of the receiving portion 145 is symmetrical to that of the receiving portion 146 with respect to the opening of the outflow passage 134 in the rear partition wall 135, the following description will focus on the shape of the receiving portion 146 and will omit a description of the receiving portion 145.

[0032] 2, the receiving portion 146 is a rectangular cylindrical portion extending rightward from the left partition wall 139 along the corner between the rear partition wall 135 and the upper partition wall 137. A portion of the brush band 144 on the rear side of the rotating rod 143 comes into contact with a lower surface 147 of the receiving portion 146 as the rotating rod 143 rotates, and dust adhering to this brush band 144 can be scraped off at a corner portion 149 formed by the lower surface 147 and front surface 148 of the receiving portion 146.

[0033] The portion of this brush band 144 that is closer to the opening of the outflow path 134 than the portion in contact with the lower surface 147 of the receiving portion 146 is located below the receiving portion 146. It is preferable that the contact between the rotating brush 141 and the receiving portion 146 is strong enough to keep long dust particles that are about to wrap around the rotating brush 141 against the lower surface 147 of the receiving portion 146.

[0034] 5, the lower surface 147 of the receiving portion 146 is inclined upward toward the opening of the outlet passage 134 (i.e., the center position of the suction nozzle 130 in the width direction). Therefore, the vertical distance between the brush band 144 and the corner portion 149 of the receiving portion 146 becomes wider as it approaches the opening of the outlet passage 134 from the contact point between them.

[0035] Nozzle case 132 is made of resin, and if nozzle case 132 rubs against the floor surface, scratches may be formed on the floor surface. To avoid this situation, nozzle case 132 is supported in a state where it is raised above the floor surface by case support part 150 shown in FIG. 2. Case support part 150 is composed of raised cloths 151 and 152 attached to the underside of nozzle case 132 on the right and left sides of suction space 133, and rollers 153 and 154 that roll on the floor surface at the rear side of suction space 133. Although raised cloths 151 and 152 rub against the floor surface, they are softer than nozzle case 132, and therefore scratches on the floor surface are suppressed even if raised cloths 151 and 152 rub against the floor surface.

[0036] The more air flows into the suction space 133 from the space below the nozzle case 132, the lower the suction force acting on the suction space 133. In order to suppress the inflow of outside air into the suction space 133, a sealing band 155 is provided extending along the entire length of the lower end of the rear partition wall 135. The amount of protrusion of the sealing band 155 from the lower end of the rear partition wall 135 is set so that the lower end of the sealing band 155 is pressed against the floor surface. The sealing band 155 may be made of, for example, a raised fabric so that the floor surface will not be damaged even if the sealing band 155 rubs against the floor surface.

[0037] (Vacuum cleaner operation) When suction source 111 is activated, the suction force of suction source 111 acts on suction space 133 of suction nozzle 130 through dust collection container 114, flow path 123 of suction pipe 120, and outlet path 134 of connecting pipe portion 131. At this time, a fairly large gap 140 is formed between front partition wall 136 of suction nozzle 130 and the floor surface, and air flows into suction space 133 through this gap 140. This air becomes a backward airflow within suction space 133 and flows out of suction space 133 through outlet path 134. Dust on the floor surface is sucked up into suction space 133 by the suction force of suction source 111 and is carried by the backward airflow within suction space 133 and discharged from suction space 133 through outlet path 134.

[0038] At the rear side of the suction space 133, the sealing band 155 extending over the entire length of the lower end of the rear partition wall 135 is pressed against the floor surface, so that little air flows into the suction space 133 from the rear side of the suction space 133. This prevents a decrease in suction force due to the inflow of air from the rear side of the suction space 133.

[0039] To increase the amount of dust flowing into dust collection container 114, rotating brush 141 is driven to rotate by drive unit 142, and sweeps up dust on the floor surface backward. As a result, dust adhering to the floor surface is pulled off from the floor surface with such strength that it cannot be pulled off by the suction force of suction source 111 alone, and then flows into dust collection container 114 through suction pipe 120.

[0040] When the rotating brush 141 is rotated as described above to perform cleaning work, it is expected that large dust particles such as cat litter grains will become caught between the rotating brush 141 and the rear partition wall 135 of the suction nozzle 130. That is, the brush band 144, which is in a rotational position facing the rear partition wall 135, moves upward, and large dust particles such as cat litter grains may be carried upward by this brush band 144. Then, when this dust reaches the receiving portions 145, 146 on the upper side of the brush band 144, it may be sandwiched between the brush band 144 and the lower surfaces 147 of the receiving portions 145, 146.

