Suction nozzle and vacuum cleaner

Abstract

The objective is to provide a technology that can suppress the inflow of dust into the drive chamber where the drive motor is housed while promoting heat dissipation from the drive chamber. [Solution] The suction nozzle of the present disclosure comprises a drive chamber housing a drive motor that generates rotational force, a rotating brush supported by a nozzle case so as to be rotatable in a suction space into which dust from the floor surface flows, and an outlet pipe section that forms a flow path extending rearward from the suction space so that dust and air flow out of the suction space due to the suction force of the suction source. The upper wall section forming the upper part of the outlet pipe section has a heat exhaust hole that communicates with the drive chamber and opens upward or diagonally upward so as to allow air from the drive chamber to flow into the outlet pipe section due to the suction force of the suction source.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vacuum cleaner 300 shown in FIG. 18. The vacuum cleaner 300 includes a vacuum cleaner main body 310 having a built-in suction source that generates a suction force for sucking dust, and a dust collection case 320 fixed to the front part of the vacuum cleaner main body 310. Dust sucked by the suction force of the suction source is stored in the dust collection case 320.

[0003] An intake pipe 330 that forms a flow path through which dust flows extends from the dust collection case 320, and a suction nozzle 340 for sucking dust from a floor area wider than the intake pipe 330 is attached to the tip of the intake pipe 330. The suction nozzle 340 has a substantially rectangular box-shaped nozzle case 341 and a connection pipe portion 342 that extends rearward from the rear portion of the nozzle case 341. The rear end portion of the connection pipe portion 342 is formed to be connectable to the tip of the intake pipe 330.

[0004] As shown in FIG. 19, a suction space 343 that opens downward is formed in the front side portion of the nozzle case 341. When the suction source operates, dust on the floor is sucked into the suction space 343 by the suction force of the suction source. A rotary brush 344 that is long in the left-right direction is disposed in the suction space 343. Both end portions of the rotary brush 344 are rotatably supported by the nozzle case 341. When the rotary brush and the dust on the floor rub against each other, the dust is peeled off from the floor. Therefore, the amount of dust sucked into the suction space 343 increases.

[0005] To enable dust to flow out of the suction space 343 to the dust collection case 320, an outlet pipe section 346 forming an outlet passage 345 is provided in the rear portion of the nozzle case 341, as shown in Figure 20. The outlet pipe section 346 is located in the center of the nozzle case 341 in the left-right direction. The outlet passage 345 of the outlet pipe section 346 extends in the front-rear direction in the rear portion of the nozzle case 341 and communicates with the flow path of the connecting pipe section 342. Therefore, dust sucked into the suction space 343 by the suction force of the suction source can flow to the dust collection case 320 through the flow paths of the outlet passage 345, the connecting pipe section 342, and the suction pipe 330.

[0006] To the right of the outlet pipe section 346, the nozzle case 341 forms a drive chamber 347. A drive motor 348 for rotating the rotating brush 344 is housed in the drive chamber 347. The drive motor 348 is connected to the right end of the rotating brush 344 via a drive belt, and when the drive motor 348 is operated, the rotating brush 344 can rotate within the suction space 343.

[0007] When the drive motor 348 operates, it emits heat. To prevent this heat from accumulating in the drive chamber 347, a heat exhaust hole 349 is formed in the right wall of the outlet pipe section 346. The outlet passage 345 of the outlet pipe section 346 communicates with the drive chamber 347 through the heat exhaust hole 349. Therefore, when the suction source operates, the suction force of the suction source draws the air in the drive chamber 347 into the outlet pipe section 346 through the heat exhaust hole 349. The heat emitted from the drive motor 348 is then discharged from the drive chamber 347 along with this airflow. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-39699 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] While the suction source is operating, the air pressure in the outlet passage 345 is lower than the air pressure in the drive chamber 347, making it difficult for dust flowing through the outlet passage 345 to flow into the drive chamber 347 through the heat exhaust hole 349. However, it is anticipated that the inertial force of the dust forcefully pushed backward by the rotating brush 344 will overcome the air pressure difference between the drive chamber 347 and the outlet passage 345, causing this dust to flow into the drive chamber 347 through the heat exhaust hole 349. This dust entering the drive chamber 347 could then cause a malfunction of the drive motor 348.

