Suction nozzle and vacuum cleaner

Abstract

To provide a vacuum cleaner suction nozzle that is advantageous in suppressing fiber entanglement. [Solution] The suction port body for the electric vacuum cleaner has a rotating brush positioned near the suction port, and the rotating brush is cylindrical and includes a rotating core that rotates around the central axis of the cylinder, and a brush having a plurality of bristles arranged on the cylindrical surface of the rotating core, wherein the plurality of bristles are arranged to be uniformly inclined toward the central axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a suction inlet body and a vacuum cleaner.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a suction inlet body for a vacuum cleaner having a rotating brush for scraping dust on the floor surface is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] During use, so-called fiber entanglement (hair entanglement) may occur, in which fine fibers such as thread dust and hair dust enter between the hair materials in the rotating brush. When the fiber entanglement becomes severe, the rotational drive of the rotating brush is inhibited, etc., and the dust suction performance deteriorates. In such a case, it was necessary for the user to remove the fibers entangled in the brush using scissors or the like.

[0005] There is a strong demand for an improvement in the suction inlet body that can reduce the frequency of such work. The present invention provides, for example, a suction inlet body for a vacuum cleaner that is advantageous for suppressing fiber entanglement.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a suction inlet body for a vacuum cleaner, having a rotating brush disposed near the suction inlet, the rotating brush including a rotating core having a cylindrical shape and rotating around the central axis of the cylinder, and a brush having a plurality of hair materials disposed on the cylindrical surface of the rotating core, wherein the plurality of hair materials are disposed so as to be uniformly inclined toward the central axis side. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a suction nozzle body for a vacuum cleaner that is advantageous in suppressing fiber entanglement. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] External perspective view of the vacuum cleaner. [Figure 2] A diagram showing the bottom surface of the suction port. [Figure 3] Perspective view of a rotating brush. [Figure 4] Exploded perspective view of the end of the rotating brush. [Figure 5] A diagram showing the configuration of the locking mechanism. [Figure 6] Exploded perspective view of the drive-side coupling. [Figure 7] A diagram showing the drive mechanism. [Figure 8] A diagram showing the drive mechanism. [Figure 9] A diagram showing an example of the brush's inclination direction. [Figure 10] A diagram showing another example of the brush's inclination direction. [Figure 11] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of a biasing member. [Figure 12] A diagram showing an example of a blank section for a rotating brush. [Figure 13] A diagram showing another example of a blank section for a rotating brush. [Figure 14] A diagram showing another example of a rotating brush configuration. [Figure 15] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of the connecting member. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention as defined in the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential to the invention. Two or more of the features described in the embodiments may be combined in any way. Furthermore, identical or similar configurations will be given the same reference numeral, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0010] Figure 1 is an external perspective view of a vacuum cleaner 1 (electric vacuum cleaner) according to an embodiment. The vacuum cleaner 1, also called a vacuum cleaner, is configured to create negative pressure using the rotation of a motor, suck up dust with that negative pressure, and collect it in a dust container. The vacuum cleaner 1 has a main body 10, a suction port 20, and an extension pipe 30. The vacuum cleaner 1 shown is a so-called stick-type vacuum cleaner with the handle located on the main body 10, but the present invention is not limited to this type. The vacuum cleaner 1 may be a so-called canister type, for example, in which the main body 10 is provided with wheels and the handle is located on the extension pipe side rather than the main body.

[0011] The main unit 10 may include a motor for creating negative pressure, a dust collection unit, a dust container, a rechargeable battery, a power switch, a display unit, etc. The suction port 20 is the tip of the vacuum cleaner 1, forming a suction port and configured to approach or come into contact with the object to be cleaned, such as a floor surface, to suck up dust. In particular, the suction port 20 of this embodiment is equipped with a rotating brush to assist in the effective suction of dust by scraping dust off the floor surface, as will be described later. For this reason, the suction port 20 may also be called a floor brush. The extension pipe 30 is a connecting pipe that connects the main unit 10 and the suction port 20. The main unit 10 and the extension pipe 30, and the extension pipe 30 and the suction port 20 are configured to be detachable.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a view showing the bottom surface of the suction port body 20, where (a) shows the state in which the rotary brush 21 is attached, and (b) shows the state in which the rotary brush 21 is removed. The suction port body 20 includes a rotary brush 21, a head portion 22, a connection portion 23 connected to the extension pipe 30, and a joint joint portion 24 that supports the head portion 22 and the connection portion 23 so as to be swingable relative to each other. The head portion 22 forms a suction port 25 and houses the rotary brush 21. The head portion 22 supports the rotary brush 21 so as to be rotatable about its longitudinal axis. The connection portion 23 and the joint joint portion 24 have a cavity that communicates the extension pipe 30 and the suction port 25.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the rotary brush 21. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the first end portion 211 of the rotary brush 21. The rotary brush 21 includes a brush 32, a rotary core 31 that holds the brush 32, a driven-side coupling 33 disposed at the first end portion 211 of the rotary core 31, and a drive-side coupling 34 disposed at the second end portion 212 of the rotary core 31. The rotary core 31 has a cylindrical shape and rotates about the central axis (longitudinal axis) of the cylinder indicated by the line C-C when attached to the head portion 22. As shown in FIG. 4, a hollow portion is formed at least at the end portion of the rotary core 31. The rotary core may be a so-called hollow rod having a through hole along the central axis.