[0041] 5, the dust is sandwiched between the lower surface 147 of the receiving portion 145 and the brush band 144, which is in a rotated position facing the rear partition wall 135. The brush band 144 is inclined downward toward the opening of the outlet channel 134 in the rear partition wall 135, and the force transmitted from the brush band 144 to the dust is directed diagonally upward to the left. Therefore, the horizontal component of this force is directed leftward.

[0042] When the brush band 144 pushes up the dust, the dust receives a reaction force from the lower surface 147 of the receiving portion 145. This reaction force acts in the normal direction of the lower surface 147 of the receiving portion 145. Because the lower surface 147 of the receiving portion 145 is inclined upward toward the opening of the outflow path 134 in the rear partition wall 135, opposite to the brush band 144, this reaction force is directed diagonally downward to the left. Therefore, the horizontal component of this reaction force is directed leftward. Therefore, the dust shown in FIG. 5 can receive a leftward component of force from the lower surface 147 of the receiving portion 145 and the brush band 144.

[0043] Furthermore, due to the inclination of the underside 147 of the receiving portion 145 and the brush band 144, the vertical distance between them becomes wider as one moves leftward from the dust sandwiched between them. Therefore, the dust receives a leftward force component from the underside 147 of the receiving portion 145 and the brush band 144 and can be displaced leftward. As the dust is displaced leftward, the distance between the dust and the opening of the outlet path 134 decreases. As this distance decreases, the suction force of the suction source 111 acting on the dust increases. Therefore, even if a large dust particle is sandwiched between the rotating brush 141 and the receiving portions 145, 146, the dust particle approaches the opening of the outlet path 134 as the rotating brush 141 rotates, and can be discharged into the outlet path 134 by the suction force of the suction source 111.

[0044] As the rotating brush 141 rotates, the brush band 144 rubs against the lower surfaces 147 of the receiving portions 145 and 146. At this time, dust adhering to the brush band 144 can be scraped off by the lower surfaces 147 of the receiving portions 145 and 146. In particular, when long dust particles such as hair are attached to the brush band 144, if the tips of the long dust particles are pressed down on the lower surfaces 147 of the receiving portions 145 and 146, the long dust particles can be prevented from wrapping around the rotating brush 141.

[0045] In the suction nozzle 130 shown in Fig. 5, the brush band 144 is inclined downward as it approaches the opening of the outlet passage 134 when in a rotated position facing the rear partition wall 135. Alternatively, the brush band 144 may extend horizontally as shown in Fig. 6, as long as the dust sandwiched between the brush band 144 and the lower surfaces 147 of the receiving parts 145, 146 can be brought closer to the opening of the outlet passage 134 by the inclination of the lower surfaces 147 of the receiving parts 145, 146.

[0046] In cases where suction nozzle 130 is allowed to be larger in the front-to-rear direction, suction nozzle 130 may be configured as shown in Fig. 7. In suction nozzle 130 shown in Fig. 7, the distance between rear partition wall 135 and the rear end of rotary brush 141 is greater than the height of gap 140 between the bottom end of front partition wall 136 and the floor surface. Configuring suction nozzle 130 in this manner has the following advantages.

[0047] That is, even if a user moves suction nozzle 130 forward when dust larger than gap 140 between the lower end of front partition wall 136 and the floor is present in front of suction nozzle 130, the dust gets caught on front partition wall 136 and does not enter suction space 133 of suction nozzle 130. Therefore, most of the dust that enters suction space 133 is smaller than gap 140 between the lower end of front partition wall 136 and the floor. This dust is swept up rearward by brush band 144 of rotating brush 141 within suction space 133. Some of this dust can then be carried upward by brush band 144 in front of rear partition wall 135. Some of the dust being carried upward by brush band 144 attempts to fall off brush band 144 before reaching receiving portions 145, 146. This dust is smaller than the gap between the rear end of brush band 144 and rear partition wall 135, and therefore can fall to the floor without getting caught on rear partition wall 135. Therefore, by making the distance between rear partition wall 135 and the rear end of rotating brush 141 greater than the distance between the bottom end of front partition wall 136 and the floor, the amount of dust that becomes sandwiched between brush band 144 and bottom surface 147 of receiving portion 145 can be reduced.

[0048] 2 can prevent long dust particles from wrapping around the right and left sides of the rotating brush 141. However, the receiving parts 145 and 146 cannot prevent dust particles from wrapping around the center of the rotating brush 141. To prevent dust particles from wrapping around the center of the rotating brush 141, the suction nozzle 130 may further have a thin scraping part 156 extending in the left-right direction between the receiving parts 145 and 146, as shown in FIG.