[0010] The present disclosure aims to provide a technology that can suppress the inflow of dust into the drive chamber in which the drive motor is housed while promoting heat dissipation from the drive chamber. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The suction nozzle in this disclosure is configured to be attachable to a vacuum cleaner having a suction source that generates a suction force for sucking up dust. The suction nozzle comprises a nozzle case having a drive motor that generates rotational force, a drive chamber housing the drive motor, a suction space that opens downward so that dust on the floor surface flows in due to the suction force of the suction source, and an outlet pipe section that forms a flow path extending rearward from the suction space so that dust and air flow out from the suction space due to the suction force of the suction source, and a rotating brush that is rotatably supported by the nozzle case within the suction space and is rotationally driven by the drive motor to sweep dust on the floor surface backward. The upper wall portion forming the upper part of the outlet pipe section has a heat exhaust hole that communicates with the drive chamber and opens upward or diagonally upward so as to allow air from the drive chamber to flow into the flow path in the outlet pipe section due to the suction force of the suction source.

[0012] The vacuum cleaner in this disclosure comprises a suction source that generates suction force for sucking up dust, and the suction nozzle described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The above technology can promote heat dissipation from the drive chamber while suppressing the inflow of dust into the drive chamber in which the drive motor is housed.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0014] [Figure 1] Side view of the vacuum cleaner [Figure 2] Perspective view of the suction nozzle of the vacuum cleaner [Figure 3] Cross-sectional view of the suction nozzle [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view of the suction nozzle [Figure 5] Plan view of the outflow pipe portion of the suction nozzle [Figure 6] Plan view of the outflow pipe portion [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view of the outflow pipe portion [Figure 8] Cross-sectional view of the outflow pipe portion [Figure 9] Cross-sectional view of the outflow pipe portion [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view of the outflow pipe portion [Figure 11] Plan view of the outflow pipe portion [Figure 12] Plan view of the outflow pipe portion [Figure 13] Plan view of the outflow pipe portion [Figure 14] Cross-sectional view of the outflow pipe portion [Figure 15] Perspective view of the suction nozzle [Figure 16] Cross-sectional view of the suction nozzle [Figure 17] Plan view of the inside of the suction nozzle [Figure 18] Perspective view of a conventional vacuum cleaner [Figure 19] Bottom view of the suction nozzle of a conventional vacuum cleaner [Figure 20] Cross-sectional view of the suction nozzle of a conventional vacuum cleaner<000010I><00001Ö2>

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] The embodiments of the vacuum cleaner will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings, but in order to facilitate understanding for those skilled in the art, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0016] Figure 1 is a side view of a stick-type vacuum cleaner 100. The vacuum cleaner 100 will be described with reference to Figure 1.

[0017] (Overall structure of a vacuum cleaner) The vacuum cleaner 100 comprises a vacuum cleaner body 110 which has a built-in suction source 111 that generates suction force to suck up dust, and a dust collection container 114 attached to the lower side of the vacuum cleaner body 110. The suction source 111 is configured to suck up air from inside the dust collection container 114 and may have, for example, a motor that generates rotational force and a rotating blade configured to generate an upward airflow when rotated by the motor.

[0018] Between the vacuum cleaner body 110 and the dust collection container 114, a filter 112 is positioned to allow air to pass through while capturing dust contained in the air. In addition, a gripping part 113 formed to be held by the user and a suction pipe 120 forming a flow path 123 for dust to flow are positioned on the front side of the vacuum cleaner body 110 and the dust collection container 114.

[0019] The suction tube 120 extends vertically below the grip portion 113. More specifically, the suction tube 120 has a base tube portion 121 integrally formed with the vacuum cleaner body 110 and the grip portion 113, and an extension tube portion 122 extending downward from the base tube portion 121. Within the base tube portion 121, the flow path 123 is bent toward the dust collection container 114. The extension tube portion 122 is detachable from the base tube portion 121. A suction nozzle 130 is attached to the lower end of the extension tube portion 122, into which dust from the floor surface is sucked in by the suction force of the suction source 111.

[0020] The suction nozzle 130 has a connecting pipe section 131 connected to the lower end of the extension pipe section 122, and a nozzle case 132 connected to the lower end of the connecting pipe section 131. The connection between the connecting pipe section 131 and the nozzle case 132 is configured to allow the connecting pipe section 131 to tilt in the front-rear direction around its lower end as an axis.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, the front portion of the nozzle case 132 forms a suction space 133 that is wider in the left-right direction than the flow path of the connecting pipe 131. This suction space 133 opens downward, and when the suction source 111 is activated, the suction force of the suction source 111 causes dust from the floor surface, which is wide in the left-right direction, to flow into the suction space 133.

[0022] To connect the suction space 133 with the flow path of the connecting pipe section 131, the nozzle case 132 has an outlet pipe section 134. This outlet pipe section 134 forms a flow path that extends rearward from the suction space 133 at approximately the center of the nozzle case 132 in the left-right direction.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3, a rotating brush 141 for scraping dust from the floor surface is positioned within the suction space 133. The rotating brush 141 is rotatably supported by the nozzle case 132.