[0014] The brush 32 is disposed over substantially the entire longitudinal direction of the rotary core 31. The brush 32 is composed of a plurality of densely arranged hair materials. The plurality of hair materials may have the same length and hardness, or may include a plurality of types of hair materials having different lengths and hardnesses. As shown in FIG. 4, the brush 32 has a hair implantation base 32a for the plurality of hair materials. On the cylindrical surface of the rotary core 31, a pedestal brush holder (holding portion) 31a for holding the brush 32 is formed. The brush holder 31a may include a groove portion for housing the hair implantation base 32a and an upper pressing piece that forms an opening for protruding the plurality of hair materials outward in the direction of the cylindrical surface and presses the upper portion of the hair implantation base 3。

[0015] In one example, a plurality of brushes 32 having a length extending over substantially the entire longitudinal direction of the rotating core 31 can be arranged. In the example of FIG. 3, four brushes 32 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cross section of the rotating core 31, but the number of the brushes 32 is arbitrary. That is, one brush 32 may be provided or two or more brushes 32 may be arranged.

[0016] Also, in the present embodiment, each of the brushes 32 is arranged so as to spiral around the cylindrical surface along the rotation axis (the central axis of the rotating core 31). In other words, in the present embodiment, each brush holder 31a is arranged so as to spiral around the cylindrical surface along the rotation axis (the central axis of the rotating core 31). By arranging the brushes 32 in a spiral shape, the brushes 32 are dispersed and arranged on the cylindrical surface, so that the entire brushes 32 do not contact the floor surface simultaneously, the load on the brushes 32 is reduced, and effects such as energy saving and noise reduction are achieved.

[0017] The driven-side coupling 33 pivotally supports the rotating brush 21 rotatably. As shown in FIG. 4, the driven-side coupling 33 may include a bearing 331, a bearing 332, a shaft 333, and a fixing body 334. The bearing 331 houses the bearing 332 and receives one end portion of the shaft 333. Further, a boss 331a protruding in the longitudinal direction is formed on the bearing 331. The boss 331a fits into a socket (not shown) formed inside the side wall of the suction port body 20 to restrict the movement of the bearing 331. Inside the bearing 331, the bearing 332 is press-fitted. One end portion of the shaft 333 is press-fitted into the inner ring of the bearing 332. Further, the other end side of the shaft 333 is fixed in a state of being inserted into the fixing body 334. For example, the other end side of the shaft 333 may be insert-molded into the fixing body 334. The fixing body 334 is press-fitted into the hollow portion 31b of the rotating core 31. In a state where the rotating brush 21 is set in the suction port body 20, a lock member 51 for fixing the bearing 331 as shown in FIG. 5 is fitted inside the side wall of the suction port body 20. Thereby, the rotating brush 21 is prevented from coming off the suction port body 20. With the configuration as described above, the driven-side coupling 33 pivotally supports the rotating brush 21 rotatably.

[0018] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the drive-side coupling 34 disposed at the second end 212 of the rotating core 31. The drive-side coupling 34 is press-fitted into the hollow portion 31b of the rotating core 31. The drive-side coupling 34 also has a coupling gear 34a that meshes with a coupling receiver 26 (see Figure 2(b)) located on the inside of the side wall of the suction port body 20. When the coupling gear 34a meshes with the coupling receiver 26, the drive-side coupling 34 transmits power from the motor (described later) to rotate the rotating brush 21.

[0019] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the drive mechanism for driving the rotating brush 21 will be described. As shown in Figure 7, the head section 22 incorporates a motor 71 as a drive source for rotating the rotating brush 21. A motor pulley 72 is mounted on the output shaft of the motor 70, and a brush pulley 73 is mounted on the coupling receiver 26. A belt 74 is suspended between the motor pulley 72 and the brush pulley 73 with appropriate tension. The belt 74 transmits the driving force of the motor 71 to the brush pulley 73 via the motor pulley 72. When the brush pulley 73 is driven, the rotating brush 21 is rotated via the coupling gear 34a engaged with the coupling receiver 26.