[0049] The right end of scraping portion 156 is connected to the left end of right-side receiving portion 145. The left end of scraping portion 156 is connected to the right end of left-side receiving portion 146. Scraping portion 156 protrudes downward from upper partition wall 137 at a position spaced forward from the opening of outflow path 134, and the amount of protrusion of scraping portion 156 from upper partition wall 137 is approximately equal to the amount of protrusion of the left end of receiving portion 145 or the right end of receiving portion 146 from upper partition wall 137.

[0050] While the rotating brush 141 is rotating, the receiving portions 145, 146 and the scraping portion 156 can contact the brush band 144 over its entire length. That is, the right portion of the brush band 144 contacts the right receiving portion 145, the left portion of the brush band 144 contacts the left receiving portion 146, and the center portion of the brush band 144 contacts the scraping portion 156.

[0051] The central portion of brush band 144 rubs against rear surface 157 of scraping portion 156, which faces the opening of outlet path 134, and dust adhering to the central portion of brush band 144 can be scraped off by rear surface 157 of scraping portion 156. The dust scraped off by rear surface 157 flows into outlet path 134 by the suction force of suction source 111. When long dust particles are about to wrap around the central portion of rotating brush 141, scraping portion 156 can prevent the dust particles from moving beyond scraping portion 156 to the downstream side in the rotation direction of rotating brush 141. Therefore, the long dust particles are retained on the rear surface 157 side of scraping portion 156 and are less likely to wrap around rotating brush 141.

[0052] 2 is provided with a sealing band 155 to prevent a decrease in suction force in the suction space 133. Alternatively, if a strong suction force is obtained in the suction space 133, the sealing band 155 may be omitted.

[0053] In the suction nozzle 130 shown in Fig. 2, the outlet passage 134 opens on the rear partition wall 135 at the center position in the width direction, and receiving portions 145, 146 are arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides of this opening. Alternatively, if the outlet passage 134 opens at the left end portion of the rear partition wall 135, only the receiving portion 145 may be provided. Conversely, if the outlet passage 134 opens at the right end portion of the rear partition wall 135, only the receiving portion 146 may be provided.

[0054] In the above embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 100 is a stick type. Alternatively, the vacuum cleaner 100 may be a canister type vacuum cleaner or a handheld type vacuum cleaner.

[0055] (Effects, etc.) The suction nozzle 130 and the vacuum cleaner 100 according to the above-described embodiment have the following features and provide the following effects.

[0056] A suction nozzle according to one aspect of the above-described embodiment is configured to be attachable to a vacuum cleaner having a suction source that generates suction force to suck in dust. The suction nozzle includes a nozzle case that defines a suction space that opens downward so that dust on a floor surface can flow in by the suction force of the suction source, a connecting pipe that defines an outlet path extending rearward from the suction space to allow the dust that has flowed into the suction space to flow out of the suction space and is attachable to the vacuum cleaner, a rotating brush that includes a rotating rod that extends within the suction space and is rotatably supported by the nozzle case, and a brush band that protrudes from the circumferential surface of the rotating rod to slide against the floor surface as the rotating rod rotates, and a drive unit that rotates the rotating rod so that the brush band sweeps up dust on the floor surface backward. The nozzle case has a rear partition wall that defines the rear end of the suction space and has an open tip of the outlet passage, and a receiving portion that has a lower surface that is positioned on the left or right side of the opening of the outlet passage in the rear partition wall so that the brush band, which is in a rotational position facing the rear partition wall, comes into contact from below. The lower surface of the receiving portion is inclined so that the horizontal component of the reaction force received from the brush band is directed toward the opening of the outlet passage.

[0057] In the above-described configuration, dust on the floor is drawn into the suction space by the suction force of the vacuum cleaner's suction source. This dust then flows out of the suction space through the outlet passage of the connecting pipe. In the suction space, the rotating rod is rotated by the drive unit, and the brush band protruding from the circumferential surface of the rotating rod slides against the floor surface, sweeping up the dust on the floor. This increases the amount of dust flowing into the vacuum cleaner through the outlet passage opening in the rear partition wall of the nozzle case that defines the rear end of the suction space.