[0024] As shown in Figure 4, the rear portion of the nozzle case 132 has a lower compartment wall 125, an upper compartment wall 126, a right compartment wall 127, a left compartment wall 128, and a rear compartment wall 129. The lower compartment wall 125, upper compartment wall 126, right compartment wall 127, left compartment wall 128, and rear compartment wall 129 form a drive chamber 162 which houses the outflow pipe section 134 and a drive motor 142 that generates rotational force to rotate the rotating brush 141. The drive chamber 162 is separated from the airflow path from the suction space 133 to the rear by the pipe wall of the outflow pipe section 134.

[0025] The lower partition wall 125 demarcates the lower end of the drive chamber 162, and the drive motor 142 is fixed on the lower partition wall 125 to the left of the outlet pipe section 134. The upper partition wall 126 is formed to cover the outlet pipe section 134 and the drive motor 142 from above. Specifically, the upper partition wall 126 demarcates the upper end of the drive chamber 162 and is located at a position spaced above the outlet pipe section 134. As a result, the drive chamber 162 extends to the area above the outlet pipe section 134.

[0026] Furthermore, the right end of the drive chamber 162 is partitioned by the right partition wall 127, and the left end of the drive chamber 162 is partitioned by the left partition wall 128. The left partition wall 128 has a ventilation hole 163 that allows outside air to flow into the drive chamber 162. The rear end of the drive chamber 162 is partitioned by the rear partition wall 129. The aforementioned outflow pipe section 134 opens in the rear partition wall 129.

[0027] The motor shaft of the drive motor 142 is connected to the left end of the rotating brush 141 via the drive belt 164. When the drive motor 142 is activated, the rotating brush 141 rotates to sweep dust from the floor surface backward, as shown in Figure 3.

[0028] (Heat dissipation structure) When the drive motor 142 operates, it emits heat. If this heat were to accumulate in the drive chamber 162, the drive motor 142 could become excessively hot. To suppress the temperature rise of the drive motor 142, the intake nozzle 130 is configured to allow air from the drive chamber 162 to flow into the flow path in the outlet pipe 134. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the upper wall portion 165, which constitutes the upper part (upper half) of the outlet pipe 134, has an upward-facing exhaust hole 166 that connects the flow path in the outlet pipe 134 with the drive chamber 162. In a plan view, the exhaust hole 166 is rectangular in shape, elongated in the front-to-back direction.

[0029] (Vacuum cleaner operation) When the suction source 111 is activated, its suction force acts on the suction space 133 of the suction nozzle 130 through the dust collection container 114, the flow path 123 in the suction pipe 120, the flow path in the connecting pipe section 131, and the flow path in the outlet pipe section 134. Dust on the floor surface is sucked up into the suction space 133 by the suction force of the suction source 111. This dust is then discharged from the suction space 133 along with air through the flow path in the outlet pipe section 134. The dust and air then flow into the dust collection container 114 through the suction pipe 120.

[0030] To increase the amount of dust flowing into the dust collection container 114, the rotating brush 141 is driven by the drive motor 142 to rotate and sweep up dust on the floor surface backward. As a result, dust adhering to the floor surface with a force that cannot be removed by the suction force of the suction source 111 alone is pulled off the floor surface and then flows into the dust collection container 114 through the suction pipe 120.

[0031] When cleaning is performed while the rotating brush 141 is driven to rotate as described above, heat is emitted from the drive motor 142 that drives the rotating brush 141. This heat is discharged from the drive chamber 162 as follows.

[0032] The ventilation hole 163 formed in the left partition wall 128 that demarcates the left end of the drive chamber 162 is in communication with the flow path in the outlet pipe section 134 through the drive chamber 162 and the heat exhaust hole 166. Therefore, when the suction source 111 is activated, the suction force of the suction source 111 causes outside air (outside air) from outside the suction nozzle 130 to flow into the drive chamber 162 through the ventilation hole 163. This outside air then passes sequentially through the drive chamber 162 and the heat exhaust hole 166 before flowing into the flow path in the outlet pipe section 134.

[0033] The heat released from the drive motor 142 within the drive chamber 162 is carried by this outside airflow and discharged into the flow path within the outlet pipe 134. As a result, the heat from the drive motor 142 does not accumulate within the drive chamber 162, and the temperature rise of the drive motor 142 is suppressed.