[0020] In this embodiment, the multiple bristles constituting the brush 32 are arranged to be uniformly inclined toward the central axis of the rotating core 31. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the multiple bristles 91 constituting the brush 32 are uniformly inclined toward the longitudinal direction D1 (the direction parallel to the central axis of the rotating core 31) by an angle θ with respect to the normal direction D2 of the longitudinal direction D1 of the rotating brush 21. Because the multiple bristles 91 are inclined toward the longitudinal direction D1, when cleaning the floor surface, the cut surfaces of the tips of the bristles are cleaned together with the sides of the base material. As a result, the rotating brush 21 rotates while gliding along the sides of the floor surface, making it easier for lint, cotton, and other debris at the tips of the brush to fall off the brush 32. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, if multiple brushes 32 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the rotating core 31 (whether spiral or not), it is sufficient that the multiple bristles 91 of at least one of the multiple brushes 32 are arranged to be uniformly inclined toward the longitudinal direction D1 (towards the central axis).

[0021] Figure 10 shows another example of the inclination direction of the brush 32 (multiple bristles). Figure 10 shows a cross-section of the rotating brush 21. Here, the rotating brush 21 is configured to rotate in a first direction D3 around the central axis by the drive mechanism shown in Figures 7 and 8. In this case, the brush 32 (multiple bristles) is arranged to be uniformly inclined in a second direction D4 opposite to the first direction D3. In the example of Figure 10, the multiple bristles are planted in the bristle base 32a in an inclined state in the second direction D4. According to the embodiment of Figure 10, when viewed from the floor contact surface, the upright direction of the bristles is nearly parallel to the floor surface, and there are fewer gaps and less depth for fine fibers such as lint and hair to get stuck in, thus preventing fiber entanglement between the bristles. Furthermore, the cut surfaces of the multiple bristles are less likely to come into direct contact with dust on the floor surface, reducing the risk of hair and cotton debris adhering to the multiple bristles.

[0022] Figure 11 shows an example in which a biasing member 111 is formed on the upper retainer of the brush holder 31a. The biasing member 111 biases the brush 32 (multiple bristles) so that it is inclined in a second direction D4, which is opposite to the first direction D3, which is the rotation direction of the rotating brush 21. In one example, the biasing member 111 is positioned over the entire length D1 of the rotating brush 21. In the configuration shown in Figure 10, multiple bristles were planted in the bristle base 32a inclined in the second direction D4, but by providing the biasing member 111 as shown in Figure 11, the inclination of the brush 32 can be made more reliable.

[0023] Furthermore, the multiple bristles constituting the brush 32 may be arranged to be uniformly inclined toward the central axis of the rotating core 31, as shown in Figure 9, and also uniformly inclined in the second direction D4, which is opposite to the first direction D3, which is the rotation direction of the rotating brush 21, as shown in Figures 10 and 11. This can further enhance the effect of preventing fiber entanglement between the bristles.

[0024] Next, with reference to Figures 12 and 13, an example configuration for further enhancing the dust collection effect using the rotating brush 21 will be described. Referring to Figure 12, the rotating brush 21 is provided with a blank section 121 without brushes, located on the rotating core 31 near the suction port 25 formed in the head section 22 (for example, near the center of the rotating brush 21). Fine fibrous debris such as threads and hair can get trapped between the multiple bristles, but such fibrous debris moves through the brush 32 due to the rotational drive of the rotating brush 21. Because the blank section 121 is provided near the center of the rotating brush 21 close to the suction port 25, fibrous debris that moves through the brush 32 and escapes into the blank section 121 is easily sucked into the suction port 25. In the example in Figure 13, the brush 32 is divided into a first brush 321 and a second brush 322, with the blank section 121 as the boundary. The first brush 321 and the second brush 322 are held so as to revolve symmetrically in a spiral pattern on a cylindrical surface along the rotational axis of the rotating core 31. With this configuration, as viewed from the suction port 25, the first brush 321 and the second brush 322 are arranged in a V-shape, and fibrous debris that moves through the brush 32 and escapes to the blank section 121 is efficiently sucked into the suction port 25.

[0025] Figure 14 shows another configuration example of the rotating brush 21 shown in Figure 13. The rotating brush 21 has a first brush holder (first holding part) 31a1 that holds a first brush 321, which is provided on one side (the left side in the example of Figure 14) of the cylindrical surface of the rotating core 31 with respect to the center of the rotation axis, and a second brush holder (second holding part) 31a2 that holds a second brush 322, which is provided on the other side (the right side in the example of Figure 14) of the cylindrical surface of the rotating core 31 with respect to the center of the rotation axis. The first brush holder 31a1 and the second brush holder 31a2 each hold the first brush 321 and the second brush 322 so that they rotate spirally and symmetrically on the cylindrical surface along the rotation axis. Here, a blank part 121, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, may be arranged near the center of the rotating brush 21, close to the suction port 25.