[0058] As the brush band continues to rotate from the rotational position where it contacts the floor surface, it reaches a rotational position where it faces the rear partition wall. At this rotational position, the brush band moves upward. Therefore, dust adhering to the brush band also moves upward. As the brush band rotates, the dust may be sandwiched between the brush band and the receiving portion of the nozzle case. At this time, the dust receives an upward force from the brush band, while also receiving a corresponding reaction force from the underside of the receiving portion. Because the underside of the receiving portion is inclined upward toward the opening of the outlet passage in the rear partition wall, the horizontal component of this reaction force is directed toward the opening of the outlet passage in the rear partition wall. This component of force allows dust between the underside of the receiving portion and the brush band to approach the opening of the outlet passage. As the dust approaches the opening of the outlet passage, the suction force acting on the dust increases, allowing the dust to flow into the outlet passage. Therefore, the amount of dust that continues to be sandwiched between the rotating brush and the receiving portion is reduced.

[0059] In the above-described configuration, the nozzle case may have a front partition wall that is provided in an upright position so as to define the front end of the suction space. The front partition wall may be disposed so that a lower end of the front partition wall is spaced apart from the floor. The rear partition wall may be disposed so that the distance between the rear partition wall and the rotating brush is greater than the distance between the lower end of the front partition wall and the floor.

[0060] In the above-described configuration, the lower end of the front partition wall is spaced apart from the floor, allowing dust to enter the suction space through a gap formed between the lower end of the front partition wall and the floor. The distance between the rear partition wall and the rotating brush is set so that dust is less likely to be sandwiched between the rotating brush and the lower surface of the receiving portion. That is, because the distance between the rear partition wall and the rotating brush is greater than the distance between the lower end of the front partition wall and the floor, the space between the rear partition wall and the rotating brush is larger than the space for dust that enters the suction space through the gap between the lower end of the front partition wall and the floor. Therefore, dust can fall to the floor within the space between the rear partition wall and the rotating brush before being sandwiched between the rotating brush and the lower surface of the receiving portion. This reduces the amount of dust that becomes sandwiched between the nozzle case and the rotating brush.

[0061] In the above-described configuration, the brush band may be extended on the circumferential surface of the rotating rod so as to slope downward in the axial direction of the rotating rod from a position away from the opening of the outlet passage to a position closer to the opening of the outlet passage when in a rotational position facing the rear partition wall.

[0062] In the above-described configuration, the lower surface of the receiving portion is inclined upward toward the outlet passage opening in the rear partition wall, while the brush band, which is in a rotational position facing the rear partition wall, is inclined downward in the axial direction of the rotating rod from a position away from the outlet passage opening to a position closer to the outlet passage opening. Therefore, the vertical distance between the brush band and the lower surface of the receiving portion increases as the brush band approaches the outlet passage opening. As a result, dust sandwiched between the brush band and the lower surface of the receiving portion is easily displaced toward the outlet passage opening in the rear partition wall.

[0063] In the above-described configuration, the receiving portion and the brush band may be configured to contact each other so that dust adhering to the brush band is pressed against the lower surface of the receiving portion.

[0064] In the above-described configuration, when the brush band comes into strong contact with the underside of the receiving part as the rotating brush rotates, dust adhering to the brush band can be pushed down onto the underside of the receiving part. If the tip of long dust particles can be pushed down onto the underside of the receiving part, the dust particles can be prevented from becoming entangled around the rotating brush.

[0065] In the above-described configuration, the nozzle case may have another receiving portion provided symmetrically with respect to the receiving portion at the opening of the outlet passage in the rear partition wall, and a scraping portion provided between the receiving portion and the other receiving portion. The receiving portion, the other receiving portion, and the scraping portion may be configured to contact the brush band over the entire length of the brush band as the rotating brush rotates, and scrape off dust adhering to the brush band.

[0066] In the above-described configuration, the other receiving portion is arranged symmetrically with respect to the receiving portion with respect to the opening of the outflow path in the rear partition wall, so that dust sandwiched between the other receiving portion and the brush band above and below can be displaced toward the opening of the outflow path.

[0067] In addition, a scraping portion is provided between the receiving portion and the other receiving portion, and the receiving portion, the other receiving portion, and the scraping portion come into contact with the brush band along the entire length of the brush band as the rotating brush rotates, so that dust adhering to the brush band can be scraped off. Therefore, even if long dust particles try to wrap around any position on the rotating brush, this wrapping can be prevented by either the receiving portion, the other receiving portion, or the scraping portion.

[0068] In the above-described configuration, the suction nozzle may further include a case support portion that supports the nozzle case in a state where the nozzle case is floating above the floor surface. The case support portion may be made of a material that is softer than the nozzle case, or may be configured to be able to roll on the floor surface.