[0034] The heat exhaust hole 166 shown in Figure 4 is formed in the upper wall portion 165 of the outlet pipe section 134. In this case, even if the rotating brush 141 sweeps dust from the floor surface into the flow path in the outlet pipe section 134 at an elevation angle toward the heat exhaust hole 166, this dust may flow through the lower part (lower half) of the flow path in the outlet pipe section 134 before reaching the heat exhaust hole 166 due to the action of gravity. Furthermore, even if this dust reaches the heat exhaust hole 166, since the heat exhaust hole 166 opens upward, the outflow of this dust from the flow path in the outlet pipe section 134 through the heat exhaust hole 166 can be suppressed as follows. That is, for dust to leave the outlet pipe section 134 through the heat exhaust hole 166, it needs to move upward against not only the flow of outside air flowing into the flow path in the outlet pipe section 134 through the heat exhaust hole 166, but also against gravity acting on the dust. In other words, the outflow of dust from the outlet pipe section 134 through the heat exhaust hole 166 may be obstructed by the flow of outside air entering the flow path within the outlet pipe section 134 through the heat exhaust hole 166 and gravity acting on this dust.

[0035] The exhaust vent 166 shown in Figure 4 opens upward. Alternatively, the exhaust vent 166 may open diagonally upward. Even if the exhaust vent 166 opens in this way, gravity can suppress the outflow of dust from the outlet pipe section 134 through the exhaust vent 166.

[0036] Dust flowing at the top of the flow path within the outlet pipe 134 decreases downstream in the direction of airflow in the flow path within the outlet pipe 134 due to the effect of gravity. Taking this dust distribution into consideration, the exhaust holes 166 may be formed as shown in Figure 5. The exhaust holes 166 shown in Figure 5 may be formed such that the width of the upstream end of the exhaust holes 166 in the direction of airflow in the flow path within the outlet pipe 134 is narrower than the width of the downstream end of the exhaust holes 166 in the direction of airflow in the flow path within the outlet pipe 134. In this case, near the downstream end of the exhaust holes 166, the exhaust holes 166 are wider, allowing more air to flow into the flow path within the outlet pipe 134 through the exhaust holes 166, which can increase the heat dissipation efficiency from the drive chamber 162. Furthermore, since there is relatively little dust flowing in the upper part of the flow path within the outlet pipe section 134 near the downstream end of the heat exhaust hole 166, the risk of dust flowing out from the opening area near the downstream end of the heat exhaust hole 166 is small.

[0037] The exhaust holes 166 shown in Figure 4 are elongated in the direction of airflow in the flow path within the outlet pipe 134. Alternatively, the exhaust holes 166 may be shorter in the direction of airflow and longer in the direction perpendicular to this airflow direction, as shown in Figure 6. Referring to Figure 7, the ease of dust discharge is compared below between the case where the exhaust holes 166 are elongated in the direction of airflow in the flow path within the outlet pipe 134 and the case where the exhaust holes 166 are elongated in the direction of airflow in the flow path within the outlet pipe 134.

[0038] Figure 7(a) shows the case where the heat exhaust hole 166 is elongated in the direction of airflow in the flow path within the outlet pipe section 134, and the magnitude of the elevation angle from the floor to the upstream end of the heat exhaust hole 166 is θ1. The magnitude of the elevation angle from the floor to the downstream end of the heat exhaust hole 166 is θ2, which is smaller than θ1.

[0039] Figure 7(b) shows the case where the heat exhaust hole 166 is shorter in the direction of airflow in the flow path within the outlet pipe section 134. The position of the upstream end of the heat exhaust hole 166 in Figure 7(b) is the same as the position of the upstream end of the heat exhaust hole 166 in Figure 7(a). Therefore, the magnitude of the elevation angle from the floor to the upstream end of the heat exhaust hole 166 is θ1. On the other hand, the downstream end of the heat exhaust hole 166 in Figure 7(b) is located upstream of the downstream end of the heat exhaust hole 166 in Figure 7(a). Therefore, the elevation angle from the floor to the downstream end of the heat exhaust hole 166 in Figure 7(b) is θ3, which is greater than θ2. Consequently, the range of elevation angles through which dust can pass through the heat exhaust hole 166 in Figure 7(b) (i.e., θ1-θ3) is smaller than the range of elevation angles through which dust can pass through the heat exhaust hole 166 in Figure 7(a) (i.e., θ1-θ2).