[0026] Furthermore, in Figure 14, the rotating core 31 may be divided into a first rotating core 311 and a second rotating core 312, with the blank portion 121 as the boundary. In this case, the first brush holder 31a1 is positioned on the cylindrical surface of the first rotating core 311, and the second brush holder 31a2 is positioned on the cylindrical surface of the second rotating core 312. Therefore, the first brush 321 is positioned on the cylindrical surface of the first rotating core 311, and the second brush 322 is positioned on the cylindrical surface of the second rotating core 312. In this case, the blank portion 121 may be formed on the outer surface of the connecting member 141 that connects the first rotating core 311 and the second rotating core 312.

[0027] Figure 15 shows an example of the configuration of the connecting member 141. In Figure 15, the first rotating core 311 has a hollow portion 31b1, and the second rotating core 312 has a hollow portion 31b2. The connecting member 141 is interposed between the end face of the first rotating core 311 and the end face of the second rotating core 312. The connecting member 141 has a connecting boss 151 that is inserted into the hollow portions 31b1 and 31b2 formed on the opposing end faces of the first rotating core 311 and the second rotating core 312, respectively. The first rotating core 311 and the second rotating core 312 are fixed together by the insertion of the connecting boss 151 into the hollow portions 31b1 and 31b2 formed on the end faces of both.

[0028] With this configuration of the connecting member 141, the two rotating cores can be effectively connected by utilizing the hollow portions formed in each rotating core. Furthermore, with this configuration of the connecting member 141, if problems such as poor balance between the two and excessive vibration occur after connection, the rotating brush can be adjusted relatively easily by taking measures such as changing to a new connecting member with a modified connecting boss 151.

[0029] By applying the suction port body described above to a vacuum cleaner, it is possible to provide an inexpensive, compact, and lightweight vacuum cleaner with improved performance in removing entangled fiber debris.

[0030] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0031] 1: Vacuum cleaner, 10: Main unit, 20: Suction nozzle, 21: Rotating brush, 22: Head unit, 23: Connection unit, 24: Joint unit, 25: Suction nozzle, 30: Extension pipe, 31: Rotating core, 32: Brush, 33: Driven coupling, 34: Driven coupling

Claims

1. A suction nozzle for an electric vacuum cleaner, It has a rotating brush positioned near the suction port, The aforementioned rotating brush is A cylindrical rotating core that rotates around the central axis of the cylinder, A brush having multiple bristles is arranged on the cylindrical surface of the rotating core, Includes, The plurality of bristles are arranged so as to be uniformly inclined toward the central axis. A suction port body characterized by the following features.

2. The device further includes a drive mechanism that rotates the rotating brush in a first direction about the central axis, The aforementioned multiple bristles are further arranged to be uniformly inclined in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The suction port body according to feature 1.

3. The suction port body according to claim 2, further comprising a biasing member that biases the plurality of bristles in the second direction.

4. The suction port body according to claim 1, characterized in that the brush is arranged to spirally orbit the cylindrical surface along the central axis.

5. Multiple brushes are arranged on the rotating core, extending in the longitudinal direction of the rotating core. The bristles of at least one of the multiple brushes are arranged to be uniformly inclined toward the central axis. The suction port body according to feature 1.

6. The suction port body according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotating brush further has a blank portion without a brush, located in the rotating core near the suction port.

7. The aforementioned rotating brush is The cylindrical surface of the rotating core includes a first holding portion for holding the first brush, which is provided on one side of the central axis relative to the center of the central axis, The cylindrical surface of the rotating core includes a second holding portion for holding the second brush, which is provided on the other side of the central axis relative to the center of the central axis, It has, The suction port body according to claim 6, characterized in that the first holding portion and the second holding portion each hold the first brush and the second brush so as to rotate spirally and symmetrically on the cylindrical surface along the central axis.

8. The rotating core includes a first rotating core and a second rotating core. The brush includes a first brush disposed on the cylindrical surface of the first rotating core and a second brush disposed on the cylindrical surface of the second rotating core. The device further includes a connecting member that connects the first rotating core and the second rotating core. The suction port body according to claim 6, characterized in that the blank portion is formed on the connecting member.

9. The suction port body according to claim 8, characterized in that the connecting member has a connecting boss that is inserted into a hollow portion formed on the opposing end faces of the first rotating core and the second rotating core, respectively.

10. The suction nozzle body of an electric vacuum cleaner, It has a rotating brush positioned near the suction port, The aforementioned rotating brush is A cylindrical rotating core that rotates in a first direction about the central axis of the cylinder, A brush having multiple bristles is arranged on the cylindrical surface of the rotating core, Includes, The suction port body further includes a drive mechanism that rotates the rotating brush in a first direction about the central axis, The plurality of bristles are arranged so as to be uniformly inclined in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A suction port body characterized by the following features.

11. The suction port body according to claim 10, further comprising a biasing member that biases the plurality of bristles in the second direction.

12. A vacuum cleaner characterized by comprising a suction port body according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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