[0069] In the above-described configuration, the nozzle case is supported by the case support portion in a state where it is raised above the floor surface, preventing the nozzle case from rubbing against the floor surface and damaging the floor surface. In this case, the case support portion comes into contact with the floor surface, but to prevent the floor surface from being damaged by this contact, the case support portion is formed from a material that is softer than the nozzle case, or is configured to be able to roll on the floor surface.

[0070] In the above-described configuration, the suction nozzle may further include a sealing band that protrudes from the lower end of the rear partition wall and is pressed against the floor surface. The sealing band may extend over the entire length of the lower end of the rear partition wall.

[0071] In the above-described configuration, the sealing band extending along the entire length of the lower end of the rear partition wall defining the rear end of the suction space is pressed against the floor surface, reducing the amount of air flowing into the suction space from the rear side, thereby suppressing a decrease in suction force in the suction space.

[0072] A vacuum cleaner according to one aspect of the above-described embodiment includes a suction source that generates a suction force for sucking dust, and the above-described suction nozzle. [Industrial Applicability]

[0073] The suction nozzle and the vacuum cleaner of the above-described embodiment are suitably used in devices used for cleaning work. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 100··········vacuum cleaner 111...Suction source 130 Suction nozzle 131 Connection pipe section 132 Nozzle case 133 Intake space 134... Outflow path 135 Rear partition wall 136 Front compartment wall 141 Rotating brush 142 Drive unit 143 Rotating rod 144 Brush band 145,146...Receiving part 147 · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 150 Case support 155 Seal strip 156········································································.

Claims

1. A suction nozzle attached to a vacuum cleaner having a suction source that generates suction force for sucking dust, a nozzle case that forms a suction space that opens downward so that dust on the floor surface can flow in by the suction force of the suction source; a connecting pipe portion that forms an outlet path extending rearward from the suction space to allow dust that has flowed into the suction space to flow out of the suction space, and that is configured to be attachable to the vacuum cleaner; a rotary brush including a rotary rod extending within the suction space and rotatably supported by the nozzle case, and a brush band protruding from the circumferential surface of the rotary rod so as to come into sliding contact with a floor surface as the rotary rod rotates; a drive unit that rotates the rotating rod so that dust on the floor surface is raked up backward by the brush band, The nozzle case is a rear partition wall that defines a rear end of the suction space and has an open tip end of the outflow path; a receiving portion having a lower surface arranged to be in contact with the brush band from below when the brush band is in a rotational position facing the rear partition wall, on the left or right side of an opening of the outlet passage in the rear partition wall, The lower surface of the receiving portion is inclined so that the horizontal component of the reaction force to the force received from the brush band faces the opening portion of the outlet passage.

2. the nozzle case has a front partition wall that is provided in an upright position so as to partition a front end of the suction space, The front partition wall is disposed so that a lower end of the front partition wall is spaced apart from a floor surface, 2. The suction nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the rear partition wall is provided so that the distance between the rear partition wall and the rotary brush is greater than the distance between the lower end of the front partition wall and the floor surface.

3. 2. The suction nozzle of claim 1, wherein the brush band extends on the circumferential surface of the rotating rod so as to slope downward in the axial direction of the rotating rod from a position away from the opening of the outlet passage to a position closer to the opening of the outlet passage when in a rotational position facing the rear partition wall.

4. The suction nozzle according to claim 1 , wherein the receiving portion and the brush band are configured to contact each other so that dust adhering to the brush band is pressed against the lower surface of the receiving portion.

5. The nozzle case is another receiving portion provided symmetrically with respect to the receiving portion with respect to the opening portion of the outlet passage in the rear partition wall; a scraping portion provided between the receiving portion and the other receiving portion, The suction nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the receiving portion, the other receiving portion and the scraping portion are configured to contact the brush band over the entire length of the brush band as the rotating brush rotates, and to scrape off dust adhering to the brush band.

6. a case support portion that supports the nozzle case in a state where the nozzle case is lifted off a floor surface, 6. The suction nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the case support portion is formed from a material softer than the nozzle case, or is configured to be able to roll on a floor surface.

7. a sealing strip protruding from a lower end of the rear partition wall and pressed against a floor surface; 7. The suction nozzle according to claim 6, wherein the sealing strip extends over the entire length of the lower end of the rear partition wall.

8. a suction source that generates a suction force for sucking dust; A vacuum cleaner comprising the suction nozzle according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

Images