[0040] Therefore, the shorter the distance from the downstream end to the upstream end of the heat exhaust hole 166, the less likely dust is to flow out of the outlet pipe section 134 through the heat exhaust hole 166. In order to suppress the outflow of dust from the outlet pipe section 134 through the heat exhaust hole 166, the width of the heat exhaust hole 166 can be increased by the same amount as shortening the length of the heat exhaust hole 166 in the direction of airflow in the flow path within the outlet pipe section 134, thereby maintaining the opening area of ​​the heat exhaust hole 166. As a result, the heat dissipation efficiency from the drive chamber 162 is also maintained.

[0041] To suppress the outflow of dust from the outlet pipe section 134 through the heat exhaust hole 166, a projection 167 protruding downward from the upper wall section 165 of the outlet pipe section 134 may be provided, as shown in Figure 8. The projection 167 is located upstream of the heat exhaust hole 166 in the direction of airflow in the flow path within the outlet pipe section 134. In this case, dust attempting to pass through the opening area near the upstream end of the heat exhaust hole 166 may collide with the projection 167 and then fall to the lower part of the flow path within the outlet pipe section 134 due to gravity.

[0042] The greater the protrusion of the protruding portion 167, the more effectively dust is suppressed from flowing out of the outlet pipe section 134 through the heat exhaust holes 166. However, this increases the risk of clogging of the outlet pipe section 134 due to dust getting caught in the protruding portion 167. Therefore, it is preferable to determine the amount of protrusion of the protruding portion 167 by taking into consideration both the problem of dust flowing out of the outlet pipe section 134 through the heat exhaust holes 166 and the problem of clogging of the outlet pipe section 134.

[0043] To return dust that has flowed out of the outlet pipe section 134 through the heat exhaust hole 166 back into the flow path within the outlet pipe section 134, a vertical wall 168 protruding upward from the upper wall section 165 of the outlet pipe section 134 may be provided, as shown in Figure 9. The vertical wall 168 is erected at a position downstream of the heat exhaust hole 166 in the direction of airflow in the flow path within the outlet pipe section 134. In this case, dust that has passed through the opening area near the downstream end of the heat exhaust hole 166 may collide with the vertical wall 168 and then fall into the flow path within the outlet pipe section 134 due to the airflow and gravity entering the flow path within the outlet pipe section 134 through the heat exhaust hole 166.

[0044] In order to strengthen the flow of outside air into the flow path within the outlet pipe section 134 through the heat exhaust hole 166, the heat exhaust hole 166 may have a tapered shape that narrows as it approaches the flow path within the outlet pipe section 134, as shown in Figure 10. In this case, dust attempting to flow out of the outlet pipe section 134 through the heat exhaust hole 166 is more easily pushed back to the lower part of the flow path within the outlet pipe section 134 by the downward flow of air entering the flow path within the outlet pipe section 134. As a result, the outflow of dust from the outlet pipe section 134 through the heat exhaust hole 166 can be suppressed.

[0045] To improve the heat dissipation efficiency from the drive chamber 162, additional heat dissipation holes 171 and 172 may be formed in the upper wall portion 165 of the outlet pipe section 134, in addition to the heat dissipation hole 166, as shown in Figure 11. These heat dissipation holes 166, 171 and 172 are spaced apart in the left-right direction and open upward or diagonally upward. The amount of air flowing from the drive chamber 162 into the flow path in the outlet pipe section 134, and consequently the amount of heat flowing from the drive chamber 162 into the flow path in the outlet pipe section 134, increases by the amount of the additional heat dissipation holes 171 and 172.

[0046] The exhaust holes 166, 171, and 172 may be spaced apart in the direction of airflow in the flow path within the outlet pipe section 134, as shown in Figure 12. In Figure 12, exhaust hole 171 opens upward or diagonally upward at a position downstream of exhaust hole 166 in the direction of airflow in the flow path within the outlet pipe section 134. Furthermore, exhaust hole 172 opens upward or diagonally upward at a position further downstream from exhaust hole 171.

[0047] Dust flowing at the top of the flow path within the outlet pipe 134 may decrease downstream in the direction of airflow within the outlet pipe 134 due to the effect of gravity. Taking this dust distribution into consideration, the spacing between the exhaust holes 171 and 172 may be narrower than the spacing between the exhaust holes 166 and 171. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 13, the exhaust holes 166, 171, and 172 may be formed such that the opening area of ​​the upstream exhaust hole 166 is the smallest and the opening area of ​​the downstream exhaust hole 172 is the largest.

[0048] The heat exhaust vent 166 may be covered by a filter 173, as shown in Figure 14. The filter 173 is configured to allow air to flow into the flow path within the outlet pipe 134 through the heat exhaust vent 166, while capturing dust that would otherwise escape from the outlet pipe 134 through the heat exhaust vent 166. In this case, dust larger than the mesh size of the filter 173 can be retained in the flow path within the outlet pipe 134 by the filter 173. Furthermore, clogging of the filter 173 can be suppressed by the inflow of dust into the flow path within the outlet pipe 134.

[0049] It is anticipated that dust contained in the outside air flowing into the suction nozzle 130 through the vent hole 163 shown in Figure 1 may clog the mesh of the filter 173. In this case, it is preferable that the suction nozzle 130 be configured to allow for the replacement of the filter 173. For example, to facilitate the replacement of the filter 173, an outlet 174 used for removing the filter 173 from the suction nozzle 130 may be formed in the upper compartment wall 126, as shown in Figure 15. A cover 175 for opening and closing the outlet 174 is attached to the upper compartment wall 126. The cover 175 shown in Figure 15 is in the open position, opening the outlet 174. The cover 175 can rotate downward from this open position and be displaced to the closed position, closing the outlet 174, as shown in Figure 16.

[0050] To hold the filter 173 near the outlet 174, a wall structure 176 is constructed using a vertical wall 168 erected above the downstream end of the heat exhaust hole 166 in the direction of airflow in the flow path within the outlet pipe section 134, as shown in Figure 17. Specifically, the wall structure 176 consists of the vertical wall 168, a side wall 177 erected above the right end of the heat exhaust hole 166, and an upstream wall 178 erected above the upstream end of the heat exhaust hole 166 in the direction of airflow in the flow path within the outlet pipe section 134. In plan view, the wall structure 176 has a roughly C-shape that opens towards the drive chamber 162, and is configured not to obstruct the airflow from the drive chamber 162 to the heat exhaust hole 166. The filter 173 is fixed to the upper end of the wall structure 176.

[0051] The user can perform cleaning with the outlet 174 closed by the cover 175. In this case, the inflow of air through the outlet 174, and consequently the decrease in suction power due to this air inflow, is suppressed. When the cleaning is finished and the filter 173 needs to be replaced, the user can displace the cover 175 to the open position and open the outlet 174. The filter 173 can then be removed from the suction nozzle 130 through the outlet 174.

[0052] Furthermore, even when the filter 173 is not provided, the wall structure 176 shown in Figure 17 is still useful. Specifically, the wall structure 176 prevents air from the front, rear, and right sides of the heat exhaust vent 166 from flowing into the heat exhaust vent 166. As a result, air from inside the drive chamber 162 can flow into the heat exhaust vent 166 in a concentrated manner.

[0053] In the above-described embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 100 is a stick type. Alternatively, the vacuum cleaner 100 may be a canister type or a handheld type.

[0054] (Effects, etc.) The suction nozzle 130 and vacuum cleaner 100 according to the above embodiment have the following features and provide the following effects.

[0055] 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 a suction force for sucking up dust. This suction nozzle comprises a nozzle case having a drive motor that generates rotational force, a drive chamber housing the drive motor, a suction space that opens downward so that dust on the floor surface flows in due to the suction force of the suction source, and an outlet pipe section that forms a flow path extending rearward from the suction space so that dust and air flow out from the suction space due to the suction force of the suction source, and a rotating brush that is rotatably supported by the nozzle case within the suction space and is rotationally driven by the drive motor to sweep dust on the floor surface backward. The upper wall portion forming the upper part of the outlet pipe section has a heat exhaust hole that communicates with the drive chamber and opens upward or diagonally upward so as to allow air from the drive chamber to flow into the flow path in the outlet pipe section due to the suction force of the suction source.

[0056] In the configuration described above, the rotating brush is driven to rotate within the suction space by a drive motor. This sweeps dust from the floor surface backward. This dust, along with the air, is then drawn from the suction space into the flow path within the outlet pipe by the suction force of the suction source.

[0057] As the drive motor operates, it emits heat. To prevent this heat from accumulating in the drive chamber where the drive motor is housed, a heat dissipation vent is formed in the outlet pipe. As a result, when the suction force from the suction source acts on the flow path in the outlet pipe, air from the drive chamber flows into the flow path in the outlet pipe through the heat dissipation vent that communicates with the drive chamber. With this airflow, the heat from the drive chamber can be released from the drive chamber into the flow path in the outlet pipe.

[0058] Most of the dust flowing through the flow path in the outlet pipe is affected by gravity and flows along the lower part of the flow path rather than the upper part. Therefore, there is less dust in the upper region of the flow path in the outlet pipe than in the lower region. Taking this dust distribution into consideration, the exhaust holes are formed in the upper wall that constitutes the upper part of the outlet pipe. As a result of the exhaust holes being formed in the upper wall, even if dust is swept backward by the rotating brush and flows through the flow path in the outlet pipe at a high speed, less dust will enter the drive chamber from the flow path in the outlet pipe through the exhaust holes. In addition, the exhaust holes open upward or diagonally upward, and the movement of dust attempting to flow out into the drive chamber from exhaust holes opened in such directions is hindered by gravity.

[0059] In the above configuration, the intake nozzle is further equipped with a filter that captures dust particles attempting to exit the outlet pipe through the heat exhaust holes, while allowing air to flow into the flow path within the outlet pipe through the heat exhaust holes.

[0060] In the above configuration, even if dust flowing through the flow path in the outlet pipe section tries to exit the outlet pipe section through the heat exhaust vent, this dust is captured by the filter. Therefore, the drive motor can be protected from dust. On the other hand, even with the filter in place, the inflow of air into the flow path in the outlet pipe section through the heat exhaust vent is permitted, thus promoting heat dissipation from the drive chamber.

[0061] In the above configuration, the nozzle case may have an outlet formed to allow the filter to be removed from the nozzle case, and a lid may be attached to open and close the outlet.

[0062] In the configuration described above, if the filter becomes clogged, the user can operate the lid to open the outlet. In this state, the user can remove the filter from the nozzle case through the outlet and perform the task of clearing the filter clogging. Note that when the lid is closed over the outlet, even if the suction source is operating, air from outside the suction nozzle will not flow into the suction nozzle through the outlet. Therefore, even if an outlet is formed, a decrease in suction force inside the suction nozzle is unlikely to occur.

[0063] In the above configuration, the suction nozzle may further include a vertical wall erected from the upper wall at a position downstream of the heat exhaust hole in the airflow direction within the flow path of the outlet pipe, so as to collide with dust that flows out of the outlet pipe through the heat exhaust hole.

[0064] In the above configuration, even if dust flows out of the outlet pipe through the heat exhaust holes, this dust can collide with the vertical wall and fall into the flow path within the outlet pipe through the heat exhaust holes.

[0065] In the above configuration, the width of the upstream end of the heat exhaust hole in the direction of airflow in the flow path within the outlet pipe may be narrower than the width of the downstream end of the heat exhaust hole in the direction of airflow in the flow path within the outlet pipe.

[0066] It is thought that dust flowing in the upper part of the flow path within the outlet pipe is more abundant near the upstream end of the heat exhaust hole than near the downstream end of the heat exhaust hole. For this reason, in the above configuration, the width of the upstream end of the heat exhaust hole is relatively small. Dust near the upstream end of the heat exhaust hole can flow to the lower part of the flow path within the outlet pipe due to the action of gravity as it moves downstream in the direction of airflow in the flow path within the outlet pipe. For this reason, even if the width of the downstream end of the heat exhaust hole is relatively large, it is unlikely that a large amount of dust will escape from the heat exhaust hole to the outside of the outlet pipe. On the other hand, by increasing the width of the downstream end of the heat exhaust hole, the amount of air flowing from the drive chamber into the flow path within the outlet pipe through the heat exhaust hole can increase, which can promote heat dissipation from the drive chamber.

[0067] In the above configuration, the suction nozzle may further have a projection that protrudes downward into the flow path from the upper wall portion on the upstream side of the heat exhaust hole in the direction of airflow in the flow path within the outlet pipe portion.

[0068] In the above configuration, dust flowing diagonally upward toward the heat exhaust hole in the flow path within the outlet pipe can be contained within the flow path of the outlet pipe by colliding with a projection that protrudes downward from the upper wall into the flow path upstream of the heat exhaust hole.

[0069] In the above configuration, the heat dissipation holes may have a tapered shape that narrows as they approach the flow path within the outlet pipe.

[0070] In the above configuration, the heat exhaust holes have a tapered shape that narrows as they approach the flow path within the outlet pipe, which increases the force of the air flowing into the flow path within the outlet pipe through the heat exhaust holes. As a result, dust can be suppressed from being released outside the outlet pipe through the heat exhaust holes.

[0071] In the above configuration, the heat exhaust holes may be elongated in a direction perpendicular to the direction of airflow in the flow path within the outlet pipe.

[0072] In the above configuration, the heat exhaust holes are elongated in a direction perpendicular to the direction of airflow in the flow path within the outlet pipe. Compared to the case where the heat exhaust holes are elongated in the direction of airflow within the flow path within the outlet pipe, the outflow of dust from the outlet pipe can be suppressed.

[0073] In the above-described configuration, the upper wall portion may have a second heat exhaust hole that opens upward or diagonally upward downstream of the first heat exhaust hole, which is a heat exhaust hole, in the direction of airflow in the flow path within the outlet pipe, and a third heat exhaust hole that opens upward or diagonally upward downstream of the second heat exhaust hole, in the direction of airflow in the flow path within the outlet pipe. The distance between the first heat exhaust hole and the second heat exhaust hole in the direction of airflow in the flow path within the outlet pipe may be greater than the distance between the second heat exhaust hole and the third heat exhaust hole in the direction of airflow in the flow path within the outlet pipe.

[0074] In the above configuration, multiple heat dissipation holes are formed in the upper wall, promoting heat dissipation from the drive chamber. Furthermore, the spacing between these heat dissipation holes is determined considering that dust is more abundant in the upper part of the flow path within the outlet pipe section in the flow path section from the first heat dissipation hole to the second heat dissipation hole than in the flow path section from the second heat dissipation hole to the third heat dissipation hole. In other words, by making the distance between the first heat dissipation hole and the second heat dissipation hole relatively long, the leakage of dust from the outlet pipe section is suppressed.

[0075] The vacuum cleaner according to one aspect of the above-described embodiment comprises a suction source that generates a suction force for sucking up dust, and the suction nozzle described above. [Industrial applicability]

[0076] The suction nozzle and vacuum cleaner of the above-described embodiment are suitably used in devices used for cleaning work. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 100·················vacuum cleaner 111·······························Suction source 123··················channel 126·················Upper section wall 130·················Suction nozzle 132·················Nozzle Case 133·················Intake space 134··················Outlet pipe section 141··················Rotating brush 142·················Drive motor 161···················Communication space 162··················Drive Room 165 · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 166,171,172... Heat exhaust hole 167...Protrusion 168·················Last Wall 173·················filter 174 · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 175·················Lid

Claims

1. A suction nozzle attached to a vacuum cleaner having a suction source that generates suction force to suck up dust, A drive motor that generates rotational force, A nozzle case having a drive chamber housing the drive motor, a suction space opening downward so that dust on the floor surface flows in due to the suction force of the suction source, and an outlet pipe section extending rearward from the suction space, forming a flow path so that dust and air flow out of the suction space due to the suction force of the suction source. The system includes a rotating brush that is rotatably supported by the nozzle case within the suction space and is driven by the drive motor to sweep dust from the floor surface backward, A suction nozzle having an upper wall portion forming the upper part of the outlet pipe section, with a heat exhaust hole communicating with the drive chamber opening upward or diagonally upward so as to allow air from the drive chamber to flow into the flow path in the outlet pipe section due to the suction force of the suction source.

2. The suction nozzle according to claim 1, further comprising a filter that captures dust attempting to exit the outlet pipe through the heat exhaust holes, while allowing air to flow into the flow path within the outlet pipe through the heat exhaust holes.

3. The suction nozzle according to claim 2, wherein the nozzle case has an outlet formed therein so that the filter can be removed from the nozzle case, and a lid is attached to open and close the outlet.

4. The suction nozzle according to claim 1, further comprising a vertical wall erected from the upper wall portion at a position downstream of the heat exhaust hole in the airflow direction of the flow path within the flow path of

5. The suction nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the width of the upstream end of the heat exhaust hole in the direction of airflow in the flow path within the outlet pipe is narrower than the width of the downstream end of the heat exhaust hole in the direction of airflow in the flow path within the outlet pipe.

6. The suction nozzle according to claim 1, further having a protrusion that protrudes downward into the flow path from the upper wall portion on the upstream side of the heat exhaust hole in the direction of airflow in the flow path within the outlet pipe portion.

7. The suction nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the heat exhaust hole has a tapered shape that narrows as it approaches the flow path within the outlet pipe.

8. The suction nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the heat exhaust hole is elongated in a direction perpendicular to the direction of airflow in the flow path within the outlet pipe.

9. The upper wall portion is formed with a second heat exhaust hole that opens upward or diagonally upward downstream of the first heat exhaust hole, which is the heat exhaust hole, in the direction of airflow in the flow path within the outlet pipe, and a third heat exhaust hole that opens upward or diagonally upward downstream of the second heat exhaust hole, in the direction of airflow in the flow path within the outlet pipe. The suction nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the first heat exhaust hole and the second heat exhaust hole in the direction of airflow in the flow path within the outlet pipe is greater than the distance between the second heat exhaust hole and the third heat exhaust hole in the direction of airflow in the flow path within the outlet pipe.

10. A suction source that generates suction force to suck up dust, A vacuum cleaner comprising a suction nozzle according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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